A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

more hosting

I'm on my freelance hustle out here! LOL! Just wrapped hosting a 2nd season of WELLS FARGO's MONEY MINUTE - first installments of which are out this week:

teaser:

http://www.advocate.com/advocate-money-minute

part 1:

http://www.advocate.com/.../9/24/purchasing-home-jason-shane

part 2:

http://www.advocate.com/.../planning-retirement-jason-shane

Please share with your PEEPS: #advocatemoneyminute And as always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! XOXOXO

The Porters

Happy 10th Anniversary, to two-time Emmy-award-winning, GMA Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo and her husband Tommie Porter! Happy to host their vow renewal! We LOVE YOU! Thanks Reverend Al Sharpton for re-sealing the deal! Great to see him after interviewing him at Miss Aretha Franklin's birthday party earlier this year:

 

... and after Executive Producing him for this year's iconic, PSA campaign for NBCU: "The More You Know" 2015-16. He spoke of DIVERSITY:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNoWX-dO9aM

. And the ENVIRONMENT:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNSNKutJ7Rs

. And special shout out to contemporary fine artist Shenna Vaughn who Ant and I commissioned to create a 10-year anniversary piece for Mara and Tommie! It IS stunning! Shenna is described as “a vessel for enlightenment, virtue, creativity and color”. She uses her gift as an artist to evoke the raw essence of inner beauty, otherwise not seen until now. Her paintings range from customized gratitude pieces to original works of art. Her work has been featured In Chelsea, Miami Art Basel and Internationally just to name a few…and she will be showing at “Billie’s Black” in December during “Billie’s Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley”.  #ENDLESSLOVE #ThePorters #ENDLESSLOVE #ThePorters

Happy Birthday, Nephew

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Herman Lee Riley III aka NOOT (to me)! BEST NEPHEW EVER! Great to celebrate with Savannah homegirl Aquilla and her childhood friends as my childhood BFF Ernest Maynor was also in the house – toasting 27 YEARS of Herman Lee Riley III. Also, a HAPPY 50^TH BIRTHDAY to my brother – and HLRIII’s father – Herman L. Riley Jr.

Ladies Who Lunch And Love

Excited to introduce my friend Nathan Hale Williams at the New York City book party for his new novel "Ladies Who Lunch & Love". What a great room: Bevy Smith, La Rivers, Beverly Johnson, Flo Anthony, and so many more! Also, Miss Miko Branch from Miss Jessie's was in the house. Miko partners with Billie's Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul. Season 4 to be announced soon for a late October return… STAY TUNED! Meanwhile, check out “Ladies Who Lunch & Love”. The novel is a hoot and gives "Sex & The City" with some #blackish and #girlfriends to boot! It's an exciting trip through the fabulous lives of 5 friends in New York City. Get the book exclusively on www.Amazon.com: http://tinyurl.com/oefd4kn. YOU MUST BUY IT! Oh! AND AS ALWAYS, THANKS FOR SUPPORTING US ALL! CONGRATS,Nathan! #harlemskinlaserclinic #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #mikobranch #LadiesWhoLunchAndLove #AngelofHarlemNY #HarlemSkinClinic #NathanHWilliams #LadiesLunchLove

Beverly Johnson

Great to attend Beverly Johnson’s book launch party for her memoir 'The Face That Changed iIt All' at The Museum of the City of New York. Many friends – old and new – were in the house, including “The Original Dreamgirl” Sheryl Lee Ralph and BFF Ern’s and my dance diva CeCe Peniston for whom we’ve LIVED since she came out! Plus, I was excited to hang out with Co-Founder of MISS JESSIE'S, Miko Branch as I'm doing some consulting work with the brand in addition to Miss Jessie's being one of my sponsors for “Billie’s Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley”: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2015/3/20/ask-patrick.html. Co-Founder Miko Branch was my EXCLUSIVE SPONSOR for#NABJ40 where she spoke on an AUTHOR's panel with PAULA MADISON and LUTHER CAMPBELL. Next up: Miko’s just back from DC at the Congressional Black Caucus and then was a Marshal in Harlem’s African-American Day Parade. GREAT to see everybody as SUMMER 2015 transitions into FALL 2015 with Fashion Week unfolding… XO #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

#WhereAreTheyNow

She is LISA PRICE. Born in BROOKLYN. Made with LOVE. She is CAROL'S DAUGHTER! I can't say more than that today, but it was nice to interview her. Will tell you when you can see it in 2016! #BornAndMade Have something coming up with “The Chew”s Carla Hall as well. Also, IMAN! MEANWHILE, more of my assignments in the new season of “Oprah, Where Are They Now?” are beginning to air – including Debi Mazar: http://www.wherearetheynow.buzz/the-actress-who-started-out-as-a-makeup-artist-to-the-stars/. #WhereAreTheyNow

