A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

Hi there, my people!

I know there’s another blog entry due… and I will get that to you next week. I’ve been really busy – from a holiday trip to Denver to Beyonce in Central Park. Please look forward to that; meanwhile, you can always check me out on FACEBOOK (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150236235853737.322227.662073736#!/patrick.l.riley ) & TWITTER (patarack).

And see some of the pix of late here:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150236235853737.322227.662073736

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150194744438737.310643.662073736

BUT THIS JUST IN!!!!!!!!!

My friend DJ Stormin' Norman has invited “A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities” out to Sundae Sermon (www.sundaesermon.com) this Sunday in Harlem from 3pm to 7pm. If you are in NYC, PLEASE JOIN US… for dancing and a fellowship of FAB folks!

The attached flier will tell you everything you need to know. But briefly, Sundae Sermon's mission is to support the spirit and strengthen the Harlem community by providing a platform to promote environmental, educational and recreational family friendly activities in a healthy, casual communal environment. It seeks to foster and connect fundraising and friend-raising efforts of compatible charities and foundations through Musical Performances and Film Screenings.

PLUS, it’s a BLAST!

Skype: djstormin118@aol.com

djstormin norman sundae sermon

Facebook

djstorminnorman

Twitter

Sundaesermon

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www.sundaesermon.com

Best and LOVE,

Patrick L. Riley

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog

AMERICAN STROKE ASSOCIATION

Shout out to Morehouse brother Kevin Walker for interviewing me at The Apollo the night I was red carpet reporter for the American Stroke Association's "You Are The Power" Concert:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4mlQSWYNCI&feature=share. For more info: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/5/15/nothing-ventured-nothing-gained.html The footage from the evening is going to be cut into a special on Gospel Music Channel this summer. Stay tuned.

EMILIO SOSA

MEANWHILE, I was on the Broadway stage recently. And Whoopi Goldberg saw me on it. Well, I wasn’t performing. I was actually interviewing “By The Way, Meet Vera Stark...'s Costume Designer Emilio Esosa who proved an AWESOME spirit and personality! Whoopi happened to attend the show that night. Emilio is also a Season 7 Finalist from “Project Runway” and is working on other great shows – including “Twist” with Debbie Allen. After my Q&A, the play's star Sanaa Lathan and other cast members took pix. Awesome performances! Thanks to my girlfriend Marcia Pendelton who booked me for this gig. This, before a roll by NYC's fearless firefighters! And then, BFF Carl Nelson & I met up with a couple of his friends visiting from Brussels for a quick Thai bite at Pongsri.

 BUSHWICK SCHOOL FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

Carl Nelson also joined me when I went to speak to the Gay Straight Alliance at his alma mater Bushwick: class of ____. LOL! It’s still a mystery but what a GREAT FRIEND for attending with me. As always, it was a great group of teenagers to whom I spoke. I do these career day speeches via LGBT-youth mentoring and scholarship organization Live Out Loud - www.liveoutloud.info). The kids always have the best questions for me on the good, bad, & sometimes ugly of being out as a gay man.

TERRANCE DEAN’S “MOGUL”

My dear friend Terrance Dean invited me to be a part of a panel discussion recently: “Young, Black, Gifted, and Gay...Powerful Men in the Entertainment Industry.” It was wonderful to wax philosophical --- in an affirming way --- about being out in the industry: http://www.centerforfiction.org/calendar/young-black-gifted-and-gay-powerful-men-in-the-entertainment-industry.  I was honored to sit and chat with Kevin Anthony, DJ Baker, Marlynn Snyder, Stanley Bennett Clay, and Kevin E. Taylor! LUV U GUYS! We too celebrated Terrance's debut novel "Mogul". Go check it out now! Perfect summer read!

