Tom Rush hits The Kate Sunday

Nov. 3—When he decided to form a progressive rock power trio with his pals Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, the estimably brilliant but genuinely modest musician Tom Rush was embarrassed that they wanted to use his last name for the band.

In fact, he was so awkward over the situation that Tom allowed Rush to continue using it — but he quietly left the group and went on to a substantive career as a folk singer-songwriter. Only years later did Geddy call and say, "Gee, you ended up famous as 'Tom Rush' after all!"

Tom responded, "Weird how life turns out, isn't it?"

(Tom) Rush is still humble and great — his memorable tunes include "No Regrets," "Cold River," "On the Road Again," "The Dreamer" and (not) "2112" — Rush, now 80 and still going strong, plays Sunday at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center.

Tom Rush, 7 p.m. Sunday, Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook; $49, $54; thekate.org., (860) 510-0453.