WELCOME to "The Life of Riley" which will include periodic chronicles of pop culture and possibilities that flow out of Patrick L. Riley's day. That's me!!! Through blogging (and soon some other technological features on which I'll keep you posted as they launch), I will pull experiences from my busy life to entertain and inspire all of you. Through this site, I will share my observations and insights. Some features to look forward to:
1.) "PATRICK'S POP UP(DATES)" will feature stories from pop culture, music, theater, fashion, and the entertainment industry at large.
2.) "The Life of Riley" will also introduce a "take-a-look-at-your-life" section (READ: sort of an advice column), where I will help readers come up with their own questions and answers around what "ways of being" are working (or not working) to have them acheive their respective goals and live their best lives. This section is called "WHO YOU BE?".
3.) Additonally, there will be a free-flowing, organic section called "TESTIFY" from which I will pull from my own life's journey to share and hopefully inspire. Some of the fare may be new musings and experiences. Other times, I may pull from my journals and past sharings to shed light on some uncomfortable truths that I've experienced and that may perhaps play a role in healing someone else's wounds as the real-life experience did for me. From my experience of covering 9/11 as a freelance journalist to courageously coming out (as gay) to my family, "TESTIFY" promises to move those who choose to read it.
4.) And a section titled "PR" (like my initials, but also like "public relations") will include press clips from any coverage I get.
those were the daze
RIP JEAN STAPLETON
http://youtu.be/WUoJvhQrbjk Edith Bunker from All in the Family is how we will ALL remember this GENIUS of an ACTRESS.
But CIRCA 1991 my Morehouse College Glee Club brothers and I got the chance to share the stage with her on Kennedy Center Honors as we all honored Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus’ Conductor and Composer Robert Shaw. We often speak of the glee club’s performance of our signature work, "Betelehemu" – prior to which I got to give a spoken tribute: http://youtu.be/yZF2iK2VOY8.
But the final number in the tribute would have us joined by members of the The Choral Arts Society of Washington, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus, the Singing Sailors of the Navy and special guests Silvia McNair and Jean Stapleton (former member of the Collegiate Chorale under the direction of Robert Shaw)! 
GOD IS GOOD! THANK YOU FOR INTRODUCING US TO JEAN STAPLETON who my brethren Bobby P-Grew reminds me we were all TOO EXCITED to meet (along with Walter Cronkite; Carol Burnett; and many others!).
TV ONE’S “LIFE AFTER”
K2 Pictures invited me to weigh in on three of their “LIFE AFTER” subjects for TV ONE.
They seemed to have pulled from my vision board of pop culture muses from the ‘70s – so we had a blast taping those.
Was also great to stumble into screenwriter/artist/actress and all-around-RENAISSANCE WOMAN Tina Andrews who was taping some reflections of her own for "Life After".
Also, I ran into friend Klay Kane who has been in the pop-culture-expert mix of "Life After" since its inception. I consider it a total honor to be folded into the mix. Stay tuned for more info on all of this. 
The new season of “LIFE AFTER” starts mid-September – including what of my interviews they will excerpt and sprinkle throughout those episodes.
BROADWAY INSPIRATIONAL VOICES
It was ONE NIGHT ONLY but many NIGHTS in the making:
Grammy-Award-nominee Michael McElroy and the Broadway Inspirational Voices' EXPECT THE GREAT performance at Harlem's First Corinthian Baptist Church. AND IT WAS BEYOND BEYOND!!!! 
Worth noting high up that BIV's management is Entertainment Creative Management AKA childhood BFF Ernest Maynor...
and dear friend Kimberly JaJuan...
and the fine choir's PR is done by my girl Marcia Pendelton. In attendance, many of Broadway's Tony-Award royalty including Class of 2013's nominees Charl Brown ("Smokey Robinson" in MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL 
...as well as the "Berry Gordy", Brandon Victor Dixon) 
and my fav-for-years-now Billy Porter (in the top-nominated production this year "Kinky Boots" - including a nod for him); Marva Hicks led BIV brilliantly with "Jesus Can Work It Out"; 
the-LEGENDARY Leslie Uggams; 
another industry buddy Angela Robinson who stars in my recurring client OWN's new hit via Tyler Perry: "The Haves and Have Nots" (which debuted to redefining numbers for network start-up OWN); 
Tony darling Adrianne Lenox (whose credit in "Double Platinum" with MY MISS ROSS and Brandy I always have to note) and singer extraordinnaire a la "The Color Purple" church ladies Virginia A. Woodruff; 
Erich McMillan - President and Founder of Project 1 Voice which I had the chance to participate in as a narrator in last year's "Amen Corner" (www.project1voice.org).
