A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

ritual

Lots going on this season as LIFE OF RILEY looks to unplug a bit over the holidays. I have one big deadline for recurring client BET – a video project for which I had to shoot an impressive crew of millennials who may be hiring me soon! THANKS LADIES and GENTLEMEN! Meanwhile, a couple of other projects I wrapped a couple of months ago will see the light of day. First up is my HOME LENDING episode for recurring client WELLS FARGO PRESENTS THE NEW ADVOCATE MONEY MINUTE: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/12/12/home-lending (See all my other episodes here: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute) ... and on long-standing, recurring client OWN THIS UPCOMING SUNDAY? A very special interview THAT I ACTUALLY CONDUCTED with Sesame Street's Bert and Ernie:
http://www.oprah.com/own-where-are-they-now/Beth-Holloway-Tiffany-and-the-Original-Cast-of-The-Real-World-Video. That’s Sunday, December 21, at 9/8c. Read more:http://www.oprah.com/own-where-are-they-now/Beth-Holloway-Tiffany-and-the-Original-Cast-of-The-Real-World-Video#ixzz3LtLgBV2v #WhereAreTheyNow. And I’m saying yes to as many talent bookings I can before I leave town – including: the chance to host a marriage party for my NABJ BFF Brian Henderson and his beautiful wife Nikita Henderson – The New York Times own. Le Maison d’Art in Harlem was the back-drop… and we had a BLAST – celebrating the newlyweds. This Thursday, my friend Chris Jones booked me to join a fun line-up at “Freddie Wright’s Holiday Talent Show and Review”. And the holiday parties are booked at the craziest pace while Ant and I try to get to our loved ones – respectively! WHEW!

karaoke

I’m hoping to have some voice left-over Thursday after our PRE-HOLIDAY BLAST! That's right! We are about to wrap up our FALL 2014 series of Billie’s Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L Riley! AND YES! WE HOPE TO RETURN IN THE SPRING!

UPDATES:

My ALL STAR KARAOKE producer Bernice Wooden will keep the party going during the two holiday TUESDAYS left in 2014. And if I get back in time for Tuesday, December 30^th… I may pop by to WATCH (and wait in line to sing)! LOL!

Last Tuesday, our usual suspects included our beloved sponsors Miss Jessie’s and Riley Land Gourmet Pantry who ensure our ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULs walk out the door with a smile and some SWAG! LOL! BFF Mara Schiavocampo got in on the phone – giving away two copies of her upcoming book “THINspired”, due December 30th… but you can pre-order on Amazon NOW: http://www.amazon.com/Thinspired-Pounds-Lasting-Weight-Self-Acceptance/dp/1476784051/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417643482&sr=8-1&keywords=thinspired. We sang, laughed, and were TRULY MERRY:https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10204127038514182&set=vb.1172177040&type=2&theater. AND OF COURSE, we talked about THINSPIRED: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10204126885790364&set=vb.1172177040&type=2&theater. Mara also secured copies of the latest edition of ESSENCE inside of which there’s an EXCLUSIVE excerpt from her book. Also, you'll find some FABULOUS PICTURES of Mara through the years AND a couple of the pages features our ALL STAR KARAOKE/CELEBRITY hair stylist SUPREME, Carla Bone! So much fun when Mara comes by: http://bit.ly/ask_mara.#THINspiredbook #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke  

