The New Orleans Groove Masters make their BroadStage debut just in time for Mardi Gras, with an electrifying evening that will transport you to the bayou and have you dancing in your seat! Herlin Riley, Weedie Braimah, and Jason Marsalis are widely regarded as three of the best living percussionists in the world, and they are joined by a stellar ensemble on piano, bass, and saxophone to celebrate the rhythmic traditions of New Orleans. Steeped in both the traditional drumming and contemporary styles of the region, the Groove Masters perform a dynamic collection of original compositions and beloved repertoire from the musical canon of the Crescent City.

New Orleans Groove Masters

The Broad Stage

Emmet's Place Miami Live - 2026

University of Miami

Herlin Riley is a renowned jazz drummer, composer, and educator celebrated for his mastery of rhythm and his deep roots in New Orleans’ musical traditions. Born in New Orleans,Riley grew up immersed in the city's vibrant culture and its storied musical heritage. He began playing drums at the age of three and later developed his craft as a multi-instrumentalist, learning the trumpet before fully committing to the drums. After studying music at Southern University, Riley quickly established himself as a sought-after drummer, joining jazz legends like Ahmad Jamal, George Benson, and Harry Connick Jr. His skillful blending of traditional New Orleans rhythms with modern jazz elements has made him a defining figure in contemporary jazz.

Herlin Riley Quartet

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro

Hart Plaza

Titled “Give the Drummer Some,” this four-night series curated by the eminent Bay Area pianist Joe Warner brings an amazing group of the world’s great drummers to the Joe Henderson Lab for intimate performances with Warner and master bassist Tarus Mateen, celebrated for his work with Jason Moran’s omnivorous trio The Bandwagon.

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Give the Drummer Some: Herlin Riley

SFJAZZ Center

New Orleans’ most famous call to action rings true when The Barclay Jazz & Beyond Orchestra returns with a Mardi-Gras-meets-jazz celebration featuring the 19-piece big band, drummer Herlin Riley, and special guest soloists. This program celebrates all that makes a party in the Crescent City remarkable with contemporary second-line music and new arrangements of classic jazz songs.

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler — A Trip To New Orleans

Irvine Barclay Theatre

The New Orleans Groove Masters were created in 2017 for a concert for a performance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. The concert was a great success and with this enthusiasm a band was born. This band features three master drummers performing on percussion, tambourine, vibraphones, and vocals accompanied by piano, bass, and saxophone.

New Orleans Groove Masters feat. Herlin Riley, Jason Marsalis and Shannon Powell

Monterey County Fairgrounds

Experience two extraordinary performances honoring the vibrant musical legacies of Charleston and New Orleans. The evening opens with the Gullah Collective, led by CL Baxter, celebrating the Gullah Geechee traditions of the Sea Islands through ancestral rhythms, soulful vocals, and powerful storytelling.

The program continues with legendary drummer Herlin Riley and his Quartet—featuring Oscar Rossignoli on piano, Max Moran on bass, and Julian Lee on tenor and soprano saxophone—as they pay homage to the dynamic rhythms and improvisational spirit that define New Orleans jazz.

Together, these performances illuminate the deep connections between two iconic American jazz traditions, creating an immersive and uplifting celebration of rhythm, culture, and creativity.

Herlin Riley

Events

Upcoming events

Apr 19, 2026

Charleston Jazz Festival | Herlin Riley Quartet + Gullah Collective · Charleston Jazz

Past events

Feb 20, 2026

New Orleans Groove Masters · Broadstage

Jan 26, 2026

Emmet's Place Miami Live - 2026 · Frost School of Music

About

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