WELCOME to "The Life of Riley" which will include periodic chronicles of pop culture and possibilities that flow out of Patrick L. Riley's day. That's me!!! Through blogging (and soon some other technological features on which I'll keep you posted as they launch), I will pull experiences from my busy life to entertain and inspire all of you. Through this site, I will share my observations and insights. Some features to look forward to:
1.) "PATRICK'S POP UP(DATES)" will feature stories from pop culture, music, theater, fashion, and the entertainment industry at large.
2.) "The Life of Riley" will also introduce a "take-a-look-at-your-life" section (READ: sort of an advice column), where I will help readers come up with their own questions and answers around what "ways of being" are working (or not working) to have them acheive their respective goals and live their best lives. This section is called "WHO YOU BE?".
3.) Additonally, there will be a free-flowing, organic section called "TESTIFY" from which I will pull from my own life's journey to share and hopefully inspire. Some of the fare may be new musings and experiences. Other times, I may pull from my journals and past sharings to shed light on some uncomfortable truths that I've experienced and that may perhaps play a role in healing someone else's wounds as the real-life experience did for me. From my experience of covering 9/11 as a freelance journalist to courageously coming out (as gay) to my family, "TESTIFY" promises to move those who choose to read it.
4.) And a section titled "PR" (like my initials, but also like "public relations") will include press clips from any coverage I get.
Entries in Broadway (22)
ARMS OPEN WIDE
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MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL
Enjoyed an EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK at "MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL" (www.MotownTheMusical.com) #GetReadyBroadway #ChryslerMotown WHAT WONDERFUL EXCERPTS! THEY WERE DREAMY AND TRULY SPARKLED! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE WHOLE SHOW!
Of course, I love all things MOTOWN: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/3/26/people-say-im-the-life-of-the-party.html & MISS ROSS: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/diana-ross. 
It seems that after everyone else has taken creative license on Berry Gordy's story (including his romance with Miss Ross), that he and Miss Ross will finally OWN their story in this MUST-SEE MUSICAL!
PREVIEWS begin March 11, 2013 and Opening Night is April 14, 2013. The Book is by Berry Gordy, Jr. based on the book "To Be Loved" and features songs from the Legendary Motown Catalogue.
In the house: Rhonda Ross Kendrick (who will be doing her part for the Gordy/Ross legacy as she performs a show of her beautiful songs at The Triad on November 5th. Come out and join us! www.triadnyc.com/);
Gordon Chambers (who reminded me of his birthday show - Midnight - at the Blue Note on October 13th: http://www.bluenote.net/newyork/schedule/moreinfo.cgi?id=10431);
My girl Jacquie Lee who worked her integrating marketing magic on Broadway’s recent “Streetcar Named Desire” (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/streetcar-named-desire) introduced me to Chrystler executive Justin Byrd, who is the brains behind a synergy that will entertain and promote the show and the music’s legacy over the next few months. With Chrysler lending its branding and integrated marketing power to "Motown: The Musical", we're all promised a ride as magical as the one Berry Gordy and TEAM MOTOWN continue to take us on today. Stay tuned. 
Marcus Canty from X Factor (will release his debut EP aptly titled, This…Is Marcus Canty on October 30th. For more info: http://www.MarcusCantyOfficial.com, http://www.twitter.com/IAmMarcusCanty.com, and http://www.facebook.com/OfficialMarcusCanty.com).
Suzanne DePasse;
my girl Marcia Pendelton who is on Team "Motown: The Musical", working her marketing/audience development magic. - audience;
my girl Jacque Reid;
Hoda Kofi from TODAY (The 10am hour); Gayle King;
my friend Caliaf St-Aubyn who is in the cast; 
Marva Hicks who is in the show; 
L.A. Reid (X Factor) and wife Erika; Claudette Robinson, former Miracle and first wife of Smokey Robinson who was also in the house;
famous former manager of Diana Ross; Supremes; Temptations: Shelly Berger;
The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin;
Emilio Sosa, costume designer of "Motown: The Musical". 
I had the chance to interview on the stage of one of his last projects, "By The Way, Meet Vera Stark" starring Sanaa Lathan;
the Legendary Valerie Simpson; and a host of my nearest and dearest friends. I'M SO EXCITED FOR THIS SHOW! GET READY BROADWAY!
DON’T SLEEP WITH T.J. HOLMES
I’m hoping for a call back now that I’ve done a test taping of “DON’T SLEEP! Hosted by T.J. Holmes”
(as an on-cam “pop culture analyst” on his round-table – also adorned with fellow talking heads: Comedian Sherrod Small; Tiffany Shorter; and Issa Rae. We talked all things pop culture & politics – including: Ann Romney on LENO; “Gay Marriage: Will Blacks sit out the election?”; Celebrity Endorsements: Helpful? Hurtful?; Brooklyn Nets Cheerleaders New Uniforms; etc.
