A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

ALL STAR KARAOKE – FALL 2014

Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley is back up NEXT TUESDAY for our FALL 2014 run! For a look back at SPRING 2014, click here: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1TUj2SKo8nvTnjf0jEdg0xJuFj25kqBM! MEANWHILE, please let us know you're coming: https://www.facebook.com/events/1520785818162290/ #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

WELLS FARGO PRESENTS THE NEW ADVOCATE MONEY MINUTE

MY DEBUT as HOST on WELLS FARGO presents THE NEW MONEY MINUTE! Federal vs. State - Staying up-to-date on the protections and opportunities available for same-sex couples. http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/10/16/federal-vs-state

HERE’S OUR PROMO: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/10/10/introducing%E2%80%A6-new-advocate-money-minute

FIX MY CHOIR

Got to Exec Produce DC3's Michelle Williams and Deitrick Haddon yesterday! I grew even more impressed by the Grammy winner, after working with her. She and the dapper Deitrick are super nice and very professional! After a beast of a week and the wrap of our shoot, they energized me to join them at their network’s launch party for their FIX MY CHOIR show for Oxygen channel! It starts November 5^th! And how excited was I to be able to enjoy the great food, cocktails, and ANOINTED SINGING with my brothers in the media business: TV reporter (CBS 2 and more): Don Champion and GRIO/MSNBC’s own Chris Witherspoon. GREAT AMEN to my OH HAPPY DAY! #FixMyChoir

PLATFORM 2014

Shout out to some cool intel my dear NABJ sister friend, Elise Durham sent my way on PLATFORM 2014. Elise is Media Relations Manager/Strategic Partnerships Strategist at my alma mater Morehouse College which will be hosting – along with Georgia Tech – this landmark conference. Guest speakers like Rev. Jesse Jackson, Janelle Monae, Van Jones, Ralph de la Vega, and many more  will explore diversity in tech – today’s greatest challenge and opportunity in the innovation economy. Last night, HBO was the back-drop for a presentation that brought out Ant and many of my industry siblings – including Nikita Stewart Henderson (New York Times), her hubby/one of my BFFs Brian Henderson, my LIFE OF RILEY/ALL STAR KARAOKE team Derrick Henderson and Bernice Henderson, NYABJ Prez Mike Feeney, and – remember Zhane? – Renee Neufville – poised to present some new, long-anticipated music to us very soon, hopefully including a pop by Billie’s Black presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley. Just sayin’! Fun evening. For ticket information, please visit: http://platform.ticketleap.com/platform-summit-2014/ and for additional info, please click on: http://platform.org/#!/mission. P.S. My world-traveling BFF Camille is in town! Got to get a glimpse of her last night! Will catch up further as the week goes on… XOXOXOXOX #PLATFORM2014

CAMILLE and BLEMISHED LIGHT

My friend Carl Nelson invited Camille, Ant, Bernice, and me to an Opening Night Feature at the Chelsea Film Festival. It's called "Blemished Light" at SVA Theatre. Deep film. This is the Director Raj Amit Kumar. After, there was a Q&A moderated by Simone Boyce from FOX5 NY. The deep film inspired a compelling dialogue about the theme of "unfreedom" explored in the story lines. TRAILER: http://vimeo.com/107063541. FOR MORE INFO: http://www.blemishedlight.com/  AND GET OUT TO SEE SOME INDIE FILMS: http://chelseafilm.org/blemished-light/.  #CFFNY2014   Deep film. This is the Director Raj Amit Kumar. After, there was a Q&A moderated by Simone Boyce from FOX5 NY. The deep film inspired a compelling dialogue about the theme of "unfreedom" explored in the story lines. TRAILER: http://vimeo.com/107063541. FOR MORE INFO: http://www.blemishedlight.com/  AND GET OUT TO SEE SOME INDIE FILMS: http://chelseafilm.org/blemished-light/.  #CFFNY2014

