A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

HAPPY EASTER

Was great to reconnect with NYC fam, dear friends Mara Schiavocampo and Tommie Porter at their Harlem pad! Great food; Great peeps - including our usual suspects, including the special presence of E! Entertainment News' Alicia Quarles; her husband Mike; and their extended fam! THE FOOD - as always - was AMAZING!    And it would NOT have been a party without me singing something - in this case a duet of Whitney Houston's "My Name Is Not Susan" with Alicia! LOL! FUN! Oh, and how could we ever forget the PRINCESS HOSTESS WITH THE MOST-EST: MISS NINA!

TEVIN CAMPBELL

Ant & I recently enjoyed an inspired and invigorating set of live song from Tevin Campbell who did ALL of his hits and a few of Michael Jackson's tunes inside of a tribute: "Butterflies"; "Human Nature"; and "Remember the Time". This, at BB Kings!  So nice to see Tevin again --- in great form! And even nicer to see my friend Darius Booker singing beautifully in Tevin's background vocal chamber.

FREE ANGELA AND ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS

At Mara and Tommie’s Easter Brunch, BFF Sidra Smith attended. She’s Co-Producer on "Free Angela" (documentary about Angela Davis that’s in theaters this Friday).    AND ANGELA DAVIS WAS IN THE HOUSE! So PROUD of Sidra who invited Ant’s and my favorite couple Mara Schiavocampo and hubby Tommie Porter out to celebrate alongside us the PREMIERE of “Free Angela And All Political Prisoners”.     WHAT A GREAT NIGHT! AND WHAT A GREAT FILM! Sid enrolled Jada Pinkett Smith; Will Smith; and Jay Z to come aboard the project as Executive Producers. Those Smiths attended the special night which took place at The Schomburg Center. And so many of the WHO'S WHO were in the house, I can't name them all: but including Sonia Sanchez, Kathleen Cleaver, Ruby Dee, Harry Belafonte, Micheala angela Davis, Vy Higginsen, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Michael Vann, Stacey J,  Nelson George (who is presenting a screening of WATTSTAX and Panel Discussionthis Friday 4.5. BUY TICKETS! http://www.njpac.org/events/detail/wattstax#NJPAC), friend and publicist BJ Coleman's client Max Tapper ('One Live to Live', etc.); Common, Kevin Powell, BET’s President & CEO Debra Lee, Roland Martin, Omarosa, Paul Wharton, Rhonda Ross (Her next show is at CUTTING ROOM!!! Tickets are already selling fast!!! http://tickets.thecuttingroomnyc.com/event/244163-rhonda-ross-new-york/),  her husband Rodney Kendrick, Jamie Foster Brown, George Faison, T, Melanie Fiona, T.J. Holmes, Terrie Williams, Jacquie Lee, and so many more!!! And of course, it was like a FAMILY REUNION! I saw so many near and dear to me in the mix and in support of ‘Free Angela’. CHECK OUT SIDRA SMITH’s interview on ESSENCE.COM: http://www.essence.com/2013/03/29/essence-exclusive-interview-sidra-smith ‘Free Angela’ is in theaters this FRIDAY, APRIL 5TH! So, please HONOR Sidra; the film’s creative visionary and Director Shola Lynch and the Executive Producers Will Smith; Jada Pinkett Smith; and Jay-Z THIS FRIDAY and BEYOND by seeing “Free Angela And All Political Prisoners” – EXCLUSIVELY IN SELECT AMC THEATRES. And PLEASE get in on the MOVEMENT:

FACEBOOK: /FreeAngelaFilm

TWITTER: @FreeAngelaFilm I #FreeAngela

GET GLUE: www.GetGlue.com

TAKE PART: www.TakePart.com

TUGG: www.Tugg.com

INSTAGRAM: /FreeAngelaMovie

BET UP FRONT

Just got word that the L.A. installment of BET's Up Front was a success - including reaction to the presentation videos I had a hand in helping produce! It's been quite the labor of LOVE for the last couple of months. Next stop: Chicago, then New York City for the last stop on the tour - in mid-April (which I hope to attend)!

BIZ BOND

I am glad I got to pop by the launch of my friends Nathan Hale Williams' & Tammy Ford's soon-to-be-weekly networking event BIZ BOND at Hudson Bond on 215 W 40th btw 7th & 8th Avs. PLEASE come and join us the next time!!! Congrats Nathan and Tammie! Fun and POWER NETWORKING to boot!!! WIN WIN!