PROJECT 1 VOICE

Remember I told you about my friend Erich McMillan-McCall's PROJECT 1 VOICE and how I shot a small scene in one of the promos? Well, it's out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJCQI15tsGs&feature=youtu.be. See me around 1:45 on link. For more info on this nationwide 6.20.11 event at which theaters all over the US will run Alice Childress' "Trouble in Mind". The NYC cast includes three TONY-Award-winners Leslie Uggams, La Chanze, Bill Irwin, and Obie-Award-winning Andre De Shields with direction by the award-winning Charles Randolph-Wright. Each city is having June 20 proclaimed Alice Childress Day: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Project1voice/158820437504381 or http://www.project1voice.org/.

BLACK 2: BROADWAY

I've had the luxury of scripting this special night for many years and my friends Kevin Anthony & Sean Hollingsworth always serve up the best moments at this signature BLACK 2 BROADWAY event! http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/6/13/from-black.html This year was no exception as I scribed tributes for honorees – including my friend George Faison (Adrian Bailey sang a brilliant "If You Believe" from "The Wiz" for which George won the Tony award for Choreorgraphy - first African American in that category); Donna Walker-Kuhne; and “Ain’t Misbehavin’”. The legendary Vivian Reed hosted and sang with Kevin-Anthony.

“THE HELP”

It was 2006 when I got to not only write the scripts for the annual BLACK 2: BROADWAY event, but I too got to celebrate my friend La Chanze’s TONY win for her portrayal of Celie in “The Color Purple” (the opening night of which is when I met Ant). Well, I was so excited when my publicist girlfriend Jackie Bazan invited me to see “The Help" (https://www.facebook.com/thehelpmovie). It reminded me that La Chanze is in it – playing opposite Cicely Tyson. This much-anticipated film adaptation of the best-selling novel "The Help" is wonderful! Strong performances - including Viola Davis, Miss Octavia Spencer (in a breakout role), Harlem buddy Aunjanue Ellis, and many more. And I got to enjoy it w/Morehouse brother (and “Dreamgirls” soul-mate) Devon. We too bumped into another Morehouse brother Isoul (now at UPTOWN Magazine) as well as another friend Derrick. GREAT NIGHT which we capped off with karaoke!

JONES MAGAZINE

Shout out to L. Londell McMillan & Tracey M. Ferguson for including a variation of the above pic on page 28 of Jones Magazine's Winter 2010 issue. My BFF Carl Nelson saved his copy for me to see. GO JONES!

BOBBY ROACHE

Shout out to my friend Bobby Roache who generously invited me (and some of his other friends) to join him at Cole Haan SOHO Store. Great guy! And great party! Saw my Spelman sister Tai Beauchamp; buddy Frank; etc. Look for Bobby on a TV or runway near you. Stay tuned for what & where. BRAVO, Bobby! He’s the model with the most.

TAI BEAUCHAMP

Speaking of Tai Beauchamp, she has an update. In addition to continuing her work as an entrepreneur, consultant, and freelance fashion/beauty/lifestyle expert & TV host, she has joined In Style Magazine (the #1 Women's Fashion Magazine) as National Correspondent. YOU GO GIRL! SO PROUD OF YOU! MUCH LOVE!

J-HUD

Only for J-Hud! After a full-day of work at BET and a series of late-night social events, I woke up before dawn to see her again (You recall that I first bonded with her a few years back. I got to interview her at the National Association of Black Journalists' Convention in Indy. And we even sang together when I didn't serenade her myself.). She's still a JOY as she rehearsed and then performed for GMA’s Concert Series. My friend Carl Nelson snagged the passes. And what a fun morning it was! I got to hang out with Sam Champion; Robin Roberts; Lara Spencer; and more! Shout out to George Huff, J-Hud and Fantasia's fellow American Idol finalist and now-J-Hud's background singer! J-Hud and I just had our reunion! I got to chat and do a quick photo-op. Our eyes caught and she walked right through those handlers to hug and say HI!

