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  NEWS

 

RELEASE

 

 

        FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            CONTACT:  Clint Rosemond

                                                                                                 (323)  290-6565

 

 

      THE WORLD STAGE TO FEATURE HERMAN RILEY

 

 

     (<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags” />Los Angeles, CA—)  On May 14, 2004 The World Stage will present Herman Riley

 

during the fourth segment of a unique series, World Stage Stories.  As a vital part of the

 

World Stage’s education component, these intimate portraits are designed to enlighten as

 

well as entertain.  This extraordinary reedman plays the clarinet, oboe, English horn, 

 

flute and baritone sax but is best known for his mastery of the tenor saxophone.  

 

     A native of New Orleans, Herman majored in music at Landry High School. 

 

Riley was also a key member of Southern University’s famed marching band.    

 

     In 1962, Herman was named Outstanding Solo Artist at the Monterey Jazz Festival.

 

Riley has performed and recorded with giants like Lionel Hampton, “Philly”

 

Joe Jones, Junior Cook, Quincy Jones, Nancy Wilson, Benny Carter, Ray Brown,

 

Oliver Nelson, J.J. Johnson, Woody Herman and Nelson Riddle, among others.

 

     As a versatile, first-call recording artist, Riley’s phone rings often.  He is quite

 

comfortable in any setting, having backed the likes of Diana Ross & the Supremes, Jessie

 

Belvin, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, “Big” Joe Turner and the Jackson Five.   

 

     Mr. Riley will actively engage the audience with personal anecdotes from his

 

distinguished career.  He will also field questions from the audience and perform.

 

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     Produced by Jeffrey Winston and Chet Hanley, World Stage Stories will inspire young

 

musicians, students and educators alike while it explores the evolution of America’s

 

indigenous art form. 

                                                      

     Winston is a free-lance writer while Hanley hosts Jazz in the Modern Era,

 

a live broadcast from the campus of Cal State University, Dominguez Hills.  The show

 

airs every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. on Channel 36.  It features insightful interviews, archival

 

films and rare recordings.

 

     The World Stage, a non-profit educational and performance arts gallery, is located in

 

the heart of Leimert Park, the cultural hub of L.A.‘s African American community.  

 

Founded in 1989 by master drummer Billy Higgins and poet Kamau Daáood, it remains

 

a vital lifeline for emerging and established musicians, writers, singers and storytellers.       

 

The venue nurtures at-risk youth through workshops, mentoring and hands-on exposure

 

to the performing arts.

 

     World Stage Stories, a popular oral history series, will return next fall.  “The

 

musicians will appreciate the recognition and researchers might also find it valuable for

 

their needs,” said Executive Director Clint Rosemond.

 

     The World Stage is located at 4344 Degnan Blvd. in Los Angeles, just one block east

 

of Crenshaw.  Admission is only $ 5.00 and each program begins at 8:00 p.m.  For more

 

information, call (323) 290-6565.

 

 

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