motown

So, imagine my EXCITEMENT when my nephew made sure that his uncle got prime seats to see my icon MISS ROSS February 3rd as she opens the historic, now-newly-renovated theater in Brooklyn! She's still #THEBOSS - never more underscored when my friend - marketing consultant Marcia Pendelton - brought #MOTOWNMAY to #BILLIESBLACK and #ALLSTARKARAOKE. Well, as I have loved MISS ROSS since I came out the womb; and since Marcia made it possible for me to be the Opening Night HOST of MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL's video which allowed me TWO interviews with Miss Ross and Berry Gordy that night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ; and since our #MOTOWNMAY was such a SUCCESS; and since MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL is playing its final performance at Broadway's Lunt Fontanne Theatre on January 18, 2015 (though poised to return to the Nederlander theater July 2016). BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE: In additon to its US THEATER TOUR, a UK production is planned for the summer of 2015. MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL has broken the weekly gross box office record at the Lunt Fontanne with million-dollar grossing weeks. Recoup? Check! This spring, the first National Tour of MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL opened to critical acclaim, grossing an impressive $20 Million dollars during a packet, sixteen-week run. SO GIVEN ALL OF THAT: Marcia is coming THIS WEEK to ALL STAR KARAOKE to - as she put it - "Can I come to karaoke, we do some Motown, and I give away some grand prizes?" The answer is: AIN'T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH! LOL! #getready #motownthemusical #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack #motownmay

 

Rip

“Billie’s Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley” extends condolences to Miko Branch and the family and friends of Titi Branch of Miss Jessie's, who died last week at the age of 45. http://bit.ly/1yTYVNv

 theater

I am scheduled to do one more MUST-SEE HOLIDAY SHOW segment for ARISE 360 a little later this week – including, if time, word on my friend Stanley Bennett Clay who invited Anthony, Derrick, Dawn Murphy Riley, and me to see his award-winning play “Ritual” – now inside an extended run at the 777 Theatre, 777 8^th Avenue, NY 10036 (between 47^th and 48^th Sts.), with 2 pm Sunday shows. Tickets are currently on sale for performances thru December 28, 2014. BACK-STORY: Set in the 1980’s, this powerful drama explores the dysfunctional dynamics at work beneath an affluent African-American family’s appearance of perfection. The husband & father is in denial about his family crisis, and is equally detached from his ethnic soul. The wife & mother is on the verge of alcoholism and is threatened by her cunning daughter in the home and perhaps the bedroom. The young gay son, at odds with his father, leaves his Ivy League college to come home and save his family…by any devastating means necessary. “Ritual” features Reginald James Albert, Latresa Baker, David M. Raine, and Q as the volatile Becker family. Clay wrote and produced “Armstrong’s Kid” Off-Broadway 3 years ago. Two years ago he wrote and directed the feature-length documentary “You Are Not Alone,” an examination of depression among black gay men, and directed last year’s award-winning production of the stage adaptation of James Earl Hardy’s classic novel “B-Boy Blues.” He received 3 NAACP Theatre Awards and 3 Drama-logue Awards for writing, directing and co-producing the original Los Angeles production of “Ritual.” That production was also an L.A. Times Critics’ Choice and an L.A. Weekly Pick of the Week. Tickets to “Ritual” are available by calling (866) 811-4111 or visiting www.theatermania.com/off-broadway/shows/ritual_305392/. Tickets are also available at the box office one hour before curtain. Tickets are $31.45-$51.45 (which includes a $1.95 service fee). TDF members get discount tickets on the TDF site. All seats reserved. Tickets are on sale now. Group rates/tickets are available. Contact: Stanley Bennett Clay phone: 323-200-4861 email:stanleybennettclay@gmail.com #HIGHLYRECOMMENDED #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