CONVERGENCE

My friend Karen Chilton is a mutli-layered threat: actress; author; playwright; voice-over artist; and so much more! I first came to know her through my friend Ken Roberson (ALSO AN EXTRAORDINARY PERFORMER who is directing our girlfriend La Chanze’s upcoming 54 BELOW show that will tribute DIANA ROSS). A few years ago, Karen wrote the critically-acclaimed biography “HAZEL SCOTT: THE PIONEERING JOURNEY OF A JAZZ PIANIST FROM CAFÉ SOCIETY TO HOLLYWOOD TO HUAC” (University of Michigan Press). Her current work CONVERGENCE is being presented as a staged reading at Joe’s Pub (www.joespub.com). The five-character play set on Chicago’s Gold Coast will featureSharon Washington & Reg E. Cathey (Directed by Awoye Timpo with music by Xavier Davis). CONVERGENCE uses the relationship between a prominent psychiatrist and her schizophrenic patient to explore the dynamics of class and community. The play’s rhythmic style uses jazz as a metaphor as the dialogue between the characters flows from melodious and harmonious to discordant and cacophonous.  It all goes down Monday, April 15^th at 6:30 pm. TICKETS ON SALE NOW for $15. Click on www.joespub.com.

KIDS JAZZ CONCERT SERIES

WBGO Jazz 88.3 FM celebrates the 20th anniversary of the award-winning Kids Jazz Concert Series with five, free interactive programs for young people. The celebration features percussionist Bobby Sanabria at Newark Symphony Hall on April 6; bassist/vocalist Mimi Jones, Montclair Art Museum, April 13; drummer Lenny White, Newark Museum, April 20; vocalist Lauren Hooker, Luna Stage, April 27; and pianist Michael Wolff, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, May 4. For more information on the 2013 WBGO Kids Jazz Concert Series, please visit www.wbgo.org/kids.

 ISOUL HARRIS’ NICKI MINAJ

Shout out to my Morehouse brother Isoul Harris – Editor in Chief of UPTOWN MAGAZINE! His book “NICKI MINAJ: HIP POP MOMENTS 4 LIFE” is out in the U.S. this week!!! It's the first mass market biography of the superstar (Omnibus Press). Isoul calls it a smart & fun exploration & analysis of her meteoric rise to superstardom. Those who wish to support, check it out in Barnes & Noble or order here: http://amzn.to/QnW9Yn #NickiMinaj #Minaj #minajhippop #books #author #writer #hiphop #femalerappers #AmericanIdol YOUR BIG BROTHER IS SO PROUD!

FASHION QUEENS

My girl Bevy Smith deserves a STANDING OVATION! Her limited series on Bravo “Fashion Queens” – co-starring Miss Lawrence and Derek  J reached 1.1 MILLION viewers last week! JOB WELL DONE, LADIES! And BRAVO and Mr. Cohen: ORDER UP! LOL! CONGRATS ALL!

WATTSTAX

In closing, and as I mentioned last week, pop culture icon Nelson George and WATTSTAX at NJPAC I Friday April 5 CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO: http://www.njpac.org/events/detail/wattstax  #NJPAC

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO: http://www.njpac.org/events/detail/wattstax

NELSON  GEORGE and WATTSTAX at NJPAC I Friday April 5

POP CULTURE ICON (and – for sure – one of my personal pop culture IDOLs) NELSON GEORGE will be presenting a screening of WATTSTAX – including a panel discussion afterwards NEXT FRIDAY, April 5^th! A MUST ATTEND! BUY TICKETS here! http://www.njpac.org/events/detail/wattstax #NJPAC

NYABJ TRAILBLAZERS

Am GRATEFUL to the New York Association of Black Journalists for honoring me as one of its Trailblazers alongside Robert Anthony, Eric V. Tait, Lena Sherrod and Audrey Edwards: http://www.nyabj.org/2013/03/21/meet-the-five-nyabj-trailblazers-to-be-featured-at-march-26-throwback-tuesday-mixer/. A BLESSING! And so good to enjoy a lovely meal and reflection time with my fellow honorees. Afterwards, we got to mix and mingle with our NYABJ family - old and new. The Carlton Hotel's Salon Millesime was the perfect back-drop! THANKS NYABJ! XO

CHAKA KHAN’S BDAY AND MANY MORE

Afterwards, Ant & I promised Miss Phynjuar that we'd come to Miss Chaka Khan's 60th Birthday party at EVR. Saw many friends - including entertainment writer Karu Daniels; singer/producer Kevin-Anthony; Sister 2 Sister's Jamie Foster Brown; Chaka Khan publicist Gwendolyn Quinn; singer Toni Seawright; NABJ brother Roland Martin; actress Taraji P. Henson; Oprah's and the First Lady's makeup artist Derrick Rutledge; UBER-stylist and TV personality Phillip Bloch; and a host of others. FUN NIGHT as Chaka's music played! And Chaka was so gracious as we quickly reflected on my first interview with her: "Good Day Atlanta" in 1993 and then in Santa Barbara in 2005, but there have been many times in between that I've been in Miss Chaka Khan's presence - from shows, live tapings, private CD listening studio sessions, etc. AND IT IS ALWAYS MY HONOR! Happy Birthday, Chaka!