WHAT A GREAT SHOW & A GREAT PRODUCTION TEAM! 
Everyone felt like family and some are – including producer Nichole Andrews Shellman, muse for my recent CNN.com piece (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/8/7/my-girls.html).
And one of my BFFs Q (on tresses).
And Unique (on make-up).
“DON’T SLEEP!” premieres October 1st and will run Monday-Thursday at 11pm. For more info on BET and “Don’t Sleep!” check out http://www.bet.com/ and http://www.bet.com/shows/new-shows/dont-sleep-tj-holmes.html. 
CONGRATS to TJ who I’ve had the pleasure of knowing through the National Association of Black Journalists (www.NABJ.org). GREAT GUY! CLASS ACT! AND FUNNY!!!!! It’s going to be MUST-SEE and a great way for us to be informed and entertained – at once! I look forward to return visit(s)!
BEING MARY JANE & URBAN WORLD FILM FESTIVAL
The 16th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival presented by BET Networks opened last week at AMC 34th Street with the BET Premiere Cinema film 'Being Mary Jane,' an original made for television movie and pilot.
On hand to celebrate this world premiere was the film's lead star Gabrielle Union along with cast members Tika Sumpter and Richard Brooks and my friends AKA writer/director powerhouse couple Salim and Mara Brock Akil. 
BET top execs Debra Lee (Chairman and CEO), Loretha Jones (President of Original Programming), Jeanine Liburd (Exec Pres. of Corporate Communications) and Connie Orlando (VP, Original Programming) were also in the house to present the film, which my date, buddy Carl Nelson, and I loved. It seemed the packed house love it too! ESSENCE entertainment director Cori Murray moderated the cast Q&A afterward.
Then, we all went to the Gaansevort Hotel in NYC’s Meatpacking district for an after-set on its rooftop. Others in the mix: Jacque Reid, Harriette Cole, Twinkie Byrd (casting director, "Being Mary Jane"), Susan Fales-Hill, Jennifer Williams (VH1, "Basketball Wives"), Karen Gravano (VH1, "Mobb Wives"),
Taimak (actor, The Last Dragon), Stacy Spikes (founder, Urbanworld), and Gabrielle Glore (executive producer, Urbanworld).
SHAGGY & SHELLY ANN FRASER-PRYCE
Shout out to Ant's and my sister friend Sabrina Coleman who - with her Pansophy PR FIRM - brought a wonderful group of people together at Private East Side Manhattan home of Ambassador Brenda Johnson. 
The occasion was to unveil plans for The American Friends of Jamaica (and Executive Director Caron S. Chung) - a foundation close to my heart for the work I've done producing tribute videos for The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies over the last two years: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/1/27/live-out-louder.html.
AFJ's 2012 Hummingbird Gala is scheduled for October 25, 2012. Here to help signal the occasion: Jamaica's 2012 Gold Medalist Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce (who signed a pair of NIKEs that will be auctioned off for the awesome charity event);
MR. LOVAH-LOVAH HIMSELF, the BOMBASTIC Shaggy; 
my girlfriends (circa our GERALDO days), Debbie Mitchell (www.thebloggerconnection.com) and Lora Wiley (www.citizenbrooklyn.com), 
and my NABJ/BET sister Deborah Skinner. 
For more information on how you can be a part of this amazing effort which benefits so many Jamaicans in need, please kindly go to www.theafj.org. Afterwards, we reunited Sabrina briefly with her Mario who is responsible for introducing us all.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Shout out to my favorite nephew! He’s 24! YIKES! I LOVE YOU, Herman L. Riley III.
And we got a recent birthday toast (and bite) in with our friend, birthday boy Mike! Tao was our celebration spot, which doubled as a long-overdue delight! Hadn’t been to Tao in a minute!
TRENDING PIC OF THE WEEK (CIRCA 1984)
A BLAST FROM THE PAST sent this to my FACEBOOK and many had lots to say! LOL! YES, I PLAYED TROMBONE from 5th grade to Freshman year (first semester) in college. This picture is from Freshman Year in high school. 
I not only played trombone (first chair typically), but I went on to be the Band Captain my Senior Year at Windsor Forest High School (when all of our bands were voted SUPERIOR on the STATE LEVEL(s) i.e. marching & symphony). And i even brought my trombone to Morehouse and actually joined the Marching Maroon Tigers alongside the Morehouse College Glee Club. Clearly, we know which won out as I chose not to do both. From there, I even kept my trombone in tact and with me, but - at some point - my brother 'borrowed' it to play in our 'church shout band'... and - let's just say - I never saw MY TROMBONE again! LOL!
