A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

queen

She passed away 20 years ago today! WOW! Still MISS her so! SHOUT OUT to my mom Queen Elizabeth Bellinger Riley! Endless LOVE & LEGACY! XOXOXOXO

wendy fab and 50

Made a lot of field/tape producing impressions for recurring client The Wendy Williams Show:

The VEGAS piece I had a hand in producing – highlighting Wendy’s stand-up comedy debut at The Venetian Las Vegas: http://youtu.be/sYWSgh_7ha8. Was fun to shoot with Wendy recently. She's always SUCH A JOY!

Her birthday show had something I produced in it as well - a birthday tribute from her staff: http://youtu.be/C5VxXjA1L4Q.  

MONSTER TRUCK ran last Tuesday: http://youtu.be/IUpsz80z8oY Shout out to editor Mitch Jacobson and Wendy’s awesome team who see fit outsource these great assignments my way when they have needs the like! #faband50 #wendywilliams #Happy50thWendy 

art of the interview

I love my National Association of Black Journalists' sister friend Katti Gray - so much I got up too early (amidst a double-deadline week) to teach her new, diverse crop of NYC high schoolers participating in the NYU Urban Journalism Workshop "THE ART OF THE INTERVIEW". GREAT KIDS! GREAT TIMES! http://urbanjournalismworkshop.org/ #nyuujw

crystal knows

Making sure to share the following info from my sister-cousin-friend Crystal – a blog featuring the best intel on natural hair. Click or go to the following blog; read article; and win free hair products!

www.Crystal-Knows.blogspot.com.

bobby roache

Special shout out to my little brother in the industry, international model Bobby Roaché, who has been hosting Anthony Harper and me at his NYC pad this past couple of FOURTH-OF-JULY days along with a fun group of folks – including New-Jersey native/L.A.-resident Corey Notes, an esteemed songwriter (and creative director) – credits including twosongs on Chris Brown’s latest CD.

 As my boy Bobby Roaché goes, PLEASE shop now

at www.BobbyRoache.com. You can check out his latest in sizzling eyewear! CONGRATS BOBBY! XO

spelhouse forever

Another FAB FETE took place later that night at friend Rod’s place – what would end up being a Morehouse/Spelman reunion between college BFFs Michael K. Watts, Mario Ephraim, and OUR-FOREVER-Miss Maroon & White Adrianne C. Smith!

LOVE Y’ALL! XO PLR  

MOMENTUM

Momentum Honors honored me this past weekend at SOHO House in NYC with its Pillar of Empowerment Award! Blessed! Beyonce donated 100K to the cause which is MOMENTUM's TEEN program. She didn't attend. Was at the BET Awards 2014. But this gracious gift comes in the wake of her donating 10K each of the last two years. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

To: Robinson Lynn and the MOMENTUM TEAM

To: Tamara and the MOMENTUM TEENS TEAM

To: ALL OF MY FELLOW HONOREES – including Sylvia High (I TRULY AM HONORED TO BE IN YOUR ESTEEMED COMPANY)!

To: ALL MY MOMENTUM FAMILY and your FRIENDS AND FAMILY – many of whom came out!

A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO CURTIS DENNIS who has continued to be a role model for BEING THE DIFFERENCE beyond RESIDENTIAL. I love you, Curtis! Thank you!

AND MICHELE BREIER with whom I had the JOY to CO-SENIOR LT 16. THANKS FOR COMING, MICHELE!

I AM AN AUTHENTIC, LOVING, VULNERABLE MAN.

I GRADUATED THE BASIC IN JULY 2004;

THE ADVANCED IN SEPTEMBER 2004;

AND LEADERSHIP (LT 12) JANUARY 2005.

AS I MENTIONED, I WAS SENIOR STAFF FOR LT 16 AND A RECURRING INTRO NIGHT HOST.

I ACCEPT THIS AWARD IN THE MEMORY OF LT 10'S NENE OFUATEY-KODJOE - MY EMO.

ALSO TO THE MEMORY OF MOMENTUM Founder Robin Lynn WHO generously launched the Nene Ofuatey-Kodjoe Momentum Education Scholarship in April 2005. AS A RESULT, DOZENS - IN ROBIN'S WORDS - HAVE "GOTTEN TO GO" BECAUSE OF THIS GENEROUS GIFT.

AND TO MY LIFE PARTNER OF 8-1/2 YEARS, ANTHONY HARPER, ONE OF MOMENTUM'S NENE SCHOLARS: I LOVE YOU AND THANK YOU FOR LOVING ME AND ALLOWING ME TO LOVE YOU - THROUGH IT ALL!

