A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

Oscar and Rémy Martin

Was in L.A. this weekend with recurring client Rémy Martin. I partnered the fine liquor company with my friend Gil Robertson's African American Black Film Critics Association for its Oscar Viewing Party - including other partners and friends. All fundraising benefits the Robey Theatre Company (http://www.robeytheatrecompany.com/). What a great night - including in attendance: Oscar nominee Viola Davis; the iconic Danny Glover; Tony-award-winning Obba Babatunde; A Different World's Glynn Turman; Judyann Elder (Gina's mom on "Martin"); Harold Sylvester (Dwayne Wayne's dad on "Different World"); Sheryl Lee Ralph's son Etienne; and a host of other actors and actresses of note. And several of my friends joined me: Itika; Will; Scott; Adolpha; Ern; and many more. Meanwhile, with childhood BFF Ern along for company, we also got to enjoy those cookies at The Doubletree Hotel; we got to hang out with my once-Chi-town BFF Itika Oldwine - and two of my favorite Directors of Photography friends Will Miller and Paul Hamilton - for catch-up; we enjoyed brunch at Pete's Cafe; (I've told you often about my friend Scott who works with Sheryl Lee Ralph) we got to attend his 40th birthday bash in Venice Beach (and to see great friends - including Scott's Tony; L.A buddies - including Henry; Spry; and the legendary publicist Ken Reynolds; make-up artist extraordinaire Valente Frazier [He's Tyra's main man and often 'beats' the faces of Nicole Ari Parker and Sidra Smith]; and a host of others); we got to go to the Grammy Museum for the 'Whitney Houston' exhibit (quite moving and I got to sing along with Whitney in the studio with Narada Michael Walden - a virtual recording game included in the beautiful and heartbreaking walk down memory land); we got to experience L.A. Live where the BET Experience at L.A. Live will take place June 28, June 29, and June 30 - starring Beyonce; and so much more (www.betexperience.com)! L.A. --- in the right dosage! Happy to back home in NYC! TO SEE MORE PIX FROM MY L.A. WEEKEND, please click here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151325515808737.465685.662073736&type=3&l=a22ba9042a

Where Did Our Love Go?

Speaking of my friend, Gil Robertson, He asked me to share his latest work “Where Did Our Love Go: Love & Relationships in the African American Community” with all of you! The tome features essays by an impressive array of prominent thought-leaders from the creative, religious, business and mental health communities. Each shares powerful insights on love & relationships in the African American community. This is Gil’s third anthology that examines crucial issues affecting the quality of African American life. The book is in stores now and Gil will be on the road to promote it throughout March and April. Go to www.wheredidrlovego.com for more information. CONGRATS, GIL! Great to see you in L.A.

MY FIRST LOVES

I’m on the Host Committee in support of two friends, filmmakers Dominga Martin and Monty Ross who are making the film MY FIRST LOVES – the campaign of which to raise funds is going on NOW! All donations are tax-deductible because of fiscal sponsor New York Women in Film & Television. Here’s the link to the campaign: www.indiegogo.com/myfirstloves "My First Loves" is a romantic comedy about a young woman who gets cold feet before her wedding day.  Written by Director, Dominga Martin and being produced by Monty Ross; the Producer behind Spike Lee's first 7 films. Our current goal is to raise awareness for the film, to raise funds and ultimately exceed the fundraising marker. @domingamartin @my1stlovesmovie @MRMontyRoss #myfirstlovesmovie Be sure to stop by the page often to share, or participate with all of the great things that we have coming up. https://www.facebook.com/MyFirstLovesMovie  

SO SO DEF TURNS 20!

