A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

SUNDAE SERMON

A diverse sea of my people gathered recently for our beloved Summer Sunday pass-time Sundae Sermon. This week, our Bevy Smith hosted with the MOST! And TEAM Sundae Sermon was led by two of my favorites DJ Stormin Norman and Michaela angela Davis. Here’s to more! Save my space under the tree…  http://sundaesermon.com/ #ThisIsSundaeSermon #ThankYou #SundaeSermon 

UPTOWN BOUNCE

A WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN NYC! Great to hang with my friends (and our “All Star Karaoke” team), Derrick and Bernice for – first – UPTOWN BOUNCE, a free summer series event – featuring music, Gallery talks, art workshops, breakdancing, summer drinks, and tasty food. DJ Tony Touch brought Great sounds as we learned about graffiti’s influence on hip hop through the City As Canvas Exhibition. We LOVE El Museo del Barrio.

CARLA-OKE

From there, it was CARLA-OKE TIME! Yep! Our ALL STAR KARAOKE faithful Carla Bone celebrates another birthday and PULSE KARAOKE was the backdrop for our industry fam to serenade her. FASHION QUEENS Bevy Smith was in the house along with a host of fab folks – including Ice T’s main groomer Brian Badie and a host of others. FUN WEDNESDAY!

LOVE FOR PASSION

What an amazing time at my friend Nathan Hale Williams’ fundraiser: Love For Passion - Film at Katra! Ant and I are thrilled that Nathan asked us to be on the Host Committee. CELEBRITY GUEST HOST - Desmond Richardson – is EVERYTHING! Though a Tony Award nominee & dance legend, he is must humble and generous with his talents and his time. THANKS DESMOND! So glad he graced us with his presence and gave us a hint of what’s to come with Evidence Dance Company (https://www.facebook.com/evidencedance). Industry buddies Qwynn Dolmo, Nakia Hicks, Joe Mode, Entertainer Buttaflysoul, and BJ Coleman co-hosted. Music was provided by DjPoison Ivy & DJ Audi Mansell.! https://love4passionfilmeventkatra.eventbrite.com/

FB - facebook.com/loveforpassion

Twitter - @lovepasionfilm

IG - @loveforpassionfilm

PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT: https://www.facebook.com/LoveForPassion

 #loveforpassion#fathersandsons #realmendance

P.S. Did Harlem diva Tammy Ford join Ant and me for karaoke and sushi at Yuki 55 after the party? YEP! Perfect nightcap! XOXOXOXOXO

UPTOWN

LOVE UPTOWN Magazine! Always good to me! http://uptownmagazine.com/2013/12/h-list-patrick-riley-video  AND THE BIGGEST CONGRATS to UPTOWN Editor in Chief and my Morehouse brother and friend Isoul Harris who shares: "The debut of @UptownMagazine's 10th #Anniversary #Music & #Style Issue starring @Common & model @SelitaEbanks on #AccessHollywood. Shot on location in the #penthouse suite of #TheWTimesSquare by famed photographer @CliffWatts & styled by #MicaelaErlanger (stylist for #LupitaNyongo). #Fashion #Luxury #Lifestyle #EditorsEye #Aspiration

ZERO DEGREE ZOMBIE ZONE

Last I shouted out my friend PATRIK HENRY BASS (far right), I was moderating a The Greene Space at WNYC/WQXR panel that followed a radio revisiting of Zora Neale Hurston’s celebrated novel Their Eyes Were Watching God from the point of view of Janie’s love interest, Tea Cake: http://www.thegreenespace.org/events/thegreenespace/2012/sep/17/their-eyes-were-watching-god-teacakes-legacy/. Was AWESOME to wax philosophical – through a male lens - with Patrik and other great minds on Hurston’s iconic narrative: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/9/17/their-eyez.html. Well, a HOT NEW SHOUT OUT TO my friend PATRIK HENRY BASS – Essence magazine and Essence Online's own Books Editor and Director of Editorial Projects - for underscoring, in action and excellence, the increasing need for kid books about African American children. On Tuesday, August 26,Columbia Scholastic Press - Scholastic - is publishing The Zero Degree Zombie Zone. The book, for ages 8-12 and grades 3-7 is one of the first to feature four African-American kids (three boys and a girl) in a fantasy setting replete with zombies. It's also my attempt to encourage more African-American boys to read by presenting relatable characters. I am helping spread the word about#ZeroDegreeZombieZone's publication! Please help me! 

