A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

LIFE AFTER CONTINUES

The new season of TV One's Life After has begun. Did you see my debut on the Clifton Davis episode? Here it is: http://tvone.tv/shows/life_after/video/full-episode--life-after-amen--clifton-davis-.html.

NEXT UP (with me):

October 9 at 8pm - LeVar Burton

October 16 at 8pm - Maia Campbell

October 23 at 8pm - Shereé Whitfield

STAY TUNED… and THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

CLAY CANE LIVE

In fact, what better time than now to hip you that I was a guest on Clay Cane Live on WWRL 1600 AM New York ... and what a TIME WE HAD! Click here to ENJOY: http://claycane.tumblr.com/post/62904421407/clay-cane-live-episode-87-october-1-2013"WWRL 1600 AM is the number one progressive talk radio station in the New York City area. WWRL airs Ed Schultz's radio program and Clay recently took over Rev. Al Sharpton's time slot. Clay Cane Live broadcasts in NJ, NY, CT and live-streamed on the worldwide web from 8pm - 10pm EST every Tuesday. Clay’s show is geared to the LGBT community, but he transcends all of the labels. Previous guests have included Brandy, Clay Aiken, Aubrey O'Day, Rockmond Dunbar, Jackée Harry, Laverne Cox of Orange Is the New Black, Kandi Burruss, Jennifer Holliday, Sheryl Lee Ralph, tons of Broadway stars and many others.  Hear previous shows: http://www.play.fm/radioshow/claycanelive You can also download Clay’s podcasts here: http://www.wwrl1600.com/pages/11672134.php.  I sing Mariah Carey's "Can't Let Go" - plus, we talk Obamacare, government shutdown and more! WAS EXCITING! THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! We broadcast on 1600AM in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.  Also, we're live-streamed on the web at http://tunein.com/radio/WWRL-1600-s23848/ - which can be heard anywhere.  Feel free to promote that link.  #claycanelive #lifeafter #wwrl1600am

COZI-TV AND EMMY AWARDS

I also am a recurring pop culture expert with COZI-TV for its NEWS 4 at 7 newscast. This past Monday, I did a two-segment EMMY RE-CAP with TV Guide Magazine's Matt Roush: http://youtu.be/lKDDhF_6qy4. This call-back came from the EMMY NOMINATIONS ROUND-UP we did in July: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Emmy-Nominations-for-2013/216162211.  And I'd originally done a BROADWAY segment with them a few months ago: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Pop-Culture-Expert-Patrick-Riley-on-Black-Broadway_New-York.html. SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO KERRY WASHINGTON! #nexttime

UPTOWN MAGAZINE HOT LIST

Shout out to Editor in Chief Isoul Harris and his FAB staff at UPTOWN Magazine for including my name on their current HOT LIST nearby my BFF aka Amazing Grace Mara Schiavocampo. I DIDN'T KNOW, ISOUL! And what a GREAT COVER, by the way! THANKS Morehouse College BROTHER! I'm HONORED! Mara and I were placed on the Editor’s page last year – a pic showing us take delight in New Orleans’ Bourbon Street Krystal fast food joint. Angela Bronner Helm placed us in that issue. CONGRATS to her as she’s just announced her new post as Executive Editor at ESSENCE Magazine! CONGRATS ANGELA! #uptownmag #essencemag 

NABJ REGION ONE

I LOVE NABJ – forever and always! I was SO EXCITED to be able to give more back to my beloved NABJ. My eternal gratitude to NABJ Region 1 Director, Sherlon Christie (Sports Reporter, Asbury Park Press (Neptune, N.J.)) – [TWITTER @sherlonapp] - also the multi-media journalist and published author Stephanie Guerilus who booked me [TWITTER: @qsteph] to moderate the closing panel “MAKING A LIVING OUTSIDE TRADITIONAL MEDIUMS”. There has been a long standing tradition of writers creating their own opportunities. Blogs have become one of the go to mediums of expansion and being from restrictions. How do writers go from being just another scribe on the web to an enterprise? Creative individuals that have become experts at this will discuss how they’ve navigated the world of freelancing and how it can lead to entrepreneurship. My panelists waxed philosophical and instructional on all of the above…and they were great! THANKS TO: Roy Paul, Political commentator & contributor [TWITTER: @RoyPaulReports]; Mark A. Thomas, MIT Sloan Fellow; Former Director, City Limits [TWITTER: @workandprogress]; and Trenae V. McDuffie Nuri, Multimedia Reporter, Philadelphia Tribune and South Jersey Journal [TWITTER: @TrenaeMcDuffie]. All the FUN took place at the Associated Press Headquarters. AND A BIG SHOUT OUT TO another NABJ BFF Brian Henderson, Director of Communications and Marketing at National Bar Association. Was great to catch up with Brian and so many of my FAVORITE NABJ PEEPS! An additional WHAT’S UP to my friend Erich McMillian-McCall – Founder of Project1Voice (http://www.project1voice.org/). GLAD TO HANG with you for a bit as well! #freelance13 #nabjregion1#nabjregionone

WENDY WILLIAMS

Speaking of working outside traditional mediums, I’ve done some freelance work for ‘The Wendy Williams Show’ over the years! HOW YOU DOIN’? LOL! For Black History Month 2012, I did a profile on Christine Carter: http://www.wendyshow.com/MyBlackIsBeautiful/, which got a media hit in Black Enterprise: http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/giving-back-against-all-odds/. Before that, I produced another integration for Proctor & Gamble/FAMILY DOLLAR: http://www.wendyshow.com/2011/12/16/family-dollar-holiday-dash/. And in November 2011, I made my 'WENDY WILLIAMS' debut (as freelance field producer) via a special project in the British Virgin Islands. It's an integration (trip giveaway) that ran throughout November sweeps. I’ve even produced a sizzle for her production company. Well – from the green-light corner - coming up THIS WEDNESDAY AT 8P on the TV Guide Network (TVGN), co-owned by Lionsgate and CBS, be sure to catch new series with popular daytime talker Wendy Williams. Under the working title, "Wendy Williams Project," Wendy gives TVGN's cameras a backstage look at her life. The series goes behind-the-scenes on "The Wendy Williams Show," as well as follow her as she prepares for her Broadway debut in "Chicago" as prison matron Mama Morton. Wendy is executive producing under her company, Wendy Williams Productions, alongside additional EPs Kevin Hunter, Lisa Knapp and Jill Ramsey. BE SURE TO TWEET OUT as it will feature more of the camera on Wendy’s GLAM SQUAD, my friends:  Merrell Hollis (celebrity make-up artist); Antwon Jackson (my fellow ROSS fan and – oh! – Emmy-award-winning ‘wigologist’); and Memsor (fashion stylist with THE MOST). I know – FIRST HAND – they are a hoot! Can’t wait to watch!!! @wendyshow @memsor @merrellhollis @antwonljackson @wendywilliams #howyoudoinbroadway #wendywilliams #wendyshow #makeupbymerrell

ROMEO & JULIET

Shout out to my Spelman sister and Front Row Productions’ own Alia Jones-Harvey, a producer on new Broadway production of ROMEO AND JULIET which is currently in previews. Starring international film star Orlando Bloom (Pirates of the Caribbean, The Lord of the Rings) making his Broadway debut opposite two-time Tony Award nominee Condola Rashad (Stick Fly, The Trip To Bountiful), Ant and I had a great time – especially catching up with friends Alvin and wife Terri (Prettyman) Bowles – my dear friend from our dinner group, “The Pentav”; fellow NABJ fam Chris John Farley and his wife Sharon Epperson, CNBC’s own financial journalist extraordinaire with whom I worked years ago. Directed by five-time Tony Award nominee David Leveaux, ROMEO AND JULIET is open and running at the Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street, NYC).