THANKS EVERYBODY! AND A BIG SHOUT OUT to those who came out to surprise me: PETE; CECIL (who introduced Kodjoe to the work); MARJORIE MCFARLANE; LUSTER CHAUNCEY; AMANDA; PETER; et al! THANKS ALL!

SSU MEDIA HIGH

HOMETOWN BOY [me] is too EXCITED TO BE back home in Savannah as Keynote Speaker for the SSU MEDIA HIGH program! THE CLOSING CEREMONY & LUNCHEON at Savannah State University’s Department of Mass Communications (Adams Hall) was an INSPIRATIONAL LOVE FEST – WWW.SSUMEDIAHIGH.NET.SPONSORS/PARTICIPANTS included WTOC – the first TV station to hire me (in high school) as “teleprompter” for the 5p and 6p newscasts. Contributor Kim Gusby saw my visit newsworthy enough to tease it on “Coastal Sunrise” - http://bit.ly/lor_ssuhigh. WSAV sent cameras to the event as well for later newscasts. One of my NABJ mentors/Spelman big sister Wanda Lloyd is Chair of SSU’s Department of Mass Communications (She too is childhood BFFs with my favorite teacher from Windsor Forest High School, Mrs. Linda Green, who surprised me! And what a full-circle moment as in order for me to be able to do the WTOC gig, Mrs. Green took me to my mom’s job to get the car – so I could get downtown. Then, I’d pick mom up after the 6p newscast wrapped! THANK YOU, LINDA GREEN!). And to my NABJ sister Tina A. Brown, THANK YOU for inviting me as she is DIRECTOR of SSU Media High and a friend for life. Though I am a MOREHOUSE MAN, I followed a similar curriculum as Spelmanite Wanda Lloyd as we both studied much of our chosen professions' basics at CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY's Mass Media Arts Department. So, this was even more of a FULL CIRCLE moment to be speaking at SSU as Wanda Lloyd is a Savannah native as well! And what a blessing that my DAD – 80-YEARS-YOUNG – RETIRED CMSGT USAF HERMAN L. RILEY SR. – was able to join me along with his wife Diana. Appreciated his support, pride, and hospitality while I was home.FEELING FULL, BLESSED, and ENCOURAGED at the new generation of multi-platform journalists before us!CONGRATS to the SSU MEDIA HIGH grads of SUMMER 2014! AND YOU MUST KNOW it was GREAT to hang out with my family afterwards! We ALWAYS have a GREAT TIME! LOVE Y'ALL! AND LOVE SAVANNAH! #SSUMEDIA HIGH

Summer karaoke break

The SPRING 2014 SERIES of “BILLIE’S BLACK PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE WITH PATRICK L. RILEY” wrapped last week! ! And so happy that GORDON CHAMBERS chose our final TUESDAY to come out, support, and sing (songs from his catalog like “Missing You” - the Grammy nominated theme of Set It Off (performed by Brandy, Tamia, Gladys Knight and Chaka Khan) and my favorite, Brownstone's Grammy nominated hit "If You Love Me" which he rocked a caapella (and you know I joined in). 
Gordon graciously joined our “The Boss” chorus on that Diana Ross disco anthem penned and produced by the Ashford & Simpson. To buy Gordon’s amazing music and find out where he’s performing next, check out http://gordonchambers.com/. Among many magical moments last night (STAY TUNED for clips throughout the day), GRAND FINALE WINNER Husain Mello Deas Williams came and blessed our FINAL installment in our SPRING 2014 SERIES of Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley! He redeemed his winning recently as he sang in that night's Motown the Musical and later enjoyed a scrumptious meal at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul! We're PROUD of you, HUSAIN! MUCH LOVE! My nephew Herman Lee Riley III and so many of our ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS were in the house as well as my Morehouse brethren BFFs Michael K. Watts, Mario Ephraim; and a VERY SPECIAL APPEARANCE by fellow Morehouse College Glee Club brother and professional vocalist (of the Opera kind), Cornelius V. Johnson - performing Porgy & Bess nearby. He BLESSED our GRAND FINALE with a beautiful "SUMMERTIME". It brought me to tears! THANKS TO EVERYBODY FOR YOUR SUPPORT! I LOVE YOU! P.S. Since Billie's Black Presents All Star Karaoke served as such a great back-drop for BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS, just drop a line to patarack@hotmail.com. I'll forward you accordingly to BILLIE'S BLACK as they will work with you on available dates; menu; method(s) of payment; particulars - including a premium option of booking our ALL STAR KARAOKE TEAM to host and produce your special celebration. It's a great way to celebrate for you and your friends. Please feel free to pass this along and let everyone know!!! We have had such an amazing time at “Billie’s Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley”. Some amazing All Star performers have graced the stage including Recording Artists/R&B Divas – Atlanta: Monifah & Keke Wyatt; recording artist Shaliek; our All Star Karaoke faithfuls, like Fashion Queen’s Bevy Smith; GMA/ABC News Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo; celebrity hairstylist Carla Bone (clients including Jada Pinkett Smith and Kerry Washington) and Brian Badie (clients including Ice T, Coco, etc.); Mindy Project's Xosha Roquemore; Anthony Wayne (Broadway’s “Pippin’” and “Mighty Real Sylvester”); and so many more! THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!#motownmay 

