PATRICKRILEYHEADSHOT2.JPGWELCOME to "The Life of Riley" which will include periodic chronicles of pop culture and possibilities that flow out of Patrick L. Riley's day. That's me!!! Through blogging (and soon some other technological features on which I'll keep you posted as they launch), I will pull experiences from my busy life to entertain and inspire all of you. Through this site, I will share my observations and insights. 

Some features to look forward to:

1.) "PATRICK'S POP UP(DATES)" will feature stories from pop culture, music, theater, fashion, and the entertainment industry at large. 

2.) "The Life of Riley" will also introduce a "take-a-look-at-your-life" section (READ: sort of an advice column), where I will help readers come up with their own questions and answers around what "ways of being" are working (or not working) to have them acheive their respective goals and live their best lives. This section is called "WHO YOU BE?".

3.) Additonally, there will be a free-flowing, organic section called "TESTIFY" from which I will pull from my own life's journey to share and hopefully inspire. Some of the fare may be new musings and experiences. Other times, I may pull from my journals and past sharings to shed light on some uncomfortable truths that I've experienced and that may perhaps play a role in healing someone else's wounds as the real-life experience did for me. From my experience of covering 9/11 as a freelance journalist to courageously coming out (as gay) to my family, "TESTIFY" promises to move those who choose to read it.

4.) And a section titled "PR" (like my initials, but also like "public relations") will include press clips from any coverage I get. 

5.) And anytime pictures or video can support an entry (in the blog, and perhaps in the subsequent podcasts, my space, and website), those visuals will keep things aesthetically enrolling. That section will be called "MY TUBE".
PLAYING TO THE POP IN POSSIBILITIES!
Patrick L. Riley

 

Entries in Arise Entertainment 360 (13)

denver love


Denver love
AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH to keep me from

 Ant and his Denver peeps! WHAT A GREAT LABOR

DAY WEEKEND that included the stunning wedding of 

Ant’s high school friend Vanessa and her husband

 Will in Keystone, CO – a beautiful, two-hour

 drive from Denver. 

Some of Will’s fam came from Germany and they

 were lots of fun! 


Our Denver host with the most – as always – is Jean 
Nicholson who let me tour her FAB consignment shop

 "re: for your home":
 http://www.re-foryourhome.com/ and
 https://www.facebook.com/re.foryourhome.

 Of course, Ant’s blood 
fam pulled out ALL THE STOPS for BBQ – including 

some of the best potato salad known to man

 and made by Ant’s awesome mom “Jackie Washington”.
 And I – of course – had to see my babies: Sabrina and

 Brina. And what a bonus that Sabrina’s business partner,

 friend Victor E. Lewis, was also in town and joined

 Ant’s sister Chanel, he, Sabrina, and I for 

HILLSTONE – my favorite, though known to many as 
HOUSTON’S. 
HEY DENVER! SEE YOU AROUND! #laborday2014
Roache and FORBES
Special shout out to my little brother in the industry, 

international model Bobby Roaché, who was just

 interviewed by Forbes about his modeling career 

and sunglasses collection and the interview is out.
 Here is the video link of Bobby Roaché's 

interview: http://www.forbes.com/video/3755958950001/.
 Kehinde Wiley
 Has been great to work with my friend Lamar Johnson - the Executive Producer of 

Kehinde Wiley’s documentary - which – inclusive my 

finite consultation – has gotten lots of good press: 
http://www.vogue.com/1062811/kehinde-wiley-riccardo-tisci-collaboration/

Well, it’s showtime…and the documentary premieres 

this Friday, September 5 on PBS! 
The movie "Kehinde Wiley: An Economy of Grace" follows

 the artist as he steps out of his comfort zone to create a 

series of paintings of women for the first time. 

Kehinde casts his models on the streets of New York and then
enlists Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy to create couture gowns

for each woman.

 The film traces the artist's process from concept to 

canvas as he reveals to us another side of black femininity.

 Lamar notes it is a celebration of art, style and African-American 

beauty and has been very well-received, garnering several

 festival awards including @SXSW 2014. The film is also an official

selection in the "Run & Shoot” Martha’s Vineyard African-American

 Film Fest. For more info, you can go to www.PBS.org/pressroom 
or www.pressroom.pbs.org/Programs/k/KEHINDE-WILEY-AN-ECONOMY-OF-GRACE.aspx.
Kathy Sledge
This says it all! KATHY SLEDGE ~ NYC ~ SATURDAY ~ SEPTEMBER
 6TH The Brighter Side of Day. A musical journey of the

 life of the American icon Billie Holiday.
 www.metropolitanroom.com ~ www.randblive.com
ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360
 The full episodes for my last two guest co-hosting stints on ARISE 

ENTERTAINMENT 360 are here:
http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-25-08-8038
and
 http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-26-08-8017
 ALWAYS A BLAST to GUEST CO-HOST on Arise Entertainment 360

 with Lola Ogunnaike and Shannon Lanier:
http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/arise-entertainment-360