SOUTHERN CHEFS

Shout out to my Spelman sister Adrianne C. Smith whose budding “Southern Chefs” TV cooking competition shot an array of ordinary self-proclaimed chefs from the South in New York City – living in one 2 bedroom apartment in Harlem for the opportunity of a lifetime by hosting a pop-up dinner for 25 guests including some of NYC’s finest chefs and restaurant owners. I was invited as a tastemaker, but scheduling didn’t allow. But the pix were nothing short of “tasty” and I hope to have a to-go plate the next time (or at the next round of tapings for its inevitable pick-up and re-up). Congrats, my forever-MISS-MAROON-AND-WHITE! FOR MORE INFO,  https://www.facebook.com/southernchefstv.

NABJ14

 Have I been going to the National Association of Black Journalists’ annual convention for 23 years? YEP! And this year was no exception, though I almost didn’t make it. Fortunately, since it was in Boston, childhood BFF Ernest packed Ant, our bags, and me up in his car… and we did a road-trip – including playing the tag game (By the time we returned from Boston, Ern peeped 20 to my 19! Doesn’t anybody drive to Boston out of ALASKA, HAWAII, or ALABAMA!? LOL!). Since I wasn’t formally booked on any panels nor producing or hosting any presentations, was nice to hold court at the bar in the lobby of the hotel… and get a hearty does of my “Annual therapy” AKA hugs, kisses, and catch-ups from my industry family. Was cool to break away and get in some karaoke time as well. I LOVE NABJ! FOREVER! FOR ALWAYS!

 KEHINDE WILEY

I am basking in the glow from my weekend in Boston at NABJ! CONGRATS to NABJ President Bob Butler; current Chair of the NABJ A&E Task Force Kelley Carter; and ALL who made it such a fun and productive time for those of us who got to attend! NEXT STOP: Minneapolis!!!! Can't wait!I got to talk to many fellow journalists about my friend Lamar Johnson's film project KEHINDE WILEY: AN ECONOMY OF GRACE on which he is Executive Producer in partnership with PBS, which will air the film next month: September 5, 2014! AND I’LL TELL THE REST OF YOU ABOUT IT HERE: Lamar brought Rémy Martin to NABJ (last year and the year prior): http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/8/7/remy-martin-meet-nabj.html. Inside his new professional chapter, he wanted to ensure that our crop of journalists had an opportunity to screen advance copies. Lamar hopes to attract ADVANCE COVERAGE of the film's airing and/or SOCIAL MEDIA support in the way of E-BLASTING, TWEETING, etc.The movie "Kehinde Wiley: An Economy of Grace" follows the artist as he steps out of his comfort zone to create a series of paintings of women for the first time. Kehinde casts his models on the streets of New York and then enlists Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy to create couture gowns for each woman. The film traces the artist's process from concept to canvas as he reveals to us another side of black femininity. Lamar notes it is a celebration of art, style and African-American beauty and has been very well-received, garnering several festival awards including @SXSW 2014. The film is also an official selection in the "Run & Shoot” Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Fest. TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46wgtP3eiEs FOR PRESS INQURIES, please feel free to just email me here (patarack@hotmail.com) and I’ll forward accordingly to him. I will immediately forward you to Lamar to coordinate any additional info/intel/booking support you need to complete any of your proposed coverage. MEANWHILE, for more info, you can go to www.PBS.org/pressroom  or www.pressroom.pbs.org/Programs/k/KEHINDE-WILEY-AN-ECONOMY-OF-GRACE.aspx.  Stay in touch with us as Lamar and his team are planning the NYC premiere & after party to take place on Thursday September, 4 at a TBD location. This will coincide with NY/Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

Editorial Angle Thought-starters:

The Art of Urban portraiture (feat. Kehinde Wiley)

Reshaping notions of Black beauty

Celebrating all the shades of Black femininity

LGBTQ self-image/acceptance

Kehinde “Telecommuting” between NYC , Paris and Beijing

AND FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO HELP US GET THE WORD OUT VIA SOCIAL MEDIA, please include the following data:

KEHINDE WILEY: AN ECONOMY OF GRACE – a film to be telecast on PBS Sept. 5, 2014

TWITTER: @kehindewileyart - SUBJECT

TWITTER: @jeffdupre – DIRECTOR

TWITTER: @patarack – LIFE OF RILEY

#LOR_kehinde

#kehindewileyPBS

ABBY Z + ME

Episode #7 is up!!! #abbyzplusone #podcast #www.AbbyZ.com - CHECK THIS OUT: https://soundcloud.com/abbyz-one/abby-z-plus-one-ep-7/s-NEmr5. Host Abby Z, renowned Fashion Designer & Stylist conducts intimate interviews with celebrities, elite entrepreneurs, fellow designers and supermodels on the Abby Z Plus one Podcast. Tune in to hear exclusive interviews highlighting established and rising Movers & Shakers nationwide. Abby Z pushes the message of being sexy at every size, feeling confident and being on top of your game professionally and personally. For more information visit her website at www.AbbyZ.com.

 Episode 7

 Gwendolyn DeVoe – Owner of DeVoe Signature Events

www.dseventsinc.com/home.html

www.twitter.com/fffweek  

 Josh Johnson – Abercrombie Model

 Patrick Riley –Producer & writer

www.thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/  

www.twitter.com/patarack  

Elizabeth Taylor – Plus Size Model

www.findingelizabethtaylor.com/look.php   

Brooke Notary - artistic director and choreographer

www.brooknotary.com/

FINDING FELA

FELA KUTI IS BACK! FINDING FELA is the new definitive documentary about FELA KUTI that rocked Sundance. Directed by Academy Award® Winner Alex Gibney. "Finding Fela has the makings of a classic music biopic: as thorough and soulful as Kevin Macdonald’s Marley, thrilling as Scorsese’s The Last Waltz all those years ago, or more recently Morgan Neville’s euphoric 20 Feet From Stardom, but follows an irresistible character in the same way Malik Bendjelloul’s Searching For Sugar Man did." – Andrew Latimer, Sheffield Doc/Fest 2014. Click here to watch trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=937SQ8-6RV4

Website: http://findingfela.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FindingFela

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/findingfela

Instagram: http://instagram.com/findingfela

LOVE FOR PASSION

I am too excited to support and help promote my friend Nathan Hale Williams’ film project “Love for Passion”. He’s hosting  a wonderful fundraising event for which I am sitting on the host committee. I am extending a personal invitation for you and your guests to party with a purpose on Monday, August 18th 6-9pm at Katra Lounge (217 Bower Street).  They have planned a wonderful and fun event celebrating dance as well as the arts in an effort to support the film that is so near & dear to us.  But, it's more than a film, we are igniting a movement that will uplift, inspire and encourage young men of color to live their dreams and hopefully begin to foster better relationships between them and their fathers.  We hope you will join us for this party & JOIN THE MOVEMENT. Love for Passion is a film about a young African-American dancer, Jeffrey Love, on the verge of his New York City debut. Jeffrey is distracted by his estranged father, Darryl Love who shows up after being absent for ten years.  In a highly dramatic confrontation, Darryl now seeks forgiveness from his son for a multitude of transgressions.  Love for Passion also celebrates the breakthrough of fathers loving their sons while confronting the breakdown of the father/son relationship. 

​LIKE US ON FACEBOOK - www.facebook.com/LoveforPassion

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @Love4PasionFilm (one 's') - www.twitter.com/Love4PasionFilm

#loveforpassionfilm

#realmendance

#fathersandsons

DREAMS OF A PROPHET

A seasoned pro of stage and screen - big and small, Larry Powell was also SUPER SUPPORTIVE of our Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley - THE SPRING 2014 SERIES! With that, this SUPER TALENTED man has written an exciting, new play called DREAMS OF A PROPHET! And he is self-producing a workshop presentation of it 3rd week/weekend of August. What he needs is your amazing prayers and literal support! Watch the promo vid here-- and Click on link in vid to support! LINK TO PROMO: http://youtu.be/wxUz197DyLQ  

LINK TO SUPPORT: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/dreams-of-a-prophet

Sundae Sermon

THIS SUNDAY.