ABFF

 Film Life Presents the 18th annual American Black Film Festival took place in NYC for the first time: www.abff.com. TWITTER - @abff. SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to my friend Patrik-Ian Polk on his NEW FILM “BLACKBIRD”: TWITTER - @blkbirdthefilm. MO'NIQUE stars! ANOTHER SHOUT OUT to my colleague Kai Brown’s brother Tobi Gadison who starred in ‘Myra’s Angel’, which made its ABFF debut this weekend. The script was penned by Skye Dennis and directed by Hakim Hudson. The film tells the story of a a man’s (played by Tobi Gadison) journey for redemption as he tries to clear his name of a robbery he didn’t commit. ALSO: We saw "Life's Essentials with Ruby Dee," Documentary About Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, made its big screen premiere at the American Black Film Festival. The film, which is the work of Mr. Davis and Ms. Dee's grandson Muta'Ali, is part tribute, part history lesson and part coming-of-age story and gives viewers an intimate look into the "remarkable lives of the couple many consider the all-time king and queen of Black Hollywood," according to production notes. Shout out to my dear friends Teri Prettyman Bowles and husband Alvin Bowles - Associate Producers on the project. OH! A wonderful hang on Friday with dear friend Jason Johnson would have us run into Kate Mulgrew from “Orange is the New Black”! #ABFF2014 #nyc #oitnb REST IN PEACE, RUBY DEE! WE MISS YOU ALREADY! XOXOXOXO

MISS ROSS

WELL, MISS ROSS performed to a PACKED HOUSE at MADISON SQUARE GARDEN – THE THEATER this weekend! THAT’S ALL! SO GOOD to hang out with my ROSS enthusiasts as Rhonda Ross opened with her electrifying set followed bombastically by MISS ROSS who was in GREAT FORM --- effortlessly giving her audience HIT after HIT after HIT! “SING RAIF,” Miss Ross exclaimed on “The Boss” – looking out to her quite enthusiastic grandson, Diana and Berry Gordy’s grandboy! “Raif! You’re THE BOSS!” LOL! SHOUT OUT TO ALL MY ROSS PEEPS! Derrick even got to see MISS ROSS for the first time! She did not disappoint ONE BIT!

JALC

Shout out to Dwayne Ashley, Vice President of Development at Jazz at Lincoln Center, and my BFF, Miss Sidra Smith, NAACP Image Award winning producer for “Free Angela and All Political Prisoners” – THE DOCUMENTARY of 2013-2014 season, if you ask me! They each made sure I was in the house for Jazz at Lincoln Center's SWING, A SUMMER BENEFIT COCKTAIL PARTY inside the gorgeous Appel Room in at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall – overlooking Columbus Circle and the South entrance to Central Park. The night included a FAMILY REUNION (of sorts) as so many of my industry buddies and associates were in the house! Primarily, though, there were performances by Jonathan Batiste, Cécile McLorin Salvant, The Rodriguez. In the 2013-14 season, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s performance and education initiatives impacted audiences on both local and global scale. The organization served 724 children through its WeBop early childhood education program, while 2,700 schools participated in the annual Essentially Ellington high school jazz program. Honorary Chairs are Tonya and Spike Lee, Maya Haile and Marcus Samuelsson, Lance Riddick, Mickalene Thomas, Tamara Tunie, Eboni Marshall Turman and Rossie Turman, III, Jeffrey Wright. swing! Chair is Lola C. West. swing! Co-Chairs are Valerie S. Brown, Mignon Espy-Edwards, Christopher Montgomery, Kimberly Steward. swing! Co-Presenters are Valentino D. Carlotti, Reginald Van Lee, The Steward Family Foundation. swing! Host Committee includes Ken Allen, Paul Atkins, Kelly Smith Beaty, Kesha Cash, Harriette Cole, Candice Cook, Dionyse Fitzwilliam, Ian S. Fuller, Phyllis Hollis, Jim Johnson, Angela Kyle, Ed Lewis, Spencer Means, Courtney Lee Mitchell and Marcus Mitchell, Jarrod Guy Randolph, Ayo Roach, Trevor Scotland, Clinton Townsend, Nicole Valentine, Faye Wattleton, Eric Woods. #jalcnyc