Thanks to my Savannah homegirl and Spelman sister Tandi Reddick for sending me this REMINDER! YES, THAT'S KRISS KROSS and YES, that's me behind them at a listening party for XSCAPE (I think) in 1993 or 1994! Shout out to @Mr_Dupri & @sosodef on 20 YEARS! Before I was blogging and chronicling “…The Life of Riley…” (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog) and before the world was tweeting and facebooking, I was a recent graduate of Morehouse College. First gig was reporter trainee at WSB-TV! Then, competing station WAGA came a calling to hire me as one of its first producer hires for its new morning show “Good Day Atlanta” hosted by my friend Amanda Davis and Paul Ossman. More than the “LOCAL NEWS 101” of writing and stacking a newscast, I got my first entertainment clips for my reel and the privilege of interviewing, booking, and introducing many of the now-household-name players in the A-T-L MUSIC BOOM to the ‘local TV airwaves’ (including pre-Janet JD and Babyface & L.A. Reid’s LA FACE RECORDS; Dallas Austin’s ROWDY RECORDS; Keith Sweat’s crew; etc.) ---- all fertilizer on my overall brand as producer/talent/writer with a concentration in pop culture and entertainment. Jermaine Dupri’s SO SO DEF IMPRINT broke acts like Bow Wow, Da Brat, Kriss Kross, R&B group Xscape, and the list goes on. This weekend (Saturday), he plans to celebrate the occasion with a star-studded concert: http://www.ticketmaster.com/So-So-Def-20th-Anniversary-All-Star-Concert-tickets/artist/1823487.

FUNK JAZZ KAFE

Congrats to my Savannah homeboy Jason Orr who brought his documentary “Funk Jazz Kafe: Diary of a Decade” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u_QKXAn-gE) to New York by way of the 3rd annual “New Voices In Black Cinema” Festival housed at BAM Rose Cinemas (www.ActNowproduction.org). The film’s timeline is a soundtrack to my life and career – highlighting the beginnings of the ‘Funk Jazz Kafe’ (when I actually lived in Atlanta); the window in which my mother passed away (July 1994); the many magical moments for which I returned to Atlanta, once I moved to NYC in 1995. It turns out that Jason and I were in the same place for the same event 9/11 – a moment that not only changed the world, but changed the ‘‘Funk Jazz Kafe’ forever (I was hired by my dear friends Chandra Jones and Lamar Johnson to host the red carpet at its ROOTS tour in promotion of  Levi’s Engineered Jeans line – including acts like Musiq; Ledisi; and a host of other SOUL greats!). And yet, ‘Funk Jazz Kafe’ remains as a legacy and a forthcoming, new frontier of cultural landscape. Stay tuned! www.funkjazzkafe.com We made it a double date with one of my high school BFFs (and fellow industry mates) Maurice Marable and his lovely wife – fellow journalist – Karen Good Marable. We also continued childhood BFF Ernest Maynor’s birthday celebration while also joined by Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts; my once-ATL social concierge and friend Lamoh Hicks; singer/songwriter extraordinaire Gordon Chambers; UPTOWN Mag EIC  (and Morehouse brother) Isoul Harris; former co-worker at CNBC and music manager Miles Anthony Williams; filmmaker Dominga Martin; and many more! CONGRATS, JASON!

HOLLYWOOD, HERE I COME (AGAIN)

Wish I could be in A-T-L to reminisce, but will instead be in L.A. this weekend. I enrolled the folks at Rémy Martin (www.remymartin.com/) - now one of my new, recurring clients - to partner with my friend Gil Robertson (pictured RIGHT from our time in New Orleans together at the National Association of Black Journalists). Gil presides over the African American Film Critics Association and his hosting its Oscar Viewing Party this Sunday: http://aafca.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Oscars.pdf. We’ll be rooting on our Hollywood favs and I’ll pour a little onto the red carpet for JD, SO SO DEF, and my A-T-L peeps!

‘FREE’ SIDRA

Actress Tasha Smith’s Twin Sister, Sidra Smith, produces groundbreaking documentary film, Free Angela And All Political Prisoners

Smith enlists Jada Pinkett Smith as Executive Producer and Codeblack/Lionsgate as distributor for theatrical release

LOS ANGELES, February 18, 2013 – Producer Sidra Smith is beginning the New Year with a bang. She is riding high on the success of her latest project, the powerful documentary film, FREE ANGELA AND ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS, which premiered at the 2012 Toronto Film Festival.  As such, she is employing her creativity and strategic thinking to help launch the film’s April 5, 2013 national release.

Sidra Smith is the identical twin sister of acclaimed television and film actress, Tasha Smith (“Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse”).  She is responsible for bringing aboard her longtime friend, Jada Pinkett Smith, as Executive Producer of the well-received documentary. In turn, Jada brought along her partners at Overbrook Entertainment: Will Smith, James Lassiter, and Ken Stovitz, as well Roc Nation CEO Jay Z, as Co-Executive Producers.  After Sidra screened FREE ANGELA for Codeblack Films CEO Jeff Clanagan, he felt the project was a viable property for Codeblack/Lionsgate for distribution.

