Teen blues prodigy Quinn Sullivan plays MSU Riley Center Thursday
The MSU Riley Center in downtown Meridian offers an opportunity to catch a rising star when 18-year-old blues guitar prodigy Quinn Sullivan takes the stage June 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Sullivan’s music-loving parents took him to concerts and festivals from an early age. Soon, he began bringing his own guitar, strumming along to the music from the audience. He started taking lessons at age 3. At age 8, his dad arranged a backstage meeting with the youngster’s idol, legendary Chicago bluesman Buddy Guy, who was so impressed with Sullivan’s skill that he brought the kid onstage to play during the show.
Since then, Sullivan has performed all over the world, appeared several times on national television and recorded three albums. His latest release, “Midnight Highway,” shows him maturing as a vocalist and songwriter and incorporating a wider variety of influences, such as his love of the Beatles.
Still, he says, the blues will “always be my home ground.”
And he has taken after his mentor in developing a flair for showmanship. More than once, he said, Guy has advised, “Just go out there and show them why you’re here. Make them remember you.”
Tickets are $22 and $16 at the MSU Riley Center Box Office, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and an hour before showtime on the day of the show. Tickets can be purchased online at www.msurileycenter.com or by phone through the box office at (601) 696-2200.