5^TH HARMONY

Anthony Harper and I loved us some FIFTH HARMONY during the second season of The X Factor. The group consists of members Ally Brooke Hernandez, Normani Hamilton, Dinah Jane Hansen, Camila Cabello, and Lauren Jauregui. They signed a joint deal with Syco Music, owned by Simon Cowell, and Epic Records, L.A. Reid's record label, after finishing in third place behind Tate Stevens and Carly Rose Sonenclar on the show. NOW, THEY ARE SOON COMING OUT (Pre-Order Fifth Harmony's NEW single 'BO$$' on iTunes http://smarturl.it/5HBOSS). WAS TOO EXCITED to refer colleague and LIFE OF RILEY consultant Derrick Hemphill to an opportunity that he shot and produced for an upcoming talk show about which I won’t say much now (BUT STAY TUNED). THE BONUS: My day’s work was happening nearby – so I just HAD to stop by and hear their new song BOSS (You know, I love a BOSS! LOL!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isXyg_2PsdU&feature=kp. BECOME one of the HARMONIES (along with me) and follow FIFTH HARMONY at : https://twitter.com/5HonTour; Instagram @5HonTour_; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fifthharmonyupdates; and Tumblr: http://5hontour.tumblr.com/. #5HonTour #5thharmony #fifthharmony

TONI SEAWRIGHT & MJ

Was too excited to host TONI SEAWRIGHT’s 50th Birthday Honoring the Music and Legacy of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson with family and friends in Brooklyn, New York at the 5 Spot. I sang “Got to Be There” with the HOT BAND! Shout out to them for rehearsing with me a couple of days prior to ensure I could hit those CHAKA notes. I even rehearsed at our closing night of ALL STAR KARAOKE: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152301811918737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater.

WATN: GERALDO

You guys know “Oprah: Where Are They Now?” is a recurring client – content which features updates on some of the biggest newsmakers and most memorable Oprah show guests of all time.  Next Sunday, July 9 at 9p ET, please check out my update with television host and journalist Geraldo Rivera – another full circle moment as he was my first boss in New York City circa 1995-1997. ALSO in the show: Party of Five’s Scott Wolf; Elvira, Mistress of the Dark; author Terry McMillan and the survivor of a brutal shark attack. PROMO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvsCU4ZVl8Y 

 p.s. A THANK YOU FOR OUR ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS! COME ON OUT! THREE MORE TUESDAYS!

more arise

Hi folks

CLICK HERE: http://youtu.be/7fKVy6x5NmI - Looks like the interview from when I filled in as co-host on Arise Entertainment 360 with Kofi Siriboe re-aired this week! HEY! FUN! Kofi Siriboe is the COOLEST! HOT too! As always, folks, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! To see some more of my ARISE work, check out THE LIFE OF RILEY: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/5/27/bow.html As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! #ARISE360

fvifw

 MEANWHILE....  

So, it started here at the after party for Oprah Winfrey Presents The Color Purple. The New York Public Library. December 1, 2005. I'd just covered the red carpet for the premiere and Anthony Harper and Bri Cole did similar for STARZ! It was the night Ant and I met. He and Bri are childhood friends who call each other "brother" and "sister". So, with no rings yet on Ant's or my finger, we'll call her "sister in common law". Fast-forward almost nine years, Ant and I are still together. And publicist/entertainment diva Bri Cole invites me down to an event she's hosting in St. Croix from where Virgin Islands recording artist Delyno “Pressure Busspipe” Brown hails. His hit song “Virgin Islands Nice” is steaming up the charts:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54aP. It was that kind of party – hosted at The Palms at Pelican Cove - a fun time that can be described as nothing short of spectacular! And what a FAB gathering of GOOD ENERGY!!

And the SHOUT OUTS BEGIN for what was the BEST time at Fashion Link V.I. FASHION WEEKEND – MORE THAN A CURVY PLUS FASHION SHOW INDEED!