             Camille came to see us again. We made her feel at home with karaoke and Mexican dinner at Cancun Restaurant NYC! And we got to spend some other fun time together during her trip – including a family reunion at Kevin Harry's portrait E-Zine launch. Simply "KH"! Camille got to reconnect to Tata! And Tata got to see old friend Quincy Ballon. And so many dear friends were in the house that night – all to celebrate Kevin Harry’s inspired, new portraiture project. We were in SOHO at Miss Lily's – prior to which I got to have an impromptu toast with my two-time Tony-award-winning internet-wifey/fellow NABJ baby, Mara Schiavocampo - now GMA's own.    MOn ne bonus Camille night, Ant and I went to the BRONX ACADEMY OF ART AND DANCE for a HALLO-WE aRQ po!arty our Ydear lamb Raul R Rivera threw! #ENDLESSLOVE, MISS ROSS      

PRESSURE

Ant’s sis Bri Cole was in town again for client video shoot: THE Pressure Busspipe's latest! She, Anthony Harper, Bernice Wooden, Charon Richardsonn, and I hooked up after our days: burger joint at 8th Street and Insomnia Cookies. YUM!  

IRTS

The 2014 IRTS HALL OF MENTORSHIP DINNER is tonight and my recurring client BET asked me to produce a tribute video for BET Network’s Chairman and CEO Debra Lee. Since 2009, recurring client - BET’s Creative Services – has assigned me a range of cool projects. I’m always excited to work on a video that encapsulates a person’s life, career, and accomplishments. A few years ago, I produced her SILVER ANNIVERSARY salute at BET. Last year, I produced the tribute to which my friend Mara Brock Akil introduced – honoring Debra Lee at NATPE with The Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award. At 30:15, take a look: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjwkPFbu2X4  IT’S GALA SEASON!

ALWAYS A BLAST to GUEST CO-HOST on Arise Entertainment 360 with Lola Ogunnaike and Shannon Lanier:http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/arise-entertainment-360. While Shannon Lanier was in L.A. covering MTV Awards - or the MTV Video Music Awards - and Emmy Awards, Lola Ogunnaike held down the fort.

The 2014 VMAs Red Carpet!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmoJEuJs14o&feature=youtu.be

SWV gives all the details on their new Season of SWV Reunited!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p-5yVts9I8&feature=youtu.be

Phillip Bloch recaps the 2014 VMA Red Carpet Fashion!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajEUM0CILGM&feature=youtu.be

Robyn M Santiago takes us inside the 2014 Emmy Awards "SWAG" Bag!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMYZolzFnYk&feature=youtu.be

Us Weekly Editor Charles Thorp recaps the 2014 Emmy Awards!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVqf_kcl6a8&feature=youtu.be

The cast of God Help The Girl discuss the new film!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0a0gCFlIXI&feature=youtu.be

Dash Mihok on his role in the hit series Ray Donovann!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7Dk1wn2qwo&feature=youtu.be

Phillip Bloch recaps the 2014 Emmy Awards Red Carpet!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PplxeLNiJ6s&feature=youtu.be 

FYI: Arise News is on TV now in NYC/NJ area - 18 million homes Mon-Fri 2pm on Time Warner Cable #92 & Verizon FiOS #481 plus still on millions of TVs overseas. And it's coming this FALL 2014 to CentricTV - BET Networks. As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! XO #ARISE360

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

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

SOME SHOUT OUTS

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

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

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

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

MOMENTUM

Momentum Honors honored me this past weekend at SOHO House in NYC with its Pillar of Empowerment Award! Blessed! Beyonce donated 100K to the cause which is MOMENTUM's TEEN program. She didn't attend. Was at the BET Awards 2014. But this gracious gift comes in the wake of her donating 10K each of the last two years. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

To: Robinson Lynn and the MOMENTUM TEAM

To: Tamara and the MOMENTUM TEENS TEAM

To: ALL OF MY FELLOW HONOREES – including Sylvia High (I TRULY AM HONORED TO BE IN YOUR ESTEEMED COMPANY)!

To: ALL MY MOMENTUM FAMILY and your FRIENDS AND FAMILY – many of whom came out!