STUDIO 54

FUN to host Duane Gazi-White's Epic 50th Bday Party – a “RETURN TO STUDIO 54” starring DISCO DIVAS Carol Douglas; Taana Gardner; Norma Jean Wright and the Former Ladies of Chic; Sylvester doppelganger Clayton Bryant (with whom I even got the chance to sing in 2009 when I was asked to perform THE BOSS for its composers! And I looked to CLAYTON for all the high notes! LOL! And I can sing high! LMAO! ); Mel’lisa Morgan; Former Ladies of Skyy; and MISS KATHY SLEDGE! Shout out again to Musa Jackson Productions for booking me…and I’m too excited my Itika Oldwine was in town to enjoy! All the ladies must join us at Billie’s Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley when we return at the end of October! CHEERS, DUANE! P.S. A MESSAGE FROM MUSA JACKSON PRODUCTIONS: it was a journey beyond Epic! Super agent Duane and his husband Rashgene Gazi-White along with artist extraordinaire Mira Gandy with our combined creative genius took MIST Harlem and transformed it back to the era of the most legendary and exclusive nightclub in History. Complete with back door VIP entrance, silver carpet and over the top open bar super sexy decadent disco fun! We had legends upon legends Kathy Sledge, Norma Jean Wright, Tania Gardner, Clayton Bryant, Meli'sa Morgan and the Ladies of Skyy performing some of their iconic hits on a first ever 3 stages with DJ Sir Charles Dixon ( WBLS master mixer) and DJ Magic Myke accompanied by the original videos playing on 3 screens. Hosted by Patrick L. Riley with 6 amazing hot male dancers/servers 2 gorgeous bartenders provided by hot choreographer Manwe Sauls Addison with door hosts Coco De'ball and legendary publicist Irene Gandy and hunk Daniel. Silver carpet Studio 54 photos courtesy of Will Will Vaultz and legendary lensman Ronnie Wright and Waddie G. with indoor photos from Rowena M Husbands and Sheila Ennisattended by 250 beautiful artists, fashionistas, supermodels, celebs and fabulous guests. It was a Harlem night for the record books. Thank you MOËT and Lennard Jackson for the champagne and Louis Johnson/ Harlem Haberdashery and designer Masahiro Saga for the gorgeous jacket and slippers. David Chevreux of Gin Fizz, Justin Walters of Real Life Studio, Alex Lerner and Bena. Cliff Cooper on security and Rachel, Sam, Anthony Harper and the staff of MIST.

Thank you again and a Happiest of birthdays to Duane for choosing MJP to help bring your birthday fantasy to life.

*Make your birthday dream an epic fantasy with musajacksonproductions@gmail.com.

#allstarkaraoke #billiesblack #motownmay

LEON

Ant’s sister Sabrina, who I met the night I met him in December 2005, was in town with client Leon & The Peoples. So, in addition to an awesome dinner at MIST Harlem where Ant works, we all – with GWAN’s Charon Richardson and Sabrina’s bio brother Jason in tow – enjoyed the awesome band at La Marina for “Reggae on the Beach”. Then, after Ant and I enjoyed the PA-based wedding of dear friends Robin Stone and Rodney Pope... we got an encore presentation from Leon & The Peoples at an awesome, Trenton-based “prostate cancer awareness fundraiser”! GREAT CAUSE! #nyc #nyfw #reggae #soul #music #inwood #hudsonriver

STILL THE BOSS

MISS ROSS was at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) LAST NIGHT! At the top of the day, it was SOLD OUT! I was despondent that I hadn’t secured my ticket before time. Was hoping for a hook-up or a sponsor. Still, I went to SEE if MISS ROSS had room for one more in the house! And upon my arrival, one of her FANS did: an orchestra seat right by the sound-board and near my friends Karu Daniels, Audrey Bernard, Phil Geston, Stanley Hopkins, and a FULL HOUSE MORE! The show was familiar but she did introduce a new gown that she’d only worn in her Hawaii stop this past summer. “It’s My House” was a highlight and it is clear that MISS ROSS was in control. But as she sang “Don’t Explain”, she did confess vulnerably and jokingly: “…I can’t stop thinking about that Billy Dee Williams!” The audience exploded with applause. MISS ROSS did it again: EXCELLENT SHOW! LOVE ME SOME MISS ROSS! As you all know, I was hired as Opening Night Host of “Motown the Musical” – another chance to interview Diana Ross, a video that ran on the Lunt Fontanne Theatre for the hit show’s full run: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. (Was also a DREAM to interview MISS ROSS for Oprah at the Legends Ball in 2005: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGFgjJ7u1hk). They all got me ready for my latest get with MISS ARETHA FRANKLIN. Here’s my recap: www.nbcnews.to/1HFEc48.