ARIES BIRTHDAY TOAST

In addition to it being also MISS ROSS’ birthday and MISS ARETHA FRANKLIN’s birthday (within days in ARIES MARCH), it was also the birthday of girlfriend Priya Scoggins. She hosted a low-key, but lots of FUN, evening at her Manhattan pad. We attended with friend Merrell Hollis ("Wendy Williams" make-up artist and influential style icon his own) and I was TOO excited to see my "little" Morehouse brothers (of whom I am SO PROUD): Isoul Harris (Editor-in-Chief for "Uptown Magazine" - www.uptownmagazine.com) and singer/songwriter Welborn Preston (credits including Jennifer Hudson's recent dance hit "Night of Your Life"). Also in the house: media master and friend Nathan Hale Williams as well as several other friends: Derrick Hemphill, Lisa Bonner, Ian Wells - an awesome round out to the night's roster. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PRIYA! AND MANY MORE! As always, THE BEST TIME!

BLACKS ON BROADWAY

My debut media impression on COZI-TV and NBC 4 this past Friday received raves: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Pop-Culture-Expert-Patrick-Riley-on-Black-Broadway_New-York.html. Thanks to all for tuning in! As a result, I was just invited to do a similar segment on WNBC’s “Positively Black”. Also, I have been invited to work the red carpet on MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL's opening night for the show’s AD-AGENCY's cameras! YAY! Stay tuned! And as always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

MOTOWN’S NYC INFLUENCE

Though the MOTOWN legacy LIVES all over the world, the coming of MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL to Broadway – OPENING APRIL 14^TH: (www.motownthemusical.com) is but one sign of THE MOTOWN SOUND and FAMILY here in New York City:

• ·         RHONDA ROSS – daughter of MOTOWN Founder Berry Gordy and FIRST LADY OF MOTOWN Diana Ross - just did a show at The Sugar Bar, which happens to be the supper club owned by ICONIC MOTOWN songwriters and producers: the late, great NICK ASHFORD & VALERIE SIMPSON: THE SUGAR BAR (on 72nd Street on the West Side). And she's scheduled to do another show April 27th at the Cutting Room: https://www.facebook.com/RhondaRossOnline#!/events/468565766550196/?fref=ts.
• ·         Friend and Broadway darling LACHANZE (who won the Tony award as lead actress in a musical for her portrayal of Celie in “Oprah Winfrey presents The Color Purple”) is doing “LOVE HANGOVER: Celebrating the music of the one and only Diana Ross” – an evening of song at 54 Below in the theater district on 54th Street. April 17, 18, and 22: http://www.broadway.com/shows/love-hangover-lachanze-sings-diana-ross/.
• ·         Traveling production: "My Brother Marvin" – one interpretation of Marvin Gaye’s life and times - will be in NY April 11-14 @ the Beacon: http://www.beacontheatre.com/events/2013/april/my-brother-marvin.html. It's considered controversial by some, but is indicative of influence and growing nostalgia as anything else that's out: It stars Emmy Award winning actress Lynn Whitfield; Image Award winning actor Clifton Powell; R&B sensation Keith Washington; vocal powerhouse Tony Grant and platinum selling R&B Group Az Yet.
• ·         Friend Jeff Bowman (with whom I had the chance to consult on a cross-cultural marketing project in which my girlfriend Sidra Smith enrolled my participation) has recently joined the Classical Theatre of Harlem as a board member.  They are currently running a show in Harlem and welcoming your support for “DETROIT ‘67”. Please see the link:  http://www.classicaltheatreofharlem.org/ This is hopefully the first of many shows in Harlem.  This is special because of the relationship with the Public Theatre and Time Warner as the presenting sponsor.
• I LOVE DETROIT’s own JO THOMPSON – legendary jazz pianist and vocalist. As her manager and son Greg Dunmore is a BFF, I’ve had the chance to see her in many esteemed rooms! This week, Jo Thompson in town for more than celebrating the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin's birthday (as they are seen here at the Ritz Carlton NYC), but she too is having her moment in the spotlight at the World Famous Cafe Carlyle this weekend March 28 and 30 in "Slender Tender and Tall: An Evening With the Fabulous Ms. Jo Thompson. Call: 212-744-1600 for tickets. And read here for more information: http://www.amsterdamnews.com/arts_and_entertainment/cafe-carlyle-welcomes-bobby-short-pal-jo-thompson/article_653b03ac-924d-11e2-8a1c-001a4bcf887a.html NEW YORK CITY loves when JO THOMPSON comes to town!

