PATRICKRILEYHEADSHOT2.JPGWELCOME to "The Life of Riley" which will include periodic chronicles of pop culture and possibilities that flow out of Patrick L. Riley's day. That's me!!! Through blogging (and soon some other technological features on which I'll keep you posted as they launch), I will pull experiences from my busy life to entertain and inspire all of you. Through this site, I will share my observations and insights. 

Some features to look forward to:

1.) "PATRICK'S POP UP(DATES)" will feature stories from pop culture, music, theater, fashion, and the entertainment industry at large. 

2.) "The Life of Riley" will also introduce a "take-a-look-at-your-life" section (READ: sort of an advice column), where I will help readers come up with their own questions and answers around what "ways of being" are working (or not working) to have them acheive their respective goals and live their best lives. This section is called "WHO YOU BE?".

3.) Additonally, there will be a free-flowing, organic section called "TESTIFY" from which I will pull from my own life's journey to share and hopefully inspire. Some of the fare may be new musings and experiences. Other times, I may pull from my journals and past sharings to shed light on some uncomfortable truths that I've experienced and that may perhaps play a role in healing someone else's wounds as the real-life experience did for me. From my experience of covering 9/11 as a freelance journalist to courageously coming out (as gay) to my family, "TESTIFY" promises to move those who choose to read it.

4.) And a section titled "PR" (like my initials, but also like "public relations") will include press clips from any coverage I get. 

5.) And anytime pictures or video can support an entry (in the blog, and perhaps in the subsequent podcasts, my space, and website), those visuals will keep things aesthetically enrolling. That section will be called "MY TUBE".
PLAYING TO THE POP IN POSSIBILITIES!
Patrick L. Riley

 

Entries in CELEBRITY APPRENTICE (2)

NOTHING VENTURED NOTHING GAINED

So, it’s been a busy few weeks. But ALL IS WELL! I’ve been on the road a bit. And of course, I've been missing my home of NC/NJ and all of my peeps! But I am in the end zone. In fact, on this particular assignment, I put in a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. It was all worth it in the end. And Chicago rewarded me with more social time from my friends. That said, I'm coming home soon! I look forward to being wrapped in the embrace of my NYC!

ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT

TO my beloved ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT peeps: this Chicago work has kept me away from you for what was to be our last two Thursday nights of good vibrations at NATIVE in Harlem. This, before NATIVE puts ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT on a summer break. Upon my return, I’d like to see if we can put an ALL-STAR KARAOKE SUMMER-SEND-UP NIGHT together. STAY TUNED as I’d love to see you all before summer kicks in... and if we find another spot during the summer, we’ll let you know. We must keep the momentum of our ALL-STAR KARAOKE going!

THE VIEW & THE NYC AUTO SHOW

http://theview.abc.go.com/video/sherri-visits-chevy-auto-show ... so if you missed it, here is the piece I produced on Sherri Shepherd at the NYC Auto Show! ENJOY!  My Chicago client assigned me to co-field-produce a behind-the-scenes piece at "THE VIEW". From there, "THE VIEW" folks asked if I would consider freelance producing a segment or few for them. The first one ran last month and has repeated once:

PART 1 – http://theview.abc.go.com/video/wheres-my-car-contest-winner

PART 2 - http://theview.abc.go.com/video/new-car-surprise-phillips-family

The ABC integration marketing folks asked me to participate in the local affiliate's behind-the-scenes chronicle of the shoot - featuring me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYcbwpTXbWU

YOU ARE THE POWER

The BIG “YOU ARE THE POWER” Concert at THE APOLLO took place last week to much success! You recall, the American Stroke Association hried me to be red carpet reporter for the event (in addition to promoting the stroke awareness campaign: www.powertoendstroke.org). What a great night as headliner Chrisette Michelle testified about her own mother (and manager) having a stroke two months prior. Chrisette’s mom (and her dad) were able to attend and Chrisette’s mother – herself – spoke to me about the dangers of stroke. Also, she spoke of the blessings that exist for her to be recovering well and walking AND talking! Anthony Anderson was the host with the most. My girlfriend Sidra Smith produced the magical night. BIG SHOUT OUT to the American Heart Association’s Pamela Garmon-Johnson to whom I was introduced about this project (from Chicago friend Kevin Gist). I referred Sidra and others to be a part – including my cousin Ronald Golden (www.focusedmarketinginc.com) who did many of the promotional materials. The evening was star studded including a host of stars and my own friends. To see many pix from that night, click here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150172635893737.298489.662073736&l=d8787713de.

“BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK”

Afterwards, an after set at the Intercontinental capped off a fun night including a run-in to new friends TWILIGHT 4s Toni Trucks and Tony-award-winning Karen Olivo who won for the “West Side Story” revival on Broadway. Now, she stars opposite Sanaa Lathan in Lynn Nottage’s “By The Way, Meet Vera Stark”. We also got to see on this weekend (THINK: Where “Sunset Boulevard” meets “Gone With The Wind”) – www.2ST.com. Shout out to Marcia Pendelton for the tix.

MARY J. BLIGE & FFAWN

Check out https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley#!/LIVEfromFrontRow for some details on Mary J. Blige's FFAWN event. I produced last year's gala... (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/6/19/postcards-from-the-edge.html)... and had to miss it this year. But I hear it was off the chain. FFAWN (Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now) was established in 2007 by Mary and Steve Stoute (www.ffawn.org). The goal of the organization is to inspire young women to achieve higher goals. The Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City was the setting this year. Mary was joined by Queen Latifah and Elle Magazine's Editor-in-Chief Robbie Myers as hosts. The event featured appearances by the likes of Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott, Jennifer Hudson, Corinne Bailey Rae, Lala Vazquez Anthony, Ellen Pompeo, Kerry Washington and Evan Rachel Wood. The FFAWN foundation sent 25 young ladies to college last year with full four-year scholarships. Proceeds from the FFAWN Mary J. Blige Honors Concert go to FFAWN's scholarship fund.

PHILLY

We popped down to Philly last weekend with friends Nicky, Eric, and Mara for our buddy Caleb’s cookout. Fun afternoon of eating, drinking, and – even – balcony singing! Even met ‘Cultures Clothing’ designer Alloyius and other cool entrepreneurs. I recently directed a pilot project for Caleb via COMCAST.

LOTUS MUSIC & DANCE

Shout out to Carl Nelson who was on the Host Committee for Lotus Music & Dance GALA 2011 – 21 yrs of Multicultural Programming. Several friends were in the house – including host Tetiana Anderson; my Morehouse brother Dr. Raymond Swainson; Loida Lewis; Kamala Cesar; fellow journalist Walter Greene; & many more (www.lotusmusicanddance.org/gala2011). Next up: Carl’s DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON: www.drumsalongthehudson.org/. I’ve co-hosted parts of this event in the past. I plan to attend this year. Please come and join us!

STACIE J

My harlem buddies Stacie J from Donald Trump's Apprentice: Season 2 and her sister Richelle Jones (of WE TV fame) launched their new venture: The Jones Agency recently at Opia Restaurant and Lounge. Stacie J's Apprentice colleagues Kwame (from Season 1) and Dr. Randal Pinkett (Season 4 Winner of Donald Trump's Apprentice) were in the house among many others. Colonial Voluntary Benefits products and services are offered by the Paul Revere Company. The business will provide a wide selection of insurance options for their company and employees.

LADY GAGA

Lady Gaga in Newark! Part BDAY festivities for Ant and part chaperoning my buddy Zach (his first concert) and his BFF Cami. And word has it my nephew was in the house as escort to Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts and LIVE! FROM FRONT ROW: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley#!/LIVEfromFrontRow. GAGA brought it... and EXCLAIMED to us all that we are “...born this way...” And she did so BRILLIANTLY! She also brought us together with strangers who became fast friends – including members of Hello Radio (www.HelloRadio.net).

RICHARD PERRY

I didn't realize until something I read today that the legendary Richard Perry (Jane Fonda's beau) is not only the producer of one of my fav Miss Ross albums "Baby, It's Me". He too is the producer of our current Broadway fav's cast recording: "Baby, It's You"... and that's why we ran into them the other night when we went to see the new Broadway show. LOL!

WILL BRADFORD

My friend Will is a model here in NYC. He's currently in a Verizon billboard campaign among others. I keep running into him in subways; tunnel entries; sidewalks; phone booths; etc. Wilhelmina Models is his agency here in New York and he’s been modeling for ten years. He has worked with publications such as GQ, Cosmo, Maxim, Paper, Savoy, V Magazine, Source, XXL and many others. Check his stuff out: http://www.wilhelmina.com/EcompNY.cfm?mid=102636 and http://www.wilhelmina.com/EcompLA.cfm?mid=108077. GO WILL!

