Hip-hop producer and jazz drummer Karriem Riggins Credit: Courtesy of Tri-C
During the course of his career, drummer Karriem Riggins has recorded with acts such as Paul McCartney, Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown and Norah Jones. A Detroit native who now lives in Los Angeles, Riggins regularly performs with jazz singer-pianist Diana Krall and rapper Common.

He’ll headline Tri-C’s Hip-hop Homecoming, a free online event which begins at 7 p.m. Friday, April 23. Dubbed Hip-Hop Homecoming: KARRIEM of the Crop, the event will stream through Tri-C’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

Riggins will talk about musical collaborations, current projects and how he has stayed creative during the pandemic. He served as the 2020 artist-in-residence for Tri-C JazzFest.

The virtual program will also showcase previous hip-hop homecoming performances, beat competitions and freestyle cyphers.

The annual fall event typically draws a crowd of students to the Metropolitan Campus courtyard between classes to watch live performances and view graffiti murals. COVID-19 forced the cancellation of last year’s event, leading to this upcoming virtual offering.

Tri-C’s David Kennedy and Orlando Watson will co-host the event.

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This article appears in Apr 7-20, 2021.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.