As a singer and guitar player, Fred Vine is a familiar name at coffeehousees, festivals and clubs throughout upstate New York. He is a native of Rochester, NY.
Fred is primarily a folk blues player. His fingerpicking and bottleneck slide blues are expressive and accomplished. His musical tastes are eclectic. Using a traditional fingerstyle he expands his repertoire to include dazzling arrangements of jazz, ragtime, original and contemporary songs.
Fred has the talent and open-mindedness to be flexible with whatever audience he is working with… "Really what I do is go in and make sure that everybody has a good time".
Fred fell in love with the guitar when he first picked it up at age twelve. With the sound of the Beatles in his head, he began teaching himself by ear. Later in his career, Fred studied jazz with renowned Rochester guitarist Dick Longale. He also broadened his knowledge by taking Music Theory at The Hochstein School of Music.
Among his many influences are Rev. Gary Davis, Robert Johnson, Jelly Roll Morton, Muddy Waters, Chet Atkins and Duke Ellington. As an electric guitar player in rhythm and blues bands during the 70's, Fred had the opportunity to share the stage with legendary performers including Muddy Waters. Recently as a solo act he has shared the stage with John Hammond, Dave Van Ronk and Guy Davis at The 12 Corners Coffeehouse. Fred's passion for the music inspired him to research it. He developed "The History of Blues and Jazz", a presentation designed for continuing education. He also teaches guitar.