A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

hny

Ringing in 2015 with Ernest Maynor, Cris Che-Che Miller, Kevin Freeman, Wardell Malloy, CJ, and more at the beautiful New Jersey home of Erika Liles and Kevin Liles proved to be nothing short of a BLAST (with Ern showing up as a SUPER-doppelganger to our hostess with the most Erika! LOL!). GREAT WAY TO COME INTO 2015! ONESIES and UGGS were the order of the day; many GAMES; and awesome spread of "potluck". THANKS to Moochie and our AWESOME HOSTS! PLUS, a special shout out to POCONOS fam, Cristal's mom Sheila and her posse, who fed us something "abundantly" on THE DAY! Happy New Year, EVERYBODY! #2015

ga

BFF since 7th grade, Ernest Maynor and I did our ANNUAL GA HOLIDAY again! This, while Ant caught up with his peeps in Denver (Hey Denver fam!). Ern and I enjoyed a "Welcome Back to ATL" brunch with our collective BFFs: Carla Jackson; Cristal Miller; Tina Johnson; Ern's and my Savannah homegirl/my Spelman sister Tandi Reddick; our world-traveling vegan diva and sister girlfriend for life Onlyone Camille; and several fun drive-bys, including Chandra's little brother/my mentee Calvin Jones. Great brunch at The Shed at Glenwood! Thx to my nephew Noot - Herman Lee Riley III - for the recommendation! We then hosted NYC BFF and LIFE OF RILEY producer/consultant Derrick Hemphill - in ATL for the holidays - and other friends at our fav couple Patrice and Keron's place. This, before heading to Carla Jackson's house to watch my special interview with Sesame Street's Bert and Ernie - my Ern's and my doppelgangers - on the Season Finale of Oprah: Where Are They Now? on recurring client OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network - http://youtu.be/jUgvR9Bkxr4. AND OF COURSE, I found time for my actual family. LOL! Queen and Mickey's kids - CHILDREN OF CHARLIE & DAISY RILEY - first got together again for Christmas 2014 at my fav cafeteria Piccadilly. My siblings Janice Riley Priester, Herman, and me caught up and got suitably nourished for the rest of the holiday! We got a pre-Savannah moment in Atlanta via childhood friend and Spelman sister Tandi Reddick. Her eve-of-eve party ensured we could all have fun - friends old and new, including my L.A.-based friend Wayne Gonzalez, Celebrity Astrologer whose analysis will “read” and explain many things about you - for the good. LOL!When last I was in L.A., Wayne joined some of me - and some of my friends from "The Queen Latifah Show", which was still in production at the time. He gave them an ear full. Look for more from this talent in 2015 (I predict! LOL!). Tandi's set - for sure - got the holiday celebrating off to a great start! While in Savannah, it was lots of catching up; visiting; children to gift and see; cocktails and juice; lots of food; and lots of laughter and love! Always so good to be home in Savannah where much of it all began. I LOVE MY FAMILY and ALL of my EXTENDED SAVANNAH FAMILY. And I was too excited to get some special “favorite cousin” time with Buddah. Was also nice to catch up with the E-WING CREW – from Natalie and her beautiful family to Ern and his clan. And a special treat it was to get some time with our beloved Bernadette. We got a kick out of catching up with old Windsor Forest High School classmates on one of the evenings. Had my close out in Savannah with fam. Well, a night-cap with the MAYNOR siblings at JEN'S&FRIENDS. AND THEN, a return to ATL for one more night to a "Welcome Back and BYE" party back in Atlanta - hosted by our dear friends and hosts Patrice and Keron (and the boys Zach and Hunter). One of my good-bye guests, dear friend Kevin Freeman taking me out on the ATL town for a night cap at Mixx Atlanta's Upscale Lounge & Nightclub and Chaperelle Nightclub where we bumped into several buddies - including Isoul Harris - ATLANTA's own who is now Editor in Chief of UPTOWN Magazine whose always been good to me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1sAADNg3Ls and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oD54heTwCpY. HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYBODY!#siblingsbond #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #WHEREARETHEYNOW #ARISE360