Nice Tits

My editor friend Shaun Edwards introduced me to Amy Marcs who recently wrote a one-woman show aptly titled "Nice T!ts" which is about her experience with breast cancer and undergoing a double mastectomy. She performed it last year to a sold out crowd at The Peoples Improv Theater. Now, she is excited to announce that, beginning October 8th in conjunction with breast cancer awareness month, The Rack is Back.... 

Nice T!ts

Thursday October 8th  8pm

Sunday   October 11th 4pm

Sunday   October 25th 4pm

Thursday October 29th 8pm

to buy tickets www.thepit-nyc.com/event/nice-tts-5

 #NiceTits #TheRackisBack

CHARLES PERRY

Thanks to my girlfriend Paula Witt, PR at Sunshine Sachs, for inviting us out to hear her client Charles Perry at Quad Studios. Here is a little snippet of him performing a song with none other than Jeff Goldblum! He certainly has the theatrics and the voice like ME! We MUST get him to ALL STAR KARAOKE to jam with us at BILLIE’S BLACK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59AAfRz0yZ0.

MARCIA PENDELTON

My dear sister friend Marcia Pendelton's Walk Tall Girl Productions Celebrated 15 Years of Bringing the Best in Performing Arts to NYC‏. For 15 years, Marcia Pendelton has been guiding audiences to the best in theater and other performing arts across New York City. Her work was feted last night. The event included performances by Classical Theatre of Harlem, Creative Outlet Dance Theatre of Brooklyn, Darius Crenshaw, Tony nominee André De Shields (The Wiz, The Full Monty), Eden Duncan-Smith (Fences, The Lion King), Marva Hicks (Motown The Musical), Ebony JoAnn (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom), Dr. Barbara Ann Teer’s National Black Theatre, Sounds of Praise of Emmanuel Baptist Church,  Jamal Story (Motown the Musical, The Color Purple [2005]) Rema Webb (The Lion King, Violet, The Book of Mormon, The Color Purple[2015]). For more information and reservations visitwww.walktallgirlproductions.com.

ALL STAR KARAOKE is BACK

We will be singing MISS ROSS and MISS FRANKLIN at BILLIE’S BLACK PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE WITH PATRICK L. RILEY for this FALL 2015 SERIES – starting at the end of October: October 27, 2015 from 7p-10p (and going through to Tuesday, December 29, 2015)!

 

 

 

STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

My industry buddy Jacquie Lee (www.jacquieleeinternational.com) made sure “A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities” was in the house for the first preview of “A Streetcar Named Desire”. She’s one of the associate producers on the project who has been instrumental in building some wonderful corporate marketing synergies between many vendors and the show (Jacquie choreographed an AMAZING sweepstakes with the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation – a giveaway that promises free trips - including a 7-day cruise, a weekend at the ESSENCE Music Festival, a trip to NYC to see 'Streetcar', etc.). You recall, we told you about this much-anticipated, multi-cultural revival a few weeks ago when it was announced. (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/3/15/dreams-and-desire.html). Well, it’s on… and happening in a BEAUTIFUL & BRILLIANT way! The stellar cast includes: Blair Underwood who takes “mean and dysfunctional” to a whole new level with his dark and effective interpretation of “Stanley” (His L.A.-based wife Desiree, who was in the house, agreed!); stellar actress Nicole Ari Parker DOES THE DARN THING as “Blanche”. I’ve always loved her work – from “Soul Food” to “Remember the Titans”, but BABY!!!!!! (a la with my New Orleans accent), she truly delivers one over-the-top-yet-spot-on moment at a time with style, grace, and DELUSION! LOL! Her fine husband Boris Kodjoe was – of course – there to support. You recall, he is the first cousin of my beloved Kodjoe who – coincidentally – passed away seven years ago this week (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2006/10/25/love-is-in-the-air.html). Though life and love continue in my life inside a whole new and wonderful adventure, I must say it’s been a rough week for me (in my memory mind). But the places that Tennessee Williams takes us, according to this AWESOME cast, healed me on many fronts. I got to share that with dear friends Jason and Marqice (Ant’s and my favorite couple); my social-networking doppelganger Bevy Smith who proved an awesome escort for the night; my BFF Sidra who I hadn’t seen in a minute (so it was good to catch up). Moreover, having the chance to chat with Boris and Nicole who I only met at Kodjoes’ home-going service back in 2005 proved a salve for me. And the rest of the cast is just a delight – on and off the stage: Daphne Rubin-Vega; Wood Harris; the LEGEND-ary Carmen De Lavallade; Jacinto Taras Riddick; Count Stovall; etc. Jacquie Lee hosted a lovely after-set at Bourbon Street (www.bourbonny.com/) on Restaurant Row (right across from a cabaret spot at which I used to perform “An Intimate Evening with Patrick Riley” from 1996-2005. It felt good to be back on that block for something). And as play synergies go, after-party sponsor “Southern Comfort” provided the goods. BIG CONGRATS to Lead Producers Stephen Byrd and my Spelman sister Alia Jones (ALSO producers of Broadway's All-Black Revival of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" from a few years ago: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/1/9/pat-on-a-hot-tin-roof.html); director Emily Mann; and a few of my buddies who – in addition to Jacquie Lee – round out the FAB list of associate producers (Randolph Sturrup; Paulette Martin-Carter; George Williams; Socrates Marquez; etc.). ALSO IN THE HOUSE: Broadway and day-time soap LEGEND Tonya Pinkins, who was such a joy at the after-party as we compared notes on the play and the wings. LOL!  NOW, HERE’S THE GOOD PART: Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire" is in PRE-VIEWS now and it opens April 22, 2012 at The Broadhurst Theatre (235 W 44th Street). Here’s a discount code. Go to www.broadwayoffers.com and use code ASJKB215. For more info on the show: http://www.streetcaronbroadway.com/. 

MAGIC/BIRD

When my Broadway marketing BFF Marcia Pendelton invited Ant and me to check out “MAGIC/BIRD” (www.magicbirdbroadway.com/), I reconnected to my youth. I was the youngest boy of two (And FYI: an oldest sibling – a sister – was in the mix too). Whereas my father and I may have always had ‘reading’ and ALL THINGS INTELLECTUAL in common (library visits, books, newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, etc.), LOVE OF SPORTS belonged to he and my brother. They tried to get me into it, but it never took (even though it’s worth noting that I played all the little-league options…and I did just fine on the respective teams, THANK YOU! LOL! I am quite agile and strong [even though I wanted to express it in a dance class, but I digress… LMAO!]). So, coincidentally, Ant had to work late. Not wanting to waist the chance to experience this much-buzzed-about production (and to put my 2 cents in via the blogosphere), I end up taking my sports-enthusiast brother’s son (my FAVORITE and only nephew), Herman L. Riley, who is much more of a B-BALL fan than his Uncle Patrick (a la my brother/his perhaps more persuasive dad). That said, he AND I enjoyed it! Though it was good to see the dots connected in this LEGENDARY rivalry, I actually remembered a lot of the story-line via maybe osmosis and acknowledged comprehension of what I perhaps was pretending not to understand. Leave it to BROADWAY to get ME into SPORTS. LOL! SO…if you are a BIG NBA FAN, you MUST see this Broadway play (And you won’t be alone: So many men and sports fans were in the house – from B-ball players, coaches, Lakers fans, Celtics fans, etc.). If you are NOT A BIG SPORTS FAN, you MUST see this Broadway play. The cast’s performances are strong and the multi-media effects are stunning! Plus, it’s a quick 90 minutes (NO INTERMISSION). So to the ADDs out there (like me), it flies by! LOL!I loved it so much, Ant finally got to go with his co-worker Stephanie. And my friend and former co-worker from Chicago, Kevin Gist, came with his beautiful family in tow for Spring Break... and I arranged for them to enjoy the show as well.

Here are some details on the show:

A World Premiere

A New Play by Eric Simonson

Directed by Thomas Kail

Now in playing

Longacre Theatre

220 West 48th Street, NYC

From the producers and creators of Lombardi comes a new Broadway play that "tells the INSPIRING STORY of two rivals whose SHARED LOVE FOR THE GAME turned their animosity into FRIENDSHIP." --Sports Illustrated

Academy Award® winner and writer of Lombardi, Eric Simonson, reunites with Tony Award®-nominated director Thomas Kail (Lombardi, In the Heights) on MAGIC/BIRD, an unprecedented Broadway event about basketball greats Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird. Featuring an all-star cast of theater's best, including Kevin Daniels (Twelfth Night), Tug Coker (ART's A Midsummer Night's Dream), Deirdre O'Connell (Circle Mirror Transformation), Peter Scolari (Hairspray), Robert Manning, Jr ("Southland") and Francois Baptiste (Prelude to a Kiss), this moving and thrilling new play, created in collaboration with Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, is an eye-opening chronicle of two incredible figures, fatefully intertwined.

