A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

        BROADWAY GIVEAWAY!!!

HI FOLKS! THANKS to ALL OF YOU who SO ENTHUSIASTICALLY put your names in to be considered for a FREE PAIR of TICKETS to see the Broadway production of ROMEO AND JULIET (www.RomeoAndJulietBroadway.com) -  – featuring Orlando Bloom and two-time Tony Award nominee Condola Rashad (STICK FLY, THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL). CONGRATS to THE ABIAHS (Jermiah & MaameYaa Abiah) whose names were drawn to receive a FREE DATE for two on Broadway with the revival of Shakespeare’s ROMEO AND JULIET.  

Well, I promised another giveaway to a Broadway show! PLEASE READ ALL THE WAY THROUGH FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO SEE the forthcoming Broadway production of A TIME TO KILL (www.ATimeToKillOnBroadway.com).

BUT MORE ON THAT AFTER THIS LATEST, SUPER-SIZED EDITION OF “…THE LIFE OF RILEY…” (LOTS GOING ON!):

MY LIFE AFTER DEBUT

SET YOUR DVR, FOLKS! I am EXCITED that K2 Pictures (http://www.k2pictures.com/) invited me to weigh in (as pop culture analyst) on about a half-dozen pop culture subjects for TV ONE’s “LIFE AFTER” (http://www.tvone.tv/shows/life_after.html) i.e. Clifton Davis, Jimmie Walker, LeVar Burton, Maia Campbell, and Shereé Whitfield. I am THRILLED to be featured in the upcoming season with other “LIFE AFTER” regulars – including friends Clay Cane; Flo Anthony; and SouLeO. Here’s the season’s fantastic line-up of Life After: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Life-After/266689690047:

September 11 at 8pm - Sheryl Lee Ralph and also September 11 at 8:30pm - Clifton Davis

September 18 at 8pm - Shirley Murdock

September 25 at 8pm -  Jimmie Walker

October 2 at 8pm - Adina Howard

October 9 at 8pm - LeVar Burton

October 16 at 8pm - Maia Campbell

October 23 at 8pm - Shereé Whitfield

Please tune into this season of Life After and let me know your thoughts!

TWITTER: @patarack @tvonetv

 

Speaking of TV ONE, MY COUSIN Kea Middleton is cranking up her acting career in The Rickey Smiley Show! A STAR IS BORN! Did you miss Friday's episode of The Rickey Smiley Show? Watch it online now! http://bit.ly/14nIUfr Great job, cuz! I LOVE YOU!!! #therickeysmileyshow

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL

My MOTOWN THE MUSICAL Opening Night Video is still getting lots of mileage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! I’m currently awaiting word on if I’ll be hosting another video that chronicles the NYC-based auditions for MOTOWN THE MUSICAL’s touring company. Now's your chance to see if you have what it takes to join the cast of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL! Auditions will run in New York and Chicago in September. Learn more at http://www.motownthemusical.com/#audition-page Stay tuned for casting announcements and hopefully an upcoming video starring me.

CRAZY, SEXY LIFE.

I say little about my long-standing association with OWN and HARPO – my longest-standing client to-date (since 1998). But this new era of social media has allowed me a shout out or two to that tier of my work-load. With that, I want to shout out my girlfriend Chenoa Maxwell! Her new show #CRAZYSEXYLIFE on #OWNTV is blasting off on the air of my recurring client. BIG CONGRATS! http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/own-orders-new-docu-series-crazysexylife-starring-chenoa-maxwell-kiyah-wright-others SHOULD BE CRAZY. SEXY. And what a LIFE? Proud of you and the ladies! And now LIFE OF RILEY knows where we were the other month? LOL! GO OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/6/9/magic-2-do.html #own #crazysexylife #oprah

SUMMER FUN WRAP-UP

As our LIFE sometimes inter-twines with the FABULOSITY of Miss Chenoa Maxwell, I figured this a good place to digest the last couple of weeks --- FILLED WITH SUMMER FUN:

1. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ISOUL! Great to CELEBRATE the BIG 4-0 of my Morehouse brother and friend ISOUL HARRIS (Editor-in-Chief of UPTOWN MAGAZINE)! Great fun, food, and festivities at Bagatelle in NYC’s meat-packing district! @bagatelleNYC HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, SIR! AM SO PROUD OF YOU! #blackdontcrack
2. OLD FRIENDS: Got to reconnect with another NABJ BFF Brian Henderson recently while he was in town from DC for business. He met up with Ant and me at our friend Bobby Roache's Union Square pad, once the digs of Andy Warhol. And he got in Motown: The Musical! Our girlfriend Patrice got to her BOUNTIFUL on when last she was in town. Ant and I also took her out on the town. And our girlfriend Carla has been visiting us in NYC for years: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/9/19/waiting-in-the-wings-dreaming-along-the-way.html. And of course, we always spend time together during the winter holidays: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/1/3/georgia-holiday-diary-2012-hny.html.  This time in NYC, she brought Cousin Kim (out of Chicago). Derrick joined us too. And we all had a blast! As usual, FUN FUN FUN! They went to MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL and TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL on Broadway! We enjoyed a nice meal at VNYL! We did some karaoke at DUETS’s. Come Sunday, we enjoyed a festive brunch at YOTEL followed by more karaoke - at RADIO STAR this time! HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND, EVERYBODY!

