Damien M. Kutinsky, Chairperson

Damien has been on the Rock and Roll Society of Edmonton’s Board since 2021.

His profession (lawyer) has afforded him numerous opportunities to participate in various functions for different Boards over the years.  He’s familiar with much of the underpinning laws that are relevant to the existence of the Rock and Roll Society, which is helpful in guiding the Board through those issues when they arrive.

When asked to name his favourite local bands/musicians, Damien’s response is:

“Unfortunately, my ability to participate in local live acts (outside of RRSE events) have been near to dead for almost a decade now.  I had my first son while I was in law school, and have since been blessed with two more children, all of whom occupy nearly every moment not spent running a law office that was thrust into my lap before I considered myself ready.  Life happens.  That said: at the Rockfest a few years back, a local band by the name of Dextress blew me away in their early afternoon set.  They’ve been a regular on my playlist since then.”

He finds it impossible to choose the best rockstar/s of all time and says his answer would probably change every 15-minutes. But at the moment, he says “Freddie. You can’t go wrong with that voice.” He also give honourable mention to Chris Cornell, who has been a regular fixture in Damien’s playlists since he was a teenager. If he’s naming a group, then he can’t name anyone but AC/DC. Damien says “The guys have been pumping out bangers since I was knee-high to a grasshopper and they still go on tour.”

Damien has been volunteering for the Rock and Roll Society since before it was formalized into an actual society.  His uncle and predecessor was one of the founding members of the Board, and he involved Damien in various volunteer positions since the original hall parties that would eventually go on to crystalize into the Rock and Roll Society of Edmonton.  Damien says “it was not so much a matter of motivation as a natural fit.”

“Picking a song or lyric that best describes me or my outlook on life, much like picking a favourite rock star, seems almost impossible.  I guess “This too shall pass” by OK Go hits a pretty consistent note in my life.  Secondary to that, “Sleep Now in the Fire” by RATM has always held a spot in my subconscious as an antithesis to who I am – don’t become this.”
~Damien