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in Aretha Franklin, BERRY GORDY, BET, Broadway, DIANA ROSS, Don't Sleep with TJ Holmes, Motown: The Musical, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, sMOKEY rOBINSON
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Dreams AND Desire
DISNEY’S DREAMERS ACADEMY WITH STEVE HARVEY AND ESSENCE MAGAZINE
I'm just back from Orlando… from an inspiring, fun, and relaxing time at the Disney's Dreamers Academy WITH STEVE HARVEY AND ESSENCE MAGAZINE (www.DisneysDreamersAcademy.com) and (www.twitter.com/dreamersacademy). 
And it was also so SPIRITUALLY RE-NOURISHING!
JUST A BLESSING, it was. 
As many of you know, Disney has been a client of sorts these last few years. 
Disney's booked me to host its Disney's Dreamers Academy presentation at the National Association of Black Journalists' annual convention since 2007.
It's always been a blast.
And each year, those presentations have been well-received: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/8/20/art-and-annual-therapy.html and http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/nabj. 
Plus, what a chance to share the stage and interview some of my favorite people!
But this is the first year I actually attended the event (part-gift/part-work)...and what a MAGICAL WEEK!
See the many pix from the week: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150613624333737.388798.662073736&type=1&l=53ddcc286b THE BIGGEST THANKS EVER to Annette Gibbs and Carole Munroe for GETTING ME THERE!
And SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to DJ HELRIGGLE for TAKING THE BEST CARE OF ME EVER WHILE THERE!
I trust all the DISNEY REPS assigned were MAGICAL! 
But I had a GREAT GUY to keep me on task and to make sure my friends Tata, Ern, and I got everywhere we needed to get…on the fun side! 
We also got to hang with my NABJ sister Kelley Carter who is my successor as Chair of the NABJ A&E Task Force. 
And can I talk about the Savanna-view from my Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jamba House digs? Giraffe. Zebras. Wildlife. Oh, my! 
When all was wrapped, I cried a good cry of gratitude for participating in such a special event that allows kids from all over to explore their DREAMS… and to identify steps towards making those DREAMS come true.
In the house: Yolanda Adams; Jordin Sparks;
Michelle Ebanks (President, Essence Communications, Inc.); 
Mikki Taylor (Editor-at-Large, ESSENCE Magazine); 
Chef Jeff Henderson;
Kimberly Locke; 
my friend Lamman Rucker; 
CNN’s Soledad O’Brien;
Dr. Steve Perry; & many others inspired the DREAMERS C/O '12(and us all!).
Executive Champion of the Disney’s Dreamers Academy Tracey D. Powell made sure all had a GREAT TIME!
And it was great to spend time with journalist colleagues (and my cousin Brit Middleton who I just met for the first time at this event. She's the sister of my actual cousinKea's husband Roc! So, how cool that we bonded as she was covering the event for BET.com - a gig for which I recommended her on which she is ROCKING & POPPING! CONGRATS, BRIT! And YES! We will get dinner in soon! LOL!). Also in the house: a BLAST from my A-T-L past: 
My favorite radio personality Carol Blackmon (Haven't seen her in years... and she looks every-so the same: beautiful and youthful!); and Lorraine Sanabria Robertson, who was at LA FACE when I started out in the biz at "Good Day Atlanta".
So while her label was cranking out these new artists that are now household names (TLC, Toni Braxton, etc.), she was booking them on my show. Now, she's mommy-blogger with the most (www.mybrownbaby.com). Here's a clip she did on my friend Dr. Ian Smith while down there: http://mybrownbaby.com/2012/03/dr-ian-smith-dishes-healthy-living-at-disneys-dreamers-academy/. 
And though there were hundreds of DREAMERS on-deck (between the first class & the current class), I must shout out one young man. 
In a sea of BRIGHT and AWESOME kids, TEVYN COLE took some off-line time to chat me up on his pursuits (at the pristene nudging of his 'publicist' Keisha Pickett (Pickett Public Relations Group - www.pickettpr.com). You heard right! LOL!).
TEVYN is an alum of the program (Class of Disney’s Dreamers Academy 2008). And he is currently attending Eastern Michigan University – majoring in Theatre with a minor in Japanese.
I was born in Tokyo, coincidentally. His T-shirt company is “School Me Clothing” (www.schoolmeclothing.com). 