OAK RIDGE BOYS

I got a glimpse of the Oak Ridge Boys outside Ameritania Hotel on Broadway and 54th St. In the time it took me to re-navigate back to them, they were gone! :-( "Getty-up!....Elvira!" Love those guys!). It sparked a burst of Savannah nostalgia (for me) as they were “Hee Haw” fixtures... and during that era of my pop-culture-rearing, country music and TV specials were on the menu.  

RAPHAEL SAADIQ

Raphael Saadiq performed at Webster Hall in NYC recently and he – as always – took us down memory lane - in present time but with a sound older than his catalog of modern-day classics. He performed many tracks, including "Stone Rollin'" from his upcoming CD project which gives more '60s sounds. He was in GREAT FORM!

 

FRENCHIE

I have yet to see THE VOICE, but have only heard great things. And of course, will be catching up with it soon! Congrats to Frenchie for her return to the spotlight where she belongs! Can't wait to sing along!

ARIZONA

A recent assignment in Arizona had me getting my kicks on Route 66 - including Flagstaff, AZ and Phoenix. I was just a stone’s throw from the Grand Canyon. And there’s always Sedona. Though work, the scenery was awe-inspiring!

CHICAGO

Of course, I’ve been in Chicago for work. But I get fun times in as well.

  • On one night, my Morehouse BFF and musical soul-mate Eddie pulled out the "cassette" of a Diana Ross anthology that he and I co-produced in NJ (circa 1995) - so when we hung out, he only had to listen to the tracks he liked. Of course, I introduced him to more tracks than he knew...and it made for an awesome set (both sides. LOL!). SING ROSS!
  • Eddie and I also got to connect to a blast from our past MARK WALKER - in Chi-town for business as well! We all had such great times in NJ during the mid-to-late 90s. In fact, I sang at both of their weddings. Always good to see dear friends - doing well! Great memories! LOVE U GUYS!
  • Then, Eddie took me to Stanley's Kitchen & Tap for karaoke. He chose "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys for me to do. The enthusiastic bunch loved it along with my Chicago Carl who joined us.
  • My Itika is my social networking soul mate. So of course, she kept me more than busy during my time in Chicago. Often her spokeswoman/marketing duties for Hennessey Black informed our events. One night, it was Underground. Another couple of nights, I joined her at J Bar. Another night, I got to join Itika and her fiance Datari Turner.    On one night, they enjoyed a meal with my buddy Jamie Foster Brown (from “Sister 2 Sister). Afterwards, they scooped me up from my temporary Chicago digs. We went to Lumen. I hadn’t seen Datari since he, Itika, Ant, and I double-dated on vacation in Maui. That was in 2006. But of course, we are both very present to each others' respective lives via our Itika. We had a blast and are due another getaway. Was GREAT to catch up with Datari and all he's working on - including Lisa Raye's TV-ONE reality show & a host of other big-ticket feature film projects starring Demi Moore, Pierce Brosnan, Ruby Dee, & the like.

 The list is quite impressive (just from 2010 to present):

Happy Holidays, Katherine Sloane (co-producer) (pre-production)

2013 - Learning Uncle Vincent (producer) (filming) 

2011 - Dysfunctional Friends (producer) (post-production)

