Student News: Guest Lecture with Rick Fines – Blues Musician

On Wednesday, September 16th, Rick Fines visited Metalworks Institute for a Guest Lecture on the history of blues and the birth of Rock & Roll.

Rick’s storied career has seen him working in stellar collaboration and as a successful solo act. First gaining attention as part of the legendary Jackson Delta, he’s since released four solo albums, another with his own Rick Fines trio, and a critically acclaimed disc with fellow troubadour, Suzie Vinnick. Along the way he has racked up both awards and accolades. His 15-year stint with Jackson Delta received both Juno and Handy award nominations. His partnership with Suzie garnered a Maple Blues Songwriter of the Year Award. On his own, he’s pulled in two more Maple Music Awards (for Solo Act of the Year), as well as an astonishing eight other nominations. While his songwriting chops won him a 2003 International Songwriting Competition, he’s equally proficient on guitar – having played for legendary blues piano player Pinetop Perkins, songstress Colleen Peterson, folk icon Penny Lang, and many others.

Rick believes in the transformative power of music. When not performing, he can be found teaching and sharing with students across Canada – including work with the Blues In The Schools programs in Ottawa, Saskatoon, Toronto, and Yellowknife. He’s also participated in the Ontario Arts Council’s Artists in Education program. His newest album, Driving Home, is his most eclectic and electric to date.

During his Guest Lecture, Rick spoke about how music called to him at a very early age and his discovery of blues. Rick delivered a powerful interactive guitar performance as he detailed the decades of blues and ultimate birth of Rock & Roll.