A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

CLICK HERE TO GET TICKETS: http://bit.ly/njpacLOR           

FRED HAMMOND

I love me some FRED HAMMOND! And guess what? HE IS IN TOWN THIS WEEK…as in THIS FRIDAY (12-21-12) at NJPAC! For tickets and more information, please click here: http://bit.ly/njpacLOR.  And tell them “…LIFE OF RILEY…” sent you!

Meanwhile, this WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR has us quite socially busy:

HOLIDAY PARTIES

Got to enjoy bowling and all of the deep-fried accoutrements at a holiday party – hosted by my recurring client BET Creative Services. GREAT TIME! Went to many holiday parties – including one hosted by one of my HARPO BFFs Ray Dotch – now a New Yorker! WELCOME, RAY! From there, Ant’s Denver peeps called us to Williamsburgh, Brooklyn for cocktails and dancing – holiday style! Great to see Manivone, Vilay, Dustin, and Paul. And the Claytons were in the house: Taha, Mustafa, and their sister Sameeya. WONDERFUL NIGHT! Another busy night had us toasting  two friends John Castro and Merrell Hollis for their birthdays (Harlem pad and Club 7/Mission respectively)! Also, got to squeeze in some BBQ-time with buddy Tony – in town from L.A. Lemuel Adams and my Carl Nelson were also in the mix. But the cream of the party crop was Mara Schiavocampo and Tommie Porter’s NINA who turns ONE.          Of course, Ant and I couldn't miss it! NINA insisted we be there! As we all gathered to celebrate her, we also got a toast in for Nina’s mom, NBC News correspondent/now-named anchor of the early-morning NBC program 'Early Today,' which airs at 4 AM ET and MSNBC's early news show 'First Look,' which airs at 5 AM ET. This, plus she will continue in her role as a correspondent, contributing to all of the NBC News platforms and programs. CONGRATS, NINA'S MOM!).

FRIENDS

On the evening of Nina’s bash, we made our way to 230 Fifth Ave to celebrate the life of our dear friend, Ross Burton. Gone too soon, but what a WONDERFUL LIFE! He touched many lives…and it was GREAT for all of us who knew him to get together – in fellowship and comfort during a difficult time.

KIMBERLA LAWSON ROBY

My publicist friend Shandra Hill Smith reached out recently regarding NAACP Award Nominee and New York Times bestselling author Kimberla Lawson Roby (www.kimroby.com). Her newest work, “THE PERFECT MARRIAGE”, Roby’s 18th title, releases on Tuesday, January 8, 2013. The Illinois native/resident is a nominee in the Outstanding Literary Work of Fiction category for the 44th Annual NAACP Image Awards (February 1, 2013). Starting with THE PERFECT MARRIAGE, Roby will have three titles published in 2013 by Grand Central Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Group. It’s a topic that grabs headlines on an almost daily basis — prescription drug abuse— the nation’s fastest-growing drug problem, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy. In THE PERFECT MARRIAGE, she weaves a tale of a husband and wife — both functioning addicts balancing family and career — and their 12-year-old daughter caught in the middle. With more than two million copies in print, and known for tackling real-life social issues such as corruption within the church, sexual abuse, gambling addiction, domestic violence and racial and gender discrimination in the workplace, Roby was moved to bring attention to the issues of drug abuse and addicts who manage to mask their addictions. Again, THE PERFECT MARRIAGE releases on January 8, 2013. Roby also appears in the January 2013 issue of ESSENCE magazine and recently was featured in USA Today: http://books.usatoday.com/happyeverafter/post/2012-09-02/recommended-last-bride-in-ballymuir-the-booby-trap/837287/1.

BUT ONE MORE TIME TO MY GOSPEL LOVERS OUT THERE: FRED HAMMOND IS IN TOWN THIS WEEK…as in THIS FRIDAY (12-21-12) at NJPAC! For tickets and more information, please click here: http://bit.ly/njpacLOR.  And tell them “…LIFE OF RILEY…” sent you!

FRIENDS OF HARLEM HOSPITAL

On a referral from my BFF Sidra Smith, I was invited to host The Friends of Harlem Hospital Center’s Holiday Party (www.nychhc.org). It took place at Londel’s Restaurant in Harlem (www.londelsrestaurant.com/).  The Friends of Harlem Hospital Center was founded in 1987 on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of Harlem Hospital Center to engage in and support activities that promote the work of the Hospital. TOTAL HONOR to be a part of a LOVE MOVEMENT which honored the iconic John M. Palmer, Ph.D, President of John Palmer Associates, Inc., a consulting company. His commitment to Harlem and the Harlem Hospital Center for which he worked - over 12 years - as the Executive Director (impact - among many things - including taking the lead on preserving and reviving the institution's beautiful murals of old into murals of new that can now be seen at the hospital). Since 2000, the Friends of Harlem Hospital Center has dispersed grants of over $1.3 million dollars; in 2008-2009 they donated $224,146 in grants to various departments and programs, and, in 2006 they donated $100,000 to Harlem Hospital Center’s Capital Campaign Modernization Project. The Friends of Harlem Hospital Center are committed to assist Hospital initiatives that are not funded by NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation. For more information about the Friends of Harlem Hospital Center call the Development office at (212) 939-1390.