And as handling his handle goes, he is going to be interning at Disney this summer. CONGRATS, TEVYN & ALL OF THE DISNEY’S DREAMERS ACADEMY GRADUATES! And I want to make sure a special acknowledgement goes out to NABJ's own Demorris Lee who was the official NABJ rep at Disney's Dreamers Academy - to provide a journalism mentoring component to the program. 
We announced that at the last presentation I hosted in Philadelphia for NABJ. So, JOB WELL DONE, DEMORRIS! 
What an AWESOME program, and I’m so HAPPY to be a part!
And did I say how much fun I had?
And did I say how I am spoiled for all the park hopping and the NOT waiting in one line.
It was a mix of nostalgic thrills from the rides I remember from childhood. 
And then, came the rollercoasters - all of which kept the thrills coming!
I LOVE DISNEY!
STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
Shout out to my theater-world BFF Marcia Pendelton who invited me (and my blog "A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities": http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/) to join other media folks for a meet-and-greet with the cast of the multi-culti revival of Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire" - performances of which begin April 3, 2012 (Opening: April 22, 2012) at The Broadhurst Theatre (235 W 44th Street) - www.StreetcarOnBroadway.com. (ALSO: www.facebook.com/streetcar2012 & www.twitter.com/streetcar2012).
The stellar cast includes: Blair Underwood; 
stellar actress and wife of her former "Soul Food" co-star Boris, first cousin of my Kodjoe, Nicole Ari Parker (She remembered me from his home-going service back in 2005); 
Daphne Rubin-Vega; Wood Harris;
the LEGEND-ary Carmen De Lavallade (who was announced to the cast on this day); and more. 
Others on Team Streetcar: 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;
my dear friend Jacquie Lee (also working on some AWESOME corporate marketing synergies for the show's campaign - including an AMAZING sweepstakes of which she is the architect (in partnership with the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation). The giveaway promises free trips - including a 7-day cruise, a weekend at the ESSENCE Music Festival, a trip to NYC to see 'Streetcar', etc.); etc. Also in the house (friends - old and new): one of my SHEROEs Terrie Williams; 
hairstylist extra ordinaire Leo Eley (who did Jacquie's long, silky tresses); TV correspondent Shannon Antonio Lanier ("Our World with Black Enterprise"); visual artist socrates marquez; 
journalist and actress J'Nara Corbin; celebrity photographer Ronnie Wright (http://facebook.com/ronniewrightphotographer); etc. P.S. The legendary Terence Blanchard has signed on to provide an original soundscape for the production. P.P.S. I'm working with "Team Streetcar" on some synergies for my beloved New York Association of Black Journalists and the National Association of Black Journalists. STAY TUNED
UNCF & MORE!
My friend Carl Nelson recently invited me to "A Celebration of the Independence of THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC" in Washington Heights at the BEAUTIFUL Hispanic Society of America. Wonderful space, art, and energy.
I – in turn – invited him to accompany me to the UNCF gala at the Marriott Marquis.
As a Morehouse Man, I was so proud to be in the room and grateful to PR friend Michelle Huff for the invitation.
The festivities included MC Bill Bellamy; Tuskegee's Golden Voices Concert Choir (which also performed during the 100-Years-of-Song celebration for the Morehouse College Glee Club back in October (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/10/5/miss-ross-called-me.html); Dr. Michael Lomax (UNCF Prez ; CEO; & Morehouse Man!); 
our friend Ledisi (in performance excellence. She sang “What a Wonderful World” & “Alright”!); and a host of deserving students and inspiring alums.
Also in the house along with our friends Carl Nelson, Frank C. Matthews, and a Marriott Marquis ballroom full of folks! (This, while I was receiving tweets and texts that Miss Ross has just strutted out onto the stage in my former home Atlanta's Fox Theater for her sold-out one-nighter).
And why did I stumble into my nephew Herman Riley III? We hadn’t compared notes on our plans, but were both in the house.
Also, saw Morehouse's current and soon-outgoing President Dr. Robert Franklin;
Morehouse VP of Alumni Affairs Henry Goodgame, friends Bevy Smith;
Kierna Mayo;
Reggie Van Lee (who - you recall - recently had Miss Ross sing at his wedding! FOR REAL!); Susan Taylor; Khephra Burns; 
Simone Smalls; etc. 
And did I mention so many of my Morehouse brothers were in the house? Mike Bryant; Harris Bostic; Stephen Barr; and so many more. GREAT NIGHT!
