A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

Denver love
AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH to keep me from


 Ant and his Denver peeps! WHAT A GREAT LABOR


DAY WEEKEND that included the stunning wedding of 


Ant’s high school friend Vanessa and her husband


 Will in Keystone, CO – a beautiful, two-hour


 drive from Denver. 



Some of Will’s fam came from Germany and they


 were lots of fun! 




Our Denver host with the most – as always – is Jean 
Nicholson who let me tour her FAB consignment shop


 "re: for your home":
 http://www.re-foryourhome.com/ and
 https://www.facebook.com/re.foryourhome.


 Of course, Ant’s blood 
fam pulled out ALL THE STOPS for BBQ – including 


some of the best potato salad known to man


 and made by Ant’s awesome mom “Jackie Washington”.
 And I – of course – had to see my babies: Sabrina and


 Brina. And what a bonus that Sabrina’s business partner,


 friend Victor E. Lewis, was also in town and joined


 Ant’s sister Chanel, he, Sabrina, and I for 


HILLSTONE – my favorite, though known to many as 
HOUSTON’S. 
HEY DENVER! SEE YOU AROUND! #laborday2014
  
Roache and FORBES
 
Special shout out to my little brother in the industry, 


international model Bobby Roaché, who was just


 interviewed by Forbes about his modeling career 


and sunglasses collection and the interview is out.
 Here is the video link of Bobby Roaché's 


interview: http://www.forbes.com/video/3755958950001/.

 
 Kehinde Wiley
 
 Has been great to work with my friend Lamar Johnson - the Executive Producer of 


Kehinde Wiley’s documentary - which – inclusive my 


finite consultation – has gotten lots of good press: 
http://www.vogue.com/1062811/kehinde-wiley-riccardo-tisci-collaboration/! 


Well, it’s showtime…and the documentary premieres 


this Friday, September 5 on PBS! 
The movie "Kehinde Wiley: An Economy of Grace" follows


 the artist as he steps out of his comfort zone to create a 


series of paintings of women for the first time. 


Kehinde casts his models on the streets of New York and then
enlists Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy to create couture gowns


for each woman.


 The film traces the artist's process from concept to 


canvas as he reveals to us another side of black femininity.


 Lamar notes it is a celebration of art, style and African-American 


beauty and has been very well-received, garnering several


 festival awards including @SXSW 2014. The film is also an official


selection in the "Run & Shoot” Martha’s Vineyard African-American


 Film Fest. For more info, you can go to www.PBS.org/pressroom 
or www.pressroom.pbs.org/Programs/k/KEHINDE-WILEY-AN-ECONOMY-OF-GRACE.aspx.
Kathy Sledge
 
This says it all! KATHY SLEDGE ~ NYC ~ SATURDAY ~ SEPTEMBER
 6TH The Brighter Side of Day. A musical journey of the


 life of the American icon Billie Holiday.
 www.metropolitanroom.com ~ www.randblive.com

ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360
 
 The full episodes for my last two guest co-hosting stints on ARISE 


ENTERTAINMENT 360 are here:
 http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-25-08-8038
  
and
 
 http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-26-08-8017
 
 ALWAYS A BLAST to GUEST CO-HOST on Arise Entertainment 360


 with Lola Ogunnaike and Shannon Lanier:
http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/arise-entertainment-360. 



Arise News is on TV now in NYC/NJ area - 18 million homes Mon-Fri 2pm on


 Time Warner Cable #92 & Verizon FiOS #481 plus still on millions of TVs


 overseas. And it's coming this FALL 2014 to CentricTV - BET Networks. 
As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! XO #ARISE360

ALWAYS A BLAST to GUEST CO-HOST on Arise Entertainment 360 with Lola Ogunnaike and Shannon Lanier:http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/arise-entertainment-360. While Shannon Lanier was in L.A. covering MTV Awards - or the MTV Video Music Awards - and Emmy Awards, Lola Ogunnaike held down the fort.

