A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

DON’T SLEEP

Well, President Obama is in The White House! And like the first time, I am starting to get political/pop cultural bookings (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/6/6/a-pound-is-nothing-without-someone-you-love-to-share-it-with.html). A few of those impressions were with NBC News Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXc6x5JlJuw & http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickDemoSept2011.mov). So far this time, it comes in the form of a call-back from DON’T SLEEP – HOSTED BY T.J. HOLMES ( http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/9/28/arms-open-wide.html). Last night, we discussed what Obama's re-election means to Black America and how it was the minority – at-large – that got him his second term i.e. Blacks, Latinos, LGBT, and the youth (http://www.bet.com/video/dont-sleep/highlights/2012/sleep-talkers-don-t-sleep-121-12021.html). Also, I was interviewed back-stage before the show: http://bet.us/TuU3Eb.  I got to wax philosophical with journalist/cultural critic Toure, whose work I’ve admired for years – on-camera and via the National Association of Black Journalists’ annual convention. Also in the mix: Rapper “The Game” (who – by the way – has a new CD coming out December 11^th. It’s called “Jesus Piece”. ) He shocked me when he told me that he was a ‘fan’ of my blog. THANKS GAME! I truly enjoyed sharing the table with the fellas. As we looked at same-sex marriage passing in two states (Maryland and Maine), I was posed a question or two. One thing I wanted to offer was a shout out to Bayard Rustin about whom I’ve blogged before: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/6/19/postcards-from-the-edge.html. He took a backseat as he orchestrated much of the movement on behalf of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and so many more (He organized The March on Washington, for example). This, because he was gay. Always out and unapologetic. But smart enough to know that - at that time - his orientation may have confused the efforts that were being made to gain civil rights for Black people. I've studied Bayard Rustin and consider him a personal hero. With that, I lift his name up for having to move to the back burner despite his brilliance. 50 years later, LGBT issues are at the fore; we are at the table and know our value; and we were key in not only helping to get President Obama elected, but we are beneficiaries and muses of the many other things he has done for the LGBT community since being in office – including the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”; lots of bullying motivation (including a letter to a 10-year-old girl who was being bullied because she had two dads); and so much more. Also on this Election Day: Shout out to Wisconsin for producing the first openly gay or lesbian person to win a U.S. Senate seat: Tammy Baldwin.  HERE'S A LINK: http://www.bet.com/video/dont-sleep/highlights/2012/sleep-talkers-don-t-sleep-121-12021.html. And the back-stage one: http://bet.us/TuU3Eb. PLEASE SHARE & TWEET ACCORDINGLY: @BETDontSleep #BETDontSleep THANK YOU, T.J.

EBONY POWER 100

On the back-stage viral that the DON’T SLEEP producers did with me when I was on the show, I mentioned everyone’s favorite Real Housewife Nene Leakes. She is on the cover of EBONY’s POWER 100 ISSUE. I got to toast her on that point recently at a gala that was thrown to honor the cream of the crop (including Quevenzhane Wallis - one to watch in "Beasts of the Southern Wild" - a flick my girlfriend, Fox Searchlight Pictures marketing exec, Cassandra Butcher brought to the National Association of Black Journalists' Convention back in New Orleans a few months ago: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/6/29/impossible-inevitable.html). It is a must see: www.beastsofthesouthernwild.com. She was gracious; happy to pose for a pic; and she seemed quite genuinely appreciative that we are fans of THE NEW NORMAL – her hit sitcom. I was there – however – to toast my homeboy Maurice Marable (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/11/10/put-me-to-the-test.html) & my NABJ A&E Task Force sister Nekesa Moody - TWO of EBONY's POWER 100.  ALSO IN THE HOUSE: Many of the POWER 100 and LOTS of my friends from EBONY and beyond! I LOVE IT WHEN I REALLY KNOW THE PEOPLE ON THESE LISTS...and when they are REALLY DESERVING! Proud of Y'ALL! XO PLR http://www.ebony.com/entertainment-culture/ebony-reveals-its-2012-power-100-list-100 