model

After enjoying a night with my Morehouse brother Mario's Harlem Thursday Night at NABE, had a great night with industry buddy Ron Smith AKA The Wiz.  He brought Anthony Harper and several of our colleagues and friends – new and old – together at Chez Josephine for the opportunity to meet and greet and get to know menswear label Polo Ralph Lauren’s latest pluck: model Darius Williams - one of the faces of the brand’s Fall/Winter 2014 men’s campaign. In attendance: David Miller (DMillerPR); Brian Jamie (Photographer); Sonya Magett (Style/Fashion expert); Ken like Barbie (VROGGPR); Terry Donovan (Summer Sizzle BVI); Christopher Kadima (model); Jamie Tonge (Distinct Homene Magazine); Claire Summers (Fashion Bomb Daily); Indashio; Ebony ( model – “MLZ”). We all WELCOMED Darius into what we see as an obvious destiny of SUCCESS: the TRIPLE-THREAT KIND! PER DARIUS’ BIO, Louisiana native Williams caught the eye of one the fashion industry’s leading clothing brands this year. The 6’1.5” fitness model was photographed to appear in the print and online ads for the prestigious company by world-renowned lensman Bruce Weber, one of the industry’s most celebrated photographers. Weber captured the professional model’s good looks both solo and posed with other models for the brand’s print and billboard ads featured in department stores nationwide as well as on the company’s website Polo.com. The photos spark the viewer’s imagination enough to cause a double-take. Williams was raised in a small town in Louisiana with a population of only 18,000 residents. Before he moved to New York, he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Northwestern State University of Louisiana where he also honed his skills as a graphic designer. It was during his last semester in college is when he took up an offer by a model scout to attend castings for Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week. Williams jumped at the chance he felt could be a once in a lifetime opportunity, despite having never visited the Big Apple before. As Williams’ flight landed in a New York airport, he received a phone call stating he had one hour to attend his first meeting at a modeling agency in Manhattan. As fate would have it, he landed a modeling contract with Soul Artist Management. Since that fateful meeting, Williams has worked with many other talented photographers. He has appeared in ad campaigns for Nike, SperryTopsider, and Verizon. The fine art lover has also been snapped by male supermodel David Agbodji (Calvin Klein) for Flaunt magazine. Williams has also walked on the runway for men’s underwear brand 2xist as well as various designers for the fashion week seasons. Williams recently wrapped a shoot to appear in an upcoming ad for Hanes; another one of the nation’s leading the underwear brands for their spring 2015 campaign. His career path, however, lies not only in modeling—he is currently studying acting to prepare his next steps into Hollywood. His model profile and portfolio may be viewed at SoulArtistManagement.com.

 

 

alyson williams

Tuesday 5 inside the Fall 2014 Series of Billie's Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley felt like a continuation of my birthday fete last week - especially when my friend - the legendary Alyson Williams surprised me! The awesome diva of jazz & r&b was making good on a promise she made to me a few weeks ago that she would come by and bless our stage (as she did a few years ago our inaugural All Star Karaoke at now-closed Native). And let me tell you: she SANG her face off: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10205391950740804&set=vb.1310382033&type=2&theater. And what a way to kick off THANKSGIVING (and Lady Phyll's birthday dinner) as our packed house was largely comprised of our ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS for whom I am MOST GRATEFUL this season and year. Also, GARGANTUAN THANKS to our sponsors Riley Land Gourmet Pantry - on board with us since the beginning, and our Fall 2014 Series title sponsor at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul: Miss Jessie's. And a special shout out to artist Vanessa Bonaparte Design (https://www.facebook.com/vanessabonapartedesign). Her collection of Harlem-inspired platters is on display at Billie's Black Bar Lounge & Restaurant. Via raffle, she generously donated a beautiful, framed print of her work "Church Lady". All of our sponsors provided great giveaways for all in attendance plus special take-aways for select participants - inspiring quality Holiday gifting ideas at a reasonable price point. Please support them all where applicable. And SPECIAL THANKS to friend, TheGrio and msnbc's own Chris Witherspoon for coming by to support our night during which we sought his assistance to help present our prizes. Thanks Chris! #Ferguson remained on our song selection - from theater great - most recently from Billy Porter's WHILE I YET LIVE - Larry Powell's "What's Going On?" to my first-time stab at "Stand Up For Love" by Destiny's Child: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152624319488737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater. With shaking heads, we still called joy forth - excited to hear news that we're still able to win dancing contests: Congrats to Alfonso Ribeiro who had BETTER won Dancing with the Stars this season. He did. Meanwhile, there's #Ferguson. I thought Selma Movie #selmafilm - was a period piece and the overcoming was well over this ilk of scene in the movie of Black people and justice. Thanks to Ava DuVernay for letting us know this is not new and the work continues on some strong shoulders and tired feet. #smh Please be safe out there and take care of each other. Hold your families close. In this healing time for humanity, remember to laugh, count those blessings, and connect to your loved ones with light and kindness. Happy Thanksgiving, everybody! And we'll be back next Tuesday at 7p for "Billie's Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley" - and every Tuesday through December 2014. As always, THANKS TO MY TEAM: Derrick Hemphill, Bernice Wooden, my partner Anthony Harper, Michael K. Watts, EPHRIAM, GENEVA, Husain Mello Deas Williams, our #motownmay Motown the Musical winner; and more! #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #motownmay