As part of her strategic plan, Smith will enhance the youth appeal of FREE ANGELA.  She states, “Angela Davis is an important American hero and icon. She’s a living history lesson whose life is dramatic and compelling. It’s a film everyone needs to see.”

Codeblack Films, a Lionsgate company, has acquired the theatrical rights to the political crime drama documentary about social activist icon Angela Davis.  Through Codeblack Films’ partnership with AMC Theatres^®, FREE ANGELA AND ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS presented by BET Networks, will release exclusively at AMC locations in select markets on April 5, 2013.

 Producer Sidra Smith is a force to be reckoned with.  With more than 15 years of international and domestic experience in various aspects of film, documentary, television, stage, corporate production and advertising, she has become the go-to person for those companies and organizations in search of efficient, creative, and cost-effective services.  She is the Founder and President of Gate Pass Entertainment (www.gatepassentertainment.com), a full-service production company with offices in New York and Los Angeles.

For Sidra Smith interview requests, contact Joseph Babineaux of Perspective PR at (323) 389-6130 or joseph@perspective-pr.com.

 MR. GAINES

R.I.P. LOU MYERS! We LOVE YOU! And WE'LL MISS YOU! But we'll always tune into "Different World" and the DEN!

TO SEE MORE PIX FROM RECENT "...LIFE OF RILEY..." ENTRIES, CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151233407708737.458629.662073736&type=3&l=e4904390ed

GET READY

 Is this what I have to look forward to as I pop into Times Square for business everyday this Spring and beyond? http://www.motownthemusical.com/ MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL on BROADWAY is coming to town in a few weeks… and it’s SO EXCITING!

SUPERBOWL

Meanwhile, the muse of Motown lives on through SUPERBOWL and BEYONCE! On Superbowl Sunday, everybody asked "Who you rooting for, Patrick?" I'd retort "Beyonce!" And for her high-energy, bone-chilling performance last night, we know why! OKAY!!!!??? But I forgot I have a Baltimore Ravens tie-in: Congrats to Baltimore Ravens and New Rochelle's own Ray Rice who I had the chance to meet at a Boys & Girls Club charity event I hosted: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/ray-rice  a year or so ago. He attended and donated a lot of money and valuable auction items for a cause close to his heart - one that once benefited him personally: The New Rochelle Boys & Girls Club. CONGRATS, RAY RICE! Our annual Superbowl back-drop for the last few years has been our friend Irma who started our celebration of two Aquarian birthday peeps in our midst: Giselle and BFF since 7th grade, Ernest Maynor (BDAY BANANA PUDDING on deck! YUM!).

MINDFILE MULTIMEDIA

Last Monday required an early call-time for an assignment I was dispatched to do with my favorite Director of Photography and production company owner James Curry (www.mindfilemultimedia.com) who always brings with him the best (Today it was Joe & Chris)! Thanks guys! Glad we got the chance to break bread (as in delicious, buttery pizza crust atop a mound of pepperoni, sausage, and mushroom) from Bantam Pizza in Bantam, CT.

MISS ROSS IN HOUSTON?