(And look for "Four Little Girls" on September 15th across America (a commemoration of the 50th years since the bombing of the Birmingham church which killed the four African American girls during the strain of the Civil Rights Movement);
Disney superstars Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman - the latter of whom helped me win MILLION DOLLAR PASSWORD a few years ago
(WAS GREAT TO RECCONNECT WITH HER since 2009: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/7/9/aint-no-mountain-high-enough.html);
and a host of other FAB and FAMILIAR FACES from the repository of BROADWAY and all of the associated industries of which I am a part! 
Tony-award-winning actress Phylicia Rashad is Chairperson of BIV's Board of Directors. #missedthechoirinchurch 
P.S. Afterwards, many of us gathered at NYC's Public Authority bowling alley to TOAST Broadway's BEST, my friend Norm Lewis who - just last year - was Tony-nominated for his role in "Porgy and Bess". Visit BIV at www.broadwayinspirationalvoices.org. 
Special shout out to my brother D'Ambrose Boyd who captured beautiful images from the amazing evening of MUSIC and PRAISE! HALLELUJAH! AMEN! LOVE! LIGHT!
MOTOWN TO DEF JAM: AN ART GALLERY TOUR
Of course, these last few months have been all about MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. Meanwhile, I am super excited that the fabulous diva, Meli'sa Morgan will join the Motown to Def Jam: An Art Gallery Tour (curated by Sou L Eo) on Saturday June 15. Meli'sa Morgan will perform live at the reception! We announced last week that I am joining the tour-guide-team for the special day.
During the tour, I am going to weigh in with some good pop culture anecdotes on the ICONIC music and artists of OUR TIME and OUR HISTORY! Purchase your tickets here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/366026 For more information and to purchase tickets please visit: www.artcrawlharlem.com.
RUTHY VALDEZ’S ORANGE 67 “SWALLOW”
Was nice to pop into Harlem for a little “Amy Ruth” (and catch-up chat and chew with Morehouse brother Mario) preceded by the chance to meet fine artist Ruthy Valdez @ruthy_valdez. 
She showcased and sold her artwork at my friend Carl Nelson’s Drums Along The Hudson event which I had a hand in co-hosting the other week: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/5/20/rain-for-flowers.html.
You’ll recall, Ant sold one of his masterpieces. Well, 67 Orange Street (TWITTER - @67OrangeStreet) is the back-drop for Ruthy’s latest show “Swallow” which compliments the speak-easy’s finest signature cocktails (and food menu) to a T. We also got the chance to meet artist Ruben Zambrano whose work can be seen on INSTAGRAM via @rubenz_art. 
Shout out to 67 Orange owner Karl Franz Williams and one of his mixologists, Garrett Lee Hendricks (friend and actor). His “Color Purple” cocktail is WONDERFUL!
KARAOKE IN METUCHEN
Shout out to Bernard Jablonka and Danielle Andrea Simone Knight on hosting our ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY KARAOKE BLAST! 
Backdrop: their beautiful home in Metuchen, New Jersey! 
They - as usual - attract friends and family from FAR & NEAR - including Bernard's cousin (and friend) from The Netherlands! 
GREAT FOOD (homemade THAI); GREAT DRINKS; and GREAT ENERGY (folks singing and friends coming together ONE MORE TIME)! 
THANKS FOLKS for the GOOD TIMES! XOXOOXOX
MEMORIAL DAY WITH MERRELL
Shout out to Merrell for getting those of us who were still in NYC (or back in NYC by Memorial Day Monday) together for delicious food (shrimp, chicken, burgers, rips, and more);
great entertainment (or enjoyable fare for a room full of ‘opinionated’ folks! LOL!): HBO Film “Behind the Candelabra” – the story of LIBERACE (which I call the “Mommie Dearest” of our time! NO SHADE! It’s really good… and what an AWESOME cast);
and a FUN ROOM of our usual suspects and some FUN surprise guests! ALWAYS A GOOD TIME with Merrell about whom I’m ALWAYS yapping because I’m so PROUD of my Georgia homebody! @makeupbymerrell is Wendy Williams' makeup artist and cosmetics icon his own right in the industry. He is quite the muse du jour for me as he takes his brand to the next level. #makeupbymerrell
VISIT OAKLAND
My friend from the National Association of Black Journalists Kim Bardakian is Director of PR & Partnerships for "Visit Oakland" (visitoakland.org) and while in town to discuss various story angles about Oakland (cuisine, arts, citywide renaissance), she met up with some of us Lounge 48.
WSJ's Lee Hawkins; fellow NYABJ Trailblazer Bob Anthony, and dear NABJ friend Neal Scarbrough. I also met a host of new journalists I'd not met before.
