A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

tony bennett

Last week in the LIFE OF RILEY should have had me stay in the house for the rest of week after I met: THE Tony Bennett!!! YEP! Shout out to Lincoln Center’s Dwayne Ashley for making sure I could meet him and a whole bunch more – including Nancy Sinatra – in the house for the opening of the exhibition: SINATRA: AN AMERICAN ICON – www.nypl.org/sinatra. Friend since and for forever, Carl Nelson, accompanied! FUN EVENING! AWESOME EXHIBIT – a MUST SEE that will remain on view in the Donald and Mary Oenslager Gallery through September 4, 2015. #lincolncenter #sinatra

inclusion show

Hi folks! As always, THANKS for your support of LIFE OF RILEY! Check this link out: http://youtu.be/tZ1EGcqbb90. Was great being a guest on The Inclusion Show with Wallace Ford – as produced by Ideal Development, Inc. http://www.idealdevelopment.net/ and the awesome production team at the Cliffside Park, NJ studio – led by Carlos Rosa. The episode in which I’m featured is now on YOU TUBE… and will aired this past weekend: http://www.theinclusionshow.com/ as well as on the Soul of the South Television Network. I met host Wallace Ford - (http://www.theinclusionshow.com/about-the-host - a couple of weeks ago as we were both guests on Arise News' ARISE AMERICA with Debbye Turner Bell: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152816022788737. For more on Inclusion The Show Show, click here: http://www.theinclusionshow.com/about-the-show/. It is a televised, short-format, weekly commentary and conversation program which takes on the contemporary topics that matter today. Thx! XO #theinclusionshow #soulofthesouth #ARISETV360 #ARISENews #EMPIRE #FOXTV

sage harlem, sing!

After SAGE Harlem program manager (and friend) Christopher Jones stopped by Billie's Black Gourmet Soul this past December for our FALL 2014 SERIES of Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley, he asked if I'd sing for the SAGE Harlem Pride holiday party at the Dempsey Theater. AWESOME event and cause: SAGE Harlem provides a safe space for LGBT older adults in Harlem and The Bronx. SAGE Harlem is a program of SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders). Fun to sing favorites: “Reasons” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vxU3In7zl4;  “This Woman’s Work” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phNQU3hWfAE;  and “Endless Love” – (LINK TO COME). Learn more at: http://www.sageusa.org/sageharlem. #SAGEUSA #SAGEHARLEM

honeymoon in vegas

Great times at Honeymoon in Vegas - www.honeymoonbroadway.com - starring Tony Danza! Getting in the latest BROADWAY and OFF BROADWAY shows to share with you in the coming month on Arise Entertainment 360 where I have been guest co-hosting as well! We had a fun pre-show mixer atBar Catalonia: https://twitter.com/honeymoonbway - #honeymoonbway#tonydanza #ARISETV360 #lifeofriley #HONEYMOONBWAY

rupaul legends

HERE'S OUR LEGENDS BALL SELFIE C/O Chuckie Amos! It's ALWAYS LEGENDARY when we gather at the home of Merrell Hollis for FRIED CHICKEN WINGS c/o MAKEUP by MERRELL and the PREMIERE of RuPaul's Drag Race! WE GATHER EVERY CYCLE! LOL! Hey Memsor Kamarake! Ian Adrian! Derrick Hemphill! ETC!!!!!!!!! FUN TIMES! https://instagram.com/p/zwEeIjoRSp #wespeakyourname #rupaulsdragrace

wendell pierce

THIS JUST IN from my friend Derrick Hemphill: his NBCBLK debut onWendell Pierce! http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/brothers-bottom-n317726. You know Derrick's writings from UPTOWN Magazine! His online & pre-and-post-production content is often used in my blog LIFE OF RILEY and our ALL STAR KARAOKE franchise at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul. And a time or two on Oprah: Where Are They Now? and THE Keke Palmer Show - a behind-the-scenes with 5th Harmony! GO DERRICK! Glad more and more of my folks are contributing to NBC News' latest African American vertical to which I got to contribute my debut last month: Lee Daniels on Empire: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/precious-butler-director-lee-daniels-building-empire-n290416.  #Billie's Black #ALLSTARKARAOKE #brothersfromthebottom #wendellpierce #NOLA#NewOrleans #SELMA50 #SELMA

