A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

TEA CAKE’S LEGACY

I'll soon be wrapping up a freelance project with recurring producing client; still managing some other projects for which I'm being retained; and will - of course - take any meetings for any other good-fit fare. Meanwhile, PLEASE check out my latest on-cam/on-the-mic hosting duties via this link: http://www.thegreenespace.org/events/thegreenespace/2012/sep/17/their-eyes-were-watching-god-teacakes-legacy/. Over the past year, The Greene Space has produced a series of events to honor the 75th anniversary of Zora Neale Hurston’s seminal novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God.” These events included panels with such luminaries as Sonia Sanchez, Ruby Dee, and Alice Walker, as well as a live radio drama recording featuring Phylicia Rashad, Ruben Santiago Hudson, and Leslie Uggams. I covered much of it – including an awesome panel earlier this year: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/1/27/black-tales.html.  To culminate this series of events, The Greene Space produced a panel discussion that looks at the work through a male lens (as in "Tea Cake"). I moderated the multi-platform discussion for NY Public Radio (with on-line video streaming technology as well) at The Greene Space located in SoHo...and what a great time we had waxing philosophical - from the male perspective - about "Teacake and Janie". My guests included award-winning poet and author Carl Hancock Rux (who doubled as panelist and poet - performing an original work entitled "Windows" commissioned by the Jerome L. Greene Performance Space); Caldecott-award-winning writer Arthur Yorinks (who adapted "Their Eyes Were Watching God" for The Greene Space's radio drama); Brandon Dirden who played Teacake in the radio drama and is currently starring in Topdog/Underdog at Two Rivers Theater. And my namesake and long-time friend Patrik Henry Bass, senior editor of Essence magazine. Was also a pleasure to be stage managed by dear friend Nikki Johnson who is ALWAYS THE BEST!     

WORKIN' OVERTIME 

Another spot ON-CAM gig I did recently is host the red carpet launch of UBC-TV NETWORKS – freshly launched channel out of Harlem.

So far, I've only hosted their launch event: https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=295251087249668. I may continue to do spot personality work for the promising start-up, but will not be hosting any of its first roll-out shows as originally reported. BIGGEST OF CONGRATULATIONS to Peggy Dodson and her team!

ROBBIE & TIM ARE BACK!

We’ve been singing the praises of OWN’s “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s” since before it hit the airwaves – having met Miss Robbie and Tim when they came to NYC to promote it last year: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/11/10/put-me-to-the-test.html.  Now, it’s an undeniable HIT! www.oprah.com/sweetiepies.  A gathering recently at Newark’s Loft 47 Bistro (www.loft47bistro.com)  brought Ant and me back in the company of our favorites, Miss Robbie and Tim – both of whom showed us LOTS OF LOVE when they saw us in the room. Tim even shouted us out to the rest of those in attendance. Also, I stumbled into a childhood role model, Cheryl Washington, whose works on “Showbiz TONIGHT” in the ‘80s/’90s is one of my inspirations for being in the biz. CONGRATS, Miss Robbie and Tim. See you soon! #SWEETIE PIES #NEWARK

TASHA SMITH, NATALIE COLE, VANESSA WILLIAMS, & MORE!

Back in February 2012 during Fashion Week, I'd mentioned that one of my BFFs Carl Nelson invited me to experience designer OMAR SALAM's Four Seasons Hotel presentation. Well, Omar was selected as the top designer to show his Spring Summer 2013 Collection in this year's Harlem Fashion Row (http://www.harlemsfashionrow.com/HFR2012Invite/), which is a true honor.

The show took place at the Jazz and Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall. Inside the packed house of 400 people or so, my many industry friends and fam - from too many walks of my life to mention, but all of whom I've chronicled in my blog.

Was also cool to see my BFF Sidra's identical twin Tasha Smith of Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married?" & & "For Better or For Worse" uber-fame; VH-1's hit "Hollywood Exes"-own Nicole Murphy (who was Omar's star model); the LEGENDARY Natalie Cole; and - OMG! - one of my AB FABs Vanessa Williams!!!  

Worth also noting that my Amazing Grace BFF Mara Schiavocampo (who adds adjunct journalism grad school professor to her already-impressive credential as NBC News Correspondent) invited me to join her for a pre-Fashion-Show cocktail at Stone Rose Lounge AND our girlfriend from Norway Elisabeth Blix was in town to keep the party going - from the event to the Hudson Hotel's courtyard terrance to Club Therapy.