MOHEGAN SUN

Ant & I got the chance to celebrate our 7th anniversary with a complimentary, two-night, three-day stay at Mohegan Sun (http://www.mohegansun.com/) in Connecticut. We had a blast! The 34-story hotel overlooks the Thames River - making for beautiful New England views and vistas. We got to dine at Bobby Flay's Bar Americain - a meal of filet mignon, shrimp & grits, deviled eggs...and lots of champagne! And ...when not dining 5-star, Johnny Rockets provided lots of comfort food - from its chili dogs to the chocolate malt. We danced a bit at Club Vista and -- of course -- we enjoyed the slots and proved WINNERS - especially on the Michael Jackson machine! SO MUCH FUN! We didn't get any spa treatments this time, but plan to return - perhaps for Ant's BDAY weekend in April. But the whole experience was a spa treatment for us - relaxing, fun, and romantic. Casino culture is unique. I enjoy popping in from time to time to experience it. Quite a re-nourishing getaway.

WICKED WILLY’S

Upon our return from the Mohegan Sun, we did a night-cap at Wicked Willy's (in the Village - next to Bitter End where I have performed a time or few in the '90s - primarily as host (and singer) for an event that was the brainchild of the brilliant Doreen Oliver: "Frustrated Artists in Corporate America" - a showcase featuring a host of 9-to-5er professionals - performing their sidelight i.e. singing, poetry, etc. What a FUN experience! ANYBODY REMEMBER THAT? But I digress, the Wicked Willy invite came from our girlfriends Ashlei and Natasha. My Carl Nelson joined us. It was karaoke night - so with what voice I had left from the 2nd-hand smoke in those CT casinos (It's still legal there to smoke inside! YUK!), I performed a - WHEW!-I-got-through-it version of "Reasons" by Earth, Wind, & Fire - one of my favorites to hear and perform.

THE LOUD 100

Shout out to my friend Stanley Bennett Clay, Contributing Editor for DBQ Magazine (as in David Bridgeforth – Editor and Publisher). I’ve just been informed that I have been named to “The Loud 100 LGBT People of Color” list, according to DBQ magazine. I’m told a hard copy of the magazine is on its way. I look forward to seeing the entire list of company of which I’m proud to be a part! Thanks GUYS! http://dbqmag.com/

LEWIS JOHNSON

Shout out to my friend Kelly J. Welborn whose idreamSpeakers, LLC is making a big difference already as the firm just launched (TWITTER: @idreamspeakers.com). Kelly’s client, seven-time NBC Olympic Commentator and ESPN reporter Lewis Johnson is hosting his World-Class Coat Drive benefiting the New York Cares 24th Annual Coat Drive and the Boys and Girls Clubs in the NY/NJ Metropolitan area (Twitter: @LewisJohnsonMG). Lewis was in New York to cover the ING NYC Marathon for ESPN in the days after Hurricane Sandy impacted the Northeast. Lewis has organized this coat drive to help families still recovering from the storm as well as those preparing for the Winter weather during this Holiday Season. He is inviting Olympic champions, world-class athletes, broadcast colleagues, corporations, and community friends to join him on Saturday, December 15, 2012 to kick-off his World-Class Coat Drive by collecting new or clean gently used winter coats, jackets, scarves, hats and gloves to donate to those impacted by Hurricane Sandy. The kick-off event plus a FREE Kids Holiday Village will be held at A Touch of Paris Art Gallery, owned by his wife, Dominique Galleron, located in historic downtown Grapevine, TX. From Saturday, December 15 - Saturday, December 29, other drop-off locations include Trinity Chiropractic Clinic in Carrollton, TX, Golden Corral in Keller, TX, The Arbors of Central Park in Bedford, TX and more locations to be announced. For more information, keep up with both entities on TWITTER.

VALIANT HORIZON

My Savannah homeboy Terry Sartor has started his own music label and production with a focus on dance music. It's called Valiant Horizon: http://www.facebook.com/valianthorizon. He is the first artist to release a single on it. It's a progressive house track called “Industry” with a number of remixes in the progressive house and techno spaces. Also, he now has another artist slated to release a single. His name is Lorchee (also known as David El). Lorchee is a music producer and DJ out of Poland. His music styles are house, techno and trance. Put your dance shoes on (or take them off) and enjoy! CONGRATS, TERRY (www.soundcloud.com/terrysartor)!

NAACP IMAGE AWARDS

Four of the five nominees in the category of the NAACP Image Award’s BEST TALK category have one degree of separation with me as they are all recurring clients! CONGRATS to : "Don't Sleep!" (BET); "Oprah's Lifeclass" (OWN); "Oprah's Next Chapter" (OWN); and "The View" (ABC).  I made recent impressions - on-cam and/or behind-the-scenes - on all of them this last year and change. My recent appearance on BET’s Don't Sleep, with T. J. Holmes for its POST-ELECTION DAY SHOW with Rapper The Game and MSNBC’s Toure: Here’s a clip: http://www.bet.com/video/dont-sleep/highlights/2012/sleep-talkers-don-t-sleep-121-12021.html. Also, I was interviewed back-stage before the show: http://bet.us/TuU3Eb.

MISS ROSS, THE OBAMAS, & CHRISTMAS

My Miss Ross overcame the challenge of a broken ankle to perform in excellence (with choir accompaniment) for the annual "Christmas In Washington" television-concert special, which will air on TNT Friday, December 21^st (http://www.tntdrama.com/schedule/).