On a week in which the world is abuzz about Houston native Beyonce's spectacular turn at the  Superbowl Halftime Show (and The Great White Way [AKA Broadway] is about to introduce "Motown: The Musical" to theater-goers the world over [www.motownthemusical.com/]), I coincidentally find myself in Bey's hometown to see one of her diva muses Diana Ross - Detroit's own - at the Arena Theatre (www.arenahouston.com) - one of her Texas stops on her current tour of one-nighters. My dear friend of many years, Lajuan, invited me and arranged the particulars (as he's a manager for the venue) - so, I just HAD to take a day away from my busy schedule to accept this gift to see Miss Ross once again and to ensure yet another SUPREME chronicle in "...The Life of Riley...". I flew in on the day of the show (and returned to NYC the following morning), but it was worth the schlep to see another AWESOME ROSS SHOW - including most of the hits (and a bonus: a special rendition of Kirk Franklin's "Smile"), lots of costume changes, and a most-present and connected ICON of ICONS: Miss Diana Ross! That said, she did fly through this show (She was still into it though) – leaving out some of her many treasures like "Endless Love", lots of Supremes songs, "Missing You", "Mirror Mirror", and more. But whatever Grammy-legend Ross sings of that impressive repertoire was all good for the Houston audience and me. Also nice to see many of my favorite, fellow ROSS fans I.E. Andreas, Bernard, and many more who -like me- flew into Houston just to see Miss Ross. Was also good to see one of my favorite background singers from Miss Ross' repository of talented vocalists, Natasha, who started with Miss Ross on the "Take Me Higher" tour. At the end, Diana appraised that she and the band's mission was accomplished - to bring smiles to our faces and to spread joy and good vibrations. After she re-entered the stage from having done her show-closer "I Will Survive" and enrolled the audience - from the round - to put our hands up in the air and sway back and forth to her 1st solo hit "Reach Out & Touch (Somebody's Hand)", it became crystal clear that the mark was met. Plus, I got the late night snack of life: the Southern staple "Waffle House" where my friend of many years, Lajuan Law, updated me on his own music. He is a musician/singer/performer whose upcoming  impressions include a fun Sunday night of R&B and soul with his band; studio/video recordings forthcoming; and a commitment to GOOD MUSIC. He promises I can share some of it with you - including dates and locations, once it all locks. Stay tuned! Thanks Lajuan! You're THE BOSS! Or the other one. LOL! I didn't get on the stage with Miss Ross this time. Am happy ALWAYS to be in her presence!

LIFE IS BUT A DREAM

#LifeIsButADream #Beyoncedocumentary Was almost-assigned to cover the red carpet for one client. That Hold was lifted. Still, I stumbled into an opportunity to still attend the premiere. Ant, my nephew Herman L. Riley III, and Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts (who shot most of these pix) were also in the house. Also good to see my industry buddies, Beyonce's publicist Yvette Noel Shure (who graciously facilitated a meet-and-greet for Ant and me when he took me to Manila for my birthday a few years ago: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/11/12/manifest-destiny-destination-manila.html. Beyonce ended up serenading me HAPPY BIRTHDAY ("...where's my boy from America?...").    We love you ALWAYS, Yvette! Also from Bey's team, Scott Nylund....... and a host of special guests - including Solange; Angela Simmons, Arianna Huffington, Gayle King, Russell Simmons, ATL Housewife & supermodel Cynthia Bailey, and, my recurring client Oprah. Just a Tuesday in New York City! "Any questions?" LOL!

RHONDA

From seeing Bey's awesome new doc, which you don't want to miss (PREMIEREs Sat. 2/16 on HBO), Ant & I quickly transitioned to jazz supper club The Iridium to see MISS ROSS, as in RHONDA ROSS-KENDRICKS who - as always and of late - performed a brilliant set of her own songs and some awesome covers (Last Wednesday, I enjoyed MISS DIANA ROSS at a sold-out one-nighter in Houston at the Arena Theater). We have enjoyed seeing RHONDA back on stage - in her light. And what a LIGHT of LOVE and WOMEN EMPORMENT! GO RHONDA! On this night, her two dads were in the house: Berry Gordy, Motown Musical's own...and Bob Ellis! Was great to chat with Mr. Gordy briefly. Fun night... and so EXCITED to see Motown: The Musical (I told him). Here I am with his daughter and Motown's LEGENDARY MIRACLE, Claudette Robinson, Smokey's ex-wife.

BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN

My friend Olivia Scott – integrated marketing consultant (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EZXnCGT7iM) – reached out on behalf of a charity recording that promises to be “Brighter Than The Sun”. In fact, that’s its title. The Global Relief Song for Hurricane Sandy & Typhoon Bopha is sung  by world renowned acid jazz UK band Incognito and powerhouse NJ vocalist Kelli Sae (formerly of Incognito & Count Basic). It launches globally Tuesday, February 19… and sets out to be an entertainment fundraising driver to rebuild communities left devastated from Hurricane Sandy & Typhoon Bopha. One hundred percent of the song’s net proceeds will benefit disaster relief charities Rebuilding Together and UNICEF UK. Per the success -- 20MM copies sold – of African famine relief song “We Are The World, experience has proven that people genuinely want to help others, yet many don’t feel they can or know how with so little themselves. This song which is only $1.29/.79€ provides people an opportunity to participate in the necessary rebuilding of these communities. Per CNN.com, Hurricane Sandy affected the homes of over 200K families and Typhoon Bopha left 1.2MM families displaced, leaving significant work still to be done. For this reason we chose two credible charities respected for their work in restoring communities and assisting victims of disaster, Rebuilding Together & UNICEF UK. PLEASE BE THE DIFFERENCE: http://www.amazon.com/Brighter-Than-The-Sun/dp/B00B9A7LTI/ref=sr_1_15?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1360336757&sr=1-15&keywords=incognito AND https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/brighter-than-sun-feat.-natalie/id598785775?ls=1.

KIM COLES

Shout out to my girl Kim Coles whose WONDERFUL one-woman-show "OH, BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE..." is ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS and FUNNY! One to - for sure - see when it hits your town or next hits L.A. or NYC! LOVE YOU, KIM!

“FIRST LOOK” & BEYONCE

I don’t have a link yet to show you, but I made my debut on MSNBC's "FIRST LOOK" which is anchored by my “Amazing Grace” and BFF Mara Schiavocampo who asked me to do a phoner with her on Beyonce’s Inauguration performance. At 5am, I was bright and alert to wax philosophical and conspiratorial on whether Beyonce lip-sync’d or not, and – if so – why? LOL!

In a paraphrased nutshell, our segment went like this:

MARA: WAS IT LIVE OR NOT?

ME: I'm not sure, but where there isn't a statement from Beyonce's camp, there are Instagram photos of her recording the song before the Inaugural performance. And there have been statements from the US Marine Band - noting that a performance track was prepared - at least by the band. Such preparations are par for the course for BIG LIVE EVENTS where conditions may not be singing-friendly - like Inauguration and the Super Bowl.

MARA: HAS THE PRE-RECORDED TRACK BEEN DONE BEFORE?

ME: The same kind of speculation and details presented themselves around the much-praised Whitney Houston who recorded a track (two, actually) prior to performing her memorable Superbowl performance of the national anthem in 1991 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS-R7SM_-M4). TWO MONTHS AFTER THAT PERFORMANCE, Whitney did a concert for the soldiers returning from the Gulf War (HBO)… and she – a capella and subsequently with live band – started off the concert with THE NATIONAL ANTHEM again --- maybe to subside the nay-sayers (and there were during that time). Either way, whether via the pre-recording or the performance (and subsequent performances), she SANG THAT SONG... and BRILLIANTLY SO! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4ceaDJnk3c

MARA: BIG DEAL? OR NO BIG DEAL?

ME: I say MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING… and what a perfect SPOTLIGHT for HATERS, right? That said, worth noting that – as BEYONCE prepares for the SUPERBOWL that her “DREAMGIRLS” muse DIANA ROSS sang LIVE for her SUPERBOWL HALFTIME SHOW in 1996… in addition to being picked up on the field by a helicopter. FOR BEYONCE TO QUIET HER NAY-SAYERS, it may perhaps be necessary for her to have an UNDENIABLY LIVE moment in her set list for SUPERBOWL. I’M JUST SAYING! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6GyLjyVAIY).

OTHER THINGS I WANTED TO SAY BUT TWO MINUTES DIDN'T ALLOW:

1. Can we firstly just say that Beyonce showed many of her peers how a DIVA does it yesterday: from the emerald earrings to the “oddly fierce” gesture at the end…as if to say I WAS HERE! (BY THE WAY: For a fabulous knock-off earring the like of Beyonce's 'emeralds', check out STELLA AND DOT (www.stelladot.com/). They have the perfect pair! Green is the new color for the season! Check out JADE drop earrings at www.stelladot.com/stoppopandrock).