count

Hi folks! I’m the host for THE ADVOCATE MONEY MINUTE – episodes of which run on-line. A little over 5 minutes into this clip, see my PROMO for NEXT WEEK’S SHOW: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/11/26/small-business MEANWHILE, as my archive for MONEY MINUTE goes, here’s the promo for the season: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/10/10/introducing-new-advocate-money-minute and here’s the first show on CONVERSATIONS: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/10/16/federal-vs-state and another episode on RETIREMENT: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/11/13/retirement. ALSO: LOOK FOR ME ON Arise Entertainment 360 in the coming days - for guest co-hosting and another of my signature Broadway segments. AS ALWAYS, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! #OUT100 #moneyminute #wellsfargo #advocate #thenewadvocatemoneyminute #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack #ARISE360 #CENTRICTV

family

Shout out to my dear friends Nikita Stewart and Brian Henderson for inviting Anthony Harper and me to Thanksgiving Dinner – including the chance for me to hang with Nikita’s daughter, singer/songwriter Ella… and to meet (and clown around) with Brian’s amazing kids. We had a BLAST – eating, drinking, and laughing as we enjoyed a YOUTUBE party. Once my ITIS kicked in (after the delicious meal), I fell asleep on the couch…and the FUN REALLY BEGAN! LOL! HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE! XOXOXOXOXO

fellowship

I always say Darius Booker is one of my FAVORITE SINGERS… and it’s true! (EXHIBIT A: http://youtu.be/q2Hn3y22FSk plus he’s a PRO who collaborates vocally LIVE with many of our R&B greats – including Tevin Campbell and Syleena Johnson. And whenever he can get us in, he blesses Billie's Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley). But what I didn’t know is he can prepare an entire THANKSGIVING MEAL on the Saturday after the holiday for many of his fellow singers (and Ant and me). And he’s now left me – on this Sunday – saying Darius Booker is one of my FAVORITE CHEFS! THANK YOU, DARIUS! XOXOXOXOXOXO #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke

love

12.1.05 - Anthony Harper and Patrick L. Riley. 9 years.... #endlesslove

AmeriCAN

While out in Los Angeles a few weeks ago - Exec Producing a project that I just wrapped (but that I'll be able to tell you more about when it's up and running in 2015-16), I got to hang out with my buddy Nate Parker one evening during which he shared a rough cut - from his smart phone - of a passion project that is now out! - http://youtu.be/5HtCfm7SKbU - #AmeriCAN is a short film and public service announcement that comes in response to events that have divided the country over racial lines. With the influx of violence against black males in America over the past few years, the piece strives to offer a unique perspective in examining the value of lives of the country’s citizens. The intention of the message, “all lives matter,” is to pull people together from both sides of the disparity and inspire the kind of empathy and mutual understanding necessary to promote meaningful discourse and domestic reconciliation. The goal is to bring all people together, without exception to race, religion, gender or age, and send the message that all blood flows red.

#AllLivesMatter

Nate Parker – Director/Writer.

James Lopez – Producer/Story By.

Kay Madsen – Director of Photography.

Valerie Bleth Sharp – Producer.

Mo McRae – Producer/Actor.

Hernany Perla – Producer.