8.10.14

St. Nicholas Park

3-7pm SUNDAE SERMON

Need I say anything else? Well, SEE YOU THERE!

FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE READ ON:

Sundae Sermon is this Sunday! DJ Stormin’ Norman & I are so excited to see you at Harlem’s premiere community dance party & picnic this Sunday @ St. Nicholas Park at 135th & 8th Ave. 2-7p Again, we would be delighted to have you come by our “This is Sundae Sermon” section where we’ll be hosting an informal yet exclusive meet & greet for folks to  get to know our mission and key members of our influential congregation. Just look for the table with the big happy Sundae Sermon sign. If you see yourself or your brand connecting with Harlem Sundae Sermon is the place to be seen! SWEET NEW NEWS:  Sundae Sermon will be hosted by Harlem's First Lady of Style & Life Bravo & all around media star Bevy Smith !

(there's going to be a fierce performance too) #SeeYouAtSundaeSermon #SundaeSermon

http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-24-07-7564 - Here is the full episode of Thursday's Arise Entertainment 360 which I got to guest co-host with Lola Ogunnaike! Friday’s link is here: http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-25-07-7592! Meanwhile to reflect on this week’s FUN segments: Meital Dohan tells all about her new single "Give Us Back Love!" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVHctlp4beg&feature=youtu.be @MEITALDOHAN; Steven boss AKA "Twitch" chat about his career in choreography, his fancy footwork! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GjEFauLMQ4&feature=youtu.be @official_tWitch (Lola and I got our groove on as well: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152359420863737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater); Directors of Bottoms Up Kurt Williamson & Christopher Alvarez discuss the documentary! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX0jVa7cPzs&feature=youtu.be @KURTWURK @TRANSCENDENTCEO;

 Ample Hills Creamery founder Brian Smith brings flavorful ice cream! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALqvnKSxGt0&feature=youtu.be @AMPLEHILLS! AND THIS WEEK, I’m filling in on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360: GLOBAL EDITION - http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-global-edition.  ‪#‎ARISE360

SOME SHOUT OUTS

CONGRATS to my friend and fellow writer/producer Fred Bumaye on his latest short film TONSURE. Fred wrote and directed it. It is executive produced by Malik Yoba and Savannah homeboy (one of my BFFs) Maurice Marable.  This is a link to the trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvOpaqnXXKU This is an awesome piece of independent cinema! TONSURE HAS BEEN SELECTED FOR URBANWORLD 2014‏. Please follow Tonsure on twitter @TonsureMovie

CONGRATS to dear friend Jason Johnson on his co-working space Confluence Coworking Bud Stuy. For more info, please click on and LIKE: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Confluence-Coworking-Bed-Stuy/675390382536000 

Shout out to all my peeps associated with FINDING FELA: FINDING FELA which will open in theaters on August 1, 2014. Academy Award©-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney (Taxi to the Dark Side, Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, etc.) returns with Finding Fela, an insightful and provocative look into the life of Nigerian musician/activist Fela Kuti (1938 – 1997), his music, and his social and political importance. This in-depth look at the man who created Afrobeat (a fusion of Jazz, traditional West African rhythms, Funk, Highlife, and psychedelic rock) brings audiences close to Mr. Kuti's fight against the dictatorial Nigerian government of the 1970s and 80s. With his audacious music and a great deal of courage, Fela Kuti helped bring a change towards democracy in Nigeria, promoted Pan Africanist politics to the entire world and became an inspiration in the global fight for the rights of all oppressed people. Taking audiences through a multi-threaded journey into the power of art to effect political and social change, Finding Fela also reveals the creative process behind the Broadway musical Fela!, directed and co-conceived by acclaimed choreographer Bill. T. Jones.  Finding Felafeatures never-before-seen footage of his major concerts and exclusive interviews with Femi Kuti (Fela's eldest son), Yeni Kuti (Fela's first child), Seun Kuti (Fela's youngest son), Sandra Izsadore (former Black Panther party member), Questlove and Sir Paul McCartney, to what is bound to be the most inspirational and high-energy celebration of the summer.

