A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

 

 

TONY AWARDS 2013

 

Well, it’s TONY AWARDS time! ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 invited me back to join my friends, hosts Lola Ogunnaike and Shannon Lanier, and share my predictions for Sunday’s telecast as well as some of my pop culture analysis on any sweeps, snubs, etc. – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTd5S1wKUs0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, I was THRILLED for the 4 nominations “Motown: The Musical” got, but made no bones about my disappointment that it didn’t get more:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. [AND MIGHT I ADD that my friend Rhonda Ross was on the same ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 today – promoting the HEARTS OF GOLD walk for children tomorrow (www.heartsofgold.org) + she too weighed in on all things MOTOWN; her amazing career as a singer; her mom; and even a little MJ a la news of late: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bK-p7EN2vVk. She tweeted this video as we sat in the green-room awaiting makeup:https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10201212518624533&set=vb.1517973929&type=2&theater].

 

 

 

 

 

 

TO BULLET THE WINS and MOMENTS of NOTE from the LIVE telecast via Radio City Music Hall:

 

 

 

* the legendary Cicely Tyson (“The Trip to Bountiful”) who won for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

 

 

 

*  Billy Porter!!!!!

 

 

He won for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (“Kinky Boots”);

 

 

 

* Patina Miller (“Pippin”), who won for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Courtney B. Vance (“Lucky Guy”), who won for Best Performance by an Actor in a featured Role in a Play. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Of “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” fame, Cyndi Lauper won for Best Original Score (music and/or lyrics) Written for the Theater for “Kinky Boots.”

 

 

 

* The Harvey Fierstein musical “Kinky Boots” won SIX, including Best Musical

 

* Stephen Schwartz’s musical “Pippin” snagged FOUR.

 

* Berry Gordy’s “Motown: The Musical” was nominated for four awards, but did not win any.

 

* Neil Patrick Harris hosted The Tony Awards and steered a cast of great appearances – including: Mike Tyson, Audra McDonald, New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Angela Bassett, among others.

 

* The other nominees of color were on hand: George C. Wolfe (“Lucky Guy”), Condola Rashad (“The Trip to Bountiful”), Valisia LeKae (“Motown, The Musical”), Shalita Grant (“Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”), Charl Brown (“Motown, The Musical”) and Keala Settle (“Hands on a Hardbody”).

 

* The casts of “Motown: The Musical,” “Bring It On,” “Pippin,” “Annie,” “Kinky Boots” and other shows also performed.

 

 

 

 

 

 Shout out to all my ARISE TV fam over there (including news: Eugenia Harvey, Lynn Pitts, Debbie Mitchell, Keyon Williams, and many more)! You’ll of course, recall I was on most recently to talk GREAT GATSBY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBT9mSmfmCo). Prior that, of course, it was BLACKS ON BROADWAY: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDxfe-hG_aY. And they had a little love for me because I predicted Cicely Tyson’s TONY nomination: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuJEs6ruin0.  THANKS to ASPIRE for allowing me a platform to share my intel. In addition to the FAB co-hosts, was also good to see so many of my industry buddies at this promising start-up – including Eugenia Harvey; Paula Witt (my friend who booked me); Keyon Williams (my friend who first told ARISE to book me); and one of my fellow contributors Sean Joelle Johnson, TV exec and entertainment attorney who weighed in on celebrities and their legal issues. BACKGROUND ON THE SHOW (per the producers): The show airs live online and on Sky Cable in London, Monday-Friday at 2pm. The segment lasts 8-10 minutes. These are talk segments only but there will eventually be opportunities for performances. Recent guests included Kevin Liles, Mona Scott, Taiye Sealsi, Big Daddy Kane, Dr. Ian Smith, Kid Capri, Kym Whitley, Michaela Angela Davis and more. ARISE is an African owned global network geared primarily to Africans, African-Americans and people interested in the diaspora. The network has hubs in New York, London, Johannesburg and Lagos, and the New York hub just launched on March 11. As part of the US launch, ARISE 360 airs a daily entertainment show featuring hosts Lola Ogunnaike (former NY Times & Daily News feature reporter, current MSNBC & Today Show contributor and freelance reporter) and Shannon LaNier (Black Enterprise TV). ARISE Entertainment 360 airs online in the US and airs on the Sky Cable in London (currently showing in over 35 countries across Europe). The ARISE entity also owns Arise Magazine (www.ariselive.com). Although it is a separate entity, it is under the ARISE brand.

 

 

 

 

THE WESTCHESTER CLUBMEN

 

 

My friend - incoming President of The Westchester Clubmen Nelson Boyce (and his wife - also a dear friend - Michelle Sanchez Boyce) invited Ant and me to the 54th Anniversary at the VIP Country Club in New Rochelle. Was excited to discover that one of my National Association of Black Journalists' mentors Roy Johnson is the outgoing President. The Westchester Clubmen established in 1959, is an organization of African-American men in Westchester County, N.Y., dedicated to educating, supporting and inspiring young African-American and Latino men to fulfill their dreams. This year they honored Phillana Williams - also a friend. Phillana is the single parent of three beautiful children, has worked in the music business over 20 years, is currently the Sr. VP of Marketing & Artist Development at Motown Records and she manages the Recording Artist Miguel. This year, the gala was a tribute to Motown and also there was a special soulful performance by Motown Recording Artist Stacy Barthe. Stacy was signed to Motown recently through John Legend’s label, Homeschool Records. And master poet "Mumms" was in the house with all of my favorite New Ros and Manhattan-ites...and the evening was masterfully hosted by my friend and brother David Ushery, WNBC Anchor/Host/Reporter! Wonderful, purposeful night!

