A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

Well, the BIG 3-8 came on November 19^th... and went! Still the BDAY EXTRAVAGANZA continues into December! LOL! And despite some recent breakdowns I produced, Ant still graciously chose to put together a simple-and-most-festive evening for me. Like last year, karaoke was the theme. Tequila Jack’s (on the upper east side of Manhattan) was our backdrop (www.tequilajacksnyc.com/). And upwards of 50+ of my dearest friends – old and new – came out to sing a song and take down $5 margaritas and tasty comfort bites. I hosted ‘the program’ and Ant brokered the night so that I can perhaps go back on Wednesdays and host this karaoke night beyond my birthday evening. It was so good to see each and everyone as they all came bearing gifts and well-wishes. And I am grateful to Ant and each and every one of my friends who came out to celebrate. At a time in which I haven’t been feeling my best on several fronts – from economic challenges to rounds of depression that don’t bode well for my relationship, this evening was a good reminder of how blessed I am and how rich I am with lots of love – all around me. THANKS ANT! THANKS ALL!

The following day, Ant and I received a lovely invite from a couple of friends at Chicago-based Burrell Communications, Iman Jefferson and Tracy Anderson, who I worked with some years ago in New York City (via a place called Medialink – www.medialink.com). It was World Children’s Day and Grammy-nominated singer Tamia Hill and actress/philanthropist Holly Robinson-Peete joined members of Mocha Moms, a support group for stay-at-home mothers of color (www.mochamoms.org/), for a service day at the New York Ronald McDonald House (www.mcdonalds.com and www.rmhc.org). In addition to baking cookies; placing decorations to ready the house for the holidays; and mentoring the young kids, the service day concluded with a spirited and most impressive performance by the Ronald McDonald House Children’s gospel choir. It was “This Little Light of Mine” and these ‘little lights’ sparkled. As Tamia came to the stage to do her part, she joked they pulled from the oldest trick in entertainment: ‘hold back in rehearsals’! This, as they proved a hard act to follow. But as those of us who are Tamia’s die-hard fans go, we know she always comes through in performance. This morning was no exception as she performed her hit “Still” with piano accompaniment followed by a tear-jerking “I Hope You Dance” with the kids singing background. I couldn’t stop crying during this beautiful anthem of hope, optimism, and possibilities.

So, I still have no link to share with you folks from my First Lady Fashion Show appearance on CN8s “Your Morning” (www.cn8.tv). But it’s coming soon. Meanwhile, the appearance made for a bit of a buzz via Philly-based cosmetologist Ursula Augustine who supported all steps of my pulling this segment together. With that, she has shouted me out on her website. Please check it out: http://ursulasaph.web.officelive.com/default.aspx and

http://ursulasaph.web.officelive.com/contactus.aspx Thanks Ursula! And one more shout out to Celebrity Stylist Debra Ginyard who donated her time and worked with Ant and me to pull the First Lady looks together. Here’s some access to her greatness:

http://velvetaddictionagency.com/index.htm and http://www.ucemag.com/12/ and

http://runwaynews.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=129.

Ant and I got to see “Cadillac Records” the other day (www.sonypictures.com/movies/cadillacrecords/). The film – featuring Beyonce as Etta James – chronicles the rise of Chess Records and the many artists who came through – playing the blues, r&b, rock & roll, etc. As I LOVE any ‘celebrity bio’ in any genre – from literature to film, I have to say this project is well done. Beyonce – for sure – goes deeper as the brassy, sassy, Heroin-addicted Etta James requires it. As I am just catching up with Beyonce’s new material from “I Am... Sasha Fierce” (as graciously sent by her publicist Yvette Noelle-Schure), she is at the top of the charts on her double-disc’s debut week (www.beyonceonline.com/). CONGRATS B! Last year this time, Ant took me to Manila to see Beyonce (surely you knew I was gonna run this picture again. LOL!). And look at her now. GO GIRL!

