A few months ago I noticed an ad for a concert at The Highline Ballroom for THORFEST. Thinking of the 80’s Thor who could supposedly bend steel with his teeth, I said to myself, “What’s this all about?”  As I started to read further it turns out it wasn’t the singer, but instead a concert that showcases today’s top young musicians. Intrigued, I reached out to the founder of THOR, Chris “Tomato” Harfinest to find out what THOR was all about.

Chris who is the leader of cult-favorite alternative rock band, The Sound of Urchin founded Tomato House of Rock, a rock music school for seriously creative young musicians who want to know what the real world of music is all about. Chris and his staff have created a structured learning program that not only helps to nurture each student’s creative style but brings their creativity potential to an all time high. THOR’s programs focus on songwriting, recording, and performance in well-known NY venues, so that students are able to start on their own personal journey towards becoming professional musicians.

It was great speaking to Chris and finding out what THOR was all about. With all the complexities of the music industry, it can be challenging for up and coming musicians to try and attain their goals and dreams they work so hard for.  However it seems that “the love of music” has become clouded with the politics and business side of the industry. Chris and his staff at House of Rock help break down these barriers and teach students how to get their voices heard.

I have to say on a personal level, I truly admire Chris and what THOR is all about. Growing up in the 80’s before the internet, the only way to get your name out there was through word of mouth, demos, friends, local papers and playing shows in your local area. To play a club, you needed a press kit, or you had to know someone who worked/owned the club or the promoter really liked what the band had to offer. As styles and tastes changed, so did the scene and many of the clubs that I frequented in NYC are now defunct. Today with the advent of the internet and such sites as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter…etc. bands can get their music out faster, but I feel have to promote what it is that sets them apart from all the other bands on the web as well.  Chris and his staff at THOR work to bring out the potential of their students and keep the music alive while uniting the rock community.

Thanks Chris for being an inspiration to the future musicians of the world!

THOR takes over the HIRO Ballroom on Saturday, February 11, 2012 from 2:00-5:30PM. Stop by and see what THOR is all about.

For more information on NYC’s premier rock collective for tomorrow’s emerging talent visit: http://tomatoshouseofrock.com/