-What first drew you to ExtraFood Marin, and how long have you been contributing to its efforts?
My best friend, Heidi Krahling, who owns Insalata’s and Marinitas in San Anselmo, introduced me to ExtraFood because of my interest in giving back and my ability to raise money for good causes. I’d been involved with Meals on Wheels San Francisco for a long time, but wanted to do something in my own community. That was five years ago.


-Precisely what is it that you do for them? And what do you get out of it?
Nine years ago, I started a benefit concert to celebrate my turning 50 years old in a positive way. Getting food to people in need seemed like a good thing to do. Since then, 100 percent of all proceeds from my music go to assist various organizations in San Francisco and Marin that help the homeless, the LGBTQ community, food banks, Shanti Project, anti-bullying organizations and various drug rehabilitation programs. Why do I do it? It makes me happy.


-Do you perform in benefits outside of Marin?
Next year, I’ll do a widely publicized concert at Eglise Saint-Eustache, one of only two churches in Paris, France, that welcomed people suffering during the early days of the AIDS epidemic. This amazing church also started a soup kitchen that is still active today. This concert, and my upcoming record St. Mary’s, will be part of my 60th birthday.


-What inspires or motivates you to do these concerts?
I grew up in Detroit in a big family and, as the oldest, I always felt a strong sense of responsibility. While raising my sons around a lot of affluence here in Marin, I taught them that economic grace comes with responsibility. We do it in our family business, BMW of San Francisco, and we do it in our family life. I love grand gestures that help people, but all acts of kindness matter. My husband of 40 years, two sons, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, granddaughter and future grandson all remind me every day of how lucky I am. I know that all the gifts I have been given are for a reason, and it is my job to put them back out into the world in whatever way I can. - Marin Magazine

San Anselmo’s Michelle Schmitt can’t stop singing, writing or raising money for Meals on Wheels, the oldest and largest national organization that represents community-based senior nutrition programs.

This dynamo blends her freewheeling spirit and classy persona with a strong personal sense of responsibility. She and her husband Henry raised their two sons in Marin, privileged and well-fed. Schmitt knew she wanted to give back to the community, using music as her method.

For five years running Schmitt has headlined an annual fundraising concert for Meals on Wheels and other local charities. Her talents and those of her remarkable band are presenting a one-night-only benefit for the organization at the new San Francisco Jazz Center at 201 Franklin St. in San Francisco on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Featured musicians include Ricky Fataar on drums, George Marinelli on guitar, Drew Zingg and Michael Bluestein joining in on keyboards and Marc Levine with a spectacular bass. Added to this year’s star-studded lineup are Anton Patzner on violin and Lewis Patzner on cello. These seasoned and smooth musicians have their roots in performances with Bonnie Raitt, Rod Stewart and Boz Skaggs.

Schmitt has a sultry and indefinable voice — part soul, part rock, part twang and all enticing. Her earthy vocals and intelligent lyrics ooze soulful love and longing. Schmitt will release her ninth album, “Messages,” on the night of the concert. It features lush orchestral arrangements, which incorporate a blend of rock, Americana and a hint of Middle Eastern sounds that are the background for Michelle’s original songs and lyrics.

Schmitt wouldn’t think of curbing her philanthropic drive any more than she would slow down her music talents.

“At the end of the day it is important to me to know that I have impacted my community in a positive meaningful way,” Schmitt said. “I can’t think of a better way to kick off the holiday season than a concert where 100 percent of the proceeds go to such vulnerable populations – homebound seniors.”

Meals on Wheels San Francisco Executive Director Ashley McCumber enthuses agreed.

“The holidays would not be the same without Michelle’s benefit concert,” McCumber said. “Her longtime support of the organization is essential and touches so many lives every day. As the baby boomers continue to age, our services are more important than ever. The proceeds from this event will provide thousands of meals to homebound seniors.” - Marin Scope

San Anselmo’s Michelle Schmitt is a dynamo singer-songwriter who blends her freewheeling spirit with a strong sense of responsibility.

After she and her husband Henry raised two sons in Marin, Schmitt knew she wanted to give back to the community. Schmitt donated all the proceeds of a fundraising concert to local charities for the last four years. She believes “local musicians need to support local causes.”

Schmitt’s talents and those of her remarkable band are presenting a benefit for Meals on Wheels at the 142 Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley Thursday, Dec. 13. Her band includes Ricky Fataar on drums, George Marinelli on guitar, Drew Zingg on guitar, John Burr on piano and Marc Levine on bass. These seasoned pros have performed with Bonnie Raitt, Rod Stewart and Boz Skaggs.

Schmitt has an indefinable voice: part soul, part rock, part twang. Her sultry and intelligent songs speak from the heart and her newest CD “Late Night” is a poignant journey through love and longing. - Marin Scope

A little ‘extra’ benefit ‘Tis the season to give, Marin. And everything you give on Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Throckmorton Theatre will help bring food to the hungry. Bay Area singer-songwriter Michelle Schmitt partners with ExtraFood—the nonprofit that picks up donations of excess fresh food around the county and delivers it to those in need—for her 6th annual holiday concert. All proceeds from ticket and music sales will benefit ExtraFood and its mission to reduce waste and end hunger in Marin.

