A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

Hi folks! 
HAPPY EASTER DAY!
New VIDEOS for YOU - in the Life of Riley: 
Here is Episode 2's SNEAK PEAK of @thehappyhourtalkshow - Whose Side Are You On? Patrick or Kendrell?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_IBn2KjP4s&feature=youtu.be (Full Episode on MAY 2nd)!
Thanks to our SUPPORTERS for SHOWING UP AND OUT on Episode ONE: https://youtu.be/yKmJVXsocUY
SHOUT OUT to DONNA BRIGGS for putting her D. BRIGGS MEDIA treatment on#TheHappyHourTalkShow PREMIERE PARTY. Watch #TheHappyHourTalkShow with#TheHappyHourGuys and our guests + more fun footage here: https://youtu.be/hhl32Yh1kHU. 
And though you can hear it LIVE on this EASTER DAY - on WOWO News or alena360.com - at 12:30pm EST, you can tune into my talk with Alena Chapman on her podcast 30 MINUTE MOMENTS by clicking here: http://serve.castfire.com/audio/federated-media/wowo/30_minute_moments_with_alena_chapman/latest.mp3. 
As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Best and LOVE!
Patrick 

1.  Alena will be in town April 29th at 7pm NYC: "How to Stay Balanced in a Busy World" + JOIN HER FOR A VIP post-event coffee: https://www.facebook.com/events/656092798158759/.  To learn more about ALENA, please visitwww.alena360.com. 
2. Spring/Summer 2019 promotion of my book "Thats What Friends Are For: On The Women Who Inspired Me" - available to pick up on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or where all books are sold.
3. Just back from Richmond, VA for a symposium and book event at Virginia Union University/BND Institute.
4. LOOKING AHEAD TO SATURDAY, MAY 4TH in DALLAS! Hope you'll grab a copy and come and let me sign at: TBAAL's Roundtable Writer's Breakfast at 10:00 AM. Tbaal Room T 314 1309 Canton St, Dallas, TX. I'll have copies on site as well - while supplies last. WILL SIGN ALL:https://www1.ticketmaster.com/roundtable-writers-breakfast-featuring-patrick-riley-dallas-texas-05-04-2019/event/0C00555CE87743AC
5. Host Committee, Live Out Loud's 18th Anniversary Gala on Tuesday, May 7th at The Lighthouse:https://www.liveoutloud.info/gala2019/ 
6. I'm hosting the 6th Annual Gala for Three and a Half Acres Yoga on Tuesday, May 7th from 7:00pm-10:00pm at Red Rooster Harlem Ginny's Supper Club:https://threeandahalfacres.org/three-and-a-half-acres-celebrate-harlem-at-red-rooster-2019/?fbclid=IwAR0FBzvhUVkIR-nLzUCUTIO6s9NE1Fd_D83JG5xk7EfZ_TK1xDhtDKIQL10
7. Join me in Cancun Memorial Day Weekend May 24-28 For more info www.LGBTMUSICFEST.COM  

 

Doctor Sister

MISS ROSS' sister Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee is SUPREME in the World of Medicine...and you are ALL INVITED TO  join me Tuesday, December 1st for a FREE PUBLIC TALK AND BOOK SIGNING with Author Crystal Emery whose crafted an initiative for us ALL to CELEBRATE and PROMOTE: It is a groundbreaking multimedia documentary project and educational initiative that celebrates the history, status and future of women of color in medicine. It designed to inspire young African American and Latino students across America to set their sights on careers in medicine and allied health fields in spite of stereotypes and obstacles. Changing the Face of Medicine follows the journey of Black women doctors from inequality to excellence. In telling the story of over 100 accomplished African American women in medicine who have achieved top positions and high honors in their fields, this initiative proves that anything is possible and shows youth a path of success in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. COME ONE COME ALL...and bring your FUTURE DOCTORS with you! IT WILL BE INSPIRING AND FUN! And I will make an appearance before I head up to Billie's Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley! WILL BE A FUN NIGHT! #missjesies #changingthefaceofmedicine #allstakaraoke #billisblack

Shenna Vaughn

ONE MORE MONTH OF TUESDAYS in DECEMBER before our SEASON 4 of BILLIE'S BLACK PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE WITH PATRICK L. RILEY wraps! NEXT WEEK, we celebrate the DECEMBER residency of contemporary artist Shenna Vaughn who I recently commissioned to do a wedding vow gift for my dearest friends, GMA Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo and her husband Tommie Porter! PLEASE coome out and support Shenna, and get in on the FUN! Reservations are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: 212.280.2248.

New York Association of Black Journalists

Last week’s All Star Karaoke had our weekly sponsor MISS JESSIE's providing an array of special MISS JESSIE'S product and T-shirts for our SPECIAL TUESDAY NIGHT GUESTS: Members of the New York Association of Black Journalists - led by my brother friend President Mike Feeney, an awesome feature writer all around New York City! IT WAS QUITE A FAMILY NIGHT: INDUSTRY FAMILY of course! Mike brought his mom REBA! Our ALL STAR KARAOKE DIVA, celebrity hairstylist Carla Bone brought her buddies AND her mom Barbara and sister Cheryl Gentry of Glow Event Planning! Was quite the PACKED HOUSE - perfect for ushering in THANKSGIVING! We also got a surprise, smart phone call from ALL STAR KARAOKE ALUM, my friend Tichina Arnold, who attended when we were at Native Restaurant. She sent co-producers Dawn M. Haynes and Musa Jackson Productions to promote her performances in Harlem during Thanksgiving weekend. ONE MORE giveaway/raffle allows ALL STAR KARAOKE sound-design diva LAURIANNE LUMBSBY to get to see "Invisible Thread", an amazing musical running in pre-views now at Second Stage Theatre (on 43rd and 8th).

