A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

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

PICTURES

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=244110&id=662073736&l=1ad36abf6f

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=247802&id=662073736&l=271010aa46

ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT

These past couple of weeks, we’ve had some great times at ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT. TICHINA ARNOLD came by last week. She is in town co-starring in “Love, Loss, and What I Wore” at The Westside Theater. After her debut night, she came by and sang a couple of quick ditties along with inspiring folks to keep their pulse on politics!!!! This, before we enjoyed an after set at Sidra’s place – allowing us to download on all things “Martin”; “Everybody Hates Chris”; and pop culture. THANKS TICHINA!!! The week prior, my buddy Ed Roebuck invited R&B DIVA Alyson Williams who does a wonderful Tuesday night set at Ashford & Simpson’s “Sugar Bar”. She agreed to join me on a number: “Our Love” by Natalie Cole (WHAT A HIGHLIGHT! THANKS ALYSON who – FYI - I’ve interviewed before for “…the Life of Riley…” blog: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/3/28/love-is-in-control-finger-on-the-trigger.html!) And so many of my friends – old and new – have been coming out to support – including Tracy (left), a breast cancer survivor. I actually met Tracy through Sid at a table reading. I introduced her to my Mara Schiavocampo who was inspired to do a story on Tracy for NBC (http://www.thegrio.com/health/filmmaker-shares-struggle-of-3-generations-of-breast-cancer.php). DON'T WE LOVE SYNERGY?

LOVE, LOSS & WHAT I WORE

By the way, y’all: PLEASE GO OUT AND SUPPORT TICHINA in this show LOVE, LOSS & WHAT I WORE which she’s only doing for a month! SHE IS SUCH A TALENT! Check out the website for tickets and more information! www.lovelossonstage.com).

MCRIB

I am often invited to big film premieres, wine tastings, and restaurant openings here in New York City. I convinced my girlfriend Sidra to join me at an event that was held at the Times Square McDonald’s (www.McDonalds.com/McRib). The occasion: The return of the McRib (back in restaurants nationwide as a limited promotion running November 2 through November 22). I’d tried it when it first came on the scene back in the ‘80s when I was a tween. Over the years, I’ve seen it on the menu in select locations throughout America, but never re-ordered it as an adult… until last night. McDonald’s USAs Director of Social Media Rick Wion (www.twitter.com/rdublife) invited me out to re-experience the boneless, seasoned pork patty that is dressed with fresh slivered onions, two dill pickle slices, plenty of BBQ sauce, and is served on a toasted, golden-brown home-style roll. I liked it well enough, but not as much as The Ultimate McRib Fans (who were in attendance at the well-appointed affair – including Joey Erwin from Simpsonville, SC, self-described as “Mr. McRib”). Also in attendance: John Resig, co-owner and President of www.theCHIVE.com and www.theBERRY.com. Also, John portrays Deputy Kevin Ellis in one of Sid’s favorite shows and HBO’s hit vampire drama “True Blood”.

KATY PERRY

BIG THANKS to my Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts (and LIVE! FROM FRONT ROW - www.Youtube.com/LiveFromFrontRow). I got to tag along for “Windows Phone Presents: KATY PERRY” at Roseland Ballroom… “… AND I LIKED IT!” I LOVE KATY… and her show – inclusive of ALL of her HITS - was SPECTACULAR! Then, en route home, I enjoyed a wonderful night of food, wine, and conversation at friend/jewelry designer Trevor Hartman’s place. When he noticed my LOVE of ALBUM COVERS, he gave me an early BDAY gift: “1001 ALBUMS YOU MUST HEAR BEFORE YOU DIE” (UNIVERSE). THIS RAINY DAY & MONDAY HAPPENED TO BRING ME UP!