Save over 35% off regular ticket prices when you use code MBBTO79*

Selected Orch/Front Mezz $79

(reg $121.50-$126.50)

Selected Rear/Side Mezz $61.50

(reg $86.50-$91.50)

Balcony (Rows E-F) $36.50

(reg. $36.50)

THREE EASY WAYS TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Online: Click here or visit www.broadwayoffers.com

and enter code MBBTO79.

Call: 212.947.8844 and mention code MBBTO79.

In person: Present a print out of this offer at the Longacre Theatre

Box Office, 220 W. 48th Street.

FOR GROUPS 10+ Contact

Marcia Pendelton | Walk Tall Girl Productions

646.467.7393 | marcia@walktallgirlproductions.com  

Ask about our student and youth group rates!

For performance schedules, additional information about the show,

and to watch the promotional video featuring

EARVIN "MAGIC" JOHNSON, visit

www.MAGICBIRDBROADWAY.COM

*Offer based on availability and can be withdrawn at anytime.

Good for performances 3/21/12-5/27/12. Limit 8 tickets per purchase.

 

 

 

BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL & LACHANZE

Tony Award Winner Actor/Singer Brian Stokes Mitchell performed at Westport Country Playhouse Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County. Its Spring Gala was organized - in large part - by my good girlfriend Michelle Sapp (sister of Tony-award-winning songstress LaChanze, who too was in attendance, and is a dear friend). Brian - also a Tony-Award winner - has credits that cover the range of the Broad...way stage ("Kiss Me Kate"); film ("Jumping the Broom"); TV ("Frasier"; "Ugly Betty"; and opposite my Diana Ross & Brandy, "Double Platinum"; and who remembers Trapper John MD. Just sayin'. LOL!). What an AWESOME singer and performer he is - even calling his former co-star from "Ragtime", LaChanze on the stage to join him on their big duet from that hit Broadway show! By the way: Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County provides arts education to children at risk and those with special needs. The goals are to improve academic performance, increase graduation rates and serve as a catalyst for lifelong success. Neighborhood Studios is based in Bridgeport, CT and serves the greater Fairfield County community. For more information and how you can support: www.westportplayhouse.org  and www.nstudios.org CONGRATS, MICHELLE!

BEVERLY JOHNSON & OWN

Got to hang out recently with Beverly Johnson whose OWN show "Beverly's Full House" premieres Saturday night at 10p. Hosted by Harlem's Fashion Row (HFR), Brandis Henderson and Jenna Bond hosted a wonderful breakfast/conversation at Opia about the show and Miss Johnson's product line (www.beverlyjohnson.com). Also in the house: BFF Carl Nelson, Harriette Cole, Michaela angela Davis, icon Audrey Smaltz, BRAVO's Chef Roble; Deborah Gregory; actor Justin Davis, Bevy Smith Phillip Bloch & many more! CONGRATS to the LEGENDARY Beverly Johnson!  #BFH #BevConvo #HFRConversation  

SWEETIE PIE is BACK!

I'm glad "Welcome to Sweetie Pie" is a BIG HIT! And it’s now ushering in the aforementioned Beverly Johnson show into a couplet of success. We felt it would be when we had the chance to break bread with Tim Norman and his AWESOME mom MISS Robbie Montgomery in NYC before their season started. http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/11/10/put-me-to-the-test.html CONGRATS! <Now, I'm craving that peach cobbler! LOL!> NEW EPISODES have baked and are ready to go! CONGRATS to recurring client OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network!

MARY MARY on WE

As new TV fare goes: We saw sneak-peek of Mary Mary's new WE show. AND I LOVE IT! Perfect blend of behind-the-scenes and seeing them do what they do best: SING HIS PRAISES...BRILLIANTLY!!!! LOVE ME SOME Mary Mary http://ilovemarymary.com/ And since I've had the chance to hang out with them for their last two CD releases http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/2/23/nothing-can-keep-me-from-you.html and http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/10/22/one-idea-can-last-forever.html, it only made sense that I would be with them for the debut of WE tv’s newest reality show “MARY MARY” (http://www.wetv.com/shows/mary-mary) featuring the Grammy-winning gospel duo. CONGRATS & PRAISE THE LORD! Big UP to Erica and Tina! Your show will - for sure - be my NEW, NOT-GUILTY PLEASURE! LOL! I also ran into many dear friends – including Z (college buddies from CAU/Morehouse), Marcia Cole, Shante Bacon, Miss "singing" KJ Rose, alongside enjoying time with BFF Tata.