2010 Video Girl (producer) (post-production)

2009 BitterSweet (short) (executive producer) (completed)

2011 Salvation Boulevard (co-producer)

2011 Another Happy Day (co-producer)

 2010 LisaRaye: The Real McCoy (TV series) (executive producer)

2010 A Gang Land Love Story (co-producer)

2010 My Girlfriend's Back (co-producer)

  • CHICAGO also means great times with CHICAGO CARL. One night, we did PLUSH with our girlfriend Arlene. Though they didn’t provide the best customer service, we still made the best of our time and enjoyed each other’s company (and running into family friend Tameka Weathersby). And with Carl, I finally saw "Jumping The Broom"! Congrats to my buddy Salim Akil! BEAUTIFUL WORK! & to Mara Akil & Salim: CONGRATS on your new BET deal! GLAD to have been your personal guest at GAME re-launch. Your CHI-TOWN FANS ADORE U! On another day, it was a haircut at "This Is It" hair salon; dinner & drinks at Zapatista with my other work wife Jakki; Chicago Carl; Cory; & Pierre. "Cocktail" in Boys Town. And I think there’s some soul food in our near future. Well, actually it ended up being  J. ALEXANDER, a Chicago favorite that I liken to my all-time fav Houston’s  - so I’m happy Chicago Carl and Cory took me. Afterwards, another quick night-cap in Boys Town at “Cocktail” at which I ran into a familiar face from my beloved Harlem, Miss Eboni!
  • Did a FUN brunch with work BFFs Alicia; Teri; and Ray at HUB 51.
  • One night – on a Walgreen's run – I stumbled into actor/comedian George Willborn who is one of the spokespeople for the American Stroke Association's Stroke No Joke campaign.
  • I interviewed him on the red carpet this past Friday at the "You Are The Power" Concert.
  • So good to bump into my "Sweet Honey in the Rock" girlfriend Carol. She and the women were performing here in Chicago the other day. Coincidentally we both are NYC-area based and were last together at her birthday party in NYC; I was working in her beloved Philly today; and on not-just-any street, she happens to pass me while I'm waiting on a cab to leave client for hotel. Carol is a founding member of Sweet Honey In The Rock. LUV YA, CAROL!
  • A few months back, I got to collabo (as actor/singer) with my friend Keith Josef Adkins. He's a playwright and actor. If you're in Chicago, check out his play "The Last Saint on Sugar Hill". It's being performed at the Greenhouse Theater in Lincoln Park. http://www.greenhousetheater.org/ From the workshop we did together (including his writing & performing), I can say: HE'S GREAT! Thu-Sat @ 8pm, Sun @ 3pm. 80 minutes w/o intermission.

DON LEMON

Shout out to one of my NABJ brothers and CNN anchor Don Lemon for being "Transparent" in his new memoir of the same name. CONGRATS! What a ROLE MODEL you are!

BOOKS & COOKIES

My ROSSES - Rhonda Ross Kendrick; Raif Ross Kendrick; Ross Arne Naess; Chudney Ross; Tracee Ellis Ross; Diana Ross; and Evan Ross - attended the Grand Opening of Chudney’s Books & Cookies. Chudney mentioned this to me when we chatted at her mom's NYC concert last year at Radio City Music Hall. This is the first children's bookstore, cafe and event space in Santa Monica, held at Books and Cookies.

 

BABY IT'S YOU & ME!

“BABY, IT’S ME”

Broadway's new musical "Baby, It's You" (about The Shirelles and its founder Florence Greenburg) brought more than wonderful music and a great new staging of a special moment in pop music. It also brought me a nice chat with Jane Fonda and her man Richard Perry, legendary producer of my Miss Ross' "Baby It's Me" album (1977) - one of my favorite albums ever… and her duet with Julio Iglesias (“All of You” – her lead-off single from her 1984 “Swept Away” album). My nephew, his mom, and other friends joined us. Afterwards, on a rainy Saturday night, friends Nicky, Eric, and Steph joined us for karaoke; cocktails; and Cafeteria. While at “Baby, It’s You”, I ran into my friend Phil Geston whose “Love Is Finally Here” CD is available on iTunes, rhapsody, CD Baby, and Amazon. To follow Phil, go to: www.facebook.com/philgeston 

“BABY, IT’S YOU”

“BABY IT'S YOU” is an original Broadway musical that is based on the inspiring true story of Florence Greenberg, a suburban housewife from New Jersey, who discovered one of the greatest girl groups of all time, The Shirelles, and created Scepter Records, becoming the music industry's first female powerhouse. BABY IT'S YOU! features non-stop doo-wop, pop, and rock 'n' roll classics such as "Dedicated to the One I Love," "Duke of Earl," "He's So Fine," "It's My Party," "Louie Louie," "Mama Said," "Shout," "Sixteen Candles," "Twist and Shout" and many more! Celebrate Florence's incredible journey from housewife to record mogul, and discover the fascinating, untold story behind your favorite songs at BABY IT'S YOU! The production is playing at The Broadhurst Theatre, 235 W. 44th Street between 8th and Broadway. Shout out to my girl Marcia Pendelton from Walk Tall Girl Productions.