 

 

 

 

LAWYERS OF COLOR

 

 

I was delighted to be hired as host of a “Lawyers of Color” HOT LIST ROLL CALL reception at esteemed law firm Sullivan & Cromwell! It is the first of what is to be an annual celebration of young attorneys excelling in the legal profession. Shout out to DC-based CEO & Publisher of “Lawyers of Color LLC” Yolanda Young for booking me (www.lawyersofcolorllc.com). She and I have been friends for a decade-plus – having actually met through one of my Chicago clients. Yolanda and I are both members of the National Association of Black Journalists. And she has always been and continues to be a truly wonderful, inspiring, and visionary friend. Lawyers of Color was initially founded as On Being A Black Lawyer but now also produces publications for current and future lawyers of South Asian American, Pacific Asian American, Hispanic, and Native American descent. LOC has been recognized by the American Bar Association, National Black Law Students Association, and National Association of Black Journalists. The company provides research, career development, and brand marketing opportunities to its clients. With a core readership of 35,000, nearly 200,000 unique blog visitors, and nearly 4,000 followers and fans, Lawyers of Color has the largest social media presence of any minority legal organization. The honorees were chosen through a two-prong process. The selection committee - comprised of the editorial staff and advisers, as well as law school fellows and interns - spent months reviewing nominations and researching bar publications and legal blogs in order to identify promising candidates. Editorial picks based on research of attorneys who had noteworthy accomplishments or were active in legal pipeline initiatives also took place.

 

 

HUMAN SPIRIT

 

 

WHAT A GREAT NIGHT! FEELS SO GOOD to honor my MOST-DESERVING girlfriend and colleague Michaela angela Davis at this year’s big HUMAN SPIRIT AWARDS.Proceeds from the event help 10,000 Brooklynites annually via Brooklyn Community Services! The beautiful, inspiring evening featured Michaela’s fellow honoree Danny Simmons and presenter/friend, BLACK GIRLS ROCK’s own Beverly Bond (a BLACK WOMAN who ROCKS and is always SO SUPPORTIVE), and more! And a SPECIAL SHOUT OUT out to Chief Officer for External Relations and Advancement at Brooklyn Community Services, Sonya Shields, for inviting me to sit on the benefit committee and for seating me at a FUN table. My dinner companions for the evening included Emmy-award-winning producer (and friend) Crystal Whaley; independent recording artist Maiysha Kai; my most-impressive Georgia homeboy (and fellow industry tastemaker) Charlie Lewis; etc. Also GREAT to see my BET fam - old and new - out to support our Michaela: Senior Vice President, 360 Consumer Marketing & Brand Strategy at BET NETWORKS, Eddie Hill; producer/director/event GURU Quan Watkins; and more. And it's not a set until my friend/model/actress Chasity Saunders is in the house with a pose and poise! Great night! Congrats Michaela and Danny! I can't think of two people who demonstrate HUMAN SPIRIT (and its next REVOLUTIONARY frontier) better than you two! MUCH LOVE!!!!! TO FIND OUT MORE INFO ON BCS and/or to DONATE:http://bit.ly/ZVFgLS #humanspirit2013

 

 

LEADERS OF THE COOL

 

 

Friend Chenoa Maxwell invited us out to her NYC solo debut LEADERS OF THE COOL - a one-night pop up photo exhibit showcasing an awesome round-table of artistic, cultural muses that Chenoa holds dear.They include Chef Roble who is starting his new season on Bravo; NFL great Curtis Martin; my BFF Sidra Smith; poet Mumms; our New Ro buddies Cynthia, Elijah, Beyonce's stylist Ty; and too many to mention. Was great to run into Danny Simmons who introduced Chenoa who had a chorus of cameras chronicling her special night for a reality show pilot for OWN. CONGRATS, CHENOA!

 

 

LOVE HANGOVER 2.0

 

 

 

 

I had to rush up to Below 54 for my friend LaChanze's return engagement of LOVE HANGOVER, her tribute to the songbook and seduction of Diana Ross. New songs: "Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To?", "Remember Me", and "It's My Turn" for encore! BRILLIANT and BEAUTIFUL! Shout out to my friend, Director Kenneth Roberson, for the invite. And what a pleasure to see and hear Jerry Dixon with LaChanze again on some great Ross tunes: duet-style. His husband Mario Cantone (of "The View" and "Sex & The City" fame) was in the house.

 

 

ESCOS

 

 

Then, a quick nightcap at Escualita in support of friend Nathan Hale Williams' HOT NEW PARTY at ESCOS! Come join me for Twisted Thursdays! 301 W. 39th Street!  And can I say Nathan didn't miss a beat. It is FABULOUS!

 

 

 

 

FAMILY

 

 

Today was supposed to be a specific kind of FAM day: my nephew Herman and I decided to visit my dear Aunt Charlie Mae - my dad's oldest sister. My cousin Betty Jean was also in the house! Always GOOD to see FAM! Then, as we decided to hang in BK a bit, I ran into Savannah BFF Maurice Marable's son Myles - so GROWN UP and MATURE! And I couldn't be THIS CLOSE to my beloved Moshood without a pop-by. He, Kunle, and all my Moshood fam are celebrating 19 YEARS in the business: www.AFRIKANSPIRIT.com. Moshood pointed out to my nephew that I've been in the Moshood mix since the beginning - pointing out the picture of President Clinton and me in The White House's Roosevelt Room where I interviewed our Commander in Chief (circa January 2001: Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday observance) - in MOSHOOD. Indeed: WEAR MOSHOOD. WEAR YOURSELF! ALWAYS: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/7/7/summer-repeats-and-repasts.html.

 

 

TAMIA

 

 

TAMIA in concert at the Highline Ballroom! Shout out to Michelle Huff for the invite. She was AWESOME - SINGING FOR THE GODS!!!!!!!!! And what a sweet woman. We chatted afterwards! From there, Ern, Weldon, Ant, surprise guest: Spelman sister and childhood sister friend Latecia enjoyed catch-up time at BBQs. Then, a little karaoke.

 

 

SUNDAE SERMON

 

 

"(Sundae Sermon) It's a must-attend ritual for my household and our friends. It's an awesome chance to congregate with loved ones in a beautiful park with beautiful people --- laughing, eating, toasting, and dancing under the brilliant sky with the most amazing gumbo of musical reflections - from earth to wind to fire to Diana to Chaka to Sylvester to Stevie to MJ... and a wonderful mix of global beats that will make you exclaim - "The-Wiz"-style - "Can You Feel a Brand New Day?"".

AMEN!