JAMAICA LOVE

Of course, my friendship with Savannah homeboy Maurice Marable is well documented in my blog: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/3/4/-weve-come-a-long-way-baby.html. Certainly he is a key player in “… the life of Riley…” and has been since we started high school in the mid-‘80s. I am still honored to have been among those loved ones who got to attend his wedding to the too-fierce and most-friendly Karen Good. Those in the mix included his nuclear & extended family (who I’ve known these years as well). And what an AWESOME and ROMANTIC weekend it was. Air jaunts from NYC to Kingston, then Kingston to Montego Bay presented us with a less-than-two-hour ride from Montego Bay to Negril. The Rock House was the backdrop for the wedding and all associated festivities. And wherever I turned my head, LOVE WAS IN THE AIR! Add in the mix: our beloved mutual friends – including one of our adolescent buddies Rae D. Mack (now a Brooklyn-based personal shopper and bridal concierge extraordinaire). And the presence of many of my fellow/sister journalists (of the highest order [READ: Kierna Mayo, dream Hampton, etc.].I was missing me some Joicelyn Dingle. Still, it was enjoyable to see (and spend time with) literary agent Marie Brown; filmmaker Charles Stone III – another Mo BFF – who showed his mic-side manner as excellent as his commercial appeal (Remember the “WHASSUP?”-Budweiser commercials?); BET blast from the black-don’t-crack past Brett Walker (who is so nice and humble); and including Maurice’s kids; his niece; and his nephew, several superstars-in-training (Mo’s son Myles, who proved ever the showman as he shut the house down in song, spoken tribute, and rap!; his stepdaughter Radiance gave a well-articulated, heartfelt tribute as well). A highlight for me (in addition to just getting some long-overdue and much-deserved paradise-like R&R with the one I love): The couple’s use of the Luther Vandross/Ashford & Simpson-penned “Brand New Day” (from “The Wiz”) in the immediate wake of the bridge/groom kiss. Karen-style, the party was officially turned ON with the perfect song: mission was complete and Miss Dorothy (ahem, Karen) eased (with Mo in tow) on down the road that was the aisle that split their seated guests who sat beneath the Yoga gazebo which faced the reflection pool in front of which the couple pledged their love. But none of us sat for long (I instantly jumped up out of my seat and began dancing! In fact, we all did! What a CELEBRATION OF LOVE!). Shout out to Hershelle Burton who produced the special wedding experience that none of us will soon forget… if ever! And CONGRATS to Mo and Karen! LOVE YOU BOTH!

CHARLOTTE

So my Savannah home girl Bernie - who I haven’t seen in a few years – saved the day! Ant and I missed our flight coming back from Montego Bay to NYC – so we had to re-route to Charlotte airport… and then, connect to get home the following morning. She scooped us up and gave us food & shelter. She made the snafu FABU – including a listening session of George Michael’s “Kissing A Fool” and all things FAITH! We enjoyed the basketball game and a lovely meal at Hickory Tavern. Love some Jamaican cuisine, but a sports bar & grill with chicken tenders, quesadillas, and Caesar salad made me feel that my simple-palette knows what it's talking about. I'm just sayin'... And our comfy night in her beautiful home (+ a fun & heartfelt walk down memory lane) had me feeling so LOVED and GRATEFUL to have life-long friends like Bernie!

MEMORIAL DAY

I also got to hang out with other Savannah BFFs (since 7th grade) Tish (Cookiehead Jenkins) & Ernest Maynor! We had great meals and a long-overdue gathering with our favorite couple Mara Schiavocampo and Tommie Porter. We even got to see my buddy Will with whom I sometimes do field shoots (He’s a Director of Photography). Our well-appointed brunch menu turned into a day-long marathon of food and fun. Also, our dear friends Danielle Andrea Simone Knight & Bernard Jablonka did their annual event. They hosted a sequel to last year’s Memorial Day Weekend blast. Highlights included seeing my dearest Adrene Clarke Williams; her hubby Paul; other BFFs Linda Gadsby; Pam; Ernest Maynor; etc. NICE EXHALE after a busy last few months. And shout out to Harlem buddy Jamar Dunn. He made sure we were in the house for other friend Ryan Hall’s Super Last Minute Birthday Bash. Wasn’t a late night, but a FUN ONE at which time I got to sport my new MISS ROSS T-shirt that Ant bought for me!

