Wilmette teen tapped for big blues event

Will Tilson is only a 15-year-old freshman at New Trier High School, but the Wilmette teen is heading to Memphis this weekend to deliver a solo performance at the International Blues Challenge.

Tilson earned the honor after winning the Chicago Blues Challenge/Youth Showcase at Columbia College in November.

The International Blues Challenge is the world’s largest gathering of blues acts, showcased at music clubs all up and down Memphis’ famed Beale Street this week.

Will’s gritty blues vocals really belie his age — and he is gathering quite a following as he performs in various Chicago-area venues. He has just released an EP, called “Savin’ Up.” It can be found at www.willtilson.com.

Something tells me we’ll be hearing a lot from young Will — and his musical gifts — in the years to come.