A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO CURTIS DENNIS who has continued to be a role model for BEING THE DIFFERENCE beyond RESIDENTIAL. I love you, Curtis! Thank you!

AND MICHELE BREIER with whom I had the JOY to CO-SENIOR LT 16. THANKS FOR COMING, MICHELE!

I AM AN AUTHENTIC, LOVING, VULNERABLE MAN.

I GRADUATED THE BASIC IN JULY 2004;

THE ADVANCED IN SEPTEMBER 2004;

AND LEADERSHIP (LT 12) JANUARY 2005.

AS I MENTIONED, I WAS SENIOR STAFF FOR LT 16 AND A RECURRING INTRO NIGHT HOST.

I ACCEPT THIS AWARD IN THE MEMORY OF LT 10'S NENE OFUATEY-KODJOE - MY EMO.

ALSO TO THE MEMORY OF MOMENTUM Founder Robin Lynn WHO generously launched the Nene Ofuatey-Kodjoe Momentum Education Scholarship in April 2005. AS A RESULT, DOZENS - IN ROBIN'S WORDS - HAVE "GOTTEN TO GO" BECAUSE OF THIS GENEROUS GIFT.

AND TO MY LIFE PARTNER OF 8-1/2 YEARS, ANTHONY HARPER, ONE OF MOMENTUM'S NENE SCHOLARS: I LOVE YOU AND THANK YOU FOR LOVING ME AND ALLOWING ME TO LOVE YOU - THROUGH IT ALL!

THANKS EVERYBODY! AND A BIG SHOUT OUT to those who came out to surprise me: PETE; CECIL (who introduced Kodjoe to the work); MARJORIE MCFARLANE; LUSTER CHAUNCEY; AMANDA; PETER; et al! THANKS ALL!

SSU MEDIA HIGH

HOMETOWN BOY [me] is too EXCITED TO BE back home in Savannah as Keynote Speaker for the SSU MEDIA HIGH program! THE CLOSING CEREMONY & LUNCHEON at Savannah State University’s Department of Mass Communications (Adams Hall) was an INSPIRATIONAL LOVE FEST – WWW.SSUMEDIAHIGH.NET.SPONSORS/PARTICIPANTS included WTOC – the first TV station to hire me (in high school) as “teleprompter” for the 5p and 6p newscasts. Contributor Kim Gusby saw my visit newsworthy enough to tease it on “Coastal Sunrise” - http://bit.ly/lor_ssuhigh. WSAV sent cameras to the event as well for later newscasts. One of my NABJ mentors/Spelman big sister Wanda Lloyd is Chair of SSU’s Department of Mass Communications (She too is childhood BFFs with my favorite teacher from Windsor Forest High School, Mrs. Linda Green, who surprised me! And what a full-circle moment as in order for me to be able to do the WTOC gig, Mrs. Green took me to my mom’s job to get the car – so I could get downtown. Then, I’d pick mom up after the 6p newscast wrapped! THANK YOU, LINDA GREEN!). And to my NABJ sister Tina A. Brown, THANK YOU for inviting me as she is DIRECTOR of SSU Media High and a friend for life. Though I am a MOREHOUSE MAN, I followed a similar curriculum as Spelmanite Wanda Lloyd as we both studied much of our chosen professions' basics at CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY's Mass Media Arts Department. So, this was even more of a FULL CIRCLE moment to be speaking at SSU as Wanda Lloyd is a Savannah native as well! And what a blessing that my DAD – 80-YEARS-YOUNG – RETIRED CMSGT USAF HERMAN L. RILEY SR. – was able to join me along with his wife Diana. Appreciated his support, pride, and hospitality while I was home.FEELING FULL, BLESSED, and ENCOURAGED at the new generation of multi-platform journalists before us!CONGRATS to the SSU MEDIA HIGH grads of SUMMER 2014! AND YOU MUST KNOW it was GREAT to hang out with my family afterwards! We ALWAYS have a GREAT TIME! LOVE Y'ALL! AND LOVE SAVANNAH! #SSUMEDIA HIGH