idol voice

TOP 16, LOOK OUT! Qaasim Middleton continues to do his thing on AMERICAN IDOL! AMERICA AND THE JUDGES LOVE THEM SOME QAASIM! Keith Urban said "watching [Qaasim] Middleton is what it's all about, noting he explodes on stage in front of an audience"...Harry Connick, Jr. said [Qaasim] "that's what we're looking for"...And Jennifer Lopez said "It's so crazy how funky you are. You own that stage." YAZZZZZZ! THIS IS WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT! PROUD OF YOU, QAASIM! AND IT LOOKS LIKE WE KNOW SOMEONE ON THE VOICE AS WELL: MISS Kimberly Nichole, my Spelman "little" sister! LOL! Congrats to a diva we've been following around NYC for years and now the world will know the name and the endless talent of KimberlyNichole! Check her blind audition out the other night on THE VOICE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2KXhn0YFl0#t=96. Glad they both have popped by ALL STAR KARAOKE - from Native Restaurant to Billie's Black Gourmet Soul! #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack #motownmay #Idolonfox #americanidol

shances

CHECK THIS OUT: https://www.facebook.com/etiquettewithshances and on all platforms: #ETIQUETTEWITHSHANCES #SHANCES #ETIQUETTECHANCES – My friend Sharon Frances’ new lifestyle resource: ETIQUETTE FOR EVERYONE AND ANY OCCASION! ETIQUETTE for the person you want to be!

BEYONCE

Got to experience BEYONCE’s GMA concert in Central Park with Ant and my nephew. A dear friend at ABC hooked us up with VIP passes. I wasn’t able to get an updated pic of BEY with me. But our cameras captured some especially intimate shots. She performed a handful of new tunes from her “4” CD. Oh! Will Smith's boys were in the house. When she was on her BDAY tour, you’ll recall Ant took me to Manila to see the diva. She serenaded me Happy Birthday as the 2007 trip was MY BDAY GIFT!

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/11/12/manifest-destiny-destination-manila.html

DENVER

Beautiful Colorado was the back-drop for our 4^th-of-July holiday. In addition to meeting the parents, our host Jean opened up her well-appointed home to us. We spent lots of time on the rooftop – watching fireworks; sipping wine; and even doing YOGA! Master Yogi Tyrone Beverly made a house call and instructed Ant, and our friends Manivone and Taha, in a moving and motivating session. Additionally, buddy Brina took us out. We did karaoke – twice (at Pierre’s and Armida’s). We got our tresses maintained at Center of Attention as she and expert stylist Tyrone worked their magic. Turns out Brina knows another of my friends – from the National Association of Black Journalists, reporter Don Champion. And can I shout out Manivone’s peeps (and the FOH!)! Also, The Gypsy House is the bomb! I had so much fun, I'm pondering a return in September to see my old & new friends. Oh! And if I time it out just right, I’ll see MISS ROSS too… on 9/20!

SUNDAE SERMON

SUNDAE SERMON was a BLAST...

and it was so GREAT to hang with so many of my friends.

We danced underneath a BEAUTIFUL NYC sky!

I hosted.

And DJ Stormin Norman and company had that music pumping 

! And of course, my girl Michaela angela Davis was in   

the mix. Please continue to support: www.sundaesermon.com AMEN!

PROJECT1VOICEAn awesome fundraising event to benefit 5 Theatres in NYC. In addition, Project 1 Voice had over 15 readings of Alice Childress’ “Trouble in Mind” on 6.20.11 including: Washington, DC, Los Angeles, Birmingham, Chicago, Houston, Milwaukee, and San Francisco.   