BOBBY ROACHE AND ANDY WARHOL
Was great to hang out with my friend and brother from another mother Bobby Roache at his boo Dolshe’s exclusive sample sale for her clothing and shoe business Olcay Gulsen www.olcaygulsen.com in The Decker Building in Union Square West – sacred pop culture ground: Andy Warhol had his Factory inside this building from 1968 through 1973.
It is also where Valerie Solanas shot Warhol and art critic and curator Mario Amaya in 1968. IF POP CULTURE IS AROUND, I’LL SNIFF IT OUT! LOL!
ENDLESS LOVE
Congrats to Ant’s BFF Manivone and her new husband, our friend Taha!
SO HAPPY FOR YOUR GUYS on marriage and a NEW CHAPTER in your collective life of LOVE!
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in All in the Family, Andy Warhol, Broadway, Jean Stapleton, Life After, MOTOWN, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, TV One, Tony Awards
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RAIN FOR FLOWERS
PRESIDENT OBAMA: MY MOREHOUSE BROTHER
Scheduling wouldn’t have me down in Atlanta at my alma mater as our President of the United States became a Morehouse brother.
Still, I sure felt like I was there as so many of my brethren and friends in attendance gifted me with the best play-by-play.
There or not, what a proud day in the Life of Riley… and in THE WORLD! 
Shout out to BFF Elise Durham, Morehouse College’s Media Relations Manager who served as the primary liaison between my alma mater and The White House in preparing for this historic undertaking!
CONGRATS, ELISE! 
And a SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to mother of my Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts: Dr. Anne Wimbush Watts, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of English at Morehouse who is leaving THE HOUSE (after 43 years) for her own new chapter.
Morehouse College unveiled an oil portrait of Dr. Anne W. Watts at Baccalaureate the day prior to Commencement. 
CONGRATULATIONS, DR. WATTS! MUCH DESERVED!
Won't HE do it? HAPPY TO CALL MYSELF MOREHOUSE MAN, hear!?
Oh! And MOREHOUSE uncle!
SCANDAL
Obviously, I was well-represented there while my own MOREHOUSE mystique was showing up elsewhere in the world - including THE PHILADELPHIA SUN: http://www.philasun.com/news/4252/38/The-OMG-Show-Scandal-has-kicked-the-political-soap-opera-up-a-notch.html 
Shout out to writer/reporter Denise Clay for including some of my pop culture analysis in her The Philadelphia Sunday SUN cover story on the Scandal phenomenon.
It reminded me that I shared a sweet moment recently in New York City with the hit show’s star Kerry Washington whose fabulosity went out to 9.1 million viewers for its finale the other night.
NABJ brethren Roland Martin is also quoted. The ratings for the season finale hit an all-time high of 9.1 million viewers.
DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON
And while – through the rain - President Obama was speaking words of service, responsibility, and daring to the Universe’s 500 or so NEW MOREHOUSE MEN, I – through the rain – was hosting the main stage (afternoon shift) at Drums Along The Hudson: 
a Native American Festival and Multicultural Celebration - the afternoon of which I hosted (My friend, news anchor Sandra Bookman with WABC-TV, hosted the earlier part of the day, which included honors to Deborah Harvey-Koenigsberger.
(Deborah is Founder/President of Hearts of Gold charity to which I introduced Remy Martin, a sponsor for one of her recent fundraisers: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/11/19/golden-hearts.html);
Grammy-award-wnining singer/songwriter Joanne Shenandoah (Oneida); and author Doug George (Mohawk). 
"The rain is for the flowers! It'll only make us GROW," I exclaimed (a la Miss Ross Central Park circa '83) to the many who braved the stormy weather to enjoy live performances on the main stage.
I got to introduce some awesome acts - including Kotchenga African Dance Company; Saung Budaya Indonesian Dance Group; and Samuel Le Heananff Quartet. 
And our girlfriend, artist Cynthia Bergos, and Ant (as his artist name Akhenaten) displayed their art for the attendees. 
Ant sold one of his Egyptian-inspired pieces: "Radiant Thinker" (2013 Egyptian Pop Series: Acrylic on raw canvas 3 x 2.5) 2013 - SOLD). This transaction turned one art patron's rainy day SUNNY!
Congrats Ant!
Shout out to my friends Frankie Edozien, Ed Roebuck, Matt Morgan, and many others who came out to support me.
But primarily we were ALL there to support the cause and the creator and producer of the 11-year-old brainchild, Carl Nelson.
Good job, Carl!
