A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

I’m always my happiest when I’m with Ant. And what a sad and cloudy day when he leaves. But buckets of tears later since his oh-too-brief weekend visit to L.A. from NYC, I can look back on an AWESOME weekend we had attending Sheryl Lee Ralph’s DIVAS: SIMPLY SINGING – an annual benefit that raises money for AIDS research and awareness.

 

Before I spill all the TEA, you remember I told you that I went to Cal State-Fullerton to be interviewed by my NABJ friend DR. MARIO, a student on the campus. Well, here’s the podcast: http://drmario.podomatic.com/entry/2009-10-09T23_09_20-07_00

Now back to the DIVAS and Ant’s and my fabulous weekend!

Firstly, you must know that IT TAKES A VILLAGE to have the kind of weekend we had, given we’re cash-strapped. But where there is a will (and a Scott and a Tony and a Sheryl Lee Ralph and an Audrey and a Tata and a Daddy and a Curtis and an Ernie and a Paul and a buddy pass and some frequent flier miles), there is a way!

So Ant got here on Friday night and we hit the ground running as soon as he landed since his Denver friends Robinson and Elia – AKA MAINCHAIN (www.themainchain.com) were performing at The Highlands in Hollywood. Plus, his best bud Paul was shooting the show. Ant’s flight was delayed – so we missed the show. But he got to see Paul and we all hung out afterwards at Robinson’s place.

On Saturday, we slept in. But once we got ourselves together, Ant surprised me with the news that he was taking me to a place we’ve both been resisting since the recession kicked in: HOUSTON’s – once our home away from home or kitchen away from kitchen. Ant had budgeted accordingly and insisted. So, we rushed to Century City to experience L.A.s HOUSTON’s like we do... and my mouth was beginning to water. For Ant, Veggie Burger, black beans, brown rice (though this locale only had white), spinach & artichoke dip, and a French martini. For me, since it was Saturday, The Firehouse Chili, cheese bread, side of fries, and a kir royale (just a drop of chambord). We did resist the key lime pie (as we were so full). But still we got our espressos with frangelica.

 

From dinner time to DIVA time, Ant and I segued right on over to the Saban Theater to secure our complimentary tix compliments of Ms. Sheryl Lee Ralph and our dear friend Scott, who is Ms. Ralph’s right hand, left hand, and the production coordinator for DIVAS: SIMPLY SINGING! (Ant and I did budget to make a donation which we did via the ‘offering pans’ that the young students passed around. AMEN!).

The DIVA line-up was spectacular - including: Yolanda Adams, Brenda Russell, Tamia, Kelly Price, Faith Evans, Jenifer Lewis, Loretta Devine, Dwight Eubanks, Sam Harris, All-4-One, Frenchie Davis, and more!

In fact, here’s the set-list:

Act 1

Sheryl Lee Ralph (Opening)

“Everything’s Coming Up Divas”

 

Jenifer Lewis

“Star Spangled Banner”

 

Yolanda Adams

“Open My Heart”

“Never Give Up”

 

Barbara Morrison

“My name is Sundown”

 

Sam Harris

“Bridge Over Trouble Water”

 

Gabi Wilson

“If I Ain’t Got You”

“A Song for You”

 

Jessica Reedy

“God has Smiled on Me”

 

Frenchie Davis

“Home”

  

Divine Brown

“Close The Door” by Rufus featuring Chaka Khan

 

Flutist Althea Rene

“De Ja Vu” by Beyonce

 

Sheryl Lee Ralph (End of 1^st Act)

“That Was Divas Then”

 

Act 2

 

Shena

“My Fantasy”

 

Loretta Devine

“Bust Your Windows” by Jazmine Sullivan

 

N'dambi

“L.I.E.”

 

All 4 One

“I Swear / My Child”

 

Yo Yo

“Don’t Play with my Yo Yo”

 

Brenda Russell – “Get Here”

 

Tamia – “Me”

 

Kelly Price  - “Hero” by Mariah Carey

 

Faith Evans

“Again”

“You Are So Beautiful”

“Love Like This”

 

Finale

“Man in the Mirror”

 

DIVA DETAILS:

1.  Sheryl Lee Ralph sported 5 wigs (by Penny and Kelly). And 9 costume changes --- all by designer Tadashi Shoji who has dressed Sheryl for all 19 DIVAS. Sheryl requests that there be at least one leopard dress.