The amazing NYC cast gave us an experience: Leslie Uggams, Malachy McCourt, Alano Miller, LaChanze, Andre DeShields, Justin Lupe-Schomp, Bill Irwin & Don Stephenson. Directed by Charles Randolph Wright. My friend Erich McCall and Gwen Gilliam and the entire Project 1 Voice team did their thing. And I saw so many of my friends – from my Morehouse brothers Maurice Mcrae and Charles Reese; Ken Roberson; Karen Chilton; Marcia Pendelton; Clay Cane; Dwayne Grayman; and many more.  To learn more visit. www.project1voice.org

LATOYA JACKSON

I stopped by 230 Fifth recently to toast Miss LaToya Jackson on her new book. Y'all know I LOVE me some LaToya! Her new book “Starting Over” chronicles her special relationship with her brother Michael. She was a gem! Shout out to Chip Duckett for giving us access.  We too got to CONGRATULATE Tony-award-winning Nikki James who won for the virtually-clean-sweeping “The Book of Mormon”… and we had many friends in the house – including Erica Watson (“Fat Bitch”); Flo Anthony; Cynthia Horner (“Right On!”); and a host of others.

ALERON

Shout out to my friend Harriette Cole whose Harriette Cole Media produced a book signing party last night in NYC to launch a series of vampire books called Aleron by a new author named Kane. It was a fun night with friends – old and new. Shout out to: Sid, Jacque Lee, Mykel; Tanya Wright (from HBO’s “True Blood”); my former NBC 4 colleague Maurice Dubois; iconic male model Rashid Silvera; Chaz Parker (from HBO’s 'Oz' and 'The Wire'); Harlem publicist/event producer extraordinaire Yvette Hayward; Napiera Groves; my friend Margot Jordan      (photographer with the most) and her daughter Markita Prescott – actress/singer/dancer on the rise here in the city. Also ran into two Morehouse brothers (from my same class): actor Nasser Metcalfe & Shawn Peters.

TRAE

Rapper Trae's listening party at the Worldwide Universal Headquarters to hear his new project "Street King" - featuring collabos with Rick Ross; Jadakiss; Lloyd; Game; Gorilla Zoe; Jadakiss; J-Dawg; Scarface; Wyclef Jean; Shawty Ko; Lupe Fiasco; Big Boi; etc. Shout out to Jah Mikal who is guiding Trae’s segue from regional to international as he did for Akon; Yelawolf; and – soon – Nikkiya (who has been likened to Erykah Badu). A pop down to The Village by Café Wha? and The Monster signaled the coming of PRIDE this upcoming weekend. Even ran into legendary make-up artist Byron Barnham – maker of Iman's cosmetics formula and he still beats her stunning canvas beautiful today.  HAPPY PRIDE, Y’ALL!

BET

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yWhhc2G72E I had a hand in producing the video elements that complimented CEO of BET Debra Lee's speech at Consumer 360 yesterday in Orlando. Along with a "village" to pull-off the two-week project, I'm happy that the more than 1,000 attendees thought the presentation a resounding success (Standing Ovation to boot!). THANKS BET! Meanwhile, shout out to BET! Black History Month Campaign 2010 (which I had a freelance hand in helping produce) was nominated for a Promax Award (the Oscars of PROMOs). Much love to Michaela angela Davis for sharing the news + all of our BFFs at BET!

RODNEY CHESTER

Big BRAVO to Rodney Chester whose one-man-show was AWESOME! Friends and producers Nathan Hale Williams and Lloyd Boston (also host) did the THANG (at friend George Faison's Firehouse)...and BRILLIANTLY so. Plus, it’s always EXCITING to see my friends Deborah Gregory, Maurice Jamal, DJ Baker, and new friend Christian Vincent who played Ricky on “Noah’s Arc”.

THE HELP & MOGUL (AGAIN)

Congrats to Terrance Dean whose listening party for his debut novel "Mogul" was held at Nectar. And we took Ern and Lamoh to see another preview screening of "The Help". Between the four of us, there are 8 THUMBS UP! Please be sure to check it out when it opens in August! www.facebook.com/thehelpmovie

THE SKINNY

Congrats to buddy Patrik-Ian Polk as he shoots his current film project "THE SKINNY"! SUP to the beautiful cast as well! XO

PRIDE 2011

Happy PRIDE! Got to see many of my peeps! Shout out to Devon, MKW, Mario, Jason, Marqice, Trevor, Jeff, Carl, and a host of others.