Hosted by Late Night's Conan O'Brien, the show also featured appearances Demi Lovato and Scotty McCreery, among others… but MOST SUPREME: MISS ROSS! http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/diana-ross-performs-at-tnts-christmas-in-washington/2012/12/10/a201c766-42e9-11e2-8e70-e1993528222d_video.html.

ROSS BURTON R.I.P.

We had many friends in common. All ABSOLUTELY LOVED HIM! When I met him and got to know him for a short, but recent window of time (the last five years or so), I too found him to be an AWESOME GUY! SUPER NICE & SWEET! And SO HANDSOME! Death is bigger than us and our comprehension sometimes. This one - for sure - feels like he's GONE TOO SOON! R.I.P. ROSS! Please see the info below re: a Celebration of ROSS' beautiful life that will take place here in NYC!

DON’T SLEEP

Well, President Obama is in The White House! And like the first time, I am starting to get political/pop cultural bookings (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/6/6/a-pound-is-nothing-without-someone-you-love-to-share-it-with.html). A few of those impressions were with NBC News Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXc6x5JlJuw & http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickDemoSept2011.mov). So far this time, it comes in the form of a call-back from DON’T SLEEP – HOSTED BY T.J. HOLMES ( http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/9/28/arms-open-wide.html). Last night, we discussed what Obama's re-election means to Black America and how it was the minority – at-large – that got him his second term i.e. Blacks, Latinos, LGBT, and the youth (http://www.bet.com/video/dont-sleep/highlights/2012/sleep-talkers-don-t-sleep-121-12021.html). Also, I was interviewed back-stage before the show: http://bet.us/TuU3Eb.  I got to wax philosophical with journalist/cultural critic Toure, whose work I’ve admired for years – on-camera and via the National Association of Black Journalists’ annual convention. Also in the mix: Rapper “The Game” (who – by the way – has a new CD coming out December 11^th. It’s called “Jesus Piece”. ) He shocked me when he told me that he was a ‘fan’ of my blog. THANKS GAME! I truly enjoyed sharing the table with the fellas. As we looked at same-sex marriage passing in two states (Maryland and Maine), I was posed a question or two. One thing I wanted to offer was a shout out to Bayard Rustin about whom I’ve blogged before: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/6/19/postcards-from-the-edge.html. He took a backseat as he orchestrated much of the movement on behalf of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and so many more (He organized The March on Washington, for example). This, because he was gay. Always out and unapologetic. But smart enough to know that - at that time - his orientation may have confused the efforts that were being made to gain civil rights for Black people. I've studied Bayard Rustin and consider him a personal hero. With that, I lift his name up for having to move to the back burner despite his brilliance. 50 years later, LGBT issues are at the fore; we are at the table and know our value; and we were key in not only helping to get President Obama elected, but we are beneficiaries and muses of the many other things he has done for the LGBT community since being in office – including the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”; lots of bullying motivation (including a letter to a 10-year-old girl who was being bullied because she had two dads); and so much more. Also on this Election Day: Shout out to Wisconsin for producing the first openly gay or lesbian person to win a U.S. Senate seat: Tammy Baldwin.  HERE'S A LINK: http://www.bet.com/video/dont-sleep/highlights/2012/sleep-talkers-don-t-sleep-121-12021.html. And the back-stage one: http://bet.us/TuU3Eb. PLEASE SHARE & TWEET ACCORDINGLY: @BETDontSleep #BETDontSleep THANK YOU, T.J.

EBONY POWER 100

On the back-stage viral that the DON’T SLEEP producers did with me when I was on the show, I mentioned everyone’s favorite Real Housewife Nene Leakes. She is on the cover of EBONY’s POWER 100 ISSUE. I got to toast her on that point recently at a gala that was thrown to honor the cream of the crop (including Quevenzhane Wallis - one to watch in "Beasts of the Southern Wild" - a flick my girlfriend, Fox Searchlight Pictures marketing exec, Cassandra Butcher brought to the National Association of Black Journalists' Convention back in New Orleans a few months ago: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/6/29/impossible-inevitable.html). It is a must see: www.beastsofthesouthernwild.com. She was gracious; happy to pose for a pic; and she seemed quite genuinely appreciative that we are fans of THE NEW NORMAL – her hit sitcom. I was there – however – to toast my homeboy Maurice Marable (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/11/10/put-me-to-the-test.html) & my NABJ A&E Task Force sister Nekesa Moody - TWO of EBONY's POWER 100.  ALSO IN THE HOUSE: Many of the POWER 100 and LOTS of my friends from EBONY and beyond! I LOVE IT WHEN I REALLY KNOW THE PEOPLE ON THESE LISTS...and when they are REALLY DESERVING! Proud of Y'ALL! XO PLR http://www.ebony.com/entertainment-culture/ebony-reveals-its-2012-power-100-list-100 

