A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

frank ishman

World-renowned photographer - Frank Ishman – also my Morehouse College brother! He married his GENIUS to the COLLABORATIVE BRANDING GENIUS of Myrdith Leon-Mccormack... to the STYLING GENIUS of Janine Linton... and – VOILA! – you have MAN-HOGANY! LOL! Was FUN to get my MAHOGANY on with FRANK! Frank Ishman is THE BEST! www.frankishman.com #frankishman

mahogany

How is it that I tell a slew of people on social media to go see MAHOGANY at the IFC and – by the time – I got around to securing my own ticket, it was SOLD OUT! Then, when I do an outreach, I get an emailed reply from Rhonda Ross! Yes, my friend! But also: daughter of Miss Diana Ross and Mr. Berry Gordy… and MAHOGANY was their 1975 Blockbuster project for which Miss Ross designed (and/or styled) ALL OF THE COSTUMES! Oh, and wait for it! Rhonda was seeing it ON THE BIG SCREEN for the FIRST TIME! Her escort? Bob Silberstein, the man who raised Rhonda - also father of her sisters Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney Ross. The occasion: "Black Summer Nights", a celebration of queer African American artists and their unique role in shaping American culture and history. Tonight's selection was curated by another industry buddy, Tony-nominated actor for "Passing Strange" Colman Domingo via SKYPE (who - last we hung out - I was helping navigate the red carpet at the World Premiere of Lee Daniel's "The Butler"). As I'd just asked our sponsor at "Billie's Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley", Miko Branch of Miss Jessie's, her favorite film at a recent book signing, LOVE that it was "Mahogany" and she came out to enjoy it as well --- along with other buddies, filmmaker Andre Robert Lee; legendary performer Flotilla Debarge whose next show "FLO-REAL!! Here & Now" goes up Thursday, June 25th at 9p at Kraine Theatre -   www.horsetrade.info - and many others! FAB Monday Night! Next month on July 20th, pick up the series with "James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket". For more info on Queer/Art/Film at the IFC Center...and the awesome folks associated - including filmmaker Stephen Winter, poet Pamela Sneed, Ira Sachs, Adam Baran, please visit www.IFCCENTER.COM/SERIES/QUEERARTFILM.  #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke#mahogany #queerartfilm

invisible life

Week 7 of BILLIE’S BLACK presents ALL STAR KARAOKE was VISIBLY VIBRANT as EVERYBODY ENJOYED their “Miss Jessie’s” grab bags (and Miko Branch’s current book). Highlight of the night was the cast of “Invisible Life: The Musical” coming by to promote their week-long, almost-SOLD-OUT engagement at The Apollo June 25th – 30th. We gave away tickets; sang Miss Ross’ “The Boss” produced by Motown Legends Ashford & Simpson who wrote the music and lyrics for “Invisible Life” (with additional lyrics by my brother friend Stanley Bennett Clay): https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley/videos/vb.662073736/10153063149713737/?type=3&theater.  Based on the novel “Invisible Life” by E. Lynn Harris, the musical’s book is written by Proteus Spann & Javon Johnson who joined us on stage for the fun! They co-direct “Invisible Life: The Musical”. And can we talk about the cast which is full of Broadway star power? Tony Award nominee Brenda Braxton (Smokey Joe’s Cafe) will portray Mama Tyler, the mother of Raymond Tyler Jr., who will be played by Gregory Williams. Raymond’s two closest friends Kyle and JJ, will be Terry Lavell (La Cage aux Folles) and Grammy- nominated Frenchie Davis (RENT). The iconic stage songstress Vivian Reed is also in the cast. Terry and Frenchie came to play – singing with me and solo! Ant’s sister Sabrina does Frenchie’s PR – so these moments were extra special. Purchase Tickets: http://gn-bp.com/invisible-life. ALSO IN THE MIX: One of our All Star Karaoke Journalism DIVAS, NBC4’s own anchor extraordinaire Shiba Russell and her crew were in the house as well as FIT grad Travis and his friends – led by ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFUL Antoinne who brought a fun group to CELEBRATE. And to all my peeps, THANKS! BILLIE’S BLACK presents ALL STAR KARAOKE is going through Tuesday, July 14th. PLEASE COME JOIN US! RESERVATIONS are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:212.280.2248. AND COME TUESDAY, JUNE 23^RD, LET’S LOOK TO ALL STAR KARAOKE plus CELEBRATE BILLIE’S BLACK’S 9^TH ANNIVERSARY – including a “special surprise guest”! #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack #invisiblelife