YWADA

Shout out to Ywada (pronounced Yah-da) - client of my dear friends: publicist Juanita Stephens (also Jody Watley rep: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/9/10/a-nightlife-to-remember.html) and Ywada manager Andrew Prince, husband of childhood BFF Tonja Denmark: www.YWADAMUSIC.com.  Small world and what a wonderful one that had my buddy Derrick Hemphill and I an audience of two at The Village Underground for a live performance. YWADA threw down on Stevie Wonder classic "All I Do" and Ywada's current single "End of the Road" at the venue's legendary open-mic night hosted by the iconic Ron Grant. Great to see friend Bariek Robinson and his peeps in the mix as well as friends Laverne Perry and Kenneth Reynolds' client Ju-Taun who also performed. #ywada #endoftheroad #rongrant #villageunderground

CHRIS KADIMA

Speaking of HOT! SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to model Chris Kadima who has been mentored by many mutual friends – including Ron Smith and Carl Nelson – since arriving here in NYC from France. We got to hang out and sit together at my friend and fashion designer Edwing D’Angelo’s presentation during New York Fashion Week. He walked in his first NYFW show for M4M and he’s getting some press – including an upcoming moment in THE LIFE OF RILEY (next week…). Meanwhile, check out his pix! WHAT A GREAT GUY! ONE TO WATCH, my friends! TWITTER: @chriskadima AND A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO MISS TOCARA and K MICHELLE!

MY LADIES

RACHEL

WE STILL TOGETHER! LOL! Rachel Allen in NYC w/her fiance Lawrence for a wedding. My Anthony hooked them up with The Wendy Williams Showl tix. I met up with them at Cafeteria Restaurant for our AWESOME REUNION ---- between FRIENDS for LIFE! XO

CASSIE

ANOTHER “RILEY” ON IMPROMPTU ASSIGNMENT A LA “LIFE OF RILEY”: My sister JANICE RAN INTO OUR CASSIE DAVIS - my Spelman sister who the world first got to know in the Spike Lee Joint School Daze but over the last twenty years from the Tyler Perry camp – from plays to the hit comedy “House of Payne”!!! Just after her film debut, I got the chance to perform alongside her in a musical produced at Morehouse College, “MARTIN: The Life and Times of Martin Luther King, Jr.” Janice reports: "Look who I ran into this evening!! She told me to tell you that she loves her some Patrick!!!" AND AS I’VE CHRONICALED on “A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities” before, I LOVE ME SOME CASSIE! http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/11/26/accept-me-flaws-and-all-and-thats-why-i-love-all-of-you.html

SIDRA

We had a GREAT Sunday Brunch recently at Paul Wharton's place (@paulwharton) - catered brilliantly by @baileysthechef (TWITTER)/(INSTAGRAM: @chefmarkbailey) + Zach's bar: #L649 #chefbailey Look for Paul Wharton's new line: www.conquerbeauty.com! Just a great time c/o Sidra et al!!! #somuchfun #whatgoodfood We also got the chance to hang out in Long Branch, NJ for a nice pool set at the home of my dear friend Ed Roebuck! FUN into FALL 2013!

BERLINDA

Shout out to my FRIEND Berlinda Garnett (former co-worker at CNBC circa 1995-1996)!!! She and former colleague Mike Jerrick won an EMMY!!!!!! That’s right! For the 2013 MID-ATLANTIC EMMY® AWARDS in the PUBLIC/CURRENT/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS PROGRAM/SPECIAL category, they won for "Black On Black: The Conversation Continues" which ran at FOX29. I AM SO PROUD OF MY FRIEND! Berlinda is the Producer for FOX 29's new, Enterprise Unit which includes Investigations and Special Projects. Previously, she served as Planning Editor and an Emmy award-winning producer for Good Day Philadelphia. Berlinda has been with the station since the 1996 inception of the program. She has produced hundreds of segments ranging from health to entertainment, fashion to money, food to pets, as well as numerous profile pieces and more controversial subjects such as, "Race in America."  Her diverse library of work also includes the highly regarded prime time special, “Black on Black”, which explores the recent causes and ramifications of the uptick in violence in the African-American community among young black males.  The series was recently nominated for a second Emmy, of which Berlinda was recently awarded. She has been nominated for a total of 7 over the span of her 22 years in broadcasting. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Ms. Garnett considers journalism her calling, and is driven by her belief that her work should foster a stronger sense of community amongst Philadelphians. She is the 2001 winner of the prestigious Wilbur Award for a story she produced about a local Gospel Rap pioneer.  The Wilbur Award is a national honor presented by The Religion Communicators Council, which recognizes excellence in the communication of religious issues, values and themes in the secular media. Ms. Garnett is a 1991 graduate of Temple University’s School of Communications and Theater.  She has also studied for her Masters of Theology degree at Palmer’s Theological Seminary. An avid reader and writer of poetry, Ms. Garnett also likes to cook in her spare time. She currently resides in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia…but she’ll always be MY SISTER FRIEND with whom I’ve experienced SO MUCH JOY – from our long chats to our fun days in NYC at Moshood; Sylvia’s SOUL FOOD; and all the great stops in between! CONGRATS, BERLINDA!

ELISABETH

Our girlfriend Elisabeth from Norway has come to NYC and returned back to Norway ONE MORE TIME! We LOVE spending time with you, Elisabeth! And WHAT A VIEW!!!! #nycfam2013

JODY WATLEY

See the FAB MISS JODY WATLEY in a FAB new pic by the FABULOUS Mike Ruiz with whom I’ve had the chance to meet as we were both booked to speak on a GMAD panel: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/1/27/live-out-louder.html. You recall that I had the chance to interview Miss Watley a couple of weeks ago about her current song NIGHTLIFE, her upcoming project PARADISE, and MUCH MORE: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/9/10/a-nightlife-to-remember.html READ ON:

“As quiet as it's sometimes kept, Grammy award winning artist, songwriter, producer, Jody Watley one of  Pop/R&B and  Dance Music's most enduring pioneers has been at the forefront of some of the most groundbreaking, trendsetting sensations in modern pop culture. Known as one of the most innovative and stylish trailblazers in entertainment, Ms. Watley stays true to her legacy on the shimmering dance floor classic, her new single, "Nightlife." Jody continues to put genuine artistry and quality into everything she does, making each musical moment into a wonderful experience.  There is no better way to wait for Paradise, (her upcoming album) than to dance and enjoy the "Nightlife."

FINAL NOTES:

·        JODY WATLEY says “NIGHTLIFE” can be mixed straight into Phyllis Hyman’s "You Know How to Love Me" - one of her inspirational, soulful dance classics. 

·        JODY WATLEY says “NIGHTLIFE” is a great tune for working out or even walking.

·        The NEW single “NIGHTLIFE” from the forthcoming new EP “Paradise” due early 2014. Available now at digital outlets worldwide, including the “Classic Glamour Extended” EP. BUY “NIGHTLIFE” –  Limited edition vinyl coming mid September!