JANET LEE’S “LIVING IN A NUTSHELL”

My girlfriend and colleague Janet Lee’s book "Living in a Nutshell: Posh and Portable Decorating Ideas for Small Spaces" is out!!! (http://harpercollins.ca/books/Living-Nutshell-Janet-Lee/?isbn=9780062060693) And she wants the world to know! MEANWHILE, she hosted a lovely launch in her downtown Manhattan digs. Many of her fellow colleagues and buddies from ‘OPRAH’, ‘Anderson Cooper’, ‘The Wendy Williams Show’, FOX News (and beyond) were in the house. I even enjoyed seeing some great friends – including our friend Hanna Lee (www.hannaleecommunications.com & www.unwindwithwine.com). CONGRATS, JANET!

FolieM

Shout out to my girl Bri Cole who I actually met the same night I met Ant the opening night of “The Color Purple”. His Denver work-wife is continuing to make things happen - most recently in LA handling her PR handle for the launch of folieM https://www.facebook.com/FoliemLLC. Robert Townsend; Kendra; Leon; of course, Christian Siriano; and a host of others were in the house! CONGRATS, BOO! FolieM, LLC is a female operated company based in Denver, CO. FolieM, which is the latin word for leaf, is launching its eM line of four female perfumes this month! As part of its Five for Femme program, FolieM will give 5% of profits to charities that support the betterment of women. The charities are: Dress for Success Denver, Polaris Project, Center for Women's Education and Employment (CWEE), and Alternatives to Domestic Violence. FolieM has created four scents that are distinct, exciting and rare! They use a special extraction from a plant which has never been fully explored in this capacity. The plant holds our secret ingredient which produces extremely individual scents which can only be found in Colorado at this time.Twitter: @eMperfumes

DON REED’S “THE KIPLING HOTEL”

Shout out to Don Reed! I met him in NYC a few years back when he was running Off Broadway in an AWESOME show. He is now at the The Tonight Show with Jay Leno every day for almost 3 years now as the first African American Opening Act/Warm-up... Comedian in the 60 year history of the show. Now, that's POP CULTURE & POSSIBILITIES, okay!!!? This, after he left Off Broadway with East 14th to have it run for 2 1/2 years in San Francisco and Oakland every single weekend. He has a new show now covering the 80's window of his life - which runs in the Bay Area now - every weekend. Next time I'm WEST, I'm heading to check him out in "Don Reed's THE KIPLING HOTEL: True Misadventures of the Electric Pink 80s!" http://www.themarsh.org/don_reed.html MORE INFO: https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/401696286507380/ 

"THE SKINNY” EXCLUSIVE

“A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities” is a big fan of PATRIK-IAN POLK and his great work for TV and film – including PUNKS & NOAH’S ARC: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/jensen-atwood. Next up: THE SKINNY! For more info on how you can see the film (FIRST UP: WASHINGTON, DC & ATLANTA)… and more, PLEASE READ ON! THE SKINNY opens Friday, April 6th for an exclusive one-week engagement in Atlanta at the Midtown Art Cinema (931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30308) and Washington D.C. at the E Street Cinema (555 11th Street NW, Washington DC 20004) with more cities to follow. We will be having a "Meet and Greet" with the director and the cast on Friday, April 6th at E Street Cinema at 7:30pm and 9:45pm. In Atlanta, we will be having a "Meet and Greet" with Polk and the cast at the Midtown Art Cinema on April 7th at 7:30 and 9:45pm.

From the director of cult classics PUNKS and NOAH'S ARC, comes the much-anticipated third feature film from Patrik-Ian Polk THE SKINNY, a sharply scripted comedy about a group of four young, black, gay men Magnus, Sebastian, Kyle, Joey and their lesbian best friend, Langston. They arrange to meet up in New York City one year after their graduation from Brown University. Their plans for a weekend of fun start off well, relaxed in each other's company as only old friends can be. But old tensions quickly resurface.

Drinking, drugs, hidden desire and the demands of promiscuity put friendship, trust and even lives at risk. In between sharp one-liners and a great soundtrack there's a few important lessons that these pleasure-seekers must learn for themselves. Written with a real sense of the demands of urban living, these bright and believable characters will remind you of someone you know. Remaining true to his past work, Polk addresses issues in THE SKINNY that face the LGBT community such as date-rape, infidelity, and HIV/AIDS awareness.