Anastasia Rivers – Producer and Executive Director of FVIFW and her amazing team - including: M’WATHIA HECTOR (Asst Director); OLIVER D. CONNOR SR (Website Developer & Booklet Editor); and CLIFFORD SMITH (Graphic Designer).

So good to meet fellow blogger Lady Influence. ALSO: CURVY FASHIONISTA Marie Denee…

…and what a GENEROUS round-robin of photographers – from Cliff Franklin to Jovan Augustin (Winner of Fashionlinkvi Competition and the coolest host we could have for after-hours, even though I dozed a lot in the midnight hour! LOL!) to Chalaine Barry – some of whom have pix sprinkled throughout this entry. THANKS ALL!

“Pose: The Plus Lifestyle Magazine” editor Tiffany Jones Keaton.

And we can't forget to shout out her amazingly talented and spirited husband ELIAH who sang his face off! An amazing talent!

THE FAB DESIGNERS – incuding Charon Richardson; Ranoi Parris, and Rheba Turnbull.

ALL THE AMAZING MODELS – including Candice Kelly, Andrea Jackson, Audrey Malone, Cara Scott, Leshia Mussington, Carisma Rojas, Lisa Lucien, Sasha Carr, Kim Jones, Janine Greenaway, Lavern March, Silva Gibbs, and – double dipping as an amazing performer – Giselle Grayson.

THE GLAM SQUAD OF LIFE – led by my friend Ed Gillespie, Celebrity Hairstylist and Celebrity Makeup Artist Patricia Cameron.

SUPERSTAR ACTOR and Reggae artist LEON was a showstopper this weekend! And even when not performing, was generous and kind with his time. LEON was a wonderful presence this week. Shout out to his team – including Bri and Victor.

Was also fun to tour the BEAUTIFUL island – including the CRUZAN RUM distillery! To my ATLANTANS, THINK “WORLD OF COCA COLA”! BUT RUM!!!!! LOL!

At the closing Beach Party swimwear/t-shirt event, I got my SOCA on with “Jadine” The Soca Diva. And I must shout out special guest and fast-friend Mikael Padilla who has two salons - one in Denver; the other in L.A. And he's put his famous touches on the tresses of some fabulous divas including Beyonce and Fergie (with whom he toured to get her hair just right). We had a lot of fun on the tour and hanging out at the resort. Plus, Bri Cole stepped back into her “model” shoes (She’s one of those too) and shut the show down in a stunning white one-piece plus HAT! YOU GO GIRL!

Now, what could make this weekend better? If Ant had been able to come. But having the chance to do all of this with MY Audrey Irvine, who also hails from St. Croix, was a special treat. Rewind 25 years, Audrey was a Mass Communications major at Clark Atlanta University as I benefited appreciatively from the department's resources as a neighboring Morehouse Man. From the first internship we did together at WSB in ATL; the many jobs since that cover a lot of ground - domestic and international; through love found, lost, and the laughter and tears in between, we have maintained a steady and solid BFF-ship that is standing the test of time (By the way, our first boss/the iconic Monica Kaufman tweeted Audrey "Tell Patrick Hi!" - a sign that even after she's vacated her legendary anchor seat at WSB that we are - as she's said over the years - "forever her interns"! LOL!). Audrey's and my bond has been further nourished as Audrey credits me her oldest friend who now goes down as the first friend to go home with her. Though there for the event, the local press considered it big news that its island girl was back home. Audrey has gone on to great industry heights - now in a senior role at media giant CNN. Great times, my Audrey! One more for the books! – www.fashionlinkvi.com - #FVIFW