2.  Sheryl shouted out Ant’s boss Wendy Williams since Sheryl recently appeared on the show. She offered up a “How You Doin’?” at one point in the show and she played Wendy’s intro of her at another point.

3.  They are still counting buckets, but it is estimated that they raised $200,000 towards the fight against AIDS.

4.  Sheryl – quite the comic - called out the white audience members who were late – perhaps thinking things were going to start on “colored people time”. Since they were taping the show for DVD, many folks from the $25 seats got to fill in those prized rows.

5.  Sheryl also did a spoof on Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” – quipping “If you like it then you should have put a condom on it!!!”

And of course, Ant and I were roaming the theater lobby and the after party at LIFE for our own pictures:

My ATL friends Dwight Eubanks and Lamoh were in the house. In fact, Dwight donated a pair of high-heel boots (signed) to Sheryl to auction off towards the benefit. Also got to see Dwight and Lamoh again on Sunday at The Abbey.

This is Tristan Wilds of Beverly Hills 90210 and "The Secret Life of Bees" fame.

Rachelle Farrell was in attendance and interviewed on the red carpet. She's the first DIVA to agree to do next year's 20th Anniversary show.

Writer Dale Guy Madison, whose DREAMBOY cover spoofs Mary Wilson’s “DREAMGIRL: My Life as a Supreme”, had a FAB exhibit with all things DIANA ROSS & THE SUPREMES on display in the lobby.

 

Ran into Rodney Chester from "Noah's Arc". I am such a fan of the show and movie, I was really excited to meet him! As you know, I'm always running into Patrik Ian Polk and the other cast members - including a recent run-in with Jentsen Atwood at The Abbey.

Always good to see Jawn Murray.

My friend Derek Lafayette - who is working with DIVA Divine Brown - and I were so happy to see each other. It's been a minute.

And Ant and I were so proud of our Scott and Tony who worked the production of DIVAS. Also, our friends we met through Scott and Tony – like Ed Roebuck. And then there was Henry who donated his beautiful body to Sheryl Lee Ralph's opening number. It truly was a family affair. After Ant left, Scott and Tony invited me to their friend's white birthday party at Lucy Florence in Leimert Park. Here Scott poses with his father, two of his sisters, his niece – all in town for DIVAS, and his partner Tony! THE SOULS OF BLACK FOLKS! I LOVE IT!

And to bullet a few things I did last week:

My NABJ buddy Brian (www.brimmage.com) is in town from D.C. He invited me to San Pedro where he's staying for dinner and - GASP! - Monday Night Football. I asked him if he was really my friend for such an invite. LOL! But he, Kelly, Li-Ling, and I had a great time - including the game but not exclusively the game. Great food (shrimp, collard greens, mac & cheese); wine; and lots of laughs! THANKS BRIAN! First home cooked meal since my Sidra left me. LOL! And on another day, Brian met with me to discuss BLOG/website upgrade. Per his expertise, he pointed out some info that could be the difference for my economic blues. Per some research he did, "A Day in the Life of Riley: Pop Culture & Possibilities" has a little bit of an ad-friendly following. Stay tuned! Y'all keep reading, hear? SMILE!

My best friend Ern's cousin Adolpha (who works for Fantasia's reality show at World of Wonder) invited me to the L.A. screening of Man Shops Globe, the Sundance Channel's new show based on the adventures of a world buyer for Anthropologie. The set was held at the Beverly Hills store. Then, Adolpha took me to Chin Chin for a light post-party meal.

And my father, who was visiting his brother Bobby in Pontiac, Michigan, flew in and out of Detroit’s airport where going home he ran into Ashford & Simpson. And here is the proof. This pic was submitted for inclusion in this blog entry. SMILE! – perfect P.S. to an entry primarily about DIVAS!