2. Beyonce’s been here before. The year of Janet-Jackson nipple-gate, she performed the National Anthem – likely to similar effect. But all of that was dwarfed by Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugueMYzKWB4)

3. But in 2006, she and DC3 did a LIVE, a capella version at the NBA ALL-STAR GAME (not perfect but brilliant). So, she too – UNDENIABLY – has SUNG IT LIVE! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQRVTDrmHhM)

4. To my naked ear, I really think it was a MIX of her LIVE voice blended with a PRE-RECORDED PERFORMANCE TRACK.

5. STILL, some singers still take the risk. Kelly Clarkson and James Taylor’s folks say they sang LIVE!

TWITTER: @FirstLookMSNBC #Beyonce lip-syncing controversy

BEYONCE ROCKS! BEYONCE RULES! GO BEYONCE! And so does Mara who has been instrumental in helping me keep my POP CULTURE ANALYSIS on…and popping! XO

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Right after the segment above, I had to high-tail it to Laguardia Airport to get to Nashville for a shoot. I’ve been traveling a lot of late. The rental car company gave me a BIG RED TRUCK a la “Sanford & Son”. I’VE NEVER DRIVEN A BIG TRUCK LIKE THAT! First for everything! Went and did an interview and shot with my subject per the assignment from my Chicago client… and I hopped on a plane back home! I’ve been to Nashville many times but didn’t get any fun time in – except for a drive-thru fav fast food spot Krystal – a JONES of mine that’s become quite known: My Charlotte-based, childhood friend Bernadette Young sent me this as she was paging through a recent issue of UPTOWN Magazine (Charlotte edition). Angela Bronner Helm got my Savannah peeps peeping me!! Recent assignments have put me in front of some FAB company: Drew Barrymore who I got to interview on one day and the author Ayana Mathis whose book “The 12 Tribes of Hattie” is BELOVED by many! Work – overall – has been great as I’ve also just wrapped producing a tribute video for the National Association of Television Programming Executives (NATPE). BET’s own Chairman and CEO Debra Lee is being honored with the Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award in Miami next week! Total honor to work on the video and CONGRATS, DEBRA LEE! She is responsible for BET's impressive success of late - including "The Game". Also on tap: new, original program "Real Husbands of Hollywood" which has started off as quite the NEW HIT!

STEVE HARVEY

As I told you when referencing “Hearts of Gold” Charity benefit (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/11/19/golden-hearts.html), Rémy Martin® is a recurring client. I was excited to connect Rémy with the National Association of Black Journalists whose new Hall of Fame inductees received special premiums for their many jobs well done. As we are exploring other synergies, an opportunity came to me to see if Rémy would want to partner with “The Steve Harvey Show” to host a birthday toast for its host on the set of his show. AND VOILA! It all happened with the help of the awesome Rémy team. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, STEVE HARVEY! I've had the chance to host a half dozen "Disney Dreamers Academy" events at the National Associaton of Black Journalists' Convention (for which I am Immediate Past Chair of its Arts & Entertainment Task Force)… and I even got to share the stage with Mr. Harvey in Las Vegas: 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). With this additional synergy (and Steve Harvey being so impressed with the setup and class of Rémy Cointreau), we’re told he wants to explore other synergies! AWESOME, STEVE!

RHONDA BARAKA

Remember I told you how GMC presented “Trinity Goodheart” at NABJ Philly a couple of years ago!? Well, it was written by my friend Rhonda Freeman-Baraka, a Marietta, Georgia-based screenwriter with NABJ roots! Rhonda really got her start as a college student at Talladega College AND with NABJ. As a college junior, she was chosen as NABJʼs first William Monroe Trotter intern. During the summer of 1983, she spent 10 weeks working at the National Leader newspaper in Philadelphia where she contributed several stories including a cover story on black mayors. Prior to transitioning into film, Rhonda spent many years as a journalist, starting her own magazine, TAFRIJA and subsequently writing for Billboard Magazine, mtv.com, Creative Loafing and a host of other music and entertainment outlets (That’s when I met her). When Rhonda spoke at NABJ in Philly, her first film, “Pastor Brown,” was slated for a DVD release in 2012.  And now her “Pastor Brown” is slated to air Black History Month on Lifetime (http://www.aenetworks.com/article/lifetime-celebrate-black-history-month-three-world-premiere-movies). The film follows a young woman (Salli Richardson-Whitfield) who returns home to take over as pastor of the family church, after her father’s death. She is forced to face her sordid past and mend fences with her son and sister. It premieres Saturday, February 16 at 8pm/eastern (www.aenetworks.com). GO RHONDA... and several other friends associated with this project: PASTOR BROWN is my friend and Morehouse brother Rockmond Dunbar's directorial debut! Also in the mix: Salli Richardson-Whitfield and my BFFs identical twin Tasha Smith.