RHONDA ROSS

You all know I LOVE EVERYTHING ROSS, which includes her offspring. The eldest daughter of Miss Diana (and Motown Founder Berry Gordy), Rhonda Ross gave a stunning performance last night at Lee Summers’ The Triad here in NYC: http://www.facebook.com/events/505801396114740/! Her jazz-inspired set included a little hip hop (“Empire State of Mind” by Jay Z & Alicia Keys – her opener); lots of neo-soul; and a few classic and modern-day anthems – including “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (her encore) and the R.-Kelly-penned title track of the late, great Whitney Houston, “I Look To You” – a touching rendition dedicated to the family of the two brothers, Brandon and Connor Moore, who were swept out of their mother’s arms by floodwaters during Hurricane Sandy in Staten Island. Also, Rhonda’s own self-penned compositions were sprinkled throughout her set. One tune was designed to inspire us ALL to get out and VOTE (Rhonda’s exclaimed preference: President Obama). Mission accomplished. But having just experienced a week without power and a week in which so many have experienced difficulties, Rhonda Ross inspired us all to live our best lives IN LOVE. And that shows up on-stage and off-stage. Worth noting, Rhonda is busy as ever these days with more than motherhood (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/rhonda-ross-kendrick). She is hosting the Hearts of Gold benefit next week here in NYC (www.heartsofgold.org/). As a consultant for Remy Martin, I enrolled the luxury liquor company (known for its Cognac) to be a sponsor for the charity event which  fosters sustainable change in lifestyle and levels of self-sufficiency for homeless mothers and their children. It was also great to see my fellow ROSS fans in the house – including Andreas (who came all the way from Germany for the show) and Dustin Fitzharris – also a fellow journalist who did a wonderful interview with Rhonda to promote her show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=styk1uJ7VNY.  CONGRATS on a GREAT SHOW, RHONDA! One more thing: MISS ROSS – who normally attends all of her kids’ special functions – is out of the country on a lucrative gig – performing in India. It's a birthday event that Naomi Campbell is hosting for her boyfriend. I LOVE ROSS, of course... and NAOMI!

TAI BEAUCHAMP

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/6/15/welcome-back-into-my-life-again.html My Spelman sister and fellow NYC friend Tai Monique Beauchamp Tai Beauchamp is always handling her business (www.youtube.com/watch?v=R76dF0ScGyk). She has partnered with one of our favorite retailers, Target, as they begin to spread the word about their extensive product offering geared toward the multiethnic woman. GOOD STUFF, TAI! CLICK HERE: www.youtube.com/watch?v=R76dF0ScGyk.

TAMARA TUNIE

Shout out to my girl Tamara Tunie who not only just completed a successful singing stint at Feinstein’s, but she’s co-starring with Denzel Washington in “Flight”. It is playing at a theater near you. http://www.paramount.com/flight/CONGRATS – as always – on EVERYTHING, TAMARA! XO

RADIANCE

Urban Vintage (www.urbanvintageny.com) was the well-appointed backdrop of the baby shower we attended recently. The guest of honor will be here in a month or less, but I have known her mom Radiance Salem since she was a child. And now, she’s having a baby! TIME FLIES! CONGRATS, RADIANCE! WE LOVE YOU!

NINA

I mentioned Mara above. Her husband is Tommie. Our BFFs! Their daughter is Nina... and this is what it looks like when I 'babysit' her! A laugh before you go: https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=4849253031802

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MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL

Enjoyed an EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK at "MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL" (www.MotownTheMusical.com)  #GetReadyBroadway #ChryslerMotown WHAT WONDERFUL EXCERPTS! THEY WERE DREAMY AND TRULY SPARKLED! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE WHOLE SHOW! Of course, I love all things MOTOWN: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/3/26/people-say-im-the-life-of-the-party.html & MISS ROSS: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/diana-ross.   It seems that after everyone else has taken creative license on Berry Gordy's story (including his romance with Miss Ross), that he and Miss Ross will finally OWN their story in this MUST-SEE MUSICAL! PREVIEWS begin March 11, 2013 and Opening Night is April 14, 2013. The Book is by Berry Gordy, Jr. based on the book "To Be Loved" and features songs from the Legendary Motown Catalogue. In the house: Rhonda Ross Kendrick (who will be doing her part for the Gordy/Ross legacy as she performs a show of her beautiful songs at The Triad on November 5th. Come out and join us! www.triadnyc.com/); Gordon Chambers (who reminded me of his birthday show - Midnight - at the Blue Note on October 13^th: http://www.bluenote.net/newyork/schedule/moreinfo.cgi?id=10431); My girl Jacquie Lee who worked her integrating marketing magic on Broadway’s recent “Streetcar Named Desire” (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/streetcar-named-desire) introduced me to Chrystler executive Justin Byrd, who is the brains behind a synergy that will entertain and promote the show and the music’s legacy over the next few months. With Chrysler lending its branding and integrated marketing power to "Motown: The Musical", we're all promised a ride as magical as the one Berry Gordy and TEAM MOTOWN continue to take us on today. Stay tuned.  Marcus Canty from X Factor (will release his debut EP aptly titled, This…Is Marcus Canty on October 30th. For more info: http://www.MarcusCantyOfficial.com, http://www.twitter.com/IAmMarcusCanty.com, and http://www.facebook.com/OfficialMarcusCanty.com). Suzanne DePasse; my girl Marcia Pendelton who is on Team "Motown: The Musical", working her marketing/audience development magic. - audience; my girl Jacque Reid; Hoda Kofi from TODAY (The 10am hour); Gayle King; my friend Caliaf St-Aubyn who is in the cast; Marva Hicks who is in the show; L.A. Reid (X Factor) and wife Erika; Claudette Robinson, former Miracle and first wife of Smokey Robinson who was also in the house; famous former manager of Diana Ross; Supremes; Temptations: Shelly Berger; The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin; Emilio Sosa, costume designer of "Motown: The Musical". I had the chance to interview on the stage of one of his last projects, "By The Way, Meet Vera Stark" starring Sanaa Lathan; the Legendary Valerie Simpson; and a host of my nearest and dearest friends. I'M SO EXCITED FOR THIS SHOW! GET READY BROADWAY!