ask

Billie's Black presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley" brought ALL OF OUR FAV FAM OUT for the eve-of-eve New Year's wrap of our uber-fun Fall 2014 Series! Look for us back up in the Spring of 2015 (and maybe some special ALL STAR KARAOKE moments here and there).! Meanwhile, feel the LOVE that I felt on our last night as Billie's Black Gourmet Soul's owner Adrian Ferguson provided a champagne toast for our ALL STAR KARAOKE faithfuls (and to RING IN THE NEW YEAR) - also to CELEBRATE EIGHT YEARS IN THE BUSINESS. AND SHE FINALLY SANG! She led "The Boss" choir for our weekly finale! Beautiful cap...and WORDS from her - thanking us for making "Tuesday" at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul like their BEST FRIDAY EVER! And come mid-January and for the winter months, MiKA DeHarlem will host KARAOKE UNSCRIPTED which I plan to support when I can. BIG THANKS to our sponsors Miss Jessie's, Joseph Riley Land, Vessie Goldsmith, Motown the Musical, and all the rest. AND MY TEAM is the best - including my producer and fill-in host Bernice Wooden! LOVE YOU! And BIG THANKS to my partner Ant whose vision for me to host something was All Star Karaoke (since 2010) and producer/BFF Derrick Hemphill for working with All Star Karaoke and Life of Riley as the brands grow. Much LOVE to ALL...and HAPPY NEW YEAR! #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #motownmay

ritual

Lots going on this season as LIFE OF RILEY looks to unplug a bit over the holidays. I have one big deadline for recurring client BET – a video project for which I had to shoot an impressive crew of millennials who may be hiring me soon! THANKS LADIES and GENTLEMEN! Meanwhile, a couple of other projects I wrapped a couple of months ago will see the light of day. First up is my HOME LENDING episode for recurring client WELLS FARGO PRESENTS THE NEW ADVOCATE MONEY MINUTE: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/12/12/home-lending (See all my other episodes here: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute) ... and on long-standing, recurring client OWN THIS UPCOMING SUNDAY? A very special interview THAT I ACTUALLY CONDUCTED with Sesame Street's Bert and Ernie:
http://www.oprah.com/own-where-are-they-now/Beth-Holloway-Tiffany-and-the-Original-Cast-of-The-Real-World-Video. That’s Sunday, December 21, at 9/8c. Read more:http://www.oprah.com/own-where-are-they-now/Beth-Holloway-Tiffany-and-the-Original-Cast-of-The-Real-World-Video#ixzz3LtLgBV2v #WhereAreTheyNow. And I’m saying yes to as many talent bookings I can before I leave town – including: the chance to host a marriage party for my NABJ BFF Brian Henderson and his beautiful wife Nikita Henderson – The New York Times own. Le Maison d’Art in Harlem was the back-drop… and we had a BLAST – celebrating the newlyweds. This Thursday, my friend Chris Jones booked me to join a fun line-up at “Freddie Wright’s Holiday Talent Show and Review”. And the holiday parties are booked at the craziest pace while Ant and I try to get to our loved ones – respectively! WHEW!

karaoke

I’m hoping to have some voice left-over Thursday after our PRE-HOLIDAY BLAST! That's right! We are about to wrap up our FALL 2014 series of Billie’s Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L Riley! AND YES! WE HOPE TO RETURN IN THE SPRING!

UPDATES:

My ALL STAR KARAOKE producer Bernice Wooden will keep the party going during the two holiday TUESDAYS left in 2014. And if I get back in time for Tuesday, December 30^th… I may pop by to WATCH (and wait in line to sing)! LOL!