The 2014 VMAs Red Carpet!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmoJEuJs14o&feature=youtu.be

SWV gives all the details on their new Season of SWV Reunited!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p-5yVts9I8&feature=youtu.be

Phillip Bloch recaps the 2014 VMA Red Carpet Fashion!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajEUM0CILGM&feature=youtu.be

Robyn M Santiago takes us inside the 2014 Emmy Awards "SWAG" Bag!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMYZolzFnYk&feature=youtu.be

Us Weekly Editor Charles Thorp recaps the 2014 Emmy Awards!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVqf_kcl6a8&feature=youtu.be

The cast of God Help The Girl discuss the new film!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0a0gCFlIXI&feature=youtu.be

Dash Mihok on his role in the hit series Ray Donovann!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7Dk1wn2qwo&feature=youtu.be

Phillip Bloch recaps the 2014 Emmy Awards Red Carpet!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PplxeLNiJ6s&feature=youtu.be 

FYI: Arise News is on TV now in NYC/NJ area - 18 million homes Mon-Fri 2pm on Time Warner Cable #92 & Verizon FiOS #481 plus still on millions of TVs overseas. And it's coming this FALL 2014 to CentricTV - BET Networks. As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! XO #ARISE360

SUNDAE SERMON

A diverse sea of my people gathered recently for our beloved Summer Sunday pass-time Sundae Sermon. This week, our Bevy Smith hosted with the MOST! And TEAM Sundae Sermon was led by two of my favorites DJ Stormin Norman and Michaela angela Davis. Here’s to more! Save my space under the tree…  http://sundaesermon.com/ #ThisIsSundaeSermon #ThankYou #SundaeSermon 

UPTOWN BOUNCE

A WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN NYC! Great to hang with my friends (and our “All Star Karaoke” team), Derrick and Bernice for – first – UPTOWN BOUNCE, a free summer series event – featuring music, Gallery talks, art workshops, breakdancing, summer drinks, and tasty food. DJ Tony Touch brought Great sounds as we learned about graffiti’s influence on hip hop through the City As Canvas Exhibition. We LOVE El Museo del Barrio.

CARLA-OKE

From there, it was CARLA-OKE TIME! Yep! Our ALL STAR KARAOKE faithful Carla Bone celebrates another birthday and PULSE KARAOKE was the backdrop for our industry fam to serenade her. FASHION QUEENS Bevy Smith was in the house along with a host of fab folks – including Ice T’s main groomer Brian Badie and a host of others. FUN WEDNESDAY!

LOVE FOR PASSION

What an amazing time at my friend Nathan Hale Williams’ fundraiser: Love For Passion - Film at Katra! Ant and I are thrilled that Nathan asked us to be on the Host Committee. CELEBRITY GUEST HOST - Desmond Richardson – is EVERYTHING! Though a Tony Award nominee & dance legend, he is must humble and generous with his talents and his time. THANKS DESMOND! So glad he graced us with his presence and gave us a hint of what’s to come with Evidence Dance Company (https://www.facebook.com/evidencedance). Industry buddies Qwynn Dolmo, Nakia Hicks, Joe Mode, Entertainer Buttaflysoul, and BJ Coleman co-hosted. Music was provided by DjPoison Ivy & DJ Audi Mansell.! https://love4passionfilmeventkatra.eventbrite.com/

FB - facebook.com/loveforpassion

Twitter - @lovepasionfilm

IG - @loveforpassionfilm

PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT: https://www.facebook.com/LoveForPassion

 #loveforpassion#fathersandsons #realmendance

P.S. Did Harlem diva Tammy Ford join Ant and me for karaoke and sushi at Yuki 55 after the party? YEP! Perfect nightcap! XOXOXOXOXO

UPTOWN

LOVE UPTOWN Magazine! Always good to me! http://uptownmagazine.com/2013/12/h-list-patrick-riley-video  AND THE BIGGEST CONGRATS to UPTOWN Editor in Chief and my Morehouse brother and friend Isoul Harris who shares: "The debut of @UptownMagazine's 10th #Anniversary #Music & #Style Issue starring @Common & model @SelitaEbanks on #AccessHollywood. Shot on location in the #penthouse suite of #TheWTimesSquare by famed photographer @CliffWatts & styled by #MicaelaErlanger (stylist for #LupitaNyongo). #Fashion #Luxury #Lifestyle #EditorsEye #Aspiration