FUNK JAZZ IS 20: CONGRATS to my Savannah homeboy Jason Orr on 20 YEARS of Funk Jazz Kafé - https://www.facebook.com/FunkJazzKafe?fref=ts. WHAT A BLESSING! THANK YOU FOR SUCH A GIFT!

queen

She passed away 20 years ago today! WOW! Still MISS her so! SHOUT OUT to my mom Queen Elizabeth Bellinger Riley! Endless LOVE & LEGACY! XOXOXOXO

wendy fab and 50

Made a lot of field/tape producing impressions for recurring client The Wendy Williams Show:

The VEGAS piece I had a hand in producing – highlighting Wendy’s stand-up comedy debut at The Venetian Las Vegas: http://youtu.be/sYWSgh_7ha8. Was fun to shoot with Wendy recently. She's always SUCH A JOY!

Her birthday show had something I produced in it as well - a birthday tribute from her staff: http://youtu.be/C5VxXjA1L4Q.  

MONSTER TRUCK ran last Tuesday: http://youtu.be/IUpsz80z8oY Shout out to editor Mitch Jacobson and Wendy’s awesome team who see fit outsource these great assignments my way when they have needs the like! #faband50 #wendywilliams #Happy50thWendy 

art of the interview

I love my National Association of Black Journalists' sister friend Katti Gray - so much I got up too early (amidst a double-deadline week) to teach her new, diverse crop of NYC high schoolers participating in the NYU Urban Journalism Workshop "THE ART OF THE INTERVIEW". GREAT KIDS! GREAT TIMES! http://urbanjournalismworkshop.org/ #nyuujw

crystal knows

Making sure to share the following info from my sister-cousin-friend Crystal – a blog featuring the best intel on natural hair. Click or go to the following blog; read article; and win free hair products!

www.Crystal-Knows.blogspot.com.

bobby roache

Special shout out to my little brother in the industry, international model Bobby Roaché, who has been hosting Anthony Harper and me at his NYC pad this past couple of FOURTH-OF-JULY days along with a fun group of folks – including New-Jersey native/L.A.-resident Corey Notes, an esteemed songwriter (and creative director) – credits including twosongs on Chris Brown’s latest CD.

 As my boy Bobby Roaché goes, PLEASE shop now

at www.BobbyRoache.com. You can check out his latest in sizzling eyewear! CONGRATS BOBBY! XO

spelhouse forever

Another FAB FETE took place later that night at friend Rod’s place – what would end up being a Morehouse/Spelman reunion between college BFFs Michael K. Watts, Mario Ephraim, and OUR-FOREVER-Miss Maroon & White Adrianne C. Smith!

LOVE Y’ALL! XO PLR  

MOMENTUM

Momentum Honors honored me this past weekend at SOHO House in NYC with its Pillar of Empowerment Award! Blessed! Beyonce donated 100K to the cause which is MOMENTUM's TEEN program. She didn't attend. Was at the BET Awards 2014. But this gracious gift comes in the wake of her donating 10K each of the last two years. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

To: Robinson Lynn and the MOMENTUM TEAM

To: Tamara and the MOMENTUM TEENS TEAM

To: ALL OF MY FELLOW HONOREES – including Sylvia High (I TRULY AM HONORED TO BE IN YOUR ESTEEMED COMPANY)!

To: ALL MY MOMENTUM FAMILY and your FRIENDS AND FAMILY – many of whom came out!

A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO CURTIS DENNIS who has continued to be a role model for BEING THE DIFFERENCE beyond RESIDENTIAL. I love you, Curtis! Thank you!

AND MICHELE BREIER with whom I had the JOY to CO-SENIOR LT 16. THANKS FOR COMING, MICHELE!

I AM AN AUTHENTIC, LOVING, VULNERABLE MAN.

I GRADUATED THE BASIC IN JULY 2004;

THE ADVANCED IN SEPTEMBER 2004;

AND LEADERSHIP (LT 12) JANUARY 2005.

AS I MENTIONED, I WAS SENIOR STAFF FOR LT 16 AND A RECURRING INTRO NIGHT HOST.

I ACCEPT THIS AWARD IN THE MEMORY OF LT 10'S NENE OFUATEY-KODJOE - MY EMO.