30 YEARS: MAMA, I WANT TO SING

Was so EXCITED to get a personal call from Vy Higginsen who invited us to the 30th Anniversary Celebration of "Mama, I Want to Sing" which benefitted the Gospel for Teens program (from which the kids led a "This Little Light of Mine' finale that included an impromptu encore/bow featuring the Gospel-tinged vocals and ad-libs of Committee Co-Chairs - legends their own - Cissy Houston and Valerie Simpson, and legendary guests Dionne Warwick and Angie Stone). Event Chair Lesley Stahl (Emmy winner for a "60 Minutes" profile on Gospel for Teens) was honored and in the house at Harlem's Dempsey Theater along with recent media supporter Nate Berkus. Other event hosts (not present): Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, and Shirley Caesar. To find out more about how you can help support Gospel for Teens and/or to enjoy Mama Fouundation for the Arts' many offerings, click on: www.mamafoundation.org & www.vyhigginsen.com.  All of this on a day in which I saw "Mama, I Want To Sing", the movie, for the first time (starring Ciara, Lynn Whitfield, Patti Labelle, Ben Vereen, Billy Zane, Marvin Winans, and more) on Centric (after "The Wiz").

APOLLO BRINGS JAMES BROWN

My friend at The LEGENDARY Apollo Theater, Nina Flowers, just hipped me to a special new production coming to the Apollo in the fall of 2013: The World Premiere of “James Brown: Get On the Good Foot - A Celebration in Dance”, which opens on October 22nd, 2013. Tickets for this show go on sale on April 30th.  Like Apollo Club Harlem before it, this is a conceptual work and will be developed by five fabulous choreographers from around the world. It will showcase the stylistic and cultural influences the “Godfather of Soul” continues to have on artists and creativity through dance. Under the artistic direction of acclaimed choreographer Otis Sallid, “Get on the Good Foot” will pay tribute to Brown through original dance numbers and a musical score comprised of classic music by the soul icon and new works by musicians influenced by Brown. Sounds like an exciting addition to one of The Apollo’s Legacy Projects, which really celebrates the history of the Theater through contemporary works and James Brown is one of our Apollo Legends. For more information, visit www.apollotheater.org.

B BOY BLUES

Congrats to my friends, Director Stanley Bennett Clay and writer (of book and play), James Earl Hardy and the cast of B BOY BLUES: THE PLAY (comprised of a cast that includes several friends: Reginald Barnes (pictured right) and Demarco Majors; ALSO AS CASTING DIRECTOR, my dear friend Tracey Moore). Its recent run in New York City WON the “Downtown Urban Theater Festival AUDIENCE AWARD”! Its next stop: The DC Black Theater Festival in late June!  And worth noting that Stanley – who is always writing something fabulous – has a new novel "Aching For It." For those of you who met and loved his characters Jesse and Etienne in "House of John," you better fasten your seatbelts for a next-level ride of romance and erotica. CONGRATS, STANLEY AND ALL OF MY FRIENDS associated with B BOY BLUES!

MY SPELMAN SISTER TANIKA RAY'S MIND BODY CASA

CONGRATS to my Spelman sister and friend Tanika Ray on her new venture: She recently announced www.MindBodyCasa.com, the spiritchild of Tanika: TV personality, Pop Culture expert & Interior Enthusiast! She has brought this vision to digital life in collaboration with her friend/designer/sister Sass Nikki Martin. They have created a lifestyle webazine jam packed with fresh takes on trends, spicy blogs and original video content. CONGRATS, BOO!

BIG RED BIKE MEDIA

I'm happy to announce the launch of my friend Caroline Ziv’s website and blog for her new video production company, Big Red Bike Media. To put it in the simplest terms, BRB creates custom videos for businesses, non-profits and individuals. To that end, if you or anyone you know is looking to make a marketing, promotion, fundraising or personal documentary video, you should consider Caroline (and tell her “…The Life of Riley…” sent you). We worked for years together with my recurring freelance client HARPO Productions out of Chicago. I am EXCITED for Caroline’s NEXT CHAPTER:  Her blog link is here: http://bigredbikemedia.com/from-where-i-sit/. And her website is here: www.bigredbikemedia.com. CONGRATS, ZIV! XO

Hi folks,

Lots going on in “A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities” – including recent NBC 4/COZI-TV impression (talking “Blacks & Broadway”): http://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Pop-Culture-Expert-Patrick-Riley-on-Black-Broadway_New-York.html

Beyond Broadway (but a stone’s throw), another recurring client NJPAC is allowing me to SPREAD LOVE THIS EASTER WEEKEND!