MY SIDRA & ANGELA DAVIS

CONGRATS to my BFF Sidra Smith - one of the producers on "Free Angela & All Political Prisoners", which premiered at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival at Toy Thompson Hall in Toronto. Will Smith; Jada Pinkett Smith, and Jay Z are Executive Producers on the compelling project directed by Shola Lynch. <I smell OSCAR! LOL!> http://movies.yahoo.com/photos/2012-toronto-film-festival-premieres-slideshow/free-angela-political-prisoners-premiere-20120909-235628-706.html

TYRA BANKS, THE HAMPTONS, AND MORE

Sure, Tyra Banks was among the guests...but we all felt like Superstars as a chariot took 50 or so of us from NYC to The Hamptons one recent weekend to celebrate Red-Rooster's own Derek Fleming who has been a friend for over ten years now - from Brooklyn to Chicago and now-Harlem, we've shared some fun and thoughtful times. I'm honored to have been invited to participate in this fete alongside many Harlem friends, Red Rooster owner Marcus Samuelson, and a host of others. GREAT NIGHT - chockful of new and old friends!

DR. RONA ALLEN, HERVE AIMABLE, AND MORE!

Shout out to our friend Trevor Hartmon and MR. Kofi Bannerman for inviting us to a private jazz party with lots of great networking energy in the midst. The organic night was held at the beautiful Englewood, NJ home of Michael J. Torres and Dr. Rona Allen whose stage name includes the name of the ensemble she leads “Rona Allen’s In the Light Band” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6S1xSOtpOLg).  And other special musicians performed as well. What a special evening with a house full of FABULOUS people – including my friend Herve Aimable (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/3/28/love-is-in-control-finger-on-the-trigger.html)! Thanks Trevor and Kofi… and our neighbors Michael and Dr. Rona!

ALICIA IN NYC

A friend and actual co-worker since 2000 until just –last year by way of my recurring client in ChicagO, I was so excited to dine alfresco with friend-for-life Alicia Bailey who is currently a diva-promo-producer at HGTV in Knoxville, TN. In town for business, she popped by my current, recurring client (this week) in NYC to say HI (to two more former Harpo pros with whom I’m currently enjoying some professional Summer/Fall 2012 days at our mutual client BET, Ramona & Blair). To punctuate our reunion: crab cakes and Caesar salad at The Bryant Park Grill where we ran into what some say is Mr. Obama’s doppelganger, but I know him as “brother”: my Morehouse brother Imar Hutchins who happens to also be a “Son of Oprah” who I had a hand (and many feet) in producing at one of her big SURPRISE FAREWELL shows: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150194744863737&set=a.10150194744438737.310643.662073736&type=3&theater.

CELESTE RIP

As I readied for a project I am working on in the city, THE READING OF THE NAMES was - of course - on! My friend; editor; and fellow NYABJ/NABY member Celeste Victora was in the number in 2001. This cut-away of her BEAUTIFUL FACE this morning stilled me! Here are my thoughts from that week in 2001: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/a-letter-from-ground-zero-91101.html  RIP to Celeste and ALL OF THOSE WE LOST!

LABOR DAY FUN!

SUNDAE SERMON!

KARAOKE!

Summer's done but KARAOKE FUN is still going down - in a new location TenthRail Lounge - hosted by my former-fellow-NO-PARKING host (while I was doing ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY at NATIVE): MARIO!!!! Every MONDAY, you should pop by from 7p-12am! Happy Hour! Food! Drink specials of the FROZEN kind! AND MORE! GO MARIO! GO!

CARLOS KING & JAMIE FOSTER BROWN

My FAB friend Jamie Foster Brown features our beloved Carlos King in this month's Sister 2 Sister Magazine! AWESOME PROFILE! Proud to call him friend and happy his lens has even captured me a time or two when he was producing on the team that chronicled the behind-the-scenes of my Chicago client's last season. CONGRATS CARLOS KING! XO

CHRIS TUCKER & THE APOLLO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Announcement:
AEG Live Presents:
Guess Who’s Back Tour
Chris Tucker
Live at the
Apollo Theater

Thursday, December 13 and Friday, December 14 Both Shows at 8pm

Tickets Go on Sale Friday, September 21st at 10AM


(New York NY, September 17, 2012) – Comedian and actor Chris Tucker will make a triumphant return to stand up comedy with his Guess Who’s Back Tour presented by AEG Live. As part of the tour, Tucker will take the Apollo Theater stage for two nights on Thursday, December 13 and Friday, December 14 at 8pm. Tickets will go on sale Friday, September 21st at 10am.

Hailed as one of the funniest comics in the industry, Tucker is no stranger to the Apollo stage. At the beginning of his career, Tucker performed at Apollo’s legendary Amateur Night and would come back o the Theater several times throughout his career including as host of the Apollo’s Annual Spring Gala in 2007. This performance will mark the comedian/actor’s first time headlining a show at the legendary Theater.