Summer karaoke break

The SPRING 2014 SERIES of “BILLIE’S BLACK PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE WITH PATRICK L. RILEY” wrapped last week! ! And so happy that GORDON CHAMBERS chose our final TUESDAY to come out, support, and sing (songs from his catalog like “Missing You” - the Grammy nominated theme of Set It Off (performed by Brandy, Tamia, Gladys Knight and Chaka Khan) and my favorite, Brownstone's Grammy nominated hit "If You Love Me" which he rocked a caapella (and you know I joined in). 
Gordon graciously joined our “The Boss” chorus on that Diana Ross disco anthem penned and produced by the Ashford & Simpson. To buy Gordon’s amazing music and find out where he’s performing next, check out http://gordonchambers.com/. Among many magical moments last night (STAY TUNED for clips throughout the day), GRAND FINALE WINNER Husain Mello Deas Williams came and blessed our FINAL installment in our SPRING 2014 SERIES of Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley! He redeemed his winning recently as he sang in that night's Motown the Musical and later enjoyed a scrumptious meal at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul! We're PROUD of you, HUSAIN! MUCH LOVE! My nephew Herman Lee Riley III and so many of our ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS were in the house as well as my Morehouse brethren BFFs Michael K. Watts, Mario Ephraim; and a VERY SPECIAL APPEARANCE by fellow Morehouse College Glee Club brother and professional vocalist (of the Opera kind), Cornelius V. Johnson - performing Porgy & Bess nearby. He BLESSED our GRAND FINALE with a beautiful "SUMMERTIME". It brought me to tears! THANKS TO EVERYBODY FOR YOUR SUPPORT! I LOVE YOU! P.S. Since Billie's Black Presents All Star Karaoke served as such a great back-drop for BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS, just drop a line to patarack@hotmail.com. I'll forward you accordingly to BILLIE'S BLACK as they will work with you on available dates; menu; method(s) of payment; particulars - including a premium option of booking our ALL STAR KARAOKE TEAM to host and produce your special celebration. It's a great way to celebrate for you and your friends. Please feel free to pass this along and let everyone know!!! We have had such an amazing time at “Billie’s Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley”. Some amazing All Star performers have graced the stage including Recording Artists/R&B Divas – Atlanta: Monifah & Keke Wyatt; recording artist Shaliek; our All Star Karaoke faithfuls, like Fashion Queen’s Bevy Smith; GMA/ABC News Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo; celebrity hairstylist Carla Bone (clients including Jada Pinkett Smith and Kerry Washington) and Brian Badie (clients including Ice T, Coco, etc.); Mindy Project's Xosha Roquemore; Anthony Wayne (Broadway’s “Pippin’” and “Mighty Real Sylvester”); and so many more! THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!#motownmay 

ABFF

 Film Life Presents the 18th annual American Black Film Festival took place in NYC for the first time: www.abff.com. TWITTER - @abff. SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to my friend Patrik-Ian Polk on his NEW FILM “BLACKBIRD”: TWITTER - @blkbirdthefilm. MO'NIQUE stars! ANOTHER SHOUT OUT to my colleague Kai Brown’s brother Tobi Gadison who starred in ‘Myra’s Angel’, which made its ABFF debut this weekend. The script was penned by Skye Dennis and directed by Hakim Hudson. The film tells the story of a a man’s (played by Tobi Gadison) journey for redemption as he tries to clear his name of a robbery he didn’t commit. ALSO: We saw "Life's Essentials with Ruby Dee," Documentary About Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, made its big screen premiere at the American Black Film Festival. The film, which is the work of Mr. Davis and Ms. Dee's grandson Muta'Ali, is part tribute, part history lesson and part coming-of-age story and gives viewers an intimate look into the "remarkable lives of the couple many consider the all-time king and queen of Black Hollywood," according to production notes. Shout out to my dear friends Teri Prettyman Bowles and husband Alvin Bowles - Associate Producers on the project. OH! A wonderful hang on Friday with dear friend Jason Johnson would have us run into Kate Mulgrew from “Orange is the New Black”! #ABFF2014 #nyc #oitnb REST IN PEACE, RUBY DEE! WE MISS YOU ALREADY! XOXOXOXO