One of my “…Life of Riley…” readers will get a pair of tix ) to go see TAKE 6 and HEZEKIAH WALKER this Friday, March 29^th!!!!

DEETS FOR TICKET GIVEAWAY:

1. All we need you to do is send: (a) FULL NAME; (b) EMAIL ADDRESS; (c) and CELL PHONE to: patarack@hotmail.com no later than THURSDAY, MARCH 28^TH, 2013 at 12 NOON!

2. I will pick the name this Thursday and let you know (I also have to turn your info into NJPAC Thursday as well – to ensure NJPAC has your name at WILL CALL to pick up your FREE PAIR OF TICKETS before the show FRIDAY, MARCH 29^TH, 2013!

In the meantime, PLEASE BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!  http://bit.ly/njpacLOR #NJPAC

AND LOOK FOR MORE “…LIFE OF RILEY…” UPDATES OVER THE NEXT WEEK: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog.

As always, THANKS!

Patrick L. Riley

“A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities”
http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog

COZI-TV

After a blast on MSNBC last month; a reccent booking on BET's "Don't Sleep"; and other spot on-cam work, I was invited to talk about Blacks on Broadway on a LIVE, in-studio segment (5-minutes-or-so) for NBC News 4 New York's 7p show: 

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Pop-Culture-Expert-Patrick-Riley-on-Black-Broadway_New-York.html

. In a nutshell: "Motown: The Musical"; "The Trip to Bountiful"; and the "Pippin" revival; however, there are many other new offerings on Broadway this season: - including "Kinky Boots" (starring Billy Porter; music by Cyndi Lauper); and Deborah Cox comes back to Broadway opposite American Idol-alum Constantine Maroulis in "Jekyll & Hyde". News 4 New York's 7p is a one-hour show that is a combination of news, guest segments & lifestyle issues on cable station COZI-TV. This episode was hosted by NBC 4’s own Scott Stanford and produced by NBC 4’s own Tiffany Zeno – both TOTAL JOY! COZI-TV reaches more than 5 million homes & can be seen on Channel 161 on Time Warner systems. The show also simulcasts live on www.NBCNEWYORK.COM.

It is also available on other cable providers.

Here's the channel guide:

Cablevision 109 and 118

Time Warner Cable 161

Comcast 248 and 158

Verizon Fios 460

RCN 28

As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT and LOVE!

If you miss it, the segment will live on www.NBCNEWYORK.COM. (SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR BREAKING NEWS)

Please feel free to FORWARD and to let me know your thoughts.

MOTORTOWN PREVUE

What JOY and NOSTALGIA "Motown: The Musical" brought me on the first PREVIEW NIGHT earlier this week!

ADDED features to the special evening include: experiencing it with Ant; seeing my friend Brandon get called up by "Diana Ross" (as portrayed by Valisia LeKae) to sing along on "Reach Out & Touch (Somebody's Hand)" (Worth noting that he stumbled into his ticket no hour before the show yet SANG HIS BUTT OFF with "Miss Ross" [Great also to chat with Brandon Victor Dixon who plays "Berry Gordy"]).

I got to say HI AGAIN to Mr. Gordy.

Also, so many other GREATS were in the house - including:

Suzanne de Passe;

Jimmy Iovine; Dr. Dre; legendary publicist Ken Reynolds; singer and friend Phil Geston – fellow lover of all things ROSS;

costume designer Emilio Sosa (who I had the chance to interview him after a performance of one of his last shows "...By the way, Meet Vera Stark...");

and Marketing Consultant - my friend - Marcia Pendelton, often my passport to Broadway. Walk Tall, Girl! ESSENCE legend Susan Taylor (in attendance with her husband Khephra Burns) said to me "...this has never been done..." - referencing the palpable evidence of interest not only with the lines-around-the-block to this sold-out, first preview, but at closer inspection, one of the groups there was comprised of Detroit cops who filled a bus and drove in to see the first preview of "Motown: The Musical". My Spelman sisters Melanie and Tiffanie also traveled from Atlanta and Dallas respectively to see "Motown". Afterwards we did some karaoke at Yuki 55 - "Broadway baby Brandon" in tow - including, of course, some Motown/Ross, Wonder, et al!!!!