Sweetie Pie

THE OTHER WEEK, WELCOME TO SWEETIE PIE’s stars Robbie Montgomery and Tim Norman stopped by – to catch us up on the cookbook! Also, their new season of their OWNTV show: http://dailycommune.com/missrobbie/. So many came out - including my friend Candi Carter, Executive Producer at "The View"! #getready #billiesblack #motownmay #allstarkaraoke#thebosschoir #GRATITUDE #steps #shaquilleoneal#stepsthemovie #billiesblack

BIRTHDAY 45

I’ll never forget BIRTHDAY 45 because I saw my FILM DEBUT for the first time! Ant, my nephew Herman L Riley III, friends Rachelle and Verizon-fios TV reporter Lyndsey Christian, and a robust crowd gathered with the cast of #STEPSTHEMOVIE by Eddie Harris to see our labor of love as it is being pitched to which platform on which the world will be able to see the wonderful film. We gathered in Jersey City (Journal Square) to screen. Afterwards, we all gathered at Porto to celebrate. They even had a cake for “Rudy” (that’s my character…and since it was my birthday and all). And the karaoke set-up at the after-spot would inspire a request for Mr. All Star Karaoke – yours truly – to sing. I did Jennifer Hudson’s “Spotlight” and Miss Ross’ “The Boss”. I’d mentioned before AMERICAN IDOL FINALIST QAASIM MIDDLETON is in it too along with his brother KHALIL MIDDLETON. AND THEY ARE WONDERFUL! And BIGGEST of THANKS to EDDIE HARRIS and PENWAH for casting me in this amazing project – Co-Executive Produced by Shaquille O' Neal! Great BIRTHDAY GIFT - TO ME! For more info, go to www.Stepsthemovie.info. Shout out to#MISSJESSIES for its donation for the screening – also allocated to benefit several homeless shelters in the area. THANKS EVERYBODY for your well wishes and for supporting LIFE OF RILEY! #GRATITUDE #steps #shaquilleoneal #stepsthemovie #billiesblack#allstarkaraoke #MISS_JESSIES #MISSJESSIESBOOK #TITIGIFT #MIKOBRANCH

MIST HARLEM

I am just overflowing with #gratitude for those who came out to celebrate my 45th birthday at MIST HARLEM:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq1uovrAx0o! We had a BLAST! The pictures show all the love and joy that was in the room --- oozing out of my favorite people in the world – including my Ant (who – with the team at MIST – showed up and showed out for my special day); childhood BFF Ernest Maynor; GMA Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo and hubby Tommie Porter; #bevelations own hostess with the most Bevy Smith; NAACP Image Award winning producer Sidra Smith; celebrity hairstylist Carla Bone; #STEPSthemovie writer and Executive Producer Eddie Harris and fellow producer Michele Baldwin; Drums Along the Hudson producer Carl Nelson; Apprentice alum Stacey J; and a host of other dear friends and a mix of my New York City industry family – all who got in on the #allstarkaraoke and the delectable cuisine that was so lovingly prepared by Celebrity Chef Carlos Brown whose “famous shrimp and grits” were THE BEST! Shout out to #MISSJESSIES for its donation to the festivities.

STREET TALK

I get to work freelance with the team at recurring client ‘Wendy’ this season on the MetroPCS Street Talk segment. Our THANKSGIVING edition airs today on ‘Wendy’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uwBc_wEzTE.

SHANICE WILLIAMS

You know I’m obsessed with ALL THINGS THE WIZ – including TODAY’S NEWS: http://www.playbill.com/news/article/diana-ross-sings-songs-from-the-wiz-released-today-373271.  ALSO STAY TUNED: I recently got to interview Shanice Williams for recurring client NBCBLK! That interview will post soon! LOVE when NBCBLK calls! We hope the cast will come and sing with us at Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley! We’re always singing songs from THE WIZ:

BRAND NEW DAY - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOKtUdgTunQ

HOME - https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley/videos/vb.662073736/10153340104878737/?type=3&theater.  And EASE ON DOWN THE ROAD - https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley/videos/vb.662073736/10153338090793737/?type=3&theater.

THANKSGIVING

FOR THANKSGIVING 2015, New York City fam Brian Henderson and his wife Nikita Stewart Henderson (New York Times) hosted a well-appointed feast – including Brian’s childhood friend Dionne Figgins – performer/choreographer supreme and Motown the Musical’s own (Dionne is one of four sisters – all of whom are professional dancers and performers). Dionne’s current beau is Tony-nominated actor Brandon Victor Dixon who made for THANKSGIVING 2015’s star sighting! Always a pleasure to see him!

TICHINA

Tichina Arnold. Gin Fizz. 11/28/15. Harlem.

THANKS Musa Jackson for the GREAT NIGHT with Tichina Arnold...and your words here: "It was an epic night! My sister from another mister producer Dawn To Dusk Haynes along with host, promoter Musa Jackson debuted the amazing multi talented actress and singer Tichina Arnold new stage show at Gin Fizz in Harlem that brought the packed SOLD OUT audience to their feet! This Queens born native graced the stage and slayed it with an effortless combination of powerful vocals, stage mastery, comedic raw wit, a tight band featuring Romell her killer guitarist. She sang through a barrel full of iconic hits that off times rivaled the originals. Entertainment Industry insiders Ty Hunter, James Germany, R& B group Allure, Mira Gandy, Tammy Ford, Patrick Riley and Anthony Harper were amongst the crowd that cheered her on an hour pass her set. Harlem born r&b legend Freddie Jackson looking fabulous was unexpectedly called onstage, getting huge applause for his mega classic You Are My Lady. But this Harlem night clearly belonged to Tichina. She announced she will be touring big cities with new show. My suggestion get your tickets early, advanced word of mouth could easily have this show sold out on arrival. ‪#‎DawnTichinaMusa ‪#‎epic ‪#‎legendary ‪#‎night ‪#‎MyUptownWorld ‪#‎UptownHarlemAmbassador"

TITI BRANCH

Share your memories of  ‪#‎TitiBranch with #MikoBranch #MissJessies on Dec 4^th… and stay tuned for a SPECIAL TRIBUTE to #TitiBranch from Billie’s Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley. ‪#‎life and ‪#‎legacy #youaremyfriend #miss_jessies #missjessiesbook #titibranch #titigift

ANGEL BALL

Shout out to Beth Rosenthal who I met through my friend, Tony-award-winning songstress LaChanze (at one of LaChanze's recent tributes to Miss Diana Ross). Beth invited me to sit at her table at The Angel Ball - benefitting such a good cause: www.gabriellesangels.org. Denise Rich is the Founder of this organization that raises funds for stem-cell and cancer research. I know and LOVE her also as an amazing songwriter (including Billy Porter's "Love is on the Way" from "First Wives Club" and Miss Ross' "Until We Meet Again"). In the house to help raise millions: Chaka Khan (who opened tonight's show with a four-song jam); Pharrell who performed his hits! Then, for a BIG SURPRISE, invited Usher on the stage to peform; Clive Davis; my girlfriend, publicist Gwendolyn Quinn; ET's correspondent Rosci; E! News Correspondent and NABJ sister friend Alicia Quarles; fellow Georgia boy (He's from Columbus, GA), Joe; Hugh Jackman (who took our picture); my falsetto muse Maxwell; BET's Debra Lee and Stephen Hill; MISS Martha Stewart; and so many more! A special shout out to my boo, Ki-Ki! LOVE U, girl! Stay encouraged, baby love!!!!