Much like my Diana did in her 1987 “Red Hot Rhythm & Blues” special (on which Etta James was a guest - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goz07feA54Y), Beyonce must know she owes a great debt to Etta James who almost cracks the top 20 of Rolling Stone magazine’s 100 Greatest Singers of All Time (www.rollingstone.com). And since Beyonce’s interpreted a Diana-like character in “Dreamgirls”; performed with Tina Turner on The Grammys (Ant and I are going to see Miss Tina tonight in Newark, NJ... by the way!); and Beyonce is now portraying Etta James, maybe next on her list will be Miss Aretha Franklin who is the #1 Greatest Singer of All Time, according to Rolling Stone. We’re watching, Beyonce (just don't forget to call her "The Queen of Soul" at all times, hear?)! You can do anything, Beyonce, it seems (though some critics are likening your much-duplicated “Single Ladies” dance to the new Macarena. Perhaps time to add some new choreography flips to that song and get those new singles going).

Speaking of great ‘celebrity bios’, my friend Vy Higginsen – creator of “Mama, I Want To Sing!” (which chronicles the life of her sister Doris Troy [“Just One Look”]) - just recently got back from her 6-week tour in Japan with her new show “Sing, Harlem, Sing...”. They traveled to my birthplace Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and Nagasaki. And they got many standing ovations and love amidst their run. Vy says they were in Japan when they received the news of Obama’s victory. She says that show was such a celebration! And from her vantage point, she says it seemed the Japanese audience was as excited and joyful as all the cast members and staff! Please click on the site – http://www.tnc.co.jp/harlem/.

Speaking of great singers (one with whom I’ve had the chance to sing and share a stage): Cassie Davis, my Spelman sister who you may know as Ella Payne in Tyler Perry’s sitcom “House of Payne” (www.tbs.com/shows/houseofpayne), has returned to a place we know and love Spelman College (www.spelman.edu)... and after 25 years of making her mark on the stage, the big screen, and the small screen, she went back to Spelman College to do the one thing she’d yet to accomplish--completing her senior requirement in order to receive her Bachelor of Arts degree. She performed a Senior Showcase a couple of weeks ago – titled “THE DREAM OF MY LIFE”. Surely, life and her career have given her the tools she needed to complete. CONGRATS CASSIE! MUCH LOVE!

Another great voice from a friend Norm Lewis who I’ve shouted out here in the blog many times. He’s got a new CD coming out and a performance to showcase it on Monday, December 1st at Joe’s Pub (www.joespub.com). For those of you who don't know, Norm is one of Broadway’s best, currently working his magic in “The Little Mermaid” (www.disney.go.com/theatre/thelittlemermaid/). CONGRATS NORM!

I know I mentioned “Somebodies” from BET before (My Spelman sister Karen Ceesay was featured in one of the episodes) - www.bet.com/OnTV/BETShows/somebodies/. Well, I just got some more tidbits on its creator Hadjii and I will share them here. He is an award-winning filmmaker and responsible for “Somebodies”, its first original scripted sitcom. And the journey to get there is as follows:

• A BET intern slipped a copy of his film (featured at Sundance) to Reggie Hudlin who brought it to BET.
• At 32, Hadjii became the executive producer of that sitcom as well as published a book (Random House)
• He is an intellectual with southern charm and wit, but has a way that translates to an ability to talk to the average guy, street thugs and scholarly types. (He is a former college instructor.)
• He is one of the most humble people I know and as of this note, we’re not certain if BET will pick up the show for a second season though it has received critical acclaim and he has a following of viewers globally

Keep Hadjii on your radar. I relate to the journey, my brother!

Many of you know I Chair the National Association of Black Journalists’ Arts & Entertainment Task Force (www.nabj.org). Its founder and first Chair Karyn Collins is style editor/features writer at 40-74 Magazine (www.4074mag.com/) and The Asbury Park Press (www.app.com/). Well, she’s got two blogs that I want to shout out here:

The Look (fashion and beauty blog) - http://blogs.app.com/thelook/

Culture Klatch (the dance and arts blog) - http://blogs.app.com/cultureklatch/

My friend Diaz who works with jeweler Dorian Webb (www.dorianwebb.com) in Summit, New Jersey is overseeing a hot post-Thanksgiving sale for the line of jewelry, Venetian glass chandeliers, glassware, decorative ornaments, and one-of-a-kind collectibles. Check it all out at www.viaggiohome.com.