DON’T SLEEP WITH T.J. HOLMES

I’m hoping for a call back now that I’ve done a test taping of “DON’T SLEEP! Hosted by T.J. Holmes” (as an on-cam “pop culture analyst” on his round-table – also adorned with fellow talking heads: Comedian Sherrod Small; Tiffany Shorter; and Issa Rae. We talked all things pop culture & politics – including: Ann Romney on LENO; “Gay Marriage: Will Blacks sit out the election?”; Celebrity Endorsements: Helpful? Hurtful?; Brooklyn Nets Cheerleaders New Uniforms; etc. WHAT A GREAT SHOW & A GREAT PRODUCTION TEAM! Everyone felt like family and some are – including producer Nichole Andrews Shellman, muse for my recent CNN.com piece (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/8/7/my-girls.html). And one of my BFFs Q (on tresses). And Unique (on make-up). “DON’T SLEEP!” premieres October 1st and will run Monday-Thursday at 11pm. For more info on BET and “Don’t Sleep!” check out http://www.bet.com/ and http://www.bet.com/shows/new-shows/dont-sleep-tj-holmes.html.  CONGRATS to TJ who I’ve had the pleasure of knowing through the National Association of Black Journalists (www.NABJ.org). GREAT GUY! CLASS ACT! AND FUNNY!!!!! It’s going to be MUST-SEE and a great way for us to be informed and entertained – at once! I look forward to return visit(s)!

BEING MARY JANE & URBAN WORLD FILM FESTIVAL

The 16th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival presented by BET Networks opened last week at AMC 34th Street with the BET Premiere Cinema film 'Being Mary Jane,' an original made for television movie and pilot. On hand to celebrate this world premiere was the film's lead star Gabrielle Union along with cast members Tika Sumpter and Richard Brooks and my friends AKA writer/director powerhouse couple Salim and Mara Brock Akil. BET top execs Debra Lee (Chairman and CEO), Loretha Jones (President of Original Programming), Jeanine Liburd (Exec Pres. of Corporate Communications) and Connie Orlando (VP, Original Programming) were also in the house to present the film, which my date, buddy Carl Nelson, and I loved. It seemed the packed house love it too! ESSENCE entertainment director Cori Murray moderated the cast Q&A afterward. Then, we all went to the Gaansevort Hotel in NYC’s Meatpacking district for an after-set on its rooftop. Others in the mix:  Jacque Reid, Harriette Cole, Twinkie Byrd (casting director, "Being Mary Jane"), Susan Fales-Hill, Jennifer Williams (VH1, "Basketball Wives"), Karen Gravano (VH1, "Mobb Wives"), Taimak (actor, The Last Dragon), Stacy Spikes (founder, Urbanworld), and Gabrielle Glore (executive producer, Urbanworld).

SHAGGY & SHELLY ANN FRASER-PRYCE

Shout out to Ant's and my sister friend Sabrina Coleman who - with her Pansophy PR FIRM - brought a wonderful group of people together at Private East Side Manhattan home of Ambassador Brenda Johnson. The occasion was to unveil plans for The American Friends of Jamaica (and Executive Director Caron S. Chung) - a foundation close to my heart for the work I've done producing tribute videos for The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies over the last two years: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/1/27/live-out-louder.html. AFJ's 2012 Hummingbird Gala is scheduled for October 25, 2012. Here to help signal the occasion: Jamaica's 2012 Gold Medalist Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce (who signed a pair of NIKEs that will be auctioned off for the awesome charity event); MR. LOVAH-LOVAH HIMSELF, the BOMBASTIC Shaggy; my girlfriends (circa our GERALDO days), Debbie Mitchell (www.thebloggerconnection.com) and Lora Wiley (www.citizenbrooklyn.com), and my NABJ/BET sister Deborah Skinner. For more information on how you can be a part of this amazing effort which benefits so many Jamaicans in need, please kindly go to www.theafj.org. Afterwards, we reunited Sabrina briefly with her Mario who is responsible for introducing us all.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Shout out to my favorite nephew! He’s 24! YIKES! I LOVE YOU, Herman L. Riley III.

And we got a recent birthday toast (and bite) in with our friend, birthday boy Mike! Tao was our celebration spot, which doubled as a long-overdue delight! Hadn’t been to Tao in a minute!

TRENDING PIC OF THE WEEK (CIRCA 1984)

A BLAST FROM THE PAST sent this to my FACEBOOK and many had lots to say! LOL! YES, I PLAYED TROMBONE from 5th grade to Freshman year (first semester) in college. This picture is from Freshman Year in high school.  I not only played trombone (first chair typically), but I went on to be the Band Captain my Senior Year at Windsor Forest High School (when all of our bands were voted SUPERIOR on the STATE LEVEL(s) i.e. marching & symphony). And i even brought my trombone to Morehouse and actually joined the Marching Maroon Tigers alongside the Morehouse College Glee Club. Clearly, we know which won out as I chose not to do both. From there, I even kept my trombone in tact and with me, but - at some point - my brother 'borrowed' it to play in our 'church shout band'... and - let's just say - I never saw MY TROMBONE again! LOL! 