BLACK GIRLS ROCK

Recurring client BET asked me back in the building again - this time to produce some promo spots with host None for Black Girls Rock sponsor Chevrolet at the Black Girls Rock red carpet! As always, it was a pleasure! In addition to seeing and talking to honorees Patti LaBelle; Queen Latifah; my friend Mara Brock Akil; and Venus Williams. Saw many friends and fab, famous folks! Fun night! Black Girls Rock airs next Sun at 7p on BET! YOU MUST TUNE IN: Kelly Rowland, Jennifer Hudson, Janelle Monae, Ledisi, Patti LaBelle, and Alice Smith performed. The annual event promotes positive images of women of color and is hosted for 2nd year in a row by Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King, and will honor Patti Labelle (Living Legend Award), Queen Latifah (Rock Star Award), and more. Presenters included Marsha Ambrosius, Nia Long, La La Anthony, Tatyana Ali, broadcast journalist Soledad O’Brien and Black Girls Rock! founder Beverly Bond. Black Girls Rock! premiered on BET Networks this past Sunday, November 3rd at 7pm ET/PT. Always a pleasure to see Beverly and her husband. ##blackgirlsrockawards #blackgirlsrock2013

EBONY 100

Thanks to Linda Johnson Rice, Desiree Rogers, and Amy Dubois Barnett for inviting Ant and me to EBONY's POWER 100! What an awesome evening inside of which we honored the 100 most influential African Americans in the country - including Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Berry Gordy - Motown Founder and Music Impresario for whom I got the chance to work as the Opening Night host of Broadway's "Motown: The Musical": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. Shout out to Director Charles Randolph Wright for reminding Mr. Gordy. Also honored: President Barack Obama; Kerry Washington; Earvin "Magic" Johnson; Nick Cannon; and Marian Wright Edelman. The gala celebration took place in New York City at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall in the Time Warner Center. The EBONY editorial team selected the 100 most influential African Americans in the country. The 2013 Power 100 list will appear in the December/January issue of EBONY on newsstands. AND P.S. ALWAYS GOOD TO SEE MY FRIENDS! XOXOXOXOXOX

ERDA

Was happy to take my platonic boo Carl Nelson out recently! We supported an event our girl Sidra produced: the Annual Gala for the East River Development Alliance (ERDA). ERDA is a non-profit organization in New York City whose mission is to improve and transform New York City public housing neighborhoods by providing residents with the tools and opportunities necessary for self-reliance and ec...onomic mobility. The event took place at the Angel Orensanz Foundation for Contemporary Art (www.orenxanz.org). It was an impressive room – including Mayor Bloomberg (who was honored); Doug E. Fresh (accompanied by that iconic “beat box”); friend Paul Wharton; and a host of top corporate executives from JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Citibank, Sydell Group and Bain and Company just to name a few, in addition to celebrities, tastemakers, bloggers, top politicians and community leaders from around New York city. Also, several men and women who have benefitted from ERDA’s public housing programs came out to enjoy this truly distinctive cause improving public housing communities in New York City. For more information about ERDA please visit their website at http://www.erdalliance.org/site/index.php. Was happy to take my platonic boo Carl Nelson out last night! We supported an event our girl Sidra produced: the Annual Gala for the East River Development Alliance (ERDA). ERDA is a non-profit organization in New York City whose mission is to improve and transform New York City public housing neighborhoods by providing residents with the tools and opportunities necessary for self-reliance and economic mobility. The event took place at the Angel Orensanz Foundation for Contemporary Art (www.orenxanz.org). It was an impressive room – including Mayor Bloomberg (who was honored); Doug E. Fresh (accompanied by that iconic “beat box”); friend Paul Wharton; and a host of top corporate executives from JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Citibank, Sydell Group and Bain and Company just to name a few, in addition to celebrities, tastemakers, bloggers, top politicians and community leaders from around New York city. Also, several men and women who have benefitted from ERDA’s public housing programs came out to enjoy this truly distinctive cause…improving public housing communities in New York City. For more information about ERDA please visit their website at http://www.erdalliance.org/site/index.php.

RHONDA ROSS

Great times with Rhonda Ross at The Cutting Room! FOREVER… AND ALWAYS! THANKS RHONDA! Your SONG-VERSATION turns us everytime! ROSS LOVE ALWAYS! Right, fellas? LOL!

WENDY

How You Doin', Wendy Williams! Ant hooked buddy Derrick and me up with show tix today. My girls from TLC and the stars of the VH1 film were in the house! Happy Thursday!

BIG FREEDIA

Special shout out to my friend Derrick Hemphill who has been itching for me to experience BIG FREEDIA in person! Well, THE NIGHT happened recently at Brooklyn Bowl with friends Lisa, Isoul, David, Devon, and Ron in tow. The next night, Ern, Ant, cousin Shauntay, and I went. And what a great show that New Orleans hip-hop artist Big Freedia put on – twerking to boot! The rapper of the underground-music-scene kind now has a weekly Fuse show, "Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce". He's helped bring bounce music — the energetic brand of hip-hop born in New Orleans that's conducive to the mid-section, hip-shaking dance move known as twerking — to the masses. Last month, Big Freedia earned a Guinness World Records title for most people twerking simultaneously with more than 250 people in New York's Herald Square. GREAT FUN! www.fuse.tv/shows/big-freedia  

   

 

 

 

 