PROSECCO

Shout out to Hanna Lee (www.hannaleecommunications.com & www.unwindwithwine.com) for inviting us to Setai Fifth Avenue Hotel for her client Bortolomiol Prosecco’s tasting. In fact, Elvira Bortolomiol was in attendance and is one of Italy's few female Prosecco producers. She showcased her family's Proseccos: Brut, Rose and Cartizze.  She also spoke about a new book honoring her father and his success at making Prosecco, a worldclass sparkler. And she discussed Valdobbiadene as a travel destination. Then, we popped down to the hotel’s lobby bar where talent agent Jason Marks (WWW.JMTALENT.COM) was hosting a PRO-MAX party (www.promaxbda.org). It made for a perfect segue. I saw lots of friends - old and new. And it made for a nice toast, given the PRO-MAX nod.

RED ROOSTER

One recent night allowed me to connect with my Amazing Grace Nichole Andrews Shellman and our posse - including Troy Morrell; Shareen King; and Kenny. And what a good time we had in Harlem at Harlem's hot spot, Marcus Samuelson's Red Rooster. Shout out to Sidra Smith et al for making it a blast. And Derek? "The Boss" was the bomb! LOL!

REV. AL SHARPTON

Shout out to Elinor Tatum who recently booked me to be a guest on Al Sharpton's radio show. As pop culture analyst, I talked 'gay marriage':  http://newsone.com/nation/news​-one-staff/listen-live-at-1pm-​newsone-on-keeping-it-real-wit​h-al-sharpton/  Thanks to Elinor Tatum who invited me to join the chat.

TED GIBSON

My dear friend Ted Gibson and I have worked on some historic TV projects together (and some works-in-progress). He just sent a note, asking "Did you know hairdressers don’t get an OSCAR?" Ted and others say it's time for hairdressers to be recognized in Hollywood. Help him make this happen by LIKE-ing the following: http://www.facebook.com/WeNeed​AnOscarForHair

TANIKA RAY

Y'all know I love me some Tanika Ray Hgtv - my Spelman sister! Well, please be sure to SET YOUR TIVOs or TUNE IN to her new show DESIGN STAR, which she is hosting on HGTV (www.hgtv.com).  CONGRATS TANIKA! Much LOVE, BOO!

TRAMAINE BAILEY

You all know that the United House of Prayer for All People is my family’s church. One of my fellow members from the Atlanta church, Tramaine L. Bailey has a new book of poetry worth checking out. Find Tramaine L. Bailey on FACEBOOK and/or www.tramainebailey.com CONGRATS, TRAMAINE!