The film stars Jussie Smolett, Blake Young-Fountain, Anthony Burrell, Shanika Warren-Markland and Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman. Supporting cast includes alumnus of Polk's past features such as Darryl Stephens ("Noah's Arc"), Jennia Fredrique ("Noah's Arc"), Wilson Cruz ("Noah's Arc") and Seth Gilliam ("Punks"). Also, the film introduces new actors Dustin Ross and internet sensation B. Scott.

In an exciting partnership, the film has teamed up with the Black AIDS Institute to promote the importance of health in the LGBT Community, especially in the Black and Latino communities.  The Institute will sponsor appearances, receptions and panel discussions in Washington D.C. and Atlanta featuring producer/director Polk and cast members Jussie Smollett, Blake Young-Fountain and Jennia Fredrique (who all appear in the Black AIDS Institute's latest PSA campaign "Greater Than AIDS"). The Skinny director and cast will be on hand to discuss the HIV awareness story-lines in the movie and other sexual health issues of importance to the LGBT population.

"I've been involved with the Black AIDS Institute since the early days of my NOAH'S ARC television series, and I've been addressing issues of HIV and AIDS in my work since my first film PUNKS," Polk explains. "So it makes perfect sense to partner with them to promote their great cause and highlight the HIV awareness issues raised in my new film THE SKINNY."

The film also features music written and performed by Patrik-Ian Polk. With tunes that illustrate the highs and lows of the film, Polk sings with his heart and soul to capture the essence of it all. Polk was inspired by artists such as Grammy-Award winning Adele to "who had created a very personal album based on her romantic experiences," he says. Polk continues to share coyly that, "...most of the songs I wrote, although they fit very nicely in THE SKINNY, are actually about some very personal experiences with...someone very specific."

For more information, see http://www.skinnythemovie.com.

Advance Movie Ticket Information

Atlanta, GA - Purchase Tickets HERE: https://tickets.landmarktheatres.com/Ticketing.aspx?TheatreID=265&ShowDate=4/6/2012&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

Washington, DC - Purchase Tickets HERE:

https://tickets.landmarktheatres.com/Ticketing.aspx?TheatreID=264&ShowDate=4%2F6%2F2012&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 

HARLEM JAZZ SHRINES FESTIVAL

My friend Melvin Taylor just hipped me to this wonderful collaboration between The Apollo Theater, Harlem Stage and Jazzmobile Renew Partnership: It’s the Second Annual Harlem Jazz Shrines Festival which is scheduled to run from May 7 – 13, 2012. Partners Celebrate Legacy of Jazz in Harlem FeaturingConcerts by Emerging and Established Artists, Panel Discussions, Films and More. Bringing both established and emerging artists to famed Harlem venues, the festival will pay tribute to Club Harlem, Clark Monroe’s Uptown House, Havana San Juan Club, Small’s Paradise, Minton’s Playhouse, Showman’s Café, Park Palace, Lenox Lounge and the Apollo Theater. In addition to concerts at jazz shrines, other festival events will take place at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, Columbia University and a variety of locations throughout the Harlem area.  Designed to draw a diverse audience of neighborhood residents, New Yorkers and tourists, all events are offered at the affordable price of $10.  Concerts are scheduled to allow people the option of attending several events each day, continuing the tradition of non-stop jazz throughout Harlem.  Tickets for many of the Harlem Jazz Shrines Festival events are available now.  For tickets and more information on the Festival and its partners, visit the Harlem Jazz Shrines’ website at www.Harlemjazzshrines.org and/or the organizations’ websites at www.apollotheater.org,  www.harlemstage.org and www.jazzmobile.org.

KIMBERLA LAWSON ROBY

My friend Shandra Hill Smith, with whom I recently reconnected while in Orlando at the Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine hipped me to her client Kimberla Lawson Roby’s news (www.kimroby.com). The ninth installment of her acclaimed Reverend Curtis Black series,  THE REVEREND’S WIFE (Grand Central Publishing; May 1, 2012; $24.99; ISBN 978-0446572477), is scheduled to hit stores May 1, 2012. The New York Times bestselling author tells the story of Reverend Black who discovers his wife, Charlotte, has had not one but two affairs.  “I am incredibly grateful to have experienced such an amazing journey," Roby says. "And to have created a character like the Reverend Curtis Black — one that thousands of readers continue to ask for year after year — this is even more of a blessing. What I hear regularly, too, from readers nationwide is that there is a ‘Reverend Curtis Black’ in every single city in the country, so it feels good writing stories that people can relate to." Roby’s novels — which address true-to-life social issues — have frequented bestseller lists, including The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post, ESSENCE and Upscale magazines, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Walmart and many others. Her 13th book and second novella, A DEEP DARK SECRET, was the Essence Book Club Recommended Read by ESSENCE magazine for November 2009. She received the Female Author of the Year award from the African-American Literary Award Show in 2011, 2010, 2009, 2007 and 2006. Among other honors, she also received the 1998 First-Time Author Award from Chicago's Black History Month Book Fair and Conference. 