“Motown to Def Jam”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, Motown has been on my brain of late: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. And even more of the label’s legacy continues to sprinkle itself all over the world – from Paris where Miss Ross did a tour-de-force performance at the Louvre this week... to HARLEM where my friend Souleo for invited me to be a tour guide for his “Motown to Def Jam” Artcrawl Harlem gallery tour for African-American Music Appreciation Month. The project is a first I’ve been asked to do and the first in which four Harlem art galleries feature over 40 visual artists. Each of them created especially commissioned pieces inspired by songs from the Chess; Stax; Motown; Philadelphia International and Def Jam Records catalogs. THE BEST CONCEPT EVER, right? AND I GOT TO BE A PART OF IT! This past Saturday, ArtCrawl Harlem  presented the kickoff—a four-hour trolley bus tour to each gallery led by expert guides including media veteran Flo Anthony, historian John T. Reddick, arts renaissance man, Walter Rutledge, and me. I was most excited to pop by Harlem gallery SOL (as run by my Morehouse and Morehouse College Glee Club brother Gregory Caldwell). That space was dedicated to Def Jam Records – including work by dear friends Derek Fordjour (another Morehouse brother and my girlfriend LaChanze’s husband): http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/1/27/black-tales.html and Dianne Smith about whom I’ve written much in “…the Life of Riley…”: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/6/15/welcome-back-into-my-life-again.html. THANK YOU, SOL: https://www.facebook.com/TheSolStudio  and all of our participating galleries. The day culminated with a dinner gala at Broadway Housing Communities’ Rio Galleries featuring special performances by R&B songstress, Meli’sa Morgan, Annette Taylor 2013 winner of The Howard Stern Subway Talent Contest, bass virtuoso Lawrence Wilson... and teenage jazz sensation, Solomon Hicks paying tribute to the legendary labels through song. One of the highlights of the exhibition was the opportunity to see the visual arts debut of Aanisah Hinds, daughter of Grammy-winning singer Macy Gray who attended the event in motherly support for her baby girl. In a press piece advancing this event, Hinds notes that this project is her chance to let the world know that talent runs deep in the family beyond music. “I’ve been painting for five years now and I’m just at a point where I feel like people other than my art teachers should see my work,” says the 18-year-old emerging artist. “I mean what is art if there’s no one to see it? So Motown to Def Jam is the perfect platform for me to share my work and perspective on life. Plus this project is significant because it appreciates the history of our music.” The exhibition runs until July 26 with a series of free youth tours, gallery talks and more. PLUS, A LITTLE ON MOM MACY GRAY: She will perform at the new NYC venue SubCulture. On June 19th and 20th, she joins acclaimed jazz composer David Murray and his Infinity Quartet for “Stomping and Singin’ the Blues” – a showcase that marries blues to pop to soul to jazz. THANKS AGAIN, SOULEO whose weekly column, Harlem Arts Alliance Presents: On the “A” w/Souleo, covers the intersection of the arts, culture and entertainment scene in Harlem and beyond. Souleo is the founder and president of event/media content production company, Souleo Enterprises, LLC. THANKS SOULEO!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MORE MOTOWN THE MUSICAL

 

 

 

 

Was able to break-away from my MANY-TO-DOs recently for a FAB lunch of Virgil’s BBQ and more with Bonnie Newman Davis – my NABJ sister friend; iconic print journalist; and endowed professor of journalism at North Carolina A&T. She and her sister were in town to see Motown The Musical – so I had to stop by last night and welcome them in (along with my opening night highlight video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ). Then, got a quick visit from my former CNBC mates and friends for life.  Berlinda Garnett (now big producer at Fox’s Good Day Philadelphia) and music manager, enthusiast, and all-around great guy Miles Anthony Williams. And foot care specialist, Dr. Maasi J. Smith popped by too (http://drmaasi.com/).  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HARLEM SHAKE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The HARLEM SHAKE opening was a BLAST! PLEASE SUPPORT it! AND LIKE: https://www.facebook.com/harlemshakenyc CONGRATS to all my many HARLEM friends and associates who are responsible for uptown’s latest SPOT! AND WHAT A CROWD at its GRAND OPENING! Inside, there  is an old-school counter from which you order your comfort selects – including burgers, dogs, chicken sandwiches, etc. – all of which you can wash down with an assortment of regional sodas – like Vernor’s Ginger Ale, Mexican Coke, and Dublin Cherry Lime Soda. The milkshakes are hand-made and made with New York Organic Valley whole milk and organic Blue Marble ice cream. AND OF COURSE, there are many other sweets!

 

 

 

 

J ROME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Legendary stylist and TV personality Phillip Bloch invited us to his Manhattan apartment for a summer evening set! Great food and friends in the house – including the great PR, marketing, and management folks from the SMEG – in the house with their client J. Rome who you should recall as the winner of ABC’s hit show “Duets”. He’s ready to embark on his career: http://youtu.be/gLdZOmPJdeM. CONGRATS, J. ROME! GREAT TO MEET YOU! Wonderful set, Phillip!

 

 

 

 

CHEF KENNY’S EAT FOR LIFE! RE-IMAGE HEALTHY

 

 

 

 

Shout out to my friend Ulysses Carter and SMEG/Savvy Marketing Entertainment Group! They invited me out to Chef Kenny’s Eat for Life! Re-Imagine Healthy: An Evening of Art, Music & Food Tasting Event. Chef Kenny Minor is a graduate of the Art Institute; Kenny’s career highlights include sharpening his culinary skills under chef Daniel “Chino” Parilla of the notable Five9th restaurant in New York City. He has been featured on an episode of Chopped on the Food Network and catered many private events for top celebrity clientele. He has an upcoming feature on the Bravo network channel this fall. Kenny’s food styling has been featured in Hampton Magazine “Restaurants”. Chef Kenny’s accomplishments reflect his passion and dedication to the culinary craft. Cooking has become the launching pad for Chef Kenny's message of good health and Eating for life! THE BACKDROP: La Maison D’ Art Gallery AT 259 West 132nd Street near Frederick Douglass Blvd (8th Ave). We all experienced traditional southern cuisine with ingredients remixed and re-imagined through the tasty and healthy techniques of Chef Kenny.

 

 

 

 

PAUL WHARTON

 

 

 

 

While wrapping up my day on a special project with recurring client BET, I got a call from Paul Wharton – inviting me over to his new Manhattan apartment for a quick cocktail with a few of his friends. After wrapping his turn in BRAVO’s “Real Housewives of DC”, Paul Wharton is now still representing on many levels: DC50 show “Paul Wharton Style” primary among them. Next up: a skin-care line; lifestyle-guru books; TV production work; and more! WELCOME TO NYC, PAUL! http://paulwhartonstyle.com/

 

 

 

 

20 FEET FROM STARDOM

 

 

 

 

‘20 Feet From Stardom’ is a new documentary that explores the good, bad, and ugly of being a background singer. The wonderfully-curated selection of background singers includes Darlene Love, Lisa Fisher, Tata Vega, Patti Austin, and wonderful nods to perhaps the most famous background singers, Florence Ballard of The Supremes; Luther Vandross; Cissy Houston; Sheryl Crow; and a host of others who are UNSUNG but have been SINGING for a long time. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: http://twentyfeetfromstardom.com/.