Featuring La La Anthony, Andre Royo, Affion Crockett, Brian White, Omar Benson Miller and David Franzoni

Song by J.Cole – Be Free

 

And don't forget to check him out in BEYOND THE LIGHTS! #beyondthelights

Miss Jessie’s ROCKS

Night TWO of our FALL 2014 SERIES of Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley brought out a packed room of FUN!!! Miss Jessie's CEO Miko Branch and her business colleague Reeves surprised me with giveaways for our ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULs: http://youtu.be/R0kuxp8bGgY. And as usual, our weekly partner Riley/Land Gourmet Pantry – compliments of Joseph Riley Land, donated an awesome giveaway – a $25.00 gift certificate for its wonderful products. PLUS, a special shout out to Luxe Colore - as in Luxe Colore Hosts Soulful Thursdays at Billies Black Harlem - for its raffle: an awesome watch by Amor Watch by Me'Oclock! The singing came from some amazing ALL STARS - including recurring friend of our special Tuesday night, Mica Hughes - co-star of BRAVO's Blood, Sweat & Heels - who assured us she's uninjured AND inspired inside the upcoming, sophomore season of the show - premiering in January 2015; Darius Booker - straight from Malaysia, singing background for Tevin CampbellHe's also in Syleena Johnson (Official)'s crew); B.b. Thomaz - BB Thomaz on IG, FB - rising star from Germany who sings on par with Mariah and Whitney at their best; dear friend and Wendy Williams' makeup artist Merrell Hollis from MAKEUP by MERRELL (who brought folks - like my Morehouse brother Rory - to sing...and beautifully so! THANKS Merrell Hollis); #motownmay Grand Finale winner Husain Mello Deas Williams who always turns it out; and a host more - including my nephew Herman Lee Riley III; Morehouse College brother Mario Ephriam who is launching his own Harlem affair on Thursdays at NABE on 127th and Frederick Douglass: 6p-11p; and our crooner with the most, Brandon Bain. We're at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul every Tuesday - from 7p-10p! As always, THANKS for your support! WE LOVE Billie's Black Bar Lounge & Restaurant! THANKS to my team: Bernice Wooden and Derrick Hemphill! XO #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #meoclock #amor #luxecolore #globalchic #bravotv #bloodsweatheels

A FEW FUN CLIPS:

http://bit.ly/loveneverfelt_plr

http://bit.ly/mica_plr

http://bit.ly/missjessies_plr

While I Yet Live

Billy Porter’s “While I Yet Live” was EVERYTHING – starring Tony-award-winning Lilias White, Emmy-award-winning S. Epatha Merkerson, and our “Billie’s Black Presents All Star Karaoke” FAITHFUL Larry Powell…and so many of my favorite Broadway and TV peeps came out to celebrate its closing night – including Miss Alyson Williams: http://primarystages.org/whileiyetlive. #whileiyetlive #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

Doe Fund

Anthony Harper, Carl Nelson, and I were guests of Doe Fund 2014 Gala Board-member Andre Robert Lee at Cipriani 42nd: www.doe.org. That’s where we met Miss Jessie's Co-CEO Miko Branch and a host of fabulous people – primary among them: “the men in blue” whose testimonials were riveting and well-worth the half million dollars raised (in 10 minutes! WOW!). There’s still more to be done. Click here for more information: www.doe.org. Great cause!

NABE

After the benefit, we joined my Morehouse brethren Mario Ephraim for the soft launch of a cocktail hour he hopes to host every Thursday at NABE, Harlem's newest cozy lounge. Cute after set! I’m gonna pop by tonight! #doefund2014gala #doefund #missjessies

MONEY MINUTE

1. Here’s the promo: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/10/10/introducing%E2%80%A6-new-advocate-money-minute 

 

2. This, after being tapped to share my IT GETS BETTER testimonial for the OUT 100: http://www.advocate.com/youth/no-more-bullying/2014/01/24/healing-one-truth-time

 

3. My first episode is here: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/10/16/federal-vs-state.

 

4. And my tease for my next episode comes in at 4:17 on this link:http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/10/30/federal-vs-state

AND PLEASE COME JOIN US EVERY TUESDAY THROUGH DECEMBER FOR "BILLIE'S BLACK PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE WITH PATRICK L. RILEY"! We are having a BLAST!