WWW.BLACKTHEATERONLINE.COM reports the following: We have received phone calls and emails telling us that code SMOKEY was not working or was not being accepted by Ticketmaster. The good news is -- the code is alive and well. The bad news is -- it may not be available on the date you want to attend a performance.

Here is the update:

Discount codes for MOTOWN: The Musical, including code SMOKEY, are no longer available for any performance in March. This does not mean that you can't buy tickets. It means that if you want to see the show this month, you are going to have to pay full or premium prices for tickets.

HOWEVER, there are performance dates when you can definitely use code SMOKEY. They are:

Monday 4/1

Tuesday 4/2

Wednesday 4/3 Evening

Tuesday 4/9

Wednesday 4/10 Evening

Thursday 4/11

Tuesday 4/16

Wednesday 4/17 Evening

Tuesday 4/23

Wednesday 4/24 Evening

Tuesday 4/30

Wednesday 5/1 Evening

Tuesday 5/7

Wednesday 5/8 Evening

Tuesday 5/14 Evening

Wednesday 5/15 Evening

Please remember that code SMOKEY IS BASED ON AVAILABILITY AND CAN BE WITHDRAWN AT ANYTIME WITHOUT NOTICE. The teeny tiny mouse print at the bottom of the gorgeous ad above gives you all of the restrictions. It is a good practice to read them before you attempt to buy tickets with any discount offer, including the ones from Black Theater Online.

Just as discount codes can be withdrawn at anytime, they can also be extended. Although the restrictions state that this offer is available through May 12, it has been extended through May 15.

We hope this clears up any questions about code SMOKEY.

Like we said when we sent out this offer back in February -- BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY. He/she who hesitates will be without tickets to MOTOWN: The Musical. Or, will wind up standing in the cancellation line at the theater trying to get one.

Tickets for MOTOWN: The Musical are selling fast. BROADWAY PREVIEWS HAVE BEGUN (as of yesterday): $49 (Mid Mezz/REGULAR - $87); $89 (Orch/Front Mezz/REGULAR - $137).

For tickets, visit www.Ticketmaster.com or call 877.250.2929: CODE: SMOKEY

WWW.MOTOWNTHEMUSICAL.COM

THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL

Earlier that same day, I popped by NYC’s famed Sardi’s Restaurant for a media morning with the cast of Broadway’s THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL, which starts previews SATURDAY, MARCH 30TH and opens TUESDAY, APRIL 23RD AT the Stephen Sondheim Theatre (124 W 43rd Street). Over the last year, I’ve had great run-ins with the show’s stars (www.thetriptobountifulbroadway.com): Cicely Tyson (at B. Michael show, but I also interviewed her many times over the years for my Chicago client); Cuba Gooding Jr. (at Thurgood Marshall Foundation benefit, though I have interviewed him at the National Association of Black Journalists’ convention where he’s brought many films); Vanessa Williams (last week at Dance Theater of Harlem gala but have had nice media moments with her over the years); Condola Rashad (at Steel Magnolias premiere in NYC). With my invite to ‘meet’ the cast alongside other press, I did snap some shots of them on the step and repeat. Also, I enjoyed the company of hairstylist genius Chucki Amos - @CHUCKIELOVE – who did this day’s work on Miss Vanessa Williams - @VWOFFICIAL. ALSO, and as always, GREAT to see my fellow NYC journalist friends – including Jean Parnelle (once-Miss Hayes, the first teacher to give “little Alicia Keys” her singing confidence note when she cast her as Dorothy in the grade-school production of “The Wizard of Oz” – a point made recently on my recurring client OWN’s air (Oprah’s Next Chapter  - http://www.oprah.com/own-master-class/First-Look-Oprahs-Master-Class-with-Alicia-Keys-Video). JOIN ME at “THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL” – www.thetriptobountifulbroadway.com! BACKSTORY ON PLAY: The touching American classic, THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL, tells the story of Carrie Watts (Cicely Tyson), who is trapped in a cramped Houston apartment with her soft-spoken son (Cuba Gooding Jr) and self-absorbed daughter-in-law (Vanessa Williams), dreaming of a return to her home in the small Gulf Coast town of Bountiful, where she grew up and raised her own family. Fearing that she’s an imposition and chafing under her daughter-in-law’s watchful eye, she steals away with her latest pension check and heads home in the journey of a lifetime. The result is an unforgettable meditation on the idea of home and its power to sustain us. For more information via the social channels: www.facebook.com/BountifulBroadway and TWITTER: @BountifulBway and INSTAGRAM: @BountifulBway and YOU TUBE: www.youtube.com/bountifulbroadway and TWEET my friend @CHUCKIELOVE who does all the great DIVA HAIR these days! SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO: TOM WOPAT (Childhood favorite “Dukes of Hazzard” and so much more – especially from Broadway).