ALSO TO THE MEMORY OF MOMENTUM Founder Robin Lynn WHO generously launched the Nene Ofuatey-Kodjoe Momentum Education Scholarship in April 2005. AS A RESULT, DOZENS - IN ROBIN'S WORDS - HAVE "GOTTEN TO GO" BECAUSE OF THIS GENEROUS GIFT.

AND TO MY LIFE PARTNER OF 8-1/2 YEARS, ANTHONY HARPER, ONE OF MOMENTUM'S NENE SCHOLARS: I LOVE YOU AND THANK YOU FOR LOVING ME AND ALLOWING ME TO LOVE YOU - THROUGH IT ALL!

THANKS EVERYBODY! AND A BIG SHOUT OUT to those who came out to surprise me: PETE; CECIL (who introduced Kodjoe to the work); MARJORIE MCFARLANE; LUSTER CHAUNCEY; AMANDA; PETER; et al! THANKS ALL!

SSU MEDIA HIGH

HOMETOWN BOY [me] is too EXCITED TO BE back home in Savannah as Keynote Speaker for the SSU MEDIA HIGH program! THE CLOSING CEREMONY & LUNCHEON at Savannah State University’s Department of Mass Communications (Adams Hall) was an INSPIRATIONAL LOVE FEST – WWW.SSUMEDIAHIGH.NET.SPONSORS/PARTICIPANTS included WTOC – the first TV station to hire me (in high school) as “teleprompter” for the 5p and 6p newscasts. Contributor Kim Gusby saw my visit newsworthy enough to tease it on “Coastal Sunrise” - http://bit.ly/lor_ssuhigh. WSAV sent cameras to the event as well for later newscasts. One of my NABJ mentors/Spelman big sister Wanda Lloyd is Chair of SSU’s Department of Mass Communications (She too is childhood BFFs with my favorite teacher from Windsor Forest High School, Mrs. Linda Green, who surprised me! And what a full-circle moment as in order for me to be able to do the WTOC gig, Mrs. Green took me to my mom’s job to get the car – so I could get downtown. Then, I’d pick mom up after the 6p newscast wrapped! THANK YOU, LINDA GREEN!). And to my NABJ sister Tina A. Brown, THANK YOU for inviting me as she is DIRECTOR of SSU Media High and a friend for life. Though I am a MOREHOUSE MAN, I followed a similar curriculum as Spelmanite Wanda Lloyd as we both studied much of our chosen professions' basics at CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY's Mass Media Arts Department. So, this was even more of a FULL CIRCLE moment to be speaking at SSU as Wanda Lloyd is a Savannah native as well! And what a blessing that my DAD – 80-YEARS-YOUNG – RETIRED CMSGT USAF HERMAN L. RILEY SR. – was able to join me along with his wife Diana. Appreciated his support, pride, and hospitality while I was home.FEELING FULL, BLESSED, and ENCOURAGED at the new generation of multi-platform journalists before us!CONGRATS to the SSU MEDIA HIGH grads of SUMMER 2014! AND YOU MUST KNOW it was GREAT to hang out with my family afterwards! We ALWAYS have a GREAT TIME! LOVE Y'ALL! AND LOVE SAVANNAH! #SSUMEDIA HIGH