DIANA ROSS

The Supremes’ success came in the wake of The Shirelles. Some might attribute Diana, Mary, and Flo as the reason for the commercial demise of The Shirelles. You be the judge when you see it, but Ant and I are clear – from our recent experience of Miss Ross – why she is LEGENDARY and such a SUPERSTAR. Miss Ross was closing out her tour at a Staten Island Theater. Her background singer Fred White – also the writer of “I Love You” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_xc_bJEVYw&feature=related – graciously met us after the amazing show. I hope he and Miss Ross are collaborating on some new music.

JANET JACKSON

Ant’s diva is Janet Jackson and we got to see one of our sold-out performances here in NYC at Radio City Music Hall. These tix surfaced because of our friend Lajuan who came in from Houston, TX for the occasion. Now, we hear Miss Jackson is extending her tour dates. GO JANET! Oh! And Wanda Sykes sat next to us during the show! LOVELY LADY!

ARETHA FRANKLIN

Ant and I got to attend Miss Franklin’s birthday party a couple of years ago in Detroit. This year, she came to NYC to celebrate. My friend Greg Dunmore got to attend along with many other buddies. I hear it was a GREAT PARTY! Take a look at the video version of: Greg Dunmore's Hot Happenings!!! Defining "Fabulous": Aretha Wows 'Em in Manhattan!!! http://jazzjewels.tv/enter/?p=214 And for more info: www.jazzjewels.tv and www.pulsebeat.tv

DIONNE WARWICK

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/2/8/i-kept-the-memories-one-by-one.html THE LEGEND HAS LEFT THE BUILDING – meaning Mr. Trump’s board room. We LOVE YOU, DIONNE! HOLD YOUR HEAD UP! The nerve of those hussies! LOL! Watch your back, Miss LaToya! Betta step it up, boo boo! They are closing in! GO STAR, as always! WHAT A FUN SHOW this season!

DONNA KARAN

Shout out to platonic boo Carl Nelson for invite to Donna Karan's Urban Zen. She hosted the benefit for Women for Women Int'l (Zainab Salbi) & We Advance featuring the photography/art of Elizabeth Jordan. Also in the house: new Norwegian friends Elizabeth & Andre; Mexico’s Next Top Model's Jo Lance; and social buddy George T. Wilson.

WENDY WILLIAMS

How is Wendy Williams doing after getting the boot off of Dancing With The Stars last night? Just fine, children! She’s on the cover of ESSENCE Magazine! GO WENDY! And I went to the party that celebrated it the other night! My good girlfriend Constance White is now the Editor-in-Chief. And it was so good to see so many fab friends and associates – including Miss Sherri Shepherd, Yvette Nicole Brown; and more. Also, my sometimes-editor Patrik Henry Bass was in the house. Also, another NABJ buddy Chemene – producer at “Today”. Also in the mix: Wendy's parents and Lynn Whitfield (here posing with Wendy's dad). Speaking of ESSENCE, my friends Fred T. Jackson & Perri Pebbles Reid sent me notes about www.essence.com/rbstar (THINK: AMERICAN IDOL).

TOCCARA

My boy Lamoh Hicks & I went to my friend Jamar Dunn's Hennessy Remixed party. It was hosted by Toccara. And what a good time we had as we took in the well-appointed space; the delicious cocktails; and the video games. And the room was an impressive one - including Nicholas with Pradia bow-ties (www.robertjpradia.com) and a host of other friends.

PAUL WHARTON

ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT is always a BLAST… and will continue to be for the next few weeks (We’ll go on summer hiatus from NATIVE on the 2nd week of May). This week, however, we’ll celebrate Ant’s birthday – so PLEASE COME OUT! Last week, Paul Wharton (of “Real Housewives of DC” fame) came by to support along with a fun group of friends – including my Sidra and our new ALL-STAR for the night: Timothias! He turned the room upside down… in a good way! And it was nice to see all of my ALL-STARs who come out to support our good time!My dear friend Jamie Foster Brown (Publisher, "Sister to Sister") popped by recently. As for Paul, he is moving to NYC to do his new show "Model Intervention" for MTV 2. He’s back with the team that hired him in 2002! Also, his new book is launching June 1st:  http://paulwhartonstyle.com/pulling-it-all-together/.