What a busy week! I’m on deadline with one client BET as I work with its creative team on content for its UP FRONT presentations in April. Been balancing work with other clients – spot shoots here and consulting gigs there. I even got an invitation to sing “Through the Fire” to Chaka Khan for her 60^th birthday, but the plans around those arrangements changed along with my serenade. A friend tells me “mercury is in retrograde”. Maybe… LOL!

girlfriendz

Shout out to Mara Brock Akil who received such an awesome honor Oscar week from Essence at its annual women's luncheon (presented to her by the original cast of "Girlfriends" I.E. Tracee Ellis Ross, Golden Brooks, Persia White, and - wait for it - Jill Marie Jones AKA Toni Chiles whose character abruptly moved to NYC from LA and before the show went away, we never heard from her again). But I missed that event as I didn't get to LA until Friday for my Oscar-related business:  the Oscar Viewing Party - hosted by the African American Film Critics Association and the Robey Theatre Company. I enrolled fine liquor comany Remy Martin to partner with the groups' fundraiser to ensure all suitably quenched while the live telecast ran [Go J Hud!!!]). The one thing missing from the L.A. Center Studios set was Mara Brock Akil who I invited to the Oscar Viewing Party. But as I was hopping into Hollywood, she was heading to Atlanta to continue her work on her upcoming BET creation: "Being Mary Jane" starring Gabrielle Union (Stay tuned). But in addition to texting me her regrets, she made good on it: inviting me to sit at she and her fab director husband Salim Akil's table that they bought for the New York City-based Dance Theater of Harlem's Vision Gala (They were Gala Co-Chairs). Though in their absence, my "Amazing Grace" Nichole Andrews invited me to escort her...and BABY! WE HAD A BLAST! - an evening produced - in large order - by my friend Vernon! In addition to reconnecting to dear friends Terri Prettyman Bowles and her husband Alvin Bowles as well as many other friends Olivia Scott-Perkins(Omerge Alliance); publicist Gilda Squire; TV exec Sharon Nelson; colleague(at BET) Jeanine Liburd; EXTRA correspondent AJ; host of "Closet Talk" Chenoa Maxwell; Corcoran Group's Spencer Means (NYC real estate agent); journalist Lola Ogunnaike (and her brother who works at Amex where my nephew works); Salim's Uncle Rick; former N Boutique co-owner Larry; and a beautiful room of folks:

* to honor Vision Award Honoree Vanessa L. Williams (TOTAL FAV!!!!! And an even more profound treat seeing her daughter Jillian Hervey AKA Lion Babe - an aspiring singer/actress and current fashionista a la her mom's 'Right Stuff' era - present to her mom while Vanessa's mom looked on with pride. Jillian's latest video is all the rage with the young'ns: "Treat Me Like Fire":  www.youtube,com/watch?v=gNd2XAP_Pfo 

* to enjoy Eyewitness 7's Sade Baderinwa;

* to be in the presence of Opera diva Jessye Norman;

 * to be impressed byHonorary Chair Chelsea Clinton;

AND

* to be inspired by all the wonderful, young dancers! Indeed I was exhausted from our L.A. whirlwind followed by a quite full and demanding day with my client. But clearly, I found my second wind: The Colors of the Wind to be exact.

everybody loves sidra

Harlem BFF Sidra Smith attracted a ROOM FULL OF LOVE! Backdrop? Cedric’s for her birthday – including many of her NYC FAMILY MEMBERS i.e. Ant, Carl, Mara Schiavocampo, Tommie Porter, MISS NINA, Nathan Hale Williams (who brought actress Jennifer Lewis by to greet Sidra), Brian Palmer Washington, Micheala angela Davis, DJ Stormin’ Norman, Gordon Chambers (who has a show TONIGHT with Avery Sunshine at the Highline Ballroom: http://highlineballroom.com/show/2013/03/07/avery-sunshine-with-gordon-chambers/); As he serenaded Sid HAPPY BIRTHDAY, I joined in... and then we all cut up! LOL!), Eric Deon, Phedra Gremillon, Elisabeth Blix Lie, Ramon Hervey, Ary, Tracey Smith, and a host more. After brunch wrapped, we popped over to Billie’s Black and ran into even more well-wishers – including Kimberly Nichole and my nephew Herman L. Riley III. He was having a brunch with a few colleagues. Sid was thrilled to see him. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIDRA! WE LOVE YOU!