RACHEL DAY (IN THE LIFE OF RILEY)

Shout out to my boy Caleb for asking me to direct/field produce a pilot project that stars the talented Rachel Day. Rachel incidentally is one of the models we used on the pilot project I host (still-in-post-production... and Caleb is helping us with that one as well - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIlY3ysEN0k&feature=email). My girl Sidra worked with me, which made for a smooth shoot (Thanks Sid!) and our Philly-based crew held us all up brilliantly. And our subject, accessories designer Nicole Romano (www.nicoleromano.com) was a dream along with her team – including Gabby and Megan (who works in her boutique that is housed at The Plaza Hotel). Ant and I also got to hang out with Caleb recently in Manhattan. Good food. Good drink. A little window shopping! CONGRATS RACHEL!

“THE FASHION SHOW” STARRING JEFFREY WILLIAMS

My Amazing Grace Nichole; our friend Michelle; and I went to the Grand Premiere of “The Fashion Show” starring Iman and Isaac Mizrahi. Though I have met and interviewed Iman before, my reason for supporting this effort is: Jeffrey Williams, my friend and Nichole’s cousin whose name we always knew would be in lights. Jeffrey is one of the fashion designer contestants. CONGRATS JEFFREY! YOU ARE SAFE…this week... and we will be watching you every Tuesday night at 10pm on BRAVO! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!

OGILVYCULTURE

Sidra invited Toby and me to join her at Ogilvy & Mather for an introduction to OgilvyCULTURE - a cross-cultural, strategic movement that promises to change how Madison Avenue demographically targets its marketing efforts. The reception and presentation – led by marketing strategist Jeffrey Bowman - were presented to a room full of NYC tastemakers – including “Soul Food”s Bird, Malinda Williams; Miss Bevy Smith; Dee Marshall; Rachel Noerdlinger; Pam Pickens; and a host of others.

TWEENS AND TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS, OH MY!

As I prepare to turn 40, I guess I’m maintaining my joie de vivre by hanging out with the young’ns. Recently, I went to my 13-year-old buddy Zach’s karaoke party at my spot One 7. He asked where he could throw a karaoke set. So, I sent him to my karaoke mecca. And we had a BLAST, but most importantly, Zach had a GREAT TIME!Then, I went to the Hampton Inn to speak to communications and journalism students from my buddy Scott’s alma mater Norfolk State University. They were in NYC for a media tour. I even met - for the first time - the son of my dear friend Sheila Eldridge - awesome publicist and entertainment manager (2nd from right in next pic). Sheila helped me snag an exclusive interview with the 'Funky Divas' En Vogue in 1994 when I was starting out in my career with "Good Day Atlanta". Over the years, she's always mentioned her son. "Jersey" - he calls himself - is getting ready to break into the business by way of the caring folks at Norfolk State U. Look out for him! Also, we invited the impressive bunch of media and journalism scholars to join us for Ant’s co-worker Yaz’s birthday party at Hudson Eatery. Thanks to all of my friends who shared their career testimonials with the young folks who are shaping their professional lives.

GLO-TV

If you haven't checked it out already, see the first Urban LGBT network GLO-TV's 2nd installment of "The Gayest ISH Ever". I still behave (sprinkled throughout - commenting on just a few of the topics). But my fellow pop culture analysts don't necessarily have my filters - to often FUNNY EFFECT! PLEASE tune in and SUBSCRIBE! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiqr80HL4y4

MY LISA

Had a GREAT SUNDAY last weekend with my dearest of friends Ern, Tata, Kim, and – of course – Ant. We took a road trip to DC/Maryland to attend a baby shower for my former NJ BFF (but still BFF from the distance) Lisa Goodnight-Sturdivant. That’s right! She’s married now… and they are expecting a baby by year’s end. TIMPANO CHOPHOUSE in Rockville, MD was the well-appointed and elegant backdrop – including the MOST DELICIOUS crab cakes along with other hearty dishes and wine. Was GREAT to see Lisa and her husband Lex along with her parents, his parents, their other family members, and the many friends we have in common. WHAT A JOYFUL ROOM! I laughed so much, my belly hurts! CONGRATULATIONS, my babies!