BET UP FRONT

While heading to see the BET UP FRONT in NYC (the special project that's had yours truly occupied this past couple of months), I hop off the subway on 44th & 8th and begin to walk parallel to Nicole Ari Parker who'd just gotten out of her "...Streetcar" matinee - still in previews until Sunday's opening night (We quickly caught up as she was looking to decompress from her matinee show and to get rejuvenated for her evening performance. A crab cake at Sardi’s is what the doctor ordered. She shared how theater vets Angela Bassett and Courtney Vance came to see ‘Streetcar’ in one of its last previews – afterwards giving her some great notes).  Then, I rushed into the BEST BUY THEATER to see my work (from the last couple of months) on the big screen. I loved that recurring freelance client Wendy Williams (http://www.wendyshow.com/2011/10/24/british-virgin-islands/) was presenting BET's Movies & Acquisitions that I got to produce with the FABULOUS BET Creative Services team. The reel includes 'Wendy Williams Show' which re-airs on BET every day. Then, my 'girlfriend' Mara Brock Akil came out to talk about BET PREMIERE CINEMA, a new franchise which features original programming - in this case first run films, including The Akils' "Being Mary Jane" - an original flick that will spin-off into BET's first original one-hour drama – both starring Gabrielle Union. From there, Ant’s BDAY EXTRAVAGANZA started as his ‘Wendy’ peeps toasted him at “Radio Star” karaoke (35th between 5th and 6th). They timed-out-to-my-arrival a song that I could sing to serenade Happy BDAY to Ant. I walked in and was handed a mic! LOL! VOILA: HAPPY BIRTHDAY…. to all of the many ARIES & TAUREANS for whom I’ve been lifting up a few too many glasses in your honor i.e. MY DAD; Chandra; Elise; Tata; Seitu; Vincent; Eddie; Audra (kinda’); Marqice; Kodjoe; Mamie; Mary Lee; Nicky; Marlynn; Bobby; Tara; Kiwan; and many, many more! MWAH!

WENDY

From the British Virgin Islands to Family Dollar, I’ve had the chance to produce (as a freelancer) some cool Wendy Williams Show segments this season. One of her glam squad members – makeup artist Merrell Hollis (pictured left/below) – has been hosting a Monday night ‘RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE’ party this season. And WENDY shouted us out on her on-line AFTER SHOW segment this week (EVEN SHOWING A PICTURE) – deeming us “New York’s elite gays! LOL!”: http://youtu.be/YjE4r7zBZQY (Well, she’s not far off: among us is Emmy-award winning WIG EXPERT Antwon Jackson (pictured right in green/above), who gets to go for #2 as the Emmy nominations for 2012 have just been announced. CONGRATS, ANTWON who loves MISS ROSS almost as much as me! LOL!). We’ve attended a few of these viewing sets over the season…and they are always a BLAST! I noted in a previous entry of my “…life of Riley…” blog (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/1/27/black-tales.html): “I felt like I was at THE LEGENDS BALL while at the Harlem home of make-up artist extraordinaire Merrell Hollis (@makeupbymerrell). A fun and accomplished group gathered to watch the premiere of Rupaul’s Drag Race, which is in its Cycle 4. It was GLAMOUR-PALOOZA up in there – including Dani Evans – winner of “America’s Next Top Model” (@Only1DaniE);my friends, celebrity make-up artist Sam Fine (@SamFineBeauty); hair master Oscar James (@oscarjameshair); Chuck Amos (@CHUCKIELOVE), who does Tracee Ellis Ross’ tresses (and has done Miss Ross); stylist par excellence Memsor Kamarake (@Memsor); and some of the ‘The Wendy Williams Show’ team – including Monique Taylor (@moekittytweets) and Wendy’s wig expert Antwon Jackson (@antwonljackson) were also on deck as well as some other great friends – including Ian, etc.” (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/1/27/black-tales.html) THANKS FOR THE SHOUT OUT, WENDY!

RLJ

Founder of BET announced recently that his RLJ Acquisition, Inc. has entered into agreements to acquire Image Entertainment, Inc. and Acorn Media Group, Inc., two highly complementary media businesses to create one of the largest independent distributors of digital and video content globally. The new combined company will be named RLJ Entertainment, Inc. All of this should be firm by mid-summer when it will be time to PITCH CONTENT. And what a room full of industry friends – old and new – to hear the announcement at The Chatwal Hotel in the Club Room: Hill Harper; Nelson George, Warrington Hudlin; Maurice Marable; Jacquie Lee; Eddie Harris; Roni Wheeler; Lana Garland; Kevin Liles; Sean Johnson; Alvin Bowles; Priya Scoggins; filmmaker Dui Jarrod (“Lesson Before Love”); and a host of others. (I had the chance to produce Bob Johnson for two closed-circuit video tributes that welcomed his weigh-in. It was cool to compare notes on that project. CONGRATS, MR. JOHNSON!!).

