Herlin Riley Tickets

Herlin Riley is a celebrated jazz drummer and composer with roots in New Orleans’ rich musical tapestry. A member of the renowned Lastie family, Riley picked up the drums at age 3 and launched a prolific career that has shaped contemporary jazz timekeeping and groove. From early collaborations with Ahmad Jamal to a long-standing role with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra led by Wynton Marsalis, Riley has been a guiding force in modern jazz. He contributed to the acclaimed Blood on the Fields, Marsalis’s Pulitzer Prize-winning work, helping develop its complex drum parts and textures.

Beyond performance, Riley leads his own projects with a thoughtful, swinging approach that honors traditional jazz while exploring new directions. His discography as a leader spans two decades, with releases that showcase his versatility as a composer and bandleader.

On stage, Riley brings a deep sense of history and a forward-looking pulse that delights venues and audiences across the U.S. This page highlights his biography, discography, and upcoming 2025 tour schedule, including high-profile engagements at SFJAZZ Center, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, the Detroit Jazz Festival, and a Jazz at Lincoln Center engagement at Frederick P. Rose Hall. We’ve got you—easy, no-fuss ticket access to secure your seats for Herlin Riley’s performances.

Biography at a glance: Born February 15, 1957, in New Orleans; raised in a family with deep musical roots; began drumming at age 3. Riley joined Ahmad Jamal’s quartet in the early 1980s and later became a core member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra under Wynton Marsalis. He contributed to the dramatic, Pulitzer-winning Blood on the Fields, helping shape its drum language. His leadership recordings include Watch What You're Doing (2000), Cream of the Crescent (2005), New Direction (2016), and Perpetual Optimism (2019). Notable singles include 'Twelve’s It' (2019) and 'The Peanut Vendor' (2021) with The Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong All Stars. For 2025, expect dynamic performances at venues like SFJAZZ Center (San Francisco), Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola (New York), Detroit Jazz Festival, and NY appearances in late November. Official site: herlinriley.com. You can also explore his music on YouTube Music via official artist pages.

Social links and official pages:

Upcoming tour highlights for 2025 include performances at key Jazz venues and festival stages. Check the listings on this page to secure your seats for these standout shows.