   

 ALL STAR KARAOKE

Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley is back! FALL 2014 SERIES kicked off with MULTI-EMMY-AWARD-winning Mara Schiavocampo (who chose our night as after-set for her New York Women in Communications honor - her beautiful parents and husband Tommie Porter in tow) + so many greats - including our ELLA MOORE - child of NABJ fam/New York Times reporter Nikita Stewart and new stepdad Brian Henderson - my NABJ little brother and dear friend. My biggest GIFT OF ALL: my FIRST COUSIN Gloria Arivnger! TOTAL SURPRISE! TOTAL JOY! http://bit.ly/mschia_ask - #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack p.s. AND AS ALWAYS, a shout out to sponsor Joseph Riley Land/ Riley/Land Gourmet Pantry... and all who came out: Jamar Dunn, MAKEUP by MERRELL, Merrell Hollis, Rick Grant, G'wan by Charon Richardson, and Ashley Fettig who is doing boot camp workouts for another of tonight’s guests, Plus-size Princess‘s own Cece Olisa who I had the chance to produce in a “Wendy Williams” segment earlier this year:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgCMC_6UjAA). AND A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to my ALL STAR KARAOKE team – including producer Bernice Wooden and consultant Derrick Hemphill. And ERIC on sound! #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #PSPfit bootcamp

G’wan by Charon

On the night before karaoke, it was great to hang out with my friend Charon Richardson who is a fashion designer responsible for the brand G'wan by Charon: http://youtu.be/zpAdE8KtYPs.  Her Google Hangout is FABOO – produced to enlighten and inspire women to live their lives in a FABOO realm while creating a fun and informative space filled with laughs, entertainment and motivation. Last night’s weekly installment featured my girl Tonya Giddens (https://www.facebook.com/MsFullFiguredHBCUPageant) and me – promoting the Fall launch of Billie's Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley (https://www.facebook.com/events/1520785818162290/) - produced this Fall by Charon’s producer, Bernice Wooden! THANKS BERNICE! YOU’RE THE BEST! And a SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to fashion producer/consultant Deshawn D Colbert whose hospitality was just what the doctor and the “hungry guests” ordered! LOL! CHARON ROCKS! The hour flew by – and will, even when you play it back: http://youtu.be/zpAdE8KtYPs. AS always… THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! #Harlem #GwanSYL #Fashion #TV #Producer #Host #Model #beautyQueen #HBCU #MissFFHBCU #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

NYC CULTURE

SUNDAY didn’t get TELEVISED or PHOTOGRAPHED… but it was a REVOLUTION (of sorts). Shout out to Marcia Pendelton for inviting Ant and me out to the new play at the PUBLIC by Pulitzer-prize winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks: FATHER COMES HOME FROM THE WARS: PARTS 1, 2, & 3: https://www.facebook.com/publictheater. Ant’s and my fav couple du jour Brian and Nikita (Stewart) Henderson joined us – providing a pre-game of waffles, extra crispy bacon, crawfish grits, scrambled eggs, and a bunch of stuff that made you go YUM at their lovely home. Was also GREAT to see Lola Ogunnaike - Co-Host on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 where I get to Guest Co-Host often as well as talk Broadway and pop culture. Look for me in the coming couple of weeks to dish with Lola and co-host Shannon Lanier! Always a blast over there! #ARISE360 From there, Ant and I got to catch up with a couple of our peeps in Brooklyn – namely Dawn Murphy Riley and my favorite designer of all time: MOSHOOD! We joined Brian and Nikita one more time on an invitation from another fab couple - Brad and Lyndsay Christian: an invitation to enjoy TWEET and a host of wonderful R&B singers at SOB for a night that was music to our ears – especially when – in addition to her prepared set - TWEET freestyled through a dozen or more of her hit songs and fan favorites! GREAT SUNDAY!

LOOK AHEAD

And ths week: I wrap two months Executive Producing a special project about which I’ll tell you lots more when it is ready to be seen in 2015-16;

PLEASE DON'T FORGET to check out WELLS FARGO PRESENTS THE NEW ADVOCATE MONEY MINUTE which I host - episodes rolling out through the top of 2015:http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute.