MISS ROSS

WELL, MISS ROSS performed to a PACKED HOUSE at MADISON SQUARE GARDEN – THE THEATER this weekend! THAT’S ALL! SO GOOD to hang out with my ROSS enthusiasts as Rhonda Ross opened with her electrifying set followed bombastically by MISS ROSS who was in GREAT FORM --- effortlessly giving her audience HIT after HIT after HIT! “SING RAIF,” Miss Ross exclaimed on “The Boss” – looking out to her quite enthusiastic grandson, Diana and Berry Gordy’s grandboy! “Raif! You’re THE BOSS!” LOL! SHOUT OUT TO ALL MY ROSS PEEPS! Derrick even got to see MISS ROSS for the first time! She did not disappoint ONE BIT!

JALC

Shout out to Dwayne Ashley, Vice President of Development at Jazz at Lincoln Center, and my BFF, Miss Sidra Smith, NAACP Image Award winning producer for “Free Angela and All Political Prisoners” – THE DOCUMENTARY of 2013-2014 season, if you ask me! They each made sure I was in the house for Jazz at Lincoln Center's SWING, A SUMMER BENEFIT COCKTAIL PARTY inside the gorgeous Appel Room in at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall – overlooking Columbus Circle and the South entrance to Central Park. The night included a FAMILY REUNION (of sorts) as so many of my industry buddies and associates were in the house! Primarily, though, there were performances by Jonathan Batiste, Cécile McLorin Salvant, The Rodriguez. In the 2013-14 season, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s performance and education initiatives impacted audiences on both local and global scale. The organization served 724 children through its WeBop early childhood education program, while 2,700 schools participated in the annual Essentially Ellington high school jazz program. Honorary Chairs are Tonya and Spike Lee, Maya Haile and Marcus Samuelsson, Lance Riddick, Mickalene Thomas, Tamara Tunie, Eboni Marshall Turman and Rossie Turman, III, Jeffrey Wright. swing! Chair is Lola C. West. swing! Co-Chairs are Valerie S. Brown, Mignon Espy-Edwards, Christopher Montgomery, Kimberly Steward. swing! Co-Presenters are Valentino D. Carlotti, Reginald Van Lee, The Steward Family Foundation. swing! Host Committee includes Ken Allen, Paul Atkins, Kelly Smith Beaty, Kesha Cash, Harriette Cole, Candice Cook, Dionyse Fitzwilliam, Ian S. Fuller, Phyllis Hollis, Jim Johnson, Angela Kyle, Ed Lewis, Spencer Means, Courtney Lee Mitchell and Marcus Mitchell, Jarrod Guy Randolph, Ayo Roach, Trevor Scotland, Clinton Townsend, Nicole Valentine, Faye Wattleton, Eric Woods. #jalcnyc

5^TH HARMONY

Anthony Harper and I loved us some FIFTH HARMONY during the second season of The X Factor. The group consists of members Ally Brooke Hernandez, Normani Hamilton, Dinah Jane Hansen, Camila Cabello, and Lauren Jauregui. They signed a joint deal with Syco Music, owned by Simon Cowell, and Epic Records, L.A. Reid's record label, after finishing in third place behind Tate Stevens and Carly Rose Sonenclar on the show. NOW, THEY ARE SOON COMING OUT (Pre-Order Fifth Harmony's NEW single 'BO$$' on iTunes http://smarturl.it/5HBOSS). WAS TOO EXCITED to refer colleague and LIFE OF RILEY consultant Derrick Hemphill to an opportunity that he shot and produced for an upcoming talk show about which I won’t say much now (BUT STAY TUNED). THE BONUS: My day’s work was happening nearby – so I just HAD to stop by and hear their new song BOSS (You know, I love a BOSS! LOL!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isXyg_2PsdU&feature=kp. BECOME one of the HARMONIES (along with me) and follow FIFTH HARMONY at : https://twitter.com/5HonTour; Instagram @5HonTour_; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fifthharmonyupdates; and Tumblr: http://5hontour.tumblr.com/. #5HonTour #5thharmony #fifthharmony