Tickets are $49.50 and $69.50 and are available at www.apollotheater.org; in person at the Apollo Theater Box Office, 125th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues; over the phone at 212/531-5305 or (800) 745-3000; and on www.ticketmaster.com.

KEYSHIA COLE TO BEVY SMITH

Y'all know in 2009 when a lot less was happening for us journalists out here (READ: down-sizings; lay-offs; etc.), I checked in with some of my fellow journalists on whether I should accept a summer, freelance gig from Dubose Entertainment to field and story produce "Monica: Still Standing" (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/monica) & "Frankie & Neffe" (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/frankie-neffe). They all said "YES! DO IT!" And I did. As a result, my 2009 had me living out of suitcases and - in large doses - living in ATL & L.A. for upwards of a year. Though often I was put up and pampered accordingly at the TWELVE Atlantic Station/ATL and/or the Crescent Beverly Hills/LA, I also was working harder than I've ever worked in my career, even as a local TV reporter - chasing fires, homicides, etc. [TRY CHASING FRANKIE and hear my cry! LOL!]. Once it all wrapped, I landed back into my life in NYC, but always wondered how Frankie, my Dubose fam, and Keyshia were doing. Coincidentally, one of my BFFs since high school Maurice Marable, who has been most instrumental in my freelance work load here in NYC, brought me into BET Creative Services division to consult and work on the show-open for "Keyshia & Daniel: Family First", she and her husband's new BET reality show. Full circle moment presents itself that on the week I'm assigned that project, my friend Bevy Smith invites me to "Geffen/Interscope Presents "Cocktails W/Bevy" in honor of KEYSHIA COLE: WOMAN TO WOMAN". I get the chance to catch up with Keyshia (She says Frankie is doing well.); I meet her husband Daniel, who is a cool and responsible cat (interested in talking to young brothers about responsibility); and I get the chance to reconnect with my boss in 2009, James Dubose, who was such a great boss when we worked together to create two of BET's top 3 reality debuts for the network. In addition to Keyshia and Daniel's show, he's got new music coming out - including TWEET's comeback CD. Also, it was great to see so many of my FAB journalism and society friends - poolside at Jimmy's at The James Hotel in SOHO (including: Angela Bronner Helm; Michaela Angela Davis; Marcia Cole; Cori Murray; Mimi Valdes; NYABJ Prez Mike Feeney; etc. Beautiful EVENING!

UPTOWN MAGAZINE

Shout out to Angela Bronner Helm for my shout out in UPTOWN Magazine!  Caption: "NABJ-ing it on the late night with media rock stars Mara Schiavocampo and Patrick Riley!" LOVE ME SOME KRYSTAL! LOL!

STEVIE J

Look who I ran into the other day in NYC: Stevie J from Love & HipHop Atlanta. Contrary to the televised antics with Mimi and Joseline, he was really cool, nice, and present during our brief exchange.

BURGERS & BOURBON

HAPPY BIRTHDAY and CONGRATS to Burgers & Bourbon with BJ Coleman! http://burgersandbourbon.com/bb-celebrates-our-one-year-anniversary/  Fun times CELEBRATING with the hilarious, MISS LUENELL; Dentist for many DIVAS, Dr. Catrise L. Austin; PR GURU Theo Perry; “Jones”-mag’s social-nisto Carlton Jared Lockett; Mr. Fashion, Walter Greene; Deeon; Ant; MR. NV Kyle Donovan; etc.

JASON LEE

Popped by No Parking Bar en route home last night! Spanish-Language Media Strategist for GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) Brian Pacheco presented a preview of his documentary on being gay in L.A. Then, stumbled into Jason Lee whose http://www.iamjasonlee.com/ is all the rage. Jason produced the Kelly Price event Whitney attended just before she passed away. As Jason just celebrated a birthday, NO PARKING's karaoke came in handy!

DJ ILLAH

My friend from BET Keyon Williams AKA DJ ILLAH is hosting a FUN 2-FOR-1 THURSDAYS event at RED MOON AT NIGHT HOTEL – TIMES SQUARE. NO COVER CHARGE. HAPPY HOUR AFTER WORK SPECIAL INCLUDES 2 DRINKS FOR THE PRICE OF 1 & 5 DOLLAR BEERS W/ WORK ID OR BUSINESS CARD! IT GOES FROM 6:30PM-10:30PM. And proved the perfect spot for my colleagues from BET’s Creative Services division and me to unwind as our busy week’s come to an end. We toasted Miss Hershelle’s birthday this week! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOO!