He's on his way 
He's goin' to Hollywood 
He's bussin' it to Hollywood

Before I left New York for my summer away from home, Ant, Ern, Tina, my nephew Noot, and I got to celebrate my Tata and Jules with their respective families and friends. Marriage and matrimony are on their minds and hearts and this day underscored the love they have for each other and that we all have for them. And for what each of Tata's and my respective challenges have been in life and love (the constant being our support of each other), it aches my heart that I can't be a witness to their bond at their wedding ceremony in St. Lucia this summer (READ: economics and work-related conflict), but it warms my heart that Ant and I could attend their shower and that I could demonstrate my LOVE for Tata and now Jules, one of Ant's and my favorite couples. Plus, Ant was instrumental in how Tata came to land on her man. And Tata was instrumental in how I landed on mine. This occasion also shed light on the reality that Tata and I have been in each others’ lives for 14 years and though we don’t see each others’ families often, they are also such a part of our stories and life developments. So, seeing these folks, too, made me happy. And apparently they were happy to see me (and meet Ant and Noot to whom Tata has been a support as well. In fact, Tata, Ant, and Ern are keeping an eye on Noot as he 'stays with Ant and me' over the summer while I am on the road. But that's what FAMILY does.). CONGRATS TATA & JULES!

Show him the way 
He's movin' to Hollywood 
He's hoppin' it to Hollywood 

 

Well, I’ve been here in L.A. for the last few weeks. And though an adjustment off the top (given I was here to work but couldn’t afford to rent a car nor retain any of the accoutrement to which I am typically accustomed as I have to wait for the wages to come), I am living proof that if you take one step, GOD will take two (or 2,000 even).And with the help of his many ANGELS, all has been not only good for me… but also good for Ant who joined me for a chunk of my time in L.A.As we both are on the eve of things picking up financially, our “village” of generous and loving people helped us to get a vacation (albeit work-related) via not-so-shabby accommodations. My home away from home was The Crescent in Beverly Hills (www.crescentbh.com) - a stone’s throw from Rodeo Drive and Beverly Drive where Ant stumbled into Britney’s sister Jamie Lynn Spears and their mother.

(where you goin' child?) 

(where you goin' now) 

Many of my friends are working so hard, we didn’t get a chance to see each other. Clearly, Shaun Robinson (of “Access Hollywood” fame – www.shaunrobinson.com) is busy as she too was filling in for Meredith Vierra on “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” (www.millionairetv.com). GREAT JOB, SHAUN!And in that same genre, my girlfriend Kim Coles was en route to Atlanta to perhaps be the first African American Female game show host on new BET show “Pay It Off”. GO KIM! Meanwhile, my Morehouse brother Charles Reese was busy introducing  "WHO...", an original web comedy series (WWW.AJAKWETV.COM).  The creator, writer, director and producer of AJAKWETV and Emmy Award Winner, Michael Ajakwe ("Soul Food" Sister, Sister" "Martin")  also provides a pro-active new web-programming model . This site also gives you a taste of pop culture humor, eclectic music coupled with some poetry/spoken word among other things. And in addition to being a member of this cast, Charles is managing bookings for The James Baldwin Project for the 2009-10 season and beyond. (lectures, full production, staged-reading & special programming). Visit www.seanohalloran.com/baldwinpage.html  as this season marks Baldwin's 85th Birthday Celebration. As JB said, "You don't tell life, life tells you."And I came close to cocktails at my hotel with my "Amazing Grace" Nichole's 'girlfriend' Mara Brock Akil (creator of "Girlfriends" and "The Game") but she had to postpone me - understandably - for a meet-and-greet with the star of the upcoming project on which she will be working.Let's just say it's another girl-"friend" and I'll tell more when I can. SMILE! But she and I are poised to catch up - if not this time, on my 2nd L.A. leg in August.

He's waited at bus stops all his life 
He's been in and out of those spaces 

But for those I didn’t see, there are many I did. My good girlfriend Sidra Smith – a film director/producer/acting coach (in her own right – www.gatepassentertainment.com) – has truly been showing me a good time. Also, Ant’s and my buddies Scott (from Sheryl Lee Ralph’s camp) and his partner Tony showed up as the hosts with the most. Amidst their busy lives, they not only welcomed me into their mix but Ant when he got here… and offered up their friends including Ed Roebuck and Tony’s brother Carlton as supportive fun for our outings. Oh! And Tony baked an amazing pound cake which provided the comforts of home. Much needed in this here - to me sometimes lonely - L.A.

