Chris Finnen is  a virtuoso guitarist, percussionist and singer with roots in Mississippi Delta Blues, Indian, Celtic and South African music. Fusion of these elements and his personalized approach to playing result in an extensive repertoire of original songs and powerful interpretations of traditional music. Chris has a great passion for the blues and world music and for the value of music within the community.

Born in 1952 in Sussex, England, Chris migrated to Australia in 1967. His father’s extensive collection of jazz records and the pop music of the day were his early influences.  After moving to Melbourne he was a regular guest on stage with Chain, Billy Thorpe & the Aztecs and other influential musicians of the time.

He has received numerous South Australian and National Guitar awards and in 1995 he was inducted into the SAMIA Hall of Fame.

Chris has also played solo concerts at Folk festivals throughout Australia including Woodford, Port Fairy, and the National Folk Festival.  Blues festivals at Bridgetown, Goulbourn, Narooma, Gympie Muster, Alice Springs and Lithgow.  He has performed at three Frankston guitar festivals.

Between 1988 and and 1994 Chris toured throughout Australia with quawilli singer Dyah Singh and with indo – fusion group Indian Pacific. A highlight of these tours was performing at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre for the Dalai Lama.

Chris has recorded with and become a member of the Colin Offord’s Great Bowing Company and has performed in Sydney at the Government House Ballroom twice with a special series of  world music concerts.

Chris has performed and shared the stage with such blues legends as Buddy Guy, Bo Diddley, John Hammond, John Myall, Roy Buchanen, Dave Van Ronk, Keb Mo, Michael Hills Blues Mob, The Holmes Brothers, Sam Carr, the Delta Rhythm Kings and Bob Brozman.  He has also played with Australian Blues Greats Matt Taylor’s Chain, Dave Hole, Phil Manning, Jeff Lang and singer Margaret Roadnight.

Chris is the proud father of 8 year old Isaak Finnen who is already developing his own musical prowess especially playing the Piano. Performing and touring regularly with The Chris Finnen Band and Solo he still manages to find time to be involved in Charity work for the tutti Onsemble (a new generation work place for people with a disability. Chris is also featuring at the Adelaide 2007 International Guitar Festival as a solo musician, with the Chris Finnen Band and will also be holding guitar workshops.