COMING UP: BROADWAY INSPIRATIONAL VOICES – Sunday, June 2nd
I have several friends who are in and/or associated with the Broadway Inspirational Voices – including Miss Kimberly Jajuan who introduced me to the dynamic group! I’m so excited they’ve given me permission to share with you word on their upcoming concert: Sunday June 2nd at First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem. THAT’S RIGHT! YOU HEARD IT HEAR (from the group’s fab press release): The Grammy-Nominated Broadway Inspirational Voices “Expect the Great” June 2nd: 
Creator Michael McElroy (TONY nomination, BIG RIVER) will lead The Broadway Inspirational Voices in their 3rd Annual Spring concert to create an evening of hope, joy, and inspiration.
With members representing such shows as Motown: The Musical, The Lion King, Wicked, Spiderman, The Book of Mormon, Annie, Kinky Boots, and many more, “Expect the Great” will include a wide array of inspirational repertoire, including a few original pieces by McElroy. The one-night-only concert will be held on June 2nd at 7pm st at 8pm at the First Corinthian Baptist Church, located at 1912 7th Ave at 116th St. Tickets are priced from $10-$100 and can be purchased by visiting: www.smarttix.com.
A portion of the proceeds from this concert will go to BIV’s Educational Outreach Program. BIV members participate in these outreach programs to provide music to children in need. Through their music and community driven work, BIV is committed to providing children access to high quality and engaging music arts programs and resources. Broadway Inspirational Voices was originally founded by McElroy in 1994 as the Broadway Gospel Choir and in 1999 was reincarnated to its current form. 
In addition to numerous concerts, the group has performed on “The Rosie O’Donnell Christmas Special,” Broadway Sings Elton John, The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation Benefit, and The 2000 Tony Awards. The Broadway Inspirational Voices second album Great Joy: A Gospel Christmas was released on Sh-K-Boom Records in 2003 and received a Grammy Award nomination.”
BLACK GIRLS ROCK AND BURY THE RATCHET – Tuesday, June 4th
International DJ and Black Girls Rock Founder and Executive Director, Beverly Bond will present the Brooklyn community services human spirit award to Michaela angela Davis on Tuesday, June 4, 2013. You should come out and bear witness to two dynamic women and then some. 
The Brooklyn Community Services will host its annual BCS Human Spirit Awards at the Grand Hyatt-Manhattan Ballroom this year. I’ve been asked to join its host committee and to invite as many of you to get in on this wonderful cause as possible. In addition to Michaela, BCS will honor another cultural leader who too calls Brooklyn his home: award-winning artist, Danny Simmons, will join other honorees in a ceremony that celebrates individuals who through their vision, leadership, service and generosity have built a lasting impression on both culture and community. 
The Human Spirit Awards is the annual fundraising dinner for BCS that highlights individuals, groups and programs that have made lifting up the lives of Brooklynites their call to action. Last year's gala raised $500,000 and provided vital resources to support BCS's mission to strengthen families, help children and youth reach their full potential, and support adults in leading productive, fulfilling lives. Proceeds from this year's online and silent auction will support efforts to provide continued relief to victims of Hurricane Sandy in Coney Island: http://bit.ly/ZVFgLS. #humanspirit2013
FRIENDS
CONGRATS to dear friend, fine artist Taha Clayton on his latest project: "Round Zero", an Exhibition of Paintings by Tim Okamura, Jerome Lagarrigue, Taha Clayton, & Joseph Adolphe in NY! We got to check out "Round Zero," a fine art exhibition, featuring Taha and crew at the Art Director’s Club in Manhattan.
Tim Okamura, Jerome Lagarrigue, Taha Clayton and Joseph Adolphe exhibited their latest work in a boxing-themed collection curated by Dexter Wimberly. The exhibition also served as the culmination of more than two years of documentation of these artists' creative journey by film-maker Jeff Martini, for an upcoming feature entitled "HEAVYWEIGHTPAINT," a segment of which was shot at the events. A portion of proceeds went to the Brotherhood / Sister Sol, a Harlem-based youth organization. Artworks created by students from "Bro/Sis" were also on display at the event. (http://heavyweightpaint.com/) and (http://www.brotherhood-sistersol.org)
Afterwards, we all gathered to toast my Nichole who is getting ready to embark on a fun journey of reinvention and relocation. Stay tuned! WE LOVE YOU, NICHOLE…
and of course, you and I are together forever – no matter where we are geographically.
Happy birthday to BFF Tommie Porter – husband of Mara Schiavocampo.
We all gathered in Harlem to toast Tommie;
enjoy cake and champagne; and – as always – to have a good time!
Shout out to my NABJ buddy Alicia Quarles – E! Entertainment News’ own!
She was standing next to me the opening night of "Motown: The Musical" - covering for E! News (as chronicled by my lens when I wasn't otherwise occupied).
She did the same when she wasn't busy and forwarded me some of the good ones while we awaited Tommie's arrival.
In addition to the highlight video of my work which you can check out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ, Alicia got some shots that were coming in from a whole other angle of which I wasn't aware.