LOUNGIN WITH TONY

Check out my friend Tony Moore’s new website for LOUNGIN WITH TONY (www.lounginwithtony.com). I met him Summer 2009 and just knew he was going to continue to sparkle for us all to see. CONGRATS TONY!

CLASSIC BLACK CINEMA & CAKE

My BFFs, the Porters (Mara Schiavocampo and Tommie Porter AKA Nina’s parents) had us over recently for an impromptu ‘classic Black movie night’ with popcorn, candy, THE BEST CAKE A LA MARA (see picture), and “COMING TO AMERICA”. LAUGHTER IS GREAT MEDICINE. FRIENDS & JUNK FOOD are too! XO PLR— with Tommie Porter, Rakia Clark, Ernest Maynor and Mara Schiavocampo. Maybe now that the SPARKLE trailer is out: http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/46925044, they’ll let us screen the 1976 original. LOL! CONGRATS to my friends Salim Akil and Mara Brock-Akil. As I work with BET's Creative Services team on the network's UP FRONT, I continue to be PROUD and IN AWE of what you both are creating in the way of your LEGACIES for TV and FILM! (For those who don't know, they are the creators of "Girlfriends", "The Game", "Jumping The Broom" (the film), and so much more, including the much-anticipated "Sparkle" remake, which is Whitney Houston's cinematic swan song!

NASHA RASHA

On one free night in New York City, my “Amazing Grace” Nichole Andrews Shellman invited me to join she and our friend Michelle Sanchez Boyce for a CELEBRATORY TOAST & TASTE at Nasha Rasha (http://www.nasharashanyc.com/) – a new concept in authentic Russian dining. It offers authentic Russian small plates meant for sharing and pairing with authentic Russian Vodka and Russian wines. Among its many signatures: bacon-infused vodka and ...horseradish vodka. As Vodka doesn’t agree with me, I still had to try it! INTERESTING!

But hear me: For the vodka lover in you, you can do shots of a selection of over 200 different vodkas. Most of them originals from Russia. And word has it, Nasha Rasha has karaoke on Mondays and Tuesdays. And coincidentally, it’s near one of my favorite karaoke spots in the Flatiron District – so I’m going to have to make sure I pop back by… and check that scene out as well!

MOREHOUSE 20

Ready or not? REUNION 20 from Morehouse College is here! CALLING ALL BRETHREN! www.morehouse1992.com (It seems like our 15 was just yesterday: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/5/22/walking-in-strange-and-new-places.html) Kinda’ started it early with Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts and Spelman sister Tiffanie R. Spearman (visiting NYC from Texas to experience Oprah’s Life Class with Deepak Chopra at Radio City). We had a nourishing chat and chew at Havana Central Times Square: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Havana-Central-Times-Square/106062046112971. DELICIOUS BEEF EMPANADAS and POMEGRANITE MOJITOS!

THINK LIKE A MAN

Everyone’s abuzz about “THINK LIKE A MAN” which hits theaters April 20^th (www.thinklikeaman-movie.com). From the stage to the streets, I’ve had the chance to mingle with many of its leads – from Steve Harvey with whom I’ve collaborated on DISNEY'S DREAMERS ACADEMY WITH STEVE HARVEY & ESSENCE MAGAZINE (just down in Orlando a couple of weeks ago: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/steve-harvey); Taraji P. Henson (at Mary J. Blige’s FFAWN gala – an evening I had the luxury of on-site producing/scripting: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/ffawn); Terrence J (at “The Game” premiere party last year: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/1/10/hope-theres-someone.html); and La La Anthony (friend of my friend Po Johnson). These folks and a number of others comprise the cast of “THINK LIKE A MAN” – including Michael Ealy, Regina hall, Jerry Ferrara, Kevin Hart, Romany Malco, Gabrielle Union, Meagan Good, etc. “THINK LIKE A MAN” opens nationwide April 20. Visit the movie online at www.thinklikeaman-movie.com.