HARLEM HANG

There's always something popping in Harlem. Recently, I popped by Red Rooster for reggae and to say HI to my girlfriend Sidra Smith (ALOHA!) and my favorite journalist friend Jamie Foster Brown of “Sister 2 Sister” fame.

Also in the house: my boy Jamar Dunn; my girl Marva Hicks; her beau; one of her BFFs Jackee; and friend Dianne Smith, Harlem artist who just got her MFA (Congrats, Dianne!); Miss Beverly and Mr. Matt Morgan, a pair of BFFs who – after my CNN.com piece ran last week: http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/07/living/gay-best-friend – say they were reminded they missed the deadline for my initial book proposal (circa 2006), but now have re-committed to be in the mix as I explore the next phase of that effort.

CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR & SHARE THEIR STORY! I promised myself a helping of Sylvia’s banana pudding…and after the optional fried chicken, collard greens, and potato salad, I made good on that promise. RIP SYLVIA!

MOOCHIE

My boy Kevin "Moochie" Freeman (about whom I've written for his cameos in "Real Housewives of Atlanta") recently made his “stand-up” debut at Gotham Comedy! He was wonderful! Many of us came out to support and toast him afterwards at BBQ. CONGRATS, KEVIN! YOU ARE WONDERFUL!

AYERS IT OUT!

Teresa Horne Ayers is one of my sister's BFFs from her mid-'80s college days at Clark College (before CAU). She is now a Personal & Professional Life Coach and offers these special words of encouragement which I'm excited to share with you: "There are times when the burden of doubt and fear comes with fame… Who do you trust, are you good enough, attractive enough, do you leap too soon, will your fans like you this time… Also, sometimes in the entertainment industry you can feel like you don’t belong and you are In this life alone… even with the noise of the crowd, at times life can be so lonely… even though you know people depend on you for their joy, happiness and encouragement… and this part
Of you is scary… in your relationships and real life fulfillment.  At the next challenge level these same questions of fear and doubt can arise whenever you step Into your next level of greatness. I help by liberating you from a life dictated by fear, doubt and anxiety back to your greatness, goodness and bravery that’s always there to see you through the rough spots, to get back to your sweet spot of happy success. Simply put I give you a private, confidential space to “Ayers It Out” by venting whatever the heck is bothering you, so you don’t take it with you the rest of your day. If you or someone you know can benefit from my service, please refer them for a free consultation to see if we’re a good fit http://www.itsallaboutnow.com/schedule. INSPIRATION & ANGELS EVERYWHERE!

SUNDAE SERMON

SUNDAE SERMON - as always - was a BLAST!

— AND THERE’S ONE MORE!!!

AMAZING GRACEs

Thanks to ALL OF YOU who had such kind things to say about my CNN.com article in which I explore the relationship between gay men and their best girlfriends: http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/07/living/gay-best-friend/index.html... and the companion blog entry: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/8/7/my-girls.html. Coincidentally, I got to see a few of them I don’t get to see often this week. I got to toast one of the muses for the ‘gay men/best female friend’ project this past Friday at The Empire Hotel (www.empirehotelnyc.com). A host of us of who LOVE us some Nichole were in the house… and to make it even more special, two of my additional BFF LADY FRIENDS Mara Schiavocampo and Itika Oldwine joined me to toast their ‘fellow Amazing Grace’ as well. I also got the chance to see two of my lady friends last weekend in DC: Latecia Engram invited BFF-since-7th-grade Ern and me to her Baptism which took place this morning at Shiloh Baptist Church. Her brother Bill with whom we got to enjoy a great dinner at Cheesecake Factory. Then, after the beautiful service today, Tish and her many guests (including several of our Spelman sisters) went to Woodmont Grill (AKA Houston’s) in Bethesda, MD. Another BFF of the “Amazing Grace” kind, Lisa Goodnight, came to join us for our repast. I’ve missed her so since leaving NJ/NYC in 2004. So, being able to catch up with her was a special treat and quite a BLESSING!