Arise News is on TV now in NYC/NJ area - 18 million homes Mon-Fri 2pm on

 Time Warner Cable #92 & Verizon FiOS #481 plus still on millions of TVs

 overseas. And it's coming this FALL 2014 to CentricTV - BET Networks. 
As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! XO #ARISE360

tops

 

http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-24-07-7564 - Here is the full episode of Thursday's Arise Entertainment 360 which I got to guest co-host with Lola Ogunnaike! Friday’s link is here: http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-25-07-7592! Meanwhile to reflect on this week’s FUN segments: Meital Dohan tells all about her new single "Give Us Back Love!" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVHctlp4beg&feature=youtu.be @MEITALDOHAN; Steven boss AKA "Twitch" chat about his career in choreography, his fancy footwork! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GjEFauLMQ4&feature=youtu.be @official_tWitch (Lola and I got our groove on as well: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152359420863737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater); Directors of Bottoms Up Kurt Williamson & Christopher Alvarez discuss the documentary! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX0jVa7cPzs&feature=youtu.be @KURTWURK @TRANSCENDENTCEO;

 Ample Hills Creamery founder Brian Smith brings flavorful ice cream! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALqvnKSxGt0&feature=youtu.be @AMPLEHILLS! AND THIS WEEK, I’m filling in on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360: GLOBAL EDITION - http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-global-edition.  ‪#‎ARISE360

SOME SHOUT OUTS

CONGRATS to my friend and fellow writer/producer Fred Bumaye on his latest short film TONSURE. Fred wrote and directed it. It is executive produced by Malik Yoba and Savannah homeboy (one of my BFFs) Maurice Marable.  This is a link to the trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvOpaqnXXKU This is an awesome piece of independent cinema! TONSURE HAS BEEN SELECTED FOR URBANWORLD 2014‏. Please follow Tonsure on twitter @TonsureMovie

 

CONGRATS to dear friend Jason Johnson on his co-working space Confluence Coworking Bud Stuy. For more info, please click on and LIKE: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Confluence-Coworking-Bed-Stuy/675390382536000 

 

Shout out to all my peeps associated with FINDING FELA: FINDING FELA which will open in theaters on August 1, 2014. Academy Award©-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney (Taxi to the Dark Side, Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, etc.) returns with Finding Fela, an insightful and provocative look into the life of Nigerian musician/activist Fela Kuti (1938 – 1997), his music, and his social and political importance. This in-depth look at the man who created Afrobeat (a fusion of Jazz, traditional West African rhythms, Funk, Highlife, and psychedelic rock) brings audiences close to Mr. Kuti's fight against the dictatorial Nigerian government of the 1970s and 80s. With his audacious music and a great deal of courage, Fela Kuti helped bring a change towards democracy in Nigeria, promoted Pan Africanist politics to the entire world and became an inspiration in the global fight for the rights of all oppressed people. Taking audiences through a multi-threaded journey into the power of art to effect political and social change, Finding Fela also reveals the creative process behind the Broadway musical Fela!, directed and co-conceived by acclaimed choreographer Bill. T. Jones.  Finding Felafeatures never-before-seen footage of his major concerts and exclusive interviews with Femi Kuti (Fela's eldest son), Yeni Kuti (Fela's first child), Seun Kuti (Fela's youngest son), Sandra Izsadore (former Black Panther party member), Questlove and Sir Paul McCartney, to what is bound to be the most inspirational and high-energy celebration of the summer.

FUNK JAZZ IS 20: CONGRATS to my Savannah homeboy Jason Orr on 20 YEARS of Funk Jazz Kafé - https://www.facebook.com/FunkJazzKafe?fref=ts. WHAT A BLESSING! THANK YOU FOR SUCH A GIFT!

 

great brown way

After a FUN ROUND of Fill-in Co-hosting at ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 with Lola Ogunnaike and Shannon Lanier - http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/6/5/fvifw.html, I was back on BROADWAY duty TODAY for a TONY AWARDS 2014 RE-CAP! CLICK HERE - SUCH FUN! http://youtu.be/_BO0lvrhWcs

 “I FELT LIKE IT WAS THE BET AWARDS FOR BROADWAY,” I exclaimed, one of a few giggles we’d all share today. “I DON’T NEED TO GET ONE SECOND BACK FROM THAT THREE HOURS!” LOL! We discussed the wins, snubs, and highlights for what showed up as a diverse night! Of course, links will come...but FYI: Arise News is on TV now in NYC/NJ area - 18 million homes Mon-Fri 2pm on Time Warner #92 & Verizon FiOS #481 plus still on millions of TVs overseas. And it's coming this FALL 2014 to CentricTV - BET Networks. As always, folks! THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! P.S. My friend/stylist Phillip Bloch was also on (http://youtu.be/92frPBT4ZAM) as well as superb actress Gina Torres who commented “well said” to my pop culture analysis today! THANKS GINA! And congrats on your USA Network show “Suits” -http://youtu.be/hp4NUfkCw9c.

