The Lion's Share

Former Location –
San Anselmo was home to Marin’s premiere rock venue, the Lion’s Share, which was located near United Market. Many great performers played here including Van Morrison, Country Joe and the Fish and the Sons of Champlin. In 1969 Randy Newman shook off his shyness and played his first ever concert here.

Van Morrison was living close by in Fairfax and asked Michael Hunt, one of the owners, if he could perform at the club which only held about 150 people legally. Hunt was worried that having a big star like Van Morrison appear at his tiny club would be a catastrophe.

Hunt relented when Morrison agreed to appear with little or no publicity. Morrison would go on to perform at the club another dozen or so times over the next four years. His songs “Listen to the Lion,” “Snow in San Anselmo” and “The Lion This Time” are  attributed to the club.

When Janis Joplin died, she left enough money in her will for a funeral party. It was held here at The Lion’s Share on October 26, 1971, The Grateful Dead performed.

Notable Concerts Held At The Lion’s Share

3/27/1974 – The Tubes
6/5/1974 – Jerry Garcia & Merl Saunders
6/29/1974 – New Riders of the Purple Sage
11/19/1974 – Kingfish
6/10/1973 – Van Morrison
1/26/1972 – The Doobie Brothers
1/27/1971 – Kris Kristofferson
12/10/1970 – Boz Scaggs
10/25/1970 – Tim Buckley
12/5/1969 – Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen
10/18/1969 – Ry Cooder
10/17/1969 – Randy Newman

The Lion’s Share
60 Red Hill Avenue
San Anselmo CA 94960