ALSO WORTH NOTING that my Morehouse brother Korey Washington ---- one of my FIRST production colleagues from our SCHOOL DAZE ---- is the production designer on "Pastor Brown". Like Rockmond, Korey and I shared great times at The House. Korey is a production designer of note in the industry. His latest credits include: production designer for the TV-One sitcom "Belle's" which is premiering Feb 1st and starring Keith David - also in "Pastor Brown" (http://www.tvoneonline.com/shows/belles.html). Rockmond and Korey first worked together on my friend Malcolm Jamal's film "Dirty Laundry" about which I've chatted a lot on "...The Life of Riley..." (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/2/14/doing-laundry-with-maurice-jamal.html). Korey was the Art Director and Production Designer on that film (and my friend Nathan Hale Williams was a producer on it). Also, Korey was the production designer on "The Shaquille O'neal All Star Comedy Jam" on Showtime. And in the world of theatre, Korey has been tapped as Set Designer for Alabama State University's spring production of The Color Purple, which has performances during March. Theatre is Korey's first love and - along with other uses of the stage - the backdrop of how we first came to collaborate in many of Morehouse and Spelman's productions as well as our world-wide participation in the Morehouse College Glee Club. I LOVE when the already small world we are in gets smaller and all of our connectedness is so vibrantly represented in this industry - holding up quite resilliently, I'd say! CONGRATS to ALL!

LA CHANZE & MISS ROSS

Of course, this blog details how much I love DIANA ROSS! This space also provides a lot of evidence that I LOVE Tony-award-winning performer LACHANZE (for many reasons – including her “The Color Purple” premiere is the night Ant and I met, among many others). Well, that fact that she just sent me a note to let me know that she is preparing for her next concert (and I came up as she and her team were discussing the set-list and theme, which is... WAIT FOR IT… "Love Hangover.. A Celebration of the music of Diana Ross"! WOW, right? LACHANZE is doing THREE nights in April at 54 Below. Stay tuned for ticket information: www.54below.com.  LACHANZE 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…” Of course, I’ll be letting her know my thoughts as I’m ever-the-expert-and-admirer when it comes to LA ROSS! 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!

FOOD

Some yummy food has been attracting me of late: Famous Fish Market in Harlem on 145^th and St. Nick….

by way of O’Hare Airport in Chicago, "Mighty Wings" (with fries and a sweet tea) from McDonald’s…

on a catch up with my nephew Herman, “Melba”!

ALWAYS GOOD!...

and in Iowa, some tasty pizza from “The Mill” with my crew ---- NONE OF THE AFOREMENTIONED AT THE EXPENSE OF MY 29-INCH WAIST SINCE HIGH SCHOOL! LOL!

GOOD WORK! GOOD FOOD! GOOD FAMILY & FRIENDS! Oh, THE LIFE OF RILEY!

MARVIN SAPP

MARVIN SAPP is in town THIS WEEK! His “Never Would Have Made It” anoints ME every time! It gets me back to CHERISHED MEMORIES; ETERNAL GRATITUDE; and GOD’s LOVE! Plus, it’s just a SLAMMING SONG! Well, the marketing folks with NJPAC have asked me to let all of my GOSPEL MUSIC FANS and FANS OF GOOD MUSIC know that this is an experience you don’t want to miss. This Friday 1/18 at NJPAC! You can BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY! http://bit.ly/njpacLOR #NJPAC #MARVINSAPP

...AND TELL THEM “…THE LIFE OF RILEY…” SENT YOU!

2013 off to a busy start! Lots of client calls and booked gigs! A little travel! Taking meetings on new business! And amidst it all, remembering what’s important: MY LOVED ONES; GIVING BACK; SAYING THANK YOU!