mighty

THREE MORE TUESDAYS IN JUNE before we take a summer break with the vision we’ll return in some way FALL 2014! I could have used a break after my nick-of-time schlep back from St. Croix, but “Billie's Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley” lifted my energy right on up! In fact, it made me FEEL MIGHTY REAL! LOL! ALL STAR KARAOKE is GRATEFUL for attracting GREATNESS at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul: our FABULOUS ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS - like celebrity hairstylist Carla Bone; legal TV analyst Lisa Bonner, Esq; Joseph Riley Land from Riley/Land Gourmet Pantry (ASK sponsor); WNBC anchor Shiba Russell (return visit); magazine editor diva and friend Angela Bronner Helm - among those in the house to toast and serenade our beloved All Star Karaoke producer Derrick Hemphill. But it doesn't stop there: My friend Carol Maillard brought a fun group - including Louise Robinson. These iconic women are members of the legendary a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock. Carol Lynn Maillard rocked it with me on "Yah Mo Be There" by Michael McDonald and James Ingram. Both singers joined me on Stevie Wonder's "Happy Birthday" for Derrick's Make My Cake moment (red velvet! Yum!): https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152256973388737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater. And from Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical - a staged production I've praised a time or few in "Life of Riley", I got the privilege of sharing the stage with surprise guest, Broadway's Anthony Wayne (as in Pippin the Musical). He - with his partner Kendrell Bowman and Sheryl Lee Ralph - is preparing a September-October run of this amazing show in which Anthony Wayne IS disco divo Sylvester! He performed "AIN'T NO WAY" - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152256929153737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater - and joined me on Miss Ross' "UPSIDE DOWN" - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152256951438737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater - before we closed with "YOU MAKE ME FEEL MIGHTY REAL" - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152256942133737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater. Was MAGICAL! And what a TREAT for us ALL! For tickets to the show and for more information on this awe-inspiring couple - creative and life partners, please go to http://www.fabuloussylvester.com/. I chatted him up about it here - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152256906708737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater   

NEXT WEEK, one of ALL STAR KARAOKE's favorites Penwah will be in the house to celebrate her birthday! Please be sure to come and sing to and with her! We LOVE Penwah!!! Hear us on OUR LOVE a couple of weeks ago:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152135753883737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater

As always, folks, THANKS for your support. Please keep up with LIFE OF RILEY via http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/.

#WhereAreTheyNow

As you know, OPRAH has been a longstanding freelance client for me since 1998. My first "OPRAH: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?" assignment for the upcoming season was GERALDO RIVERA (It will air July 6th); however, I've been doing dozens of these interviews/shoots for OWN. The NEW SEASON of "Oprah: Where Are They Now?" PREMIERES THIS Sunday, June 8th on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. That first episode will feature Love Boat reunion, Charo and Dave Coulier. Plus, several of my assignments will air as the season progresses - from The Nanny, Fran Drescher to Mel B to ex-Real Housewives of New Jersey cast-member Danielle Angelina Staub: http://youtu.be/-4ZHqpYxtzw. In prior seasons, I've interviewed Mayor Giuliani to Mindy Cohn to Ralph Macchio to Emme to Susan Lucci to Andre Leon Talley to Snooki to Pat Benatar to Kenny Loggins to Peter Scolari to Ivana Trump to the "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" 5; etc. http://www.oprah.com/own-where-are-they-now/First-Look-Rick-Springfield-Jill-Zarin--The-Village-People-Video As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! ‪#‎WhereAreTheyNow

luther

Many don’t know. I was assigned to work with “The Oprah Winfrey Show” team that produced Luther Vandross in a New-Jersey-based, assisted-living facility after he’d had his stroke. As one of his biggest fans, it’s a moment I won’t ever forget: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/2/25/we-are-luther-please-reply-by-march-12.html. Well, someone who too won’t forget LUTHER: Kevin Owens aka Kevin Ray Owens – a member of Ray, Goodman, and Brown. But perhaps more popularly as Luther Vandross’ male background singer of note for 25 years. He was with Luther on the rise and at the top. And he’s written the book that got me through my plane rides and beach time on this recent trip to St. Croix: “So Amazing: Through The Eyes of Kevin Owens”: www.soamazingthebook.com.  Including the reference to the aforementioned “OPRAH” shoot, Kevin takes the reader on an amazing journey of what life was like on the road and on the stage with the legendary Luther Vandross. Most of you know that celebrity bio is my favorite book genre. This one does not disappoint.

pervis taylor

You folks know my blog is all about “pop culture” and “possibilities”. And in addition to “celebrity bio”, I love “self-help/affirming” tomes. With that, I want to shout out author Pervis Taylor who sent me a couple of feel-good, uplifting gems that I want to share with you: “Pervis Principles: Volume 1” and “Pervis Principles: Volume 2” – both daily meditation mini-books that inspire readers to live a better quality of life. For more information, click here: www.PervisTaylor.com. SOLID YOUNG MAN! Keep representing, PERVIS!

Finale

COMING OFF OF A THREE-DAY WEEKEND into THE EXTENDED GRAND FINALE of #MOTOWNMAY from 7P until AROUND-MIDNIGHT at “Billie’s Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley”!

 LIFE OF RILEY needs a BREAK! LOL! But no time this week! Well, Ant and our family of friends did find some time to trek down to Metutchen, NJ for our “annual karaoke bash” that friends Danielle and Bernard host so generously at their beautiful home! Thanks guys!

BUT FOR THOSE IN ATTENDANCE AT OUR MEMORIAL DAY FETE AND MY ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS? PLEASE JOIN US TONIGHT as our TOP 6 from MOTOWN MAY perform (in the 11p hour after some of the “Motown: The Musical” cast-members wrap their Broadway show and hop uptown to Billie’s Black!). The GRAND FINALE winner will win the opportunity to attend – AND SING - in one June installment of the Broadway show with “the Diana Ross character” from Motown the Musical. Plus, DINNER FOR TWO at BILLIE’S BLACK – ALL during BLACK MUSIC MONTH!

LAST WEEK, OUR ALL STARS included: my friend and NABJ brother Don Champion, reporter for CBS 2. He brought NBC 4 anchor Shiba Russell and a host of other journalist buddies – all of whom enjoyed the night, even performing as a group to the tunes of Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” and “Drunk in Love”. Don and Shiba also did a BRILLIANT “Golden” by Jill Scott.!

WE CONTINUE TO HAVE A BLAST, Y’ALL! And we’ll be up and running JOYFULLY through the end of JUNE 2014! PLEASE come one TUESDAY before our SPRING 2014 SERIES wraps! We’ll likely take a break over the summer and look to a FALL SERIES come SEPTEMBER! #motownmay #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

Co-Host Boot Camp

WHAT A BOOT CAMP FOR CO-HOSTING A SHOW! WHEW! - http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-23-05-6482. Shout out to my friend Lola Ogunnaike and the AMAZING TEAM over at Arise Entertainment 360! They are kind to invite me in - from time to time - to do Broadway and pop culture segments! But I got a call Monday morning that would change the LIFE OF RILEY - in a moment's notice! I was given the 11th hour opportunity to fill-in for her co-host Shannon Lanier as he covered The Cannes International Film Festival... and SO IT WAS! (THANKS TO YOU, SHANNON, AS WELL!). They held my hand as I jumped right into the mix of teleprompter reads; in-studio interviews and demos; and more - including: comedian/actor Tracy Morgan (who was a HOOT and so KIND) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6jMa-V87Fk&feature=share&list=UUiNTlttMzKDVAOTJBtPENPQ; Broadway’s Bobby Steggert from Mothers and Sons on Broadway - ; Dominic Adams from Devious Maids - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN8oFA-tGTo&feature=share&list=UUiNTlttMzKDVAOTJBtPENPQ&index=1;

celebrity blogger Necole Bitchie.com and Barbet Smith of Lifetime's Million Dollar Shopper - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnETNj8mFqg&list=UUiNTlttMzKDVAOTJBtPENPQ&feature=share&index=2; and so much more - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceP1AKRc640&list=UUiNTlttMzKDVAOTJBtPENPQ&feature=share&index=3! Here’s Thursday: http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-22-05-6467. We had singer KEM on; Actor John Douglas Thompson and Gordon Edelstein – Star and Director of Off-Broadway play “Satchmo At The Waldorf” – a look at the iconic jazz trumpet player Louis Armstrong – a wonderful one-man play with music: http://youtu.be/UiIhbPlZL2c; and acclaimed author Dinaw Mengestu, whose latest novel “All Our Names” is getting raves: http://youtu.be/m-j5i5uQVIw. PLUS, I taped a MEMORIAL DAY special that will be on MONDAY and a CANNES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL special (from the NYC studio) that was on over the WEEKEND! Here’s Wednesday’s show: http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-21-05-6449 – including a fun HOT TOPICS segment; an interview with Mali Music, my Savannah homeboy! Mali Music is promoting his new album “Mali,” out June 17th. And Mali Music performed his hit single “Beautiful” - http://youtu.be/TRjRSS8t-H4.  Savannah-homeboy to Savannah-homeboy, we hit it off! http://www.malimusicofficial.com/  

https://www.facebook.com/malimusicnote  

https://twitter.com/malimusic  We also did an interview with another cool brother Kofi Siriboe, who portrays the role of Tyler, a new student from Rwanda who is spending a year studying in America in MTV’s Awkward, though Kofi Siriboe is Ghanas Own Kofi Siriboe. FROM TUESDAY’S SHOW, see here: http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-20-05-6423.  ARISE 360 is normally my stop for “pop culture segments”: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1TUj2SKo8ntR2D6QVDcQLwdykzvhtzbK.  Now, for this fill-in run, it’s a range of segments – including a WORKOUT SEGMENT! LOL! Here’s a clip: http://youtu.be/BDSFV2hUiMQ  TOSSES TO CANNES: http://youtu.be/zj5E8iLEf6U.  FUN! FROM HOT TOPICS to HOT SAUCE, we’ve been having a blast! http://bit.ly/lor_arisew  CentricTV will be syndicating Arise360 in Fall 2014 #Arise360

Fashionlinkvi Fashion Weekend is HERE!