Last Tuesday, our usual suspects included our beloved sponsors Miss Jessie’s and Riley Land Gourmet Pantry who ensure our ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULs walk out the door with a smile and some SWAG! LOL! BFF Mara Schiavocampo got in on the phone – giving away two copies of her upcoming book “THINspired”, due December 30th… but you can pre-order on Amazon NOW: http://www.amazon.com/Thinspired-Pounds-Lasting-Weight-Self-Acceptance/dp/1476784051/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417643482&sr=8-1&keywords=thinspired. We sang, laughed, and were TRULY MERRY:https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10204127038514182&set=vb.1172177040&type=2&theater. AND OF COURSE, we talked about THINSPIRED: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10204126885790364&set=vb.1172177040&type=2&theater. Mara also secured copies of the latest edition of ESSENCE inside of which there’s an EXCLUSIVE excerpt from her book. Also, you'll find some FABULOUS PICTURES of Mara through the years AND a couple of the pages features our ALL STAR KARAOKE/CELEBRITY hair stylist SUPREME, Carla Bone! So much fun when Mara comes by: http://bit.ly/ask_mara.#THINspiredbook #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke  

motown

So, imagine my EXCITEMENT when my nephew made sure that his uncle got prime seats to see my icon MISS ROSS February 3rd as she opens the historic, now-newly-renovated theater in Brooklyn! She's still #THEBOSS - never more underscored when my friend - marketing consultant Marcia Pendelton - brought #MOTOWNMAY to #BILLIESBLACK and #ALLSTARKARAOKE. Well, as I have loved MISS ROSS since I came out the womb; and since Marcia made it possible for me to be the Opening Night HOST of MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL's video which allowed me TWO interviews with Miss Ross and Berry Gordy that night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ; and since our #MOTOWNMAY was such a SUCCESS; and since MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL is playing its final performance at Broadway's Lunt Fontanne Theatre on January 18, 2015 (though poised to return to the Nederlander theater July 2016). BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE: In additon to its US THEATER TOUR, a UK production is planned for the summer of 2015. MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL has broken the weekly gross box office record at the Lunt Fontanne with million-dollar grossing weeks. Recoup? Check! This spring, the first National Tour of MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL opened to critical acclaim, grossing an impressive $20 Million dollars during a packet, sixteen-week run. SO GIVEN ALL OF THAT: Marcia is coming THIS WEEK to ALL STAR KARAOKE to - as she put it - "Can I come to karaoke, we do some Motown, and I give away some grand prizes?" The answer is: AIN'T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH! LOL! #getready #motownthemusical #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack #motownmay

Rip

“Billie’s Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley” extends condolences to Miko Branch and the family and friends of Titi Branch of Miss Jessie's, who died last week at the age of 45. http://bit.ly/1yTYVNv

 theater

I am scheduled to do one more MUST-SEE HOLIDAY SHOW segment for ARISE 360 a little later this week – including, if time, word on my friend Stanley Bennett Clay who invited Anthony, Derrick, Dawn Murphy Riley, and me to see his award-winning play “Ritual” – now inside an extended run at the 777 Theatre, 777 8^th Avenue, NY 10036 (between 47^th and 48^th Sts.), with 2 pm Sunday shows. Tickets are currently on sale for performances thru December 28, 2014. BACK-STORY: Set in the 1980’s, this powerful drama explores the dysfunctional dynamics at work beneath an affluent African-American family’s appearance of perfection. The husband & father is in denial about his family crisis, and is equally detached from his ethnic soul. The wife & mother is on the verge of alcoholism and is threatened by her cunning daughter in the home and perhaps the bedroom. The young gay son, at odds with his father, leaves his Ivy League college to come home and save his family…by any devastating means necessary. “Ritual” features Reginald James Albert, Latresa Baker, David M. Raine, and Q as the volatile Becker family. Clay wrote and produced “Armstrong’s Kid” Off-Broadway 3 years ago. Two years ago he wrote and directed the feature-length documentary “You Are Not Alone,” an examination of depression among black gay men, and directed last year’s award-winning production of the stage adaptation of James Earl Hardy’s classic novel “B-Boy Blues.” He received 3 NAACP Theatre Awards and 3 Drama-logue Awards for writing, directing and co-producing the original Los Angeles production of “Ritual.” That production was also an L.A. Times Critics’ Choice and an L.A. Weekly Pick of the Week. Tickets to “Ritual” are available by calling (866) 811-4111 or visiting www.theatermania.com/off-broadway/shows/ritual_305392/. Tickets are also available at the box office one hour before curtain. Tickets are $31.45-$51.45 (which includes a $1.95 service fee). TDF members get discount tickets on the TDF site. All seats reserved. Tickets are on sale now. Group rates/tickets are available. Contact: Stanley Bennett Clay phone: 323-200-4861 email:stanleybennettclay@gmail.com #HIGHLYRECOMMENDED #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