TONI SEAWRIGHT & MJ

Was too excited to host TONI SEAWRIGHT’s 50th Birthday Honoring the Music and Legacy of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson with family and friends in Brooklyn, New York at the 5 Spot. I sang “Got to Be There” with the HOT BAND! Shout out to them for rehearsing with me a couple of days prior to ensure I could hit those CHAKA notes. I even rehearsed at our closing night of ALL STAR KARAOKE: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152301811918737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater.

WATN: GERALDO

You guys know “Oprah: Where Are They Now?” is a recurring client – content which features updates on some of the biggest newsmakers and most memorable Oprah show guests of all time.  Next Sunday, July 9 at 9p ET, please check out my update with television host and journalist Geraldo Rivera – another full circle moment as he was my first boss in New York City circa 1995-1997. ALSO in the show: Party of Five’s Scott Wolf; Elvira, Mistress of the Dark; author Terry McMillan and the survivor of a brutal shark attack. PROMO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvsCU4ZVl8Y 

So glad Ant was in the house to grab some special moments at BILLIE’S BLACK PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley! #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

NIGHT ONE was amazing!

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/4/2/something-to-talk-about.html

WAS A GREAT NIGHT TWO – highlight for me being the SING-A-LONG of Natalie Cole’s “OUR LOVE”!

VIDEO EXCERPT 1:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152135753883737&set=vb.662073736&type=2&theater

VIDEO EXCERPT 2: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152135603883737&set=vb.662073736&type=2&theater

THANKS to ALL our ALL-STARS who came out to celebrate Kevin Anthony’s birthday:

VIDEO EXCERPT:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152135734368737&set=vb.662073736&type=2&theater

Kenneth Carr - hubby of my boo Shareen King Carr. Kenny Carr our first ALL-STAR KARAOKE instrumentalist (His “Don’t Stop Believing” made us ALL believe!):

VIDEO EXCERPT:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152135694263737&set=vb.662073736&type=2&theater

our regulars oh-the-day – including Ephraim, the FABULOUS Belinda Munro who sang her Belinda Munro FACE OFF:

VIDEO EXCERPT:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152135740083737&set=vb.662073736&type=2&theater

ALSO IN THE HOUSE:  

karaoke buddy with the most Jamar Dunn

and was that my friend, New York Association of Black Journalists (NYABJ) President Michael J. Feeney? IT WAS!

And Penwah Phynjuar came back and inspired a fun group to round out the ALL-STAR vocals – including my “Our Love” (SEE THE CLIP); their “Poison” by BBD; and a number of other great tunes.

EXCERPT:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152135689228737&set=vb.662073736&type=2&theater

 Yes! That was Gwendolyn Quinn! And Toni Seawright’s “Earth Song” was nothing short of stunning.  

EXCERPT:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152135717973737&set=vb.662073736&type=2&theater

We are so humbled, Toni Seawright!

Lisa Bonner made everybody “Happy”.

We were anyway, hence the “Happy Birthday” we did for Kevin Anthony II (Stevie-style).  

And we get DRUNK IN LOVE with the help of Harlem’s and the APOLLO’s own Nina Flowers!

VIDEO EXCERPT:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152135752783737&set=vb.662073736&type=2&theater

Cousin Shantay even got in on the FUN – singing Pink’s “Glitter in the Air”!