 

 

 

 

YOU ARE NOT ALONE (AGAIN)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to my friend Terrie M. Williams (Founder/President of the Terrie Williams Agency & author of "Black Pain: It Just Looks like we’re not Hurting” and more)!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She invited an impressive group and me out to the Arthur Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in HARLEM to see YOU ARE NOT ALONE and then to comment on a panel, which also included:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lee Daniels Academy Award nominated film director for the movie Precious & The Butler); Antoine Craigwell (journalist and producer of You Are Not Alone); Nathan Hale Williams (film and television producer, and entertainment attorney); and Tanya Odums (Assistant Principal).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The documentary explores Black gay men dealing with depression. It is a combination of powerful, heart-wrenching, and poignant as it marries professional opinions provided by mental health professionals, academics, and religious leaders (Christian and Islam) to beautifully-woven docu-dramatized iconography (as directed pointedly by Stanley Bennett Clay).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’d seen the film a few months ago on an invitation from my BFF Sidra Smith (Producer, Free Angela – Shola Lynch documentary on Angela Davis). She and our mutual friend Stanley gathered a group at Sidra’s Harlem pad. Though Stanley could not be in attendance last night, I must say he is the Writer & Director of YOU ARE NOT ALONE. This, as he is directing the play B-Boy Blues which is launching in DC June 26th. Stanley is my hero (as actor and author), but he too has been a renowned film director since the late nineties, beginning with his feature "Ritual" which won the Jury Award at the 2000 Pan African Film Festival.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With regards to "You Are Not Alone," he directed and put together a beautiful film – including the dramatic scenes; the interviews; the music; the editing; casting and working with the actors; cinematography; etc--and let me tell you: He made one cohesive and IMPORTANT film. Was great to SHOUT STANLEY OUT accordingly last night! Worth also noting that “YOU ARE NOT ALONE” is the brainchild of Guyanese-born, double NYABJ-Award-winner/journalist/national gay mental health activist Antoine B. Craigwell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THANKS TO TERRIE WILLIAMS and Ryan for inviting me out to be a panelist for "TERRIE WILLIAMS Presents: You Are Not Alone". GREAT NIGHT! Black gay men dealing with depression should know, like all of us, we are nothing without our emotional and mental health. Declaring who we are is healthy—not doing so is a very painful experience, and no one should ever have to live this way. Thank you so much for your support of this important film.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RENAISSANCE BRUNCH FOR PRIDE

 

 

 

 

    THANKS to those of you who have been popping by some of the things that LIFE OF RILEY is posting and sharing for your ENTERTAINMENT and AMUSEMENT - especially the folks in NEW YORK CITY! Well, if you know how LIFE OF RILEY rolls around this time, you know that PRIDE is involved! To kick off PRIDE WEEK, I'll be supporting my friends Artie Thompson, Nathan Hale Williams, and their special guest host/BFF Sidra Smith (Producer, Free Angela & All Political Prisoners) at The Hudson Bond for the 2nd installment of The Renaissance Brunch Series! I told you how much of a blast it was the last time with MISS Bevy Smith as guest host ( BRAVO, Fashion Queens & 'Dinner with Bevy'). This Pride Week Kick-Off Event takes place this SATURDAY, JUNE 22nd from 1p-4p at The Hudson Bond - 215 West 40th Street @ 7th Avenue - 212-719-1200. TO MY PEEPS (and you know who you are), COME ON OUT!: http://renaissancebrunch622.eventbrite.com/.

1pm - Cocktail Hour (by ALCARAN TEQUILA)

2pm - Brunch Served (Promptly)

HERE'S THE MENU:

Corn Bread

Scrambled Eggs

Sausage Links

... Cheddar Jalapeno Grits

Home Fries

Shrimp w/ Spicy Cajun Gravy

Seafood cake w/ side of Hollandaise Sauce

Grilled Chicken and vegetables w/ Chicken Gravy

Caesar Salad


Cocktails following Brunch

GET TICKETS HERE: http://renaissancebrunch622.eventbrite.com/


OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:

* Business Cards 2 Win Giveaways

* FEATURING:

Album Listening Party & Signing for

Gordon Chambers'

Latest CD

SINCERE

www.gordonchambers.com

* Music by DJ Poison Ivy



$45 - (Before 6/20)

$55 - (Before 6/22)



http://renaissancebrunch622.eventbrite.com/ 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SYLVESTER PRIDE

 

 

 

 

You folks know that Sylvester is a muse for me! In all of his UNSUNG, sang-that-falsetto FABULOUSNESS, I continue to be moved by the disco ‘queen’s legacy! Broadway’s own Anthony Wayne brings YOU MAKE ME FEEL MIGHTY REAL: A SYLVESTER CONCERT next Sunday, June 30, 2013 at (le) poisson rouge: 158 Bleecker Street (www.FABULOUSSYLVESTER.com). Here’s a clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V_Ri7a0CyQ. Last night, after a stretch of day (including a really sad celebration of a 22-year-old Yonkers’ woman’s life – RIP Paige and WE LOVE YOU, CYNTHIA), my AMAZING GRACE, Nichole Andrews, Ant, and I popped by our watering hold NATIVE for a bite and some bubbly. I was EXCITED to run into Pippin’s Anthony Wayne and his partner Kendrall Bowman – both of whom invited me to the much-buzzed-about YOU MAKE ME FEEL MIGHTY REAL: A Sylvester Concert. READ MORE ABOUT THEM HERE: http://broadwayblack.com/anthony-wayne-kendrell-bowman-you-make-me-feel-mighty-real/. Kendrall is the Creative Director/Costume Designer for the show – presenting under the name AnthonyKen LLC. Kendrall is a celebrity stylist – clients including recording artists K. Michelle; Kanye West; David Banner; Lauriana Mae; etc. The show also features Broadway’s Anastacia McCleskey (PRISCILLA; Hair) and Jacqueline B. Arnold (PRISCILLA) as The Two Tons of Fun/Weather Girls. Backed by the Sylvester Singers (Antoine L. Smith (MEMPHIS) / Rashidra Scott (Sister Act; Avenue Q.)) and a FULL LIVE Band led by Drummer Jason Patterson, this show I’m told is GUARANTEED to have you dancing in the aisles. I’m otherwise booked next Sunday, but MUST find some way to make it work as I’m SO HAPPY it is back (MANY FRIENDS have been telling me it is a MUST SHEE SHOW)! CONGRATS, GUYS! RIP SYLVESTER! WE SPEAK YOUR NAME, OH LEGENDARY ONE! Why don’t y’all come as well? NEW YORK CITY TICKET LINKS - 7PM SHOW: http://www.lepoissonrouge.com/lpr_events/fabulous-one-more-time-a-sylvester-concert-starring-anthony-wayne-june-30th-2013/ AND 10PM SHOW: http://www.lepoissonrouge.com/lpr_events/fabulous-one-more-time-a-sylvester-concert-starring-anthony-wayne-june-30th-2013-late-show/. LIVE EXCLUSIVE PROMO VIDEO LINK from Prior Le Poisson Rouge NYC Concert: http://youtu.be/9V_Ri7a0CyQ. The “MAKING OF” VIDEO LINK: http://youtu.be/q4nM3aG5rWw. Audio Clips: CLIP #1: http://snd.sc/TDkrRD AND CLIP #2: http://snd.sc/PXsbsC. FOR MORE INFO: www.fabuloussylvester.com. PHOTO INFORMATION:
Photography: Nathan Johnson Photography; Hair: Izzy Decauwert; Costume Designer: Kendrell Bowman.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL IS OPEN!