RODNEY CHESTER

My friends and brothers in the biz Nathan Hale Williams and Lloyd Boston are producing "An Evening with Rodney Chester" on June 22nd. Come and enjoy what promises to be an awesome night at the Faison Firehouse Theatre. Rodney is a hoot! The after party will be at our beloved Native Restaurant and then, we'll move it to Splash. Click following link for more details. It's going to be a BLAST! https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=10150214362328737&set=a.10150214261483737.316970.662073736&

KELI GOFF

Shout out to my girl Keli Goff - a blogger and political analyst with whom I've had a chance to share a roundtable or two ( http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/TheTruth.wmv). She sent me her first novel “The GQ Candidate”. It’s about what happens to a group of friends when one of them runs for PREZ. It’s kinda’ where “The West Wing” meets “The Game” with a little “Entourage” to boot!

ALL-STAR KARAOKE

So our beloved ALL STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT is officially on summer break from our favorite Harlem restaurant Native Restaurant. But one summer hiatus can't stop my KARAOKE! LOL! In the meantime, I have been supporting my buddy Mario's KARAOKE MONDAY. It's at NO PARKING - 4168 Broadway (btw 176TH and 177th Streets). Big shout out to my ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT regulars Dayne Brett, Laron 'Howard', Harlem Anthony, Carl Nelson, and others who came out recently. WE HAD A BLAST! While we are researching some other spots, feel free to join me on Monday’s and support NO PARKING'S MONDAY NIGHT KARAOKE.

FRENCHIE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBFhlhKQFEU Did y'all see Frenchie Davis last week? She SLAYED THEM with Kelly Rowland’s hit tune “When Love Takes Over”! GO FRENCHIE! But don't cry for Kelly. She's got a #1 R&B song on and popping out there. CONGRATS, KELLY!

JO THOMPSON

Shout out to my NABJ BFF Greg Dunmore for hipping me to some good news. His client & mom Jo Thompson's upcoming performance of "THANK YOU LENA" in Philly at The Clef Club (2 shows on Fri. 7/1 & another on Sat. 7/2). If you're in Philly, PLEASE DON'T MISS IT! Her NYC show was nothing short of SPECTACULAR!

ANA GASTEYER

I interviewed SNL alum Ana Gasteyer a couple of months ago. We hit it off. And now she has just invited me to check out her show at FEINSTEIN'S AT LOEWS REGENCY: "ELEGANT SONGS FROM A HANDSOME WOMAN" on June 13th & 27th. $30 COVER* | $50 PREMIUM SEATING* | $25 FOOD & BEVERAGE MINIMUM* DINING AT 6PM | BOOK EARLY FOR BEST SEATING FOR INFORMATION, CALL 212.339.4095 |*FEES AND TAXES APPLY

DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON

We got to continue some belated birthday LOVE for Tata & Ant recently. Our friend Carl Nelson’s “Drums Along The Hudson” was a chilly blast. But our girlfriend Tetiana Anderson warmed our hearts with her stellar hosting skills! She and I have co-hosted at past 'Drums'. Then, catfish fingers & fries at Moca in Harlem (It was games night and I ran into some friends – including Itika’s buddy Muffin). From there, long-overdue karaoke at One 7 where I stumbled into buddies Jamar, Eric, Ern, and others. FUN WEEKEND! Heavyweight icon Evander Holyfield's son is far left.

DIANNE SMITH

Shout out to our Harlem friend, artist Dianne Smith. Her “Syllogisms” opened recently and runs until this month. Plus, I got to host my Atlanta homegirl Condace Pressley (in town for the Peabody Awards). Even BFF Michael K. Watts; Sidra Smith; and Saundra Booker came out to play – from gallery to our beloved Native to Red Rooster for dancing!

