Herlin Riley and Friends
Dizzy's Club102 Columbus Circle, New York 10107
Herlin Riley and Friends bring a quartet to Dizzy’s Club for a set rooted in the joyful spirit of New Orleans. Riley leads the group through original music, jazz standards, blues, and soulful vocals, with the drummer’s melodic touch and masterful swing at the heart of the program. The billed late set is part of a run of performances across the Thanksgiving weekend.
Riley is a drummer associated with New Orleans jazz tradition, recognized here for a deep sense of that tradition alongside an “irresistible groove.” His playing has put him alongside major figures including Wynton Marsalis and Ahmad Jamal. This engagement presents him as both a bandleader and an alert accompanist, shaping a repertoire that moves between composed material, familiar standards, and blues-inflected songs without leaving the rhythmic lift of his New Orleans approach behind.
Dizzy's Club offers a refined jazz experience with a seating capacity of about 140, where guests enjoy live performances from world-class musicians in a room that frames sweeping views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. The venue features a full bar and a seasonal menu with sophisticated soul food, enhancing the evening beyond just the music. Shows are ticketed and typically run two sets per night, with late-night sessions available without reservation. The seating is generally first-come, first-served, encouraging early arrival for the best vantage points. The club’s location within Jazz at Lincoln Center places it in a lively cultural hub, making it ideal for a night that blends attentive listening with the pleasure of fine dining and cityscape views.