“The holidays are a time to help those less fortunate and I’m thrilled to be returning to 142 Throckmorton to share my music knowing that it is benefiting those in need,” Schmitt says.

A Detroit native who has lived in the Bay Area since the late 70s, Schmitt was inspired by artists like Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Tracy Chapman and Stevie Nicks. The singer-songwriter, whose soulful vocals will be accompanied by a talented band, will be releasing her latest and second holiday album—”TO REMEMBER YOU”— the day of the concert.

“The holidays would not be the same without Michelle’s benefit concert,” says Heidi Krahling, board member of ExtraFood. “Her longtime support of organizations feeding the hungry, touches the lives of so many and has fed tens of thousands of people over the years. We are all grateful for her support.” - PacificSun

SHARE THE MUSIC Michelle Schmitt's Holiday Concert has become a North Bay tradition.
Singer, songwriter and Marin County resident Michelle Schmitt is a believer in giving back.

Schmitt's annual holiday concert on the first Thursday of December is a staple of the season, and with the release of her newest holiday album, Another Christmas Story, she's expanding her charitable efforts and donating 100 percent of album sales and concert tickets to Marin-based nonprofit ExtraFood. She performs Dec. 3 at the Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley.

Schmitt credits her father for introducing her to holiday music. "He was a huge inspiration for me," she says. "He was kind and patient, and he loved holiday music. We learned every song."

Born and raised in Detroit, Schmitt also grew up on the rock and roll of bands like MC5, as well as folk rock like Crosby, Stills & Nash and Joni Mitchell. She has been playing music since she was 12 years old.

"I think it just became part of my cellular makeup," she says.

Schmitt moved to California in 1977 and briefly sung alongside Norton Buffalo and others. She stopped performing to raise two sons.

Fast forward 20 years, and Schmitt once again found herself drawn into music in the early 2000s.

"I decided to make a small holiday album as a way to raise funds for St. Vincent's School for Boys in Marinwood," she says. The album eventually found its way to music manager Robert Hayes, owner of San Jose's Sound Management Inc., who offered her a recording contract.

In 2005, Schmitt appeared on a benefit album alongside heavyweight artists like Bonnie Raitt, who would become a friend. Raitt encouraged Schmitt to step out of the studio and perform in front of audiences again.

Schmitt was soon fronting a band that included Raitt's longtime drummer Ricky Fataar and guitarist George Marinelli. "This whole weird thing happened," says Schmitt, "where this is the only part of my life that I let go of, that I didn't try to control, and everything's working. And I'm happy to pass it along."

In 2008, friend and restaurateur Heidi Krahling approached Schmitt to help raise funds for ExtraFood, of which Krahling is a board member. Schmitt came up with the idea of a concert, and every year she plays that show with her ultra-talented band.

As part of this year's concert, everyone will receive a copy of Another Christmas Story, which infuses much of Schmitt's personal and Detroit influence into rocking, upbeat renditions of classics and eclectic originals.

"At the end of the day, I want to show my gratitude to the community," says Schmitt. "This is what the holidays are about for me." - Bohemian.com

Singer, songwriter and Marin County resident Michelle Schmitt is a believer in giving back. Schmitt’s annual holiday concert on the first Thursday of December is a staple of the season, and with the release of her newest holiday album, Another Christmas Story, she’s expanding her charitable efforts and donating 100 percent of album sales and concert tickets to the Marin-based nonprofit ExtraFood. She performs on December 3 at the Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley.

Schmitt credits her father for introducing her to holiday music. “He was a huge inspiration for me,” she says. “He was kind and patient, and he loved holiday music. We learned every song.”

Born and raised in Detroit, Schmitt also grew up on the rock ’n’ roll of bands like MC5, as well as folk rock like Crosby, Stills & Nash and Joni Mitchell. She has been playing music since she was 12 years old. “I think it just became part of my cellular makeup,” she says.

Schmitt moved to California in 1977 and briefly sang alongside Norton Buffalo and others. She stopped performing to raise two sons. Fast forward 20 years, and Schmitt once again found herself drawn into music in the early 2000s.

“I decided to make a small holiday album as a way to raise funds for St.Vincent’s School for Boys in Marinwood,” she says. The album eventually found its way to music manager Robert Hayes, owner of San Jose’s Sound Management Inc., who offered her a recording contract.

In 2005, Schmitt appeared on a benefit album alongside heavyweight artists like Bonnie Raitt, who would become a friend. Raitt encouraged Schmitt to step out of the studio and perform in front of audiences again.

Schmitt was soon fronting a band that included Raitt’s longtime drummer Ricky Fataar and guitarist George Marinelli.

In 2008, friend and restaurateur Heidi Krahling approached Schmitt to help raise funds for ExtraFood, of which Krahling is a board member. Schmitt came up with the idea of a concert, and every year she plays that show with her ultra-talented band.

“At the end of the day, I want to show my gratitude to the community,” Schmitt says. “This is what the holidays are about for me.” - PacificSun

Marin singer-songwriter and generous heart extraordinaire Michelle Schmitt led her amazing band through a wonderful holiday concert at the Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley on December 4th, 2014, with all proceeds going to ExtraFood.org. It was a memorable night. Mark your calendars for next year's benefit -- December 3, 2015! - ExtraFood.org