SUNDAE SERMON

For a working weekend, I still managed to get a little fun in. Dear friend Carla was in town from ATL – so a little BBQ & Red Robin kept us entertained as comfort food goes; my NEW ROs had a Garage Sale (Shout out to Nelson Boyce, Michelle Sanchez-Boyce, Tracey Smith, Erika Munro Kennerly, Fairoza Allie, etc.); My friend DJ Stormin Norman gets us all out to Sundae Sermon (www.sundaesermon.com/) in Harlem’s Morningside Park. Was so good to see friends Sidra Smith, Stacie J, Bevy Smith (with whom I got my groove on); Kiwan Anderson, Murphy, and a host of others. This house party in the park is nothing short of FABULOUS! Norm also jumped on the ONE-TWOs in Jamaica.

CLARICE TAYLOR R.I.P.

So glad to have met her... and enjoyed her talents over the years! As a child, I just loved her in an episode of "Sanford & Son" on which she stole the show. Then, as Grandmother Huxtable, she reigned supreme on "Cosby". Her staging of Moms Mabley's life was a recent thumbs up! JOB WELL DONE, MISS TAYLOR! XO

LEBRON JAMES

Next time, buddy...



IMAN COSMETICS "In The Glow" Free makeover Event in NYC this Weekend. RSVP Today!

Hi folks,

"A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities" LOVES IMAN!

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/11/2/real-life-divas-devos-reign-supreme.html

Well, IMAN cosmetics has two Manhattan events for its "In the Glow" product line launch.

I would LOVE for all of my beautiful readers to go out and try the product with pro make-up artists on site. See the info below for the first FREE in-store event which is June 18th (Then, there's one next week on June 24th).

Enter the promo code #patrick after your first name on the RSVP form:

June 18   http://www.mackdigital.com/urbanadserve/landingpage/iman_intheglow_june18.html

June 24  http://www.mackdigital.com/urbanadserve/landingpage/iman_intheglow_june24.html

Yours... IN THE GLOW!

Patrick L. Riley

"A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities"

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/

If you cannot view this invitation click HERE.

JUNE 18 - http://item.slide.com/r/1/92/i/2uHl_vk-4j9Y2LkKAgAiqQcTqdYdfbyE/

JUNE 24 - http://item.slide.com/r/1/159/i/AIg1PzGqtD9Rr6v3aRiCpyQdWfYIYJYl/

So, it’s been a busy few weeks. But ALL IS WELL! I’ve been on the road a bit. And of course, I've been missing my home of NC/NJ and all of my peeps! But I am in the end zone. In fact, on this particular assignment, I put in a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. It was all worth it in the end. And Chicago rewarded me with more social time from my friends. That said, I'm coming home soon! I look forward to being wrapped in the embrace of my NYC!

ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT

TO my beloved ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT peeps: this Chicago work has kept me away from you for what was to be our last two Thursday nights of good vibrations at NATIVE in Harlem. This, before NATIVE puts ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT on a summer break. Upon my return, I’d like to see if we can put an ALL-STAR KARAOKE SUMMER-SEND-UP NIGHT together. STAY TUNED as I’d love to see you all before summer kicks in... and if we find another spot during the summer, we’ll let you know. We must keep the momentum of our ALL-STAR KARAOKE going!

THE VIEW & THE NYC AUTO SHOW

http://theview.abc.go.com/video/sherri-visits-chevy-auto-show ... so if you missed it, here is the piece I produced on Sherri Shepherd at the NYC Auto Show! ENJOY!  My Chicago client assigned me to co-field-produce a behind-the-scenes piece at "THE VIEW". From there, "THE VIEW" folks asked if I would consider freelance producing a segment or few for them. The first one ran last month and has repeated once:

PART 1 – http://theview.abc.go.com/video/wheres-my-car-contest-winner

PART 2 - http://theview.abc.go.com/video/new-car-surprise-phillips-family

The ABC integration marketing folks asked me to participate in the local affiliate's behind-the-scenes chronicle of the shoot - featuring me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYcbwpTXbWU. 