 

 

 

--- Patrick L. Riley

 

 

Blogger, "A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture and possibilities"

   

Pop Culture Expert

 

 

          

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS: http://bit.ly/njpacLOR #AILEYLIFE

Hi folks,

I’m CERTAIN my late, great mother is looking down from above and PROUD of a lot of the work that’s been coming my way!  After all, no one knew of my love of all things POP CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT, and the ARTS better than she as I came out the womb exclaiming “I’M COMING OUT!” LOL!. To have a month in which I was up-front-and-personal with childhood favorites like Diana Ross, Berry Gordy, and all the MOTOWN Legends (but a few with whom I’ve been chatting up of late) has me feeling her SMILE bathing all over me from above! My life-long friend Jimmy Bethea who hails from a family that paralleled the international journey of my own family via the Air Force (and - like me - was born in Tokyo, Japan) noted something sensitively to me via text that made me choke up re:my mom whose name is Queen Elizabeth Bellinger Riley. Jimmy txt "The QUEEN is smiling down on you, young man! Extremely happy for you!" BEAUTIFUL SENTIMENT from someone I know who LOVES his mom as much as I do and MISSES his mom as much as I miss my own (This, as we - the baby boys - are both dealing with life (in our adulthood) without our SUPER MOMS (R.I.P. Miss Chris Bethea)).      If my mom was here, I’d take her to NJPAC to see the ALVIN AILEY dancers at NJPAC where they’ll perform REVELATIONS & OTHER GREAT PERFORMANCES MOTHERS DAY WEEKEND. 5/10-5/12.  If you are in the area, I’m recommending you take your mom. http://bit.ly/njpacLOR #AILEYLIFE

With that, let me help TWO of you out: I have the opportunity to raffle off two NJPAC  Just Imagine Gift Cards -- each of $50 individual value. The gift card is good at the NJPAC on site restaurant and can be used towards buying tickets to any designated performances atNJPAC.  The prizes will go ONLY to those that include the following custom #hashtag designated just for me on Facebook or Twitter between now and May 10: http://bit.ly/njpacLOR #AILEYLIFE

MY TWITTER: @patarack

MY FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley

We will screenshot the winner’s post or tweet and pick two winners from our tracking and will then follow up with you to confirm your acceptance of the gift and your contact information for claiming the prize – so we can send it to you.

Again, my designated hashtag for all of my followers and those who want to be considered for these two prizes: #AILEYLIFE

IT’S A PERFECT MOTHER’S DAY GIFT, right?

TONY AWARDS

CHECK THIS OUT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuJEs6ruin0. Shout out to ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 and its hosts Lola Ogunnaike and Shannon Lanier for shouting me out in the wake of my debut the day prior: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDxfe-hG_aY. In my BROADWAY ROUND-UP segment, I predicted the iconic Cicely Tyson would be nominated for her role in Broadway’s “The Trip to Bountiful”. And she was!!!! YAY! I appreciate the attribution, ARISE FAM! CALL ME ANYTIME and THANK YOU for trusting and reinforcing my predictions and enthusiasm which translated into other nods – including Condola Rashad (also for “Trip to Bountiful”). I also totally enjoyed The Trip to Bountiful Broadway’s Opening Night after party! FUN ROOM including star Vanessa Williams' daughter Lionbabe; my fellow journalist friends Jacque Reid and Karu Daniels; my Broadway darlings La Chanze (who'd just wrapped her one-woman-tribute to Miss Ross at 54 Below), Ken Roberson, and Tamara Tune; and  the lovely DEBORAH COX whose publicist, my friend Gwendolyn Quinn notes is “the sweetest”! I agree and also note that she’s among the most fierce as she too is starring on Broadway in “Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde”:https://www.facebook.com/JekyllMusical?fref=ts AND I REALLY DO LOVE IT! OTHER TONY NOMINEES I REFERENCED YESTERDAY: Pippin’ and its Lead Player Patina Miller ("Pippin" nabbed 10 nominations for MUSICAL REVIVAL against other best musical revival candidates are "Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella," "Annie," and ''The Mystery of Edwin Drood”.

 Patina Miller, last on Broadway as the heroine of "Sister Act," stepped into the Ben Vereen role of Leading Player in "Pippin" and earned her second straight nomination); “Kinky Boots” which received 13 nods (The Cyndi Lauper-scored "Kinky Boots," which earned a leading 13 Tony nominations. British import "Matilda: The Musical" has 12. "Kinky Boots" is based on the 2005 British movie about a real-life shoe factory that struggles until it finds new life in fetish footwear. Lauper's songs and a story by Harvey Fierstein have made it a crowd-pleaser. Fierstein; one of my TOTAL FAV SINGERS Billy Porter; and Stark Sands as well as Annaleigh Ashford are nominated for “Kinky Boots”); and though considered a snub by some: just-four nominations for “Motown: The Musical” – including "Motown: The Musical”s Valisia LeKae who was nominated for best performance by an actress in a leading role for her portrayal of Diana Ross, while Charl Brown earned the nod for best performance by an actor in a featured role for his portrayal of Smokey Robinson. "Motown's" Ethan Popp and Bryan Crook are up for best orchestrations, while Peter Hylenski earned a nomination for best sound design of a musical. ALSO: CONGRATS to Courtney B. Vance who earned a best featured actor nomination playing an editor in "Lucky Guy" with Tom Hanks, making his Broadway debut and earning a nomination as leading man in a play. Some big snubs, according to Hollywood (and other than more for “Motown”): Al Pacino of "Glengarry Glen Ross," Alec Baldwin in "Orphans," Katie Holmes in "Dead Accounts," Bette Midler in "I'll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers" and Scarlett Johansson from the revival of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." The nominations were announced Tuesday in a televised event co-hosted by Tony winner Sutton Foster and "Modern Family" star Jesse Tyler Ferguson. The awards will be broadcast on CBS from Radio City Music Hall on June 9.  THANKS to ASPIRE for allowing me a platform to share my intel.  In addition to the FAB co-hosts, was also good to see so many of my industry buddies at this promising start-up – including Eugenia Harvey; Paula Witt (my friend who booked me); Keyon Williams (my friend who first told ARISE to book me); and one of my fellow contributors Sean Joelle Johnson, TV exec and entertainment attorney who weighed in on celebrities and their legal issues. BACKGROUND ON THE SHOW (per the producers): The show airs live online and on Sky Cable in London, Monday-Friday at 2pm. The segment lasts 8-10 minutes. These are talk segments only but there will eventually be opportunities for performances. Recent guests included Kevin Liles, Mona Scott, Taiye Sealsi, Big Daddy Kane, Dr. Ian Smith, Kid Capri, Kym Whitley, Michaela Angela Davis and more. ARISE is an African owned global network geared primarily to Africans, African-Americans and people interested in the diaspora. The network has hubs in New York, London, Johannesburg and Lagos, and the New York hub just launched on March 11. As part of the US launch, ARISE 360 airs a daily entertainment show featuring hosts Lola Ogunnaike (former NY Times & Daily News feature reporter, current MSNBC & Today Show contributor and freelance reporter) and Shannon LaNier (Black Enterprise TV). ARISE Entertainment 360 airs online in the US and airs on the Sky Cable in London (currently showing in over 35 countries across Europe). The ARISE entity also owns Arise Magazine (www.ariselive.com). Although it is a separate entity, it is under the ARISE brand.