AND BILLIE’S BLACK PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE WITH PATRICK L. RILEY will be in the house everyTuesday through the end of the year! For Reservations (RECOMMENDED), please call 212 280 2248 https://www.facebook.com/events/1520785818162290/   #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

 p.s. BONUS SNIPPET - https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152571287798737&set=vb.662073736&type=2&theater - from Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley – Kl Kane and J'Nara Corbin request PAPARAZZI by Lady Gaga. So, ALL STARs Mara Schiavocampo - Good Morning America's own correspondent, Ella Moore (daughter of Nikita Stewart - my NABJ BFF Brian Henderson's wife), and I deliver accordingly! PLEASE BE SURE TO JOIN US IN HARLEM EVERY TUESDAY from 7p to 10p! We are having a BLAST! - http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/10/29/say-amen.html

 

 

 

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

Hope you’ll join us: http://bit.ly/allstar_plr! IT’S "Billie's Black Presents All Star Karaoke w/Patrick L. Riley" – The FALL 2014 Series! AND we PREMIERE Tuesday, October 28, 2014 (and will run every Tuesday until December 23, 2014).

IN A FEW WORDS, WE OFFER:

Delicious eats.

Fantastic drinks.

Lots of laughs.

Music, music, music.

Cocktail specials weekly.

Good networking and fellowship.

All Star Karaoke has attracted an impressive list to our little night that did… and will again!:

 

1.  Monifah - Recording Artist (R&B Divas-Atlanta)

 

2.  KeKe Wyatt – Recording Artist (R&B Divas-Atlanta)

 

3.  Bevy Smith – BRAVO’s Fashion Queens

 

4.  Sidra Smith  - NAACP Image Award-winning producer (for “Free Angela” documentary)

 

5.  Mara Schiavocampo - GMA correspondent

 

6.  Xosha Roquemore - “The Mindy Project” (FOX)

 

7.   Mica Hughes  - BRAVO’s "Blood, Sweat, & Heels"

 

8.  Gordon Chambers – singer/songwriter

 

9.  Anthony Wayne – Broadway performer (“Pippin’” & “Mighty Sylvester”)

 

10.    Shiba Russell – WNBC Anchor

 

ALL STAR KARAOKE HISTORY:

 

Independent personality/producer/writer Patrick L. Riley hosted ALL-STAR KARAOKE for NATIVE Restaurant from August 2010 to 2012. Our guest singers - on any given night - at ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY 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.

TO SEE MORE ON “LIFE OF RILEY”, click here: http://www.youtube.com/user/patarack2010

TO READ MORE ON “Billie’s Black Presents All Star Karaoke” and its host Patrick L. Riley, click here (as Patrick has attracted amazing sponsors like “Motown: The Musical” [for our #motownmay contest]; Hendrick’s Gin; and Riley/Land Gourmet Pantry. We’ve even hosted BIRTHDAY PARTIES during our Tuesday night!) :

 

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1TUj2SKo8nvTnjf0jEdg0xJuFj25kqBM

 

SOME FUN EXCERPTS:

 

ALL STAR KARAOKE SIZZLE W/MONIFAH:

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152123074463737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater

 

 

 

MONIFAH:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_2xHo2iRNQ

 

 

 

KEKE WYATT:

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152177726443737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater

 

 

 

KEKE WYATT & HOST:

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152166354908737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater

 

 

 

HOST PATRICK RILEY SINGS TOO:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDneJJTBxw4

#billiesblack #allstarkaraoke

 

JENNIFER HOLLIDAY

Went to Original DREAMGIRL Jennifer Holliday's SOLD OUT NYC show at BB King's! Am TOO ELATED! Opening song: Miss Ross' "I Ain't Been Licked" from "The Boss"! Was so excited to share in the night with my friends and fellow DIVA lovers Lee Smith and Michael K. Watts (whose LIVE FROM FRONT ROW! captured many of the special moments.