VIDEO EXCERPT:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152135746008737&set=vb.662073736&type=2&theater

And there were just too many fabulous moments on our second night – another packed house one week after TV-One’s R&B Divas’ Monifah Carter and Terez Mychelle; “Fashon Queens” Bevy Smith; and many more! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KEVIN-ANTHONY! HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL NEXT TUESDAY! For those who want to celebrate their birthdays - "All Star Karaoke" style with Patrick L. Riley - please tell Kevin Anthony LIFE OF RILEY sent you - so you can find out how you can celebrate with us at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul. 7-10pm. Tuesday. Hope to see you there. #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

OMARI BANKS

My friend Michelle Sanchez Boyce is a long-standing music exec - from A&R to Management from Jamie Foxx to Miguel! She's currently representing new reggae artist, Omari Banks. Omari Banks – 2014 Anguillan Artist of the Year – has a unique Caribbean sound. The accomplished cricket player is the son of legendary Anguillan reggae artist Bankie Banx; his recording of “Unafraid” was the number one music video in the Caribbean in 2013 and remained in the top 10 of Tempo’s Cross Caribbean Countdown for seventeen weeks. The video for his recently released second single, “Jehovah Message,” garnered over 20,000 hits in the first week. (See it yourself at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZnktBaaa-M)

 AND SHE INVITED Ant and me out last night to PARK 112 to meet Omari and some other players who are supporting his AMERICA TAKE-OVER – including Meatpacking’s own Brian Gold (Owner, GRIFFIN and SUGAR FACTORY) and MS. BODEGA (https://www.facebook.com/MissBodega). Check out Omari’s ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfkk5FqY27E.

SPEAKING OF MS. BODEGA

 Shout out to that FABULOUS ARTIST and PRODUCER MS. BODEGA and her brother Jon Levy. They invited Ant and me up to their Upper Westside "Influencers Dinner" after-set

 (They are the adult kids of famed fine artist Benjamin Levy).

Fav pianist and friend ELEW is in the house!! As always, he turns it out!
Special shout out to our special host "Ms. Bodega". Her new single that she's putting out with LalaBela and Commissioner Gordon is a Dance track. "FLY SO HIGH" is a socially empowering music track. Follow her:

Facebook: Batsheva Ms.Bodega
Facebook Fanpage: Ms.Bodega
Twitter: Batsheva@Ms_Bodega
Instagram: MsBodegaaa

About The Bodega Movement & Mission:

Bodega World Music,LLC is a company that attempts to carry the message of Ms.Bodega as an artist and hopes to fulfill projects that represent unity, peace and the blending of cultures through music, fashion and dance. Its vision is to take on projects that have the ability to break down boundaries and stereotypes between people of different countries, religions and political backgrounds as a catalyst for celebrating each others cultures,for unity and for the realization that humanity comes first.

Ms.Bodega as a music artist is coming out with a New Campaign led by recorded music, live performances, Fashion and product integration to be marketed in the world of the New Digital Wave. These days we often see Music artists having a Bigger influence than politicians do. They can reach the youth with a word or a song in a way nobody else can. This is True Power of Influence. Ms. Bodega is about Positive Power and believes in using Power to move people, spread Light and inspire those who think they Can't.

Ms. Bodega and Bodega World Music is currently partnering up with Lalabela Entertainment Group/Alliance, 7-time Grammy Award Winner "Comissioner Gordon" WIlliams, The Manhattan Center and Leading Top Digital Media Marketing Technologists in order to reach a GLOBAL audience.

EPK
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I915o5cXAMs&list=PL64835B6FD83A6F5C

Ms.Bodega Live (Show Reel)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLwQcqnz3dM&list=PL64835B6FD83A6F5C

Interview on Fit n' Fine Show (Public Access TV -100,000 Viewers)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLsN8GT-nZA

Top Of The World (Music Video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpGZvvb3UdE&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PL64835B6FD83A6F5C

Ms.Bodega Interviews Ky-mani Marley and Rohan Marley at Live show (Barbi,Telaviv)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zgDsSM9i2g&list=PL64835B6FD83A6F5C

Ms. Bodega Youtube Search (videoes,interviews,live performances etc..)
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ms+bodega&sm=12

VANESSA WILLIAMS

In Jan 1995, Ernest Maynor and I flew up from ATL to see Vanessa Williams on Broadway in Kiss of the Spider Woman. Apr 2014, BFFs see her in After Midnight on Broadway! FULL CIRCLE! p.s. I got to interview Fran Drescher this week. She's on Broadway in "Cinderella". More from this later...

AS ALWAYS, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!