·        The NEW Single "NIGHTLIFE" - 'It's In The Music!" http://youtu.be/4j64kkLwerI

·        Official Artist Site / Style Blog: http://www.jodywatley.net

·        Follow on Twitter! http://www.twitter.com/jodywatley

·        Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jodywatleyofficial

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 

THIS IS A BIG BIRTHDAY SEASON – from my nephew turning 25 (WOW!) to his father – my brother – celebrating his BIG DAY to our New York Association of Black Journalists’ President Mike Feeney, my dear friend. There’s our BELOVED COOKIE – Momentum BFF Ruben’s mom! I got the chance to serenade for her BIG 5-7 [WE LOVE YOU, COOKIE!]. AND THEN, THERE’S MISS MARA SCHIAVOCAMPO. Our respective lives are moving at quite the frantic and high-frequency pace of late (Less time for two BFFs to giggle and gossip, like we “sometimes” can do! LOL!) How EXCITING that her birthday has come around again and we all got to gather to wish her THE BEST YEAR EVER… and MANY MORE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY MARA!!!! We had a BLAST – nibbling on Victor’s Cuban cuisine; sipping on delicious MOJITOS; and enjoying the company of our NYC FAM! ALWAYS A BLAST! XOXOXOXO

BYE NATIVE

WTF! While holed up away from the city last Sunday, I find out that my beloved watering hole, place-where-everybody-knows-my-name, and HOME of the OH-SO-FUN ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT, Native Restaurant, closed!!!!!!!! Indeed, it is the end of an era! But I know owner Brian must have something up his sleeve! I gave birth to in August 2010 when NATIVE Restaurant asked me to HOST a karaoke night. Hence, ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT was born! And we have had a blast with this special night. Our guest singers - on any given night - included: songstress Tichina Arnold; R&B divas Alyson Williams & Monifah; actress Napiera Groves; the artist formerly known as TONEX, B. Slade; Mariah Carey's long-standing background singer Melony Daniels - an artist her own right; Broadway baby Brenda Braxton; singer/author David Nathan; FELA!s Kevin Mambo; Paul Wharton ("Real Housewives of DC"); etc. Of course, the blog "A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities" has chronicled much of the ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT at NATIVE:http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/karaoke. WE LOVE YOU, NATIVE! And BRIAN, ARY, and TEAM NATIVE? WE LOVE YOU!!! See y’all soon! Can’t wait! MEANWHILE, THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!

JODY WATLEY

I got a call from my industry buddy of 15 or more years, legendary PR exec Juanita Stephens who I’ve known since BFF Chandra Jones worked as her publicity associate at Warner Brothers Records in the mid-‘90s. Juanita is now Atlanta-based and independent – clients including “Uncle Charlie Wilson” and many more! Juanita represented one of my favorites Jody Watley when she first came on the scene at MCA – “Looking for a New Love”. I’ve adored Miss Watley since her days as a Soul Train dancer; then as a member of the iconic SHALAMAR; and all of the years since then – as her solo career has reached the highest levels – from Grammy to MULTI-PLATINUM. And unlike many of her contemporaries, she’s maintained a youthful zest (loving THE KIDS), a sensuality unparalleled (even today), and an enterprising ambition which keeps fans – like me – continually fulfilled with new music(In 1995, she called me on stage to dance with her as the National Association of Black Journalists convened in Philadelphia where she headlined “A Night of Dazzling Divas”. Also on the bill: the late, great Vesta Williams and Regina Belle).As she prepares for another fun ride of new material and promotion around it – global and underground, Juanita told Jody Watley about ‘a friend of hers named Patrick Riley who blogs and LOVES pop culture, divas, good music….’. Miss Watley, I understand, interrupted “…You mean ‘DAY IN THE LIFE OF RILEY’? I follow that guy…” AND VOILA! Jody Watley and I are now following each other into her NIGHTLIFE. She - for sure - gave me MY LIFE!

Here’s a little from our chat this week: 

LIFE OF RILEY: Hi Miss Watley! What a total honor for me to take this few minutes with you!

JODY: HELLO! HELLO!

LIFE OF RILEY: Because I follow you religiously on FACEBOOK and via social media, I know where you are many minutes of the day or – at least – what’s on your sharing heart, which – may I add – inspires and encourages me every day! My current blog’s name “A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RILEY” has a second-line “pop culture and possibilities” and you are quite an exemplar of that with your posts. So, I just want to - in this moment - THANK YOU FOR THAT!

JODY WATLEY:  Oh, Cool! That means the world because I’m mindful of that and I always think that this platform is not just for keeping everyone up-to-date with what I’m doing and everything. I wouldn’t feel right if I weren’t putting things up and out there to inspire people. So, THANK YOU!

LIFE OF RILEY: With that, you have NEW MUSIC! So, ‘tell us about your new single “Nightlife” and what inspired you to release this one and what we can expect from it? POUR THE TEA, PLEASE! LOL!

JODY WATLEY: (LAUGHS) “NIGHTLIFE” is a song I started working on maybe two years ago. Was traveling with it – taking it on the road. Perfecting it. People loved it right away. It has opened my show which is very bold to perform a song – open the show – and people don’t know it but they respond to it as if they already knew it. So, coming up towards this year’s Essence Festival, I said it’s time to finish it and go on and put it out. It’s inspired from my love of dance music. I love different types of music. But I wanted to do something that still has that soulfulness. As dance music became more commercial, but it was a certain type of dance music that wasn’t so soulful – more Euro-pop and that wasn’t something that I wanted to experiment in of the different incarnations and evolutions of my writing and my artistry. So, the classic Disco soul I thought that I’d go there with it but in a modern way. Not in a retro way. But playing homage to that because I started out doing that as a Soul Train dancer and – of course – with Shalamar obviously.

LIFE OF RILEY: And how profound that the universe has identified a way for SHALAMAR to come off of your tongue without having to re-hash the controversies of the past with Howard Hewett and Jeffrey Daniels. Many don’t know or choose to remember that there was a singer before Howard: Gerald Brown. Can you explain that history and then jump right into – after all these years – how you came to reconnect with Gerald?

JODY WATLEY: I’d reconnected with Gerald Brown after Unsung. He got left out of it. So, I did “Unfiltered” on my YOU TUBE Channel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDWhuwbYtIM). Because fans wanted to know what happened with Gerald Brown. I hadn’t seen him since I was 18-years-old. And he was always a great guy. I thought to bring “NIGHTLIFE” --- really bring that sound full circle --- that it would be nice to add that special, surprise touch. So, I asked Gerald to sing on “NIGHTLIFE”. So, he’s thrilled and people are loving it! And it makes people happy!”

And also, I wanted to do something that was about being glamorous because that’s missing in music.

LIFE OF RILEY: Yazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz! I agree! And the iconography, may I add, that I’ve seen thus far with “NIGHTLIFE”. I know it’s a work-in-progress campaign. But the images are just amazing. Your looks. Your glamour. Your drag.

JODY WATLEY: THANK YOU! And I want to inspire others to be FABULOUS! HAIR DONE! NAILS DONE! GET YOUR DRAG ON! So, with NIGHTLIFE, you get the music and the soul. But you also get the message that reminds people that times are hard, but it’s okay to LIVE  a little. When people say “Oh! These days are so hard! And I’m not this! And I miss the good ol’ days!” I say “The good ol’ days are now! It’s what you make of them!” So, BE FABULOUS NOW! Hanging with your friends! NIGHTLIFE is an uplifting song!