 As we ALL PRAY for comedian Tracy Morgan’s recovery from a vehicle crash this past weekend, they also included an excerpt from the interview I got to do while fill-in co-hosting the other week: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6jMa-V87Fk.

#tonyawards #ARISE 360 #billiesblack #motownmay #allstarkaraoke

 p.s. A THANK YOU FOR OUR ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS! COME ON OUT! THREE MORE TUESDAYS!

 

 

divas down and daddy

Since last I posted, SO MUCH HAS GONE DOWN – from DIVAS to DADDY!

Let’s go!

ARISE 360

http://youtu.be/DYghWCBasyo Motown the Musical,Monifah Carter, and the LIFE OF RILEY have been crossing paths a lot lately - in recent weeks at: Billie's Black Gourmet Soul for Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE WITH Patrick L. Riley. http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/4/2/something-to-talk-about.html. A few weeks after that at Monifah Carter's R&B Divas: Atlanta PREMIEREPARTY in Harlem at The Corner Socialhttp://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/4/23/soul-out-loud.html. AND THIS WEEK at my home away from home when it comes to on-camera pop culture analysis: Arise Entertainment 360 with my friends Lola Ogunnaike and Shannon Lanier - both of whom I want to congratulate as CentricTV will be syndicatingArise360 in the Fall (an announcement made recently at the Ziegfeld Theatre for the BET UPFRONT 2014 - the last project on which I worked for recurring clientBET (TV network) Creative Services). Monifahappeared on this same edition in which I analyze the Tony nominations for 2014 - including a host of surprises, celebrations, and upsets! SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to my girl Anika Noni Rose and everybody at A Raisin in the Sun (1961 film): BROADWAY. Though Denzel didn't get the nod, the show is still an AWESOME, CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED impression for The Great White Way. "ROCKY" WINS or could win! ALSO: We didn't get to mention Audra McDonald whose turn as LADY DAY may garner her a SIXTH TONY AWARD -a grand-slam record breaker, if she's victorious. Here's a link to my most recent Broadway round-up with ARISE several weeks back: http://youtu.be/AijZZeZgFkQ. We talked NEW MUST-SEE BROADWAY SHOWS! Last year, I predicted the TONY AWARDS nominations:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTd5S1wKUs0. A few weeks prior to that, I was on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 to talk BROADWAY: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDxfe-hG_aY. In the aforementioned ARISE 360 Broadway segment, I predicted the iconic Cicely Tyson would be nominated for her role in Broadway's "The Trip to Bountiful". And she was!! YAY! So, they played that clip and referenced my prediction the following day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuJEs6ruin0. I was again on ARISE recently to talk GATSBY: the book, the film(s), the blueprint on hip hop! HERE'S THE LINK:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBT9mSmfmCo. TWITTER handles for the day include: @themonifah for MONIFAH CARTER! And @thetonyawards for THE TONY AWARDS! CONGRATS to all the nominees - including "After Midnight" - currently featuring Vanessa Williams as guest vocalist. Fantasia is coming back! And Patti LaBelle;  Gladys Knight, and Natalie Cole have JUST been announced for the summer. What a line-up!And for the telecast, which will be hosted again (a fourth time) by Hugh Jackman who took a selfie of us a few months ago. Speaking of Broadway (as she starred on The Great White Way this past summer), recurring client "The Wendy Williams Show" has booked me to work on a project this week. Look for it on the show next week! Stay tuned... and as always THANKS FOR EVERYONE'S SUPPORT OF THE LIFE OF RILEY!#billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #motownmay

 


BET UPFRONT

I’m proud to have been working this past couple of months with recurring client BET! It was the BET UPFRONT 2014 for which I got the chance to work with the Creative Services team there on the video and art/design presentations. From the big screen of the Ziegfeld – home of most NYC WORLD PREMIERES, was a treat to see my work! The clients and advertisers seemed pleased! Afterwards, all gathered at The London for a post-set. Among many at BET Upfront '14, Brandy and MC Lyte were among them – ushering in BET’s upcoming programming – including: 1. 8th season return of “The Game” (all of the cast was in the house); 2. Real Husbands of Hollywood is coming back; 3. Being Mary Jane (the cast is finishing up filming the season finale now); 4. Sunday’s Best; 5. 106 & Park; 6. There will be three new scripted shows – including Diggy Simmons show “The Start Up” in which Diggy stars as a young entrepreneur. He and his crew who explore the city, love, etc. - with Teyana Taylor in tow; 7. “Gone Gospel” is a reality show hosted by Kirk Franklin. Secular artists come together for GOSPEL BOOTCAMP. The winner wins $100k; 8. A new game show, Got Game. Three men will go on dates with a woman in disguise and they have to depend on ‘their game’ and not looks to win their prize date over; 9. Three original movies will premiere: a) Let The Church Say Amen, directed by Regina King, tells the story of a preacher and his family as they face life’s challenges. b) The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker is the black version of the Nutcracker. Raven Simone will appear in the film. c) Book of Negroes is the a six part mini series, with Cuba Gooding and Louis Gossett Jr; 10. Centric’s Programming includes:

Being

According to Him and Her

Read Between the Lines


Arise 360 (the show on which I am a recurring pop culture analyst)


Single Ladies

Soul Train Awards

Centric Comedy All Stars

 

–Centric will also air The Wendy Williams Show, The Talk and the Queen Latifah Show.

–KeKe Palmer’s new talk show was also announced.

–The network announced a new BET platform (health, image, service) dedicated to the black man, called His BET.

 

R&B DIVAS

After BET Upfront, Monifah and team asked me to still stop by their premiere. Got another KeKe moment plus some Syleena time. They say they are coming back to ALL STAR KARAOKE sometime soon. We'll keep the mics hot for them! Shout out to Musa Jackson Productions LLC for putting on a FAB set at Corner Social in Harlem last night. My guys Savoy Walker and Mark A Forrest of SMEG asked me on behalf of Monifah to host their event! Because of BET UPFRONT, I couldn’t meet the hosting time. But I’m told my BFF Sidra Smith, NAACP Image Award Winning Producer did a FAB job of introducing the DIVAS! Always a pleasure to see Monifah’s wife Terez – another of my favorite DIVAS! CONGRATS, R&B DIVAS! LOVE YOU ALL! Check out the GREAT TIME I had with KEKE this week: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/4/23/soul-out-loud.html. And we ADORED when our FIRST ALL STAR R&B DIVA came to our OPENING NIGHT: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/4/2/something-to-talk-about.html. #ENDLESSLOVE

DIVAS & AMAZING GRACE  – SERVED UP ATL-STYLE


Was n ATL for DAD's 80th BDAY! But more on that in a minute. Dad's before-BDAY festivities included performances from my brother Herman and me for our sister Janice at her "church secretary" appreciation. But LIFE OF RILEY and my dear friends are around wherever I go! So, I had to FIRST catch up with friends - Chandra, her son Gavin, Lamoh, my Audrey, DR. J's beautiful wife Dorys Madden, "R&B Divas-Atlanta"s own and ex-DESTINY's-CHILD-two-time-Grammy-winner Latavia - all at Tijuana Garage for lunch! LOVE A-T-L! XO


80-YEAR-YOUNG DADDY


 Dad turns 80! WOW! All his kids (and grandkid) were in the house at ATL's Paschal's! Plus, other fam, friends, and special surprises! LOVE MY DAD! XO

MY TRIBUTE:

For those in my world, THE LIFE OF RILEY is about pop culture and possibilities. But I would have NO LIFE were it not for this RILEY. His name is Herman. Most call him Mickey. I call him Dad. And he is all of those names and more inside a shell of character, principle, and work ethic that is unmatched by any of the luminaries and la-la-land folks with whom I get the chance to rub shoulders on the daily. Dad recently referenced that my ambitions were seen early on. I wasn't so sure he was paying attention. But then again, I do re-imagine our regular visits to the public library (remember those?) and I remember that no matter his nudgings for me to consider books on sports and boy stuff, he never stopped me from getting any of the books I actually wanted to read and soak up: celebrity bios, dance/theater arts/Broadway reference books, pop culture, and self-help. LOL! Even at 9 years old! LMAO! And though I also had daily witness to a man of traditions, morals, and mores - just what you'd expect from a Southern, gentle one, I never once felt a complex from him that strategizing and navigating myself inside the realm of pop culture and entertainment couldn't be a way in which I'd make a successful living. And so it is. Additionally, he challenged me. Asked difficult questions. Made thoughtful comparisons. All for the greater good. And his gentle and constructive brand of fatherhood makes me know that all is infinitely possible with a great mix of faith, hard work, and passion. I am who I am today because of Herman Lee Riley and I am SO PROUD to call him MY FATHER! We THANK GOD to still have him at 80 YEARS YOUNG! XO