I need a getaway! Unfortunately it won’t be Bermuda. Fortunately, my friend Kimberly Jajuan will be performing there and Ern (her manager) will accompany her. My friend Raymond P Lewis via his company RPL & Associates is co-producing the festivities called "Feed Your Spirit Holiday Gift Weekend"in conjunction with the Relevations Group and the Bermuda Department of Tourism. This faith-based destination event will take place December 4th - 7th, 2008 on the beautiful island of Bermuda. The weekend includes:

- 4 days and 3 nights at the beautiful four star Fairmont Southampton Princess Hotel
- Opening Night Performance of the hit gospel musical " No Ordinary Christmas" Starring Gospel Sensation Kim Burrell
- Opening Night Post Performance Gala Reception hosted by Clifton Davis Star of the hit sitcom AMEN
- Tickets to panel discussion " Sisters in the Name of Love" with (Rev. Suzan Johnson Cooke, Evangelist Denise Hill, and WNBA New York Liberty Star, Kym Hampton
- Tickets to panel discussion "Everlasting Faith" Moderated by Rev. Clifton Davis, with Rev. Suzan Johnson Cooke, Evangelist Denise Hill and a stellar line up of Bermuda's most prominent clergy representing over five (5) denominations.
- Tickets to the "Go With God" Worship and Praise Performance hosted by Rev. Davis and the John P. Kee Worship and Praise Band
- Invitations to the Book signings of Rev. Suzan Johnson Cooke and Evangelist Denise Hill
- $1000.00 Passport of discount coupon to Bermuda's finest stores courtesy of the Dept of Tourism
- One Year Subscription to Black Enterprise Magazine

To view the website (WWW.CHRISTMASINBERMUDA.COM).

Back to Beyonce (for a sec): Per Ellen’s request (www.ellen.warnerbros.com/), Beyonce pulled from her BDAY catalogue to perform one of Ellen’s favorites “Flaws & All” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpm6OcsSBZI) – a song with which I identified as it relates to how I can show up – especially in my relationship with Ant. Surely, there are no coincidences. I needed to learn this lesson again. And where there are TWO WILLS, there’s a WAY for me to continue learning until I get it already. WORK IN PROGRESS:

Flaws And All

I'm a train wreck in the morning

I'm a bitch in the afternoon

Every now and then without warning

I can be really mean towards you

I'm a puzzle yes indeed

Every complex in every way

And all the pieces aren't even in the box

And yet, you see the picture clear as day.

[Chorus]

I don't know why you love me

And that's why I love you

You catch me when I fall

Accept me flaws and all

And that's why I love you [3x]

I neglect you when I'm working

When I need attention I tend to nag

I'm a host of imperfection

And you see past all that

I'm a peasant by some standards

But in your eyes I'm a queen

You see potential in all my flaws

and that's exactly what I need.

[Chorus]

I don't know why you love me

And that's why I love you

You catch me when I fall

Accept me flaws and all

and that's why I love you!!!!

Well, IT’S A NEW DAY!!!!!! OBAMA is IN! And we are ALL now a part of HISTORY! I’m reminded of a song by my DIANA (who I hope will sing this Stevie-Wonder-penned song “Force Behind The Power” – and more – during Inauguration time in January: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RV8Rb98Bb_8

And/Or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG7_yl9-9xs And/Or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Km3gzupyYlA). The lyric says it all and captures what is clearly acknowledgement that there are times in history where spirituality and resilience of the underdog shines through brightly to A NEW DAY of LOVE and LIGHT:

Since the beginning of all life's beginnings
Right at the very dawning of the sun
Any and everyone had cause and reason
For in good all good is done

Now down in every heart there are two forces
One is for the wrong, one's for the right
But never do you have to fear with this as armor
For good always wins the fight

What's that force behind the power that wakes you each day
What's that force behind the power that chases evil away
What's that force behind the power that puts a smile on your face
It is love, pure love, it is love

In every book of truth it has been written
That we are measured by the things we do
If for the good of all is what you like doing
Then all that good will come to you

That doesn't mean you have to be a rich man
You could be a person living on the street
But if you give but only words to lift someone higher
Then a heart of gold is what you will be