LIFE OF RILEY: I heard about another funky dance jam “The Don” inside of a forthcoming album “PARADISE”.

JODY WATLEY: I did that one at the Essence Festival and some other shows – including The Howard Theater, which was amazing! People love that one, too! It was produced by Mark de Clive-Lowe, a really cool DJ and musician. And the album is called “PARADISE”. It will be out after the first of the year. So, these are songs from “PARADISE” which represents the feeling I’ve always gotten and continue to get from music. Where music can take you is a feeling of paradise. There’s a club I used to go to often called Paradise.  So, there are many elements to it: soulful, funky, fabulous, and another step in my journey and evolution as a singer and a songwriter and a producer and a DIVA! (laughs)

LIFE OF RILEY:  I know you’ve gone on the record as being a fan of MISS DIANA ROSS! I know that along with you, she is high up in my galaxy of divas. Her first rotation at disco and dance music gave us the innovative “LOVE HANGOVER” (which you remade recently) and soon-thereafter “LOVIN’ LIVIN’ GIVIN” from THANK GOD IT’S FRIDAY (a film that starred Donna Summer). You were dancing or about to be dancing on SOUL TRAIN at that time and beginning to create your own version of grandness. What were little Jody Watley’s ears hearing and seeing (when you perhaps saw Miss Ross and the disco contemporaries of the time)? Did you have a sense that this was a muse you were going to connect to as an artist?

JODY WATLEY: DIANA ROSS is the first definite influence I had as a little girl and she’s someone for whom I continue to have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration. She’s raised wonderful children in a crazy business. That’s not easy to do and juggle! I have two kids in college myself. So, to have them be grounded, MISS ROSS is IT! And so, she’s definitely there. And as a child, I also LOVED jazz singers like Nancy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald, and those singers. My parents were big jazz collectors. And the vibe they had on TV was glamorous and classy. And so, that’s ingrained in me. And my mom was an early influence. I tell her that my long-going, love affair with dolman sleeves actually started with my mom BEFORE DIANA ROSS! And I love them to this day! Give me a dolman sleeve and I’m happy!

LIFE OF RILEY: YESSSSSSS! I LOVE THAT! [Life of Riley EDITOR NOTE: I TOO LOVE A DOLMAN SLEEVE! LMAO!]

JODY WATLEY: Donna Summer was another influence during my dancing time on Soul Train. And like Diana Ross, the presentation. It was the music, it was the presentation, but it was also the album covers that were intriguing. There was a sense of mystique about them. And from the beginning of my solo career, I’ve always been big on the visuals and the photography. That’s been very influential to me. Grace Jones I’ve also gone on the record for being so bold and totally unique and not caring. And just being fabulously Grace Jones. Individuality and that’s something that I’ve been about – everything I put out should be like anyone else. But ultimately, people try to be like me. The divas – the ones who really stand out – have something they brought that was very fresh and unique. And uniquely them into the music business. So, as an artist, that’s always been and continues to be important to me. And to not lose that quality and integrity – it’s very key. And all of those ladies have never lost that. Even if commercial popularity wanes (as it does for everyone), your quality, your integrity, and your fabulousness doesn’t diminish if you are real. You don’t drop your standards. You continue to be high. And you continue to want to do great work. That is JODY WATLEY! THAT’S ME! “NIGHTLIFE” is another representation of that. And I have an eternal, youthful passion for what I do. And not in a way that I’m trying to be 15 again. It’s my youthful exuberance in a grown woman’s artistry. You get older but you don’t have to get old.  

LIFE OF RILEY: That’s the perfect transition to my last question because there are a few things at play here: this full-circle moment for you musically – even nostalgically. But as an industry, we’re also observing a retro-dance movement on the charts. What do you make of what’s going on now and where are you in that? Twerking a la Miley Cyrus is now in the dictionary and a house-hold name, but it doesn’t look too unlike something from the Soul Train line. No judgment on my part, but would you even want the credit, association, homage? What do you make of the little divas who are finding their way and who is standing on your shoulder pads in a way that you applaud?

JODY WATLEY: Anyone who is out there pursuing their dreams, I say GO DO IT! I think that – for me personally – I’ve always been conscious. Maybe as a songwriter, I think this way. But I say “When I turn 60, am I going to be able to sing these songs?” Or “Will I look back and be ashamed?” Now, I look back at “Real Love” and say “You Betta WORK!” (laughter) I’ve always been conscious of being timeless and having a classic approach. That’s what I do. That’s me. And the fashion element comes from models. And when I look at artists like Rihanna, Janelle Monae, Beyonce, Solange, and some of these women, I see that they stand on my shoulders the way that I stand on the shoulders of Diana Ross and the artists before me. At that time, Black or White artists weren’t being featured in fashion magazines. That’s a door I opened and don’t often get credit for.

LIFE OF RILEY: And that’s ALL YOU! From my corner of the world, I shout and sing your praises on that front when I’m in diva debates with my friends. They do forget.

JODY WATLEY: THANK YOU! So, I see what is going on. And I’m proud of it. Six pages in Harper’s Bazaar is what I asked for. Some wondered what that had to do with selling records? When you’re innovative and trendsetting and pushing those around you to get you in VOGUE or Harper’s or when I said I wanted to do a song with Rakim (FRIENDS, which became one of the first rap/singing duets). And the questions were “Why do you want do that?” or “How does that work: pop and R&B?” And I asked that they just let me do it. Today, when hearing “Get Lucky” or Justin T’s “Take Back The Night”, “Blurred Lines”, etc., it confirmed I’d been on the right track with the music I wanted to do (“Nightlife”). So, I’m continuing to grow and push myself. But I definitely see (the influence of) JODY WATLEY all the time in the industry now. And everybody has their thing and I still have mine.

LIFE OF RILEY: And another of my dreams have come true! THANK YOU, MISS JODY WATLEY!

JODY WATLEY: Thank you, Patrick! See you on Facebook and TWITTER!

FINAL NOTES:

• ·        JODY WATLEY says “NIGHTLIFE” can be mixed straight into Phyllis Hyman’s "You Know How to Love Me" - one of her inspirational, soulful dance classics.  
• ·        JODY WATLEY says “NIGHTLIFE” is a great tune for working out or even walking.
• ·        The NEW single “NIGHTLIFE” from the forthcoming new EP “Paradise” due early 2014. Available now at digital outlets worldwide, including the “Classic Glamour Extended” EP. BUY “NIGHTLIFE” –  Limited edition vinyl coming mid September!
• ·        The NEW Single "NIGHTLIFE" - 'It's In The Music!" http://youtu.be/4j64kkLwerI
• ·        Official Artist Site / Style Blog: http://www.jodywatley.net
• ·        Follow on Twitter! http://www.twitter.com/jodywatley
• ·        Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jodywatleyofficial

LIFE AFTER

Hi folks, PLEASE SHARE/TWEET/INSTAGRAM/FORWARD: I mentioned in prior “…Life of Riley…” entry that my “LIFE AFTER” debut on TV ONE premieres TOMORROW, Wednesday, September 11^th at 8:30 pm (CLIFTON DAVIS). AND SET YOUR DVR, FOLKS! I am EXCITED that K2 Pictures (http://www.k2pictures.com/) invited me to weigh in (as pop culture analyst) on about a half-dozen pop culture subjects for TV ONE’s “LIFE AFTER” (http://www.tvone.tv/shows/life_after.html) i.e. Clifton Davis, Jimmie Walker, LeVar Burton, Maia Campbell, and Shereé Whitfield. I am THRILLED to be featured in the upcoming season with other “LIFE AFTER” regulars – including friends Clay Cane; Flo Anthony; and SouLeO. Here’s the season’s fantastic line-up of Life After: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Life-After/266689690047:

September 11 at 8pm - Sheryl Lee Ralph

AND MY FIRST: ALSO, September 11 at 8:30pm - Clifton Davis

September 18 at 8pm - Shirley Murdock

September 25 at 8pm -  Jimmie Walker

October 2 at 8pm - Adina Howard

October 9 at 8pm - LeVar Burton

October 16 at 8pm - Maia Campbell

October 23 at 8pm - Shereé Whitfield

Please tune into this season of Life After and let me know your thoughts!