MORE TV STUFF

In the wake of my COZI-TV Blacks/Broadway round-up (http://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Pop-Culture-Expert-Patrick-Riley-on-Black-Broadway_New-York.html) and my MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL opening night moments (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ). PLUS: the other outlets that ran with that footage (1) http://www.reuters.com/video/2013/04/16/motown-memorialized-in-new-musical?videoId=242278913&videoChannel=3 & (2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=An_r_D2HM5Q, I’m excited that the industry’s real estate has room for ME!

RHONDA ROSS AT CUTTING ROOM

After enjoying the inaugural event for my friend Nathan's Renaissance Brunch Series, I met up with my 'Amazing Grace' Nichole, my date for Miss Rhonda Ross' performance at The Cutting Room (www.thecuttingroomnyc.com). As always, she was amazing. In addition to her fan favorites - original and covers, she included some new experiences - including "Cabaret" (which she first performed at the Hearts of Gold event to which I introduced recurring client Remy Martin as a liquor sponsor and partner back in November 2012);
her mom's "Home" (from "The Wiz"); and super-encore "I'm Every Woman". All my favorite Ross fans were in the house - including Andreas, Judy, Jim, Dustin, et al as well as friend Tamara Tunie (accompanied by her lovely mother). Also in the house: one of my All-Star Karaoke SUPERSTARS, actress Pernell Walker who has been filming Lee Daniels' "The Butler" - also starring Oprah, Terrence Howard; Lenny Kravitz; Jane Fonda; etc.

SAVANNAH ROCKS VIA TERRY SARTOR, DUANE HARDEN, ET AL

I also recently got to celebrate one of my Savannah homeboys Terry Sartor who hosted a launch party for his new music label Valiant Horizon at the lavish Trump International Hotel & Tower Central Park. It’s a celebration of Valiant Horizon’s triumphant start and its first six official releases as well as remix work – which include music from Lorchee (Poland), Terry Sartor (USA), Milosz-B (UK), Kyle Brylin (USA), Thought Leaders (USA) and Dream Attackers (USA) with more to come including the hot up-and-coming U.S.-based dance music crew Automatic Recreation! Congrats to Terry who started his own music label and production with a focus on dance music: http://www.facebook.com/valianthorizon and www.soundcloud.com/terrysartor. Was also great to meet another two Savannah homeboys – one of whome, Duane Harden, I’d never met. He’s a songwriter/recording artist whose “You Don’t Know Me” – WITH Armand van Helden - was a #1 dance hit in the U.K.: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkXTbHebcQs.   Another recent project “Love Will” with Ferry Corsten can be heard here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmojYngSy-w.  Like Terry, Duane is a Beach High grad. I graduated from often their rival school: Windsor Forest High School. But these many years later, being from Savannah makes us all ONE!

RENAISSANCE BRUNCH SERIES

Shout out to my friend Nathan Hale Williams and Artie Thompson (http://www.bravotv.com/chef-roble-and-co) for inviting us to be their guest at the Renaissance Brunch Series today at the Hudson Bond. Special guest host was the one and only Ms. Bevy Smith (Bravo's Fashion Queens & Dining with Bevy): http://www.bravotv.com/fashion-queens. There were even give-aways including the award-winning work, "For Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Still Is Not Enough," written by New York Times Best Selling Author, Keith Boykin. The book recently won the American Library Association's Stonewall Award for Non-Ficition Book of the Year and is nominated for a Lambda Literary Award. From cocktail hour to delicious brunch to great dancing afterword, Nathan truly designed an exceptional afternoon of fun, fellowship and networking. Music was provided by DJ Poison Ivy. AND WHAT A BLAST to see so many great friends! CONGRATS, NATHAN!

 

GET OMERGED SWEEPTSTAKES

Beginning  TODAY - Friday, 5/31, IMAN Cosmetics, Skullcandy, TIGI/Catwalk, Me & The Girls and Republic Records are offering free products in the Get Omerged Sweepstakes. Point of entry is www.getomerged.com, which is LIVE! Republic Records has chosen to feature Adrian Marcel, protege of Raphael Saadiq, in this promotion. Adrian has a brand new mix tape out called "7 Days of Weak" (featuring Saadiq, Wale and others), and his music is AMAZING. And, people can win the CD through this promo: https://soundcloud.com/adrian-marcel510 For more details, read the embedded art in this segment.

SENIOR DATE NIGHT in HARLEM

On Friday, May 10th from 6pm - 10pm at National Black Theatre, in Harlem (125th Street & 5th Ave), my friend Sharon Nelson is launching her first event SENIOR DATE NIGHT which soon will have a multi-format presences on-line and on the airwaves. For those who have paid the price of admission to be a part of the 50+ club (AKA Senior Date Night), this program provides enrichment of personal fulfillment of social expression for those who are 50 and above.  Through music, food and like minded people -- a good time and fun is the order of the day. First up: a fun night with lots of food, fun, drinks, and entertainment. DON’T MISS IT!