model

After enjoying a night with my Morehouse brother Mario's Harlem Thursday Night at NABE, had a great night with industry buddy Ron Smith AKA The Wiz.  He brought Anthony Harper and several of our colleagues and friends – new and old – together at Chez Josephine for the opportunity to meet and greet and get to know menswear label Polo Ralph Lauren’s latest pluck: model Darius Williams - one of the faces of the brand’s Fall/Winter 2014 men’s campaign. In attendance: David Miller (DMillerPR); Brian Jamie (Photographer); Sonya Magett (Style/Fashion expert); Ken like Barbie (VROGGPR); Terry Donovan (Summer Sizzle BVI); Christopher Kadima (model); Jamie Tonge (Distinct Homene Magazine); Claire Summers (Fashion Bomb Daily); Indashio; Ebony ( model – “MLZ”). We all WELCOMED Darius into what we see as an obvious destiny of SUCCESS: the TRIPLE-THREAT KIND! PER DARIUS’ BIO, Louisiana native Williams caught the eye of one the fashion industry’s leading clothing brands this year. The 6’1.5” fitness model was photographed to appear in the print and online ads for the prestigious company by world-renowned lensman Bruce Weber, one of the industry’s most celebrated photographers. Weber captured the professional model’s good looks both solo and posed with other models for the brand’s print and billboard ads featured in department stores nationwide as well as on the company’s website Polo.com. The photos spark the viewer’s imagination enough to cause a double-take. Williams was raised in a small town in Louisiana with a population of only 18,000 residents. Before he moved to New York, he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Northwestern State University of Louisiana where he also honed his skills as a graphic designer. It was during his last semester in college is when he took up an offer by a model scout to attend castings for Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week. Williams jumped at the chance he felt could be a once in a lifetime opportunity, despite having never visited the Big Apple before. As Williams’ flight landed in a New York airport, he received a phone call stating he had one hour to attend his first meeting at a modeling agency in Manhattan. As fate would have it, he landed a modeling contract with Soul Artist Management. Since that fateful meeting, Williams has worked with many other talented photographers. He has appeared in ad campaigns for Nike, SperryTopsider, and Verizon. The fine art lover has also been snapped by male supermodel David Agbodji (Calvin Klein) for Flaunt magazine. Williams has also walked on the runway for men’s underwear brand 2xist as well as various designers for the fashion week seasons. Williams recently wrapped a shoot to appear in an upcoming ad for Hanes; another one of the nation’s leading the underwear brands for their spring 2015 campaign. His career path, however, lies not only in modeling—he is currently studying acting to prepare his next steps into Hollywood. His model profile and portfolio may be viewed at SoulArtistManagement.com.