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM Fashionlinkvi Fashion Weekend on LIFE OF RILEY:

"One of the countries hottest TV personalities and producers, Patrick L. Riley, is coming to St. Croix for Fashionlinkvi Fashion Weekend in St. Croix May 30-June 2nd!!! Patrick Riley will be covering the event for his blog and other media outlets. Excited to have you Patrick!"

LIFE OF RILEY is EXCITED to be a part!!! #fashionlinkvi

COME ONE, COME ALL! Log on to www.fashionlinkvi.com for details!

BUT HERE'S SOME OF WHAT WILL GO DOWN:

* FVIFW is a fashion event featuring celebrity performers and models, fashion designers and the Best Plus Size Fashion Show in the Caribbean!

* The mission of FashionlinkVI Fashion Weekend is to introduce fashion tourism to St. Croix and the Virgin Islands.

* The objective of FVIFW is to showcase local fashion related talent and attract fashion affiliated businesses to America's Paradise.

* Promoting pride in our Caribbean heritage by showcasing the diversity and similarity in our culture through the art of fashion. Participants from U.S. mainland and other countries are welcome.

* 2014 marks the first year of FVIFW, a vision that finally comes to life after numerous years of tedious planning. FVIFW is a yearly event in St. Croix, and the Virgin Islands where guests will witness fashion and paradise collide.

* Along with extravagant fashion shows, guests will enjoy a variety of fashion industry related workshops, celebrity guest appearances and extraordinary entertainment. It is the goal of FVIFW to attract much deserved attention to the beautiful island of St. Croix, USVI while showcasing the brilliant local and national fashion designers involved.

* Fashionlinkvi Fashion Weekend is not just a regular annual fashion event, FVIFW is a weekend getaway filled with entertainment for everyone. Vendors will have an opportunity to sell products or provide service at some of the events.

* Our extraordinary Weekend begins with a press reception on Friday May 30, 2014 (invitation only) followed by a preview party; featuring local entertainers, host by a local celebrity.

* Celebrity artist and guest will have an opportunity to see what we have to offer in the field of fashion.

* Designers, hairstylist, makeup artist, and models of all sizes are welcome to register online to be a part of our preview party, with an opportunity to work alongside celebrities at the main event. www.fashionlinkvi.com  

* Saturday May 31, 2014 We want you to look and feel beautiful inside and out beginning the morning with Yoga and Zumba by the sea, join us at our host hotel “The Palms at Pelican Cove” and relax to the sound of the sea with a Yoga class or rejuvenate your body with a Zumba class. Brunch will be served before our scheduled health is wealth seminar, followed by a hair and skin care seminar, facilitated by celebrity guest from Denver, California and New York.

* Following the seminar enjoy a cultural experience with local performers or take Scenic Island tour of St. Croix in a safari or jeep.

* Get ready for the main event later the evening with the best plus size fashion show in the Caribbean featuring, stateside and local plus models and actor/recording artist Leon Robinson, model Griselle Grayson and recording artist Eliah; Chenese Lewis, the first Miss Plus U.S.A. will host the main event.”

* Designers from Denver, BVI, St.Thomas by way of Orlando, St. Croix by way or New Jersey will be featured as our Divas take it to the runway.

* Last but not least, the swim wear and T- shirt fashion show is scheduled for June 1, 2014, featuring models of all sizes, followed by the after party on the beach host by “Leon “ featuring the Soca Diva “Jadine “from Montserrat by way of New York.

* Closing FVIFW until next year with a VIP cocktail party (Invitation only)

* Purchase your tickets online at www.fashionlinkvi.com

* Read more about event and featured celebrities, checkout our video on the home page showcasing a few local models with a sneak peek of St. Croix.

* Purchase your airline tickets and book your room now!!! Hope to see you there. May 30- June 1, 2014.

General Information

Log on to www.fashionlinkvi.com for details

DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON

Drums Along The Hudson is this Sunday! It’s FREE! And you know, I always sing its praises! My friend Carl Nelson was on ABC 7’s “Here and Now” to discuss it:

http://7online.com/65916/. FOR MORE INFO: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/drums-along-the-hudson

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL DISCOUNTS