BIOGRAPHY
Finn Suarez Vora has been involved in music since childhood. He started private classical piano lessons in first grade, and continued them through high school. From fourth grade onwards, he was a violist in his high school orchestra. It was in 7th grade, however, that he picked up the guitar.
His early inspirations were the classic rock bands of the 60s, such as the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin, though eventually moved towards progressive rock bands like Rush and Yes. At 14, he decided that he wanted to pursue music professionally, but his ambitions were put on hold by the pandemic.
After a year of practicing and online classes with the Berklee College of Music, Finn joined the Paul Green Rock Academy and took off on what would become an incredible journey of learning and shows. He was featured in a Philly Magazine article about PGRA, Jon Anderson, and touring.
Following his first summer of touring, Finn co-founded Poster Child, a rock band comprised of other young musicians. Covering a wide variety of material, the band played shows throughout the Philadelphia area. He also joined Rock and a Hard Place, a professional cover band.
After touring Europe with Jon Anderson and PGRA in 2023, Finn moved to Los Angeles where he is currently studying Popular Music Performance at the University of Southern California's prestigious Thornton School of Music.
Finn spent his first year at USC not only developing his skills as a musician, but also establishing himself as a versatile and reliable instrumentalist and music director. He joined PGRA and Banned from Utopia for several east coast dates this summer playing the music of Frank Zappa before returning to LA.
Playing and Influences
Finn was initially heavily inspired by progressive and classic rock, specifically bands such as Rush, Yes, King Crimson, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, Queen, Van Halen, and Led Zeppelin.
However, as he has progressed he’s delved deeply into the world of modern pop, studying the music of artists such as Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Beabadobee, Maneskin, Towa Bird and more. He also continues to study jazz, which he has done since high school.
This unique combination of influences has made Finn an extremely versatile and literate musician, allowing him to work in nearly any environment and provide valuable contributions.
Some of Finn's favorite guitarists are Alex Lifeson, Brian May, Jamie Kime, Adrian Belew, Robert Fripp, Frank Zappa, Steve Howe, David Gilmour, Isaiah Sharkey, and others.
See below for some notable shows and events that Finn has been a part of.
Finn and other members of the Paul Green Rock Academy with legendary guitarist Adrian Belew
LA Times festival of books (4/21/2024)
The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is an annual festival that takes place on the USC Campus, presenting guest speakers and live music to an estimated 150,000 guests during the festival's 2-day run.
Finn booked one of the festival's coveted main stage slots for Alejandro Aramburu, a fellow USC student and Peruvian-American songwriter and performer.
Finn was the music director for Alejandro's set, assembling a 10-piece band that delivered an electrifying performance at the festival, melding modern pop staples, Latin rock and pop classics, and Alejandro's original music. In addition to being the guitarist for the band, Finn also handled all communication with the festival and logistics for gear, set times, and promotion.
Photo taken from the stage of the festival shortly before the band's set.
HECHO en latam festival (4/12/2024)
During his freshman year at USC, Finn connected with the student organizers of the USC Latine Student Assembly, and was asked to play at their annual festival on campus.
Teaming up with classmate and performer Alejandro Aramburu, Finn arranged a set that heavily featuring Latin pop and rock artists such as Juanes, Manaa, Carlos Santana, and more, as well as Alejandro's originals.
Finn & Alejandro onstage
The band after the show;
(back row from left to right: Kody Jordan, Meghan Chen, Bailey Thomas, Chris Cariddi, Ben Estuardo)
John wetton tribute show (8/3/2023)
While on tour with Jon Anderson this summer, PGRA was able to participate in the John Wetton Tribute Show that took place in Uckfield, England.
Guests included members of Yes, King Crimson, Genesis, and many other classic bands that John Wetton crossed paths with over his long career.
Pictured to the right (from left to right): David Cross (King Crimson), Christian Gallucci (PGRA), Finn Vora (PGRA)
Finn onstage with Steve Hackett, the legendary guitarist of Genesis, playing a cover of All Along the Watchtower.
Finn backstage with Bill Bruford, drummer for Yes, King Crimson, Genesis, and many others. Bruford had been retired for 13 years, and this was his first show since his retirement.
Burg herzberg festival (7/29/2024)
One of the crowning moments of the Europe 2023 tour was Jon Anderson and PGRA's headlining performance at the Burg Herzberg Festival in Southern Germany.
The band took the stage at sunset and delivered an incredible performance to over 10,000 fans. While this tour was full of special moments and lifelong memories, this was certainly one of the best.
Finn onstage at the festival
A photo taken as fans applauded during the final moments of the bands' set.
ZAPPANALE FESTIVAL (july 2023)
Earlier in their European tour, PGRA headlined and played 4 nights at the iconic Zappanale Festival in Bad Doberan, Germany.
The festival is an annual event that draws fans from around the world to celebrate the music and art of Frank Zappa.
Pictured to the right are Finn, other members of PGRA, and Zappa alumni Robert Martin (Zappa, Paul McCartney, Etta James, Stevie Nicks, Patti LaBelle) and Chad
Finn enjoying a moment backstage with fellow PGRA member Jack Kelly and Billy Cobham, legendary fuishon rock and jazz drummer. (Miles Davis, Mahuvishnu Orchestra, George Benson, Jack Bruce)
Finn backstage with Ray White, a staple of Zappa's touring band for decades.