Great shots, Alicia!
EVEN MISS ROSS walking away...
THANK YOU!
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in Broadway, Drums Along The Hudson, Kerry Washington, Morehouse College, Motown: The Musical, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, President Obama, Scandal, Tony Awards
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life art
NYABJ FAMILY
Am GRATEFUL to the New York Association of Black Journalists (NYABJ) for honoring me a couple of months ago as one of its Trailblazers alongside Robert Anthony, Eric V. Tait, Lena Sherrod and Audrey Edwards. A BLESSING!
A couple of months later, I'm grateful AGAIN to NYABJ fam, President Mike Michael J. Feeney and the many Board and committee members – including Cheryl Wills; Diane Patrick; Christina Carrega; et al for inviting me to attend the 25th ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS BANQUET.
Late, great WNBC reporter Bob Teague was honored as well as veteran TV journalist Randall Pinkston (Lifetime Achievement Award).
And a WHO’S WHO of journalism and media were in the house to recognize the work of NYC journalists while being entertained by the one-and-only MISS Rhonda Ross (daughter of Diana Ross & Berry Gordy). 
Rhonda sang "Killing Me Softly" by the great Roberta Flac,! As always, WONDERFUL!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mg_qz6jluOk
David Ushery, WNBC Anchor
Carol Jenkins, Former WNBC Anchor & Presenter
Norma Quarles, Former NBC/CNN Anchor & Presenter
Toure, Co-Host, MSNBC “The Cycle” Honoree
Bill McCreary, Former Fox 5 Anchor & Presenter
Vanessa Bush, Editor-In-Chief, Essence Magazine
Patrik Henry Bass, Sr. Editor, Essence Magazine
Michelle Miller, National Correspondent, CBS News
David Rhodes, President, CBS News
Cheryl Wills, Anchor/Author, NY1 News (NYABJ Dinner Chair)
Diane King, Anchor, NY1 News (Dinner Host)
Larry Mullins, Anchor, 1010 WINS (Dinner Host)
Dan Bowens, Reporter, Fox News
Ruschell Boone, Reporter, NY1 News
Dean Meminger, Reporter, NY1 News
....and a HOST OF OTHER NABJ FAM!!!!
An advocacy group established in 1976, the New York Association of Black Journalists provides career development as well as educational and other support to its members. 
NYABJ is an affiliate of NABJ, the largest organization for journalists of color in the nation. 
I LOVE NYABJ!
GOOD BROTHERS
Shout out to two brothers who’ve been great to me in my journey as a pop culture expert – each having booked me on their shows to discuss all sorts of topics: (1) ED GORDON - Ed Gordon Media announced today the syndication of Conversations with Ed Gordon, a quarterly, one hour special with award-winning journalist and renowned interviewer, Ed Gordon, serving as host and executive producer.
The specials will be aired nationally, including on all ten NBC owned and operated affiliates. The first special begins airing April 28, 2013. Specific airdates, times and markets can be found on http://www.edgordon.net/conversations.htm. Gordon is known for in-depth and exclusive interviews. 
(2) TJ HOLMES – As he’s announced that he’s inside his what’s next (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/13/tj-holmes-ending-relationship-bet-future-career-plans_n_3266492.html), I want to thank he and his team for having me on “DON’T SLEEP – HOSTED BY TJ HOLMES” several times.
I'm most proud of being invited to participate in the post-election-day show. On that episdoe, I waxed philosophical and political alongside MSNBC's Toure and rapper The Game who noted he was a fan of my blog: http://www.bet.com/video/dont-sleep/highlights/2012/sleep-talkers-don-t-sleep-121-12021.html.
And here’s a behind-the-scenes look at that appearance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrBjpOe854Y. 
CONGRATS GENTLEMEN on all of your success and - as you climb - continuing to lift back and let some of us share the spotlight. You both make me proud to spell my demographic: B-L-A-C-K M-A-N!
DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON
It’s DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON time again this Sunday, May 19th in NYC! This is put on annually by my friend, producer Carl Nelson. I'll introduce the performers/acts on the main stage during the afternoon portion of the day (as I have several times before when DRUMS catches me actually in town:
).
Drums Along The Hudson is a Native American and multi-cultural family oriented festival on May 19th, 2013 at Inwood Hill Park, 218st. & Indian road in Manhattan.
This event is FREE to the public and Co sponsored by lotus Music & Dance & the New York City Parks Department. The festival includes a Native American Pow-Wow, exhibitions of world dance and drumming traditions as well as Native American crafts and international cuisines. It combines a celebration of Native Heritage,culture and art with the diversity of New York City.