UPDATE: The video I host on Motown: The Musical's Opening Night Celebration is edited and here. Please feel free to VIEW/FWD/SHARE...and - most of all - to come and see MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL on BROADWAY):

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ

 

 After I did my “Blacks and Broadway” segment on COZI-TV (http://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Pop-Culture-Expert-Patrick-Riley-on-Black-Broadway_New-York.html), the “Motown: The Musical” ad folks hired me as its host for the show's OPENING NIGHT CELEBRATION – including interviewing all the guests as they walked the red carpet! Stay tuned for that clip...  

You see me interviewing my life-time idol Diana Ross and Motown Founder Berry Gordy along with many other greats!!!

The client also serviced my interviews to REUTERS and others.

SEE MISS Diana Ross; Berry Gordy; and a little of me (along with reax from Jane Fonda) also here in this piece: http://www.reuters.com/video/2013/04/16/motown-memorialized-in-new-musical?videoId=242278913&videoChannel=3.

And in this BROADWAY CHANNEL clip, you'll see glimpses of my footage and me as I interview the great Debbie Allen, Cuba Gooding Jr., Vanessa Williams, Sting, his wife Trudie Styler, and more excerpts from my Ross and Gordy chat (not all of the soundbites are mine as Broadway Channel had someone on-site as well): http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=An_r_D2HM5Q. WHAT A MAGICAL NIGHT! 45^th Street shook like an earthquake when Miss Ross arrived in the same limo as Mr. Gordy for the highly

anticipated world premiere at The Lunt Fontanne Theatre, followed by party at Roseland Ballroom.

I reminded Miss Ross and Mr. Gordy that Motown nor Diana were strangers to Broadway (1. Diana Ross & The Supremes and The Temptations' follow-up TV special to their debut TCB was GIT: Getting It Together on Broadway;

2. "Pippin'" with Tony-award-winning Ben Vereen was a Motown soundtrack and Diana and the Jackson 5 both covered the show's hit track "Corner of the Sky";

3. Miss Ross won a Tony for her Broadway-staged one-woman show which broke box office records: "An Evening with Diana Ross").

Diana said to Berry: "He has a great memory! Always!" (Miss Ross referencing my memory of steel on all things Ross & Motown from a three-day set of interviews I got to do with her in 2005 at the "Legends" ball + she's called me on the stage to dance on "Upside Down" a couple of times over the years, too).

Worth also noting that Miss Ross, her original supreme mate Mary Wilson, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, and many of the other Motown LEGENDS joined the cast on stage at the end --- embracing and celebrating the performers who were playing them (I also interviewed them all on the red carpet).

SOMEDAY WE’LL BE TOGETHER, INDEED!

These pictures and video were taken by my friend Brandon Bain – singer/personality/karaoke host – who got to sing with ‘Diana Ross’ [Valisia Lekae (formerly of “The Book of Mormon”)] on “Reach Out & Touch (Somebody’s Hand)” – preview night one. He too attended the opening night after party.

While I was on duty, he shot some of this behind-the-scenes footage of MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL’s after party

(including the great still shot of Diana, Berry, and Mary (and Jesse Jackson)! INDEED, Miss Ross and Mary Wilson BACK TOGETHER AGAIN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lYDMm04esk);

Afterwards, Miss Ross - as promised (with Berry Gordy still in tow) – came to talk to me again.

She exclaimed she LOVED Valisia in the leading role of Diana Ross ("I'm CUTE," Miss Ross shared before giggling, sharp contrast to the many tears of joy and nostalgia she'd expressed from her seat during the show).

She too said that Berry Gordy is a 'great storyteller'!!! MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL features music and lyrics from the legendary Motown catalogue and a book by Berry Gordy. It is directed by Charles Randolph-Wright stars - in addition to 'Diana Ross' - Tony Award® nominee Brandon Victor Dixon (The Color Purple) and and features Charl Brown (Jersey Boys) as Smokey Robinson, Bryan Terrell Clark as Marvin Gaye and an ensemble cast of 40. I spoke to many of them. Others in the house - many of whom I too spoke: THE COMMODORES, BONO, GAYLE KING, STING, JANE FONDA, JULIE CHEN from "The Talk"; LES MOONVES;

CLIVE DAVIS, LA REID, JIMMY IOVINE, VALERIE SIMPSON, SPIKE LEE, JESSE JACKSON, ANTHONY MASON, VANESSA WILLIAMS, CUBA GOODING JR., JUDY CRAYMER, SUZANNE DEPASSE, KATHIE LEE GIFFORD, HODA KOTB, ANDY COHEN, BRUCE RESNIKOFF, BENNY MEDINA, DAVID GEFFEN, TOMMY MOTTOLA, LMFAO's RED FOO, CLAUDETTE ROBINSON, CINDY ADAMS, STAR JONES, BARRY MANILOW, MELBA MOORE, ROSANNA ARQUETTE,

DEBBIE ALLEN, TRACEE ELLIS ROSS,

MARY HART, BOB MARTIN, GEORGE SCHLATTER, SHELLY BERGER, MICKEY STEVENSON, RHONDA ROSS, COURTNEY B. VANCE,LAMONT DOZIER, EDWARD HOLLAND JR., MICKEY STEVENSON, Songwriting team KENNETH GAMBLE & LEON HUFF, EPIC Records recording artist JADA GRACE, WOLFGANG PUCK, LUCIAN GRAINGE, Congresswoman MAXINE WATERS, EVANDER HOLYFIELD, PRODUCERS KEVIN MCCOLLUM, DOUG MORRIS,NORM LEWIS, BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL,

NONA HENDRYX, etc.

MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL is the real story of the one-of-a-kind sound that hit the airwaves in 1959 and changed our culture forever.

This exhilarating show charts Motown Founder Berry Gordy's incredible journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross,

Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, and many more.

Featuring all the classics you love, MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL tells the story behind the hits as Diana, Smokey, Berry and the whole Motown family fight against the odds to create the soundtrack of change in America.

The music that shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat finally comes to Broadway in the season's most anticipated show.

It's playing at The Lunt Fontanne Theatre - 205 West 46th Street (Btwn Broadway & 8th Ave - North sid Roseland Ballroom 239 West 52nd Street (Between Broadway & 8th Avenue). www.motownthemusical.com. Special shout out to Marcia Pendelton, Marketing Outreach for the Motown: The Muiscal. She was THE key player in ensuring I was a part of this historic night!

THANKS MARCIA! ENDLESS LOVE TO MOTOWN, MR. GORDY, AND DIANA ROSS!

LA CHANZE’S DIANA ROSS HANGOVER

Motown and Diana Ross' collective and respective LEGACIES LIVE alongside their LIVING FABULOUSNESS (a la Broadways’s ‘Motown: The Musical’ and Miss Ross' still-busy-and-impressive itinerary (She hosted 'Christmas in Washington' for The Obamas this past December: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIb3eDIOrMY - cast in tow from injury sustained at a reported $1,000,000 one-nighter to serenade supermodel Naomi Campbell's billionaire boyfriend's birthday party in India): My friend, TONY AWARD WINNING STAR OF 'THE COLOR PURPLE' AND "RAGTIME' LACHANZE's three-date, one-woman-show LOVE HANGOVER, which runs again Thursday, April 18 & Monday, April 22: www.54Below.com. LaChanze presented "Love Hangover" - her mostly re-conceived arrangements of Miss Ross' repertoire (or as she put it "...the soundtrack of my life..."). In attendance, a room full of LaChanze's friends and fans - many our own: our friend, Director Ken Roberson (GREAT JOB!), jazz singer Greg Generet (who performs three sets every Thursday in NYC at SMOKE);   one of my favorite actresses on TV, film, stage, daytime, nighttime, Broadway, off-Broadway, cabaret: Tamara Tunie; Broadway's best Norm Lewis (also in 'Scandal'); all my other favorites: siblings Sapp (and Bree); Rita Wilson (singer, actress, film/TV producer; and wife of Tom Hanks) who was performing a later set at the same venue [I got the chance to shoot a pic with her outside the preview press event 54 Below hosted with LaChanze, Wilson, and some of the other stars performing there in the next month.]; film/TV producer Angelique Francis; my homeboy, Richmond Hill's own Algernon Campbell: dancer (and dance instructor) EXTRAORDINNAIRE: and many more!!!

 Set list: starting from back of the house onto the stage:

Love Hangover

 Them There Eyes (from "Lady Sings the Blues")

 Touch Me in the Morning

 Last Time I Saw Him

 Good Morning Heartache (from "Lady...Blues")

 You Can't Hurry Love

 I Hear A Symphony

 Baby Love

 Reach Out & Touch prelude (featuring LaChanze's first leading man Jerry Dixon - "Once on this Island")

 You're All I Need To Get By (w/Jerry)

 Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing (w/Jerry)

 You Keep Me Hangin' On w/hints of Sting's "If You Love Somebody, Set Them Free" w/two gentlemen background singers

Be A Lion (from 'The Wiz')

 I'm Coming Out (w/two gentlemen background singers)

 Ain't No Mountain High Enough

 The Boss (encore)

BRILLIANT SET!

WATCHING IDOL WITH PEPA

Then, my friend Jamar Dunn asked Ant and me to pop by his place for an. 'American Idol' screening party with a fun group including the legendary Pepa of 'Salt & Pepa' fame; her hairdresser Troy Turner (Also Lil' Kim's hair stylist); another celebrity hairstylist Octavio (Mary, Mary; Serena Williams; and more); and a host of others. A-I-wise, we're all Team Candice!!!! But we are also Team Pepa! She engaged us so about the history of hip hop and her place in the landscape. And though I've enjoyed several moments in which I was an audience with Pepa, none quite this intimate and open - Pep and I even uncovering we share an astrological sign in common: Scorpio! What a pop cultural blessing! #moreloot

 BET UP FRONT 2013

What a week! "Motown: The Musical" on Broadway was a blast on Sunday. But Monday had me dotting Is and crossing Ts to ready the video for BET's Up Front, a project on which I have been working with recurring client BET Creative Services for the last few months. Always nice to see my labor of love on an EPIC screen in the front of Jazz at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall where BET pulled out... all the stops in addition to the video programming sizzles I had a hand in producing: performances by Chaka Khan ("Tell Me Something Good" for CENTRIC section); Kierra Sheard and brother John Drew Sheard II (who performed a Gospel tribute to Boston); also, appearances by Boris Kodjoe; Kevin Hart; Nelly; Selita Ebanks; and others from "Real Husbands of Hollywood"; Chris Tucker (just-announced host of the BET Awards which go down during the unprecedented BET Experience at LA LIVE, a three-day music-and-more festival at the end of June); Comedians Sommore and Tony Rock; star of BET's 1st Original Movie & 1st weekly, one-hour drama "Being Mary Jane", Gabrielle Union; Boris' beautiful wife, actress Nicole Ari Parker; legendary Gladys Knight; and a performance by Miguel. Several mingled and posed for pix with the many advertising folks in the audience - there to determine if they will buy into BET. From the feedback and various ovations, it looks good. Great to work with such an AWESOME TEAM at BET. Happy my nephew Herman L. Riley III was in attendance and I got to hang out with him a little - a rare treat.