EAGLE ROCK RESORT

This past weekend, childhood BFF Ernest Maynor joined Ant & me for an overnight stay at The Eagle Rock Resort in the Blue Mountains of Pennsylvania (www.eaglerockresort.com). This was a gift from my Godchild Owen Angelo’s parents, my friends Owen and Sandy! There was lots of home-cooking (a lot of GREAT FILIPINO FARE); ping pong; karaoke; spa treatments;  the beach; AND SO MUCH MORE, The Eagle Rock Resort may be an investment in our near future. Just the getaway we all needed before a new work week. Plus, so good to spend FUN TIME with Owen Angelo who I got the chance to serenade. After my first viral serenade to MISS NINA went over so well (She's the daughter of my BFFs Mara Schiavocampo and Tommie Porter: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=4360775780176), Ant captured this performance - more of a lullaby - as Ern picked Taylor Dayne's "Love Will Lead You Back" for us to sing: https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=10151031254953737; Owen climbed up near me for a front-row seat; then he began to fall asleep (LOL!). Ant captured it all. And with a little help from the karaoke machine and Ern on when-to-come-in support, we knew clearly that WE ARE A FAMILY...and LOVE LEADS US BACK EVERYTIME! XO

UBC-TV NETWORKS

Shout out to Peggy Dodson and her UBCTV NETWORKS! She recently booked me to host her red carpet which had me interviewing America’s Next Top Model ALL-STARs ISIS (Remember her?); and Prince Malik Records’ Prince Malik (His new single “So Bad” is now available for fans on iTunes following an overwhelming response from listeners on radio favorites KTUs iHeartRadio and Z100 (executive produced by Tony Dofat, the GRAMMY-award-winning producer for The Notorious B.I.G.; Heavy D; Mary J. Blige; and Soul For Real). The pointed occasion (beyond the launch of this new, multi-cultural, inclusive, and diverse network) was a media event taping, introducing one of its new shows THE UBC MIX (THINK: multi-cultural American Bandstand or Soul Train. Stay tuned for more details on UBC-TV; its programming; and where I may be popping up! UBC-TV will begin its national roll-out this fall, so check out www.UBCTVNETWORK.com  or UBCTV Networks Facebook page and Twitter page @UBCTV Networks for more information about UBC-TV programs, cities, and platform updates and channel listings. AND THANKS to my many FAB FRIENDS who came out to support! Special shout out to Seven Christopher and Ra-Fael Blanco – two key parts of the UBC-TV TEAM!

BLACKATLAS.COM

American Airlines, through BlackAtlas.com, announced actor Laz Alonso as the new travel ambassador of BlackAtlas.com…and what an announcement it was. The private launch party and press conference took place at the Studio Museum in Harlem. My nephew Herman Riley joined me as Alonso introduced several travel videos in which he is (and will be) featured on BlackAtlas.com, representing American Airlines and BlackAtlas.com at select events. The Rakiem Walker Band performed; celebrity mixer DJ Cosi waxed great tracks; and – the highlight of the evening – a live musical performance featuring Melanie Fiona. Celebrity chef and Harlem staple Marcus Samuelsson catered by way of his hot-spot restaurant, Red Rooster Harlem. And so many of my friends were in the house: publicists extraordinaire BJ Coleman and Katrina Boswell; stylist with the most Phillip Bloch; JET’s S. Tia Brown; my Spelman sister/TV personality Tanika Ray; the award-winning “UNSUNG” producer and more, P. Frank Williams; designer Harriette Cole (www.108STICHES.BIZ) [CONGRATS on your new line of awesome jewelry, Harriette!]; UPTOWN Magazine’s dream-team Angela Bronner Helm and my Morehouse brother Isoul Harris; other THE-HOUSE brothers Brook Stephenson; and Sekou; ABFFs Jeff Friday and Ghana Wilson; Chastity Saunders; Carlton Jarrett Lockett; Amanda DIVA; NYABJ’s President Mike Feeney; ESSENCE’s Wendy Wilson; “Rolling Out” Publisher (and Morehouse big brother) Munson Steed; multi-platform producer and artist SOULEO; journalist/stand-up comic Chloe Hilliard; and many more. Also in the mix: “Basketball Wives” Jennifer Williams; Al Reynolds; Robert Townsend; and a host of many more. BlackAtlas.com is the first-of-its-kind social travel networking site combining the best features of a travel site with the power of an online social network for travelers to share experiences unique to the black community. Through video, commentary, photos and blogs, BlackAtlas.com registered users can share content across social networks, save content to Favorites, gain access to BlackAtlas.com specials, and link to promotional fares on AA.com. Content is categorized into destination-, city- and category-specific information, including travel tips, restaurants, nightlife, culture, arts and museums, and historic sites (www.BlackAtlas.com).

TYRONE BEVERLY: YOGA TODAY?