3. MC LYTE & PAUL WHARTON: “Real Housewives of DC”s Paul Wharton invited Ant and me to his NYC pad, the Mercedes House, for a gathering of friends – old and new – including MC Lyte, my Sidra, and a pad full of fun folks – enjoying each other and the final days of summer: good food; the best wine and champagne; and Paul’s Janet Jackson “Rhythm Nation” (video to boot) and my Diana’s “The Boss” from Caesar’s Palace (circa 1979 a la You Tube)! #justawednesdayinnyc

SPECIAL SHOUT OUTS

1.  MARGOT B

HBO’s hit show “Boardwalk Empire” is introducing a new character this season: Maitland (played by Margot Bingham)… and you can tune your ears to Daughter Maitland’s voice here – an exclusive preview from the Boardwalk Empire Vol. 2 Soundtrack: http://itsh.bo/1cacYAo To the music connoisseurs out there, you will know this amazing talent as my friend Miles Anthony Williams' client MARGOT B! But the actress inside that same multi-talented diva is Margot Bingham – actress and, again, now-“Boardwalk Empire”s "Daughter Maitland". This season! #hbo #boardwalkempire #margotb #margotbingham CONGRATS, MILES!

1.  RICK BLALOCK

Shout out to my friend (for years): Mr. Rick Blalock! His latest book “THE GOP CIVIL WAR: Inside the Battle for the Soul of the Republican Party” is now available on Amazon.com. It is an e-book about the ongoing infighting in the Republican Party and its impact on all of us. He wrote the book with his Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity brothers Eric Ham and Carl Walton. If you are on Twitter, please send them a tweet right now, with a question about America, and the future, and the upcoming presidential election. Tweet to #THEGOPCIVILWAR. PLEASE BUY THE BOOK BY CLICKING THIS LINK, and help Rick and his team become #1 on Amazon's bestseller list for political books! It's only $3.99! CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE YouTube VIDEO ABOUT THE BOOK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s93pJ8K4fpQ. Follow @theGOPcivilwar today, and tell your friends and colleagues to do the same. For more info go to www.thegopcivilwar.com. CONGRATS RICK!

1.  4 LITTLE GIRLS – PROJECT 1 VOICE

I write here all the time about the good work of PROJECT 1 VOICE (www.project1voice.org) – Founded by my friend Erich McMillan who invited me last year to be a part of the staged reading AMEN CORNER (by James Baldwin): http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/7/30/young-solo-savannah-voice.html.

Well, the movement continues: September 15th, 2013 is the 50th anniversary of the Four Little Girl's Church bombing, 16th Street Baptist Church! Directed by Phylicia Rashad, and performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C..****Tickets will be distributed  at 5 p.m. on September 15 for the 6 p.m. performance.  http://www.kennedy-center.org/events/?event=XNFOU

The Deadly Church Bombing Was the Turning Point in The Civil Rights Movement! FOR MORE INFORMATION on the many ways you can be a part – even from your mobile device, click on PROJECT 1 VOICE (www.project1voice.org).                   

   

BASKETBALL WIFE – CHARLES REESEShout out to my Morehouse brother Charles Reese and the cast of "BASKETBALL WIFE" – a TV SHOW that is the offspring of a web series. The promotional materials, according to Creator, Emmy-award-winning producer Michael Ajakwe, Jr., state: “A lot of people in the industry don't take web series as serious as they should. My new tv sitcom was adapted from my online sitcom that I wrote-directed-produced in 2009 called ..."Who..." that you can watch full 5-7 minute episodes on www.Ajakwetv.com for as little as $1. Without the web comedy series, there is no tv comedy series. So if you have a web series, you are sitting on gold if you can envision it working in anther medium as I did with mine”. Here is the trailer for "Who...": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ1RPQn00tw.

BROADWAY GIVEWAY!!! 

WITH THAT NEWS COMES NOW ONE PAIR OF COMP TICKETS FOR THE “…LIFE OF RILEY…” READER WHO WANTS TO SEE the forthcoming Broadway production of A TIME TO KILL (www.ATimeToKillOnBroadway.com).

Tony® Award-winning playwright Rupert Holmes’ stage adaptation of the John Grisham bestselling novel holds the distinction of being the first-ever John Grisham property adapted to the stage. The production, directed by Ethan McSweeny, features Sebastian Arcelus, Chike Johnson, Patrick Page, Tony Award® winner Tonya Pinkins, Emmy Award® winner Tom Skerritt, Fred Dalton Thompson, John Douglas Thompson, and Ashley Williams.