sidra and tasha smith

I was too excited to see my girlfriend Sidra Smith who has been busy as ever of late, but not too busy to bring the cast of “Invisible Life” to see me at All Star Karaoke (with the coordination of my friend Richard Pelzer). Sidra - NAACP Image Award winning producer of “Free Angela” - is Executive Producing "BOXED IN" - a film project her identical twin sister, Hollywood star Tasha Smith wrote and directed in association with producer Kim Ogletree. ABFF – the American Black Film Festival – screened the awesome flick . Shout out to ABFF and Jeff Friday for curating this one! For more information visit: http://www.abff.com/).What a compelling story that anecdotes brilliantly the struggle and stigma of mental illness among our African American brothers and sisters. Beautiful film andawesome cast! Walter Fauntleroy plays a character who suffers with bipolar disorder. His mom is played by the amazing actress Tyra Ferrell who I've missed from the big screen a la the days of Poetic Justice and School Daze! We also loved her from HBO's The Corner (with Tasha Smith)...and - this just in - she told me we'll see her in Season 2 of Empire. BOXED IN also features the lady who cast me in upcoming film Steps- due out later this year: Penwah Phynjuar!! She's THE BEST! Director of STEPS, Eddie Harris
also in attendance tonight - saw an early screening of BOXED IN...and says he had to have Walter Fauntleroy for STEPS! And he and I have a few scenes together. Eddie also says I'm looking good in edit - as Rudy, the character I play, my acting debut in a feature film... Stay tuned..

tony awards

Another of my Broadway predictions on Arise Entertainment 360 has come TRUE! From my last visit, I figured Helen Mirren is so well-decorated in so many platforms for portraying THE QUEEN, the Great White Way would CROWN her accordingly. I was right! CLIP: http://bit.ly/bway_arise360_mirren! Tony Awards Leading Actress in a Play -- Helen Mirren in "The Audience". Mirren played Queen Elizabeth II in the Broadway play, written by Peter Morgan. Mirren also originated the part at the play's original 2013 run in London's West End. #TheAudienceBway #TonyAwards #Arise360 #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke

drums

VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/UGOqHhjbZ3k - SHOUT OUT to Carl Nelson - BFF for 20+ YEARS and Producer of Drums Along The Hudson -Inwood Park joined me on stage recently at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul for Billie's Black presents All Star Karaoke to promote #drumsalongthehudson which he produces every years. I host the afternoon stage this Sunday, June 14^th – an event that honors Tichina Arnold and His Holiness the Dalai Lama! #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

 Hosting 2015s Drums Along The Hudson -Inwood Park, 13th annual! Honorees: my friend Tichina Arnold andHis Holiness the Dalai Lama! And George Faison andLotus Music Dance put on quite the FABULOUS presentation! #weareONE #drumsalongthehudson#rhythmnation 

#wearetheworld #thewiz #tony#lotusmusicanddance

Hi folks,

Actor/comedian Anthony Anderson is hosting the American Heart Association’s presentation of the "YOU ARE THE POWER" BENEFIT CONCERT - featuring Chrisette Michele - on Friday, May 6 at 8:00 p.m. The Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY is the venue.

From our first E-BLAST last week (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/4/3/american-heart-association-presents-you-are-the-power-benefi.html), we are getting wonderful feedback from many of our “A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RILEY: pop culture & possibilities” readers.

Please make sure we hear from you via our “Power to End Stroke” page on FACEBOOK.  Please LIKE us, after clicking here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=191844067524282#!/pages/Power-To-End-Stroke-You-Have-The-Power/139556840907 

I have been hired to be the roving reporter on the star-studded red carpet on that evening. The show’s line-up includes performers Brian Courtney Wilson and Trin-i-tee 5:7.  Plus, special appearances by Mathew Knowles; Tamron Hall; Malinda Williams; Ruben Santiago Hudson; Tamara Tunie; Jacque Reid; and Kevin Mambo. The honorary chair for the event is Cissy Houston.

Additionally, my blog "A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities" has been commissioned to send out FOUR dedicated E-BLASTs - the first of which includes a special testimonial from me and how STROKE has impacted my life.