TWITTER: @patarack @tvonetv

TAMAR

Shout out to Nathan Hale Williams for having us out tonight to meet and greet with TAMAR BRAXTON who performed; signed CDs; posed; and proved to be a LIGHT OF GRATITUDE and APPRECIATION for the LOVE – most recently demonstrated by her chart-topping debut. Download "Love and War" on iTunes! http://smarturl.it/loveandwar-album. One of Ant’s childhood BFFs Brina Milton; Derrick Hemphill; Carl Nelson; Kevin-Anthony (Billie’s Black); and a host of others enjoyed CLUB ESCOS for the EPIC affair! #TamartianLoveandWar SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to our friend Ruthy Valdez – surrealist fine artist who unveiled her anticipated new art series, “Embryonic Codes” at Harlem’s speakeasy 67 Orange Street – ‘a link between the abstract spiritual realities and the real forms of the material world’. CONGRATS, RUTHY! We – of course – had more fun with Brina as the weekend progressed! Always a pleasure to see you, Brina! AND ONE MORE TIME: TAMAR DID THAT! LOL!

LATOYA

What a GREAT SUNDAY ! My buddy Karu Daniels invited me to accompany him to “TOM D’ANGORA presents NEWSical: THE MUSICAL” (WWW.NEWSICALTHEMUSICAL.COM and WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/NEWSICAL). Its celebrity guest star: LATOYA JACKSON who was absolutely wonderful and charming in her varied segments – including an impressive and satirical spin on her brother’s BFF MISS DIANA ROSS! CUTE! Special shout-out to LaToya’s manager Jeffre Phillips for making it possible for Karu and I to chat with Miss Jackson after the show. They both were so gracious and generous with their time. As you know, my long-standing client Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network commissioned a reality TV series, “Life With LaToya”, which premiered in April 2013. Its been picked up for a second season with new episodes premiering Dec. 2013. JOB WELL DONE, LATOYA! And may I say the rest of the CAST is WONDERFUL – including Kristen Megelkoch; Susan Mosher; Christine Pedi; Dylan Thompson; Tommy Walker; and Michael West. #NEWSical #lifewithlatoya #OWN #oprah

BROADWAY GIVEWAY!!!

Off-Broadway with LATOYA to Broadway with LIFE OF RILEY: ONE PAIR OF COMP TICKETS FOR THE “…LIFE OF RILEY…” READER WHO WANTS TO SEE the forthcoming Broadway production of A TIME TO KILL (www.ATimeToKillOnBroadway.com). Tony® Award-winning playwright Rupert Holmes’ stage adaptation of the John Grisham bestselling novel holds the distinction of being the first-ever John Grisham property adapted to the stage. The production, directed by Ethan McSweeny, features Sebastian Arcelus, Chike Johnson, Patrick Page, Tony Award® winner Tonya Pinkins, Emmy Award® winner Tom Skerritt, Fred Dalton Thompson, John Douglas Thompson, and Ashley Williams.

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS:

SEND AN EMAIL TO: patarack@hotmail.com NO LATER THAN THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12^TH AT MIDNIGHT.

On FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH (no later than NOON), I’ll choose – RANDOMLY – a name from that batch of emails and will – in turn – send the WINNER a ticket voucher for you to select a performance date that works for you).

You will EMAIL that form to the box office which will confirm and hold tickets for you at will call. EASY, RIGHT?

Let me hear from you at patarack@hotmail.com. GOOD LUCK… and SEE YOU AT THE THEATER!

A TIME TO KILL begins performances September 28 at The John Golden Theatre.

As always, FOLKS: THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

        BROADWAY GIVEAWAY!!!

HI FOLKS! THANKS to ALL OF YOU who SO ENTHUSIASTICALLY put your names in to be considered for a FREE PAIR of TICKETS to see the Broadway production of ROMEO AND JULIET (www.RomeoAndJulietBroadway.com) -  – featuring Orlando Bloom and two-time Tony Award nominee Condola Rashad (STICK FLY, THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL). CONGRATS to THE ABIAHS (Jermiah & MaameYaa Abiah) whose names were drawn to receive a FREE DATE for two on Broadway with the revival of Shakespeare’s ROMEO AND JULIET.  

Well, I promised another giveaway to a Broadway show! PLEASE READ ALL THE WAY THROUGH FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO SEE the forthcoming Broadway production of A TIME TO KILL (www.ATimeToKillOnBroadway.com).

BUT MORE ON THAT AFTER THIS LATEST, SUPER-SIZED EDITION OF “…THE LIFE OF RILEY…” (LOTS GOING ON!):

MY LIFE AFTER DEBUT

SET YOUR DVR, FOLKS! I am EXCITED that K2 Pictures (http://www.k2pictures.com/) invited me to weigh in (as pop culture analyst) on about a half-dozen pop culture subjects for TV ONE’s “LIFE AFTER” (http://www.tvone.tv/shows/life_after.html) i.e. Clifton Davis, Jimmie Walker, LeVar Burton, Maia Campbell, and Shereé Whitfield. I am THRILLED to be featured in the upcoming season with other “LIFE AFTER” regulars – including friends Clay Cane; Flo Anthony; and SouLeO. Here’s the season’s fantastic line-up of Life After: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Life-After/266689690047:

September 11 at 8pm - Sheryl Lee Ralph and also September 11 at 8:30pm - Clifton Davis

September 18 at 8pm - Shirley Murdock

September 25 at 8pm -  Jimmie Walker

October 2 at 8pm - Adina Howard

October 9 at 8pm - LeVar Burton

October 16 at 8pm - Maia Campbell

October 23 at 8pm - Shereé Whitfield

Please tune into this season of Life After and let me know your thoughts!

TWITTER: @patarack @tvonetv

Speaking of TV ONE, MY COUSIN Kea Middleton is cranking up her acting career in The Rickey Smiley Show! A STAR IS BORN! Did you miss Friday's episode of The Rickey Smiley Show? Watch it online now! http://bit.ly/14nIUfr Great job, cuz! I LOVE YOU!!! #therickeysmileyshow

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL

My MOTOWN THE MUSICAL Opening Night Video is still getting lots of mileage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! I’m currently awaiting word on if I’ll be hosting another video that chronicles the NYC-based auditions for MOTOWN THE MUSICAL’s touring company. Now's your chance to see if you have what it takes to join the cast of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL! Auditions will run in New York and Chicago in September. Learn more at http://www.motownthemusical.com/#audition-page Stay tuned for casting announcements and hopefully an upcoming video starring me.