MARIO VAN PEEBLES
Via my friends Jackie Bazan and Evelyn Santana: http://www.bazanpr.com/about/team_data/0001, I got a personal invitation from Mario Van Peebles to a recent, tastemaker screening of WE THE PARTY. I’d had quite the busy day in a day edit and the start of a night edit, but I was able to pop over to Dolby 88 Screening Room in time to say HI and see his new film which features Snoop Dogg, YG, The New Boyz, The Rej3ctz, The Pink Dollaz, Mario Van Peebles (New Jack City), Michael Jai White (Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too?), Salli Richardson-Whitfield I am Legend, Mandela Van Peebles (Baadasssss!), Simone Battle ("The X Factor"), Moises Arias ("Hannah Montana"), Orlando Brown ("That's So Raven") and Quincy Brown. WE THE PARTY will be in theaters on April 6, 2012. 
AND IT IS A MUST-SEE! http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/independent/wetheparty/. The descriptor notes: “A revealing look at contemporary youth culture, writer-director Mario Van Peebles’ WE THE PARTY shows teenagers as they are, not as adults would like them to be. Set amidst the latest trends in music, dance and fashion, WE THE PARTY is a colorful, cutting-edge comedy set in an ethnically diverse Los Angeles high school during America’s first black president. The film focuses on five friends as they deal with romance, money, prom, college, sex, bullies, facebook, fitting in, standing out, and finding themselves. Evoking such classic teen comedies as The Breakfast Club and House Party but with an attitude and style all its own, WE THE PARTY captures the hopes, confusion, challenges and dreams of today’s teenagers as they plunge headlong into an uncertain future.” I TRULY ENJOYED IT! GREAT JOB! 
Oh! Filmmaker Malcolm Lee (“The Best Man”) and his lovely wife were in the house. We’re all friends of friends from New Rochelle. SO, THIS IS WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO: TWEET @MarioVanPeebles & @WETHEPARTYMOVIE and tell him @patarack sent you. Be sure to LIKE: https://www.facebook.com/wethepartymovie. And TAKE THE WHOLE FAMILY out to see WE THE PARTY – it’s truly a FUN, ENLIGHTENING, FRESH, INSPIRING, and ENTERTAINING film that has SO MUCH HEART! It’s HOT & SEXY, too, but in a family-friendly way.
OMAR SALAM
Shout out to Carl Nelson for the invite to SUKEINA Premiere Show (Fall 2012 Collection Designer, Omar Salam) at Four Seasons Hotel.
B. Smith, fashion writer extraordinaire Walter Greene, and a host of others from the FAB NYC socialite/tastemaker set as well as our Norwegian girlfriend Elisabeth Blix - right off of a flight from Norway. BEAUTIFUL line!
Afterwards, Carl led us to The Empire Hotel Rooftop for the Fashion Presentation of A.Z. Araujo.
CHARLES REESE & JIMMY BALDWIN!
Special shout out to my multi-talented Morehouse brother Charles Reese whose outreaches to me for some blog coverage managed to hit me when “…the Life of Riley…” wasn’t due to come out and/or when the real life of Riley was too busy to accommodate. 
But fortunately, what he’s promoting is EVERGREEN! This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the passing of American writer and civil rights activist, James Baldwin. To commemorate his legacy, The Charles Reese Experience is proud to announce the book publishing of the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway play, James Baldwin: A Soul of Fire. The short stage play, written by late playwright and Emmy Award Nominee, Howard B. Simon (1962-2000) was published by Azaan Kamau and Glover Lane Press, who partnered with Charles Reese to edit and guide the project.
Reese is an original cast member of the play and also serves as Executive Curator of the Howard B. Simon Literary Canon. In Charles’ release, he notes, “The publishing of this book version of the play that focuses on a lesser known historical moment in Baldwin’s life will ultimately serve as a powerful tool in re-igniting James Baldwin’s fiery spirit into the 21st century. Additionally, the book project will also re-visit the literary legacy of my Morehouse College classmate, the late playwright, Howard B. Simon who gave me this Baldwin play as a birthday gift.” Also included in the book is a special foreword by David Leeming (Baldwin’s Biographer and former Secretary), coupled with an afterword by original actor and Tony Award Nominee, Forrest McClendon (Scottsboro Boys). 
Reese’s own heartfelt encounter with Baldwin can also be found inside the book, written during his recent visit to France where Baldwin spent his last days. Kamau also designed the cover to showcase Baldwin’s lineage to the Civil Rights movement, it consists of 2000 tiny images of pinnacle moments during that era, circa 1963. To promote the book, Reese has developed the “Salon Conversation Series: Tribute to James Baldwin…25 Years Later (SCS)”, an engaging and entertaining program designed for educational institutions to get up close and personal with Reese, David Leeming and Forrest McClendon. Social/Civic groups and cultural organizations are also encouraged to experience this special art and culture program. The first book signing took place at the end of January; however, Charles says “our goal is to sell 25,000 books in 2012 across the globe -- one city, one state, and one country at a time in honor of James Baldwin…25 years later”. To learn how you can bring “The Salon Conversation Series to your city, please email inquiries to charlesreese63@gmail.com. You can also visit http://www.facebook.com/thecharlesreeseexp and http://www.JamesBaldwinASoulOnFire.com to stay connected to all things Baldwin.