SUPERSTAR K

I was robbed! And I was given a gift at the same time. So while my appearance on "Million Dollar Password" repeated all through this past weekend on the Game Show Network, ANT had a new possibility up his sleeve: "Superstar K" - The 3rd Season, one of Korea's answers to 'Idol'; "X Factor"; "The Voice"; etc. Like with 'Password', I was resistant. I love to watch those shows but being under a pressure cooker or someone's wavering and/or cliche judgments is not my idea of a good time. Moreover, as a long-standing field producer myself, I am more interested in decoding the production and the behind-the-scenes manipulation than being in it. That said, I'm no stranger to being on-camera (as a spot personality) and - as Ant put it - I am always singing to somebody's praise at either karaoke, cabaret, or the Radio City Music Hall stage. Oh! And Ant added "The winner of Superstar K (which doesn't have an age cap like 'Idol') gets $500,000 and a car!" Since my 2008 'Password' win - $25,000 - I know better than NOT to follow Ant's vision, even when I may not want to be bothered or may find myself stretching in foreign territory. In fact, just months ago, Ant Berry-Gordy'd me into "America's Got Talent"s NYC auditions as he'd gotten a leak that one the NBC show's scouts would be in the house at one of our karaoke spots. I sang "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" and - VOILA! - I got a scheduled appointment to audition; then call-back; and the hope of a call to go to Hollywood. But the call never came. Fast forward just two days from Ant sharing this Korean contest and I am in a line of mostly 600, singing ("And I..." again). The twist: there were 5 contestants singing simultaneously through their respective rounds on the same New York Times theater stage behind a curtain. Through all of that, I am the only act to get applause. So we were not surprised that I got a call-back late that Saturday night to show up (today) for "Superstar K"s 2nd-round of auditions (This time at Liberty Park in Jersey City). If I would have made it thru this round, Ant and I would have been going to tape the FINALs in Korea for three days at the end of August (towards that $1/2 million and that car). But after a full-day of shooting - including back-story on Ant and me; my rehearsing "And I..." which they asked me to sing again; and the subsequent audition (Another round of applause from crew; producers; and volunteers), the judges decided that as good as they think I am, turning around a Korean-language CD to the Asian marketplace right after the late-summer finals would be too tight to justify keeping me in the running. And though they experienced me a quick-study for today's taping (because of phonetics and my memory), a full album - to them - should go to someone who knows the language. But it was quite a few days "...in the Life of Riley..." and as always, I'll keep going for my dreams (even inside Korean packaging that may not be the most comfy fit). And I even quoted my muse (Miss Ross) to the producers and camera folks who I just knew would be ambushing me for an "I'm-Going-to-Korea" moment when I exited the audition space to return to Ant. I said "I Ain't Been Licked!" (and might consider learning Korean for Season 4. For kicks...) So NO KOREA...for now. But the "Idol"-esque set-up piece should still be cute. LOL!

FRIEND TO FRIEND

A dear friend of mine passed away. MARLON LAYNE? I love & miss you! He was my fellow MISS ROSS SUPER-FAN! And this song is dedicated to him: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v​=nMc_B7ey5l0 Many of us indeed feel like '...he was our flower plucked away...!' And we will FOREVER love and REMEMBER Marlon Layne. I just found this entry from a Greenwich, CT concert that Miss Ross performed for her boys' teen center. Marlon and I attended together. & here are a couple of entries that 'recall the scenes that (will) never die:http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/5/12/where-god-left-his-shoes.html AND  http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/1/12/stolen-moments-of-love.html 

Ant and I have just returned from Detroit where we had the privilege of being guests of Ms. Aretha Franklin at her birthday party. The journey to get there wasn’t a logical one but a fun one. You see ‘what had happened was’: my friend Greg Dunmore about whom I write all the time is my friend and Co-Chair for the National Association of Black Journalists’ Arts & Entertainment Task Force (www.nabj.org). We’ve been friends for well over a decade now. And Greg knows everybody – including Ms. Franklin and many in her camp. Apparently, “The Queen of Soul” enjoyed seeing a novelty YOU TUBE act "Secret Trois" (www.myspace.com/secrettrois)/(www.youtube.com/user/SecretTrois)

on TYRA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S26JGkjAUMQ) and wanted them booked for her show. Her folks got in touch with me to see if I could find them. I let my fingers do the talking via My Space and You Tube, and the next thing you know is I’m being asked to represent these three, beautiful, full-figured women as they work through contracts, set lists, travel, and other logistics to be able to give a command performance for ‘The Queen’. Shelia, the mother of one of the members Shenelle, was my partner for each step of this process. She helped us assess many things while the ladies practiced and practiced and practiced. They rehearsed really hard and thoroughly to ensure things would pop off something fabulous for Re (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uuxQFEOzcc). A month would pass by quickly and it was time to head on to Motown, also the home of another undeniable diva, my Diana Ross, who too has a birthday in the neighborhood of Ms. Franklin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uuLpQgv7fU). But my sources tell me Miss Ross went the route of Blockbuster (by way of L.A.) to celebrate her special 65th birthday: http://www.thelifefiles.com/diana-ross-goes-to-blockbuster-video-on-her-birthday/.

On a snowy Friday morning, Ant accompanied me as I needed him to chronicle the weekend as he often does for the blog. Also, he worked closely with the audio guy on cues, fade outs, and reprises while I dealt with “Secret Trois” directly. Our limo driver Vincent picked us up and offered us his own ‘reflections’ of Detroit as he was born and bred. He says he went to school with The Enchantments (www.soulwalking.co.uk/Enchantment.html). His classmates were also the members of Dawn, Joyce Vincent Wilson and Telma Hopkins (as in Addy from “Gimme A Break” and Mona’s mother Phyllis from “Half & Half”) – both of whom sang behind Tony Orlando. Vincent says his Motown favorites are Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and Smokey Robinson (who – with Berry Gordy – is coaching the “American Idol” (www.americanidol.com) cast. It's a “Motown 50” theme night (www.motown50.com/)). We absolutely LOVED our hotel, The Mariott Reinaissance (www.marriott.com) which soars 73 floors high, offering a view of the Detroit River which separates Detroit from Windsor, Canada.

We got the chance to meet “Secret Trois” and Shelia for the first time on this night, though we all felt like long-lost cousins since we’d been in touch non-stop via phone, texting, email, and all other modes of cyber-communication over the last month. From the Marriott’s lounge we got everything prepped for the big show the next day. The ladies – Shenelle, Brittany, and Ashley – were a total joy with which to work. They were sweet and humble; smart and insightful; fun and loving. And Shenelle’s mother Shelia was ‘the bomb’! We LOVED them. After we took some time to get to know them, I made sure the girls were going to get a good night’s rest while Greg alerted us we had one more stop to make before he, Ant, and I could call it a night.

One of Greg’s clients and friends, noted performance artist Ziam, wanted to show us all a good time. He's quite the social and artistic muse of Detroit's social scene. And one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. I blogged about him before and we’ve spoken on the phone via Greg many times as Ziam is my spiritual Diana Ross soul mate. He performs all over Detroit in high-concept shows that explore sexuality and glamour – always an electric mix of fashion, song and movement (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/11/12/manifest-destiny-destination-manila.html). The spot is a loft space near which neo-soulster Dwele lives. Everyone was so nice and we enjoyed lovely buffet of food; flowing cocktails; and the best music. DJ Darryl proved himself a ‘house music’ genius as he rocked the best remixes of Miss Ross and her song architects Ashford & Simpson – including my favorite “The Boss” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2D2L0SspO7s). And you must know that had Ziam, the many attendees, and me working that dance floor overtime!!! Say what you will about Detroit, but we were having a GREAT TIME so far!

Earlier, Greg had taken us to Royal Oak, Michigan to enjoy a Belgian-inspired bite at Bastone Brewery (www.bastone.net). And though Greg would offer up a well-lit tour of Detroit’s finest landmarks before our weekend wrapped, we did a bulletproof, drive-by version through Diana’s childhood home The Brewster Projects; Hitsville; Garden Court (which is supposed to be Martin’s apartment on the hit sitcom); WGPR (home of Shaun Robinson’s start in the TV business – www.shaunrobinson.com); and on and on and on. I LOVE DETROIT – and so does Ziam, though he joked when I told him we went through the Brewster Projects “Did you get cut while you were riding through the Brewster Projects?” he asked with a cheshire laugh.  Then, he finished his line: “Well, I hope you told them ‘If you must cut me, make it in a “D” – for “Diana”!!!!!’. Isn’t he a hoot? (Of course, I’d have been honored to be cut in an “A” for “Aretha” or “Q” for the “Queen” if cutting is at all necessary and inside of my reverence for that awesome diva!).