CRAZY, SEXY LIFE.

I say little about my long-standing association with OWN and HARPO – my longest-standing client to-date (since 1998). But this new era of social media has allowed me a shout out or two to that tier of my work-load. With that, I want to shout out my girlfriend Chenoa Maxwell! Her new show #CRAZYSEXYLIFE on #OWNTV is blasting off on the air of my recurring client. BIG CONGRATS! http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/own-orders-new-docu-series-crazysexylife-starring-chenoa-maxwell-kiyah-wright-others SHOULD BE CRAZY. SEXY. And what a LIFE? Proud of you and the ladies! And now LIFE OF RILEY knows where we were the other month? LOL! GO OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/6/9/magic-2-do.html #own #crazysexylife #oprah

SUMMER FUN WRAP-UP

As our LIFE sometimes inter-twines with the FABULOSITY of Miss Chenoa Maxwell, I figured this a good place to digest the last couple of weeks --- FILLED WITH SUMMER FUN:

1. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ISOUL! Great to CELEBRATE the BIG 4-0 of my Morehouse brother and friend ISOUL HARRIS (Editor-in-Chief of UPTOWN MAGAZINE)! Great fun, food, and festivities at Bagatelle in NYC’s meat-packing district! @bagatelleNYC HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, SIR! AM SO PROUD OF YOU! #blackdontcrack
2. OLD FRIENDS: Got to reconnect with another NABJ BFF Brian Henderson recently while he was in town from DC for business. He met up with Ant and me at our friend Bobby Roache's Union Square pad, once the digs of Andy Warhol. And he got in Motown: The Musical! Our girlfriend Patrice got to her BOUNTIFUL on when last she was in town. Ant and I also took her out on the town. And our girlfriend Carla has been visiting us in NYC for years: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/9/19/waiting-in-the-wings-dreaming-along-the-way.html. And of course, we always spend time together during the winter holidays: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/1/3/georgia-holiday-diary-2012-hny.html.  This time in NYC, she brought Cousin Kim (out of Chicago). Derrick joined us too. And we all had a blast! As usual, FUN FUN FUN! They went to MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL and TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL on Broadway! We enjoyed a nice meal at VNYL! We did some karaoke at DUETS’s. Come Sunday, we enjoyed a festive brunch at YOTEL followed by more karaoke - at RADIO STAR this time! HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND, EVERYBODY!

3. MC LYTE & PAUL WHARTON: “Real Housewives of DC”s Paul Wharton invited Ant and me to his NYC pad, the Mercedes House, for a gathering of friends – old and new – including MC Lyte, my Sidra, and a pad full of fun folks – enjoying each other and the final days of summer: good food; the best wine and champagne; and Paul’s Janet Jackson “Rhythm Nation” (video to boot) and my Diana’s “The Boss” from Caesar’s Palace (circa 1979 a la You Tube)! #justawednesdayinnyc

SPECIAL SHOUT OUTS

1.  MARGOT B

HBO’s hit show “Boardwalk Empire” is introducing a new character this season: Maitland (played by Margot Bingham)… and you can tune your ears to Daughter Maitland’s voice here – an exclusive preview from the Boardwalk Empire Vol. 2 Soundtrack: http://itsh.bo/1cacYAo To the music connoisseurs out there, you will know this amazing talent as my friend Miles Anthony Williams' client MARGOT B! But the actress inside that same multi-talented diva is Margot Bingham – actress and, again, now-“Boardwalk Empire”s "Daughter Maitland". This season! #hbo #boardwalkempire #margotb #margotbingham CONGRATS, MILES!

1.  RICK BLALOCK

Shout out to my friend (for years): Mr. Rick Blalock! His latest book “THE GOP CIVIL WAR: Inside the Battle for the Soul of the Republican Party” is now available on Amazon.com. It is an e-book about the ongoing infighting in the Republican Party and its impact on all of us. He wrote the book with his Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity brothers Eric Ham and Carl Walton. If you are on Twitter, please send them a tweet right now, with a question about America, and the future, and the upcoming presidential election. Tweet to #THEGOPCIVILWAR. PLEASE BUY THE BOOK BY CLICKING THIS LINK, and help Rick and his team become #1 on Amazon's bestseller list for political books! It's only $3.99! CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE YouTube VIDEO ABOUT THE BOOK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s93pJ8K4fpQ. Follow @theGOPcivilwar today, and tell your friends and colleagues to do the same. For more info go to www.thegopcivilwar.com. CONGRATS RICK!

1.  4 LITTLE GIRLS – PROJECT 1 VOICE

I write here all the time about the good work of PROJECT 1 VOICE (www.project1voice.org) – Founded by my friend Erich McMillan who invited me last year to be a part of the staged reading AMEN CORNER (by James Baldwin): http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/7/30/young-solo-savannah-voice.html.

Well, the movement continues: September 15th, 2013 is the 50th anniversary of the Four Little Girl's Church bombing, 16th Street Baptist Church! Directed by Phylicia Rashad, and performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C..****Tickets will be distributed  at 5 p.m. on September 15 for the 6 p.m. performance.  http://www.kennedy-center.org/events/?event=XNFOU

The Deadly Church Bombing Was the Turning Point in The Civil Rights Movement! FOR MORE INFORMATION on the many ways you can be a part – even from your mobile device, click on PROJECT 1 VOICE (www.project1voice.org).                   

BASKETBALL WIFE – CHARLES REESEShout out to my Morehouse brother Charles Reese and the cast of "BASKETBALL WIFE" – a TV SHOW that is the offspring of a web series. The promotional materials, according to Creator, Emmy-award-winning producer Michael Ajakwe, Jr., state: “A lot of people in the industry don't take web series as serious as they should. My new tv sitcom was adapted from my online sitcom that I wrote-directed-produced in 2009 called ..."Who..." that you can watch full 5-7 minute episodes on www.Ajakwetv.com for as little as $1. Without the web comedy series, there is no tv comedy series. So if you have a web series, you are sitting on gold if you can envision it working in anther medium as I did with mine”. Here is the trailer for "Who...": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ1RPQn00tw.

BROADWAY GIVEWAY!!! 

WITH THAT NEWS COMES NOW ONE PAIR OF COMP TICKETS FOR THE “…LIFE OF RILEY…” READER WHO WANTS TO SEE the forthcoming Broadway production of A TIME TO KILL (www.ATimeToKillOnBroadway.com).

Tony® Award-winning playwright Rupert Holmes’ stage adaptation of the John Grisham bestselling novel holds the distinction of being the first-ever John Grisham property adapted to the stage. The production, directed by Ethan McSweeny, features Sebastian Arcelus, Chike Johnson, Patrick Page, Tony Award® winner Tonya Pinkins, Emmy Award® winner Tom Skerritt, Fred Dalton Thompson, John Douglas Thompson, and Ashley Williams.

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS:

1. SEND AN EMAIL TO: patarack@hotmail.com NO LATER THAN THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12^TH at MIDNIGHT.
2. On FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13^TH (no later than NOON), I’ll choose – RANDOMLY – a name from that batch of emails and will – in turn – send the WINNER a ticket voucher for you to select a performance date that works for you.
3. You will EMAIL that form to the box office which will confirm and hold tickets for you at will call. EASY, RIGHT?
4. Let me hear from you at patarack@hotmail.com. GOOD LUCK… and SEE YOU AT THE THEATER!