BCS HUMAN SPIRIT AWARDS

Brooklyn Community Services (BCS) is one of the largest and oldest nonprofit organizations in New York.  These amazing folks have been serving people in Brooklyn for 147 years.  On June 4th, I am excited to be among the Benefit Committee members who are leading the charge to honor my friend Michaela angela Davis and Danny Simmons at the Human Spirit Awards, which will be held at the Grand Hyatt-Manhattan Ballroom. BLACK GIRLS ROCK’s Beverly Bond has agreed to present the award to Michaela.  Marty Markowitz will present the award to Danny.  The gala is going to be an wonderful evening that begins with a cocktail reception at 6:30 PM; and the dinner and awards presentation at 7:30 PM. If you would like to join the Benefit Committee to support the BCS Human Spirit Awards, please call 718.310.5617 or email sshields@wearebcs.org.  The Human Spirit Awards is the biggest fundraiser to support the critical work of Brooklyn Community Services.  Proceeds from the Human Spirit Awards will support BCS's key programmatic areas, including: Early Childhood Development, Youth Education, Family Counseling, Job Training, Health and Wellness and Services for the Developmentally Disabled.  For more information about our work, please go to www.WeAreBCS.org.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANT!

WE ALL GATHERED TO TOAST Anthony Harper but the guests at the birthday hang last night read like a WHO'S WHO! THANKS TO ALL!: * Tony-award-winning actress La Chanze (also in film - including "The Help") * Emmy-award-winning NBC "Today" correspondent and MSNBC anchor Mara Schiavocampo * World-famous model Bobby Roache (Beyonce's "Irreplaceable" video) * Senior exec at Ogilvy Jeff Bowman * Brian Badie (Ice T personal hairstylist and co-star on "Ice T loves Coco") * NYU Journalism Professor (NY Post) Frankie Edozien * Senior Producer "Bill Cunningham Show" Shareen King * BET's "Don't Sleep w/TJ Holmes" producer Nichole Shellman * Wall Street Journal reporter (also BET) Taj Tsonga * Stlylist of the stars and TV personality Phillip Bloch * Karen Good Marable (Writer/Editor - EBONY) * Nathan Hale Williams (producer/writer/personality) * Tony-award-nominee/Broadway choreographer and director Ken Roberson * 'Wendy Williams' make-up artist (also for Diddy and many more) Merrell Hollis * COZI-TV/NBC 4 producer Tiffany Zeno * a host of "Wendy Williams" producers * several out of town guests who drove in from Durham, NC and Philly * and a host more. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BABE!

BLAST FROM THE PAST

THROWBACK: Morehouse grew my childhood interests in pop culture and entertainment in two fell swoops: (1) Kennedy Center Honors 1991 when the Morehouse College Glee Club paid tribute to Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus Conductor/Composer Robert Shaw (circa early December 1991) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZF2iK2VOY8); (2) When I was selected by everybody’s favorite Morehouse icon, Dr. Anne Watts, to present an award to Louis Gossett, Jr. at the “Candle in the Dark Awards” during Founders Day Weekend [circa February 1992] – a moment captured on BET’s Screen Scene. And all the stuff in between that would lead me to MOTOWN’s Opening Night Celebration on Broadway:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. #throwbackthursday

COZI-TV

After a blast on MSNBC last month; a reccent booking on BET's "Don't Sleep"; and other spot on-cam work, I was invited to talk about Blacks on Broadway on a LIVE, in-studio segment (5-minutes-or-so) for NBC News 4 New York's 7p show: 

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Pop-Culture-Expert-Patrick-Riley-on-Black-Broadway_New-York.html

. In a nutshell: "Motown: The Musical"; "The Trip to Bountiful"; and the "Pippin" revival; however, there are many other new offerings on Broadway this season: - including "Kinky Boots" (starring Billy Porter; music by Cyndi Lauper); and Deborah Cox comes back to Broadway opposite American Idol-alum Constantine Maroulis in "Jekyll & Hyde". News 4 New York's 7p is a one-hour show that is a combination of news, guest segments & lifestyle issues on cable station COZI-TV. This episode was hosted by NBC 4’s own Scott Stanford and produced by NBC 4’s own Tiffany Zeno – both TOTAL JOY! COZI-TV reaches more than 5 million homes & can be seen on Channel 161 on Time Warner systems. The show also simulcasts live on www.NBCNEWYORK.COM.

It is also available on other cable providers.

Here's the channel guide:

Cablevision 109 and 118

Time Warner Cable 161

Comcast 248 and 158

Verizon Fios 460

RCN 28

As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT and LOVE!

If you miss it, the segment will live on www.NBCNEWYORK.COM. (SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR BREAKING NEWS)

Please feel free to FORWARD and to let me know your thoughts.

MOTORTOWN PREVUE

What JOY and NOSTALGIA "Motown: The Musical" brought me on the first PREVIEW NIGHT earlier this week!

ADDED features to the special evening include: experiencing it with Ant; seeing my friend Brandon get called up by "Diana Ross" (as portrayed by Valisia LeKae) to sing along on "Reach Out & Touch (Somebody's Hand)" (Worth noting that he stumbled into his ticket no hour before the show yet SANG HIS BUTT OFF with "Miss Ross" [Great also to chat with Brandon Victor Dixon who plays "Berry Gordy"]).

I got to say HI AGAIN to Mr. Gordy.

Also, so many other GREATS were in the house - including:

Suzanne de Passe;

Jimmy Iovine; Dr. Dre; legendary publicist Ken Reynolds; singer and friend Phil Geston – fellow lover of all things ROSS;

costume designer Emilio Sosa (who I had the chance to interview him after a performance of one of his last shows "...By the way, Meet Vera Stark...");

and Marketing Consultant - my friend - Marcia Pendelton, often my passport to Broadway. Walk Tall, Girl! ESSENCE legend Susan Taylor (in attendance with her husband Khephra Burns) said to me "...this has never been done..." - referencing the palpable evidence of interest not only with the lines-around-the-block to this sold-out, first preview, but at closer inspection, one of the groups there was comprised of Detroit cops who filled a bus and drove in to see the first preview of "Motown: The Musical". My Spelman sisters Melanie and Tiffanie also traveled from Atlanta and Dallas respectively to see "Motown". Afterwards we did some karaoke at Yuki 55 - "Broadway baby Brandon" in tow - including, of course, some Motown/Ross, Wonder, et al!!!!