For rehearsal, the next day, the ladies were on time and ready to go through the paces to ensure their royal performance reigned supreme: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ2385evPmY. We worked out their entrances and the pacing of their set (which was comprised of routines that they’d performed before and a new song that they put a routine together for Ms. Franklin). We figured out where we’d put their mic and the costumes that they’d be adding to the number they enter in. And the folks at Seldom Blues (www.seldomblues.com) – an elegantly appointed supper club in the Renaissance Center – were awesome and accommodating. Owner Frank Taylor was not only responsible for the delicious spread of steak, lobster, spinach, etc. on which we nibbled at Ms. Franklin’s party, but he also was responsible for some brunch that Greg, Ant, and I had at “Detroit’s Breakfast House & Grill” (www.detroitbreakfasthouse.net). Because of Greg, “Secret Trois” even got some press that I can’t wait to share with you at a later date. Greg and Joel produced a piece on them – giving the ladies their first experience with interviewing and talking points. Though they were on their own for the interview (notwithstanding a few coaching points I offered them), I did produce and script their set which included:

1. Dramatic entrance from stage left (They weren’t seen at all before they hit the stage)

2. “SECRET TROIS" is doing 1^st routine to an excerpted "Miss Independent” by Neyo (special request for Ms. Franklin)

3. ASHLEY banter (paraphrased): "Thank you so much! We are "SECRET TROIS". [She introduces the other ladies and herself by name]. Ms. Franklin, we are so happy that you saw us on THE TYRA BANKS SHOW. And we are even happier that you liked what you saw. Nothing against TYRA - nor MTV where we also did a little bit - but being here to perform for you, THE QUEEN OF SOUL, is - by far - SECRET TROIS' HIGHLIGHT – the icing on the cake!!!! (To The Audience) NOW, ARE THERE ANY SINGLE LADIES OUT THERE? WELL, PUT YOUR HANDS UP!!!!!!!!!!!!" (their cue for their now-famous “Single Ladies” routine)

4. "Single Ladies” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uuxQFEOzcc

5. "SECRET TROIS" receive their applause; quickly get their tutus and wrap them around their waists. ASHLEY picks up her banter: "Ms. Franklin! We're sure you can appreciate that we women here in SECRET TROIS are what some might call MODERN! We have our blackberries, our YOU TUBE channel, a MYSPACE page-per-lady (and one for the group). And don't forget FACEBOOK! But we appreciate something about you that we researched ---- through GOOGLE! It's that you have an appreciation for the classic artforms like OPERA and BALLET. Now, we won't sing an ARIA for you right now (We'll leave that to you!). But for our next and final routine, we will showcase our TUTUs as a shout out to you - OUR FAVORITE DIVA!!!!"

6. "SECRET TROIS" performs its final routine:"DIVA" BY BEYONCE - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niEfEdvLWI0

7. Then, “Single Ladies” reprises as they leave the stage

We opted out of having them perform these numbers:

"CIRCUS" BY BRITNEY SPEARS - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WEQe2IqYwg

"SHAKE TO THE GROUND" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47SGfpTXf1Y

Ms. Franklin had a smile on her face all up and through their performance. She was truly pleased... and though the girls were being critical of this flub and that trip (none of which I noticed), they were happy that it went over well... and even more happy that it was over. So, they went up to their respective rooms and got changed – so they could enjoy the party and receive their growing following. And Ant and I did the same. Greg and dear friend Earline who too was a key part of the planning escorted us through the room to meet Detroit's finest. Earline also kept me sane through this process (as I’ve never managed anybody nor myself – for that matter – before). I couldn't have done this without Earline's priceless advisement and expertise. It was nice to take in the room. Though we’d already had a nice time with Ms. Franklin, we took a moment to pose with her cake. Aretha commissioned not only a spotlight cake to be designed like the church hat she wore for Obama (a la Mr. Song Millnery - www.mrsongmillinery.com). But she also had mini-versions done as a guest-gift take-away. Too, there was a parade of cakes all decorated in a tribute to her family - including her son Kelf and grandson Jordan - both rappers. Lots of her local celebs were there to toast her - from Judge Mathis to Keith Washington... to MOTOWN legend Martha Reeves (who chirped an impromptu, a cappella Happy Birthday to Ms. Franklin a la her days at the helm of the legendary Vandellas). It was also great to see Greg's mom and star client Ms. Jo Thompson who is heading to New York City to perform her brilliant evening of song and piano. Fantasia was to actually sing it but her flight was delayed.  Kenny Lattimore and Raheim Devaughn serenaded The Queen in their respectively unique and soulful sounds. And another YOU TUBE sensation Iman who did his Obama impression (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y1OOh6Ezjs) – twice. Luther Vandross' best friend Fonzi Thornton was in the room (wish he would have sung as well). Also there: songwriter/producer Michael Powell (known for work with Anita Baker and others); boxing champ Tommy Hearns (among many of his other colleagues from the ring); and comedian/actor Mike Epps who took some time to pose with the girls. The space featured a bright array of oversized floral centerpieces and a regal ice sculptor in front of which Ant and I did a photo-op. Also, Re commissioned a man-made beach with a crew of NYC models in swimwear - just sitting and standing pretty. "The Queen of Soul" was a gorgeous vision in a white, spaghetti strapped number that was fitted and cinched from bust to waist w/long train of white ostrich feathers. She actually looked nice and elegant. Speaking of elegance, Miss Maxine Powell attended. You'll recall, she headed up Motown's Artist Development - preparing the Motown roster to thrive on-and-offstage. She trained them all to know that they would turn the heads of kings and queens one day.  And of course, Greg wouldn’t let us just call it a night. Actually, Ant and I needed a snack for as plentiful as the buffet was, we weren’t able to hone in on a full meal for all of the work we were doing to ensure Secret Trois’ performance went off without a hitch. So, Como’s Pizzeria (www.buddyspizza.com) was our spot and – boy – was it packed! It set the night off just right!

