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 DIANA ROSS (63)
gatsby and steampunk and more
Hi folks,
Shout out to ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 and its hosts Lola Ogunnaike and Shannon Lanier for having me on FRIDAY to talk GATSBY: the book, the film(s), the blueprint on hip hop!
HERE’S THE LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBT9mSmfmCo
GREAT TALK!
Last week, I was on to talk BROADWAY: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDxfe-hG_aY. In that segment, I predicted the iconic Cicely Tyson would be nominated for her role in Broadway's "The Trip to Bountiful". And she was!! YAY!
So, they played that clip and referenced my prediction the following day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuJEs6ruin0.
Special shout out to Keyon Williams; my Amazing Grace Nichole Andrews; one of my NABJ BFFs Paula Witt; Eugenia Harvey; Gary Anthony Ramsay – just a few of the VILLAGE PEOPLE it has taken to get me on! And WOW! A CALL-BACK! Thanks ALL! @ARISETV360 #AE360
I’VE BEEN YAPPING A BIT OF LATE ON-AIR! LOL!:
THIS JUST IN: Steampunk is invading popular culture. What exactly is steampunk? Well, 26 minutes into the show, please see my on-cam, pop culture weigh-in on the rise of steampunk in popular culture. Shout out to Nadja Thomas – producer/reporter of CUNY’s 219 West TV news magazine show that airs five times a month on channel 75. You can see it here: http://219tvmagazine.journalism.cuny.edu/2013/05/12/219-west-may-2013/. The show will live online and be promoted until our next show airs in another month. As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Please feel free to FWD/SHARE/BLAST OUT! XOXOXO
SOME OF MY LATEST ON-CAM POP CULTURE:
1) I got an invite to do red carpet interviews on MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL's opening night for its cameras! YAY! LOL! Here’s the clip I host: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. AND THIS VIDEO IS LOOPING ON THE MONITORS OUTSIDE THE THEATER! WOW! LOL!
2) Other outlets picked up the raw footage:
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=An_r_D2HM5Q.
3) My debut media impression on COZI-TV and NBC 4 a couple of weeks ago received raves as I weighed in - as pop culture expert - on BLACKS/BROADWAY:
COMING UP:
I just had a blast interviewing my friend Kenneth Carr this afternoon at his place. His new CD "Amazing Love" is coming out next month… and his management invited me to interview him for a promo video they will be using to promote its release. He recently released the video for his lead-off single “Brassing My Opinion” – shot and directed by my girlfriend Shareen King! It’s a huge hit – having already attracted upwards of 200,000 clicks on Kenny’s YOU TUBE channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNmTiAvVZW0. Follow @kennycarrmusic and www.facebookcom/kennethcarr. Purchase the single at Amazon, iTunes, Spotify,Google Play For Bookings contact thekingsdaughtersk@gmail.com. Stay tuned for the edited interview in the coming weeks! As Kenny knows singing is a sidelight for me, we not only reviewed his music-in-progress and music-completed, he let me play around with a track or few – one for which he wants me to write some lyrics – so we can record a track! Great SATURDAY!
As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Best & LOVE,
Patrick L. Riley
“A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities”
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in AArise Entertainment 360, DIANA ROSS, Jay Z, Kenneth Carr, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, The Great Gatsby, Tony Awards, steampunk
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Momz Day Wknd brings ALVIN AILEY, MOM, NJPAC, and a couple of FREE GIVEAWAYS
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. 
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
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in Arise Entertainment 360, Broadway, CICELY TYSON, DIANA ROSS, Motown: The Musical, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, The Trip to Bountiful, Tony Awards, sMOKEY rOBINSON
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1386 References
motortown prevue
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:
.
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
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).
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in BERRY GORDY, CICELY TYSON, COZI TV, DIANA ROSS, MMotown: The Musical, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, The Trip to Bountiful, Vanessa Williams, www.NBCNEWYORK.COM
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mercury in retrograde
What a busy week! I’m on deadline with one client BET as I work with its creative team on content for its UP FRONT presentations in April. Been balancing work with other clients – spot shoots here and consulting gigs there. I even got an invitation to sing “Through the Fire” to Chaka Khan for her 60th birthday, but the plans around those arrangements changed along with my serenade. A friend tells me “mercury is in retrograde”. Maybe… LOL!
girlfriendz
Shout out to Mara Brock Akil who received such an awesome honor Oscar week from Essence at its annual women's luncheon (presented to her by the original cast of "Girlfriends" I.E. Tracee Ellis Ross, Golden Brooks, Persia White, and - wait for it - Jill Marie Jones AKA Toni Chiles whose character abruptly moved to NYC from LA and before the show went away, we never heard from her again).
But I missed that event as I didn't get to LA until Friday for my Oscar-related business: the Oscar Viewing Party - hosted by the African American Film Critics Association and the Robey Theatre Company. I enrolled fine liquor comany Remy Martin to partner with the groups' fundraiser to ensure all suitably quenched while the live telecast ran [Go J Hud!!!]). 
The one thing missing from the L.A. Center Studios set was Mara Brock Akil who I invited to the Oscar Viewing Party. But as I was hopping into Hollywood, she was heading to Atlanta to continue her work on her upcoming BET creation: "Being Mary Jane" starring Gabrielle Union (Stay tuned). 
But in addition to texting me her regrets, she made good on it: inviting me to sit at she and her fab director husband Salim Akil's table that they bought for the New York City-based Dance Theater of Harlem's Vision Gala (They were Gala Co-Chairs). 
Though in their absence, my "Amazing Grace" Nichole Andrews invited me to escort her...and BABY! 
WE HAD A BLAST! - an evening produced - in large order - by my friend Vernon! 
In addition to reconnecting to dear friends Terri Prettyman Bowles and her husband Alvin Bowles as well as many other friends Olivia Scott-Perkins(Omerge Alliance); 
publicist Gilda Squire;
TV exec Sharon Nelson; colleague(at BET) Jeanine Liburd;
EXTRA correspondent AJ; host of "Closet Talk" Chenoa Maxwell; Corcoran Group's Spencer Means (NYC real estate agent); 
journalist Lola Ogunnaike (and her brother who works at Amex where my nephew works); 
Salim's Uncle Rick; former N Boutique co-owner Larry; 
and a beautiful room of folks:
* to honor Vision Award Honoree Vanessa L. Williams (TOTAL FAV!!!!! And an even more profound treat seeing her daughter Jillian Hervey AKA Lion Babe - an aspiring singer/actress and current fashionista a la her mom's 'Right Stuff' era - present to her mom while Vanessa's mom looked on with pride. Jillian's latest video is all the rage with the young'ns: "Treat Me Like Fire": www.youtube,com/watch?v=gNd2XAP_Pfo 
* to enjoy Eyewitness 7's Sade Baderinwa;
* to be in the presence of Opera diva Jessye Norman;
* to be impressed byHonorary Chair Chelsea Clinton;
AND
* to be inspired by all the wonderful, young dancers! 
Indeed I was exhausted from our L.A. whirlwind followed by a quite full and demanding day with my client. But clearly, I found my second wind: The Colors of the Wind to be exact.
everybody loves sidra
Harlem BFF Sidra Smith attracted a ROOM FULL OF LOVE! 
Backdrop? Cedric’s for her birthday – including many of her NYC FAMILY MEMBERS
i.e. Ant, Carl,
Mara Schiavocampo, Tommie Porter, MISS NINA, Nathan Hale Williams (who brought actress Jennifer Lewis by to greet Sidra),
Brian Palmer Washington, Micheala angela Davis, DJ Stormin’ Norman,
Gordon Chambers (who has a show TONIGHT with Avery Sunshine at the Highline Ballroom: http://highlineballroom.com/show/2013/03/07/avery-sunshine-with-gordon-chambers/); 
As he serenaded Sid HAPPY BIRTHDAY, I joined in... and then we all cut up! LOL!)
, Eric Deon, Phedra Gremillon, Elisabeth Blix Lie, Ramon Hervey, Ary, Tracey Smith, and a host more.
After brunch wrapped, we popped over to Billie’s Black and ran into even more well-wishers – including Kimberly Nichole and my nephew Herman L. Riley III.
He was having a brunch with a few colleagues. 
Sid was thrilled to see him. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIDRA! WE LOVE YOU!
love hangover
Y'all SAVE THE DATE(S) for my girl LaChanze who is presenting a LOVE HANGOVER to all of NYC! See this clip: https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=10200753000931783 “Stop! In The Name of Love”? or “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”?, La Chanze asks on this viral as she prepares to perform Love Hangover: Celebrating the Music of Diana Ross over THREE... NIGHTS in April at 54 Below (www.54below.com) ...: April 17, 18, & 22nd! I mentioned in a prior “…Life of Riley…” that my girlfriend LACHANZE is doing this special tribute (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/1/24/first-look-and-listen.html).
When she originally told me, she said “knowing she’s your girl, I just had to share this with you. I'm so inspired and pumped up about it I don't know what to do…!!” Moreover, you know I bombarded her with recommendations of what she should sing. She says she’s doing sections for her set list: MISS ROSS’ #1s; MOVIES; JAZZ; SUPREMES (“Baby Love”; “Where Did Our Love Go?”; “I Hear a Symphony”; and only one more song can fit in the section: “Stop! In The Name of Love”? or “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”? WHAT SAY YOU? LACHANZE went on to say “… I LOVE HER! And while so many other legends have been celebrated, I can't think of one honoring her…” I LOVE IT!
black on black
Shout out to a dear friend Berlinda Garnett with whom I used to work at CNBC in the mid-‘90s. We were BFFs then and have stayed in touch through the years, even though I hadn’t seen her in a decade-plus. She popped into NYC from Philadelphia recently and what a reunion we had. She met me at my client BET’s Times Square office.
This, while she is an UBER-PRODUCER of SPECIALS and great programming like “Good Day Philadelphia” (www.myfoxphilly.com). She’s produced and promoted a series of specials titled “Black on Black” which have been highly-praised and nominated for awards (I SMELL EMMY!). YOU GO, BERLINDA! I’m so proud of you ALWAYS! Here are some links to her work: http://www.myfoxphilly.com/video?clipId=6980827&autostart=true And from “Black on Black… the Conversation Continues” - http://www.myfoxphilly.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=7981645&clienttype=generic&mobilecgbypass.
vy higginsen
My dear friend Vy Higginsen is celebrating the 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF "MAMA, I WANT TO SING" - the longest-running off-Broadway Black musical in theater history! EVENT CHAIRS Lesley Stahl; Aretha Franklin; Chaka Khan; Cissy Houston; 
Shirley Caesar; Valerie Simpson; and show creator Vy Higginsen are doing a big RED CARPET on Saturday, March 23rd at The Dempsey Theater - 127 West 127th Street - Harlem. (The Gospel for Teens program will benefit; It was created to transform young lives through music and to pass on gospel as an art form so that the music never dies). For more information, click on www.mamafoundation.org.
merrell hollis
Shout out to my friend and Wendy Williams glam-squad best Merrell Hollis for his recent 2013 Bronner Bros. ICON Award presented By Clairol last month in Atlanta. 
Merrell is blowing up – working on many great projects – including his flawless foundation pro class that he teaches in Harlem. LOVE YOU, MERRELL! KEEP GOING! #flawlessfoundation
ken reynolds
I got to see friend and legendary entertainment publicist Ken Reynolds when I was out in Los Angeles. He was in New York City with two clients JU-TAUN (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Exist/110507328978273?ref=ts&fref=ts&rf=106390986063307#!/jutaun?fref=ts) 
and DC FAM (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Exist/110507328978273?ref=ts&fref=ts&rf=106390986063307#!/DCFAMBoston?fref=ts)! You’ll want to check them out – so don’t sleep!
will downing
Grammy Nominated Singer Will Downing is celebrating 25 Years of Recording Excellence with the Release of "Silver"!
It’s out now! And what a wonderful reflection: http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Will-Downing/dp/B00B1E6FLM.
the tony rich project
Shout out to my friend Thornell Jones for reminding me about his client The Tony Rich Project’s "Speak Me", a new album coming May 2013.
Pre-view new music at www.hiddenbeach.com/thetonyrichproject Pre-Order Now at http://www.hiddenbeach.com/speakme .
kenneth carr
Hey y'all! Check out my friend Kenneth Carr's video about the history and the evolution of his music! Share with your family and friends... and don't forget to LIKE it... Thxs!
Stay tuned for the first release coming in a couple weeks. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HXv6nmqmG8
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in DIANA ROSS, ESSENCE, Girlfriends, MMotown: The Musical, Mara Brock Akil, Oscars, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, Remy Martin, Vanessa Williams
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but a dream REALIZED
GET READY
Is this what I have to look forward to as I pop into Times Square for business everyday this Spring and beyond? http://www.motownthemusical.com/ 
MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL on BROADWAY is coming to town in a few weeks…
and it’s SO EXCITING!
SUPERBOWL
Meanwhile, the muse of Motown lives on through SUPERBOWL and BEYONCE! On Superbowl Sunday, everybody asked "Who you rooting for, Patrick?" I'd retort "Beyonce!" And for her high-energy, bone-chilling performance last night, we know why! OKAY!!!!??? But I forgot I have a Baltimore Ravens tie-in: Congrats to Baltimore Ravens and New Rochelle's own Ray Rice who I had the chance to meet at a Boys & Girls Club charity event I hosted: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/ray-rice a year or so ago.
He attended and donated a lot of money and valuable auction items for a cause close to his heart - one that once benefited him personally: The New Rochelle Boys & Girls Club. CONGRATS, RAY RICE! 
Our annual Superbowl back-drop for the last few years has been our friend Irma who started our celebration of two Aquarian birthday peeps in our midst: Giselle and BFF since 7th grade, Ernest Maynor 
(BDAY BANANA PUDDING on deck! YUM!).
MINDFILE MULTIMEDIA
Last Monday required an early call-time for an assignment I was dispatched to do with my favorite Director of Photography and production company owner James Curry (www.mindfilemultimedia.com) who always brings with him the best (Today it was Joe & Chris)!
Thanks guys! Glad we got the chance to break bread (as in delicious, buttery pizza crust atop a mound of pepperoni, sausage, and mushroom) from Bantam Pizza in Bantam, CT.
MISS ROSS IN HOUSTON?
On a week in which the world is abuzz about Houston native Beyonce's spectacular turn at the Superbowl Halftime Show (and The Great White Way [AKA Broadway] is about to introduce "Motown: The Musical" to theater-goers the world over [www.motownthemusical.com/]), I coincidentally find myself in Bey's hometown to see one of her diva muses Diana Ross - Detroit's own - at the Arena Theatre (www.arenahouston.com) - one of her Texas stops on her current tour of one-nighters.
My dear friend of many years, Lajuan, invited me and arranged the particulars (as he's a manager for the venue) - so, I just HAD to take a day away from my busy schedule to accept this gift to see Miss Ross once again and to ensure yet another SUPREME chronicle in "...The Life of Riley...". 
I flew in on the day of the show (and returned to NYC the following morning), but it was worth the schlep to see another AWESOME ROSS SHOW - including most of the hits (and a bonus: a special rendition of Kirk Franklin's "Smile"), lots of costume changes, and a most-present and connected ICON of ICONS: Miss Diana Ross! 
That said, she did fly through this show (She was still into it though) – leaving out some of her many treasures like "Endless Love", lots of Supremes songs, "Missing You", "Mirror Mirror", and more. But whatever Grammy-legend Ross sings of that impressive repertoire was all good for the Houston audience and me. 
Also nice to see many of my favorite, fellow ROSS fans I.E. Andreas, Bernard, and many more who -like me- flew into Houston just to see Miss Ross. Was also good to see one of my favorite background singers from Miss Ross' repository of talented vocalists, Natasha, who started with Miss Ross on the "Take Me Higher" tour. 
At the end, Diana appraised that she and the band's mission was accomplished - to bring smiles to our faces and to spread joy and good vibrations. After she re-entered the stage from having done her show-closer "I Will Survive" and enrolled the audience - from the round - to put our hands up in the air and sway back and forth to her 1st solo hit "Reach Out & Touch (Somebody's Hand)", it became crystal clear that the mark was met. Plus, I got the late night snack of life: the Southern staple "Waffle House" where my friend of many years, Lajuan Law, updated me on his own music.
He is a musician/singer/performer whose upcoming impressions include a fun Sunday night of R&B and soul with his band; studio/video recordings forthcoming; and a commitment to GOOD MUSIC. He promises I can share some of it with you - including dates and locations, once it all locks. Stay tuned! Thanks Lajuan! You're THE BOSS! Or the other one. LOL! I didn't get on the stage with Miss Ross this time. Am happy ALWAYS to be in her presence!
LIFE IS BUT A DREAM
#LifeIsButADream #Beyoncedocumentary Was almost-assigned to cover the red carpet for one client. That Hold was lifted.
Still, I stumbled into an opportunity to still attend the premiere. Ant, my nephew Herman L. Riley III, and Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts (who shot most of these pix) were also in the house.
Also good to see my industry buddies, Beyonce's publicist Yvette Noel Shure (who graciously facilitated a meet-and-greet for Ant and me when he took me to Manila for my birthday a few years ago: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/11/12/manifest-destiny-destination-manila.html. Beyonce ended up serenading me HAPPY BIRTHDAY ("...where's my boy from America?..."). 
We love you ALWAYS, Yvette! 
Also from Bey's team, Scott Nylund....... 
and a host of special guests - including Solange; Angela Simmons, Arianna Huffington, Gayle King, Russell Simmons, ATL Housewife & supermodel Cynthia Bailey, and, my recurring client Oprah. Just a Tuesday in New York City! "Any questions?" LOL!
RHONDA
From seeing Bey's awesome new doc, which you don't want to miss (PREMIEREs Sat. 2/16 on HBO), Ant & I quickly transitioned to jazz supper club The Iridium to see MISS ROSS, as in RHONDA ROSS-KENDRICKS who - as always and of late - performed a brilliant set of her own songs and some awesome covers
(Last Wednesday, I enjoyed MISS DIANA ROSS at a sold-out one-nighter in Houston at the Arena Theater).
We have enjoyed seeing RHONDA back on stage - in her light. And what a LIGHT of LOVE and WOMEN EMPORMENT! GO RHONDA! 
On this night, her two dads were in the house: Berry Gordy, Motown Musical's own...and Bob Ellis!
Was great to chat with Mr. Gordy briefly. Fun night... and so EXCITED to see Motown: The Musical (I told him). Here I am with his daughter and Motown's LEGENDARY MIRACLE, Claudette Robinson, Smokey's ex-wife.
BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN
My friend Olivia Scott – integrated marketing consultant (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EZXnCGT7iM) – reached out on behalf of a charity recording that promises to be “Brighter Than The Sun”. In fact, that’s its title. The Global Relief Song for Hurricane Sandy & Typhoon Bopha is sung by world renowned acid jazz UK band Incognito and powerhouse NJ vocalist Kelli Sae (formerly of Incognito & Count Basic). It launches globally Tuesday, February 19… and sets out to be an entertainment fundraising driver to rebuild communities left devastated from Hurricane Sandy & Typhoon Bopha. One hundred percent of the song’s net proceeds will benefit disaster relief charities Rebuilding Together and UNICEF UK. 
Per the success -- 20MM copies sold – of African famine relief song “We Are The World, experience has proven that people genuinely want to help others, yet many don’t feel they can or know how with so little themselves. This song which is only $1.29/.79€ provides people an opportunity to participate in the necessary rebuilding of these communities. 
Per CNN.com, Hurricane Sandy affected the homes of over 200K families and Typhoon Bopha left 1.2MM families displaced, leaving significant work still to be done. For this reason we chose two credible charities respected for their work in restoring communities and assisting victims of disaster, Rebuilding Together & UNICEF UK. PLEASE BE THE DIFFERENCE: http://www.amazon.com/Brighter-Than-The-Sun/dp/B00B9A7LTI/ref=sr_1_15?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1360336757&sr=1-15&keywords=incognito AND https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/brighter-than-sun-feat.-natalie/id598785775?ls=1.
KIM COLES
Shout out to my girl Kim Coles whose WONDERFUL one-woman-show "OH, BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE..." is ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS and FUNNY! One to - for sure - see when it hits your town or next hits L.A. or NYC! LOVE YOU, KIM!
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in BERRY GORDY, Beyonce, DIANA ROSS, HBO, Life is But a Dream, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, Rhonda Ross, Superbowl
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6 References