Programming on WCLK is made possible in part by financial support from The Suite Food Lounge, 375 Luckie Street in Downtown Atlanta. Suite Food Lounge is the home of the Suite Jazz Series, celebrating 10 years of bringing great live Jazz to ATL. This Thursday night, May 4, they present Saxophonist Riley Richard. Doors open at 6:30pm with dinner and Jazz with Riley Richard at 7:30pm. More information including tickets is available at JazzBeat Promotions, eventbrite.com or at 404-577-2500.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Riley Richard is an inspired jazz saxophonist who has plans on making his contribution to the jazz genre. Having studied at Cleveland School of The Arts, Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland State University, Riley was trained in the traditional sense of jazz analyzing the styles of John Coltrane, Charlie Parker and Sonny Stitt. Although having a heavy interest in sports at a early age, Riley was encouraged by his parents to take piano lessons in which led him to learn the flute and eventually the alto saxophone. His first professional gig was at the age of 14, playing with Cleveland’s legendary organist Eddie Baccus SR. From then on Riley has shared the stage with the likes of Najee, Brian Simpson, Kim Waters and Boney James and the list continues.