We also honor two individuals or organizations for their contribution to humanitarian or environmental services. It is an all day event from 11:00 am to 6;00 pm. AND SO MUCH FUN! I hope you’ll come out and join us!
BIZ BOND
I decided to pop by the launch of my friends Nathan Hale Williams' & Tammy Ford's soon-to-be-weekly networking event at Hudson Bond on 215 W 40th btw 7th & 8th Avs.
PLEASE come and join us the next time!!! Congrats Nathan and Tammie! Fun and POWER NETWORKING to boot!!! WIN WIN!
Among others this most recent time, I saw my friends ENTERTAINER BUTTAFLY SOUL and MISS TONYA GIDDENS the creator and executive producer of the Ms. Full Figured HBCU Pageant™. She is also the Beauty director of Full Figured Fashion Week®. You can access the pageant website here:
.
And for Full Figured Fashion Week:
ww.fffweek.com. BIZ BOND is scheduled to be back in JUNE! Don't miss it!
THE LIFE OF RILEY HASN’T BEEN ALL WORK AND SHOP TALK:
UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT
Enjoyed a fight party at BFFs Mara Schiavocampo and her hubby Tommie Porter’s home!
GREAT FOOD! GREAT FOLKS (including NABJ buddy Nekesa Moody and my boo boo Sidra Smith).
BOBBY ROACHE BDAY
Enjoyed a BDAY PAJAMA PARTY for our friend, model Bobby Roache (at his pad). Dear friend Q (hairstylist guru) and many others were in the house to toast the birthday boy! 
HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOBBY!
ROOFTOP COCKTAILS
Enjoyed rooftop cocktails at The Empire Hotel (overlooking the Lincoln Center Plaza) with our dear friends Jason and Marlynn.
Great to catch up with them! ALWAYS!
RUPAUL DRAG RACE
You know I love "Merrell's LEGENDS ball for some of the Black gay elite of NYC" (and our friends). This year's RuPaul's Drag Race Finale viewing party was no exception as we enjoyed the company ...of cosmetics mogul/make-up artist AJ Crimson; hairstylist superstar Chuckie Amos;
Publisher of DBQ Magazine, Derrick Bridgeforth; Wendy Williams' FAB stylist Memsor; casting director Adrian Wells; and a host of other dear friends.
Merrell is Wendy Williams' makeup artist and cosmetics icon his own right in the industry. He is quite the muse du jour for me as he takes his brand to the next level. Great set (and fried chicken a la Merrell), as always. But we were hoping for Alaska to win.
Some of us got to celebrate Wendy on her new book “Ask Wendy”! Worth noting, my partner Ant is the primary producer of "Ask Wendy", even though the book is a separate, albeit co-branded, effort. Graciously, Wendy autographed the first advance copy of the book to Ant some months ago as a THANK YOU for all he does on the daily for the franchise and the show.
CONGRATS, WENDY! This is my kinda' book! LOL!
“KINKY BOOTS”
Finally saw “Kinky Boots”! You know I’ve been yapping about it and consider Billy Porter one of my FAVORITE SOUL SINGERs! I FINALLY SAW IT AND LOVED IT! “Kinky Boots” which received 13 TONY nods (The Cyndi Lauper-scored "Kinky Boots," which earned a leading 13 Tony nominations. British import "Matilda: The Musical" has 12.
"Kinky Boots" is based on the 2005 British movie about a real-life shoe factory that struggles until it finds new life in fetish footwear. Lauper's songs and a story by Harvey Fierstein have made it a crowd-pleaser. Fierstein; one of my TOTAL FAV SINGERS Billy Porter; and Stark Sands as well as Annaleigh Ashford are nominated for “Kinky Boots”)! IT’S WONDERFUL!
TAHA CLAYTON ART
CONGRATS to dear friend, fine artist Taha Clayton on his latest project: "Round Zero", an Exhibition of Paintings by Tim Okamura, Jerome Lagarrigue, Taha Clayton, & Joseph Adolphe in NY! "Round Zero," a fine art exhibition, featuring four contemporary painters, will be on view May 13–17th* at the Art Director’s Club in Manhattan. Tim Okamura, Jerome Lagarrigue, Taha Clayton and Joseph Adolphe will exhibit their latest work in a boxing-themed collection curated by Dexter Wimberly. 
The exhibition also serves as the culmination of more than two years of documentation of these artists' creative journey by film-maker Jeff Martini, for an upcoming feature entitled "HEAVYWEIGHTPAINT," a segment of which will be shot at the events. A portion of proceeds went to the Brotherhood / Sister Sol, a Harlem-based youth organization. Artworks created by students from "Bro/Sis" were also on display at the event. (http://heavyweightpaint.com/) and (http://www.brotherhood-sistersol.org/) 
COMING UP:
LONETTE MCKEE FILES
Lonette McKee is appearing on an MMC Web Channel near you! Legendary Entertainer Lonette McKee Partners with Midnight Media Capture (MMC) a la my good girlfriend Nicole Franklin (and her fellow Executive Producer Giovanna Aguilar) to Engage Audiences with Her Story, 'The Lonette McKee Files,' and Performers with ‘Actors Empowered.’ Both appearances are Web-based at www.MidnightMediaCapture.com.