WWW.BLACKTHEATERONLINE.COM reports the following: We have received phone calls and emails telling us that code SMOKEY was not working or was not being accepted by Ticketmaster. The good news is -- the code is alive and well. The bad news is -- it may not be available on the date you want to attend a performance.

Here is the update:

Discount codes for MOTOWN: The Musical, including code SMOKEY, are no longer available for any performance in March. This does not mean that you can't buy tickets. It means that if you want to see the show this month, you are going to have to pay full or premium prices for tickets.

HOWEVER, there are performance dates when you can definitely use code SMOKEY. They are:

Monday 4/1

Tuesday 4/2

Wednesday 4/3 Evening

Tuesday 4/9

Wednesday 4/10 Evening

Thursday 4/11

Tuesday 4/16

Wednesday 4/17 Evening

Tuesday 4/23

Wednesday 4/24 Evening

Tuesday 4/30

Wednesday 5/1 Evening

Tuesday 5/7

Wednesday 5/8 Evening

Tuesday 5/14 Evening

Wednesday 5/15 Evening

Please remember that code SMOKEY IS BASED ON AVAILABILITY AND CAN BE WITHDRAWN AT ANYTIME WITHOUT NOTICE. The teeny tiny mouse print at the bottom of the gorgeous ad above gives you all of the restrictions. It is a good practice to read them before you attempt to buy tickets with any discount offer, including the ones from Black Theater Online.

Just as discount codes can be withdrawn at anytime, they can also be extended. Although the restrictions state that this offer is available through May 12, it has been extended through May 15.

We hope this clears up any questions about code SMOKEY.

Like we said when we sent out this offer back in February -- BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY. He/she who hesitates will be without tickets to MOTOWN: The Musical. Or, will wind up standing in the cancellation line at the theater trying to get one.

Tickets for MOTOWN: The Musical are selling fast. BROADWAY PREVIEWS HAVE BEGUN (as of yesterday): $49 (Mid Mezz/REGULAR - $87); $89 (Orch/Front Mezz/REGULAR - $137).

For tickets, visit www.Ticketmaster.com or call 877.250.2929: CODE: SMOKEY

WWW.MOTOWNTHEMUSICAL.COM

 

THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL

Earlier that same day, I popped by NYC’s famed Sardi’s Restaurant for a media morning with the cast of Broadway’s THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL, which starts previews SATURDAY, MARCH 30TH and opens TUESDAY, APRIL 23RD AT the Stephen Sondheim Theatre (124 W 43rd Street). Over the last year, I’ve had great run-ins with the show’s stars (www.thetriptobountifulbroadway.com): Cicely Tyson (at B. Michael show, but I also interviewed her many times over the years for my Chicago client); Cuba Gooding Jr. (at Thurgood Marshall Foundation benefit, though I have interviewed him at the National Association of Black Journalists’ convention where he’s brought many films); Vanessa Williams (last week at Dance Theater of Harlem gala but have had nice media moments with her over the years); Condola Rashad (at Steel Magnolias premiere in NYC). With my invite to ‘meet’ the cast alongside other press, I did snap some shots of them on the step and repeat. Also, I enjoyed the company of hairstylist genius Chucki Amos - @CHUCKIELOVE – who did this day’s work on Miss Vanessa Williams - @VWOFFICIAL. ALSO, and as always, GREAT to see my fellow NYC journalist friends – including Jean Parnelle (once-Miss Hayes, the first teacher to give “little Alicia Keys” her singing confidence note when she cast her as Dorothy in the grade-school production of “The Wizard of Oz” – a point made recently on my recurring client OWN’s air (Oprah’s Next Chapter  - http://www.oprah.com/own-master-class/First-Look-Oprahs-Master-Class-with-Alicia-Keys-Video). JOIN ME at “THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL” – www.thetriptobountifulbroadway.com! BACKSTORY ON PLAY: The touching American classic, THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL, tells the story of Carrie Watts (Cicely Tyson), who is trapped in a cramped Houston apartment with her soft-spoken son (Cuba Gooding Jr) and self-absorbed daughter-in-law (Vanessa Williams), dreaming of a return to her home in the small Gulf Coast town of Bountiful, where she grew up and raised her own family. Fearing that she’s an imposition and chafing under her daughter-in-law’s watchful eye, she steals away with her latest pension check and heads home in the journey of a lifetime. The result is an unforgettable meditation on the idea of home and its power to sustain us. For more information via the social channels: www.facebook.com/BountifulBroadway and TWITTER: @BountifulBway and INSTAGRAM: @BountifulBway and YOU TUBE: www.youtube.com/bountifulbroadway and TWEET my friend @CHUCKIELOVE who does all the great DIVA HAIR these days! SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO: TOM WOPAT (Childhood favorite “Dukes of Hazzard” and so much more – especially from Broadway).

DIANA ROSS

So those of you who know me know that I don't ever document particulars about one of my main clients that is a household name (and most watch the client at 4pm in most marketplaces). Not that I am not proud of the work I do for the show (of which I am also a fan). But much of the high-profile fare to which I contribute is confidential and proprietary. So, it's in the best interest of all that I keep those particulars at bay from this forum. That said, you ALSO know that I am MISS DIANA ROSS' #1 fan since my childhood (so wherever she is, I'm usually commenting on it).

Well, as "pop culture" and "possibilities" converge in "... the life of Riley...", please know that MISS ROSS will be on the air of my main client (for which I am a freelance field producer) this Friday (or depending when you read this: was on my main client's air).

This will be her 4th appearance on a show that's been on the air for 25 years: http://www.oprah.com/showinfo/Supreme-Icon-Diana-Ross-Her-5-Children-and-Show-Stopping-Performance.

After the taping earlier this week in Chicago, one of my bosses (the one who green-lighted my attendance and participation in the show) told me to tell my readers to WATCH!