Summer karaoke break

The SPRING 2014 SERIES of “BILLIE’S BLACK PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE WITH PATRICK L. RILEY” wrapped last week! ! And so happy that GORDON CHAMBERS chose our final TUESDAY to come out, support, and sing (songs from his catalog like “Missing You” - the Grammy nominated theme of Set It Off (performed by Brandy, Tamia, Gladys Knight and Chaka Khan) and my favorite, Brownstone's Grammy nominated hit "If You Love Me" which he rocked a caapella (and you know I joined in). 
Gordon graciously joined our “The Boss” chorus on that Diana Ross disco anthem penned and produced by the Ashford & Simpson. To buy Gordon’s amazing music and find out where he’s performing next, check out http://gordonchambers.com/. Among many magical moments last night (STAY TUNED for clips throughout the day), GRAND FINALE WINNER Husain Mello Deas Williams came and blessed our FINAL installment in our SPRING 2014 SERIES of Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley! He redeemed his winning recently as he sang in that night's Motown the Musical and later enjoyed a scrumptious meal at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul! We're PROUD of you, HUSAIN! MUCH LOVE! My nephew Herman Lee Riley III and so many of our ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS were in the house as well as my Morehouse brethren BFFs Michael K. Watts, Mario Ephraim; and a VERY SPECIAL APPEARANCE by fellow Morehouse College Glee Club brother and professional vocalist (of the Opera kind), Cornelius V. Johnson - performing Porgy & Bess nearby. He BLESSED our GRAND FINALE with a beautiful "SUMMERTIME". It brought me to tears! THANKS TO EVERYBODY FOR YOUR SUPPORT! I LOVE YOU! P.S. Since Billie's Black Presents All Star Karaoke served as such a great back-drop for BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS, just drop a line to patarack@hotmail.com. I'll forward you accordingly to BILLIE'S BLACK as they will work with you on available dates; menu; method(s) of payment; particulars - including a premium option of booking our ALL STAR KARAOKE TEAM to host and produce your special celebration. It's a great way to celebrate for you and your friends. Please feel free to pass this along and let everyone know!!! We have had such an amazing time at “Billie’s Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley”. Some amazing All Star performers have graced the stage including Recording Artists/R&B Divas – Atlanta: Monifah & Keke Wyatt; recording artist Shaliek; our All Star Karaoke faithfuls, like Fashion Queen’s Bevy Smith; GMA/ABC News Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo; celebrity hairstylist Carla Bone (clients including Jada Pinkett Smith and Kerry Washington) and Brian Badie (clients including Ice T, Coco, etc.); Mindy Project's Xosha Roquemore; Anthony Wayne (Broadway’s “Pippin’” and “Mighty Real Sylvester”); and so many more! THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!#motownmay 

ABFF

 Film Life Presents the 18th annual American Black Film Festival took place in NYC for the first time: www.abff.com. TWITTER - @abff. SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to my friend Patrik-Ian Polk on his NEW FILM “BLACKBIRD”: TWITTER - @blkbirdthefilm. MO'NIQUE stars! ANOTHER SHOUT OUT to my colleague Kai Brown’s brother Tobi Gadison who starred in ‘Myra’s Angel’, which made its ABFF debut this weekend. The script was penned by Skye Dennis and directed by Hakim Hudson. The film tells the story of a a man’s (played by Tobi Gadison) journey for redemption as he tries to clear his name of a robbery he didn’t commit. ALSO: We saw "Life's Essentials with Ruby Dee," Documentary About Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, made its big screen premiere at the American Black Film Festival. The film, which is the work of Mr. Davis and Ms. Dee's grandson Muta'Ali, is part tribute, part history lesson and part coming-of-age story and gives viewers an intimate look into the "remarkable lives of the couple many consider the all-time king and queen of Black Hollywood," according to production notes. Shout out to my dear friends Teri Prettyman Bowles and husband Alvin Bowles - Associate Producers on the project. OH! A wonderful hang on Friday with dear friend Jason Johnson would have us run into Kate Mulgrew from “Orange is the New Black”! #ABFF2014 #nyc #oitnb REST IN PEACE, RUBY DEE! WE MISS YOU ALREADY! XOXOXOXO

MISS ROSS

WELL, MISS ROSS performed to a PACKED HOUSE at MADISON SQUARE GARDEN – THE THEATER this weekend! THAT’S ALL! SO GOOD to hang out with my ROSS enthusiasts as Rhonda Ross opened with her electrifying set followed bombastically by MISS ROSS who was in GREAT FORM --- effortlessly giving her audience HIT after HIT after HIT! “SING RAIF,” Miss Ross exclaimed on “The Boss” – looking out to her quite enthusiastic grandson, Diana and Berry Gordy’s grandboy! “Raif! You’re THE BOSS!” LOL! SHOUT OUT TO ALL MY ROSS PEEPS! Derrick even got to see MISS ROSS for the first time! She did not disappoint ONE BIT!