VIDEOS:  http://ow.ly/C3gVK

PHOTOS:  http://ow.ly/C3hAy

 #iamlove

 

MOMENTUM MOTOWN

So EXCITED that a POSSIBILITY that Marcia Pendelton shared with me is now being shared with our beloved Momentum Education community! It was OPENING NIGHT for ME: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ! For our MOMENTUM FAM, the date is Friday, November 14, 2014 – A Night at Motown the Musical along with an EXCLUSIVE post-show discussion with the cast! It promises to be a Transformational Event – all for the DISCOUNT PRICE of $80! TELL ALL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO JOIN US: http://www.walktallgirlproductions.com/EVENT-202541-default-Momentum_Eduation_Night_at_MOTOWN_THE_MUSICAL_ASD_Ajiboye_automation Together you will be touched, moved & inspired by the groundbreaking event. #motownmay #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #momentumeducation

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARA!

WELL, her real birthday gift just came: ANOTHER EMMY! CONGRATS, MY INTERNET WIFEY! NO ONE more deserving, baby love! I LOVE YOU! And am so glad we got to CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTHDAY recently – including CATWALK LESSONS for MISS NINA! WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HUSAIN!

OF COURSE, as we look to start ALL STAR KARAOKE back up, we must shout out BIRTHDAY BOY HUSAIN – our #motownmay GRAND FINALE WINNER! HOPE IT WAS GOOD FOR YOU, BUDDY!

JILLIAN’S PEAK TV

WHAT A BLAST TO HOST my girlfriends Charlie T and Danielle’s fundraiser for JILLIAN’S PEAK TV - #JilliansPeakTV – a well-appointed affair that included a live excerpt of the series. Go to www.facebook.com/JilliansPeaktv to find out more! This is – for sure – something you want to look out for and to support! Be a part! The cast and crew would like to thank everyone for coming out to the fundraiser. It was a great success – including wonderful support from sponsors Barefoot Wine, Pop Chips, Unilever,BlvdBistro, Babeland, MCC, B&B,
GoMagazine, Lesbian.com, Nathan 7 Scott, Dee Jones, and Maggie Cousin.
#jilliansPeakTV #JPFundraiser #JPWebseries #JPDonate #Barefootwine #popchips #BLVDBISTRO #Unilver #Gomagazine
#MCC #Babeland #NATHAN7SCOTT #DeeJones,#MaggieCousin

NAS

Shout out to my Spelman sister Tosha Whitten-Griggs and one of my Momentum babies Daralynn Hutson for the invite to: NAS: TIME IS ILLMATIC! A quote from LIFE OF RILEY:
 
"AS A HUGE FAN OF TV ONE'S "UNSUNG" and a recurring pop culture analyst on shows like "LIFE AFTER" and "ARISE 360", I believe film and TV will teach a nation of fans the stories of our modern icons - like NAS. "NAS: TIME IS ILLMATIC" is one such vehicle that takes someone as old as me on an ease down the yellow brick road of my memory lane with stops in Kansas (Queensbridge); hook ups with a slew of lions, tigers, and bears (from Q-Tip to Pharrell and Alicia Keys). What a well-done vehicle that promises to inspire a nation the way NAS did when he launched onto the scene as a young street poet to now, an ICON! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!"
 
--- PATRICK L. RILEY
      POP CULTURE ANALYST, "A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RILEY: pop culture & possibilities"

ARTIE THOMPSON

It's Been A Long Time, What Brought Artie To New York City

It's finally Happened, He's Going Back, Back To His Roots, Acting and Singing,

What Brought Him To New York City In The First Place, Come See & Hear The Unforgettable Artie Thompson, Currently Starring On Off Off Broadway "The Making Of A Team" & Former Television Personality Appearing On BRAVO, The One and Only, Artie Thompson

For a Limited Time at The Metropolitan Room in Manhattan

Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 4:00PM

Saturday, December 20, 2014 at 4:00PM

Buy Your Tickets Now before it's all sold out!

Click here to buy tickets;

http://metropolitanroom.com/event.cfm?id=166002