Ant’s fellow high school football team buddy Tyrone Beverly came to town, his first time in New York City. He is now a Master Yoga Instructor. His base is Denver but he came to NYC for a few days to spread his YOGA magic all over the island. I had to work through most of it on a special project for BET, but they popped by to say HI as his Central Park session was a stone’s throw from me in Times Square. On and on, I could go about Tyrone. But he is an incredibly spiritual teacher and an overall amazing and inspiring person. Last summer in Denver, he gave Ant, Manivone, Taha, and me a private class on the rooftop of a friend’s condo. It was amazing! (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/7/13/best-thing.html). Much like Russell Simmons, Tyrone is aiming to have yoga appeal and be accessible to a younger and more urban community. During class, Tyrone plays a mix of meditation music and neo soul. He is also a master yogi in the since that he can hold some pretty amazing and difficult poses. He jokingly reminds us of a modern Bruce LeRoy (Taimak from “The Last Dragon”). Fortunately, several friends have partaken of this awesome experience – including Carl Nelson; Manivone; and several others. We also made time for fun. We all met in Brooklyn as Tyrone led an intimate session with Ant’s cousin Shantay Wilson and friend Sky. We enjoyed Thai cuisine at TEEDA before heading to Astoria to share our love of karaoke with Tyrone. Stay tuned as Tyrone will be back to teach as many FREE classes as possible while he is in town. So, those of you who practice and/or may be interested in hosting a free class for a small group of your friends, say HI to Tyrone Beverly on FACEBOOK… and LIKE HIM! BTW: 9 News KUSA out of Denver has been featuring Tyrone’s FREE yoga tour. He’s considered the NEW FACE OF YOGA: http://www.9news.com/news/article/273025/222/Yoga-Tour-aims-to-set-record.

FORTRESS OF EVIL

Shout out to friend and one of my favorite editors MICHAEL KARDIS who invited me out to his post-production shop FORTRESS OF EVIL’s rooftop mixer at Tavern 29 in NYC (www.fortressofevil.tv).  We hit it off last year as he was assigned to work with me – in edit - on a few pieces I field produced and wrote for "THE VIEW" - http://theview.abc.go.com/video/sherri-visits-chevy-auto-show. Also, he produced this piece for which I was featured in a behind-the-scenes companion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYcbwpTXbWU --- all of this after I was assigned to co-field-produce the behind-the-scenes of "THE VIEW" for 'OPRAH': http://abc.go.com/watch/the-view/SH559080/VD55109414/the-view-22 (Whoopi acknowledged our being there that day - around 2:27 - 2:38 on the clip... if it's still hot).

HARLEM REDs

As I wrapped working on a project that gives me a giggle because it’s kinda’ full circle – pop culturally – as it links me to my “Frankie & Neffe” roots (But more on that another time…. LOL!), I popped by Yuki 55 for some karaoke with Ant, Carl Nelson, and a buddy Larry. From there, we popped by Red Rooster in Harlem for reggae and to say HI to my girlfriend Sidra Smith (ALOHA!) and my favorite journalist friend Jamie Foster Brown of “Sister 2 Sister” fame. Also in the house: my boy Jamar Dunn; my girl Marva Hicks; her beau; one of her BFFs Jackee; and friend Dianne Smith, Harlem artist who just got her MFA (Congrats, Dianne!); Miss Beverly and Mr. Matt Morgan, a pair of BFFs who – after my CNN.com piece ran last week: http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/07/living/gay-best-friend – say they were reminded they missed the deadline for my initial book proposal (circa 2006), but now have re-committed to be in the mix as I explore the next phase of that effort. CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR & SHARE THEIR STORY! I promised myself a helping of Sylvia’s banana pudding…and after the optional fried chicken, collard greens, and potato salad, I made good on that promise. RIP SYLVIA!

SPARKLE

Ant & I saw a midnight “Sparkle” the day it came out! Congrats to our friends Mara & Salim Akil on a beautiful career bow for Miss Whitney Houston, the singer and actress (To my “DREAMGIRLS” peeps, I’ll be doing a screen-a-thon on this one as well: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/1/15/-but-i-need-a-friend.html; well, maybe I won’t see it as many times as “DREAMGIRLS”! LOL!). SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO: My friend and former co-worker, FOX 5’s Amanda Davis whose daughter  Melora Rivera is featured in the film. She also is the assistant of Salim Akil, the film’s director. Seems like just yesterday ('95-ish), I was working for Amanda and after we wrapped "Good Day ...Atlanta", I was sometimes driving you to school (but not before stopping at the nearby - GASP! - Chick-fil-A [BEFORE WE KNEW! LOL!]). After your hearty breakfast-to-go, I dropped you off...and went back to work! LMAO! Now, you are a WOMAN! So glad you reintroduced yourself to me at the red carpet 2nd-season premiere of THE GAME, also created by your bosses The Akils. I'M SO PROUD OF YOU: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/1/10/staying-together.html.

As I wrap one project with recurring client BET, I’m excited that another is publishing TODAY my latest assignment that I wrote and filed a couple of months ago: http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/07/living/gay-best-friend/.