(This, as everybody else is talking about the now-moving-between-#1-and-#2-TRENDING topic of the last few days: MISS DIANA ROSS - a FACEBOOK & TWITTER phenomenon this week! I LOVE IT!). You must check MISS ROSS out on FRIDAY!

SHE'S EVEN MORE SUPREME THAN YOU HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED or can IMAGINE! It is truly MISS ROSS at her best. Having the show’s studio as a client helped me to get up close and personal with Miss Ross. 

But as effortless as one might imagine it would be for the #1 DIANA ROSS FAN (me) to get access to this historic taping, it wasn't. I had to get creative with the finances to snag a plane ticket. And I had a village of friends on the inside who worked diligently to ensure that once I made it, it was special. This, as "AIN'T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH. NOTHING CAN KEEP ME FROM [MISS ROSS]..." LOL! So in the end, I made it there... and had the time of my LIFE! Still no photo op with MISS ROSS and me. But as THE SUPREME DIVA often says: "GO FOR YOUR DREAMS... REACH AND THEIR YOURS!" I'm still REACHING, MISS ROSS! Regardless, I have other new memories now with MISS ROSS that are JUST MINE. Plus, I got to be a part of an intimate audience with MISS ROSS' BEAUTY; TALENT; and TESTIMONY from back-stage and in the studio.

One cherished moment is meeting her background singer Fred White.

He also wrote "I Love You" - the title track for her most recent CD (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAVrRwImr9M).

Will be great to hear about other things that Fred is working on - including new material with Miss

 

Ross. So stay tuned for those developments over time. 

Diana Ross will continue her national “Now” Tour with a southern and eastern U.S. leg beginning February 25 – March 20. The complete list of the Diana Ross “Now” Tour dates follows.  For the latest tour information, please visit Facebook: http://www.facebook.com//dianaross.

 
      # # #
 
DIANA ROSS FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
“NOW” TOUR

Date

City Venue
2/25/2011Choctaw, MS Golden Moon Hotel & Casino
2/26/2011Bossier, LA Horseshoe Casino & Hotel
2/27/2011Austin, TX Austin City Limits Live at Moody Theatre
3/1/2011Houston, TX Verizon Wireless Theater
3/2/2011Dallas, TX Majestic Theatre
3/4/2011Jacksonville, FL Moran Theatre (Times Union Center PAC)
3/5/2011Greenville, SC Peace Center Concert Hall
3/7/2011Charleston, SC Charleston's Historic Dock Street Theatre
3/9/2011Charlotte, NC McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square
3/11/2011Durham, NC DPAC
3/12/2011Washington, DC Washington Convention Center
3/13/2011Poughkeepsie, NY Bardavon, 1869 Opera House
3/15/2011Englewood, NJ Bergen Performing Arts Center
3/16/2011Hartford, CT Bushnell Auditorium
3/18/2011Stamford, CT Palace Theatre
3/19/2011Atlantic City, NJ Caesars Atlantic City - Circus Maximus
3/20/2011Staten Island, NY St.  George Theatre

 

RICHARD HARRIS

Shout out to Sara & all of my friends at Richard Harris Inc. (www.richardharrisinc.com) for graciously dressing me for my close encounter of the ROSS kind.

That of course includes Scott French - the designer with the most!!!

He has dressed me in many great pieces over the years. This time was no exception.

You'll recall, I primarily wore Richard Harris Inc. for the National Association of Black Journalists Convention.

That was last year in San Diego.

He's been my FAVORITE for a minute.

Ant too.

And the folks at RICHARD HARRIS & AMERICAN CHANG have gone on the record saying my blog is a FAV in their showroom!! American Chang – in fact – gave my blog “A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities” its “Golden Poodle Award” as “The Best Way To Spend A Lazy Afternoon” (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2006/12/22/wake-up-and-dream.html).

 Check all of their links out: www.richardharrisinc.com and www.richardharrisusa.com/rh and www.americanchang.com 

You can take a look at the new suits and the new outerwear for Fall 2011.

HOT LOOKS to keep cool near the end of this year.  

 

CHICAGO

While in Chicago, you know I spent time with my best friends. I enjoyed one of Obama's favorite soul food joints MacArthur's with Morehouse BFF Eddie, Chicago buddies Carl & Itika, and new friend Cory. Then, Market sports bar for quick cocktail catch-up w/Ti-Ti. This, as that ALL-STAR GAME was on! GO RIHANNA! GO BLAKE GRIFFIN!

B MICHAEL

Miss Ross’ oldest offspring Rhonda Ross was in Chicago (exclaiming - when she saw me for the first time in Chicago - "YOU MADE IT!" with her left thumb up to the sky while her other hand was holding her son). She was with her mom and her son as well as the rest of her siblings Tracee, Chudney, Ross, and Evan. I had the chance to chat her up in NYC a few days prior at B Michael America show at The Plaza. It’s Fashion Week after all. And B’s show featured star model Cicely Tyson. Also in the house: Susan Taylor, Ashford & Simpson, Melba Moore; my Sidra, my Carl Nelson, Seitu, etc (my usual suspects).

MANIVONE

After B. Michael’s show, I went uptown to join our girl Manivone who showcased her paper sculptures on live models from her "PAPER STATUS" series (www.elleFANTart.com). Her models included my girl Anise White – also an amazing vocalist who has popped by ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT with her gifts. And Manivone’s cousin Vilay. And dear friend Chris were also in the show. Vilay – you’ll recall – helped out on our fashion pilot last year. Also, her man Taha’s brother Adam was a featured model. He is a talented artist who knows his way around leather, suede, and all the elements that make up a great bag. Stay tuned for more on Adam, Taha, and Fafa – three brothers from Toronto who are a FORCE in the ART WORLD and three to watch - the Clayton brothers! 

NICOLE RICHIE

Amidst Fashion Week, got to hang out with Nicole Richie. She hosted a Bergdorf Goodman set promoting her “About Winter Kate | House of Harlow 1960” line. Shout out to my friend Seitu who managed the media relations on the Fall/Winter 2011 Collection of Nico Lena (by Nicholas D’Aurizio) at the Chelsea Art Museum (www.NicoLena.com).  While commuting from show to show, I happened upon hairstylist extraordinaire Oscar James alongside the FABULOUS Deborah Cox. I spoke to them both quickly and blew kisses from my cab while rushing to my next event.

