Young Martinez Musician Grabs The Spotlight

At the age of 17, Harrison Flynn has already stepped onto the big stage.

He did it last week at the House of Blues in Los Angeles.

The Alhambra High School senior was one of 12 finalists who competed Nov. 27 in the Southern California restaurant's competition among California high school students.

He played three songs -- one original and two covers. Flynn didn't win, but he said the experience was priceless.

"I got to play in L.A., which is in the middle of the music scene," said Flynn. "It was a great experience to be up there on stage."

This probably won't be Flynn's final trip into the spotlight.

The Martinez native has been playing music since he was 6 years old. He played a baritone in his sixth grade band, but, by the time, he was 11 Flynn had switched to the guitar inspired by groups like Green Day, Led Zeppelin and The Beatles.

"I love the way the guitar sounds," said Flynn. "You can make your own voice on it."

Two years ago, the teen became interested in blues after listening to some Eric Clapton songs. He studied the music of Clapton, B. B. King, among others, and started to play the blues along with rock.

He and three other high school students formed a band called Brave Ulysses, named after a song in the 1960s by Clapton's group, Cream.

Flynn also fills in on other Bay Area bands.

Earlier this year, guitarist Brad Wilson, a mentor of Flynn's, recommended the teen enter the House of Blues contest. He sent in an audio tape and was contacted by the Los Angeles establishment, informing him he was one of the 12 finalists.

Flynn hopes to attend the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles after he graduates next year.

After that, he plans to become a professional musician, playing in bands as well as in recording sessions.