The editors at CNN.com reached out to me to write this story as I’ve been shopping a book proposal for a few years on the very subject.

I’m currently remixing the game plan for my project (“Big Willies & Amazing Graces: gay men and their best girlfriends”) to include portraits and video (either documentary or on-line viral series [TBD]).

Meanwhile, as I do more on-cam/print pop culture analysis and event hosting, I am EXCITED to celebrate a group of women who – all my life – have been very special to me.

Indeed, my mom and my sister set the sweet tone before I even knew what the melody was. LOL!

But the ladies of whom I am speaking rounded out the metaphorical score of my adolescent and adult years. And through each of them, I HEAR A SYMPHONY.

You’ll meet Natalie and Nichole in this piece, but my AMAZING GRACEs run deep.

I’ll shout out a few of them here (in alphabetical order here, but no order in my heart):

Audrey

Bernie

Carla

Chandra

Elise

Itika

Jakki

Lisa

Mara

Patrice

Sidra

Tata

Tish

….and so many more! I LOVE YOU ALL!

As always, THANKS to each and every one of you for your support.

And a special shout out to CNN.com for assigning me this piece: I filed something for the site back in the fall of 2011 for its Martin Luther King Jr. Monument coverage (on MLK, Morehouse, and the Morehouse College Glee Club): http://edition.cnn.com/2011/10/14/us/mlk-memorial-morehouse-glee-club/index.html.

YOUNG SAVANNAH VOICES

Shout out to on-line health journalism camp “Young Savannah Voices” – directed by my fellow journalist and friend Tina A. Brown who I just ran into a couple of weeks ago at client, The Links, Incorporated’s National Assembly in Orlando. Soon after our reunion, Tina invited me to be a one-time Professional Skype Coach. I presented a workshop about “The Art of a Story” (As a Largo Tibet Elementary School; Derenne Middle School; and Windsor Forest High School alum, I get excited when I speak to folks from home!). Among other sharing, I got to speak on a health-related project on which I’ve worked in the last year with the AMERICAN STROKE ASSOCIATION. In addition to being hired as VO talent for the sponsorship video (http://www.powertoendstroke.org/about-sponsorship-reel.html), I was hired to do the red carpet reporting for the association’s Spring APOLLO benefit 2011. It ran on GMC last summer as well: http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickDemoSept2011.mov. From the 'on-line health journalism' angle, it showed the students the many CELEBS who spoke on the red carpet about STROKE AWARENESS. ADDITIONALLY, the AMERICAN STROKE ASSOCIATION/AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION hired me to blog and testify about STROKE in my life and family: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/4/3/american-heart-association-presents-you-are-the-power-benefi.html -AND- . In addition to being a member of The Links, Tina is an author/lecturer. “Crooked Road Straight: The Awakening of AIDS Activist Linda Jordan” is her first book: http://www.crookedroadstraight.com/. I LOVE YOU, SAVANNAH! THANKS TINA! And to my new friends, THE YOUNG SAVANNAH VOICES: THANK YOU for your enthusiasm, great questions, and spot-on intellect!!!!

FIVE SPOT

It's been a busy week - producing a special project for recurring client BET Creative Services. Glad my 'Amazing Grace' (I call her), Nichole Andrews Shellman, invited me out for a catch-up drink (She and I will soon be featured in a piece I wrote on 'gay men and their best girlfriends' that's due to drop on CNN.com very soon). Ant and his BFF Manivone joined us at Therapy - also for light bites. From there, Manivone and her man, Taha, convinced me to pop down to Clinton Hill, Brooklyn (to the 5 Spot - www.fivespotmenu.com/) to join the Open Mic Wednesday Night. I sang Maxwell's "This Woman's Work" and the FAB band didn't miss a beat. Taha’s brother Adam and Denver buddy Chris were in the mix too. Great Wednesday which had me missing my ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT (but it was REALLY NICE with a HOT BAND! THANKS Y’ALL!). For those new to ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT: We are currently looking to host another karaoke night in Harlem. As you know, we gave birth to ALL-STAR KARAOKE in August 2010 when NATIVE Restaurant asked me to HOST a karaoke night. Hence, ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT was born! And we had a blast until our wrap back in June 2011 (last year). We are exploring new locales now. Our guest singers - on any given night - included: songstress Tichina Arnold; R&B divas Alyson Williams & Monifah (SOON to be seen on TV ONE’s “R&B Divas” - http://tvone.tv/shows/r-and-b-divas); actress Napiera Groves; the artist formerly known as TONEX, B. Slade; Mariah Carey's long-standing background singer Melony Daniels - an artist her own right; Broadway baby Brenda Braxton; singer/author David Nathan; FELA!s Kevin Mambo; Paul Wharton ("Real Housewives of DC"); etc. WOULD LOVE TO CONTINUE that level of evening in addition to our regular karaoke lovers! Of course, the blog “A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities” has chronicled much of the ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/karaoke.