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS:

1. SEND AN EMAIL TO: patarack@hotmail.com NO LATER THAN THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12^TH at MIDNIGHT.
2. On FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13^TH (no later than NOON), I’ll choose – RANDOMLY – a name from that batch of emails and will – in turn – send the WINNER a ticket voucher for you to select a performance date that works for you.
3. You will EMAIL that form to the box office which will confirm and hold tickets for you at will call. EASY, RIGHT?
4. Let me hear from you at patarack@hotmail.com. GOOD LUCK… and SEE YOU AT THE THEATER!

A TIME TO KILL begins performances September 28 at The John Golden Theatre.

As always, FOLKS: THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

 

 

HI FOLKS! PLEASE READ ALL THE WAY THROUGH FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO SEE ORLANDO BLOOM AND TONY-AWARD NOMINEE CONDOLA RASHAD (STICK FLY, THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL) IN Broadway’s ROMEO AND JULIET (www.RomeoAndJulietBroadway.com).

 

BUT FIRST…

survive Newark

http://youtu.be/huwEcfXuzRI MISS Diana Ross brought Newark, New Jersey a special treat this past Friday at her sold-out Diana Ross At Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Newark, NJ - Aug 16 show: the original singer of her mid-‘90s MOTOWN hit “I Will Survive”, Gloria Gaynor – NEWARK’s LEGENDARY OWN! WHAT A MOMENT IN NEWARK HISTORY; POP CULTURE; AND ALL-AROUND DIVA-DOM! AND HOW EXCITING to see R&B Diva's Monifah Carter in the house! Shout out to Monifah’s boo Terez Mychelle; Mark A Forrest; Savoy Walker; and a host of my FAVs were in the house to see MISS ROSS! ‪#‎dianaross ‪#‎gloriagaynor ‪#‎njpac ‪#‎iwillsurvive ‪#‎monifah Photos (of Miss Ross and Miss Gaynor) are courtesy of: Tony Bea. After the aforementioned MISS ROSS set, Ant and I were excited to see CRISTAL – our friend from Atlanta who happens to share a birthday with MISS ROSS! BBQ was our post-set backdrop! YUM! TRY TO SEE MISS ROSS IF SHE COMES TO A CITY NEAR YOU! SHE'S IN GREAT FORM!

GO YANKEES!

Last I updated my blog, Ant and I got an invite from our friend Derrick Hemphill to attend a Yankees game - my first time in the new stadium. Great meal, food, and fun... and what a BLAST to run into Reginald Van Lee who invited us all to the Evidence Dance Company benefit in The Hamptons. You know we went? LOL! MORE ON THAT LATER as there was quite a week ahead before we could get there… THANKS DERRICK!

HARLEM BRUNCH WITH THE PORTERS

Last Sunday gave us the chance to catch up with BFFs the Porters (Mara, Tommie, and MISS Nina) in Harlem at Chez Lucienne. Always a good scene with our NYC fam!

WENDY IN ‘CHICAGO’

 After brunch, my matinee date - buddy Karu Daniels – invited me to join him to see sometimes-client Wendy Williams on Broadway in "Chicago" - one of her last performances this summer before she returns for the new season of 'Wendy' in September! CONGRATS WENDY! Great JOB! And of course, we’ll be watching your show when you return in September. THANKS KARU! Karaoke was a BLAST too (at YUKI 55)!

K. MICHELLE – LOVE & HIP HOP

Many are burying the "ratchet", but K.Michelle is growing on me and resuscitating her image towards proven artistry and a new chapter via - first Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta - soon Love and Hip Hop: NYC. Sweet woman! And again, a classically-trained ARTIST! Shout out to my friend Nathan Hale Williams who invited me to his Tuesday-night event at GO TUESDAYS at G Lounge - COME GET OFF‪ ‎#kmichelle‪ ‎#atlantic‪ ‎#thekmichelle

EVIDENCE in HAMPTONS

I’d mentioned while at The Yankees last week, we ran into Reggie Van Lee who personally invited Ant, Derrick, and me the 10th anniversary of our ‘On Our Toes in the Hamptons’ summer benefit – including cocktails, light dinner, auction, a dynamic performance by Evidence and the signature “Dancing with the Dancers” moment at the end of the event.

My socialite-BFF-with-the-most Carl Nelson joined Ant, Derrick, and me – a day that started with a pop by Sag Harbor’s B. SMITH where we ran into many friends – including co-owner Dan.

AWESOME EVENT!

We all really had a great time!

And it's always nice to see our NYC regulars in an off-the-beaten-path destination.

Plus, the dancing is always wonderul!

These young dancers are uber-talented!

And they are so humble and kind as well!  