A TIME TO KILL begins performances September 28 at The John Golden Theatre.

As always, FOLKS: THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

HI FOLKS! PLEASE READ ALL THE WAY THROUGH FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO SEE ORLANDO BLOOM AND TONY-AWARD NOMINEE CONDOLA RASHAD (STICK FLY, THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL) IN Broadway’s ROMEO AND JULIET (www.RomeoAndJulietBroadway.com).

BUT FIRST…

survive Newark

http://youtu.be/huwEcfXuzRI MISS Diana Ross brought Newark, New Jersey a special treat this past Friday at her sold-out Diana Ross At Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Newark, NJ - Aug 16 show: the original singer of her mid-‘90s MOTOWN hit “I Will Survive”, Gloria Gaynor – NEWARK’s LEGENDARY OWN! WHAT A MOMENT IN NEWARK HISTORY; POP CULTURE; AND ALL-AROUND DIVA-DOM! AND HOW EXCITING to see R&B Diva's Monifah Carter in the house! Shout out to Monifah’s boo Terez Mychelle; Mark A Forrest; Savoy Walker; and a host of my FAVs were in the house to see MISS ROSS! ‪#‎dianaross ‪#‎gloriagaynor ‪#‎njpac ‪#‎iwillsurvive ‪#‎monifah Photos (of Miss Ross and Miss Gaynor) are courtesy of: Tony Bea. After the aforementioned MISS ROSS set, Ant and I were excited to see CRISTAL – our friend from Atlanta who happens to share a birthday with MISS ROSS! BBQ was our post-set backdrop! YUM! TRY TO SEE MISS ROSS IF SHE COMES TO A CITY NEAR YOU! SHE'S IN GREAT FORM!

GO YANKEES!

Last I updated my blog, Ant and I got an invite from our friend Derrick Hemphill to attend a Yankees game - my first time in the new stadium. Great meal, food, and fun... and what a BLAST to run into Reginald Van Lee who invited us all to the Evidence Dance Company benefit in The Hamptons. You know we went? LOL! MORE ON THAT LATER as there was quite a week ahead before we could get there… THANKS DERRICK!

HARLEM BRUNCH WITH THE PORTERS

Last Sunday gave us the chance to catch up with BFFs the Porters (Mara, Tommie, and MISS Nina) in Harlem at Chez Lucienne. Always a good scene with our NYC fam!

WENDY IN ‘CHICAGO’

 After brunch, my matinee date - buddy Karu Daniels – invited me to join him to see sometimes-client Wendy Williams on Broadway in "Chicago" - one of her last performances this summer before she returns for the new season of 'Wendy' in September! CONGRATS WENDY! Great JOB! And of course, we’ll be watching your show when you return in September. THANKS KARU! Karaoke was a BLAST too (at YUKI 55)!

K. MICHELLE – LOVE & HIP HOP

Many are burying the "ratchet", but K.Michelle is growing on me and resuscitating her image towards proven artistry and a new chapter via - first Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta - soon Love and Hip Hop: NYC. Sweet woman! And again, a classically-trained ARTIST! Shout out to my friend Nathan Hale Williams who invited me to his Tuesday-night event at GO TUESDAYS at G Lounge - COME GET OFF‪ ‎#kmichelle‪ ‎#atlantic‪ ‎#thekmichelle

EVIDENCE in HAMPTONS

I’d mentioned while at The Yankees last week, we ran into Reggie Van Lee who personally invited Ant, Derrick, and me the 10th anniversary of our ‘On Our Toes in the Hamptons’ summer benefit – including cocktails, light dinner, auction, a dynamic performance by Evidence and the signature “Dancing with the Dancers” moment at the end of the event.

My socialite-BFF-with-the-most Carl Nelson joined Ant, Derrick, and me – a day that started with a pop by Sag Harbor’s B. SMITH where we ran into many friends – including co-owner Dan.

AWESOME EVENT!

We all really had a great time!

And it's always nice to see our NYC regulars in an off-the-beaten-path destination.

Plus, the dancing is always wonderul!

These young dancers are uber-talented!

And they are so humble and kind as well!  

Later in the evening (after the benefit which gave us a chance to hang out with HONORARY CHAIRS Susan L. Taylor and her husband Khephra Burns and a host of others), we went to Jamaica’s fine foods and grocery, JAMAICA Specialties. It's in East Hampton and Carl knows the owners. We enjoyed some delicious food from the Caribbean (and – of course – some TING). GREAT WEEKEND in The Hamptons!

THE MISSION OF EVIDENCE is to promote understanding of the human experience in the African Diaspora. Dance and storytelling take you on the ride. And they provide sensory connections to history and tradition through music, movement, and spoken word, leading deeper into issues of spirituality, community responsibility and liberation. For more information on EVIDENCE and how you can support: www.evidencedance.com. GO EVIDENCE! THANKS REGGIE!

ROMEO & JULIET on BROADWAY: GIVEAWAY!!!!

You folks know I’ve been booking a lot of hosting and moderating gigs on Broadway - like this clip from "STICK FLY" last year (starring Condola Rashad); I interviewed the cast after a show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrdnbMgJn9s. AND WNYC/WQXR - THE GREENE SPACE has become a client the like. They have been booking me to host mini-productions (performances and panels) in its studio which records its content for radio and its website. This past Fall, I hosted a performance and discussion on "Teacake's Legacy" (as in Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God"s Teacake). Here's a link to that awesome session: http://www.thegreenespace.org/events/thegreenespace/2012/sep/17/their-eyes-were-watching-god-teacakes-legacy/ The plan is I'll be doing more on-camera/moderating for WNYC/WQXR. I just hosted another BIG READ program for them in Newark and we're talking some recurring possibilities in which I'll do consulting/producing and hosting this year. Stay tuned. AND MY HIGHLIGHT OF THE SEASON: I was hired to do red carpet interviews on MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL's opening night for its cameras. and to host its highlight video! YAY! LOL! Here's the clip I host: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. AND THIS VIDEO IS LOOPING ON THE MONITORS OUTSIDE THE THEATER; on the big screen in Times Square sometimes; lots of YOU TUBE traffic; and in cabs; etc! WOW! LOL! Other outlets picked up the raw footage of my MOTOWN THE MUSICAL interviews - including REUTERS: http://www.reuters.com/video/2013/04/16/motown-memorialized-in-new-musical?videoId=242278913&videoChannel=3. BROADWAY BUZZ also used my MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=An_r_D2HM5Q. ALSO: I have been a contributor on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 - most recently predicting TONY AWARDS nominations: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTd5S1wKUs0. A few weeks prior, I was on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 to talk BROADWAY... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDxfe-hG_aY. In the aforementioned ARISE 360 Broadway segment, I predicted the iconic Cicely Tyson would be nominated for her role in Broadway's "The Trip to Bountiful". And she was!! YAY!  So, they played that clip and referenced my prediction the following day:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuJEs6ruin0. I was again on ARISE recently to talk GATSBY: the book, the film(s), the blueprint on hip hop! HERE'S THE LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBT9mSmfmCo. ALL OF THAT TO SAY: The marketing folks on forthcoming Broadway production of ROMEO AND JULIET (www.RomeoAndJulietBroadway.com) reached out to THE LIFE OF RILEY re: this Shakespeare revival – featuring Orlando Bloom and two-time Tony Award nominee Condola Rashad (STICK FLY, THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL). ROMEO AND JULIET begins performances on August 24 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. Press Event Teaser: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvnU8CIpSVE&feature=youtu.be WITH THAT NEWS COMES ONE PAIR OF COMP TICKETS FOR THE “…LIFE OF RILEY…” READER WHO WANTS TO SEE “ROMEO AND JULIET” ON BROADWAY! ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS SEND AN EMAIL TO: patarack@hotmail.com. I’ll choose – RANDOMLY – a name from that batch of emails and will – in turn – send the WINNER a ticket voucher for you to select a performance date that works for you. You will send that form to the box office which will confirm and hold tickets for you at will call. Our vouchers will be eligible for Tues-Thurs performances in September. EASY, RIGHT? Let me hear from you at patarack@hotmail.com. GOOD LUCK… and SEE YOU AT THE THEATER! Go Condola, Go!