alyson williams

Tuesday 5 inside the Fall 2014 Series of Billie's Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley felt like a continuation of my birthday fete last week - especially when my friend - the legendary Alyson Williams surprised me! The awesome diva of jazz & r&b was making good on a promise she made to me a few weeks ago that she would come by and bless our stage (as she did a few years ago our inaugural All Star Karaoke at now-closed Native). And let me tell you: she SANG her face off: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10205391950740804&set=vb.1310382033&type=2&theater. And what a way to kick off THANKSGIVING (and Lady Phyll's birthday dinner) as our packed house was largely comprised of our ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS for whom I am MOST GRATEFUL this season and year. Also, GARGANTUAN THANKS to our sponsors Riley Land Gourmet Pantry - on board with us since the beginning, and our Fall 2014 Series title sponsor at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul: Miss Jessie's. And a special shout out to artist Vanessa Bonaparte Design (https://www.facebook.com/vanessabonapartedesign). Her collection of Harlem-inspired platters is on display at Billie's Black Bar Lounge & Restaurant. Via raffle, she generously donated a beautiful, framed print of her work "Church Lady". All of our sponsors provided great giveaways for all in attendance plus special take-aways for select participants - inspiring quality Holiday gifting ideas at a reasonable price point. Please support them all where applicable. And SPECIAL THANKS to friend, TheGrio and msnbc's own Chris Witherspoon for coming by to support our night during which we sought his assistance to help present our prizes. Thanks Chris! #Ferguson remained on our song selection - from theater great - most recently from Billy Porter's WHILE I YET LIVE - Larry Powell's "What's Going On?" to my first-time stab at "Stand Up For Love" by Destiny's Child: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152624319488737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater. With shaking heads, we still called joy forth - excited to hear news that we're still able to win dancing contests: Congrats to Alfonso Ribeiro who had BETTER won Dancing with the Stars this season. He did. Meanwhile, there's #Ferguson. I thought Selma Movie #selmafilm - was a period piece and the overcoming was well over this ilk of scene in the movie of Black people and justice. Thanks to Ava DuVernay for letting us know this is not new and the work continues on some strong shoulders and tired feet. #smh Please be safe out there and take care of each other. Hold your families close. In this healing time for humanity, remember to laugh, count those blessings, and connect to your loved ones with light and kindness. Happy Thanksgiving, everybody! And we'll be back next Tuesday at 7p for "Billie's Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley" - and every Tuesday through December 2014. As always, THANKS TO MY TEAM: Derrick Hemphill, Bernice Wooden, my partner Anthony Harper, Michael K. Watts, EPHRIAM, GENEVA, Husain Mello Deas Williams, our #motownmay Motown the Musical winner; and more! #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #motownmay

count

Hi folks! I’m the host for THE ADVOCATE MONEY MINUTE – episodes of which run on-line. A little over 5 minutes into this clip, see my PROMO for NEXT WEEK’S SHOW: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/11/26/small-business MEANWHILE, as my archive for MONEY MINUTE goes, here’s the promo for the season: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/10/10/introducing-new-advocate-money-minute and here’s the first show on CONVERSATIONS: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/10/16/federal-vs-state and another episode on RETIREMENT: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/11/13/retirement. ALSO: LOOK FOR ME ON Arise Entertainment 360 in the coming days - for guest co-hosting and another of my signature Broadway segments. AS ALWAYS, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! #OUT100 #moneyminute #wellsfargo #advocate #thenewadvocatemoneyminute #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack #ARISE360 #CENTRICTV

family

Shout out to my dear friends Nikita Stewart and Brian Henderson for inviting Anthony Harper and me to Thanksgiving Dinner – including the chance for me to hang with Nikita’s daughter, singer/songwriter Ella… and to meet (and clown around) with Brian’s amazing kids. We had a BLAST – eating, drinking, and laughing as we enjoyed a YOUTUBE party. Once my ITIS kicked in (after the delicious meal), I fell asleep on the couch…and the FUN REALLY BEGAN! LOL! HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE! XOXOXOXOXO

fellowship

I always say Darius Booker is one of my FAVORITE SINGERS… and it’s true! (EXHIBIT A: http://youtu.be/q2Hn3y22FSk plus he’s a PRO who collaborates vocally LIVE with many of our R&B greats – including Tevin Campbell and Syleena Johnson. And whenever he can get us in, he blesses Billie's Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley). But what I didn’t know is he can prepare an entire THANKSGIVING MEAL on the Saturday after the holiday for many of his fellow singers (and Ant and me). And he’s now left me – on this Sunday – saying Darius Booker is one of my FAVORITE CHEFS! THANK YOU, DARIUS! XOXOXOXOXOXO #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke

love

12.1.05 - Anthony Harper and Patrick L. Riley. 9 years.... #endlesslove

 ALL STAR KARAOKE

Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley is back! FALL 2014 SERIES kicked off with MULTI-EMMY-AWARD-winning Mara Schiavocampo (who chose our night as after-set for her New York Women in Communications honor - her beautiful parents and husband Tommie Porter in tow) + so many greats - including our ELLA MOORE - child of NABJ fam/New York Times reporter Nikita Stewart and new stepdad Brian Henderson - my NABJ little brother and dear friend. My biggest GIFT OF ALL: my FIRST COUSIN Gloria Arivnger! TOTAL SURPRISE! TOTAL JOY! http://bit.ly/mschia_ask - #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack p.s. AND AS ALWAYS, a shout out to sponsor Joseph Riley Land/ Riley/Land Gourmet Pantry... and all who came out: Jamar Dunn, MAKEUP by MERRELL, Merrell Hollis, Rick Grant, G'wan by Charon Richardson, and Ashley Fettig who is doing boot camp workouts for another of tonight’s guests, Plus-size Princess‘s own Cece Olisa who I had the chance to produce in a “Wendy Williams” segment earlier this year:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgCMC_6UjAA). AND A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to my ALL STAR KARAOKE team – including producer Bernice Wooden and consultant Derrick Hemphill. And ERIC on sound! #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #PSPfit bootcamp

G’wan by Charon

On the night before karaoke, it was great to hang out with my friend Charon Richardson who is a fashion designer responsible for the brand G'wan by Charon: http://youtu.be/zpAdE8KtYPs.  Her Google Hangout is FABOO – produced to enlighten and inspire women to live their lives in a FABOO realm while creating a fun and informative space filled with laughs, entertainment and motivation. Last night’s weekly installment featured my girl Tonya Giddens (https://www.facebook.com/MsFullFiguredHBCUPageant) and me – promoting the Fall launch of Billie's Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley (https://www.facebook.com/events/1520785818162290/) - produced this Fall by Charon’s producer, Bernice Wooden! THANKS BERNICE! YOU’RE THE BEST! And a SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to fashion producer/consultant Deshawn D Colbert whose hospitality was just what the doctor and the “hungry guests” ordered! LOL! CHARON ROCKS! The hour flew by – and will, even when you play it back: http://youtu.be/zpAdE8KtYPs. AS always… THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! #Harlem #GwanSYL #Fashion #TV #Producer #Host #Model #beautyQueen #HBCU #MissFFHBCU #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

NYC CULTURE

SUNDAY didn’t get TELEVISED or PHOTOGRAPHED… but it was a REVOLUTION (of sorts). Shout out to Marcia Pendelton for inviting Ant and me out to the new play at the PUBLIC by Pulitzer-prize winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks: FATHER COMES HOME FROM THE WARS: PARTS 1, 2, & 3: https://www.facebook.com/publictheater. Ant’s and my fav couple du jour Brian and Nikita (Stewart) Henderson joined us – providing a pre-game of waffles, extra crispy bacon, crawfish grits, scrambled eggs, and a bunch of stuff that made you go YUM at their lovely home. Was also GREAT to see Lola Ogunnaike - Co-Host on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 where I get to Guest Co-Host often as well as talk Broadway and pop culture. Look for me in the coming couple of weeks to dish with Lola and co-host Shannon Lanier! Always a blast over there! #ARISE360 From there, Ant and I got to catch up with a couple of our peeps in Brooklyn – namely Dawn Murphy Riley and my favorite designer of all time: MOSHOOD! We joined Brian and Nikita one more time on an invitation from another fab couple - Brad and Lyndsay Christian: an invitation to enjoy TWEET and a host of wonderful R&B singers at SOB for a night that was music to our ears – especially when – in addition to her prepared set - TWEET freestyled through a dozen or more of her hit songs and fan favorites! GREAT SUNDAY!