RHONDA ROSS

You all know I LOVE EVERYTHING ROSS, which includes her offspring. The eldest daughter of Miss Diana (and Motown Founder Berry Gordy), Rhonda Ross gave a stunning performance last night at Lee Summers’ The Triad here in NYC: http://www.facebook.com/events/505801396114740/! Her jazz-inspired set included a little hip hop (“Empire State of Mind” by Jay Z & Alicia Keys – her opener); lots of neo-soul; and a few classic and modern-day anthems – including “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (her encore) and the R.-Kelly-penned title track of the late, great Whitney Houston, “I Look To You” – a touching rendition dedicated to the family of the two brothers, Brandon and Connor Moore, who were swept out of their mother’s arms by floodwaters during Hurricane Sandy in Staten Island. Also, Rhonda’s own self-penned compositions were sprinkled throughout her set. One tune was designed to inspire us ALL to get out and VOTE (Rhonda’s exclaimed preference: President Obama). Mission accomplished. But having just experienced a week without power and a week in which so many have experienced difficulties, Rhonda Ross inspired us all to live our best lives IN LOVE. And that shows up on-stage and off-stage. Worth noting, Rhonda is busy as ever these days with more than motherhood (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/rhonda-ross-kendrick). She is hosting the Hearts of Gold benefit next week here in NYC (www.heartsofgold.org/). As a consultant for Remy Martin, I enrolled the luxury liquor company (known for its Cognac) to be a sponsor for the charity event which  fosters sustainable change in lifestyle and levels of self-sufficiency for homeless mothers and their children. It was also great to see my fellow ROSS fans in the house – including Andreas (who came all the way from Germany for the show) and Dustin Fitzharris – also a fellow journalist who did a wonderful interview with Rhonda to promote her show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=styk1uJ7VNY.  CONGRATS on a GREAT SHOW, RHONDA! One more thing: MISS ROSS – who normally attends all of her kids’ special functions – is out of the country on a lucrative gig – performing in India. It's a birthday event that Naomi Campbell is hosting for her boyfriend. I LOVE ROSS, of course... and NAOMI!

TAI BEAUCHAMP

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/6/15/welcome-back-into-my-life-again.html My Spelman sister and fellow NYC friend Tai Monique Beauchamp Tai Beauchamp is always handling her business (www.youtube.com/watch?v=R76dF0ScGyk). She has partnered with one of our favorite retailers, Target, as they begin to spread the word about their extensive product offering geared toward the multiethnic woman. GOOD STUFF, TAI! CLICK HERE: www.youtube.com/watch?v=R76dF0ScGyk.

TAMARA TUNIE

Shout out to my girl Tamara Tunie who not only just completed a successful singing stint at Feinstein’s, but she’s co-starring with Denzel Washington in “Flight”. It is playing at a theater near you. http://www.paramount.com/flight/CONGRATS – as always – on EVERYTHING, TAMARA! XO

RADIANCE

Urban Vintage (www.urbanvintageny.com) was the well-appointed backdrop of the baby shower we attended recently. The guest of honor will be here in a month or less, but I have known her mom Radiance Salem since she was a child. And now, she’s having a baby! TIME FLIES! CONGRATS, RADIANCE! WE LOVE YOU!

NINA

I mentioned Mara above. Her husband is Tommie. Our BFFs! Their daughter is Nina... and this is what it looks like when I 'babysit' her! A laugh before you go: https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=4849253031802

HURRICANE SANDY

Thanks to all of you for your WELL-WISHES & concern. Hopefully by the time you read this, I will have power. But for now, I am among the 2.6 milliion New Jersey households without it. And our town of Ridgefield Park flooded something terrible, though there's no damage to the interior of our home. Cabin fever is getting the best (or worst) of me, but neighbor BFF Ernest Maynor, Ant, and I are joining forces to stay fed and as comfy as possible. Dear friends Mara Schiavocampo & Tommie Porter opened up their home to us - so we got our hot food & water; cocktails; great chat; and Nina on! Just a few days prior, The Porters were The Carters (with Blue Ivy AKA Nina in tow) for a Halloween Party! Another day had me hanging out at a friend's office - for recharging; computer use (hence this note); etc. To all who have lost - property or loved ones, I'm CLEAR my situation could be a lot worse and I extend my PRAYERS of comfort and speedy recovery your way! One friend, publicist Rachel Noerdlinger, tweeted while we were at CAMP PORTER (@Mara Schiavocampo & Tommie Porter): “I'm in a house full of serious journalists stranded from #Sandy. Are we watching the news? Nope. @patarack wants to watch the Voice. SMH (NOTE FROM @PATARACK: I'M MISSING ALL MY SHOWS! "The Voice", "RuPaul", "X Factor", "Life After", Marvin Gaye's crime file on TV One, Toni Braxton's "Behind The Music", and SO MUCH MORE as the days go on I.E. “GLEE (GREASE episode)”; etc.! LOL! I'll catch it on demand or whenever... but IJS! LOL!)

SUE SIMMONS

The New York Association of Black Journalists, Essence Magazine and Black Employees @ Time Inc. came together to honor former WNBC anchor Sue Simmons in a special award ceremony. The spirited evening took place at the Time-Life Building and felt like a family reunion - between my best buddies from the current Board of the New York Association of Black Journalists - including NYABJ Prez Mike Feeney, Dwight Oestricher, and the evening's host Cheryl Wills (NY-1); my NYABJ friends-for-life - including Essence Editor-in-Chief Constance White; WABC 7's Sandra Bookman (Anchor/Reporter/Host, "Here & Now"); fashion writers Robin Givhan and Walter Greene; another NBC legend Al Roker who (like Sue) I produced in the late '90s via NBC 4's special projects division; and a couple of my friends and icons from the arts: well-known writer/producer/NYC socialite Susan Fales Hill (known for "A Different World"); writer/producer/NYC socialite Susan Fales Hill (known for "A Different World"); Tony-award-winning choreographer George Faison (Owner, Faison Firehouse Theater in Harlem) and Miss Valerie Simpson who serenaded Sue with a beautiful, self-accompanied rendition of one of the classics co-written by Valerie and her late, great husband and songwriting partner Nickolas Ashford, "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing". Sue was as happy to see me as I was to see her. In the words of the invite, she 'truly left an unforgettable mark during her more than 30 years on the New York City station," A host of other NABJ family members were in the house - including NABJ Executive Director Maurice Foster.

JUDGE LYNN TOLER

Before heading home from the Sue Simmons event, I went by M Bar in Mansfield hotel to catch up with another NABJ sister friend Nicole Childers. Her client, Divorce Court's Judge Lynn Toler is in town to promote her new book, "Making Marriage Work."  http://www.agatepublishing.com/book/?GCOI=93284100848410. You may know that she's been the Divorce Court judge since 2006 and in the course of the past month has appeared on Dr. Drew's HLN show and MSNBC's "The Cycle." And while here, she was on some fun and familiar airwaves here in the city - including 'Wendy Williams' and her weekly HOT TALK panel. My Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts, Ant, and others were in the mix - holding court with the very lovely, engaging, and funny Judge Lynn. Great night in NYC! (Good to see my Morehouse brother Mario Ephraim’s aunt back on the tube via an installment of “Life After” (Divorce Court) on TV One: www.tvone.tv/content/tvone_site1/en/shows/life_after.html! We ALSO LOVE Judge Mablean… and Judge Lynn Toler does too! I asked her!).

BRANDY

BRANDY was in town recently for a $32.00 concert at Best Buy Theater in Times Square (right across the street from my recurring client BET). Ant, BFF since 7th grade Ern, and I attended along with a sold-out crowd that included many of our friends - including Morehouse BFFs Mario and Michael K. Watts, who covered the event for his concert review and highlights site "LIVE! From Front Row" which shot Brandy's Whitney Tribute: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQiQk6nOPdc and so much more that you can enjoy here: www.youtube.com/livefromfrontrow.  

Courtesy of "LIVE! From Front Row":

 FINAL Brandy set list;

 9:13

 What about

 Full moon

 Top of the world

 Sitting up in my room

 Medley: Best friend/Baby/I wanna be down

 ------------------

 Whitney Houston Medley: I'm your baby tonight/How Will I Know/I wanna dance with somebody

 Have you ever

 Almost Doesn't count

 Wildest Dreams

 Put It Down

 10:00

 FOR MORE INFO on BRANDY's NEW RELEASE: http://www.rcarecords.com/news/brandy-release-highly-anticipated-album-two-eleven-october-16thEarlier that day, it’s worth noting that one of my colleagues from Chicago-based Harpo, Caroline Ziv, popped into town on business. She’s one of the BEST producers I know in the business! Of course, between her meetings, she dedicated some time to catch-up and break-bread with me at Serafina! Great to see you, ZIV!

WILD WITH HAPPY

Shout out to Marcia Pendelton and Lauren Tobin - both of whom have been asking me to come out to see "WILD WITH HAPPY", a world premiere written by and featuring Colman Domingo ( http://www.newstimes.com/entertainment/article/Who-s-a-busy-boy-Actor-playwright-Colman-Domingo-3915439.php). I've sung his praises from his tour de force performance in Broadway's "Passing Strange" (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/3/15/twas-passing-strange.html). Then, I penned his hosting words at one of Black 2 Broadway's Tony Awards events (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/6/19/postcards-from-the-edge.html). Now, Colman is in previews at the Public Theater and what a wonderful piece. And this time, it's a work that also features my Morehouse brother Maurice McRae in a BRILLIANT performance. Maurice is my MOREHOUSE BIG BROTHER; he directed me in several staged productions at Morehouse; we were in the glee club together; etc. GREAT FRIEND!!!

 Here is a description of the work:

World Premiere

 WILD WITH HAPPY

 By Colman Domingo

 Directed by Robert O'Hara

 Featuring Colman Domingo, Korey Jackson, Maurice McRae,

and Sharon Washington

 October 9 - November 11

From Colman Domingo (a Tony Award® nominee for The Scottsboro Boys and an Obie Award winner for Passing Strange) comes a deeply imaginative and utterly outrageous new work that explores the bizarre comedy that lies within death and healing. Gil, an actor who's struggling to carve out his own new life, finds his worlds colliding when his mother dies and he decides to have her cremated. But where should he scatter the ashes? And can he make a fairytale ending for her in the one place that made her WILD WITH HAPPY? Domingo leads a cast of four. And directing is Obie winner Robert O'Hara.

BIRTHDAY SEASON

Our friend Michelle Sanchez Boyce inspired an ENERGY OF LOVE – ALL FOR HER – at a birthday party she and her husband, our buddy Nelson Boyce hosted. It was a fun set at their New Rochelle home which features a back-deck patio – ripe for poet Mums and Grammy-award winning Anthony Hamilton to wax poetical; philosophical; political; psychological (and everything else). And also, a house full of GREAT FOOD and our New Rochelle (and Bergen County) favorites – including my Amazing Grace Nichole and a host of other festive folks!

Shout out to Ant’s cousin Taricq! We celebrated his birthday last night at ReCoup and Fat Buddha Bar! Taricq and his Multi Vision team performed at the first set (www.multivisionent.com)  and what a FAMILY REUNION it was!

Ant’s Denver BFF and art soul-mate Manivone’s birthday was yesterday. We toasted my Scorpio sister at Clinton Hill’s Speedy Romeo. Then, we continued our hang in Brooklyn. Always good to be in the BK with our peeps!

KARAOKE RULES

We’ve still been getting some casual karaoke in when we can. Popped over to Astoria to join Ant’s cuz Shantay for some fun! While at One 7 Karaoke recently, I stumbled into one of my karaoke buddies Javier Millan. He excited me with the news that he is a contestant on "IDOLOS de la cancion" - an "American Idol" for the Latin audience in which participants impersonate a Latin music icon or current superstar (http://tv.univision.com/sabado-gigante/article/2007-08-03/idolos-de-la-cancion). Check him out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=necxEyG6p9s. Congrats, Javier!

NEW MUSIC: TAVARES STEPHENS & KENNY CARR

You all read about my ‘Amazing Grace’ Natalie in my CNN piece a few months ago (http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/07/living/gay-best-friend/index.html). Well, she’s family! Her brother-in-law Tavares is family too…and I’m excited to tell you about something this Atlanta-based artist is doing. It’s all here on his webite: www.tavaresstephens.com. But let me wax proud for a moment. He’s been working on a praise and worship music project/CD titled “The Ascension Project”... and it is something to behold. Again, you can find it at www.tavaresstephens.com.

It is a five track EP that is a fusion of contemporary praise and worship and spoken word poetry. Tavares wrote, executive produced, and co-produced the CD. He says it's truly a unique offering that can make a difference in the way it will minister to people's hearts. The project is an independent project; so, please check it out; buy it; share it; spread the word! In addition to being able to hear the music on his site, you can also watch video clips of live performances (like this one: http://youtu.be/vq9qqwMJ1eI). MEANWHILE, a pop into Hillstone to use the restroom and to then have a glass of iced tea turned into a quick bite with my friend Shareen (Uber-Producer at “The Bill Cunningham Show”) and her husband, the most awesome musician Kenny Carr who has some new music coming out soon. I can’t wait to share! (You’ll recall, Shareen and I worked alongside each other in 2009 while producing reality shows “Monica: Still Standing” and “Frankie & Neffe”. LOVE THAT COUPLE & THOSE TWO INDIVIDUALS!). But back to Kenny: He is a Composer, Producer, Singer, and Musician. I know his trombone playing from the United House of Prayer for All People - my family church. He and I still have many mutual peeps from that common ground. But Kenny is now internationally renowned as one of the world’s premier soulful jazz trombonists and shout band recording artists. He's apepared on Grammy nominated recordings, Dove award winning projects, and has been named the Best of North Carolina Music Artist. The Charlotte native has performed with and shared the stage with the likes of Ramsey Lewis, Wycliffe Gordon, Jonathan Butler, Al Green, Gladys Knight, and the late Ray Charles. His talents extend across genres, allowing Kenny to share his talents with gospel greats Vickie Winans, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Bishop Ronald Brown, and John P Kee. Kenny has toured and shared his musical expertise internationally with his solo project “Sound the Alarm” (2003). He has also broadened his repertoire to include Executive Producer of the amazing masterpiece, “The Seal Breakers” (2011). And Kenny’s latest gift, “Amazing Love” (2012) will certainly secure him as one of the best musicians of all times. That's the one I'm excited to share with you when it's time! CONGRATS, TAVARES & KENNY: pop culture and possibilities at their BEST!

FAMU & NABJ

So honored to have been invited to be the Keynote Speaker for the 2012 NABJ Multimedia Short Course - a journalism boot-camp that attracts 30 or so college students from all over to receive intensive hands-on training at FAMU's School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (and its 100,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility). As I am one of the NABJ BABIES who just-over 20 years was introduced ...to student opportunities the like of this one, you must know how excited I was to share my testimonial in front of these bright students and others of my NABJ colleagues who volunteered their time to teach. And on top of that, I got the FULL CIRCLE honor of reuniting with the very woman who introduced me to NABJ in 1991 (circa my days at Morehouse and in the AUC - including Clark Atlanta University's Mass Media Arts Department from which I got much of my early training): Dr. Ann Wead Kimbrough, now-Dean of the FAMU School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (Twitter: @annkimbrough) and my "industry mom" with whom I also got to enjoy one-on-one catch-up time at one of Tallahassee's best restaurants Masa... and after my speech, I got to enjoy a tour of Tallahassee and further catch-up time (on our families and mutual colleagues) at her beautiful home. As I look back on my last 20 years, I'm so proud to continue my investment in the next generation of media professionals. NABJ continues to teach us well! (www.nabj.org)! Oh! Don't tell my Morehouse brothers, but the FAMU hosts made me an honorary "rattler"! LOL! SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! THANKS FAMU for hosting me in EXCELLENCE!

MARY WILSON

My friends at the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (www.visitphilly.com) invited me to the African American Museum in Philadelphia, for cocktails; appetizers; one-on-one chat time with Miss Ross' fellow Original Supreme, the FABULOUS Mary Wilson whose new exhibition, "Come See About Me: The Mary Wilson Supremes Collection" will run January 25-July 2013 at the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP).
 
For more info:
http://www.aampmuseum.org/
 
http://aampmuseum.org/index.php/page/come-see-about-press-kitrick
 
The exhibit will include more than 30 gowns from the musical group but it will be about so much more:
 
·         How the Supremes began to change the perception of black women in America in the 1960s and 70s
·         Music of the era
·         Fashion: the exhibit contains Supremes' wigs, jewelry, accessories, album covers, etc.
 
The exhibition is likely to strike a chord with baby boomers, fans of the music, mothers and daughters, etc.  This is the first time this many gowns will be shown together, and in this social context-the empowerment of women and the breaking down of social barriers.
Mary shared many stories - including many of the Motown memories; sang beautifully one of her jazz staples "Here's To Life" a capella; played one of her new pop songs "Life's Been Good To Me" for us (after those many #1 hits piped through the sound system); and once she and I sat down to talk, she asked if I'd send her my "...Life of Riley..." Blog entry. I assured her I'd get it to her AND blast it out to many friends who - I'm sure - will want to come see the exhibit with me next January 2013 - June 2013.
 
I'M SO GLAD I TOOK THE TIME TO 'COME SEE ABOUT (THE FABULOUS MISS MARY WILSON)'. Someday she, my beloved Diana, and Flo-Ballard-replacement Cindy Birdsong may NOT ever be together again. BUT like Miss Ross (a few times over), I'M THRILLED I GOT TO MEET HER!

STEEL MAGNOLIAS

So my call-back did come from the "Don't Sleep" (Hosted by T.J. Holmes), after my taping last week (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/9/28/arms-open-wide.html). An 11th hour booking switch, though, bumped me. So, I'll await the next call for my LIVE close-up now that the show has begun. But soon come: I'm so PROUD of TJ and recurring client BET for taking this bold new step - respectively – for their brands!

That said, my evening freed up to join the cast of Lifetime's "Steel Magnolias" and its Director, my friend and mentor from my Atlanta days, Kenny Leon.

So many friends and associates were also in the house - including my Flo Anthony; Audrey Bernard; Erika Munro Kennerly;

KJ Rose; Carl Nelson; Kai Wright; Katrina Boswell; Kevin "Moochie" Freeman; Mrs. Spike Lee, Tonya Lewis Lee; Carolyn Edgar; George Faison; T; etc. But the stars of the night were the stellar remakes cast: Phylicia Rashad;

Alfre Woodard; Queen Latifah; Jill Scott; Condola Rashad; Adepero Oduye;

and the actor who portray's "Shelby's husband". #SteelMagnolias #Lifetime www.mylifetime.com/movies/steel-magnolias.  I get scared of REMAKES, but LET ME TELL YOU: THIS IS A MUST-SEE AND YOU BETTER BRING YOUR KLEENEX! I LOVED IT!

Other pix from that fun night: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151075847748737.435111.662073736&type=3&l=e0093edbb1.

CYNTHIA BURGOS & CLOSET TALK TV

We had to hop up to Harlem to support our Cynthia Burgos at the Adam Clayton Powell State Building where her work is featured in another community exhibit: “From Slavery to Presidency”. You’ll recall, she and Ant participated in the last Basquiat-inspired exhibit that took place in the same place: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/8/20/art-and-annual-therapy.html. Meanwhile, here’s the latest “…Life of Riley…” entry: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/8/20/art-and-annual-therapy.html. Shout out to my Spelman sister and recent fellow producer on a special project at BET that was recently nominated for the Pro Max award (A video tribute to Women in the Civil Rights Movement: http://csftp.bet.net/fileview/2569_Reel2_IWasHere_CUT5_FINAL_Mix.zip), Kirsten Magwood (AKA @dcflygirl)& my New Ro buddy Mrs. Chenoa Maxwell (AKA @ChenoaMaxwell) on their new project CLOSET TALK TV (@ClosetTalkTV): http://www.closettalk.tv/. I’m tuning in & crawling into that closet someday soon! LOL! CONGRATS LADIES!

ANOTHER BDAY & BON VOYAGE

Great day with our girlfriend Elisabeth and all of our many friends – including Carl Nelson – as she prepares to head back to Norway. Later, we joined my Amazing Grace Mara Schiavocampo at Yatenga French Bistro in Harlem where a fun group came out to TOAST and DINE with OUR MARA! Happy Birthday, MARA! And BON VOYAGE, Elisabeth! XO

HARLEM FOOD BAR

Hey folks! Happy Tuesday EVERY Tuesday with my friend Jamar Dunn who offers up $5 drink specials; $5 appetizers; and a room full of eye candy! HARLEM has a Tuesday hang now to which you must come and JOIN US some time at Harlem Food Bar: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151165173230983&set=a.10151142461645983.421142.673660982&type=1&theater. Shout out to my buddy Ryan T. Hall who is host of “Stereotypes” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOnFME-n048. He hits the streets of New York for Season 2 on the i am OTHER channel. Subscribe to i am OTHER on YouTube to stay updated on our daily releases: http://www.youtube.com/iamOTHER. Videos, news and more: http://www.iamOTHER.com/ Like i am OTHER on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iamOTHER Follow i am OTHER on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/i_am_OTHER.

SAHARA DAVENPORT

"RuPaul Drag Race" contestant Sahara Davenport passed away this week. WHAT A LOSS: heart failure at 27 years of age! I met HER a year or so ago at a Joan Rivers party in Manhattan! SO NICE! SO TALENTED! R.I.P. http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/3/15/easy-breezy-george-and-weezy.html

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MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL

Enjoyed an EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK at "MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL" (www.MotownTheMusical.com)  #GetReadyBroadway #ChryslerMotown WHAT WONDERFUL EXCERPTS! THEY WERE DREAMY AND TRULY SPARKLED! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE WHOLE SHOW! Of course, I love all things MOTOWN: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/3/26/people-say-im-the-life-of-the-party.html & MISS ROSS: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/diana-ross.   It seems that after everyone else has taken creative license on Berry Gordy's story (including his romance with Miss Ross), that he and Miss Ross will finally OWN their story in this MUST-SEE MUSICAL! PREVIEWS begin March 11, 2013 and Opening Night is April 14, 2013. The Book is by Berry Gordy, Jr. based on the book "To Be Loved" and features songs from the Legendary Motown Catalogue. In the house: Rhonda Ross Kendrick (who will be doing her part for the Gordy/Ross legacy as she performs a show of her beautiful songs at The Triad on November 5th. Come out and join us! www.triadnyc.com/); Gordon Chambers (who reminded me of his birthday show - Midnight - at the Blue Note on October 13^th: http://www.bluenote.net/newyork/schedule/moreinfo.cgi?id=10431); My girl Jacquie Lee who worked her integrating marketing magic on Broadway’s recent “Streetcar Named Desire” (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/streetcar-named-desire) introduced me to Chrystler executive Justin Byrd, who is the brains behind a synergy that will entertain and promote the show and the music’s legacy over the next few months. With Chrysler lending its branding and integrated marketing power to "Motown: The Musical", we're all promised a ride as magical as the one Berry Gordy and TEAM MOTOWN continue to take us on today. Stay tuned.  Marcus Canty from X Factor (will release his debut EP aptly titled, This…Is Marcus Canty on October 30th. For more info: http://www.MarcusCantyOfficial.com, http://www.twitter.com/IAmMarcusCanty.com, and http://www.facebook.com/OfficialMarcusCanty.com). Suzanne DePasse; my girl Marcia Pendelton who is on Team "Motown: The Musical", working her marketing/audience development magic. - audience; my girl Jacque Reid; Hoda Kofi from TODAY (The 10am hour); Gayle King; my friend Caliaf St-Aubyn who is in the cast; Marva Hicks who is in the show; L.A. Reid (X Factor) and wife Erika; Claudette Robinson, former Miracle and first wife of Smokey Robinson who was also in the house; famous former manager of Diana Ross; Supremes; Temptations: Shelly Berger; The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin; Emilio Sosa, costume designer of "Motown: The Musical". I had the chance to interview on the stage of one of his last projects, "By The Way, Meet Vera Stark" starring Sanaa Lathan; the Legendary Valerie Simpson; and a host of my nearest and dearest friends. I'M SO EXCITED FOR THIS SHOW! GET READY BROADWAY!

DON’T SLEEP WITH T.J. HOLMES

I’m hoping for a call back now that I’ve done a test taping of “DON’T SLEEP! Hosted by T.J. Holmes” (as an on-cam “pop culture analyst” on his round-table – also adorned with fellow talking heads: Comedian Sherrod Small; Tiffany Shorter; and Issa Rae. We talked all things pop culture & politics – including: Ann Romney on LENO; “Gay Marriage: Will Blacks sit out the election?”; Celebrity Endorsements: Helpful? Hurtful?; Brooklyn Nets Cheerleaders New Uniforms; etc. WHAT A GREAT SHOW & A GREAT PRODUCTION TEAM! Everyone felt like family and some are – including producer Nichole Andrews Shellman, muse for my recent CNN.com piece (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/8/7/my-girls.html). And one of my BFFs Q (on tresses). And Unique (on make-up). “DON’T SLEEP!” premieres October 1st and will run Monday-Thursday at 11pm. For more info on BET and “Don’t Sleep!” check out http://www.bet.com/ and http://www.bet.com/shows/new-shows/dont-sleep-tj-holmes.html.  CONGRATS to TJ who I’ve had the pleasure of knowing through the National Association of Black Journalists (www.NABJ.org). GREAT GUY! CLASS ACT! AND FUNNY!!!!! It’s going to be MUST-SEE and a great way for us to be informed and entertained – at once! I look forward to return visit(s)!

BEING MARY JANE & URBAN WORLD FILM FESTIVAL

The 16th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival presented by BET Networks opened last week at AMC 34th Street with the BET Premiere Cinema film 'Being Mary Jane,' an original made for television movie and pilot. On hand to celebrate this world premiere was the film's lead star Gabrielle Union along with cast members Tika Sumpter and Richard Brooks and my friends AKA writer/director powerhouse couple Salim and Mara Brock Akil. BET top execs Debra Lee (Chairman and CEO), Loretha Jones (President of Original Programming), Jeanine Liburd (Exec Pres. of Corporate Communications) and Connie Orlando (VP, Original Programming) were also in the house to present the film, which my date, buddy Carl Nelson, and I loved. It seemed the packed house love it too! ESSENCE entertainment director Cori Murray moderated the cast Q&A afterward. Then, we all went to the Gaansevort Hotel in NYC’s Meatpacking district for an after-set on its rooftop. Others in the mix:  Jacque Reid, Harriette Cole, Twinkie Byrd (casting director, "Being Mary Jane"), Susan Fales-Hill, Jennifer Williams (VH1, "Basketball Wives"), Karen Gravano (VH1, "Mobb Wives"), Taimak (actor, The Last Dragon), Stacy Spikes (founder, Urbanworld), and Gabrielle Glore (executive producer, Urbanworld).

SHAGGY & SHELLY ANN FRASER-PRYCE

Shout out to Ant's and my sister friend Sabrina Coleman who - with her Pansophy PR FIRM - brought a wonderful group of people together at Private East Side Manhattan home of Ambassador Brenda Johnson. The occasion was to unveil plans for The American Friends of Jamaica (and Executive Director Caron S. Chung) - a foundation close to my heart for the work I've done producing tribute videos for The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies over the last two years: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/1/27/live-out-louder.html. AFJ's 2012 Hummingbird Gala is scheduled for October 25, 2012. Here to help signal the occasion: Jamaica's 2012 Gold Medalist Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce (who signed a pair of NIKEs that will be auctioned off for the awesome charity event); MR. LOVAH-LOVAH HIMSELF, the BOMBASTIC Shaggy; my girlfriends (circa our GERALDO days), Debbie Mitchell (www.thebloggerconnection.com) and Lora Wiley (www.citizenbrooklyn.com), and my NABJ/BET sister Deborah Skinner. For more information on how you can be a part of this amazing effort which benefits so many Jamaicans in need, please kindly go to www.theafj.org. Afterwards, we reunited Sabrina briefly with her Mario who is responsible for introducing us all.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Shout out to my favorite nephew! He’s 24! YIKES! I LOVE YOU, Herman L. Riley III.

And we got a recent birthday toast (and bite) in with our friend, birthday boy Mike! Tao was our celebration spot, which doubled as a long-overdue delight! Hadn’t been to Tao in a minute!

TRENDING PIC OF THE WEEK (CIRCA 1984)

A BLAST FROM THE PAST sent this to my FACEBOOK and many had lots to say! LOL! YES, I PLAYED TROMBONE from 5th grade to Freshman year (first semester) in college. This picture is from Freshman Year in high school.  I not only played trombone (first chair typically), but I went on to be the Band Captain my Senior Year at Windsor Forest High School (when all of our bands were voted SUPERIOR on the STATE LEVEL(s) i.e. marching & symphony). And i even brought my trombone to Morehouse and actually joined the Marching Maroon Tigers alongside the Morehouse College Glee Club. Clearly, we know which won out as I chose not to do both. From there, I even kept my trombone in tact and with me, but - at some point - my brother 'borrowed' it to play in our 'church shout band'... and - let's just say - I never saw MY TROMBONE again! LOL!