What's that force behind the power that wakes you each day
What's that force behind the power that chases evil away
What's that force behind the power that puts a smile on your face
It is love, pure love, it is love

What's that force behind the power that makes you willing to share
What's that force behind the power that for a lost soul you're there
What's that force behind the power that's not to busy to care
It is love, pure love, it is love

Not trying to preach about it, but no one can do without it

What's that force behind the power that will lend a hand
What's that force behind the power when others can't yes you can
What's that force behind the power it's greater than any man
It is love, God's love, it is love

What's that force behind the power that tears walls down of hate
What's that force behind the power that is never too late
What's that force behind the power that forever will wait
It is love, God's love, it is love

Inside of the grim snapshot of a broken-down America right now – in war and economic straits, it is clear something needed to change. And OBAMA is the tangible, active symbol of that CHANGE. But like Miss Ross cautioned while performing “REACH OUT AND TOUCH (SOMEBODY’S HAND)” at The Kennedy Center in celebration of the 1986 launch of Martin Luther King’s birthday as a national holiday (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIkUvqrERXs). Miss Ross pointed out that no matter the charisma, brilliance, and effectiveness of our BLACK LEADERS who reign supreme, there’s still work for each of us to do – beyond our impressive turnout to VOTE: “...Sometimes we sit back and wait for our LEADERS to save us, but the TRUTH is we’re the saviors. We have to do the work through UNITY, through BEING TOGETHER, through REACHING OUT AND TOUCHING...” Hear, hear MISS ROSS! (By the way, check out Vanity Fair’s feature on MOTOWN’s 50^th Anniversary - http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2008/12/motown200812?currentPage=1) And Hear, hear PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA!!!

Well, surely we’ll all have stories to tell regarding where we were when it was announced that America would soon operate under its first African American President. I won’t soon forget. I was on a plane to Chicago from an assignment in Dallas. It happened while I was in the air and there was no announcement on our flight. Landing at O’Hare, I turned on my Blackberry and there the texts and emails began to pop up – one vibration at a time. But amidst what seemed a ghost town of an airport, I still needed to get my bag and squeeze out some cash from the ATM (as I’m still standing in the YES when assignments come my way but am not quite re-calibrated fiscally --- credit-wise; cash-wise; or otherwise --- to afford fronting expenses on many of these out-of town jobs. But I’m trusting: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/11/2/its-a-time-its-a-time.html). The account didn’t quite look as I expected it to look and for a minute, I was stranded. This, as a NEW DAY was being promised just a stone’s throw away as President-Elect Barack Obama addressed a quarter-of-a-million people in Chicago’s Grant Park. I still hailed the cab; received a CONGRATULATIONS from my Persian-American driver. I alerted him of my conundrum and my solution which – at this point – was get me to a particular bank from which I think I can retrieve the cab fare or take me to my destination and I’m certain I can find someone who will take care of this debt (I wasn’t sure, but I TRUSTED...). On this NEW DAY, the perhaps-once-jaded-and-cynical driver said “NO PROBLEM! MY FRIEND! NO WORRIES!” Well, I was able to do the ATM-squeeze at the pointed financial institution... and all was well. I made it through the two days of work (away from home) with no scars. But that night, on the heels of President Obama’s speech and “our First-Lady-in-waiting” Michelle Obama’s daring fashion turn, I did get the chance to hang out a bit. (By the way, remember my First Lady Fashion show segment at CN8’s “Your Morning” last week? http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/11/2/hey-i-aint-got-no-money-but-im-rich-on-personality.html I’m still waiting on a copy of the segment to share with all of you. I know you’ll love it!). My Chicago Carl and Itika celebrated Obama’s victory with me --- partially up and down the Michigan Mile but also at a Downtown Hilton set that Jesse Jackson Jr. threw. Itika (who is blogging these days: http://nbc5streetteam.wordpress.com/2008/10/27/dining-at-the-foundation-room/ and http://nbc5streetteam.wordpress.com/2008/11/03/last-chance-08/) introduced me to several folks from www.chrewd.com – a production company that – via www.247HH.com – released an exposé regarding the 2008 Presidential Election. In this unique piece, 247HH.com sheds light on the ignorance in America, the importance of voting, and the need for change in this country. Key Hip Hop artists like The Game, Bun B., Young Jeezy, Kidz In The Hall, Common, etc. share their political beliefs and experiences, all of which illustrate the high level of inspiration Barack Obama has provided for today’s youth and future generations. 247HH.COM is a multi-media website dedicated to the Hip-Hop lifestyle. 247HH.com features exclusive interviews and performances with rappers, DJs, producers, managers, tastemakers, music executives, and fashion designers. Interviews can be viewed on the site or downloaded to your computer and/or iPod/Zune just like an audio pod-cast. Links include:

YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-FUhaCQjf0

Daily Motion

http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/247hh/video/x77scv_episode-39-last-chance-nov-4th_news

Current.com

http://current.com/items/89457449_last_chance_nov_4

Vimeo

http://www.vimeo.com/2097116

It seems many – like my friend from Detroit Greg Dunmore – who are using the visual on-line medium to express the INFINITE POSSIBILITIES of this time. See his project below: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kls_mzU5GM8.

And I received a call from my good friend Elise Durham who is Media Relations Manager at Morehouse College (www.morehouse.edu). She wondered if my nephew Herman would be interested in participating in a roundtable with NBC News’ Tom Brokaw; the Honorable Andy Young; and a few other Morehouse students. I forwarded his number to her and told her to call him as I hoped he would be interested. Well, he’s a part of this history as well. A segment (in which he’s shown but not excerpted) ran on NBC Nightly News (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#27562656). Then, TODAY ran a special edit the following morning that featured several sound bites from my chip off the old block (a sibling removed): http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/#27571212. As always, I am proud of him and excited at the synergy around NBC, OBAMA, and the RILEY men. Remember my Obama-related NBC impression earlier this year? http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#24974371 AND http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXc6x5JlJuw.

And as both Ant and I are still inside of OPTIMISM around our own professional fates turning around – so we (like many) don’t have to continue to suffer through the cash-strapped blues, work has been picking up. From Obama to SRB Productions (my NABJ mentor Sheila Brooks’ company - www.srbcommunications.com) to CN8’s “Your Morning” to "The Doctors" (www.thedoctorstv.com/), the calls for my freelance services (and Ant’s too) have been coming in a bit more lately and holding it down for the last couple of weeks. Of course, it is Election time and November sweeps, so the search for regulated income is still the order of the day. But with these forthcoming checks, we can soon catch up on many-a-bill now. PRAISE THE LORD!

My friend Kevin-Anthony has been producing Black 2: Broadway

(www.b2productions.xbuild.com) for years now. I’ve even had the chance to script some of his special evenings that are designed to celebrate, lift up, and expose the many un-or-under-heralded Broadway performers of color. It’s always a good time! The eve of Election Day was no exception as 'Black 2: Broadway Lending a Helping Hand' served as a theme for a spirited, all-star tribute to Broadway veterans B.J. Crosby and Adrian Bailey- both of whom have had health challenges that require rehabilitation for which each could use financial support (Earlier this year,Tony Award nominee Crosby ['Smokey Joe's Café'] suffered a stroke. And, actor ( 'The Lion King' and 'Kiss of the Spider Woman') Bailey suffered a near-fatal accident at a prestiguious Broadway theatre.). Here I pose with Adrian who is always so kind and sweet. Next to him: Mr. T.C. Carson (of “Living Single” fame), I got to share with him that I recently met his former co-star Kim Coles who shared with me that he, his other co-star Erika Alexander, and I share a birthday (NOVEMBER 19^TH). He was so gracious and kind... and what a VOICE!We had such a good time at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (www.nypl.org/research/sc). Firstly, good girlfriend/Spelman sister Bridget Bland was there with a forthcoming BET reality show cast (www.bet.net) of which she’s a part. She says Ant and I are her favorite 'gay' (she whispers) couple. SMILE! THANKS BRIDGET! We think you are, er..., 'fierce' too! LOL!    Also, my Morehouse brother Aden Seraile, a Harlem native/event promoter, was present and a part of this BET show that is chronicling 20-something, Harlemites who are doing the thang and being the difference. And so many good friends were in the house - from legend George Faison... and Miss Sidra Smith - dear friend (actress, casting director, producer, acting coach) and twin sister of Miss Tasha Smith. Tasha and I had the chance to meet at a private, New York City screening for Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married?" Also in the house: my buddy Dwayne Grayman... Mr. Diaz and a pair of his fab friends... Ern and Miss Kimberly Jajuan who we haven't seen in a minute... my D'Ambrose Boyd - actor, singer, photog, designer, artist... with the MOST... I sat next to my friend Karu Daniels (http://www.blackvoicesblogs.com/category/entertainment-newswire). He forwarded these clips – some of which feature me humming from my seat. LOL:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysLftMhgBeQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkJff-reyfg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_qpwyCMOe4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swDI21aXRAk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wah8WFC_G18