YOU ARE THE POWER

The BIG “YOU ARE THE POWER” Concert at THE APOLLO took place last week to much success! You recall, the American Stroke Association hried me to be red carpet reporter for the event (in addition to promoting the stroke awareness campaign: www.powertoendstroke.org). What a great night as headliner Chrisette Michelle testified about her own mother (and manager) having a stroke two months prior. Chrisette’s mom (and her dad) were able to attend and Chrisette’s mother – herself – spoke to me about the dangers of stroke. Also, she spoke of the blessings that exist for her to be recovering well and walking AND talking! Anthony Anderson was the host with the most. My girlfriend Sidra Smith produced the magical night. BIG SHOUT OUT to the American Heart Association’s Pamela Garmon-Johnson to whom I was introduced about this project (from Chicago friend Kevin Gist). I referred Sidra and others to be a part – including my cousin Ronald Golden (www.focusedmarketinginc.com) who did many of the promotional materials. The evening was star studded including a host of stars and my own friends. To see many pix from that night, click here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150172635893737.298489.662073736&l=d8787713de.

“BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK”

Afterwards, an after set at the Intercontinental capped off a fun night including a run-in to new friends TWILIGHT 4s Toni Trucks and Tony-award-winning Karen Olivo who won for the “West Side Story” revival on Broadway. Now, she stars opposite Sanaa Lathan in Lynn Nottage’s “By The Way, Meet Vera Stark”. We also got to see on this weekend (THINK: Where “Sunset Boulevard” meets “Gone With The Wind”) – www.2ST.com. Shout out to Marcia Pendelton for the tix.

MARY J. BLIGE & FFAWN

Check out https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley#!/LIVEfromFrontRow for some details on Mary J. Blige's FFAWN event. I produced last year's gala... (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/6/19/postcards-from-the-edge.html)... and had to miss it this year. But I hear it was off the chain. FFAWN (Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now) was established in 2007 by Mary and Steve Stoute (www.ffawn.org). The goal of the organization is to inspire young women to achieve higher goals. The Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City was the setting this year. Mary was joined by Queen Latifah and Elle Magazine's Editor-in-Chief Robbie Myers as hosts. The event featured appearances by the likes of Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott, Jennifer Hudson, Corinne Bailey Rae, Lala Vazquez Anthony, Ellen Pompeo, Kerry Washington and Evan Rachel Wood. The FFAWN foundation sent 25 young ladies to college last year with full four-year scholarships. Proceeds from the FFAWN Mary J. Blige Honors Concert go to FFAWN's scholarship fund.

PHILLY

We popped down to Philly last weekend with friends Nicky, Eric, and Mara for our buddy Caleb’s cookout. Fun afternoon of eating, drinking, and – even – balcony singing! Even met ‘Cultures Clothing’ designer Alloyius and other cool entrepreneurs. I recently directed a pilot project for Caleb via COMCAST.

LOTUS MUSIC & DANCE

Shout out to Carl Nelson who was on the Host Committee for Lotus Music & Dance GALA 2011 – 21 yrs of Multicultural Programming. Several friends were in the house – including host Tetiana Anderson; my Morehouse brother Dr. Raymond Swainson; Loida Lewis; Kamala Cesar; fellow journalist Walter Greene; & many more (www.lotusmusicanddance.org/gala2011). Next up: Carl’s DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON: www.drumsalongthehudson.org/. I’ve co-hosted parts of this event in the past. I plan to attend this year. Please come and join us!

STACIE J

My harlem buddies Stacie J from Donald Trump's Apprentice: Season 2 and her sister Richelle Jones (of WE TV fame) launched their new venture: The Jones Agency recently at Opia Restaurant and Lounge. Stacie J's Apprentice colleagues Kwame (from Season 1) and Dr. Randal Pinkett (Season 4 Winner of Donald Trump's Apprentice) were in the house among many others. Colonial Voluntary Benefits products and services are offered by the Paul Revere Company. The business will provide a wide selection of insurance options for their company and employees.