LOOK AHEAD

And ths week: I wrap two months Executive Producing a special project about which I’ll tell you lots more when it is ready to be seen in 2015-16;

PLEASE DON'T FORGET to check out WELLS FARGO PRESENTS THE NEW ADVOCATE MONEY MINUTE which I host - episodes rolling out through the top of 2015:http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute.

AND BILLIE’S BLACK PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE WITH PATRICK L. RILEY will be in the house everyTuesday through the end of the year! For Reservations (RECOMMENDED), please call 212 280 2248 https://www.facebook.com/events/1520785818162290/   #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

 p.s. BONUS SNIPPET - https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152571287798737&set=vb.662073736&type=2&theater - from Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley – Kl Kane and J'Nara Corbin request PAPARAZZI by Lady Gaga. So, ALL STARs Mara Schiavocampo - Good Morning America's own correspondent, Ella Moore (daughter of Nikita Stewart - my NABJ BFF Brian Henderson's wife), and I deliver accordingly! PLEASE BE SURE TO JOIN US IN HARLEM EVERY TUESDAY from 7p to 10p! We are having a BLAST! - http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/10/29/say-amen.html

ALL STAR KARAOKE

LAST NIGHT was another LOVE FEST at Billie’s Black Presents All-Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley!!! NEXT WEEK IS IT! Haven't we been having THE BEST TIME! Someone sent me a note, exclaiming "I really enjoyed last night it made my soul happy!" WELL, from TEAM ALL STAR KARAOKE: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! For those who haven't gotten into ALL STAR KARAOKE yet, one more week! And you can check out clips on my YOUTUBE page:  http://www.youtube.com/user/patarack2010 

via my FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley/media_set?set=vb.662073736&type=2 

As we wind down our Spring 2014 series, we want to leave you with some take-away plus a possibility:

(1) our generous, weekly sponsor Riley/Land [A Gourmet Pantry] would like to make one last sponsorship offer. This time we are extending it beyond the folks who make it into Billie’s Black for karaoke; everyone in my entire network across platforms is eligible for the special. READ ON: Anyone within Mr. Patrick L. Riley’s network who makes a purchase of $50 (in merchandise) by 3AM EST Tuesday, June 24, 2014 will receive a free gift in the box when they receive their purchase.

For the people in NYC who will be attending the All-Star Karaoke Season Finale, we can deliver packages to Billie’s Black with no delivery charges. Simply use this code when placing your order in the COUPON CODE section: BILLIESBLACK. For the people we will be shipping to, in the NOTES SECTION (on the page where you fill out billing/shipping info), use code: ALLSTARKARAOKE to ensure you receive your free gift. Gifts will be selected based on purchases. For example, someone spending $100 will receive a more expensive gift than someone spending $50. And so forth. If there are questions, please contact Riley/Land [A Gourmet Pantry] at info@riley-land.com. FOR MORE INFO, www.riley-land.com AND joseph@riley-land.com.

(2) SUMMER BIRTHDAYS: So, our weekly, Tuesday-night Spring 2014 series is - for sure - coming to a wrap. But 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!!! And as always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!  #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #motownmay #civilizedeating #supportsmallbusiness

FOR COLORED GIRLS

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of Ntozake Shange’s iconic choreopoem, FOR COLORED GIRLS. To commemorate, Project1VOICE, an organization whose mission is to strengthen and promote African American theater and playwrights, has organized 25 readings around the country and in Africa. Erich McMillan-McCall (Project1VOICE’s Founder) invited “Life of Riley” to be the OFFICIAL SOCIAL MEDIA HOST for the New York Event! CHECK OUT SOME OF MY INTERVIEWS HERE: http://www.youtube.com/user/patarack2010. AWESOME EVENT! Special shout out to the team that supported me making this happen: Derrick Hemphill and Bernice Wooden. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!

www.project1voice.org