As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

FOR MORE TICKET INFORMATION

on "YOU ARE THE POWER" BENEFIT CONCERT,

see options below:

1.  By phone call Ticketmaster 1-800-745-3000

2.  Online at www.Ticketmaster.com

3.  Ticketmaster Outlet (search for Chrisette Michele)

      www.ticketmaster.com/event/00004651D154A2C1

4.  http://powertoendstroke.org/power-awards-2011.html

Sincerely,

Patrick Riley

A Day in The Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/4/3/american-heart-association-presents-you-are-the-power-benefi.html

Hi folks,

The American Heart Association is presenting “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT – featuring Chrisette Michele – on Friday, May 6 at 8:00 p.m. The Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY is the venue.

I have been hired to be the roving reporter on the star-studded red carpet on that evening. 

Also performing on the bill: Brian Courtney Wilson; and Trin-i-tee 5:7.  Plus, special appearances by Mathew Knowles; Tamron Hall; Malinda Williams; Ruben Santiago Hudson; Tamara Tunie; Jacque Reid; and FELA!s Kevin Mambo. The honorary chair for the event is Cissy Houston.

The concert celebrates the American Heart Association’s “Power to End Stroke” campaign and its many worthy ambassadors. For information about the “Power to End Stroke” campaign, visit www.powertoendstroke.org.

Additionally, my blog “A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities” has been commissioned to send out FOUR dedicated E-BLASTs this month in preparation and promotion of the big benefit concert. And in this inaugural entry, I will share my own special testimonial around STROKE awareness. Please read on.

As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Best,

Patrick L. Riley

“A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities”

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/

I watched "strokes" do a 1-2-3 punch on three near-and-dear pillars in my family.  At 65 years of age, my grandmother Saphronia Haynes Bellinger had a stroke in 1974. 72 hours later, she was dead. In 1978, stroke threw a near-fatal blow to her husband Leroy. He survived the stroke for four years --- suffering through an uphill battle of rehabilitation therapy that would eventually have him speaking again (but slowly) and walking again (with assistance). But a second stroke in 1982 would take my middle-namesake down for good. And in the early ‘90s, “Papa” – my Dad’s dad – suffered a stroke and soon thereafter, he passed away.

As evidenced by my own family history, stroke hits close to home – especially in the African American community. Studies show that African Americans are at a greater risk for cardiovascular disease, including stroke, than any other ethnic group. And that’s why the American Heart Association created the “Power to End Stroke” Awards. These folks are leading a new charge to get the word out to the community about stroke awareness, stroke survival, and stroke prevention. And they are encouraging ALL OF US to learn what we can do to stop the cycle.

I checked in with my Auntee Mary Lee (the older sister and only sibling of my mom Queen Elizabeth Riley, who passed away in 1994 to congestive heart failure). At 74, Mary Lee is still alive, alert, and kicking. But she points out to me that she is not here to tell the story without the aid of high-blood pressure medicine and a strict diet regimen. Mary Lee’s two kids – my first cousins; and my two siblings – are in their mid-40s-to-early-50s. Though vibrant and generally healthy, they too are inside pre-emptive efforts to avoid our genetic leaning for stroke by maintaining good blood pressure levels via certain prescriptions; diet awareness; and an exercise plan. Many of the Rileys – including my father – are managing another predictor of stroke crisis: diabetes. 

As for me, I maintain a 29-inch waist that I’ve had since high school and a very active lifestyle. One might think I have little about which to be concerned. That said, I’m not fooling myself into thinking that – at 40 years of age and with the medical family history that I have – that I don’t have to begin my own mission for optimum health – including working out and eating healthier. In fact, on this morning, as tempting and easy as it would be for me to snag a high-calorie breakfast that echoes that best of what Gran Gran used to make, I will substitute turkey bacon for fat back; and wheat toast w/veggie spread in lieu of hot, uber-buttered biscuits.

And the morale of the story for me that I share with my extended family – my clan with whom I share a blood line… and the many sisters and brothers from other mothers – is we all have the POWER to make choices that can support us all to reverse the effects of - and the crisis that is - STROKE.  As we stand on the strong shoulders of our forefathers and foremothers who perhaps didn’t know better, the American Heart Association’s “Power to End Stroke” campaign armors us all to know better and, subsequently, to do better. And be better.

SEE BELOW… FOR MORE TICKET INFORMATION on “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT (featuring Chrisette Michele – on Friday, May 6 at 8:00 p.m.  - at The Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY):

1. By phone call Ticketmaster 1-800-745-3000

2. Online at www.Ticketmaster.com

3. Ticketmaster Outlet (search for Chrisette Michele)

www.ticketmaster.com/event/00004651D154A2C1

4. http://powertoendstroke.org/power-awards-2011.html