LADY GAGA

Lady Gaga in Newark! Part BDAY festivities for Ant and part chaperoning my buddy Zach (his first concert) and his BFF Cami. And word has it my nephew was in the house as escort to Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts and LIVE! FROM FRONT ROW: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley#!/LIVEfromFrontRow. GAGA brought it... and EXCLAIMED to us all that we are “...born this way...” And she did so BRILLIANTLY! She also brought us together with strangers who became fast friends – including members of Hello Radio (www.HelloRadio.net).

RICHARD PERRY

I didn't realize until something I read today that the legendary Richard Perry (Jane Fonda's beau) is not only the producer of one of my fav Miss Ross albums "Baby, It's Me". He too is the producer of our current Broadway fav's cast recording: "Baby, It's You"... and that's why we ran into them the other night when we went to see the new Broadway show. LOL!

WILL BRADFORD

My friend Will is a model here in NYC. He's currently in a Verizon billboard campaign among others. I keep running into him in subways; tunnel entries; sidewalks; phone booths; etc. Wilhelmina Models is his agency here in New York and he’s been modeling for ten years. He has worked with publications such as GQ, Cosmo, Maxim, Paper, Savoy, V Magazine, Source, XXL and many others. Check his stuff out: http://www.wilhelmina.com/EcompNY.cfm?mid=102636 and http://www.wilhelmina.com/EcompLA.cfm?mid=108077. GO WILL!

OAK RIDGE BOYS

I got a glimpse of the Oak Ridge Boys outside Ameritania Hotel on Broadway and 54th St. In the time it took me to re-navigate back to them, they were gone! :-( "Getty-up!....Elvira!" Love those guys!). It sparked a burst of Savannah nostalgia (for me) as they were “Hee Haw” fixtures... and during that era of my pop-culture-rearing, country music and TV specials were on the menu.  

RAPHAEL SAADIQ

Raphael Saadiq performed at Webster Hall in NYC recently and he – as always – took us down memory lane - in present time but with a sound older than his catalog of modern-day classics. He performed many tracks, including "Stone Rollin'" from his upcoming CD project which gives more '60s sounds. He was in GREAT FORM!

FRENCHIE

I have yet to see THE VOICE, but have only heard great things. And of course, will be catching up with it soon! Congrats to Frenchie for her return to the spotlight where she belongs! Can't wait to sing along!

ARIZONA

A recent assignment in Arizona had me getting my kicks on Route 66 - including Flagstaff, AZ and Phoenix. I was just a stone’s throw from the Grand Canyon. And there’s always Sedona. Though work, the scenery was awe-inspiring!

CHICAGO

Of course, I’ve been in Chicago for work. But I get fun times in as well.

• On one night, my Morehouse BFF and musical soul-mate Eddie pulled out the "cassette" of a Diana Ross anthology that he and I co-produced in NJ (circa 1995) - so when we hung out, he only had to listen to the tracks he liked. Of course, I introduced him to more tracks than he knew...and it made for an awesome set (both sides. LOL!). SING ROSS!
• Eddie and I also got to connect to a blast from our past MARK WALKER - in Chi-town for business as well! We all had such great times in NJ during the mid-to-late 90s. In fact, I sang at both of their weddings. Always good to see dear friends - doing well! Great memories! LOVE U GUYS!
• Then, Eddie took me to Stanley's Kitchen & Tap for karaoke. He chose "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys for me to do. The enthusiastic bunch loved it along with my Chicago Carl who joined us.
• My Itika is my social networking soul mate. So of course, she kept me more than busy during my time in Chicago. Often her spokeswoman/marketing duties for Hennessey Black informed our events. One night, it was Underground. Another couple of nights, I joined her at J Bar. Another night, I got to join Itika and her fiance Datari Turner.    On one night, they enjoyed a meal with my buddy Jamie Foster Brown (from “Sister 2 Sister). Afterwards, they scooped me up from my temporary Chicago digs. We went to Lumen. I hadn’t seen Datari since he, Itika, Ant, and I double-dated on vacation in Maui. That was in 2006. But of course, we are both very present to each others' respective lives via our Itika. We had a blast and are due another getaway. Was GREAT to catch up with Datari and all he's working on - including Lisa Raye's TV-ONE reality show & a host of other big-ticket feature film projects starring Demi Moore, Pierce Brosnan, Ruby Dee, & the like.