On the next day, we got some quiet time with friend Earline at her beautiful home and a hometown breakfast at Clique (www.reviews.metroguide.com). (By the way, Earline’s daughter (Aretha’s niece) Crystal is getting ready to launch her own handbag line and a number of other creative wares. Please follow her at www.cfranks.com)). Greg also took Ant and me on our daylight tour of Motown. And I was like a kid in a candy store. We went to the Roostertail (www.roostertail.com/). It is a high-end supper club where Diana and the girls used to perform. Berry Gordy readied them for The Copa at spots like this (en route to New York City). Then, one of the first grand entrances Miss Ross has ever made was here at Cass Tech High School. Miss Ross was Best Dressed and a costume illustration major. Ross’ first press came from The Michigan Chronicle per Rita Griffin, legendary journalist that Greg and I had the privilege to honor as one of our NABJ A&E Task Force “Legacy Award” recipients. Also, for Ant, Greg took us to hang out with artist Tyree Guyton (www.tyreeguyton.com/) and (www.heidelberg.org/). His art is headquartered on a two-block lot. He has artfully turned abandoned houses and vacant lots into polka-dot landscapes, gaily painted faces on car hoods salvaged from scrap yards, brightly-colored, laced shoes suspending from tree branches, etc. It’s raw. It’s animated. It’s rough. It’s childlike. It’s beautiful. And we were thrilled to chat with him. Ant and he got to wax philosophical for a moment about art. Tyree said “Art is like having sex!!!” Well, he sure had my attention at that point. And at closer inspection to his metaphor, it landed. And Greg wouldn’t be Greg without a history lesson – so Hitsville wouldn’t do because I know everything there is to know about that spot. But I didn’t know that The Fisher Theater (www.nederlanderdetroit.com/) is the home of the world premiere of Broadway giants “The Wiz” (choreographed to Tony-winning heights by my friend George Faison)... and “Hello Dolly”. Still, MOTOWN – the building – was my full circle moment. Ant loved it being there as well. From the Berry Gordy street sign... to the stoop out front... to the window showcasing all of my favorite stars (except Ms. Aretha, who many don’t realize was not a MOTOWN Records act)... and the threshold to STUDIO A. It all punctuated the weekend something lovely!!!!

The LORD is surely steering me in a bunch of directions to make ends meet, y'all hear????? And this trip put a little something in my pocket and a provided me a lot of something for my sometimes increasingly  depleting morale. As I count my blessings, I'm reminded that - as many things challenge me - many things are working and I'm just allowing it all to work through me to whatever the next frequency will be. THANK YOU “SECRET TROIS”! THANK YOU MOTOWN! THANK YOU, ARETHA FRANKLIN!!!! YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!