ABOUT JAMES BALDWIN: A SOUL ON FIRE: A two character play which re-imagines what happens when writer/activist James Baldwin invites Lorraine Hansberry, Harry Belafonte, and Lena Horne to a round table discussion on race relations with Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy on May 24, 1963 in New York City, three months before the historic March on Washington. 
This uniquely structured play explores Baldwin’s innermost passions. David DeWitt of the New York Times declared, “The best sort of theatrical biography: the sort that thoroughly entertains. With humor, style and raw emotion, ‘A Soul on Fire,’ embraces its chosen territory with enthusiasm.”
THE CHARLES REESE EXPERIENCE: Is an inter-generational explosion of art, culture, history and entertainment as seen through the eyes of actor, visionary and cultural architect for public engagement, Charles Reese. Our mission is to preserve and nurture the historical legacy of lesser known and forgotten literary treasures of the African/ African-American Diaspora and people of color around the globe. Utilizing existing and emerging media, our purpose is to develop, produce, and promote special programs and events to ignite the spirit to resurrect a "New Global Cultural Arts Renaissance.” Our main goal is to simply tell our stories and share our common experiences with dignity, insight, humor, tragedy and the triumph of the ancestors whose spirits have never been broken. Call the production office at (213) 245-6658 for more details.
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in Blair Underwood, Broadway, Disney's Dreamers Academy, Mario Van Peebles, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, Steve Harvey, Streetcar Named Desire, UNCF, WE THE PARTY
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James Earl Jones on Broadway in Driving Miss Daisy. Tickets on sale now.
http://www.daisyonbroadway.com/
James Earl Jones can read the phone book and I’m there. I was front and center when he did “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” a couple of years ago.
Well, he is back on Broadway in “Driving Miss Daisy” and I plan to be there. Hopefully you will come out as well!
BUY TICKETS
http://www.telecharge.com/behindTheCurtain.aspx
WATCH VIDEO
http://www.daisyonbroadway.com/media.html
VISIT WEBSITE
http://www.daisyonbroadway.com/
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in Broadway, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Discount, Driving Miss Daisy, James Earl Jones, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, Theater, Tickets, Vanessa Redgrave
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52 References
"SAVE ON TICKETS: See Daniel Beaty's Powerful One Man Show: THROUGH THE NIGHT | SEPT 10-OCT 10"
If you cannot view this Invitation Click Here:
http://item.slide.com/r/1/110/i/yPf2mPBLxT8BNLW2rWwwkwkJ-CV6bqOy/
http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/1470897
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in Broadway, Daniel Beaty, Discount, New York City, PR/TESTIFY, Plays, Theater, Through The Night, Tickets
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"...GO FOR YOUR DREAMS! REACH AND THEIR YOURS!!!"
Well, I’m taking more and more meetings.
So, something is bound to pop up as my WHAT'S NEXT goes. Meanwhile, I'm treading lightly in the spending department but no less enjoying what life has to offer.
Sometimes spot work pops up that’s less about revenue and more about using my talents (as gifts) or building and/or maintaining relationships.
I am contributing my gift for writing the scripted word to the “6th Annual Black 2: Broadway Celebrates the Tony Awards”. 
This is an EXCITING year in which many folks of color are nominated for The Tony Award– including Denzel Washington and Viola Davis (for “Fences”);
Lillias White, one of 11 nominations for “Fela”;
and David Alan Grier for “RACE”.
Along with these nominations for the 64th Annual Tony Awards, this year’s special Black 2: Broadway event is co-hosted by Adrian Bailey & Coleman Domingo who Ant and I got to know during his run in Broadway’s “Passing Strange”.
The event I’m working on with Kevin-Anthony is honoring the Broadway Production of “Sophisticated Ladies” along with my friend, Choreographer Kenneth Roberson & “The AUDELCO Organization”.
Both will be receiving our Vanguard Award for their contributions & excellence in uplifting & supporting our theater community of color and beyond. The night will round out with the outstanding talents of Ty Stephens, Alyson Williams, Kimberly Nicole just to name a few.
