Professor Tom Buckmiller, a faculty member at Drake University and a blues musician, recently collaborated with The Central Iowa Blues Society (CIBS) and participated in a Music Appreciation Day at Ruby Van Meter School, honoring the legacy of Chicago Rick Lussie. The event celebrated Lussie’s impact as both a bluesman and educator, reinforcing the powerful connection between music and learning.
Ruby Van Meter School, which serves students with severe disabilities from preK through age 21, provided a meaningful setting for this event. The students, along with their teachers and paras, engaged enthusiastically with the live music, highlighting the profound role that music can play in education.
Lussie, an Iowa Blues Hall of Fame inductee and former special education teacher, dedicated his life to both performing and teaching, leaving a lasting influence on the Des Moines community. His legacy continues through events like this, which bring together musicians and educators to inspire students. Read more on Lussie’s contributions.
“This event was about more than just the blues—it was about creating connections, fostering joy, and using music as a tool for engagement,” said Professor Buckmiller.
Special recognition goes to Steve Vasquez for organizing the event, Kit L Lancaster for capturing the experience through photography, and the talented musicians who brought blues music to life for the students. This partnership between CIBS, local musicians, and educators is a model for how music and learning can intersect in meaningful ways.
For more information on the Central Iowa Blues Society and their efforts to promote blues education in the community, visit CIBS.org.