The line-up was awesome – from Chestor Gregory... to Marva Hicks... to Alyson Wiliiams... to gospel music newcomer Ton3x (pronounced Tonex) who did a stunning rendition of "What Would I Do If I Could Feel?" - the Tin Man's song from "The Wiz". And MISS LEDISI (in her two-time GRAMMY-nominated splendor) turned it out followed by a jam-session-of-a-finale. For more information on Black 2: Broadway, log on at www.b2productions.xbuild.com.

Speaking of New York and all of its culture: While traveling to and fro, I made sure to bring books as my usual pastime of buying all the magazines on the shelves is not quite a budgetary option these days. With that, I made sure to take my friend Karen Chilton’s book (www.karen-chilton.com) on Hazel Scott. Once I wrapped, I sent her this note:

Hi Karen,

I just finished YOUR 'HAZEL' and I LOVED IT! As I've mentioned to you, celebrity bios are my favorite literary genre. Thanks to your awesomely descriptive way with words, I feel like I've been on a fantastic journey through infinite possibilities and the pitfalls that come with them (especially during that time). But what HIGHs and LOWs - all at once. Sounds like my own life sometimes and yet I know the core to Hazel's essence is RESILLIENCE... and you tangibly outlined the depths of her FIERCENESS to perfection.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Keep me posted on your on-going blitz around this project that deserves more than a promotions period. It should have a long-shelf-life to ensure that the millions who are into DIVAS know on whose shoulders they stand in large order.

Best and LOVE,

Patrick

She did hip me to her upcoming event: COME JOIN HERat Barnes & Noble for the Monday Night Jazz Series.

MONDAY, JANUARY 19TH @ 7:00pm

BARNES & NOBLE - Lincoln Center

66th & Broadway, New York, NY

BOOK SIGNING & DISCUSSION along with a SCREENING of vintage film footageof Hazel Scott in performance.

SPECIAL FEATURE: To set the tone for the evening, there will be a live concert performance by the brilliant, youngjazz pianist, Courtney Bryan. Her CD "Quest for Freedom" will also be available for purchase.

Pre-BLOG, I had a crew of friends who would have lit this blog up with our respective shenanigans as we spent lots of time together from 1995 – 2000 (or so). We met these folks through Chandra and Tata – the bridge being they worked with a young lady named Troy who was friends with some awesome, ambitious, single, successful, African American professionals – including Linda, Laura, Tatia, Curtis, Royce, Danielle, etc. And to Ern and me, they became big brothers and sisters with whom we would do Thanksgiving dinners; fight parties; networking socials; etc. Then, one-by-one, these ladies got married (We attended most of the weddings and I sang in a couple of them). And from there, those couplings would go on to have children. After that, some divorced. Some moved away. And though we’ve all stayed in touch electronically, we rarely get to see each other inside of our busy, respective schedules. But one of the gang Tracy (through whom Ern and I met our Dallas couple Patrice and Keron) who recently married and had a kid in Detroit (She used to live in Jersey) came back to town with Tate and Reed in tow and she inspired a reunion. We all gathered at Linda’s place and had a GREAT TIME! It was so good to introduce them all to Ant for the first time. And he enjoyed meeting them. Plus, Miss Danielle and her beau Bernard had news of nuptials come Fall 2009 (in Barbados. Hopefully Destination: Abundant Checking Account will be able to accommodate this Destination wedding which Danielle has asked me to participate in some way. Maybe a song... some reception hosting... something. We'll see what shapes up. CONGRATS DANIELLE and BERNARD. We ALL will do better to stay in touch.