love hangover

Y'all SAVE THE DATE(S) for my girl LaChanze who is presenting a LOVE HANGOVER to all of NYC! See this clip: https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=10200753000931783 “Stop! In The Name of Love”? or “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”?, La Chanze asks on this viral as she prepares to perform Love Hangover: Celebrating the Music of Diana Ross over THREE... NIGHTS in April at 54 Below (www.54below.com) ...: April 17, 18, & 22nd! I mentioned in a prior “…Life of Riley…” that my girlfriend LACHANZE is doing this special tribute (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/1/24/first-look-and-listen.html). When she originally told me, she said “knowing she’s your girl, I just had to share this with you. I'm so inspired and pumped up about it I don't know what to do…!!” Moreover, you know I bombarded her with recommendations of what she should sing. She says she’s doing sections for her set list: MISS ROSS’ #1s; MOVIES; JAZZ; SUPREMES (“Baby Love”; “Where Did Our Love Go?”; “I Hear a Symphony”; and only one more song can fit in the section: “Stop! In The Name of Love”? or “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”? WHAT SAY YOU? LACHANZE went on to say “… I LOVE HER! And while so many other legends have been celebrated, I can't think of one honoring her…” I LOVE IT!

black on black

Shout out to a dear friend Berlinda Garnett with whom I used to work at CNBC in the mid-‘90s. We were BFFs then and have stayed in touch through the years, even though I hadn’t seen her in a decade-plus. She popped into NYC from Philadelphia recently and what a reunion we had. She met me at my client BET’s Times Square office. This, while she is an UBER-PRODUCER of SPECIALS and great programming like “Good Day Philadelphia” (www.myfoxphilly.com). She’s produced and promoted a series of specials titled “Black on Black” which have been highly-praised and nominated for awards (I SMELL EMMY!).  YOU GO, BERLINDA! I’m so proud of you ALWAYS! Here are some links to her work: http://www.myfoxphilly.com/video?clipId=6980827&autostart=true And from “Black on Black… the Conversation Continues” - http://www.myfoxphilly.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=7981645&clienttype=generic&mobilecgbypass.

vy higginsen

My dear friend Vy Higginsen is celebrating the 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF "MAMA, I WANT TO SING" - the longest-running off-Broadway Black musical in theater history!  EVENT CHAIRS Lesley Stahl; Aretha Franklin; Chaka Khan; Cissy Houston; Shirley Caesar; Valerie Simpson; and show creator Vy Higginsen are doing a big RED CARPET on Saturday, March 23rd at The Dempsey Theater - 127 West 127th Street - Harlem. (The Gospel for Teens program will benefit; It was created to transform young lives through music and to pass on gospel as an art form so that the music never dies). For more information, click on www.mamafoundation.org.

merrell hollis

Shout out to my friend and Wendy Williams glam-squad best Merrell Hollis for his recent  2013 Bronner Bros. ICON Award presented By Clairol last month in Atlanta. Merrell is blowing up – working on many great projects – including his flawless foundation pro class that he teaches in Harlem. LOVE YOU, MERRELL! KEEP GOING! #flawlessfoundation

ken reynolds

I got to see friend and legendary entertainment publicist Ken Reynolds when I was out in Los Angeles. He was in New York City with two clients JU-TAUN (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Exist/110507328978273?ref=ts&fref=ts&rf=106390986063307#!/jutaun?fref=ts) and DC FAM (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Exist/110507328978273?ref=ts&fref=ts&rf=106390986063307#!/DCFAMBoston?fref=ts)! You’ll want to check them out – so don’t sleep!

will downing

Grammy Nominated Singer Will Downing is celebrating 25 Years of Recording Excellence with the Release of "Silver"! It’s out now! And what a wonderful reflection: http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Will-Downing/dp/B00B1E6FLM.

the tony rich project

Shout out to my friend Thornell Jones for reminding me about his client The Tony Rich Project’s "Speak Me", a new album coming May 2013. Pre-view new music at www.hiddenbeach.com/thetonyrichproject Pre-Order Now at http://www.hiddenbeach.com/speakme .

kenneth carr

Hey y'all! Check out my friend Kenneth Carr's video about the history and the evolution of his music! Share with your family and friends... and don't forget to LIKE it... Thxs! Stay tuned for the first release coming in a couple weeks.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HXv6nmqmG8