ZERO DEGREE ZOMBIE ZONE

Last I shouted out my friend PATRIK HENRY BASS (far right), I was moderating a The Greene Space at WNYC/WQXR panel that followed a radio revisiting of Zora Neale Hurston’s celebrated novel Their Eyes Were Watching God from the point of view of Janie’s love interest, Tea Cake: http://www.thegreenespace.org/events/thegreenespace/2012/sep/17/their-eyes-were-watching-god-teacakes-legacy/. Was AWESOME to wax philosophical – through a male lens - with Patrik and other great minds on Hurston’s iconic narrative: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/9/17/their-eyez.html. Well, a HOT NEW SHOUT OUT TO my friend PATRIK HENRY BASS – Essence magazine and Essence Online's own Books Editor and Director of Editorial Projects - for underscoring, in action and excellence, the increasing need for kid books about African American children. On Tuesday, August 26,Columbia Scholastic Press - Scholastic - is publishing The Zero Degree Zombie Zone. The book, for ages 8-12 and grades 3-7 is one of the first to feature four African-American kids (three boys and a girl) in a fantasy setting replete with zombies. It's also my attempt to encourage more African-American boys to read by presenting relatable characters. I am helping spread the word about#ZeroDegreeZombieZone's publication! Please help me! 

SOUTHERN CHEFS

Shout out to my Spelman sister Adrianne C. Smith whose budding “Southern Chefs” TV cooking competition shot an array of ordinary self-proclaimed chefs from the South in New York City – living in one 2 bedroom apartment in Harlem for the opportunity of a lifetime by hosting a pop-up dinner for 25 guests including some of NYC’s finest chefs and restaurant owners. I was invited as a tastemaker, but scheduling didn’t allow. But the pix were nothing short of “tasty” and I hope to have a to-go plate the next time (or at the next round of tapings for its inevitable pick-up and re-up). Congrats, my forever-MISS-MAROON-AND-WHITE! FOR MORE INFO,  https://www.facebook.com/southernchefstv.

NABJ14

 Have I been going to the National Association of Black Journalists’ annual convention for 23 years? YEP! And this year was no exception, though I almost didn’t make it. Fortunately, since it was in Boston, childhood BFF Ernest packed Ant, our bags, and me up in his car… and we did a road-trip – including playing the tag game (By the time we returned from Boston, Ern peeped 20 to my 19! Doesn’t anybody drive to Boston out of ALASKA, HAWAII, or ALABAMA!? LOL!). Since I wasn’t formally booked on any panels nor producing or hosting any presentations, was nice to hold court at the bar in the lobby of the hotel… and get a hearty does of my “Annual therapy” AKA hugs, kisses, and catch-ups from my industry family. Was cool to break away and get in some karaoke time as well. I LOVE NABJ! FOREVER! FOR ALWAYS!

 KEHINDE WILEY

I am basking in the glow from my weekend in Boston at NABJ! CONGRATS to NABJ President Bob Butler; current Chair of the NABJ A&E Task Force Kelley Carter; and ALL who made it such a fun and productive time for those of us who got to attend! NEXT STOP: Minneapolis!!!! Can't wait!I got to talk to many fellow journalists about my friend Lamar Johnson's film project KEHINDE WILEY: AN ECONOMY OF GRACE on which he is Executive Producer in partnership with PBS, which will air the film next month: September 5, 2014! AND I’LL TELL THE REST OF YOU ABOUT IT HERE: Lamar brought Rémy Martin to NABJ (last year and the year prior): http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/8/7/remy-martin-meet-nabj.html. Inside his new professional chapter, he wanted to ensure that our crop of journalists had an opportunity to screen advance copies. Lamar hopes to attract ADVANCE COVERAGE of the film's airing and/or SOCIAL MEDIA support in the way of E-BLASTING, TWEETING, etc.The movie "Kehinde Wiley: An Economy of Grace" follows the artist as he steps out of his comfort zone to create a series of paintings of women for the first time. Kehinde casts his models on the streets of New York and then enlists Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy to create couture gowns for each woman. The film traces the artist's process from concept to canvas as he reveals to us another side of black femininity. Lamar notes it is a celebration of art, style and African-American beauty and has been very well-received, garnering several festival awards including @SXSW 2014. The film is also an official selection in the "Run & Shoot” Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Fest. TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46wgtP3eiEs FOR PRESS INQURIES, please feel free to just email me here (patarack@hotmail.com) and I’ll forward accordingly to him. I will immediately forward you to Lamar to coordinate any additional info/intel/booking support you need to complete any of your proposed coverage. MEANWHILE, for more info, you can go to www.PBS.org/pressroom  or www.pressroom.pbs.org/Programs/k/KEHINDE-WILEY-AN-ECONOMY-OF-GRACE.aspx.  Stay in touch with us as Lamar and his team are planning the NYC premiere & after party to take place on Thursday September, 4 at a TBD location. This will coincide with NY/Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

Editorial Angle Thought-starters:

The Art of Urban portraiture (feat. Kehinde Wiley)

Reshaping notions of Black beauty

Celebrating all the shades of Black femininity

LGBTQ self-image/acceptance

Kehinde “Telecommuting” between NYC , Paris and Beijing

AND FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO HELP US GET THE WORD OUT VIA SOCIAL MEDIA, please include the following data:

KEHINDE WILEY: AN ECONOMY OF GRACE – a film to be telecast on PBS Sept. 5, 2014

TWITTER: @kehindewileyart - SUBJECT

TWITTER: @jeffdupre – DIRECTOR

TWITTER: @patarack – LIFE OF RILEY

#LOR_kehinde

#kehindewileyPBS

ABBY Z + ME

Episode #7 is up!!! #abbyzplusone #podcast #www.AbbyZ.com - CHECK THIS OUT: https://soundcloud.com/abbyz-one/abby-z-plus-one-ep-7/s-NEmr5. Host Abby Z, renowned Fashion Designer & Stylist conducts intimate interviews with celebrities, elite entrepreneurs, fellow designers and supermodels on the Abby Z Plus one Podcast. Tune in to hear exclusive interviews highlighting established and rising Movers & Shakers nationwide. Abby Z pushes the message of being sexy at every size, feeling confident and being on top of your game professionally and personally. For more information visit her website at www.AbbyZ.com.

 Episode 7

 Gwendolyn DeVoe – Owner of DeVoe Signature Events

www.dseventsinc.com/home.html

www.twitter.com/fffweek  

 Josh Johnson – Abercrombie Model

 Patrick Riley –Producer & writer

www.thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/  

www.twitter.com/patarack  

Elizabeth Taylor – Plus Size Model

www.findingelizabethtaylor.com/look.php   

Brooke Notary - artistic director and choreographer

www.brooknotary.com/

FINDING FELA

FELA KUTI IS BACK! FINDING FELA is the new definitive documentary about FELA KUTI that rocked Sundance. Directed by Academy Award® Winner Alex Gibney. "Finding Fela has the makings of a classic music biopic: as thorough and soulful as Kevin Macdonald’s Marley, thrilling as Scorsese’s The Last Waltz all those years ago, or more recently Morgan Neville’s euphoric 20 Feet From Stardom, but follows an irresistible character in the same way Malik Bendjelloul’s Searching For Sugar Man did." – Andrew Latimer, Sheffield Doc/Fest 2014. Click here to watch trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=937SQ8-6RV4

Website: http://findingfela.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FindingFela

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/findingfela

Instagram: http://instagram.com/findingfela

LOVE FOR PASSION

I am too excited to support and help promote my friend Nathan Hale Williams’ film project “Love for Passion”. He’s hosting  a wonderful fundraising event for which I am sitting on the host committee. I am extending a personal invitation for you and your guests to party with a purpose on Monday, August 18th 6-9pm at Katra Lounge (217 Bower Street).  They have planned a wonderful and fun event celebrating dance as well as the arts in an effort to support the film that is so near & dear to us.  But, it's more than a film, we are igniting a movement that will uplift, inspire and encourage young men of color to live their dreams and hopefully begin to foster better relationships between them and their fathers.  We hope you will join us for this party & JOIN THE MOVEMENT. Love for Passion is a film about a young African-American dancer, Jeffrey Love, on the verge of his New York City debut. Jeffrey is distracted by his estranged father, Darryl Love who shows up after being absent for ten years.  In a highly dramatic confrontation, Darryl now seeks forgiveness from his son for a multitude of transgressions.  Love for Passion also celebrates the breakthrough of fathers loving their sons while confronting the breakdown of the father/son relationship. 

​LIKE US ON FACEBOOK - www.facebook.com/LoveforPassion

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @Love4PasionFilm (one 's') - www.twitter.com/Love4PasionFilm

#loveforpassionfilm

#realmendance

#fathersandsons

DREAMS OF A PROPHET

A seasoned pro of stage and screen - big and small, Larry Powell was also SUPER SUPPORTIVE of our Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley - THE SPRING 2014 SERIES! With that, this SUPER TALENTED man has written an exciting, new play called DREAMS OF A PROPHET! And he is self-producing a workshop presentation of it 3rd week/weekend of August. What he needs is your amazing prayers and literal support! Watch the promo vid here-- and Click on link in vid to support! LINK TO PROMO: http://youtu.be/wxUz197DyLQ  

LINK TO SUPPORT: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/dreams-of-a-prophet

Sundae Sermon

THIS SUNDAY.