Later in the evening (after the benefit which gave us a chance to hang out with HONORARY CHAIRS Susan L. Taylor and her husband Khephra Burns and a host of others), we went to Jamaica’s fine foods and grocery, JAMAICA Specialties. It's in East Hampton and Carl knows the owners. We enjoyed some delicious food from the Caribbean (and – of course – some TING). GREAT WEEKEND in The Hamptons!

THE MISSION OF EVIDENCE is to promote understanding of the human experience in the African Diaspora. Dance and storytelling take you on the ride. And they provide sensory connections to history and tradition through music, movement, and spoken word, leading deeper into issues of spirituality, community responsibility and liberation. For more information on EVIDENCE and how you can support: www.evidencedance.com. GO EVIDENCE! THANKS REGGIE!

 

ROMEO & JULIET on BROADWAY: GIVEAWAY!!!!

You folks know I’ve been booking a lot of hosting and moderating gigs on Broadway - like this clip from "STICK FLY" last year (starring Condola Rashad); I interviewed the cast after a show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrdnbMgJn9s. AND WNYC/WQXR - THE GREENE SPACE has become a client the like. They have been booking me to host mini-productions (performances and panels) in its studio which records its content for radio and its website. This past Fall, I hosted a performance and discussion on "Teacake's Legacy" (as in Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God"s Teacake). Here's a link to that awesome session: http://www.thegreenespace.org/events/thegreenespace/2012/sep/17/their-eyes-were-watching-god-teacakes-legacy/ The plan is I'll be doing more on-camera/moderating for WNYC/WQXR. I just hosted another BIG READ program for them in Newark and we're talking some recurring possibilities in which I'll do consulting/producing and hosting this year. Stay tuned. AND MY HIGHLIGHT OF THE SEASON: I was hired to do red carpet interviews on MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL's opening night for its cameras. and to host its highlight video! YAY! LOL! Here's the clip I host: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. AND THIS VIDEO IS LOOPING ON THE MONITORS OUTSIDE THE THEATER; on the big screen in Times Square sometimes; lots of YOU TUBE traffic; and in cabs; etc! WOW! LOL! Other outlets picked up the raw footage of my MOTOWN THE MUSICAL interviews - including REUTERS: http://www.reuters.com/video/2013/04/16/motown-memorialized-in-new-musical?videoId=242278913&videoChannel=3. BROADWAY BUZZ also used my MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=An_r_D2HM5Q. ALSO: I have been a contributor on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 - most recently predicting TONY AWARDS nominations: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTd5S1wKUs0. A few weeks prior, I was on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 to talk BROADWAY... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDxfe-hG_aY. In the aforementioned ARISE 360 Broadway segment, I predicted the iconic Cicely Tyson would be nominated for her role in Broadway's "The Trip to Bountiful". And she was!! YAY!  So, they played that clip and referenced my prediction the following day:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuJEs6ruin0. I was again on ARISE recently to talk GATSBY: the book, the film(s), the blueprint on hip hop! HERE'S THE LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBT9mSmfmCo. ALL OF THAT TO SAY: The marketing folks on forthcoming Broadway production of ROMEO AND JULIET (www.RomeoAndJulietBroadway.com) reached out to THE LIFE OF RILEY re: this Shakespeare revival – featuring Orlando Bloom and two-time Tony Award nominee Condola Rashad (STICK FLY, THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL). ROMEO AND JULIET begins performances on August 24 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. Press Event Teaser: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvnU8CIpSVE&feature=youtu.be WITH THAT NEWS COMES ONE PAIR OF COMP TICKETS FOR THE “…LIFE OF RILEY…” READER WHO WANTS TO SEE “ROMEO AND JULIET” ON BROADWAY! ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS SEND AN EMAIL TO: patarack@hotmail.com. I’ll choose – RANDOMLY – a name from that batch of emails and will – in turn – send the WINNER a ticket voucher for you to select a performance date that works for you. You will send that form to the box office which will confirm and hold tickets for you at will call. Our vouchers will be eligible for Tues-Thurs performances in September. EASY, RIGHT? Let me hear from you at patarack@hotmail.com. GOOD LUCK… and SEE YOU AT THE THEATER! Go Condola, Go!

 

 

 

  

REMY Martin meet NABJ

 You folks know how much I LOVE NABJ! SO MUCH!  

As my NABJ fam and I convened in Orlando, Florida last week, it was “annual therapy” as usual! A family reunion! HUGS! LAUGHTER! TEARS! JOY! And as can be par for the course in convention culture, lots of cocktails --- all for the calming of nerves and the brokering of new gigs and deals.  As Immediate Past Chair of the NABJ Arts & Entertainment Task Force, I’m pleased to have been able to bring a recurring client REMY MARTIN to the table. This, just in time for the task force’s 20^th Anniversary. Good friend of almost 20 years Lamar Johnson is VP of PR, Branded Entertainment, and Digital Marketing for Remy Martin. And he reached out to me about a year ago with the interest of connecting his brand to some of the events that I often include in “A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities” – most pointedly: He wanted to do something with NABJ (www.nabj.org). Well, mission accomplished! REMY Martin came in to the Orlando convention mix with great synergies and signature cocktails for the NABJ President’s Reception (CONGRATS, my friend, Mr. Greg Lee on the completion of your administration!) and – after my own heart – the NABJ Arts & Entertainment Task Force’s reception which featured some exciting elements: POWERED by Toyota Avalon via dear friend Sheila Eldridge, MC Lyte DJ’d; Tyrese Gibson... and TD Jakes (sporting plaid like me!) appeared on behalf of BLACK NATIVITY (In theaters November 27th) and Derek Luke, Jennifer Lewis (who brought me many laughs this night and from her body of work!), and... David E. Talbert joined us on behalf of his BAGGAGE CLAIM (September 27^th); my friend Bevy Smith hosted; and we honored Eric Deggans with this year's LEGACY award (He’s just been named TV Critic for NPR). From carving stations to passed food... and THREE signature cocktails courtesy of REMY Martin!  WHAT A BLAST!  Great event! Some of the other events for which I've enrolled Rémy Martin to power and partner this past year: 

1. Oscar Viewing Party in L.A. with the African American Film Critics Association and the Robey Theatre Company: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/2/26/oscar-and-remy-martin.html. Went well and client may want to partner again this year.

2. NYC Hearts of Gold charity event: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/11/19/golden-hearts.html.

3. DC (National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame synergy where REMY provided all the inductees engraved bottles of high-mark cognac);

4. Chicago (We recently hosted a 'Steve Harvey' birthday toast on the set of his show). That synergy with Steve Harvey has legs as Mr. Harvey has reached out and asked REMY to partner with his HOODIE AWARDS in Las Vegas next week. I've had the chance to host a half dozen "Disney Dreamers Academy" events (Steve Harvey's baby) at the National Associaton of Black Journalists' Convention. And at our Vegas convention, I got to share the stage with Mr. Harvey: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/8/13/audacity-of-hope-and-dreams-in-vegas.html.  This past year, I was a guest of Disney at the "Disney Dreamers Academy" (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/3/15/dreams-and-desire.html).

I LOVE NABJ! I LOVE REMY Martin! THANKS ALL! #nabj13

 

THE BUTLER

I LOVE “LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER”! And I absolutely ADORE OPRAH in it... and the rest of the STAR-STUDDED, AMAZING CAST! But I digress: Most of you know I’ve freelanced for Oprah Winfrey since 1998 (and still today as OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network produces a whole network of next-chapter content for which I sometimes get assigned to field produce – including recent Oprah: Where Are They Now? fare i.e. interviewing Dennis Rodman and Candace Bushnell recently; etc.). But like many of her opening nights (including “The Color Purple” on Broadway where Ant and I met), I got to share the carpet with her. But not working for her this time. I was asked a favor by my dear friend and NABJ sister @Lauren Tobin (Just saw her at the Convention in Orlando) – to escort her client Colman Domingo down the red carpet of Lee Daniels’ The Butler premiere. He portrays Freddie Fellows (head of the White House staff) – the character who grills Forest Whitaker’s character about Rémy Martin 1738 Cognac – the exceptionally mellow cognac made by my recurring client Rémy Martin who just partnered with my beloved NABJ for its Orlando Convention – providing fine spirits for the NABJ Arts & Entertainment Task Force and Immediate Past President Greg Lee’s reception.     But worth noting it was in Orlando where Lauren knew she wouldn’t be able to make it NYC for the WORLD PREMIERE. ENTER COLMAN DOMINGO – in Hugo Boss! I made sure my friends in the business spoke to him – from EXTRA’s AJ Calloway to E! ENTERTAINMENT’s Alicia Quarles to OMG! Insider’s Kevin Frazier; ACCESS HOLLYWOOD; Vanity Fair; Wall Street Journal; The Source; all of NYC’s papers; and a host of other GREAT PRESS! PLUS, I snagged a few shots of him with his co-stars – including Lenny Kravitz who attended with his late mom Roxie Roker’s dear friend Cicely Tyson (recent Tony-award-winner for “Trip to Bountiful”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDxfe-hG_aY).  I first met Colman Domingo after he starred in Broadway’s “Passing Strange” (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/11/1/swept-away.html).  Came to know he and I had Lauren in common soon after that. His upcoming projects: “A Boy and His Soul” at the Tricycle Theatre in London and “The Scottsboro Boys” at The Young Vic in London; one recent independent film “Newlyweeds” premiered at Sundance; and “Almost Christmas” with Paul Giamatti and Paul Rudd is also coming up. OF COURSE, while on the carpet, I got to acknowledge – face-to-face – many of the wonderful cast-members – including Cuba Gooding Jr., Terrance Howard, David Oleyowo, Mariah Carey, Yaya Alafia (from “America’s Next Top Model”), Jane Fonda, and a host of others. Most excitedly, I got to say HI to MISS WINFREY (and to CONGRATULATE her on the amazing role she plays). Shout out to MISS WINFREY’s GLAM SQUAD: Andre, Kelly, and my friend Derrick – all of whom I was happy to see. I’ve seen the film twice – once with Lee Daniels, Gabourey Sidibe, my girlfriend Sidra Smith, TV personality Paul Wharton, Chris Rock, and an intimate group of folks. Then, I just saw it again – FINAL CUT – with NABJ this past weekend. I LOVE “THE BUTLER”! It’s a CLASSIC and so timely right now! TWITTER @weinsteinfilms @oprah @colmandomingo INSTAGRAM: kingofbingo FACEBOOK: Colman Domingo WEBSITE: www.colmandomingo.com  JOB WELL DONE, LADIES (including my friend Pernell Walter) and GENTLEMEN‪!‎ #leedanielsthebutler

KENNETH CARR

Check this out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um6fx9XUaHc&feature=youtube_gdata_player I had a blast interviewing my friend Kenneth Carr at his place a few weeks ago:http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/5/13/gatsby-and-steampunk-and-more.html.

His new CD "Amazing Love" is coming out at the end of this month… and his management invited me to interview him for a promo video they will be using to promote its release. He recently released the video for his lead-off single “Brassing My Opinion” – shot and directed by my girlfriend Shareen King Carr! It’s a huge hit – having already attracted upwards of 200,000 clicks on Kenny’s YOU TUBE channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNmTiAvVZW0. Follow @kennycarrmusic and www.facebookcom/kennethcarr. Purchase the single at Amazon, iTunes, Spotify,Google Play For Bookings contact thekingsdaughtersk@gmail.com. As Kenny knows singing is a sidelight for me, we not only reviewed his music-in-progress and music-completed. But he let me play around with a track or few – one for which he wants me to write some lyrics – so we can record a track! CONGRATS, KENNY! "Amazing Love" project releasing the end of this month: July 2013! ‪#‎trombonegumbo ‪#‎kennycarrmusic ‪#‎amazinglove 

EMMY NOMINATIONS 2013

CURRENT LINK: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Emmy-Nominations-for-2013/216162211

 You remember my debut media impression on Cozi TV/ NBC4 a couple of months ago on BLACKS and BROADWAY: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Pop-Culture-Expert-Patrick-Riley-on-Black-Broadway_New-York.html. It inspired many bookings since – from Motown the Musical:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ to Arise Entertainment 360:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDxfe-hG_aY. I just made my sophomore appearance on COZI-TV/WNBC ---- this time providing some pop culture commentary on the 2013 EMMY NOMINATIONS (alongside Senior TV Critic for TV Guide Magazine, Matt Roush rounds out the panel with host Roseanne Colletti! MATT ROCKS! And so does COZI-TV: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Emmy-Nominations-for-2013/216162211. Its producer Tiffany Zeno has invited me back after the EMMY AWARDS!)! NEWS 4 NEW YORK AT 7P is a one-hour-long show that offers a combination of news, guest segments & lifestyle issues on cable station COZI-TV. COZI-TV reaches more than 5 million homes. It also simulcasts LIVE onwww.NBCNEWYORK.COM. Special shout out to Kerry Washington - one of the three African American nominees (alongside Don Cheadle and Hollywood director Paris Barclay - now first African American President of the Directors Guild Association (DGA)). If Kerry wins, she'll be the first African American actress to take home the Drama prize for a lead role. The last time an African American woman was nominated in 1995, she lost. It was Cicely Tyson for "Sweet Justice". In 1983, Debbie Allen is the first African American actress nominated in this category – for Fame (three years in a row); then in 1986, Alfre Woodard was nominated for St. Elsewhere. In 1992 and 1993, Regina Taylor was nominated for “I’ll Fly Away”. KERRY is standing on some STRONG, SCANDAL-free shoulders! WISHING HER WELL on this one!

  

Channel listings:

Cablevision 109 and 118
Time Warner Cable 161
Comcast 248 and 158
Verizon Fios 460
RCN 28

Meanwhile, look for my pop culture commentary in K2 Pictures' LIFE AFTER . The new season begins in the Fall of 2013. Stay tuned… and as always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

THE ART OF THE INTERVIEW

SHOUT OUT to my NABJ big sister-friend-for-LIFE, Katti Gray, for inviting me to speak for the 2nd year in a row to her students at the NYU Urban Journalism Workshop - @NYU_UrbanJourno.

The requested message in my ‘sermon’: “The Art of the Interview”. Here’s what we looked like last year: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/7/19/bright-daze-dark-knights.html.

I re-testified my own story of having interviewed a whole range of subjects over the years – as on-camera interviewer and behind-the-scenes interviewer (reporter/field producer). I coached the diverse roster of students via taped mock interviews; and I showed them examples of my own body of work (I’ve had a lot to demo of late). What a GREAT GROUP! I ALWAYS LOVE it when I’m invited to impart some of my experiences to the youth…and I am even more EXCITED when the invitation comes from folks I admire – like my big sister friend Katti Gray who is the new director of NYU Urban Journalism Workshop:https://www.facebook.com/pages/NYU-Urban-Journalism-Workshop/103601966399839.The site notes that Katti is a prize-winning veteran journalist who, in her words, has "covered hard news and soft: Presidential hopefuls; statehouse lawmakers; hometown heroes; time-honored and pop celebrities; floundering schools in Appalachia;New Feminism’s younger adherents; juveniles on death row; the fight for running water on an outlying Mississippi road." I BELIEVE THE CHILDREN ARE THE FUTURE. Sounds cliché, but glad that amidst my BUSY SKED, I can give a MOTIVATIONAL TALK here or there: I was invited to be the Keynote Speaker for the National Association of Black Journalists Multi-media Short Course at FAMU at the top of October - an awesome full-circle moment. NABJ gave me a lot of my first mentors and opportunities out of Morehouse College and one of my main advisers and confidantes Dr. Ann Wead Kimbrough from my student work with Clark Atlanta University now heads up FAMU's Journalism & Graphic Communications School: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/10/10/full-circle.html. I just spoke to some Norfolk State University Communications students. And I recently spoke to a Savannah based group via SKYPE: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/7/30/young-solo-savannah-voice.html 

PAUL WHARTON

While wrapping up my day on a special project with recurring client BET, I got a call from one of my NYC BFFs Sidra Smith to join she, her sister Tasha Smith, singer/actress and friend Tichina Arnold, comedienne Robin Montague, Grammy Award-winning American singer-songwriter and record producer Gordon Chambers, Phedra Gremillon, and many more – all at the beautiful Manhattan apartment of Paul Wharton. From watching clips of Miss Diana Ross – Mahogany to 'Central Park’ – to the many break-outs in song between Tichina, Gordon, and me, this night was a blast: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151544990978737&set=vb.662073736&type=2&theater. After wrapping his turn in BRAVO’s “Real Housewives of DC”, PAUL WHARTON is now still representing on many levels: DC50 show “Paul Wharton Style” primary among them. Next up: a skin-care line; lifestyle-guru books; TV production work; and more! WELCOME TO NYC, PAUL!http://paulwhartonstyle.com/

 

 

  

My nephew Herman Lee Riley III's mom Felecia Roberts was in town just after I submitted my last entry. Her first stop on her trip from Savannah was Broadway's Motown the Musical (of course! LOL!): http://youtu.be/KK1yncqPlOQ. Was cool to see my Broadway CONNECTION Marcia Pendelton who credits Motown the Musical as one of her BIG TICKET clients this season!   

Then, fast forward a couple of weeks to this past weekend…and you have MY sister (my nephew’s aunt) in town - celebrating her Big 5-0!   

AND OF COURSE, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL was on her mind!

She insisted on EXPERIENCING what her baby brother has been yapping about for the last few months: You know, I got the chance to sing 'TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL's praises  on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 - most recently predicting TONY AWARDS nominations: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTd5S1wKUs0.  

A few weeks prior, I was on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 to talk BROADWAY... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDxfe-hG_aY. In the aforementioned ARISE 360 Broadway segment, I predicted the iconic Cicely Tyson would be nominated for her role in Broadway's "The Trip to Bountiful". And she was!! YAY!  So, they played that clip and referenced my prediction the following day:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuJEs6ruin0. (I was again on ARISE recently to talk GATSBY: the book, the film(s), the blueprint on hip hop! HERE'S THE LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBT9mSmfmCo). 

I also got to introduce the Broadway season on WNBC’s COZI-TV: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Pop-Culture-Expert-Patrick-Riley-on-Black-Broadway_New-York.html. But of course, the HIGHLIGHT - of the musical kind - is being hired to do red carpet interviews on MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL's opening night for its cameras. and to host its highlight video! YAY! LOL! Here's the clip I host: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. 

AND THIS VIDEO IS LOOPING ON THE MONITORS OUTSIDE THE THEATER; on the big screen in Times Square sometimes; lots of YOU TUBE traffic; and in cabs; etc! WOW! LOL! 

Other outlets picked up the raw footage of my MOTOWN THE MUSICAL interviews - including REUTERS: http://www.reuters.com/video/2013/04/16/motown-memorialized-in-new-musical?videoId=242278913&videoChannel=3. BROADWAY BUZZ also used my MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=An_r_D2HM5Q.

JANICE got to see my OPENING NIGHT MOTOWN VIDEO that I host – looping outside the theater and in its foyer. FULL CIRCLE moment – especially given all of the MOTOWN we grew up together LOVING… and given we – along with our FAM (mom, dad, the other brother, and us) – enjoyed (from our family room in Savannah, GA) MOTOWN 25 and all of its MAGICAL MOMENTS! 

I asked my sister “Can you believe I’m hosting a video that is running on the monitors of the theater that is hosting “MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL” – the hottest show on Broadway right now and in a long time – an event that has brought me face-to-face with my lifelong icon Diana Ross?”

She said: “NO!” I guess our peeps see our POP CULTURE and POSSIBILITIES (and obsessions for good! LOL!) – even when – on the journey – we’re not convinced a moment the like is possible!  Well, that’s what it’s about, isn’t it? AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH, huh? 

On with Janice’s BDAY EXTRAVAGANZA, she landed and we hit "Melba" in Harlem for a soul-food welcome!   

Birthday GIRL had the 1^st of many slices of cake (We mustn’t compromise her recent weight-loss! LOL!): Red Velvet on deck. And my friend Derrick joined us. Plus, we stumbled into my dear friend Robin D. Stone's son Zachary Boyd! Zach is Ant's and my buddy. 

In fact, we took Zach to see Lady Gaga a year or so ago...

 and we LITTLE MONSTERS had a BLAST!

 

What a pleasant surprise! "Native" Restaurant in Harlem is where I once hosted 'All-Star Karaoke Thursday Night'. We had to pop by and show Janice. Ary was most hospitable, as always! XO

 

 

 

This, after a fun cocktail hour at Fashion 40. I joined my buddy Jamar Dunn.

 

 

 

I got to toast my friend and colleague Shannon Love - also the birthday boy.

 

 

 

ALSO IN THE HOUSE:

 

 

 

 John Cotton, Toyce Francis, Janet Rolle (with whom I first worked when hired to produce tribute videos for the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies), Rick Grant, and a host of fun folks who I was happy to see. DJ ENVY was on the one-twos - working it, as always!  

 

 

THE NEXT DAY: Janice and Noot popped by my recurring client BET where they got to meet my many colleagues from the Creative Services department. Here I do a number of special projects alongside - among many - Miss Micheala angela Davis who was gracious to chat my sister up - woman-to-woman on the threshold-of-50. BEAUTIFUL MOMENT! She got some great shots. And she loved the views! Afterwards, we went and had a snack at Virgil's BBQ. Then, we got in a little karaoke at Yuki 55 (Our repertoire included some of the birthday girl's favorites: "Reasons" by Earth, Wind, & Fire. And I just HAD to do the Whitney Houston medley for her! AND Jan and Noot even got in on the fun that Ant and I do all the time! LOL! This, before A Trip to Bountiful on Broadway – starring Cicely Tyson in her Tony-award-winning role. She works that stage alongside Vanessa Williams, Cuba Gooding Jr., AND Condola Rashad. After Broadway's "Bountiful", which Janice LOVED, she and I met up with Noot at Red Rooster - hot Harlem spot where JR got to meet several of my industry buddies and Harlem friends, including:  Essence’s own Emil Wilbekin and DJ Stomrin Norman. Red Rooster provided a nice toast of champagne in honor of my sister’s birthday + she and my nephew got to enjoy some fried green tomatoes and other lite bites before they called in a night.

 

 THE NEXT DAY:

Ant, my nephew, my sister, and I enjoyed BIRTHDAY brunch at Sotto 13 - tapas, wood fired-pizza, and more! GREAT BRUNCH! And good time for my family (Janice and Noot) to get to know further my family here (Ant). LOTS OF LAUGHS! And some VULNERABLE sharing, too! FOOD FOR THE SOUL! Then, she, Noot, and I rushed to Brooklyn to visit with our dad's big sister Charlie Mae, cousins Pat and Betty Jean in Brooklyn, NY + cousin Gloria called in from VA! It was a FAMILY REUNION! We then headed back uptown --- popping up to Dallas BBQ in Washington Heights (Upper Manhattan) for snack. Enter: Zimmerman trial verdict. HENCE: OUR UPSET EXPRESSIONS. NIGHT WAS A WRAP! But we recovered Sunday with the theme of the whole trip: “Motown: The Musical” on Broadway! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ

After "Motown", we popped by BFF Sidra Smith's twin sister Tasha Smith's actors workshop nearby. Our sisters HAD to meet! And Sid HAD to meet MY SISTER! I was so charmed as Tasha Smith rushed out of her class - exclaiming: "PATRICK!!!!!!" LOL! From there, we wrapped Janice's 50th BDAY Extravaganza with an intimate dinner hosted and prepared by my dear friend Merrell Hollis (celebrity make-up artist and groomer for Wendy Williams, Diddy, Usher, Jessica White, etc.). His mom was in town from Columbus, GA. Ant's cuz Shantay also joined us as well as Noot. NYC FAM! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JANICE! Shout out to ALL who helped Herman Lee Riley III and me CELEBRATE my sister Janice Riley Priester's 5-0 in EXCELLENCE and with SO MUCH JOY & LOVE

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BIG (and only) SIS! I LOVE YOU!