Seein' eyes that spoke to him 
From sad and gifted places 
Sad and gifted places 

From when I dropped my bags off in my hotel room, Sidra was there. On our first night out, we hung out at the Abbey (www.abbeyfoodandbar.com), what would become a watering hole amidst my time here in L.A. USA Today’s Kelley Carter (www.usatoday.com), my NABJ sister (www.nabj.org) took me out for ‘a taste of Argentina’ at LALAs (www.lalasgrill.com).

You know he's gonna be dressed to kill 
He's gonna find some brand new thrills  

On another night, Sidra took me out to Downtown Los Angeles’ Artwalk (www.downtownartwalk.com) - including my reunion with Morehouse brother David Reddick – now known inside his artistry (singing, songwriting, painting, etc.) as Reddick.  Too, I met Sid’s friend Rorie, Co-Founder of “Standing-n-Truth: Empowering Lives To Make A Differeence” (www.standntruth.org). He’s got a film documentary that explores Sexuality and AIDS that he screened one night at Sidra’s place where old friend Miriam and author/actor Stanley Bennett Clay attended (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/6/20/and-you-too-wilona-looker.html). Sheryl Lee Ralph is featured in it (www.sherylleeralph.com).She – by the way – is poised to co-star in a musical staging of “First Wives Club”. It is en route to Broadway but first stop: San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre (www.oldglobe.org). Will be great to see Sheryl back on The Great White Way - bedazzling it as she did in "Dreamgirls" and - most recently - "Thoroughly Modern Millie".
Prior to the Artwalk, Sid took us to the beautiful penthouse of cinematographer/director Christopher Lee Warren who assembled an eclectic party of Hollywood players including his Academy-award-winning father Gene Warren (Visual Special Effects for “Terminator 2” – www.fantasyii.com). Also: We went to the Crocker Club (www.thecrockerclub.com)on this night which is decked out in the vault of an old bank building. Tres chic!

Whatever he's been looking for 
Tell him that there's so much more 
In Hollywood, Hollywood 

Then, on the night that Ant got here, Sidra took he, Tony, Scott, and me to a party at HERE (www.herelounge.com) to promote her friend Logan Alexander’s project (www.DYKEOTOMY.com) - a coffee table book, a reality TV series in development, and a conversation challenging gender lines.Logan really photographed some compelling portraiture of lesbians who each show up with a "butch" look (likely something closer to their everyday persona) and "femme" (a glamorous, feline approach to their aesthetic).I was excited to bump into my NYC stylist friend Phillip Bloch (www.phillipbloch.com). We're used to seeing each other and hanging out on the East Coast. As I'm such a big fan of anything "Noah's Arc", imagine my excitement to see Darryl Stephens, Noah from “Noah’s Arc” (www.myspace.com/darrylstephens).And we got to hang out with Vanessa Williams (of “Soul Food: The Series” fame). She is Sid's friend and ever-the-sweetie – sharing the astrological sign of Taurus with my Ant. Afterwards, we all grabbed a bite at Bossa Nova (www.bosssafood.com) before hitting up a house music set called “Dirty”  at Akbar (www.akbarsilverlake.com) where we hung out – for a minute – with singer extraordinaire Rahsaan Patterson (www.rahsaan.com). Ant has been a fan since his KIDS Incorporated days... and I just LOVE HIS VOICE! And my new DIANA ROSS FAN BFF Curtis was also in the house and has been serenading me via voice mail with rare ROSS treats all week - from a BBC radio special she hosted a few years back in which she plays music from the '50s to the new millennium and comments on her idols, her contemporaries, and the new artists out today - from pop, soul, and hip hop. I knew about it, had heard excerpts, but never heard the whole thing as he - over 30 messages or so - generously shared. FRIEND TO FRIEND, CURTIS!