It’s ‘The Lonette McKee Files,’ an On Demand podcast series in which she shares her story of growing up, from a child musical prodigy to a distinguished actress, in the entertainment industry. Lonette also joins a stellar line up of media professionals on MMC Presents Summer 2013 Sessions, a series of online professional workshops dedicated to the storytelling process, from writing to directing to performing, launching on MMC’s online channel in June. Her first offering,‘Actors Empowered,’ is a 6-week online webinar enabling talent across the world to learn the tools of the trade from a Hollywood veteran. Lonette is excited about this new venture and says that The Lonette McKee Files will engage her fans and capture new audiences—a global community of storytellers and entertainment aficionados—with personal anecdotes, including the segment “What Happens When,” during which she poses compelling real-life situations to her followers based on her own experiences.
Lonette states she values MMC because they are a cutting-edge, forward-thinking company that is able to reach audiences around the world through their Web platform, and with highly defined content that mixes storytelling and marketing. She is confident that this synergy serves as an opportunity for her generation of entertainment professionals to couple their experience with technology into new ventures for empowering new generations of performers—storytellers. “It would serve us to get on the new wave of technology so we can share the stories, knowledge and wisdom that only come with veteran years of experience,” Lonette states.
‘The Lonette McKee Files’ has rolled out as podcasts for purchase at $2.99 on MMC’s online channe.
‘Actors Empowered’ course begins June 3, 2013. For more information, visit http://midnightmediacapture.com/. You can sign up right now by clicking this link:
http://midnightmediacapture.com/mmc-presents/the-lonette-mckee-files/
RAMSEY LEWIS AND HIS ELECTRIC BAND
Shout out to my friend Ed Roebuck who hipped me to this event he’s been working on: Composer, pianist and jazz legend Ramsey Lewis and his Electric Band will perform at The City College of New York’s Aaron Davis Hall for the first time in a special Father’s Day Weekend Celebration 7 p.m. Friday, June 14. Jazz greats Henry Johnson (guitar), Joshua Ramos (bass) and Charles Heath (drums) will join Ramsey in this extraordinary concert. “A Father’s Day Weekend Celebration with Ramsey Lewis” will take place at Aaron Davis Hall, West 135th Street and Convent Avenue on The City College campus. Tickets are: $30 and $40 (reserved seating).
For more information and ticket sales visit: www.adhatccny.org or call Aaron Davis Hall Box office at 212.650.6900. “We all know Harlem is so important to the world of jazz and to perform in Harlem at Aaron Davis Hall is a true delight,” states Mr. Lewis. “Just in time for the first days of summer and Father’s Day.” “Ramsey Lewis is a class act and I’m so happy he will perform at Aaron Davis Hall,” states Aaron Davis Hall Managing Director Gregory Shanck. “We’ve had world legends on our stage and this is one more creative giant I’m so proud to have perform at Aaron Davis Hall.”
A Father’s Day Weekend Celebration with Ramsey Lewis
Featuring: Ramsey Lewis & The Electric Band
With Henry Johnson (guitar), Joshua Ramos (bass) and Charles Heath (drums)
Friday, June 14, 2013
7 p.m.∙ Showtime
6:30 p.m. ∙ Doors Open
Tickets
Price: $30 and $40 (reserved seating)
Visit: www.adhatccny.org
Call: 212.650.6900
Aaron Davis Hall
West 135th Street & Convent Avenue
On the campus of The City College of New York
New York, NY 10031
Directions:
Bus: M11, M18, M100 or M101 to 135th Street
Subway: 1 to 137th Street; A, B, C or D to 145th Street
Driving: Free parking at West 133rd Street & Convent Avenue or parking on the street
MINORITEES
Y’all know “…THE LIFE OF RILEY…” LOVES MINORITEES: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/5/22/girlfriends-and-minoritees-are-doing-it-and-well.html. 
Born from the streets of New York City, Minoritees represents the voice of a generation that is as multi-cultural and unique as The Big Apple herself. Worn by the likes of Janet Jackson, Denzel Washington, P!nk, RuPaul, and Shakira to name a few, the Minoritees brand started by reclaiming the iconic image of an afro-pick to symbolize freedom and strength no matter what race, gender or religion you identify with.