GREENHOPE

I'm basking in the glow today of Dad's 80TH BDAY CELEBRATION this past weekend in Atlanta where ALL OF HIS KIDS were together WITH HIM for the first time in a LONG TIME...and his GRANDSON, TOO! So, he says, it made for one of his BEST BIRTHDAYS EVER! Great times notwithstanding, Ant and had to suffer through a flight delay to get back home as he and I have lots of work on cue. With little time for new projects, I couldn't resist an invitation from Robin Stone, Greenhope Services for Women Board member and my NABJ sister and birthdate-mate, to help her out on something special. A few years back, she asked me to host a fundraiser for this agency which works women involved with the criminal justice system who are struggling with substance abuse: http://www.greenhope.org/. THIS TIME, she's asked me to narrate a highlight video on all the great work the agency is doing to help women reclaim their lives, reunite with their families and rebuild their communities. On the ask, my A-TEAM in PRODUCTION stepped in to GIVE A LOT for a LITTLE to this great cause. Today, I'm at my favorite DP James Curry's place, Mindfile Multimedia, to record my VO narration for this project and to screen the bites from the interviews I did at GREENHOPE - excerpts of which will be sprinkled inside of the highlight video which unveils at the annual gala May 14th. Mindfile Multimedia and I have a mutual client in "Oprah: Where Are They Now?" for which we've collaborated on many segments - including recent shoots with Geraldo Rivera, Fran Drescher, and Mel B. But we've done tons of them as excerpted in this promo: http://www.oprah.com/own-where-are-they-now/Oprah-Where-Are-They-Now-Season-2-Preview-Video. Editor EXTRAORDINAIRE Mitch Jacobson is cutting this piece at his CATEGORY 5 STUDIOS: http://www.category5studios.com/! THANKS MITCH! He and I last worked together on WENDY WILLIAMS' MAGICAL WATCH AND WIN from Walt Disney World Resort! PIECE 1: http://youtu.be/n0nWYUq_3KQ; PIECE 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76FBGNfZ7vQ; PIECE 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNMeClGC828; PIECE 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRc0POz-C10. GREENHOPE has been around since 1979. CONGRATS to ALL!

BELLE

I'd sent out the RIPPLE a few months ago - noting that in the wake of 12 YEARS A SLAVE that FOX Searchlight had another much-buzzed-about, historical chunk of Black history and cinema on its roster: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/3/4/valid-dreams.html.  Remember it was my Harlem buddy Tracy Grant who hipped me to her brother in law's new film (He's UK producer Damian Jones of D.J Films). "BELLE" hails from Fox Searchlight Pictures the way that 12 Years a Slave did a year or so ago... and this HISTORIC TALE brings forth yet another story that chronicles the horrors of slavery and what reversals and progressions have transpired in its time. I would be remiss if I did not mention Belle's director Amma Asante http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1392994/ It opens May 2, Mothers Day. Please spread the word! #belle #12yearsaslave #foxsearchlight! Great to meet everybody tonight! And a SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to Fox Searchlight's own Cassandra Butcher who always makes sure I'm in the house as well - from our longstanding relationship of introducing the great cinematic fare that comes from her desk often to the National Association of Black Journalists Convention via the NABJ Arts and Entertainment Task Force which I once Chaired --- including many of John Singleton's titles and "Beast of the Southern Wild" and - just last year - '12 Years'. Cassandra! You are the BEST! BFF Carl Nelson and I attended the WORLD PREMIERE of BELLE tonight at New York City's PARIS movie house. Was great to see recently-CENTRIC-syndicated host of one of my pop-culture-analysis platforms ARISE 360, Lola Oguinnake; MSNBC's own and former host of former pop-culture-analysis platform "Don't Sleep" T.J. Holmes (who co-hosted "The View" again today); Phylicia Rashad, "A Raisin in the Sun"s Anika Noni Rose (who just did an awesome turn in Lifetime's Terrie McMillan adaptation for "Day Late Dollar Short"); Chenoa and the girls from recurring client OWN's "Love In The City"; my industry girlfriends like marketing guru Jacquie Lee; MISS Monica Bailey; pr diva Katrina Boswell; ABC 7 anchor Sandra Bookman; and a host of others. And my industry fellow fam was in the mix too - like pr maven Theo Perry; MY favorite arts and culture writer Karu Daniels; film critic with the MOST, Wilson Morales; and many more. Please charge to my head and not my heart where I may not have called your name because it was so great to see everybody, I can't remember all. #BELLEMOVIE written by Misan Sagay FUN MONDAY NIGHT! XO

 

GET READY KARAOKE


After getting the opportunity to host the opening night carpet for MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ), I'm THRILLED to announce this new partnership: MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL and BILLIE'S BLACK PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley are partnering for MOTOWN MAY! Find out all the DEETS and how our night last week with KEKE went by clicking here - the latest edition of LIFE OF RILEY: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/4/23/soul-out-loud.html. BUT LAST NIGHT was "GET READY" Tuesday where we promoted MOTOWN's catalog as an option for our ALL STAR KARAOKE folks to prepare for #motownmay #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack


A LITTLE EVIDENCE OF THE BLAST WE’RE HAVING:

1. PATRICK GETS READY FOR #MOTOWNMAY W/"I WANT YOU BACK"

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152181242383737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater


2. EPHRAIM & ERIC GET READY for #motownmay with "END OF THE ROAD"

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152181275628737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater

3. PATRICK GETS READY FOR #MOTOWNMAY WITH "GOT TO GIVE IT UP"

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152181301813737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater


 THE REDLAND

Shout out to my ATL homeboy with whom I got the chance to really bond while I spent time in L.A. circa 2009! THANKS DEREK LAFAYETTE! He is currently consulting for The Redland, an eclectic Atlanta based hip-hop duo: think Outkast meets Macklemore and Lewis. They're an edgy, philanthropic group that promotes positivity and individuality... and I hear they are my MOREHOUSE BROTHERS! The Redland has a devout social media fan base and they have a strong presence in Atlanta - the burgeoning entertainment market. Cutting edge director Don Lee shot the "Survive' video. Don is also directing "Love Thief" in LA within the next four weeks. Veteran radio promotions executive, Issy Sanchez (Cash Money Records, etc), is currently working "Survive" at pop radio. Major labels are interested in signing the group. His team is releasing the project independently July 2014. They have distribution through eOne. The group also has a "hot new artist" article that recently ran in the highly coveted music industry magazine, Amalgamation: (please see article link) http://www.amalgamationmag.com/website/amalgamated/discovering-the-redland/ They recently performed at the up South By Southwest convention in March and killed it. They also will be performing at the Urban Network convention in May.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwB9cmIiTuE&feature=youtu.be

HERE’S THE REDLAND BIO:

Born and raised in the Redlands of Oklahoma and Louisiana respectively, Kose and Earv were naturally inspired to call the music duo they would go on to form 'The Redland.' But once their individual forms of expression crossed paths and began to meld into a dynamic sound that they considered a "state of mind" and a "voice that brings people together,” The Redland transcended the reference of simply being where they’re from to becoming an all-inclusive artistic movement. Earv and Kose, whose collective influences run the gamut from John Lennon and Bob Marley to The Fugees and OutKast (artists known for their culture-shifting musical contributions), met while matriculated at Morehouse college in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta – which they’ve also adopted as part of their origins - and the Southern Hip Hop culture that defined it became fertile ground for the two, individually, to more deeply explore their musical talents.  Then those talents collided.

Through either happenstance or fate, it was discovered while in the midst of hanging out with mutual friends that Earv had an affinity for writing and Kose was a capable vocalist and producer.  So, the pair decided to play around with creating music together.  But what began as playful experimentation turned into production of a unique and compelling sound that deserved to be taken more seriously.  

Defined as Hip Hop for practical purposes, Earv’s and Kose’s conscious lyrics and hybrid sound - which seamlessly incorporates the myriad genres they were exposed to growing up - began to take on a life of its own.  They began hearing their music played by friends and strangers and seeing it gaining momentum on social networking sites without their intervention.  That and the realization that Hip Hop as they saw it was stuck in one gear, hitting the same "I'm richer, can get drunker and can have more sex than you” note is when they began seeing their contribution to the art form as more of a responsibility than “having fun.”  Things took off from there and The Redland officially became a “Hip Hop movement born out of the soil,” representing those who desired to hear and be heard.

“We want the fans to feel they're a part of this inclusive group and they have a say in our direction and the type of music we make," they said.  "We also try to look at ourselves honestly and really get that across to our audience.  We don't let the genre define us, we define our own music and we're just ourselves.  We feel like we have something to say, something to make an impact and we feel like it's something that's needed.

The Redland’s new album, Enlightened Contagion - named so out of the understanding of how easily negative things can spread, and how “dope it would be if positivity could spread just as easily,” will be released this July on Redland Entertainment through eOne Distribution.


MOMENTUM HONORS

It is a privilege to announce that I will be honored and celebrated at the Fourth Annual Momentum Honors Gala Fundraiser for Momentum Teens for Leadership. I am holding court with an extraordinary group of people who will be honored that night. This year they are honoring 4 graduates, celebrating Momentum Education's 11th anniversary and Momentum Teens For Leadership's 4th year in existence. There will also be two other awards given - The Momentum Teens for Leadership Teen Possibility Award and The Robin Diane Lynn Lifetime Contribution Award. The honorees this year are:


The Robin Diane Lynn Lifetime of Contribution Award - Sylvia High
The Momentum Teens For Leadership Teen Possibility Award - Madison Guido
Pillar of Empowerment - Patrick Riley
Pillar of Vision - Tami Farber
Pillar of Gratitude - Kenya Nicole Clark
Pillar of Giving - Jay Goldman

We're told - and I concur - that we all embody the legacy of Founder Robin Lynn by living lives of contribution and service. 
 Tickets are:
$100 dollars before May 1, 2014
$125 dollars between May 1, 2014 - May 31, 2014
$150 dollars between June 1, 2014 - June 29, 2014
$175 on the day of the event
Here is the link for the eventbrite where your guests can purchase their tickets: www.momentumhonors2014.eventbrite.com
 
Last year Momentum Honors raised enough money to impact 1000 teens. That is double the amount that we had impacted up until that point.