There will be hors d’oeuvres, great dinner buffet, dessert, amazing musical selections and whole lot of fun. For more information, www.black2broadway.com and www.b2productins.xbuild.com. 
The last time Kevin-Anthony reached out to me, it was November last year… and the request was for me to sing Diana Ross’ “The Boss” to its composers Ashford & Simpson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbI1qEM_k8k). 
Though not my shining moment (as a singer: http://216.117.188.141/rileyshowforkodjoe.wmv and http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/video/video.php?v=390384328736&ref=mf, it was a lot of FUN to sing for them at GOSPEL UPTOWN where this special Tony-viewing event is held as well. 
Speaking of MISS ROSS, she performed this past week at a SOLD OUT Radio City Music Hall.
And as you know, I’d been COUNTING DOWN to the moment. And what a MAGICAL MOMENT it was.
The day started at Bard High School Early College where I spoke at an assembly that LIVE OUT LOUD organized (www.liveoutloud.info).
You recall, I speak to kids all over the New York City area for LIVE OUT LOUD which mentors, provides scholarships, and promotes awareness around LGBT issues for all students.
After I shared one particular anecdote re: one of my late, great mentors Tom Morgan (for whom I got to sing "Wind Beneath My Wings" before his passing), a student asked me to sing it to them (They gave me a standing ovation).
I dedicated it not only to the memory of Tom but to these teenagers who seem to really have a grasp on what they are (more courageously than me...at their age). And I mean the gay teens AND the straight teens. GREAT GROUP OF YOUNG FOLKS!
Then, I had a quick, pre-show drink at THERAPY.
Mario and Derrick invited Ant and me to pop by as Mario was preparing to see 'RACE' on Broadway.
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL for MISS ROSS' SOLD-OUT show is where we were going!
She was FABULOUS!
Two of her three daughters Rhonda & Chudney were in the house along with one of her two sons Ross.
I got a pic with Chudney.
Of course, I've gotten shots with Rhonda before.
And Tracee.
I’ve known Ern since 7th grade (1982) and he’s known my Miss Ross-jones since that time. But of my 25 times seeing Miss Ross, he’s never been. So, for his February birthday, I promised him a ticket (This, before I even knew Ross was – for sure – going on tour).
Then, Ant – of course – had to be there. And so many other friends I know through our collective love of DIANA - including my Frankie. Scott.
And Dustin.
And Bernard.
Just too many to name here.
But I must acknowledge my Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts accompanied me (also my birthday gift to him). He reviewed the show VIA his new Facebook page for his concert reviews... “LIVE! from Front Row”!!! Please join his Facebook page... and you don't have to be ON Facebook to see the Diana Ross review!!!
To read the review of Diana Ross' Radio City Music Hall show: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=393390688541
To read past reviews and get the latest concert tour news, check out and join our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/LIVEfromFrontRow
And of course, YOU TUBE (www.youtube.com) can show you an excerpt here or there. But MISS ROSS has proven again that there’s nothing like seeing her LIVE. She TRULY REIGNS SUPREME!
Have you picked up your JUNE issue of ESSENCE Magazine (www.essence.com) with Taraji P. Henson on the cover?
I’d mentioned this before, but a friend just called to say they saw the resource guide for Black fathers I wrote and compiled for ESSENCE, my 2nd by-line since November (when I did a series of interviews with top thinkers on the shifting image of African American men in the era of Obama). It’s on p. 160...just below an awesome piece my NABJ sister Katti Gray wrote.
This past weekend, I put on my media consulting hat.
I supervised a session to help a friend navigate some new career decisions.
Then, my friend Ron Smith invited me to meet fab Chicago-based designer Borris Powell (www.borrispowell.com) at The Bryant Park Hotel.
He does amazing dresses and coats/jackets.
And in the house - at his suite - were many old industry friends like Dynelle as well as a round of new buddies - including model Cole who Ant and I remembered seeing in a few shows - including Miquel Antoinne and R. Scott French. 
Also, not intentionally, there was a host of SCORPIOS in the house (go figure).
And that number included fashion photographer Antonio Anobile.
Ant and his 'Wendy' co-worker Jaz came by too.
Later in the weekend, Ant and I accepted an invite to New Rochelle from my Amazing Grace Nichole and her New Ro buddies.
They were throwing a garage sale. FUN TIMES!
Afterwards, we went to Chat 19 American Grill for some delicious cuisine before turning in.
Then, Sunday, we did DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON.
This is an event my Carl Nelson produces every year (www.drumsalongthehudson.org/).
He even booking me to host portions of the program in years gone by.
This year, Ant – who has worked for the event before – and I were simply guests. Refreshing!
The over-riding host is Sandra Bookman.