CANDY SEZ

“A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities” welcomes Candice Harper to the blogosphere! She introduced Candy SEZ - Self-Esteem Zen for the Single City Girl last night (www.candysez.com). She is now LIVE with 'Nistas, Alkaline Recipes, Ex-Con ex Boyfriends, and all kinds of Single City Girl STUFF! Candice’s favorite writing spot Astor Row Café hosted the well-appointed affair at which she read an article live, and auctioned off mini blow-ups of 'Nistas. She also led a fundraiser for Girls Inc. – raising a few hundred dollars for that awesome cause. AND she presented the RED VELVET CANDIECAKES TOWER – comprised of delicious mini-cupcakes that we all enjoyed – including Sidra Smith, my Morehouse brother George Alexander, Ant, and a host of others. CONGRATS MISS CANDICE HARPER! WE LOVE YOU!See More

POOL PARTY

Shout out to my friend Ed Roebuck for inviting us out to his Long Branch, NJ family home for pool-side pleasantries. Ern, Ant, and I went together and joined many friends – including Lemuel Adams; Lamoh Hicks; Dwight Ross; Monroe Shannon; David P. Martin; and several other great folks! Ed’s producing and organizing expertise is often called on by only the greats – including Miss Nancy Wilson and Miss Diana Ross…and many around the pool can drop a name or few from their respective client lists as well.

NINO & NINA

“New Jack City” was recently the selection for movie night at Mara and Tommie’s Harlem pad. Next select: “Boomerang”! On another day at Mara, Tommie, and their newborn Nina’s place, we were supposed to be celebrating Nina's mom Mara Schiavocampo's latest nod as 35 UNDER 35: YOUNG, BLACK, AMAZING in Essence.com: http://photos.essence.com/galleries/35_under_35_young__black___amazing/entry_image/1382653-mara_schiavocampo_32#!1384763. But once propped up by dad Tommie, Nina requested her own celebration in SONG c/o MOI! LOL! To the inspired melody of Lionel Richie’s “Truly”, I served accordingly: https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=4360775780176.

JAMES BALDWIN

James Baldwin’s LEGACY continues beyond the wonderful experience I had to participate --- as narrator --- with the cast of Baldwin’s AMEN CORNER for PROJECT 1 VOICE (www.project1voice.org). My Morehouse brother CHARLES REESE is still out on the road with his unique literary performance book salon experience in honor of James Baldwin’s birthday celebration. Presented by the National James Baldwin Literary Society on this FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012 (STATION NORTH ARTS CAFE & GALLERY. 1816 North Charles Street. Baltimore, Maryland – from 6:30pm – 8:30pm. 410 625 6440. www.jamesbaldwin.org), expect a great time. “JAMES BALDWIN A SOUL ON FIRE,” a book version of the critically-acclaimed Off Broadway short play by the late playwright and Emmy Award Nominee, Howard B. Simon (1962-2000) is now available at Amazon.com. Edited and guided by the original Off-Broadway actor and DC native, Charles Reese with a special foreword by David Leeming (Baldwin’s Biographer and former secretary); and coupled with an afterword by original actor and Tony Award Nominee, Forrest McClendon (Scottsboro Boys). The book was published by Azaan Kamau/Glover Lane Press, an independent publisher. The experience – including a copy of the book – is $20. There will be a lively conversation with some rare archival footage of the Off Broadway play and music. Reception immediately follows the book signing. Charles is also currently a series regular on the hit micro web comedy, "WHO" available only at www.ajakwetv.com. For more information on Charles Reese and Book Salon, please email: soulonfire63@yahoo.com or visit: www.sag.com/iactor.com and www.jamesbaldwinasoulonfire.com.

DR. ANN KIMBROUGH

During my days at Morehouse, I spent lots of time at Clark Atlanta University’s Mass Media Arts Department under the supervision of advisor/mentor/friend Ann Kimbrough. Over the years, we’ve stayed in close touch and – at a point – she became my ‘mother of the industry’ (and holding). She just recently snagged her Ph.D and has been named the Dean of the School of Journalism at FAMU. Though I’m sure we’ll celebrate, Dr. Kimbrough’s message to fellow classmates and AUC alums alike: “…YOU will be coming to Tallahassee to help the students!” And so it is… and will be! LOL!