Like any road worth travelling, Minoritees has seen its ups and downs. We’ve grown from street fairs to Macy’s stores and beyond, always representing the strength, individuality and pride that make up our fan base. Minoritees braved some super-storms, barely surviving an economic meltdown which resulting in the loss of jobs, substantial revenue due to the closing of stores and vendors which financially crippled the company and its operations.
And so, after much soul searching by it’s founder and encouragement from it’s loyal fan base; In 2013, we’re renewing our commitment to you by going back to basics with clothing, products and a lifestyle that is as loud, proud and fearless as you are. We ask for your participation and support by spreading the word about our re-birth and by participating in our incentive-driven Kickstarter campaign that will help with our re-launch.
We promise you with utmost certainty a renewal of focus and commitment to customer service and appreciation and a quality product. Expect a brand new website launch in Memorial Day 2013, new designs, a streamlined quality line of apparel and lifestyle products, sleek new packaging, limited editions re-issues of classic Minoritees collections and a robust integration of multi-format social networking.
TWITTER @MINORITEES
FACEBOOK.COM/MINORITEES
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in Ask Wendy, Broadway, Chicacgo, Drums Along The Hudson, NABJ, NYABJ, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, Rupaul's Drag Race, WENDY WILLIAMS
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10 References
gatsby and steampunk and more
Hi folks,
Shout out to ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 and its hosts Lola Ogunnaike and Shannon Lanier for having me on FRIDAY to talk GATSBY: the book, the film(s), the blueprint on hip hop!
HERE’S THE LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBT9mSmfmCo
GREAT TALK!
Last week, I was on to talk BROADWAY: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDxfe-hG_aY. In that 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.
Special shout out to Keyon Williams; my Amazing Grace Nichole Andrews; one of my NABJ BFFs Paula Witt; Eugenia Harvey; Gary Anthony Ramsay – just a few of the VILLAGE PEOPLE it has taken to get me on! And WOW! A CALL-BACK! Thanks ALL! @ARISETV360 #AE360
I’VE BEEN YAPPING A BIT OF LATE ON-AIR! LOL!:
THIS JUST IN: Steampunk is invading popular culture. What exactly is steampunk? Well, 26 minutes into the show, please see my on-cam, pop culture weigh-in on the rise of steampunk in popular culture. Shout out to Nadja Thomas – producer/reporter of CUNY’s 219 West TV news magazine show that airs five times a month on channel 75. You can see it here: http://219tvmagazine.journalism.cuny.edu/2013/05/12/219-west-may-2013/. The show will live online and be promoted until our next show airs in another month. As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Please feel free to FWD/SHARE/BLAST OUT! XOXOXO
SOME OF MY LATEST ON-CAM POP CULTURE:
1) I got an invite to do red carpet interviews on MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL's opening night for its cameras! 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! WOW! LOL!
2) Other outlets picked up the raw footage:
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=An_r_D2HM5Q.
3) My debut media impression on COZI-TV and NBC 4 a couple of weeks ago received raves as I weighed in - as pop culture expert - on BLACKS/BROADWAY:
COMING UP:
I just had a blast interviewing my friend Kenneth Carr this afternoon at his place. His new CD "Amazing Love" is coming out next month… and his management invited me to interview him for a promo video they will be using to promote its release. He recently released the video for his lead-off single “Brassing My Opinion” – shot and directed by my girlfriend Shareen King! It’s a huge hit – having already attracted upwards of 200,000 clicks on Kenny’s YOU TUBE channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNmTiAvVZW0. Follow @kennycarrmusic and www.facebookcom/kennethcarr. Purchase the single at Amazon, iTunes, Spotify,Google Play For Bookings contact thekingsdaughtersk@gmail.com. Stay tuned for the edited interview in the coming weeks! As Kenny knows singing is a sidelight for me, we not only reviewed his music-in-progress and music-completed, he let me play around with a track or few – one for which he wants me to write some lyrics – so we can record a track! Great SATURDAY!
As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Best & LOVE,
Patrick L. Riley
“A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities”
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in AArise Entertainment 360, DIANA ROSS, Jay Z, Kenneth Carr, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, The Great Gatsby, Tony Awards, steampunk
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6 References
NJPAC and Nelson George and A FILM ABOUT THE NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL
A FILM ABOUT THE NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL (1958)
NELSON GEORGE presents a screening of JAZZ ON A SUMMERS DAY and Panel Discussion with STANLEY
CROUCH, JOMMY COBB, BILL CHARLAP & WOODY SHAW III this Friday 5.10. BUY TICKETS! http://bit.ly/17Bt83o #NELSONGEORGE
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in Jazz, MOTHER'S DAY, NEWARK, NJPAC, New York City, Newport Jazz Festival, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, Stanley Crouch, Woody Shaw III
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2 References