 Painted faces, sunburnt skin 

Fixed expressions, smiles worn thin 

On a random day in Hollywood, I stumbled into “Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles” (www.roscoeschickenandwaffles.com). It was so good that it inspired a return visit with my college mate Everett Oliver who I’d not seen in 17 years. He is an International Voice-Over Talent Liaison – inclusive of the Animation industry to which he’s served – from “The Simpsons” to “King of the Hill” for the last ten years and more.  And our friend Theo happened into town alongside Ant and me. Ant got to hang out with Theo and Theo’s college friend Victoria who I got to meet at “Jack & Jills” in Beverly Hills (www.eatatjacknjills.com). She’s an aesthetician at world-renowned Anastacia (www.anastasia.net). We also ran into Ramon, partner of "The Eyebrow King" Damone Roberts (www.damoneroberts.com/). GOT BROWS?

 Caught in the blink of neon of Hollywood 

Bending battles, maneuvering schemes 

Then, for L.A. Pride (www.lapride.org): Ant, the fellas, and I enjoyed a fab performance by Deborah Cox – featuring Shep Crawford on the keyboards (www.deborahcox.com). She was in GREAT VOICE but leaned heavily on the tracks of her techno-versions for which the kids live (10 #1s to boot). Though Shep Crawford was present to flesh out tracks and a tempo intros on keyboards, wish she’d had full-out band that Fantasia had. MISS FANTASIA's band, set, and performance were on FIRE – as always. (One distinction is – this time – Fantasia has begun to let her stylists work their magic on her now head-to-toe, presentable self… as evidenced by some of her latest promo shots that will – in excerpt – be featured on her upcoming CD project.  Atlanta-based Derek Blanks did these shots: www.dblanks.com). And again: she sang for the GODS!!!!!!! After the show, her manager Brian invited us to be an intimate audience with Fantasia at the Sofitel Beverly Hills (www.sofitel.com) where were it not for our personal invite from Brian, we might have skipped this spot as the ‘velvet ropers’ were not kind. But one or two monkeys don’t stop no show. Fantasia sang R. Kelly's 'Step In The Name of Love" to me as she danced playfully with me. What fun and excitement as Fantasia is MY FAVORITE IDOL though I LOVE Ruben, Kelly, Jordan, and Carrie as well. She's preparing to go on the road as Celie for 'The Color Purple' as she films a VH1 reality show and puts the finishing touches on her upcoming CD including production from Missy, Babyface, etc. (www.fantasiabarrinoofficial.com). Comedian Luenell - who too made an appearance at LA PRIDE - is a HOOT OF A LADY!!!!!! LOL! She hung with us at Fantasia's after set and told me she's doing HBO screen test next week for show in which she'd play sisters w/Loretta Devine and Kim Whitley - a combo that at one time or another included Anna Marie Horsford in the proposed cast.

False expressions, washed up dreams 
Everybody makes believe 
In Hollywood, Hollywood  

We also got to see Ant’s childhood/high school friend Paul who lives in Venice Beach (and whose mother knows post-Diana Supreme Lynda Laurence who toured with Miss Ross  (left of Diana) during her “Return to Love” tour in 2000.Paul is a Director of Photography himself from the reality TV world ("I Wanna Work for Diddy", "Kitchen Nightmares", "Baldwin Hills", etc.) and was such a host for us. He took us to one spot in Santa Monica called “Dakota” (www.dakotalounge.com). We also got to hang out with Ant’s friend Crystal – including L.A. Laker-watch. She too was a gracious host who made sure we had a good time during Ant’s and my stay here – including a drive by “Bar Copa” in Santa Monica.

(oh child what'cha doin'?) 
(what'cha doin' now?) 
(what'cha been' doin'?)