LINDA ROWE

My boy Ron Smith always invites me to great shows. This recent Fashion Week is no exception. For my BFF (since 7^th grade) Ern’s birthday, we went to the presentation of ROMAS (Linda Rowe) at Michaelangelo Hotel. Shout out to Harriette Cole who in her post-EBONY life tells me she's been consulting with Prince. From the Michealangelo Hotel to Cafeteria for dinner. Then, the Village’s “Insomnia” cookies and GRAMMY-DVR set at Ern’s place to round out the night. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ERN!

MARY MARY

Shout out to my BFF Tata for inviting me to join her at Mary Mary’s listening party concert promoting the duo’s 5th CD release “Something Big” at The Canal Room in NYC. And these girls were serving (God's) children...hear? ...with VOICE & TESTIMONY & INSPIRATION! AMEN! Donald Lawrence was also in the house! They sang their biggest hits “Shackles”; “God in Me”; “Yesterday”; and a few of their new tracks from “Something Big” – including their current single “Walkin’”. Was with Mary Mary when their 4th release came out a couple of years ago. Always good to see them. Happy they are back!

VALENTINE’S DAY

My Valentine’s Day started with a table read at George Faison Firehouse where I contributed my acting chops. It was for my friend Sid's in-development romantic comedy feature alongside-this-go-around- a stellar combo including diva D'Atra Hicks; Maya Days; FELA!s Kevin Mambo; and a host of others. After this, I ran some errands – including snagging Janet Jackson’s new book “True You” and a card for Ant’s and my exchange. You know he loves him some Janet! He and I did dinner and karaoke - singing Janet. And we basked a little bit in the accomplishment of having snagged Janet Jackson tix for her NYC tour in March. Just us. Interestingly, while picking up the book at Time Warner Center’s Borders, I ran into to FAV male vocalist Billy Porter (getting on subway as I was geting off). I LOVE NY! Before Ant and I connected, I popped by Harlem's Red Rooster & Chez Lucienne to have a 'happy (valentine's day) hour' during which I caught up w/dear friends and got some fun chat time with Miss Lynn Whitfield who was in town from L.A. and about to celebrate a birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LYNN!

JOI

We went to see my ATL-buddy JOI perform a couple of weeks at the inaugural APOLLO MUSIC CAFÉ. She sang songs from people who have performed at The Apollo Theater – from Stevie Wonder to Aretha Franklin to Paul McCartney to Bessie Smith. AWESOME SHOW! Dressed minimally-yet-fiercely in a spaghetti-strapped catsuit in black. My dear friend from A-T-L looks as if she’s frozen in time – still fit and trim to the naked eye; vocals still on fire; and her Esther-Rolle-meets-Nina-Simone, deconstructed ‘fro was to die. She sang songs from people who have performed at The Apollo Theater. My rough notes produced this set list (I didn't know all of the titles - so some of the listings include lyrics):

"Steppin' in the Darkness" - WAR

"Halo" - Delfonics

"Try Me" - James Brown

Stevie Wonder - "Jesus, Children"

Bob Marley - "Burnin' in Loop" (featuring Devon Lee)

Curtis Mayfield – “Runnin' Wild”

Teena Marie - "Square Biz"

Paliament – lyric: "produced in conjunction"; lyric: "cobwebs out your mind" (outkast sampled on southern funk)

Dinah Washington – “You Don't Know What Love Is”

Jimi Hendrix – “Little Wing” (featuring Devon Lee)

Paul McCartney - "Helter Skelter" (featuring Devon Lee)

Aretha Franklin - "Nobody Knows The Way I Feel"

Bessie Smith - "I'm Wild About That Thing

FINALE: Tina Turner - "Nutbush City Limits"/Joi - "Lick"

AWESOME NIGHT… and GREAT NEW EXPERIENCE that bridges the classics with new, independent artists of today and the future. Find out more about this FUTURISTIC THROWBACKS franchise, which will include a diverse mix of live music, poetry, spoken word, comedy and spinning DJ’s. Tickets for Apollo Music Café are available at The Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Apollo Music Café is made possible by generous support from Heineken, the Official Imported Beer Sponsor of the Apollo Theater’s 2010-11 Season. This program is also supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

ARIANNA LIVE!

Lots of birthdays last week! Friends Maurice Jamal, Toyce, Scott, and a wonderful young lady named Arianna Francis turned 16. Her parents invited me to interview her guests on the red carpet at the well-appointed affair at the Midtown Loft AKA Arianna LIVE!

ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT

ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT is BACK!!!!

And many of our ALL-STAR KARAOKE regulars came out to CELEBRATE last THURSDAY along with a house full of new folks in the mix!

THANKS TO ALL!

We are at NATIVE Restaurant in HARLEM every THURSDAY – from 9pm to MIDNIGHT.

PLEASE JOIN US ANY and EVERY WEEK on any THURSDAY NIGHT!

Brian, Jasmine, Ephraim, Carl Nelson, Troy & Darryl (“Bangin’ Ass Artists”), Derrick; Mario (also from “No Parking” KARAOKE Monday night); etc.

My Morehouse brothers PT and Kobie (www.fromfatherlesstofatherhood.com) were in the house along with my NYABJ/NABJ sister Georgia Scott.

She owns a Harlem coffee shop GLOBETRIPPIN’ (and she is celebrating the publication of her new book, "Down There: Narratives About the Joy, Aroma and Overall Existence of the Bush"). AS ALWAYS, THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

 P.S. Happened upon Vinyl in Chelsea for a late night bite last Friday… and look which menu I got: one of my favorite albums of all time Jennifer Holliday’s “Feel My Soul” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6g_rf73TpU) and her sophomore release. I didn’t take it (I have one at home). LOL! I hear Miss Holliday has a new Gospel CD coming out! I sure hope so! I LOVE ME SOME JENNIFER HOLLIDAY!