In other church bulletin news (LOL!):

YOU MATTER: 7 Practices of Living a Life of Purpose

I’m always singing the praises of MOMENTUM EDUCATION (www.momentumeducation.com) – an awesome series of classes I experienced in 2004 that keeps me GOING FOR THE GOLD in my life and career (and teaches me how to get up POWERFULLY when I may not meet the mark, but just need a little RE-BOOT): http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2006/10/25/love-is-in-the-air.html. Since then, I’ve been tapping into that POWER SOURCE and blessed to share the gift with so many of my friends…and to see – in addition to MY WORLD – THE WORLD CHANGE (for the better!). Was really excited to see many of my Momentum family members – old and new – at the first course, THE BASIC’s celebration last night when another friend graduated the life-changing work. Congrats, Jamar! MOMENTUM continues to inspire me to BE THE DIFFERENCE in my personal and professional life! I call it a tool that I use alongside many other supports that keep me aligned with those ways of being that work best to achieve my goals. Another tool I’ll be using comes from two dear Momentum friends Melvin Miller and Federica Baldan. It’s an Ebook and Audio book: “YOU MATTER: 7 Practices of Living a Life of Purpose” and you must order it now: www.audiogo.com/us/youmatter.  Thanks to Melvin and Federica for all they do to CHANGE the WORLD – one person at a time!

“YOU ARE NOT ALONE”

A casual invitation for pasta from my girlfriend Sidra Smith turned into a beautiful night of cinema: an intimate screening of documentary “You Are Not Alone” – a collaboration between friends - triple NAACP Image Award winner Stanley Bennett Clay and Guyanese-born double NYABJ Award winner, journalist and national gay mental health activist Antoine B.Craigwell – both in attendance. The film pushes the envelope, shines a light in a dark, unspoken area in the Black community, to bring healing. Through the courageous sharing of personal stories, “You Are Not Alone” explores many of the underlying social factors which contribute to high rates of depression among Black gay men. “You Are Not Alone” also opens up discussions on the critical issues affecting many Black men and Black gay men who go through life hiding their depression, which can contribute to unsafe sexual activity because they are unconcerned about the consequences, elevated drug use, and even death by suicide. The documentary is a combination of powerful, heart wrenching and poignant interviews and is balanced with professional opinions provided by mental health professionals, academics and religious leaders (Christian and Islam) as well as some beautifully-woven docu-dramatized iconography. For more information on “You Are Not Alone”, visit www.dbgm.org and to see a trailer of the film www.yana-thefilm.com. BEAUTIFUL WORK!

LEWIS JOHNSON

I told you a few months back about my friend Kelly J. Welborn and how she was doing big things via her  idreamSpeakers, LLC: TWITTER: @idreamspeakers.com. Well, Kelly’s client, seven-time NBC Olympic Commentator and ESPN reporter Lewis Johnson (Twitter: @LewisJohnsonMG) is coming to the Boys & Girls Club in NY and NJ on Wednesday, January 23, and Thursday, January 24 to distribute 400 coats, hats, scarves, gloves, clothing and winter wear collected over the holiday during his WORLD-CLASS COAT DRIVE organized in Dallas, TX. World-Class athletes, Olympians, Super Bowl champs and his generous Dallas/Fort Worth community donated to his charitable effort to help families in need that were impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Lewis was in New York days after Hurricane Sandy devasted the northeast and was compelled to help families in hard-hit areas stay warm for the winter. Lewis will be joined by Olympians to present “A View from the Olympic Broadcast Booth,” his Olympic-themed inspirational speech to over 200 youth at Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County in Jersey City and Educational Alliance Boys & Girls Club at P.S. 188 about goal setting, overcoming obstacles and pursuing your dreams. After the presentation, all the young attendees will receive a coat or winter wear donated during his two-week World-Class Coat Drive. There are so many stories of graciousness from his community that have emerged from this charitable effort. To find out more (and what you can do), click here: www.idreamspeakers.com.

MARVIN SAPP

REMINDER: MARVIN SAPP is in town THIS WEEK! His “Never Would Have Made It” anoints ME every time! It gets me back to CHERISHED MEMORIES; ETERNAL GRATITUDE; and GOD’s LOVE! Plus, it’s just a SLAMMING SONG! Well, the marketing folks with NJPAC have asked me to let all of my GOSPEL MUSIC FANS and FANS OF GOOD MUSIC know that this is an experience you don’t want to miss. This Friday 1/18 at NJPAC! You can BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY! http://bit.ly/njpacLOR #NJPAC #MARVINSAPP

...AND TELL THEM “…THE LIFE OF RILEY…” SENT YOU!