8.10.14

St. Nicholas Park

3-7pm SUNDAE SERMON

Need I say anything else? Well, SEE YOU THERE!

FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE READ ON:

Sundae Sermon is this Sunday! DJ Stormin’ Norman & I are so excited to see you at Harlem’s premiere community dance party & picnic this Sunday @ St. Nicholas Park at 135th & 8th Ave. 2-7p Again, we would be delighted to have you come by our “This is Sundae Sermon” section where we’ll be hosting an informal yet exclusive meet & greet for folks to  get to know our mission and key members of our influential congregation. Just look for the table with the big happy Sundae Sermon sign. If you see yourself or your brand connecting with Harlem Sundae Sermon is the place to be seen! SWEET NEW NEWS:  Sundae Sermon will be hosted by Harlem's First Lady of Style & Life Bravo & all around media star Bevy Smith !

(there's going to be a fierce performance too) #SeeYouAtSundaeSermon #SundaeSermon

http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-24-07-7564 - Here is the full episode of Thursday's Arise Entertainment 360 which I got to guest co-host with Lola Ogunnaike! Friday’s link is here: http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-25-07-7592! Meanwhile to reflect on this week’s FUN segments: Meital Dohan tells all about her new single "Give Us Back Love!" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVHctlp4beg&feature=youtu.be @MEITALDOHAN; Steven boss AKA "Twitch" chat about his career in choreography, his fancy footwork! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GjEFauLMQ4&feature=youtu.be @official_tWitch (Lola and I got our groove on as well: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152359420863737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater); Directors of Bottoms Up Kurt Williamson & Christopher Alvarez discuss the documentary! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX0jVa7cPzs&feature=youtu.be @KURTWURK @TRANSCENDENTCEO;

 Ample Hills Creamery founder Brian Smith brings flavorful ice cream! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALqvnKSxGt0&feature=youtu.be @AMPLEHILLS! AND THIS WEEK, I’m filling in on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360: GLOBAL EDITION - http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-global-edition.  ‪#‎ARISE360

SOME SHOUT OUTS

CONGRATS to my friend and fellow writer/producer Fred Bumaye on his latest short film TONSURE. Fred wrote and directed it. It is executive produced by Malik Yoba and Savannah homeboy (one of my BFFs) Maurice Marable.  This is a link to the trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvOpaqnXXKU This is an awesome piece of independent cinema! TONSURE HAS BEEN SELECTED FOR URBANWORLD 2014‏. Please follow Tonsure on twitter @TonsureMovie

CONGRATS to dear friend Jason Johnson on his co-working space Confluence Coworking Bud Stuy. For more info, please click on and LIKE: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Confluence-Coworking-Bed-Stuy/675390382536000 

Shout out to all my peeps associated with FINDING FELA: FINDING FELA which will open in theaters on August 1, 2014. Academy Award©-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney (Taxi to the Dark Side, Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, etc.) returns with Finding Fela, an insightful and provocative look into the life of Nigerian musician/activist Fela Kuti (1938 – 1997), his music, and his social and political importance. This in-depth look at the man who created Afrobeat (a fusion of Jazz, traditional West African rhythms, Funk, Highlife, and psychedelic rock) brings audiences close to Mr. Kuti's fight against the dictatorial Nigerian government of the 1970s and 80s. With his audacious music and a great deal of courage, Fela Kuti helped bring a change towards democracy in Nigeria, promoted Pan Africanist politics to the entire world and became an inspiration in the global fight for the rights of all oppressed people. Taking audiences through a multi-threaded journey into the power of art to effect political and social change, Finding Fela also reveals the creative process behind the Broadway musical Fela!, directed and co-conceived by acclaimed choreographer Bill. T. Jones.  Finding Felafeatures never-before-seen footage of his major concerts and exclusive interviews with Femi Kuti (Fela's eldest son), Yeni Kuti (Fela's first child), Seun Kuti (Fela's youngest son), Sandra Izsadore (former Black Panther party member), Questlove and Sir Paul McCartney, to what is bound to be the most inspirational and high-energy celebration of the summer.

FUNK JAZZ IS 20: CONGRATS to my Savannah homeboy Jason Orr on 20 YEARS of Funk Jazz Kafé - https://www.facebook.com/FunkJazzKafe?fref=ts. WHAT A BLESSING! THANK YOU FOR SUCH A GIFT!