DIVORCE COUNSELOR

So happy to attend the New York City PREMIERE of SEEIt Film THE DIVORCE COUNSELOR – written, produced, and directed by my friend and often-fellow-collaborator (at recurring client BET): THEMBISA S. MSHAKA. It took place recently at the New York Film Academy. And now you can get in on the session: THE DIVORCE COUNSELOR can be seen on-line --- EXCLUSIVELY on WWW.FREESWORLD.COM (FREE hosted the festivities!). Please feel free to REFER “The Divorce Counselor”. CONGRATS, THEMBISA! BEAUTIFUL NIGHT! Shout out to Chasity, Loren, Kris, Deangelo, Rachel, et al. #TheDivorceCounselor

DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM

You know I love the Dance Theatre of Harlem! You may recall I recently attended DTH's Vision Gala as a guest of friends Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil who weren't able to attend (Vanessa Williams - now in Broadway's "The Trip To Bountiful" - was honored): http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/3/7/mercury-in-retrograde.html.  You may also recall I hosted DTH's Annual Street Fair in Harlem a few years ago: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/8/15/masters-mentors.html. Recently, many of us gathered to see the DTH Company at Jazz at Lincoln Center - a beautiful series of performance in the Rose Theater.In the house: SO MANY FRIENDS - including my 'Amazing Grace' Nichole; friend (and producer of "Drums Along The Hudson") Carl Nelson; BFF Sidra Smith (Producer, "Free Angela" documentary); Stacie J ('Apprentice' star - Season 2); Ed Roebuck (clients including Diana Ross, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Nancy Wilson); Miss Dawn Riley (performer as well as TV production credits that include "Third Watch" and "Lipstick Jungle" among many others); and my SURPRISE BLAST FROM THE PAST (who happened to be seated next to me): CNBC Business News talent Sharon Epperson, my former co-worker (I worked at CNBC with Geraldo Rivera in the mid-'90s) and forever NABJ sister!! It was her birthday but the treat was all mine to chat she and her sister up during scene pauses and intermissions. And to those I'm not listing due to space, GREAT TO SEE YOU AS WELL and as ALWAYS! http://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/company/ny-season Center Charge: 212.721.6500 www.JALC.org. Afterwards, we grabbed a bite in the area (Rosa Mexicana) before turning in. FUN FRIDAY!!!

DEBORAH COX IN “JEKYLL & HYDE”

Date DAY & NIGHT: Ant & I got a quality-time Saturday in, compliments of friend, publicist Gwendolyn Quinn. We saw one of my TOTAL FAVs, GRAMMY® nominated recording artist Deborah Cox (as Lucy) in JEKYLL & HYDE THE MUSICAL alongside another American Idol FAV, Constantine Maroulis (Dr. Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde). Deborah's return to Broadway is a 13-week limited engagement at Broadway's Marquis Theatre in New York City. It's a great show-Deborah is AMAZING!!! The review I text some close friends: "Deborah Cox (AND Constantine) are singing for the gODZ in "Jekyll & Hyde" on Broadway! Sexy! Sultry! Beautiful, BELTING & nuanced vocals!!!" JEKYLL & HYDE is based on the acclaimed novella The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, about a London doctor who accidentally unleashes an evil alternate personality in his quest to cure his father's mental illness.

HUMAN SPIRIT AWARDS

On June 4, 2013, Brooklyn Community Services will host its annual BCS Human Spirit Awards at the Grand Hyatt-Manhattan Ballroom. I’ve been asked to join its host committee and to invite as many of you to get in on this wonderful cause as possible. This year BCS will honor two cultural leaders who call Brooklyn their home. My friend, National image activist, Michaela angela Davis, and award-winning artist, Danny Simmons, will join other honorees in a ceremony that celebrates individuals who through their vision, leadership, service and generosity have built a lasting impression on both culture and community. The Human Spirit Awards is the annual fundraising dinner for BCS that highlights individuals, groups and programs that have made lifting up the lives of Brooklynites their call to action.  Last year's gala raised $500,000 and provided vital resources to support BCS's mission to strengthen families, help children and youth reach their full potential, and support adults in leading productive, fulfilling lives.  Proceeds from this year's online and silent auction will support efforts to provide continued relief to victims of Hurricane Sandy in Coney Island. This year's gala is already shaping up as a Who's Who of local and national notables, including international DJ and Black Girls Rock Founder and Executive Director, Beverly Bond, who will present the award to Ms. Davis.  Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz, who has long been a strong supporter of BCS, will present the award to Danny Simmons.  Other confirmed guests to date include:  filmmaker and hip hop journalist, dream hampton; writer, musician and producer, Greg Tate; R&B recording artist and model, Maiysha Kai and playwright, radio host and political commentator, Esther Armah. I just recently had a chance to work with Michaela angela Davis on one of my last freelance projects (the aforementioned BET Up Front 2013). She has already made an indelible mark on culture, style and image activism.  As the former fashion, beauty, and culture executive editor for Essence magazine and founding fashion director of Vibe, Ms. Davis helped expand the narrow narratives of what is considered beautiful for millions of readers.  As a leading image/style maven, she has worked with the likes of Oprah, Beyoncé, and Prince.  Currently she leads MAD Free, a multi-platform, multi-generational critical community conversation project focusing on image. Danny Simmons has been a leading figure in the New York art scene for over 30 years.  Danny is a noted abstract expressionist painter and the older brother of hip hop impresario Russell Simmons and rapper Joseph Simmons ("Reverend Run" of Run–D.M.C.).  He is the co-founder and Chairman of Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation (since 1995), which provides disadvantaged urban youth with arts access and education.   As a former social worker, Danny understands the impact early intervention can have on a child's life, believing that arts and creativity are a way out of a particular circumstance through the power of imagination. Through their courage, determination and creative drive, Ms. Davis and Mr. Simmons have inspired and uplifted the many young people, struggling families and adults with challenges, who are served by BCS. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW YOU CAN BUY TICKETS FOR THIS AWESOME GALA OR MAKE A DONATION: Click on http://www.wearebcs.org/.

KENYA MOORE

Though the night got a little long in the tooth, glad we got to support our friend Nathan Hale Williams’ Ocean Thursdays party at Splash recently! Special guest Kenya Moore performed “Gone With The Wind” fabulous! and was most gracious to show the kids how to pose – on stage and at the step & repeat. Was also EXTRA special to see some dear friends – including face-beater-par-excellence (makeup artist to the stars) Sam Fine; Editor-in-Chief at Uptown Magazine, Isoul Harris (my Morehouse brother whose book “NICKI MINAJ: HIP POP MOMENTS 4 LIFE” just came out this week) ------ ALL OF THIS after enjoying a nice family meal with my nephew and his mom (visiting from our hometown Savannah) at Billie’s Black. #GoneWithTheWindFabulous!!!!