REMY Martin meet NABJ

 You folks know how much I LOVE NABJ! SO MUCH!  

As my NABJ fam and I convened in Orlando, Florida last week, it was “annual therapy” as usual! A family reunion! HUGS! LAUGHTER! TEARS! JOY! And as can be par for the course in convention culture, lots of cocktails --- all for the calming of nerves and the brokering of new gigs and deals.  As Immediate Past Chair of the NABJ Arts & Entertainment Task Force, I’m pleased to have been able to bring a recurring client REMY MARTIN to the table. This, just in time for the task force’s 20^th Anniversary. Good friend of almost 20 years Lamar Johnson is VP of PR, Branded Entertainment, and Digital Marketing for Remy Martin. And he reached out to me about a year ago with the interest of connecting his brand to some of the events that I often include in “A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities” – most pointedly: He wanted to do something with NABJ (www.nabj.org). Well, mission accomplished! REMY Martin came in to the Orlando convention mix with great synergies and signature cocktails for the NABJ President’s Reception (CONGRATS, my friend, Mr. Greg Lee on the completion of your administration!) and – after my own heart – the NABJ Arts & Entertainment Task Force’s reception which featured some exciting elements: POWERED by Toyota Avalon via dear friend Sheila Eldridge, MC Lyte DJ’d; Tyrese Gibson... and TD Jakes (sporting plaid like me!) appeared on behalf of BLACK NATIVITY (In theaters November 27th) and Derek Luke, Jennifer Lewis (who brought me many laughs this night and from her body of work!), and... David E. Talbert joined us on behalf of his BAGGAGE CLAIM (September 27^th); my friend Bevy Smith hosted; and we honored Eric Deggans with this year's LEGACY award (He’s just been named TV Critic for NPR). From carving stations to passed food... and THREE signature cocktails courtesy of REMY Martin!  WHAT A BLAST!  Great event! Some of the other events for which I've enrolled Rémy Martin to power and partner this past year: 

1. Oscar Viewing Party in L.A. with the African American Film Critics Association and the Robey Theatre Company: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/2/26/oscar-and-remy-martin.html. Went well and client may want to partner again this year.

2. NYC Hearts of Gold charity event: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/11/19/golden-hearts.html.

3. DC (National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame synergy where REMY provided all the inductees engraved bottles of high-mark cognac);

4. Chicago (We recently hosted a 'Steve Harvey' birthday toast on the set of his show). That synergy with Steve Harvey has legs as Mr. Harvey has reached out and asked REMY to partner with his HOODIE AWARDS in Las Vegas next week. I've had the chance to host a half dozen "Disney Dreamers Academy" events (Steve Harvey's baby) at the National Associaton of Black Journalists' Convention. And at our Vegas convention, I got to share the stage with Mr. Harvey: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/8/13/audacity-of-hope-and-dreams-in-vegas.html.  This past year, I was a guest of Disney at the "Disney Dreamers Academy" (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/3/15/dreams-and-desire.html).

I LOVE NABJ! I LOVE REMY Martin! THANKS ALL! #nabj13

THE BUTLER

I LOVE “LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER”! And I absolutely ADORE OPRAH in it... and the rest of the STAR-STUDDED, AMAZING CAST! But I digress: Most of you know I’ve freelanced for Oprah Winfrey since 1998 (and still today as OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network produces a whole network of next-chapter content for which I sometimes get assigned to field produce – including recent Oprah: Where Are They Now? fare i.e. interviewing Dennis Rodman and Candace Bushnell recently; etc.). But like many of her opening nights (including “The Color Purple” on Broadway where Ant and I met), I got to share the carpet with her. But not working for her this time. I was asked a favor by my dear friend and NABJ sister @Lauren Tobin (Just saw her at the Convention in Orlando) – to escort her client Colman Domingo down the red carpet of Lee Daniels’ The Butler premiere. He portrays Freddie Fellows (head of the White House staff) – the character who grills Forest Whitaker’s character about Rémy Martin 1738 Cognac – the exceptionally mellow cognac made by my recurring client Rémy Martin who just partnered with my beloved NABJ for its Orlando Convention – providing fine spirits for the NABJ Arts & Entertainment Task Force and Immediate Past President Greg Lee’s reception.     But worth noting it was in Orlando where Lauren knew she wouldn’t be able to make it NYC for the WORLD PREMIERE. ENTER COLMAN DOMINGO – in Hugo Boss! I made sure my friends in the business spoke to him – from EXTRA’s AJ Calloway to E! ENTERTAINMENT’s Alicia Quarles to OMG! Insider’s Kevin Frazier; ACCESS HOLLYWOOD; Vanity Fair; Wall Street Journal; The Source; all of NYC’s papers; and a host of other GREAT PRESS! PLUS, I snagged a few shots of him with his co-stars – including Lenny Kravitz who attended with his late mom Roxie Roker’s dear friend Cicely Tyson (recent Tony-award-winner for “Trip to Bountiful”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDxfe-hG_aY).  I first met Colman Domingo after he starred in Broadway’s “Passing Strange” (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/11/1/swept-away.html).  Came to know he and I had Lauren in common soon after that. His upcoming projects: “A Boy and His Soul” at the Tricycle Theatre in London and “The Scottsboro Boys” at The Young Vic in London; one recent independent film “Newlyweeds” premiered at Sundance; and “Almost Christmas” with Paul Giamatti and Paul Rudd is also coming up. OF COURSE, while on the carpet, I got to acknowledge – face-to-face – many of the wonderful cast-members – including Cuba Gooding Jr., Terrance Howard, David Oleyowo, Mariah Carey, Yaya Alafia (from “America’s Next Top Model”), Jane Fonda, and a host of others. Most excitedly, I got to say HI to MISS WINFREY (and to CONGRATULATE her on the amazing role she plays). Shout out to MISS WINFREY’s GLAM SQUAD: Andre, Kelly, and my friend Derrick – all of whom I was happy to see. I’ve seen the film twice – once with Lee Daniels, Gabourey Sidibe, my girlfriend Sidra Smith, TV personality Paul Wharton, Chris Rock, and an intimate group of folks. Then, I just saw it again – FINAL CUT – with NABJ this past weekend. I LOVE “THE BUTLER”! It’s a CLASSIC and so timely right now! TWITTER @weinsteinfilms @oprah @colmandomingo INSTAGRAM: kingofbingo FACEBOOK: Colman Domingo WEBSITE: www.colmandomingo.com  JOB WELL DONE, LADIES (including my friend Pernell Walter) and GENTLEMEN‪!‎ #leedanielsthebutler