All of the information about the gala is listed on the eventbrite site.
Looking forward to celebrating WITH ALL OF YOU you on June 29th!

 

black history 2014

ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 - MORE BROADWAY
 Hi folks! As always, THANKS FOR YOUR “Life of Riley” LOVE! I was back on Arise Entertainment 360 with my friends, co-hosts Lola Ogunnaike and Shannon Lanier!
 WE’RE TALKING MORE BROADWAY 2014!!! A LOT OF GREAT SHOWS ALREADY OUT and/or COMING OUT! Prior appearances on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 had me predicting winners from the TONY AWARDS nominations:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTd5S1wKUs0. ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 has been one of my recurring outlets to talk BROADWAY:http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=RDxfe-hG_aY. In the aforementioned ARISE 360 Broadway segment, I predicted the iconic Cicely Tyson would be nominated for her role in Broadway'sThe Trip to Bountiful Broadway. And she was!! YAY! So, they played that clip and referenced my prediction the following day:http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=uuJEs6ruin0. I was again on ARISE recently to talk GATSBY: the book, the film(s), the blueprint on hip hop! HERE'S THE LINK: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=mBT9mSmfmCo.

COZI-TV - GOLDEN GLOBES
Hi folks! I was on Cozi TV MONDAY EVENING via WNBC's NEWS 4 NEW YORK at 7p to talk GOLDEN GLOBES. I hope to share a clip soon. A friend took these snapshots from their smart phone. As always, THANKS for your support. #NEWS4AT7Prior to this panel, I did an EMMY RE-CAP panel with TV Guide Magazine's Matt Roush:http://youtu.be/ lKDDhF_6qy4 and that was a call-back that came from the EMMY NOMINATIONSROUND-UP we did in July:http://www.nbcnewyork.com/ video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/ Emmy-Nominations-for-2013/ 216162211. And I'd originally done a BROADWAY segment with them a few months ago:http://www.nbcnewyork.com/ on-air/as-seen-on/Pop-Culture-Expert-Patrick-Riley-on-Black-Broadway_New-York.html. I am inside a lot of bookings from NBC-related entities - one from MSNBC's "First Look" to weigh in on Beyonce's Inauguration performance (a phoner). NBC's other platforms have come a calling: NBC News/The Grio has been calling on me - recently to weigh-in on the NAACP's endorsement of gay marriage:http://www.thegrio.com/politics/will-naacp-gay-marriage-resolution-change-black-hearts-and-minds.php; On New Year's Eve to 2011, I made my "debut" on THE TODAY SHOW (as on-cam 'pop culture analyst') inside a piece that Mara did on the ball drop in New York's Times Square (http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickDemoSept2011.mov). #NEWS4AT7

WENDY WILLIAMS AND DISNEY

TWO YEARS AGO, I was an invited guest at the 5th annual Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey TV & Essence Magazine – a gift from having hosted many of its LIVE presentations to the National Association of Black Journalists at its annual convention: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/disneys-dreamers-academy. Yolanda Adams and Jordin Sparks were in the house. Well, TWO YEARSLATER, Wendy discovers her Disney Side on a recent family vacation to Walt Disney World ® Resort when she tasted food and drinks from around the world at Epcot - Walt Disney World Center! http://youtu.be/76FBGNfZ7vQ. Wendy discovered her Disney Side when she became a Princess for a Day: VIDEO: http://youtu.be/n0nWYUq_3KQ. I had the privilege of producing her down there and working with her show’s team to put these special pieces together. A JOY! Thanks ALL for your support! XO

MICHAEL COSTELLO AND BEYONCE (AND NENE TOO)

Beyonce's Grammy dress designer Michael Costello Fashion Week show 2014. I was seated next to ATL Housewife cast Nene, Greg, and Cynthia (Kenya was there too along with Anthony Harper, Derrick Hemphill, Arise Entertainment 360’s Lola Ogunnaike, E! News Alicia Quarles, “The Real” co-host/3LW/Cheetah Girl Adrienne Bailon, Baskteball Wives LA Laura Govan, my friend/model Christopher Kadima, Beyonce’sstylist (who brought her Costello’s dress) Ty Hunter, several cast members from “Shahs of Sunset” and many more! Fun night that capped off in Harlem at Park 112 with Ant’s Denver sister friend Sabrina Coleman (in town for business – casting curvy models for the Fashionlinkvi Fashion Weekend); “Fashion Queen” Bevy Smith; entertainment attorney and legal analyst of note Lisa Bonner; designer Priya Scoggins; and a host of our other friends! Big shout out to Morehouse brother Mario Ephriam for the ‘family reunion’!#MBFW #NYFW 

MORE FASHION WEEK
ALSO: Shout out to B Michael Americai at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week #MBFW #NYFW AND Shout out to Mindy Cohn – Natalie from The Facts of Life! THANK YOU, BOO! She invited me to attend her friends Mark and Estel’s fashion show as Mercedes-Benzs NEW YORK FASHION WEEK kicks off at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts! The SALON TENT was the backdrop.https://www.facebook.com/markandestel.malibuand/or http://markandestel.us.com/ is how you can learn more. But let me tell a little bit about Mark and Estel FW14 RUNWAY from their bio: Mark Tango and Estel Day launched their fashion brand “Mark and Estel” in Los Angeles in 2005. Made in the USA, the Mark and Estel fashion line boasts signature fashion tees, flowing dresses and iconic cut­out leggings alongside ready to wear jackets and separates. The duo’s rocker style and love of music signaled the simultaneous launch of their band “Mark and Estel,” and their fashion/music hybrid quickly became their brand signature. Their fashion line emerged in the press early on, when Mary Kate Olsen (the fashion designer of “The Row”) began wearing their designs. In 2009, Mark and Estel garnered further recognition when they custom­made their ‘Ripped & Holey Leggings’ for Lady Gaga on her Fame Ball Tour. Mark and Estel’s rocker­chic yet incredibly comfortable silhouettes continue to count fashionistas and sporty girls as their customers, alongside music and fashion celebrities including Jessica Simpson and Mischa Barton. Over 13 seasons, the line has steadily grown, selling in over 300 retail locations in the USA and internationally, including in Japan, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, France, Spain, Norway, Canada, Singapore, China, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Guatemala, Mexico, and Egypt. Mark and Estel are proud to present their 14th collection on the runway at New York Fashion Week. - See more at: http://www.mbfashionweek.com/designers/mark_and_estel#sthash.yUKHevXv.dpuf BY THE WAY: Did you see Mindy on OPRAH WHERE ARE THEY NOW? from an interview I conducted a couple of months ago: http://www.oprah.com/own-where-are-they-now/How-Mindy-Cohn-Tackled-the-Sex-Talk-on-The-Facts-of-Life-Video The popular '80s sitcom The Facts of Life was known for tackling controversial topics like eating disorders, drug use and peer pressure. Mindy Cohn, the actress who played Natalie Green, told me that when it came time to talk about sex, she thought it was important for one of the characters to lose her virginity on television. Watch as she explains why she volunteered for that role. Tune in Friday night at 9/8c. Read more: http://www.oprah.com/own-where-are-they-now/How-Mindy-Cohn-Tackled-the-Sex-Talk-on-The-Facts-of-Life-Video#ixzz2qNNi64BK HERE’S A LOOK at what was in that whole episode!http://www.oprah.com/own-where-are-they-now/First-Look-Debbie-Allen-Lisa-Whelchel--William-Shatner-Video My ANDRE LEON TALLEY and JILL ZARIN run tomorrow night at 9p! #MBFW#NYFW #OLDWORLDCOLLECTION#MARKANDESTEL #WhereAreTheyNow
FRENCHIE

I met Frenchie Davis in 2009 when I was out in L.A. for business. Sheryl Lee Ralph invited me toDivas Simply Singing!, her annual AIDS benefit.Frenchie Davis sang her face off then. Saw Frenchie's one-woman-show at Metropolitan Room. ( Anthony Harper's sister friend Bri Cole is in town from Denver. She and Frenchie wenr toHoward University together!) Frenchie was wonderful! Still-beautiful voice! She did a mix of the standards - in general and that she's performed before like "Ain't Misbehavin'". But she also did some cool "Gospelizing" (I call it) interpretations of "non-singing pop diva" fare (as she calls it): "We Found Love" - Rihanna and a Britney Spears medley: BRILLIANT re-interps. NO "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" but she closed with "Home" - giving proper homage to Diana Ross and Stephanie Mills' distinctively iconic versions while making "Somewhere Over The Rainbow for Black people" her own (Frenchie joked). This is the first show she's produced on herself - to simply do material she wants and to use her 'head voice' sometimes vs. always belting. Talented woman!!!! And super sweet! The banter was cute - including lots of references to her being a Lesbian inside a committed relationship with a woman named Diana who she affectionately calls "Daddy". The soon-to-be-finally-Howard-U-graduate sprinkled references to that crowning achievement throughout the show (including reference to the mentorship of Debbie Allen's dance school in L.A. providing the course-load for Frenchie to fulfill her dancing credits to get her musical theater degree from Howard. Allen - and her sister Phylicia Rashad - also referenced - are Howard U alums)! This is the first show she's produced on herself - to simply do material she wants and to use her 'head voice' sometimes vs. always belting. This, en route to a desired return to Broadway - including a call-back on the table now for "Book of Mormon" and she says Carol Channing has endorsed her reprising "Hello Dolly".