Several other friends (and even family members) are working on cool projects. Let me do a quick round robin of shout outs:

• My cousin Sonya Riley (out of Flint, Michigan) informed me that film work is picking up in Michigan due to tax incentives. As a result, she – a fab hairstylist – has been working on a film project “GIFTED HANDS”. She worked on the set for a week and change and worked with top hairstylist Julia Walker (www.imdb.com/name/nm0907909/).  Too, my Sonya got to meet and work with Cuba Gooding Jr.; Kimberly Elise; and Aunjanue Ellis. The movie is based on Dr. Ben Carson’s life (www.drbencarson.com/) and is scheduled to air on TNT (www.tnt.tv). CONGRATS CUZ!!!
• My girlfriend Dynelle Skinner who I met years ago when she worked at one of my favorite boutiques in Brooklyn MOSHOOD (www.afrikanspirit.com) now has a BLOG as she is an entertainment publicist in New York City. Check it out: - http://mylifeonandofftheguestlist.blogspot.com/.
• Stephen Beasley is a consultant of my friend Marcia Pendleton (www.blacktheatreonline.com) is working on a new online project. It’s the music of The sbP-The Stephen Beasley Project. He’s been able to keep these guys and the rent paid over the last couple years and the album comes out soon. The sbP4 man soul, rock, blues and funk experience explores the issues we all have in living through life... in the world we've come to live in. But he says it manages to be entertaining as well. Hear for yourself. These songs were mostly recorded live for an audience here in NYC:
  
  Here's where the masses can find The sbP:
• Click to play Songs from The Music of Transition:
• http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/862275
• Click to become a fan of The sbP:
• http://www.reverbnation.com/thesbp (They can buy the album here later this month!!)
• http://www.myspace.com/thesbp

• You know how much Ant and I love hairstylist-of-the-stars Ted Gibson and his partner Jason Backe, who too is a hair colorist. Well, he is now adding blogger to his busy schedule. It’s on a great beauty site called www.DailyMaker.com. And he is writing about his adventure in his beauty universe: http://www.dailymakeover.com/blogs/in-his-beauty-universe/2008/10/love-the-way-you-look-or-change-it.html; meanwhile, Ant and I were not able to join Jason Backe for his latest accomplishment (as we were busy working on respective shoots).  But Mr. Backe is currently celebrating his new role as Color Director of Perfect 10: Nice ‘n Easy (www.perfectcolorin10.com/). CONGRATULATIONS! Too, last night, Ant received an invite for us. Since he worked on one of the creative teams at new talk-show hit 'The Wendy Williams Show', he had a big hand in booking Rihanna and Michelle Williams’ stylist Ursula Stephen. We were invited to her birthday set at L’Oreal Professional Products Institute in SOHO (www.megamanagementinc.com).
• My friend April just told me about www.hulu.com. You can see many of your favorite episodes on this site.
• He’s not a friend of mine per se, but I LOVE NEYO’s MUSIC and I LOVE his spin on the classic “Big Red” jingle: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZeajvtqunI.
• My Chicago friend Kevin’s wife Jaci Coy Gist is working on a project that promises to take off. Her site is in progress: http://whatareyoufabat.com, but I assure you her campaign is going to take off. Already, she’s designed these fabulous Obama-inspired T-shirts, blinged out with Swarovski crystal. STAY TUNED!
• I just got word from my buddy Chico DeBarge that he is now investing in THE 9s Magazine (www.the9smag.com/) and that he has chosen my blog to be in its November feature story: "The Top 9 Blogs On The Web"! Stay tuned... and THANKS TO YOU, CHICO. I will look forward to our hang in the studio (I’m working on my falsetto as I write this. LOL!).
• And a final shout out of sympathy to Jennifer Hudson and her family. As you know, I’m most fond of her and heartbroken over the tragedy of losing her mother, brother, and nephew. Ironically, her mom Darnell Donerson (and most of her family) attended the event at which I interviewed her a couple of years ago in Indianapolis, IN for NABJ (www.nabj.org) - captured here by Jason Miccolo Johnson.