 The list is quite impressive (just from 2010 to present):

Happy Holidays, Katherine Sloane (co-producer) (pre-production)

2013 - Learning Uncle Vincent (producer) (filming) 

2011 - Dysfunctional Friends (producer) (post-production)

2010 Video Girl (producer) (post-production)

2009 BitterSweet (short) (executive producer) (completed)

2011 Salvation Boulevard (co-producer)

2011 Another Happy Day (co-producer)

 2010 LisaRaye: The Real McCoy (TV series) (executive producer)

2010 A Gang Land Love Story (co-producer)

2010 My Girlfriend's Back (co-producer)

• CHICAGO also means great times with CHICAGO CARL. One night, we did PLUSH with our girlfriend Arlene. Though they didn’t provide the best customer service, we still made the best of our time and enjoyed each other’s company (and running into family friend Tameka Weathersby). And with Carl, I finally saw "Jumping The Broom"! Congrats to my buddy Salim Akil! BEAUTIFUL WORK! & to Mara Akil & Salim: CONGRATS on your new BET deal! GLAD to have been your personal guest at GAME re-launch. Your CHI-TOWN FANS ADORE U! On another day, it was a haircut at "This Is It" hair salon; dinner & drinks at Zapatista with my other work wife Jakki; Chicago Carl; Cory; & Pierre. "Cocktail" in Boys Town. And I think there’s some soul food in our near future. Well, actually it ended up being  J. ALEXANDER, a Chicago favorite that I liken to my all-time fav Houston’s  - so I’m happy Chicago Carl and Cory took me. Afterwards, another quick night-cap in Boys Town at “Cocktail” at which I ran into a familiar face from my beloved Harlem, Miss Eboni!
• Did a FUN brunch with work BFFs Alicia; Teri; and Ray at HUB 51.
• One night – on a Walgreen's run – I stumbled into actor/comedian George Willborn who is one of the spokespeople for the American Stroke Association's Stroke No Joke campaign.
• I interviewed him on the red carpet this past Friday at the "You Are The Power" Concert.
• So good to bump into my "Sweet Honey in the Rock" girlfriend Carol. She and the women were performing here in Chicago the other day. Coincidentally we both are NYC-area based and were last together at her birthday party in NYC; I was working in her beloved Philly today; and on not-just-any street, she happens to pass me while I'm waiting on a cab to leave client for hotel. Carol is a founding member of Sweet Honey In The Rock. LUV YA, CAROL!
• A few months back, I got to collabo (as actor/singer) with my friend Keith Josef Adkins. He's a playwright and actor. If you're in Chicago, check out his play "The Last Saint on Sugar Hill". It's being performed at the Greenhouse Theater in Lincoln Park. http://www.greenhousetheater.org/ From the workshop we did together (including his writing & performing), I can say: HE'S GREAT! Thu-Sat @ 8pm, Sun @ 3pm. 80 minutes w/o intermission.

DON LEMON

Shout out to one of my NABJ brothers and CNN anchor Don Lemon for being "Transparent" in his new memoir of the same name. CONGRATS! What a ROLE MODEL you are!

BOOKS & COOKIES

My ROSSES - Rhonda Ross Kendrick; Raif Ross Kendrick; Ross Arne Naess; Chudney Ross; Tracee Ellis Ross; Diana Ross; and Evan Ross - attended the Grand Opening of Chudney’s Books & Cookies. Chudney mentioned this to me when we chatted at her mom's NYC concert last year at Radio City Music Hall. This is the first children's bookstore, cafe and event space in Santa Monica, held at Books and Cookies.