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

It's not everyday you get to sit in a theater (The Ziegfeld, to be exact) with Dame Judy Dench (www.foxsearchlight.com/thebestexoticmarigoldhotel/) at the NYC US Premiere of "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" - a fun and heartfelt film that I think everyone will enjoy. You MUST check it out!!

ALWAYS KARAOKE

As we (and our ALL-STAR KARAOKE REGULARS) channel where next we’ll pop up, we’re still getting our karaoke on! Recently, I capped off Monday night with karaoke – a new Monday night sing-fest at Tenth Rail (on 33rd Street and 10th Avenue: www.tenthrail.com). My friend Mario who hosts No Parking Karaoke Tuesday Night has now launched this fun night for Monday for which karaoke buddy Dayne and others joined me. Lots of fun! Shout out to my karaoke buddy (and all things Motown and MUSIC) Brandon Bain. He knows his way around the mic…and not just the karaoke mic. I look forward to you hearing his original music one day soon! CONGRATS, BRANDON! Recently, in a holding pattern, we were able to get a couple of songs in.

AUGUST WILSON

Shout out to Carl Nelson for inviting me to accompany him to the “August Wilson National Monologue Competition FINALS” hosted by mentor and friend Kenny Leon on the Broadway stage (at The August Wilson Theater).The event was free and open to the public and featured high school students from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh and Seattle performing monologues by the late, legendary American playwright. Judges for the 2012 Annual August Wilson Monologue Competition included Pauletta Washington (actress), Lynn Nottage (playwright), Jasmine Guy (actress, singer, and dancer), James A. Williams (actor), and David Gallo (scenic designer). The featured a performance from Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean by Phylicia and daughter/Tony-nominee Condola Rashad. Founded in 2007, the Annual August Wilson Monologue Competition aims to expose a new generation of creative minds to the life’s work and artistic legacy of this seminal American playwright. Program participants in cities across the country encounter Wilson’s ten-play cycle and receive coaching from teaching artists as they prepare their monologues for local, city-wide and national competitions. For more information, visit www.truecolorstheatre.org/august-wilson-monologue-competition.

DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON

Speaking of Carl Nelson, PLEASE be sure to join him at DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON on Sunday, May 20^th (www.drumsalongthehudson.org/). He produces it every year, and has often booked me to host portions of the program in years gone by (I’ll be in Atlanta at my 20-YEAR REUNION from Morehouse this year). The over-riding host is my Atlanta TV biz buddy Sandra Bookman. Always a JOY! Please be sure to check it out!

UPTOWN, MISS JESSIE’S, AND RICARDO

My Morehouse brothers, UPTOWN magazine's Executive Editor Isoul Harris and Trevor (www.TheJulienManagementgroup.com), FAB publicist asked us to pop by RICARDO OCEAN GRILL (www.ricardooceangrill.com) to celebrate the new, intimate hot spot's Grand Opening (It's open from 5p-3a and is poised to attract a sophisticated and select client and guests - perhaps as an after-set crew). We enjoyed a sampling of the amazing ocean grill menu of delicious seafood - including some great crab cakes. REMY V provided a wonderful array of cocktails (Shout out to REMY MARTIN Brand Ambassador Marty Tennant); Miss Jessie's (www.missjessies.com) sponsored a gift bag of hair 'magic' for the curls, kinks, and waves out there (Shout out to Miss Jessie's Winston Benoms). And of course, it wouldn't have been a party without my Bevy Smith and Ashunta Sheriff, make-up artist extraordinnaire with whom I got the chance to reconnect. Alicia Keys is one of her clients (www.ashuntasheriffonline.com), and she and I have collaborated on several assignments where I've interviewed Alicia while she was making sure Alicia was camera ready. We last saw each other while on respective assignments in London a few years back. And a SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to the UPTOWN Magazine (www.uptownmagazine.com) TEAM - Angela Bronner Helm, Chrystal Parker, Deena Campbell, and of course, my friend Isoul! New York Times' Charles M. Blow popped by (He's been writing a number of opinion pieces and doing lots of commentary on Trayvon Martin: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/07/opinion/blow-from-oj-to-trayvon.html).

CHEF ROBLE AND MORE

After a week of producing a spot promoting “Michael Jackson: Life of an Icon” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtOcePhdb10) which will run on TV soon (STAY TUNED), Ant and I accepted the invitation from our BFFs Mara Schiavocampo and hubby Tommie Porter to join them and a few friends for good eats and drinks. In the house: BRAVO’s Chef Roble; friend/founder/executive editor of www.TheGrio.com; our buddy Ray Young (visiting from the left coast); Rakia Clark; Mara’s lifelong BFF Apryl; and many others.