Always a JOY!
And my co-host from last year is Tetiana Anderson and she held down the fort brilliantly – including her tribute to Melky Jean, Wyclef's sister (www.carmafoundation.org).
BFF Brian's girl Kelli and her son Jonathan joined us 
- after which we grabbed a lovely bite with her homegirl Emily at El Paso Restaurante Mexicano in Harlem.
Then, an early evening back at home... getting ready for the week which includes my nephew coming up to NYC to find his permanent digs
(The recent graduate from Morehouse College has a 1st gig awaiting him here in Manhattan).
Last week, Ant and I enjoyed a marathon-of-a-weekend in Atlanta – all centered around my nephew’s graduation.
It was so great to see the family.
And many of us were in the house.
But before Ant and I got around to family time, we got to hang out with our friend Lamoh.
He's the buddy with whom I hung out all last summer.
Many of his friends were shooting "Real Housewives of Atlanta". I was field and story producing "Monica: Still Standing".
And he and I actually met while I was shooting "Frankie & Neffe".
He works alongside Dwight Eubanks...
and manages all of his appearances. 
He took Ant & me to "Blakes on the Park" (Piedmont) where we stumbled into Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty's older sister on the now-canceled show). She is shooting a movie in ATL and was so SWEET - even remembering a recent story she read in The Huffington Post that named Morehouse one of the most grueling (academically challenging) colleges in the nation (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/12/the-most-grueling-college_n_574120.html); ALSO, Lamoh - my first call when I hit ATL - took Ant and me out later... to MIXX (in Ansley Mall).Then, we had to get our Taco Cabana on.
This is Latisha, who served us l-l-l-lovely cocktails during our drive by Blakes.
Ant and I also got some down-time at my sister Janice’s place with her husband Vincent, my cousin Felecia, and her husband Skip.
My "original Amazing Grace" (BFF) Natalie stopped by my sister Janice's place to say HI with her gorgeous and smart girls Hannah and Lydia in tow.
Though I'd left their Christmas presents with my sister, she and Nat hadn't connected yet. 
So, they got CHRISTMAS IN MAY! LOL!
Since I hosted a "The Princess & The Frog" event for NABJ back in August (http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/NABJDisneyMagic.wmv), I received a lot of SWAG from Disney that I just knew the girls would enjoy!
"Uncle" Ant threw in some stuff as well.
His paternal energies were shining through.
We also had to make time to meet BABY GAVIN, another of my BFF Chandra's 'baby love'!
Everyone thought Ant was the father! FUTURE MOREHOUSE MAN? So, GREAT to spend time with our Chandra.
Ant and I also got to hang out with our friend Aaron and a buddy of his at my once-Atlanta-home-away-from-home "The TWELVE Hotel - Atlantic Station".
We enjoyed some BBQ Pizza and special cocktails - including my kir royale which the servers knew to prepare for me from my time there last summer while shooting "Monica: Still Standing" and "Frankie & Neffe".
My nephew Herman L. Riley III (Noot, I call him) is now a MOREHOUSE MAN (c/o 2010).
And since MOREHOUSE, too, is my ALMA MATER, I saw many ‘brothers’ - including Mike Bryant and Kevin Ross.
I even got the chance to sing along with the rest of the Morehouse College Glee Club (on our annual tradition: "Prayer" from Lohengrin and "Dear Old Morehouse").
And to that, I saw many of my professors – including Dr. David Morrow who directs The Morehouse College Glee Club of which I was a member.
Pappadeux was the backdrop for our post-graduation brunch.
There, I actually got to see my Dad and reflect a little on 1992 when I became a Morehouse Man... and many of these same players were in attendance for me.
And Ant and I got to talk to the many who came to celebrate my nephew - including my cousins Felecia and Sylathea who've known me since I was a baby.
They shared all the tid-bits with him.
The food was great!
The cake was awesome (my sister's brainchild)!
And what a blessing to all be together again... for such an OPTIMISTIC gathering!
I LOVE YOU ALL!
MEANWHILE, CONRATS to aforementioned Morehouse brother Michael K. Watts on raising $7,000 (of $5.7 million overall) for AIDS Walk. WHAT A HUGE SUCCESS!
He reports that over 45,000 people walked the 6.2 mile route which began in Central Park then circled around the Upper West Side and back into the park. Thanks to the funds raised, the Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) and over 30 other tri-state area AIDS service organizations can continue helping thousands of people living with HIV and AIDS and their families year after year. GO, MIKE GO!
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in ATLANTA, Borris Powell, Broadway, DIANA ROSS, ESSENCE, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL, Tony Awards, WENDY WILLIAMS
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