I got the opportunity to meet the Judge Mablean Ephriam, aunt of L.A. native Morehouse brother Mario (my NYC buddy who has been a 'saving grace' through much of my struggles of late - from providing me temp work to paying me an allowance to help me make it through some of the rough weeks to just being there - for Ant and me.). He came to town (his hometown of L.A.) and went even a step further in loyalty and friendship to invite me to join him at the former Divorce Court judge’s Father’s Day brunch (www.mableanephriamfoundation.com) featuring a host of my favorites from BLACK HOLLYWOOD - including his aunt - who I've ALWAYS wanted the privilege to meet. Now, keep in mind, I have met and interviewed many in my career. But I've not had the chance to meet ALL of my true inspirations. Many of them were in the house on this day... and VOILA: ANOTHER POP CULTURE FIESTA for me!!!! Including the aforementioned, also in the mix: Loretta Devine (of “Dreamgirls” and “Waiting To Exhale” fame; She sang Mariah Carey’s “Hero”). I did get the chance to interview Loretta in L.A. about 10 years ago at the Four Seasons for a BET Weekend Magazine cover story that I wrote; Anna Marie Horsford (“Amen”); comedian Michael Colyer; the amazing Gospel vocals of Tramaine Hawkins - Mario's favorite; Mother Love (“Forgive or Forget”) with whom my other Morehouse bestie Michael K. Watts used to work. She sent a big hug his way!; and one of my LEGENDS: Ja’net Dubois (www.janetdubois.com) who in addition to being an awesome actress (most-renowned as The Evans’ neighbor Wilona and Penny’s mama a la Janet Jackson, but is also now known as an artist).
She and her daughter were so kind to me and asked to stay in touch.Kiki Shepherd, Ron Glass, Tyresa, Kelly Price, and others were also in the house. Coupled with watching the first two installments of the new TV One “Unsung”s (www.tvoneonline.com/shows/show.asp?sid=902): Minnie Ripperton and Melba Moore, my time here in L.A. has truly been an awesome backdrop for “Black Hollywood”.
 Also, after 19 years or so, I got the chance to meet Mario’s whole family – from mom and dad(s) who were all so cool and rounded out Mario and how he came to be the awesome guy he is.Also, I met many of his other family members - including creative cousins like Darlene (www.blaqiyce.biz) and I got to see Mablean Ephriam’s daughter Tajs – a writer and filmmaker in her own right.

He's on his way 

He's goin' to Hollywood 

He's bussin' it to Hollywood 

After Ant left, Tony took care of me as Scott was out of town himself. We hung out with our friends. We dined at “Home” (www.homelosfeliz.com). We did runs at Target and Trader Joe.  Ed and I went to “Catch One” to see the drag show (www.myspace.com/jewelscatchone). Also: the BET Awards (www.bet.net) are getting ready to happen as I leave town for Atlanta on a 2^nd five-week Atlanta assignment. I got an invite but could only honor a couple of the pre-awards events. And multi-media journalist Herndon Davis popped by to say HI (www.herndondavis.com). He’s always working on cool projects – including publicity for E. Lynn Harris who has a current book out, "Basketball Jones" and an upcoming project in October "Mama Dearest".And remember I mentioned my buddy Anthony Hill who was in Atlanta working on the staff of Tyler Perry's "Meet The Browns" for a short window - staying at the same hotel (www.TwelveHotels.com) at which my colleagues and I were staying during my first 5-week run in Atlanta (He was on the residential side).

 Well, he's back in L.A. and is now the head writer on a new show. He invited me out to "Michael's" (www.michaelsonolive.com) in Burbank for cocktails and karaoke. Anthony is now the head writer on Tyler Perry's "Meet The Browns" (www.tbs.com/shows/meetthebrowns) and all of his L.A. friends - and now Greg and me - came out to celebrate him before he returns to Atlanta to write his new episodes (and of course, he and I will be hanging in the lobby again as I will be back in Atlanta myself for five weeks). Since karaoke was the order of the day, clearly Michael Jackson was on everyone's mind and catalog choices - including me ("I'll Be There" and my first time doing "Never Can Say Goodbye" - ALL FOR MICHAEL - in addition to my staple "This Woman's Work" - all of which were well received). Anthony asked me to join him (and another friend of his) on Billy Joel's "For The Longest Time". Another sweet and talented lady, Pam, requested my best 'Luther' to her "Cheryl Lynn" on "If This World Were Mine". We rocked the house! But the spirit of Michael closed the night out as all joined hands on stage in a love-fest homage a la MJ: "We Are The World". Though karaoke represents levity and joy (and - for some - lots of alcohol. SMILE!), emotions ran deep all around as the reality of his passing truly hit home. But what a legacy he's left behind! CONGRATS, ANTHONY HILL. See you back in ATL.