MARA BROCK-AKIL & SALIM AKIL

My friends Mara Brock-Akil and Salim Akil have been busy as ever. “THE GAME” was a big success at BET, which renewed it for a new season. It’s been announced that they are working on a “SPARKLE” remake. And Salim’s directorial genius can be seen in “JUMPING THE BROOM” – out in a few weeks. Y’ALL BETTER WORK! And send me some!!! LOL!

ANTHONY DAVID

NYC's Irving Plaza was the backdrop for a Windsor Forest High School reunion of two KNIGHTS as I enjoyed a performance by my Savannah homeboy and classmate Anthony David who performed his new hit and some of his classics. This BET Music Matters set also included Melanie Fiona & Marsha Ambrosius.  Anthony and I caught up afterwards! Make sure you catch his new CD "As Above So Below" & the new video for "God Said".

PROJECT 1 VOICE

I’ve been working on a project with my friend Erich McMillan-McCall. Well, I’m supporting it. One day, he asked me to stop by and participate in his PROJECT1VOICE (www.project1voice.org) video. Well, here’s one of the videos: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Project1voice/158820437504381 On JUNE 20th, 2011, PROJECT1VOICE will stage a one day play reading of Alice Childress' TROUBLE IN MIND in theatres across the country. PLEASE JOIN OUR MOVEMENT!

JENNIFER HOLLIDAY & RAPHAEL WARNOCK

Y'all know I LOVE ME SOME Jennifer Holliday! http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/6/13/from-black.html  Looks like she and my Savannah homeboy & Morehouse brother Raphael Warnock have a collabo that we must ALL check out! http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/4/16/as-the-sun-has-its-place-up-in-the-sky.html 

VY HIGGINSEN & GOSPEL FOR TEENS

I also LOVE ME SOME Vy Higginsen and have interviewed her myself a time or few. Well, get your kleenex (if u haven't seen it already): This 60 MINUTES piece on her "Gospel for Teens" program will have you swimming in tears <at least, it did me>! BEAUTIFUL WORK, VY!

PART 1: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7361574n

&

PART 2: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7361570n&tag=contentMain%3Bconte

JILL SCOTT

Y'ALL KNOW I LOVE ME SOME JILL SCOTT, right? If you're a fan, too... check out her new viral video of "LOVELY DAY" on www.jillscott.com and you can participate in Phase I of the "HAVE A LOVELY DAY" Campaign or you can link directly here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOmPJeIJd8k LOVE YOU, JILL!

PAULA MADISON

Was just with NABJ mentor Paula Madison at the AFUWI event I helped produce: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/1/27/live-out-louder.html In fact, via NBC, she and I have partnered on some AWESOME A&E programming at NABJ... over the years: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/8/4/i-can-feel-the-warmth-of-love-surrounding-me.html. CONGRATS on JOB WELL DONE, PAULA!

JOHN STANLEY

My friend John Stanley just performed two sold-out shows at The Triad here in NYC! I was not able to make it, but I hear it was AMAZING… as I have experienced him many times (as Patti LaBelle’s Music Director). Plus, he has worked with everyone from VALERIE SIMPSON to LUTHER VANDROSS Download ALRIGHT from: www.johnstanleymusic.com And check this out from that night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYtQrn-S0QU&feature=share. CONGRATS, JOHN!

BLACK BUTTERFLY

My Itika T. Oldwine took me to the premiere of this film "Black Butterfly" last year while on an extended special project in Chicago: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/4/30/lip-sync-for-your-life.html. Looks like more people will be able to see it in cities across the U-S. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=93122939113.

DARRYL STEPHENS

Just stumbled into this tid-bit about Darryl Stephens, Noah of "Noah's Arc" fame. He has a debut novel! CONGRATS DARRYL (who I met during my 2009 stint in L.A. See attached blog entry which also includes another QUEEN OF SOUL set I attended in Beverly Hills after her "Hollywood Bowl" concert & lots more!) http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/shortcomings/15235929 CONGRATS, DARRYL!

DARIEL PULLIAM

To my Frankie & Neffe family - Evolyn Brooks, Nichole Andrews Shellman, Shareen King, Maia, Elizabeth, et al. Wasn't Dariel Pulliam a calm inside of a storm? May he rest in peace! www.DarielPulliam.com

SIDNEY LUMET

R.I.P. Sidney Lumet - DIRECTOR of "THE WIZ" and many more! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnrP-4LVhgU