JALC

Shout out to Dwayne Ashley, Vice President of Development at Jazz at Lincoln Center, and my BFF, Miss Sidra Smith, NAACP Image Award winning producer for “Free Angela and All Political Prisoners” – THE DOCUMENTARY of 2013-2014 season, if you ask me! They each made sure I was in the house for Jazz at Lincoln Center's SWING, A SUMMER BENEFIT COCKTAIL PARTY inside the gorgeous Appel Room in at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall – overlooking Columbus Circle and the South entrance to Central Park. The night included a FAMILY REUNION (of sorts) as so many of my industry buddies and associates were in the house! Primarily, though, there were performances by Jonathan Batiste, Cécile McLorin Salvant, The Rodriguez. In the 2013-14 season, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s performance and education initiatives impacted audiences on both local and global scale. The organization served 724 children through its WeBop early childhood education program, while 2,700 schools participated in the annual Essentially Ellington high school jazz program. Honorary Chairs are Tonya and Spike Lee, Maya Haile and Marcus Samuelsson, Lance Riddick, Mickalene Thomas, Tamara Tunie, Eboni Marshall Turman and Rossie Turman, III, Jeffrey Wright. swing! Chair is Lola C. West. swing! Co-Chairs are Valerie S. Brown, Mignon Espy-Edwards, Christopher Montgomery, Kimberly Steward. swing! Co-Presenters are Valentino D. Carlotti, Reginald Van Lee, The Steward Family Foundation. swing! Host Committee includes Ken Allen, Paul Atkins, Kelly Smith Beaty, Kesha Cash, Harriette Cole, Candice Cook, Dionyse Fitzwilliam, Ian S. Fuller, Phyllis Hollis, Jim Johnson, Angela Kyle, Ed Lewis, Spencer Means, Courtney Lee Mitchell and Marcus Mitchell, Jarrod Guy Randolph, Ayo Roach, Trevor Scotland, Clinton Townsend, Nicole Valentine, Faye Wattleton, Eric Woods. #jalcnyc

5^TH HARMONY

Anthony Harper and I loved us some FIFTH HARMONY during the second season of The X Factor. The group consists of members Ally Brooke Hernandez, Normani Hamilton, Dinah Jane Hansen, Camila Cabello, and Lauren Jauregui. They signed a joint deal with Syco Music, owned by Simon Cowell, and Epic Records, L.A. Reid's record label, after finishing in third place behind Tate Stevens and Carly Rose Sonenclar on the show. NOW, THEY ARE SOON COMING OUT (Pre-Order Fifth Harmony's NEW single 'BO$$' on iTunes http://smarturl.it/5HBOSS). WAS TOO EXCITED to refer colleague and LIFE OF RILEY consultant Derrick Hemphill to an opportunity that he shot and produced for an upcoming talk show about which I won’t say much now (BUT STAY TUNED). THE BONUS: My day’s work was happening nearby – so I just HAD to stop by and hear their new song BOSS (You know, I love a BOSS! LOL!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isXyg_2PsdU&feature=kp. BECOME one of the HARMONIES (along with me) and follow FIFTH HARMONY at : https://twitter.com/5HonTour; Instagram @5HonTour_; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fifthharmonyupdates; and Tumblr: http://5hontour.tumblr.com/. #5HonTour #5thharmony #fifthharmony

TONI SEAWRIGHT & MJ

Was too excited to host TONI SEAWRIGHT’s 50th Birthday Honoring the Music and Legacy of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson with family and friends in Brooklyn, New York at the 5 Spot. I sang “Got to Be There” with the HOT BAND! Shout out to them for rehearsing with me a couple of days prior to ensure I could hit those CHAKA notes. I even rehearsed at our closing night of ALL STAR KARAOKE: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152301811918737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater.

WATN: GERALDO

You guys know “Oprah: Where Are They Now?” is a recurring client – content which features updates on some of the biggest newsmakers and most memorable Oprah show guests of all time.  Next Sunday, July 9 at 9p ET, please check out my update with television host and journalist Geraldo Rivera – another full circle moment as he was my first boss in New York City circa 1995-1997. ALSO in the show: Party of Five’s Scott Wolf; Elvira, Mistress of the Dark; author Terry McMillan and the survivor of a brutal shark attack. PROMO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvsCU4ZVl8Y