From the stage to the screens big and small Herb Porter is becoming a much sought after actor in both the local Chicago market and the nation.

Highlights of Herb career include his stellar portrayal of Coal House Walker in the Music on Stages production of “Ragtime The Musical“. His performance brought comparisons to the great Broadway actor Brian Stokes Mitchell.

Herb also counts his opportunity to share the stage with acclaimed Broadway and television actress Lillias White In the Ravinia Fetival production of “The Princess And The Blackeye Pea” a particularly special moment.

Herb takes special joy in his association with the award winning Black Ensemble Theater under the direction of Jackie Taylor Where he has performed in two stage productions and several private events.

It is , however Herb’s involvement with the independent feature film “The Calling” from which Herb receives his greatest joy. As the lead character in a full length feature film Herb received rave reviews as well as an award at the San Francisco film festival WYSIWYG.

Herb is also developing into an accomplished commercial actor appearing in principle roles in both tv commercials and national print ads. Representing GE Healthcare Systems, North Shore Hospital, AARP, and The American Cancer Society to name a few.

Herb appeared in the Fox TV series “The Chicago Code” .

Look for Herb in the soon to be released film “Dog Jack“.

For more info or to book this artist email herb@herbporter.com

When Elmhurst Relay for Life volunteers gather Tuesday for the Kick-Off Event, speaker Herb Porter wants to remind them how important their work is for cancer survivors like him.

Elmhurst Press

Elmhurst, IL —When Elmhurst Relay for Life volunteers gather Tuesday for the Kick-Off Event, speaker Herb Porter wants to remind them how important their work is for cancer survivors like him.

Porter, a Hanover Park resident, was first diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at age 47 in 1999, and then again in 2007.

Prior to the diagnosis, he was “one of those guys who hardly ever had to go to the doctor for anything.”
Having never been previously hospitalized, cancer came as a shock.

“It was pretty terrifying,” he said. “I had three children, all of them in school — high school and elementary school. With school-age children and a wife it was pretty terrifying to hear that. My experience at that time was everyone I knew that had gotten cancer, had died. When you look at it from that perspective it was pretty scary.”

He credits his faith, and medical providers for his current clean bill of health.

“First and foremost I had a very strong faith in God,” he said. “What that does is it keeps the fear from crippling you. You believe in something bigger than yourself. Secondly, I had some very good doctors.”
After his recovery, he auditioned for the American Cancer Society’s “You Were There” commercials, and got the part. He’s been speaking regularly at Relay for Life Events ever since.

“I want to get them motivated for the task at hand,” he said. “They put in a lot of hours to organize these events. I like to let them know that there are people out there that appreciate the work they do. I’m the reminder that there is critical research that they’re supporting.”

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Elmhurst Kick-off is at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Fitz’s Spare Keys, 119 N. York St.

Teams can register at the event. The public is invited and prospective volunteers can learn more about ways to get involved.

For more information on the kick-off celebration, contact the American Cancer Society at (800) 227-2345 or visit www.RelayForLife.org/ElmhurstIL.

http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/elmhurst/topstories/x1771268543/Inspiring-others-with-story-of-survival

Photo: Courtesy Elmhurst Press 

With a voice that has been described as Honey and Thunder, Herb’s rich warm baritone can soothe and relax you while his intense tenor will get you moving and grooving. It is the range and vocal control which makes Herb a vocalist and a singer.

With a voice that says Lou Rawls, Issac Hayes, Barry White, Jeffery Osbourne, Alvin Slaughter, David Ruffin and Brian Stokes Mitchell, the style is uniquely his own. Whether it is Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Gospel or Broadway Herb will entertain you with his renderings and interpretations. Weddings, Parties, Churches or Club Events whenever you need to dance and romance or inspire Herb is your man. To hear more please go to www.myspace.com/herbertporter

Special thanks to Derek Lott and the Real Project, this band appears with me in the video below. Joining us are Ken Davis on keyboard, Tony Taylor on drums, Brian Crenshaw on Lead guitar, Cynthia Jernigan on vocals and Curtis Clark on bass. Special thanks to Andre Simmons Tenor sax, and Derek Lott trumpet.

From the stage to the screens big and small Herb Porter is becoming a much sought after actor in both the local Chicago market and the national scene. Highlights of Herb’s career include his stellar portrayal of Coal House Walker in the Music On Stages production of “Ragtime The Musical“.

His performance brought comparisons to the great Broadway actor Brian Stokes Mitchell. Herb also counts his opportunity to share the stage with acclaimed Broadway and television actress Lillias White In the Ravinia Fetival production of “The Princess And The Blackeye Pea” a particularly special moment.

Theater

Herb takes special joy in his association with the award winning Black Ensemble Theater under the direction of Jackie Taylor Where he has performed in two stage productions and several private events. It is however Herb’s involvement with the independent feature film “The Calling” from which Herb receives his greatest joy.

Feature Film

As the lead character in a full length feature film Herb received rave reviews as well as an award at the San Francisco film festival WYSIWYG. Herb is also developing into an accomplished commercial actor appearing in principle roles in both tv commercials and national print ads.

Recent Projects

Look for Herb in the soon to be released film “Dog Jack” and a role in the new Fox series “Chicago Code“.Herb has also had the opportunity to travel the country paying Tribute to the Late Great Soul Man “Lou Rawls”.

Contact

For more info or to book this artist email herb@herbporter.com

Music Without Walls Concert footage shot and edited by David Knoerr and Laura Knoerr, www.ChicagoMediaGuys.com