All About Will
Biography
When he’s not working on pianos, Will Perkins is often found playing one. A lifelong performer, Will began appearing at ragtime and traditional jazz festivals at just 14 years old. His passion for early jazz and ragtime piano has taken him to stages across the United States and internationally. He has been a featured performer at the Bohem Ragtime and Early Jazz Festival in Kecskemét, Hungary, and the Buenos Aires Ragtime Festival in Argentina.
Will is also a regular presence at leading U.S. festivals, including the West Coast Ragtime Festival, the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival, and many others. In 2017, Rivermont Records released his debut album, Snowy Morning Blues, which is available here, on CD, Spotify, and iTunes.
Will currently lives in Idaho Falls, Idaho, with his wife, McKenna, and their son, Quinn.
Influences
Major influences include:
Scott Joplin, Joseph Lamb, Max Morath, Tom Brier, Dick Wellstood, Ralph Sutton, Don Ewell, Wally Rose, Turk Murphy, Ray Skjelbred, Earl "Fatha" Hines, "Fats" Waller, James P. Johnson, "Jelly Roll" Morton, George Gershwin, Eubie Blake, Max Keenlyside, John Arpin, Brian Holland, Vincent M. Johnson, Erroll Garner, John W. "Knocky" Parker, Donald Ashwander, Dalton Ridenhour, Dave McKenna, Dick Hyman, Tony Parenti, Martin Spitznagel.
Past Appearances
Ragtime/Jazz Festivals Festivals
- West Coast Ragtime Festival: 2007-2012, 2015-2023
- Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival: 2008-2012, 2016-2017, 2022-2025
- Blind Boone Ragtime & Early Jazz Festival: 2011-2012
- Bohem Ragtime & Early Jazz Festival: 2012
- Buenos Aires Ragtime & Early Jazz Festival: 2017
- Sutter Creek Ragtime Festival: 2008-2012, 2016-2018
- World Championship of Old-time Piano: 2010, 2012, 2016
- Fresno Flats Ragtime Festival: 2010-2013
- Oakhurst Ragtime Festival: 2016-2018
- Santa Cruz Ragtime Festival: 2017
- Sacramento Jazz Jubilee: 2009-2011
- Eau Claire Ragtime Festival: 2009-2011, 2013
- Durango Ragtime & Early Jazz Festival: 2013, 2016
- Cape Cod Ragtime Festival: 2018-2019
Solo/Concert Appearances
- Richard M. Nixon Presidential Library
- Brigham Young University
- Brigham Young University - Idaho
- Ulrich Piano Series (California)
- Private concerts in California, Arizona, Idaho, Wyoming, and Oregon