Show him the way 
He's movin' to Hollywood 
He's hoppin' it to Hollywood

Also: Miss Aretha Franklin is in town and performed at the Hollywood Bowl. Since my Detroit friends Earline Franklin and Greg Dunmore were in town, I got the chance to see “The Queen” – first time since March (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/3/26/people-say-im-the-life-of-the-party.html). But this time, she performed a brilliant set.Greg, Ron, and I enjoyed the show together. And Ed was there too.  Then, she hosted an after set at The Peninsula (www.peninsula.com). Halle Berry; Courtney Vance and Angela Bassett; Billy Dee Williams; DIVA expert David Nathan; Jesse Jackson; Seal; Loretta Devine; and Temptations' lead singer (on "Treat Her Like A Lady") Ollie Wilson came out to hail the queen. Millie Scott (my Ed's sister) and Fonzi Thornton - both background singers known for their solo works as well - backed up Aretha with their sweet melodies. 

Aretha's set:
* Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher
* Baby I Love You
* Think
* Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing (slow groove version - referencin Billy Dee Williams)
* Respect
* Angel
* Chain of Fools
-----
* Today I Sing The Blues
* Don't Play That Song
Quote: "Did I dare to wear my tightest gown? And still... <placing hands on hips beneath full-length white fur to reveal black sequinned # with mermaidtail>... Can I get an AMEN?"
* We Never Said Goodbye(from "Sunset Boulevard") 
On final lyric of aforementioned song, she did a schtick to Prez Obama: "...you're teaching the world a new way to be..." (MR. PRESIDENT!!! <Panting suggestively> Well, the brother is fine. I know he's married. Hi Michelle... <Audience roared>)
SHOUT OUT: Jesse Jackson
* I Never Loved A Man The Way That I Love You
* "Let's Go Back To The Ol' Landmark" (from 'Amazing Grace' w/choir)
* "Ain't No Way"
SHOUT OUT: Jesse Jackson's son Yusef. Aretha points out that Jesse was in town to be of comfort to Michael Jackson's family. "We want to take a moment in remembrance of a musical genius. A very kind and gentle young man. We thank you Michael for never giving less than 100%. And we want to take a moment (of silence) for brother Michael....<silence>.Thank you Lord for taking Michael to a higher place."
ARETHA AT PIANO
Playing: 
* "HAPPY" - instrumental from "Lady Sings The Blues" (Smokey Robinson composition) as she introduces Billy Dee Williams (consummate actor and painter).
Still @ Piano:
* "MY HEART IS BREAKING" a song from new album "A WOMAN FALLING OUT OF LOVE" coming out in September)
SHOUT OUT: GREG MATHIS
* FINALE: "Freeway of Love"
ENCORE: <sporting her Inauguration hat>:
SHOUT OUT: Halle Berry who came on stage ("Somewhere between Halle Berry and Jennifer Hudson playing me in my autobiography. Should it be Halle Berry? <Audience screams!!!!> Jennifer Hudson <AUdience screams as much!!!!> Fantasia <Audience less enthusiastic>...." )
SHOUT OUT: Angela Bassett
* "GREATEST LOVE OF ALL"

GOOD SHOW!!!!!

Then, the after party at The Peninsula had everybody dancing and dining until the late hour. I told Aretha her show was 'perfection' except that she didn't sing "Jump To It". The DJ made up for it by playing it at the after set and the dancefloor was filled with folks fondly remembering one of her big '80s hits (produced by Luther Vandross). Also, I hipped her that I was the one that screamed out "Happy" from "Lady Sings The Blues" after she asked the audience if they recognized the melody she was playing on the piano. From the stage, Re said "Where did we get you from?" She laughed when I told her it was me and then introduced me to Billy Dee Williams who I interviewed a few years ago in Santa Barbara, but this is my first time getting a photo op. Truly a highlight! And after that my NABJ friend Brian and some of his friends popped by and took me out for another few hours - making this particular night quite the marathon.  Though we love to hang out with the A-list set, Greg and I enjoy the low-maintenance side of life too - just hanging and - in my case - getting a ride for chewing and chatting amidst the week (We always seem to be in the same cities at the same time... and make sure to enjoy ourselves along the way - even if business is the main dish).  On the first night Greg was in town, he took me to Zeke’s on Santa Monica (for hush puppies, hot links, and Caesar salad. YUM!): www.zekessmokehouse.com. Also, we did a session at Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles... and on another night, we joined 'Entertainment's Finest' Earline Franklin; President & CEO of Push-It Online Newszine Bruce Knight (www.push-itnews.com); female doppelganger to Kirk Franklin (with a new CD coming out in September) Nicole Faithful Franklin; 'legendary' publicist Ron Carter; and my friend/producer/right-hand-to-many-a-diva (including my favorite) Ed Roebuck for good ol' diner food at "Mel's" (www.melsdrive-in.com). We too got the chance to enjoy a really quaint restaurant (recommended by Scott and Tony): Alcove Cafe & Bakery (www.alcovecafe.com) in their neck of the woods: Los Feliz. Great desserts (lemon coconut cake and peanut butter cookies) and savory dishes - like the tasty crab sandwich - were the order of the day. I even had a loving memory of my late, great mother as Greg and I dined at Marie Callenders (www.mariecallenders.com) - a favorite of hers when we lived in San Bernadino, California in the mid-to-late 70s while Dad was nearing the end of his 27-year Air Force career at Norton Air Force Base. The memory was blurry as to the actual significance of the restaurant, but my siblings corroborated that Marie Callender was - for sure - one of mom's favorite places to dine ("... and kids eat for free."). Meanwhile, Greg just completed a well-paced piece on Aretha Franklin making her first appearance at The Fox in Detroit. Check it out on his site www.PULSEBEAT.TV (http://pulsebeat.tv/review_3.html) and YOU TUBE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gj_32OPp_34). Also, on one of our days in L.A., Greg joined me for a quick drink with Ryan McCarthy whose ties are taking retail by storm (www.hughsimms.com).  I like “Gentlemen Johnny” - one of his many selects. My Morehouse brother Justin introduced us via FACEBOOK and since my itinerary landed me in L.A., we decided to meet for a bit. And Greg and Ryan uncovered that they too have an alma mater in common: Cornell University - the last frontier of The Ivy League. Ryan enrolled us in his companies ties and assured us they aren't stopping at the neck. Look for cuff links and a number of men's and women's couture options on the horizon. 

He's on his way 
He's goin' to Hollywood 
He's bussin' it to Hollywood 

Before I leave, I will have attempted to attend one of the editors with whom I’m working, Steve Hall’s father’s book signing for his bio “Bronzeville Bootstraps” (www.bronzevillebootstraps.com). But if not, here’s the shout out. The book chronicles what it took for his father to be an entrepreneur in Chicago at a time when African Americans were struggling to simply be considered citizens of this nation. 

AND A FEW OTHER SHOUT OUTS:Back in New York City some months ago, my Atlanta buddy and Morehouse brother Tony Preston invited Ant and me to the recording studio as he was working with Ultra Nate (www.ultranate.com): http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/9/17/blue-thats-the-new-color-children.html. Well, the single is out: http://www.giantstep.net/releases/2354 And Preston is jet setting with his client Chris Willis whose house music is taking the world by storm (www.myspace.com/chriswillismusic).

ALSO: Just in time for the summer, Karen Bernod (www.karenbernod.com) has a new single “TOE RINGS ‘N’ ANKLE BRACELETS. It’s the first of four DIGITAL-ONLY singles she’s releasing in anticipation of her new album PLANTING SEEDS. The single is available on ITunes and CD Baby NOW and other digital stores.  And it’s not exactly new music, but Tony took me to the Amoeba Record Store in Hollywood (www.amoeba.com).

I spotted two remastered editions of my Diana Ross’ 2^nd and 3^rd solo albums: “Everything is Everything” and “Surrender” – chockfull of bonus material. Talk about HEAVEN!!!!! 

Also: VIBE MEDIA GROUP has launched new print and web properties: THE MOST! (www.THEMOSTmag.com). They cover the hottest and juiciest in urban celebrity style. SHOUT OUT to my girl Olivia over there! And though I had to miss it for me West Coast commitments, I want to send my buddy Sam Fine a CONGRATS for his new DVD (www.samfine.com).We just hung out at a fab set for Vanessa Williams before I left town, but I hear the party was FABULOUS!From Iman to Ant's boss Wendy Williams (www.wendywilliamstvshow.com)- even RUPAUL was in the house!

ATLANTA! HERE I COME! AND L.A.? UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN... in August!!!!

R.I.P. MICHAEL JACKSON. No words...