MY POSITIVE INNERGY

Was GREAT to celebrate the launch of Positive InnerTees by My Positive Innergy – friend Nathan Hale Williams’ new venture (http://mypositiveinnergy.com/). Once-home of All-Star Karaoke Thursday Night, our beloved – now-newly remodeled - Native was the backdrop for a love fest of infinite possibilities – hosted by Nathan’s BFFs FLO Anthony, MARJA Vongerichten and Dr. DORIAN Warren.  LIKE them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MyPositiveInnergy) and Follow them on Twitter (@MyPositiveInner). So many great friends were in the house to TOAST Nathan and this AWESOME NEW MOVEMENT! Many of my buddies were in the house – including my All-Star Karaoke regulars and so many BFFs (Jamar; Brian; Turquoise; etc.): TV personality/stylist (‘Cause Celeb’ on ABC World News Now) Phillip Bloch (www.phillipbloch.com); publicist extraordinaire BJ Coleman (Burgers and Bourbon’s own: http://www.burgersandbourbon.com/); sister friend/Z-100 radio personality Shelley Wade; Kevin “Moochie” Freeman (“Real Housewives of ATL” – Host of ‘the smalls’ in South Africa this past season); Priya Tara (www.fx4boutique.com); publicist-friend Theo Perry; ‘Cheetah-Girls’-own Deborah Gregory; Harlem’s own soul songstress (by way of Toronto), Belinda Munro, who inspired our transition to the Grand Opening of HARLEM HABERDASHERY (www.HARLEMHABERDASHERY.COM – TWITTER: @HABERDASHERYNYC). It's a men and women’s high-end clothing boutique. Was really excited to run into dear friend Tony Shellman  (clothing line mogul: Mecca; Enyce; Parish; and something coming up!); Bevy Smith; and a host of others. GREAT THURSDAY NIGHT IN HARLEM!

LOTS OF APRIL BIRTHDAYS

In our world, Birthday extravaganzas go well beyond the BDAY itself. We continued Ant’s celebration as friends Ashley Fettig and Mike Pierre-Louis who graciously took us to Ristorante Il Melograno (www.ilmelogranonyc.com) for some delicious Italian cuisine. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

But not before toasting our BFF Tata’s life-long BFF Tara who just turned 40! We all toasted her at TAJ! We then got to gather and celebrate TATA – family-style – at Carmine’s on the Upper West Side (DELICIOUS!).

Did a birthday bus ride for our Marqice’s birthday (We also spent some more time with he and Jason at their Brooklyn home – for Cinco de Mayo and THE FIGHT!).

I got to send a birthday toast to buddy/my little brother Bobby Roache who is making big things happen with his modeling career (He’s also an artist). He says I look like his brother. And he actually looks like my people – from brother to uncles to nephew - on the Riley side. Bobby's breakout moment came when he was cast as Grammy-Award-winning singer BEYONCE’S no-good boyfriend for her #1 HIT single “IRREPLACEABLE" music video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EwViQxSJJQ.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EVERYBODY!

SUNDAE SERMON

A recent SUNDAY brought a great afternoon of dancing to soulful deep house, disco and afro beats with a family friendly feel good vibe including exhibits, speaking series and performances. On loan from its owner, Ant joined the BASQUIAT TRIBUTE – comprised of artists’ work that participated in the BASQUIAT TRIBUTE in Harlem last August (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/8/20/art-and-annual-therapy.html).  His art name is Akhenaten. He shared one-half of a diptych in this particular series which represents the history of Graffiti as told through ancient Egyptian imagery which includes hieroglyphics and other symbols from ancient Egypt, particularly the 18th Dynasty under the rule of Pharaoh Akhenaten and his Queen Nefertiti. He explores the history of Graffiti art which predates the work of Graffiti artist Jean Michel Basquiat. The piece: "Sun Pharaoh" 47" x 36" Acrylic and Oil stick on hand stretched canvass by artist. Akhenaten has previously shown his conceptual body of work “Manufacturism” in his hometown of Denver, CO at the 910 Arts Gallery.His background also includes studies in Journalism, Native American Art and Art History at the University of Colorado-Boulder. Sundae Sermon Winter Indoor Series also included: OF COURSE, DJ Stormin Norman; my friend Michaela angela Davis' Mad Free Conversation Series with ISABEL TOLEDO (“Roots of Style”).The renowned El Museo Del Barrio was the venue…and our girl Cynthia Burgos also showed her Basquiat-inspired work. Many friends came out to support – including buddies Carl; Sidra Smith; Monique; Dianne Smith; Patrick; Chris; Mario; Manivone Nonthaveth; Shantay Wilson; Rod; Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Uptown Magazine Leonard Burnett (and his beautiful family); and many more (including hat designer Jennifer Ouelette: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/12/20/pat-in-a-hat.html)! For more information, check out www.elmuseo.org or go to www.sundaesermon.com. Pre-art-show, Ant, Cynthia, Elijah Brumfield, and I enjoyed some BBQ! Afterwards, many of us went to Harlem’s Corner Social Club Restaurant for a little food and fellowship! ALL of Harlem seemed to be in the house!

REUNIONS & MEETINGS ANEW

The same weekend that we were celebrating Ant, I got to have a lovely reunion with dear friend Paula Witt (and my NABJ sister Nekesa Moody – Music Editor EXTRAORDINAIRE from the Associated Press with whom we enjoyed a bite at Thai Select). Plus, my “Amazing Grace” Elise was in town. Coupled with now-NYC-based Denise Hendricks – another life-long friend and Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts, we were some “cackling NABJ babies” – happy to be in each others presence again! LOL! My NABJ buddy Taj Tsonga threw a casual set this weekend. This, after he's been traveling the globe as an international journalist. It was a fun room of fun folks. And a great way to do one recent weekend. Shout out to Ant’s BFF Manivone Monthaveth who invited us out to GALLERY BAR on the Lower East Side to experience “SILENTNOISE: an art auction” (HTTP://SILENTNOISENYC.TUMBLR.COM/). Fun times with Taha, Vilay, and many more!

Don't forget DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON!