A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

“FIRST LOOK” & BEYONCE

I don’t have a link yet to show you, but I made my debut on MSNBC's "FIRST LOOK" which is anchored by my “Amazing Grace” and BFF Mara Schiavocampo who asked me to do a phoner with her on Beyonce’s Inauguration performance. At 5am, I was bright and alert to wax philosophical and conspiratorial on whether Beyonce lip-sync’d or not, and – if so – why? LOL!

In a paraphrased nutshell, our segment went like this:

MARA: WAS IT LIVE OR NOT?

ME: I'm not sure, but where there isn't a statement from Beyonce's camp, there are Instagram photos of her recording the song before the Inaugural performance. And there have been statements from the US Marine Band - noting that a performance track was prepared - at least by the band. Such preparations are par for the course for BIG LIVE EVENTS where conditions may not be singing-friendly - like Inauguration and the Super Bowl.

MARA: HAS THE PRE-RECORDED TRACK BEEN DONE BEFORE?

ME: The same kind of speculation and details presented themselves around the much-praised Whitney Houston who recorded a track (two, actually) prior to performing her memorable Superbowl performance of the national anthem in 1991 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS-R7SM_-M4). TWO MONTHS AFTER THAT PERFORMANCE, Whitney did a concert for the soldiers returning from the Gulf War (HBO)… and she – a capella and subsequently with live band – started off the concert with THE NATIONAL ANTHEM again --- maybe to subside the nay-sayers (and there were during that time). Either way, whether via the pre-recording or the performance (and subsequent performances), she SANG THAT SONG... and BRILLIANTLY SO! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4ceaDJnk3c

MARA: BIG DEAL? OR NO BIG DEAL?

ME: I say MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING… and what a perfect SPOTLIGHT for HATERS, right? That said, worth noting that – as BEYONCE prepares for the SUPERBOWL that her “DREAMGIRLS” muse DIANA ROSS sang LIVE for her SUPERBOWL HALFTIME SHOW in 1996… in addition to being picked up on the field by a helicopter. FOR BEYONCE TO QUIET HER NAY-SAYERS, it may perhaps be necessary for her to have an UNDENIABLY LIVE moment in her set list for SUPERBOWL. I’M JUST SAYING! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6GyLjyVAIY).

OTHER THINGS I WANTED TO SAY BUT TWO MINUTES DIDN'T ALLOW:

1. Can we firstly just say that Beyonce showed many of her peers how a DIVA does it yesterday: from the emerald earrings to the “oddly fierce” gesture at the end…as if to say I WAS HERE! (BY THE WAY: For a fabulous knock-off earring the like of Beyonce's 'emeralds', check out STELLA AND DOT (www.stelladot.com/). They have the perfect pair! Green is the new color for the season! Check out JADE drop earrings at www.stelladot.com/stoppopandrock).

2. Beyonce’s been here before. The year of Janet-Jackson nipple-gate, she performed the National Anthem – likely to similar effect. But all of that was dwarfed by Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugueMYzKWB4)

3. But in 2006, she and DC3 did a LIVE, a capella version at the NBA ALL-STAR GAME (not perfect but brilliant). So, she too – UNDENIABLY – has SUNG IT LIVE! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQRVTDrmHhM)

4. To my naked ear, I really think it was a MIX of her LIVE voice blended with a PRE-RECORDED PERFORMANCE TRACK.

5. STILL, some singers still take the risk. Kelly Clarkson and James Taylor’s folks say they sang LIVE!

TWITTER: @FirstLookMSNBC #Beyonce lip-syncing controversy

BEYONCE ROCKS! BEYONCE RULES! GO BEYONCE! And so does Mara who has been instrumental in helping me keep my POP CULTURE ANALYSIS on…and popping! XO

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Right after the segment above, I had to high-tail it to Laguardia Airport to get to Nashville for a shoot. I’ve been traveling a lot of late. The rental car company gave me a BIG RED TRUCK a la “Sanford & Son”. I’VE NEVER DRIVEN A BIG TRUCK LIKE THAT! First for everything! Went and did an interview and shot with my subject per the assignment from my Chicago client… and I hopped on a plane back home! I’ve been to Nashville many times but didn’t get any fun time in – except for a drive-thru fav fast food spot Krystal – a JONES of mine that’s become quite known: My Charlotte-based, childhood friend Bernadette Young sent me this as she was paging through a recent issue of UPTOWN Magazine (Charlotte edition). Angela Bronner Helm got my Savannah peeps peeping me!! Recent assignments have put me in front of some FAB company: Drew Barrymore who I got to interview on one day and the author Ayana Mathis whose book “The 12 Tribes of Hattie” is BELOVED by many! Work – overall – has been great as I’ve also just wrapped producing a tribute video for the National Association of Television Programming Executives (NATPE). BET’s own Chairman and CEO Debra Lee is being honored with the Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award in Miami next week! Total honor to work on the video and CONGRATS, DEBRA LEE! She is responsible for BET's impressive success of late - including "The Game". Also on tap: new, original program "Real Husbands of Hollywood" which has started off as quite the NEW HIT!

STEVE HARVEY

As I told you when referencing “Hearts of Gold” Charity benefit (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/11/19/golden-hearts.html), Rémy Martin® is a recurring client. I was excited to connect Rémy with the National Association of Black Journalists whose new Hall of Fame inductees received special premiums for their many jobs well done. As we are exploring other synergies, an opportunity came to me to see if Rémy would want to partner with “The Steve Harvey Show” to host a birthday toast for its host on the set of his show. AND VOILA! It all happened with the help of the awesome Rémy team. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, STEVE HARVEY! I've had the chance to host a half dozen "Disney Dreamers Academy" events at the National Associaton of Black Journalists' Convention (for which I am Immediate Past Chair of its Arts & Entertainment Task Force)… and I even got to share the stage with Mr. Harvey in Las Vegas: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/8/13/audacity-of-hope-and-dreams-in-vegas.html. This past year, I was a guest of Disney at the "Disney Dreamers Academy" (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/3/15/dreams-and-desire.html). With this additional synergy (and Steve Harvey being so impressed with the setup and class of Rémy Cointreau), we’re told he wants to explore other synergies! AWESOME, STEVE!

RHONDA BARAKA

Remember I told you how GMC presented “Trinity Goodheart” at NABJ Philly a couple of years ago!? Well, it was written by my friend Rhonda Freeman-Baraka, a Marietta, Georgia-based screenwriter with NABJ roots! Rhonda really got her start as a college student at Talladega College AND with NABJ. As a college junior, she was chosen as NABJʼs first William Monroe Trotter intern. During the summer of 1983, she spent 10 weeks working at the National Leader newspaper in Philadelphia where she contributed several stories including a cover story on black mayors. Prior to transitioning into film, Rhonda spent many years as a journalist, starting her own magazine, TAFRIJA and subsequently writing for Billboard Magazine, mtv.com, Creative Loafing and a host of other music and entertainment outlets (That’s when I met her). When Rhonda spoke at NABJ in Philly, her first film, “Pastor Brown,” was slated for a DVD release in 2012.  And now her “Pastor Brown” is slated to air Black History Month on Lifetime (http://www.aenetworks.com/article/lifetime-celebrate-black-history-month-three-world-premiere-movies). The film follows a young woman (Salli Richardson-Whitfield) who returns home to take over as pastor of the family church, after her father’s death. She is forced to face her sordid past and mend fences with her son and sister. It premieres Saturday, February 16 at 8pm/eastern (www.aenetworks.com). GO RHONDA... and several other friends associated with this project: PASTOR BROWN is my friend and Morehouse brother Rockmond Dunbar's directorial debut! Also in the mix: Salli Richardson-Whitfield and my BFFs identical twin Tasha Smith.

ALSO WORTH NOTING that my Morehouse brother Korey Washington ---- one of my FIRST production colleagues from our SCHOOL DAZE ---- is the production designer on "Pastor Brown". Like Rockmond, Korey and I shared great times at The House. Korey is a production designer of note in the industry. His latest credits include: production designer for the TV-One sitcom "Belle's" which is premiering Feb 1st and starring Keith David - also in "Pastor Brown" (http://www.tvoneonline.com/shows/belles.html). Rockmond and Korey first worked together on my friend Malcolm Jamal's film "Dirty Laundry" about which I've chatted a lot on "...The Life of Riley..." (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/2/14/doing-laundry-with-maurice-jamal.html). Korey was the Art Director and Production Designer on that film (and my friend Nathan Hale Williams was a producer on it). Also, Korey was the production designer on "The Shaquille O'neal All Star Comedy Jam" on Showtime. And in the world of theatre, Korey has been tapped as Set Designer for Alabama State University's spring production of The Color Purple, which has performances during March. Theatre is Korey's first love and - along with other uses of the stage - the backdrop of how we first came to collaborate in many of Morehouse and Spelman's productions as well as our world-wide participation in the Morehouse College Glee Club. I LOVE when the already small world we are in gets smaller and all of our connectedness is so vibrantly represented in this industry - holding up quite resilliently, I'd say! CONGRATS to ALL!

LA CHANZE & MISS ROSS

Of course, this blog details how much I love DIANA ROSS! This space also provides a lot of evidence that I LOVE Tony-award-winning performer LACHANZE (for many reasons – including her “The Color Purple” premiere is the night Ant and I met, among many others). Well, that fact that she just sent me a note to let me know that she is preparing for her next concert (and I came up as she and her team were discussing the set-list and theme, which is... WAIT FOR IT… "Love Hangover.. A Celebration of the music of Diana Ross"! WOW, right? LACHANZE is doing THREE nights in April at 54 Below. Stay tuned for ticket information: www.54below.com.  LACHANZE 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…” Of course, I’ll be letting her know my thoughts as I’m ever-the-expert-and-admirer when it comes to LA ROSS! 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!

FOOD

Some yummy food has been attracting me of late: Famous Fish Market in Harlem on 145^th and St. Nick….

by way of O’Hare Airport in Chicago, "Mighty Wings" (with fries and a sweet tea) from McDonald’s…

on a catch up with my nephew Herman, “Melba”!

ALWAYS GOOD!...

and in Iowa, some tasty pizza from “The Mill” with my crew ---- NONE OF THE AFOREMENTIONED AT THE EXPENSE OF MY 29-INCH WAIST SINCE HIGH SCHOOL! LOL!

GOOD WORK! GOOD FOOD! GOOD FAMILY & FRIENDS! Oh, THE LIFE OF RILEY!

GOLD

Have I been on this earth 42 years? Well, the calendar says so! And as it always falls a few days before THANKSGIVING, I always get an annual nudge in the direction of GRATITUDE! And I am GRATEFUL for so much, even though I couldn’t manage an escape from my work load this year. It didn’t matter because (1) I am GRATEFUL for the work (as an independent personality/producer/writer) & (2) You know we still got it in! LOL! Dinner here. Cake there. Karaoke there. Karaoke here. My karaoke posse. My guy. My family. My friends (AKA extended family). My health. My girls. My AMAZING GRACES! And a SMILE! What else do I need? THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR WELL WISHES, LOVE, and UNYIELDING SUPPORT!

HEARTS

In the spirit of my birthday weekend, I was too excited to receive the rare and treasured gift of being able to hang out with two of my BFFs Carl Nelson and Sidra Smith. We attended the Hearts of Gold's 16th Annual Fall Fundraising Gala sponsored by Rémy Martin® on Friday, November 16th here in New York City at the Metropolitan Pavilion (http://www.heartsofgold.org/). And what a beautiful night it was! I was happy to have a hand in enrolling client Rémy Martin® to participate in this charity event which supports an organization that fosters sustainable change in lifestyle and levels of self-sufficiency for homeless mothers and their children. In the house: my buddy Rhonda Ross who brilliantly performed "Cabaret" for the so-themed event. The irony wasn't lost on her: Rhonda's mom Diana was expected to win the Oscar for her portrayal of Billie Holliday in "Lady Sings The Blues" in 1972. Instead, Liza Minnelli snagged the prize for "Cabaret". Rhonda and I had a giggle about it, her noting that other friends and family members were clutching their pearls at the song selection. Irony has never been lost on Miss Diana as she performed "Family" from the Broadway show "Dreamgirls" in her legendary 1983 Central Park shows (rain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUtqo7_mEMY & shine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtXS8R_iILs) at a time where she was believed to not be in love with the staged musical's loose interpretation of her own life story. I got to discuss that tid-bit with the song's writer Henry Krieger a few years back when Ant was still a producer for STARZ! in Denver and he flew in to interview Mr. Krieger (and to celebrate our 1 YEAR TOGETHER! It'll be 7 YEARS come December): http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/12/3/i-have-a-dream-today.html). BUT I "DI"-GRESS, though I know my DIANA fans Andreas (in town from Germany) and Jim don't mind! LOL! Other hosts at HEARTS OF GOLD included my National Association of Black Journalists sister friend Soledad O'Brien and my friend Tamara Tunie (whose husband Gregory Generet was in the house. He is performing at SMOKE every Thursday, singing his beautiful and bold brand of jazz (with a little soul to boot). You should check it out: http://gregorygeneret.com/. Of course, I referenced in my last blog entry Tamara's latest - including "Flight" with Denzel Washington: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/11/8/freedom-you-see.html). Hearts of Gold Founder Deborah Koenigsberger led a team that raised lots of money for this great cause. Special shout out to my girlfriends, WABC News 7 Divas Kemberly Richardson and career-long friend Sandra Bookman, anchor and host of "Here & Now" (http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/channel?section=resources/lifestyle_community/community&id=7108383), which recently produced a segment on Deborah and her Hearts of Gold work.

PURPOSE

Shout out to my friend and NYC's favorite socialite and businesswoman Bevy Smith. She invited "...The Life of Riley..." out to celebrate the launch of "The Purpose Awards" with multicultural marketer/author, Teneshia Jackson Warner. She is quite the exemplar and grio on multicultural marketing and connecting with consumers through philanthropic endeavors. So many amazing friends (from my fellow journalists to entertainers and tastemakers I've admired for a long time) were in the room. I won't list them all...but you'll recognize some of them at this networking fiesta. Beauty & Essex was the well-appointed back-drop where we ate on roasted carrot & avocado salad; whipped rocotta 'jewels on toast'; chipotle grilled shrimp; lobster tacos; grilled salmon; broccolini; filet mignon; yukon gold potato puree; petite cupcakes; and caramel mousse bombe. I must mention the honorees - most of whom have touched the life of Riley:

1. "My Black Is Beautiful" (http://www.myblackisbeautiful.com/); TWITTER: @MBIBMovement; FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/mbib 

* Was great to produce one of its integrations for "The Wendy Williams Show": http://www.wendyshow.com/MyBlackIsBeautiful/, which got a hit in Black Enterprise: http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/giving-back-against-all-odds/.

2. Kathryn Finney (www.thebudgetfashionista.com); TWITTER: @KathrynFinney; FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/pages/Kathryn-Finney-The-Budget-Fashionista/17011731381

3. Phillip Bloch (www.phillipbloch.com); TWITTER: @phillipbloch; FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/pages/Phillip-Bloch (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/8/23/harlem-sparkle.html)

4. Chef Roble (www.chefrobleandco.com); TWITTER: @ChefRoble; FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/pages/Roble/82813671947

(http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/7/19/bright-daze-dark-knights.html)

5. Beverly Bond (www.blackgirlsrockinc.com); TWITTER: @BLACKGIRLSROCK; FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/BLACKGIRLSROCK

(http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/1/27/black-tales.html) 

6. Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine (www.disneydreamersacademy.com); TWITTER: @dreamersacademy; FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/DisneyDreamersAcademy

* Am excited to have attended and been a host of several programs for the Disney Dreamers Academy: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/disneys-dreamers-academy

Check out Teneshia's book "Profit with Purpose: A Marketer's Guide to Delivering Purpose-Driven Campaigns to Multicultural Audiences" (Order Direct And Save: http://www.paramountbooks.com/ - 888-787-2800 - TOLL FREE). And you can tweet accordingly: @egamiconsulting @teneshiajwarner #profitwithpurpose

EYES

You recall, I hosted an awesome, recorded event at NYPR's Jerome L. Greene Performance Space in Manhattan on "Teacake's Legacy" (a la Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God"). Here's a link to that awesome session: http://www.thegreenespace.org/events/thegreenespace/2012/sep/17/their-eyes-were-watching-god-teacakes-legacy/. Well, in the wake of that booking, synergy partner WNYC's The Big Read is making up the second phase of The Greene Space year-long celebration of "Their Eyes Were Watching God" (and the novel's 75 years since it was first published 75 years ago in September of 1937). I hosted a BIG READ book club of sorts on the literary work - using clips from the campaign's original roll out which I also chronicled in "....The Life of Riley...": http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/zora-neale-hurston) the production of the first American adaptation of the story as a radio play directed by acclaimed actor and playwright Ruben Santiago-Hudson, starring Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad, Roslyn Ruff, Brandon Dirden and Leslie Uggams, in NYPR's Jerome L. Greene Performance Space. During the month of November, WNYC's Community Engagement & Audience Development Department are hosting Big Read listening sessions in various communities. You can check out our website for where some of the others will take place and for more information: www.wnyc.org/events. Special shout out to one of the participants who won the raffle (Kindle Fire). Also a big THANKS to my National Association of Black Journalists/Garden Stare Association of Black Journalists' sister Henrietta Parker - an award-winning producer of content that matters (at NJN).

THANKS

Will miss dinner with The Porters this year. They have other plans. We’ll still be around though. I am excited to partake of a lovely meal at our hosts Danielle and Bernard’s lovely home in NJ. Recently - after working in an edit on a Saturday – an invitation did make its way to us a la The Porters (Mara Schiavocampo and Tommie Porter).

Mara felt like cooking and – VOILA! – we had a Saturday night dinner of chicken, potatoes & gravy, asparagus, homemade biscuits, and a sock-it-to-me cake! While commuting to their Harlem digs, I wondered “Is Mara going to bring ‘Amy Ruth’ or ‘Martha Stewart’?” Well, honey! She brought a mélange! And it was nothing short of DELICIOUS and delightful with some of my favorite people also in the house – including Ant; publicist Rachel Noerdlinger; her boo Hasaan; our in-house shrink-in-process Anwar along with his mentee; and Jamar! As always, THANKS PORTERS!

 ALSO: For the latest on their offspring, Miss Nina: Sure, she's walking. Most babies eventually do that. But she's turning into a viral and TV sensation. From a lullaby (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=4360775780176) to a funny viral in which she let me co-star (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=4849253031802) to THE TODAY SHOW in designer couture (I didn't get the call for that gig! LOL!). Yes, it's true! Nina made her national TV debut on the Today Show - modeling some very fine threads! GO NINA: http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/49804995.

FUTURE

You all know I believe in inspiring and motivating the young folks as those before me did for me. I got a call from my friend Scott. He’s a Norfolk State University alum (and he is Sheryl Lee Ralph's right hand often when she throws her annual DIVAS: SIMPLY SINGING (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/10/12/divas-simply-singing-more.html)). He asked if Ant and I would speak to the NSU students who were coming to NYC on their annual media tour (I’ve entertained them before: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/12/1/i-recall-the-scenes-that-never-die.html).  Was great to speak alongside NYC-socialite buddy Chasity Saunders, NSU alum who is modeling; acting; and presenting all over the place (http://www.chasitysaunders.com/)! Another alum: Zeke from “The Amazing Race” was in the house, dropping science on the kids. Always good to speak to the young folks as I just did at FAMU when I was recently the Keynote Speaker for the closing ceremony of the NABJ Multi-media Short Course: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/10/10/full-circle.html. 

One young man - among the NSU students - sent me a note today. In excerpt, he said "...I had to e-mail you and personally thank you for coming to speak to us. It meant more to me than anyone else. As a gay black man, I was so happy to meet you Friday and to meet someone with such an impressive body of work. You are everything I wish to be and everything I want to accomplish...." THE HONOR WAS MINE, I emailed back: "...to hear that I could be a role model to a self-actualized, young Black gay man is quite a GIFT (It's my BIRTHDAY, after all!). I wasn't always so certain that marrying my SEXUAL ORIENTATION to my CAREER was the right thing to do. But in my mid-20s, I'm thrilled that I channeled my AUTHENTIC, LOVING, VULNERABLE self to have ALL MY POSSIBILITIES show up... and I'm still working on the next level, yet feel equipped to do so because I'm TRANSPARENT - if just evidenced by some of my media impressions this year: 

1. My blog "A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities": http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/ captures much of what those opportunities have looked like of late. It's proven to be quite a promotable arm to my brand... and I feel the love from all demos!

2. I’ve been bitten by the ON-CAM POP CULTURE ANALYST bug! BET’s DON’T SLEEP – HOSTED BY T.J. HOLMES reached out and booked me for one of its ‘evergreen’ tapings prior to its launch ( http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/9/28/arms-open-wide.html). The week I spoke to you and your fellow NSU classmates here in NYC, I was invited back to DON'T SLEEP for POST-ELECTION DAY talk - including chat about the first two states to pass same-sex marriage via a public vote (Maryland and Maine). Here’s a clip: http://www.bet.com/video/dont-sleep/highlights/2012/sleep-talkers-don-t-sleep-121-12021.html. Also,  I was interviewed back-stage before the show: http://bet.us/TuU3Eb.  I got to wax philosophical with journalist/cultural critic Toure, and rapper “The Game” who noted he’s a fan of my blog (WOW! LOL!). I’m assured return bookings from the producers.

3. ...and as I do more pop culture analysis, NBC News/The Grio has been calling on me - recently to weigh-in on the NAACP's endorsement of gay marriage: http://www.thegrio.com/politics/will-naacp-gay-marriage-resolution-change-black-hearts-and-minds.php; On New Year's Eve to 2011, I made my "debut" on THE TODAY SHOW (as on-cam 'pop culture analyst') inside a piece that NBC Digitial Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo did on the ball drop in New York's Times Square (http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickDemoSept2011.mov). And other moments: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXc6x5JlJuw.

4. My latest CNN.com piece on gay men and their best women friends published a couple of weeks ago: http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/07/living/gay-best-friend as well as the companion blog entry I blasted out the same day: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/8/7/my-girls.html. This assignment that came in the wake of my contribution to CNN.com's Martin Luther King Jr. Monument coverage in October 2011: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/10/14/us/mlk-memorial-morehouse-glee-club/index.html.

AND THAT'S JUST THE WORK that books me INSIDE that piece. I'm booked far and wide... for much and more ---- and ALL AS I AM!" HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

DON’T SLEEP

Well, President Obama is in The White House! And like the first time, I am starting to get political/pop cultural bookings (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/6/6/a-pound-is-nothing-without-someone-you-love-to-share-it-with.html). A few of those impressions were with NBC News Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXc6x5JlJuw & http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickDemoSept2011.mov). So far this time, it comes in the form of a call-back from DON’T SLEEP – HOSTED BY T.J. HOLMES ( http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/9/28/arms-open-wide.html). Last night, we discussed what Obama's re-election means to Black America and how it was the minority – at-large – that got him his second term i.e. Blacks, Latinos, LGBT, and the youth (http://www.bet.com/video/dont-sleep/highlights/2012/sleep-talkers-don-t-sleep-121-12021.html). Also, I was interviewed back-stage before the show: http://bet.us/TuU3Eb.  I got to wax philosophical with journalist/cultural critic Toure, whose work I’ve admired for years – on-camera and via the National Association of Black Journalists’ annual convention. Also in the mix: Rapper “The Game” (who – by the way – has a new CD coming out December 11^th. It’s called “Jesus Piece”. ) He shocked me when he told me that he was a ‘fan’ of my blog. THANKS GAME! I truly enjoyed sharing the table with the fellas. As we looked at same-sex marriage passing in two states (Maryland and Maine), I was posed a question or two. One thing I wanted to offer was a shout out to Bayard Rustin about whom I’ve blogged before: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/6/19/postcards-from-the-edge.html. He took a backseat as he orchestrated much of the movement on behalf of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and so many more (He organized The March on Washington, for example). This, because he was gay. Always out and unapologetic. But smart enough to know that - at that time - his orientation may have confused the efforts that were being made to gain civil rights for Black people. I've studied Bayard Rustin and consider him a personal hero. With that, I lift his name up for having to move to the back burner despite his brilliance. 50 years later, LGBT issues are at the fore; we are at the table and know our value; and we were key in not only helping to get President Obama elected, but we are beneficiaries and muses of the many other things he has done for the LGBT community since being in office – including the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”; lots of bullying motivation (including a letter to a 10-year-old girl who was being bullied because she had two dads); and so much more. Also on this Election Day: Shout out to Wisconsin for producing the first openly gay or lesbian person to win a U.S. Senate seat: Tammy Baldwin.  HERE'S A LINK: http://www.bet.com/video/dont-sleep/highlights/2012/sleep-talkers-don-t-sleep-121-12021.html. And the back-stage one: http://bet.us/TuU3Eb. PLEASE SHARE & TWEET ACCORDINGLY: @BETDontSleep #BETDontSleep THANK YOU, T.J.

EBONY POWER 100

On the back-stage viral that the DON’T SLEEP producers did with me when I was on the show, I mentioned everyone’s favorite Real Housewife Nene Leakes. She is on the cover of EBONY’s POWER 100 ISSUE. I got to toast her on that point recently at a gala that was thrown to honor the cream of the crop (including Quevenzhane Wallis - one to watch in "Beasts of the Southern Wild" - a flick my girlfriend, Fox Searchlight Pictures marketing exec, Cassandra Butcher brought to the National Association of Black Journalists' Convention back in New Orleans a few months ago: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/6/29/impossible-inevitable.html). It is a must see: www.beastsofthesouthernwild.com. She was gracious; happy to pose for a pic; and she seemed quite genuinely appreciative that we are fans of THE NEW NORMAL – her hit sitcom. I was there – however – to toast my homeboy Maurice Marable (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/11/10/put-me-to-the-test.html) & my NABJ A&E Task Force sister Nekesa Moody - TWO of EBONY's POWER 100.  ALSO IN THE HOUSE: Many of the POWER 100 and LOTS of my friends from EBONY and beyond! I LOVE IT WHEN I REALLY KNOW THE PEOPLE ON THESE LISTS...and when they are REALLY DESERVING! Proud of Y'ALL! XO PLR http://www.ebony.com/entertainment-culture/ebony-reveals-its-2012-power-100-list-100 

RHONDA ROSS

You all know I LOVE EVERYTHING ROSS, which includes her offspring. The eldest daughter of Miss Diana (and Motown Founder Berry Gordy), Rhonda Ross gave a stunning performance last night at Lee Summers’ The Triad here in NYC: http://www.facebook.com/events/505801396114740/! Her jazz-inspired set included a little hip hop (“Empire State of Mind” by Jay Z & Alicia Keys – her opener); lots of neo-soul; and a few classic and modern-day anthems – including “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (her encore) and the R.-Kelly-penned title track of the late, great Whitney Houston, “I Look To You” – a touching rendition dedicated to the family of the two brothers, Brandon and Connor Moore, who were swept out of their mother’s arms by floodwaters during Hurricane Sandy in Staten Island. Also, Rhonda’s own self-penned compositions were sprinkled throughout her set. One tune was designed to inspire us ALL to get out and VOTE (Rhonda’s exclaimed preference: President Obama). Mission accomplished. But having just experienced a week without power and a week in which so many have experienced difficulties, Rhonda Ross inspired us all to live our best lives IN LOVE. And that shows up on-stage and off-stage. Worth noting, Rhonda is busy as ever these days with more than motherhood (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/rhonda-ross-kendrick). She is hosting the Hearts of Gold benefit next week here in NYC (www.heartsofgold.org/). As a consultant for Remy Martin, I enrolled the luxury liquor company (known for its Cognac) to be a sponsor for the charity event which  fosters sustainable change in lifestyle and levels of self-sufficiency for homeless mothers and their children. It was also great to see my fellow ROSS fans in the house – including Andreas (who came all the way from Germany for the show) and Dustin Fitzharris – also a fellow journalist who did a wonderful interview with Rhonda to promote her show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=styk1uJ7VNY.  CONGRATS on a GREAT SHOW, RHONDA! One more thing: MISS ROSS – who normally attends all of her kids’ special functions – is out of the country on a lucrative gig – performing in India. It's a birthday event that Naomi Campbell is hosting for her boyfriend. I LOVE ROSS, of course... and NAOMI!

TAI BEAUCHAMP

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/6/15/welcome-back-into-my-life-again.html My Spelman sister and fellow NYC friend Tai Monique Beauchamp Tai Beauchamp is always handling her business (www.youtube.com/watch?v=R76dF0ScGyk). She has partnered with one of our favorite retailers, Target, as they begin to spread the word about their extensive product offering geared toward the multiethnic woman. GOOD STUFF, TAI! CLICK HERE: www.youtube.com/watch?v=R76dF0ScGyk.

TAMARA TUNIE

Shout out to my girl Tamara Tunie who not only just completed a successful singing stint at Feinstein’s, but she’s co-starring with Denzel Washington in “Flight”. It is playing at a theater near you. http://www.paramount.com/flight/CONGRATS – as always – on EVERYTHING, TAMARA! XO

RADIANCE

Urban Vintage (www.urbanvintageny.com) was the well-appointed backdrop of the baby shower we attended recently. The guest of honor will be here in a month or less, but I have known her mom Radiance Salem since she was a child. And now, she’s having a baby! TIME FLIES! CONGRATS, RADIANCE! WE LOVE YOU!

NINA

I mentioned Mara above. Her husband is Tommie. Our BFFs! Their daughter is Nina... and this is what it looks like when I 'babysit' her! A laugh before you go: https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=4849253031802

HURRICANE SANDY

Thanks to all of you for your WELL-WISHES & concern. Hopefully by the time you read this, I will have power. But for now, I am among the 2.6 milliion New Jersey households without it. And our town of Ridgefield Park flooded something terrible, though there's no damage to the interior of our home. Cabin fever is getting the best (or worst) of me, but neighbor BFF Ernest Maynor, Ant, and I are joining forces to stay fed and as comfy as possible. Dear friends Mara Schiavocampo & Tommie Porter opened up their home to us - so we got our hot food & water; cocktails; great chat; and Nina on! Just a few days prior, The Porters were The Carters (with Blue Ivy AKA Nina in tow) for a Halloween Party! Another day had me hanging out at a friend's office - for recharging; computer use (hence this note); etc. To all who have lost - property or loved ones, I'm CLEAR my situation could be a lot worse and I extend my PRAYERS of comfort and speedy recovery your way! One friend, publicist Rachel Noerdlinger, tweeted while we were at CAMP PORTER (@Mara Schiavocampo & Tommie Porter): “I'm in a house full of serious journalists stranded from #Sandy. Are we watching the news? Nope. @patarack wants to watch the Voice. SMH (NOTE FROM @PATARACK: I'M MISSING ALL MY SHOWS! "The Voice", "RuPaul", "X Factor", "Life After", Marvin Gaye's crime file on TV One, Toni Braxton's "Behind The Music", and SO MUCH MORE as the days go on I.E. “GLEE (GREASE episode)”; etc.! LOL! I'll catch it on demand or whenever... but IJS! LOL!)

SUE SIMMONS

The New York Association of Black Journalists, Essence Magazine and Black Employees @ Time Inc. came together to honor former WNBC anchor Sue Simmons in a special award ceremony. The spirited evening took place at the Time-Life Building and felt like a family reunion - between my best buddies from the current Board of the New York Association of Black Journalists - including NYABJ Prez Mike Feeney, Dwight Oestricher, and the evening's host Cheryl Wills (NY-1); my NYABJ friends-for-life - including Essence Editor-in-Chief Constance White; WABC 7's Sandra Bookman (Anchor/Reporter/Host, "Here & Now"); fashion writers Robin Givhan and Walter Greene; another NBC legend Al Roker who (like Sue) I produced in the late '90s via NBC 4's special projects division; and a couple of my friends and icons from the arts: well-known writer/producer/NYC socialite Susan Fales Hill (known for "A Different World"); writer/producer/NYC socialite Susan Fales Hill (known for "A Different World"); Tony-award-winning choreographer George Faison (Owner, Faison Firehouse Theater in Harlem) and Miss Valerie Simpson who serenaded Sue with a beautiful, self-accompanied rendition of one of the classics co-written by Valerie and her late, great husband and songwriting partner Nickolas Ashford, "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing". Sue was as happy to see me as I was to see her. In the words of the invite, she 'truly left an unforgettable mark during her more than 30 years on the New York City station," A host of other NABJ family members were in the house - including NABJ Executive Director Maurice Foster.

JUDGE LYNN TOLER

Before heading home from the Sue Simmons event, I went by M Bar in Mansfield hotel to catch up with another NABJ sister friend Nicole Childers. Her client, Divorce Court's Judge Lynn Toler is in town to promote her new book, "Making Marriage Work."  http://www.agatepublishing.com/book/?GCOI=93284100848410. You may know that she's been the Divorce Court judge since 2006 and in the course of the past month has appeared on Dr. Drew's HLN show and MSNBC's "The Cycle." And while here, she was on some fun and familiar airwaves here in the city - including 'Wendy Williams' and her weekly HOT TALK panel. My Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts, Ant, and others were in the mix - holding court with the very lovely, engaging, and funny Judge Lynn. Great night in NYC! (Good to see my Morehouse brother Mario Ephraim’s aunt back on the tube via an installment of “Life After” (Divorce Court) on TV One: www.tvone.tv/content/tvone_site1/en/shows/life_after.html! We ALSO LOVE Judge Mablean… and Judge Lynn Toler does too! I asked her!).

BRANDY

BRANDY was in town recently for a $32.00 concert at Best Buy Theater in Times Square (right across the street from my recurring client BET). Ant, BFF since 7th grade Ern, and I attended along with a sold-out crowd that included many of our friends - including Morehouse BFFs Mario and Michael K. Watts, who covered the event for his concert review and highlights site "LIVE! From Front Row" which shot Brandy's Whitney Tribute: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQiQk6nOPdc and so much more that you can enjoy here: www.youtube.com/livefromfrontrow.  

Courtesy of "LIVE! From Front Row":

 FINAL Brandy set list;

 9:13

 What about

 Full moon

 Top of the world

 Sitting up in my room

 Medley: Best friend/Baby/I wanna be down

 ------------------

 Whitney Houston Medley: I'm your baby tonight/How Will I Know/I wanna dance with somebody

 Have you ever

 Almost Doesn't count

 Wildest Dreams

 Put It Down

 10:00

 FOR MORE INFO on BRANDY's NEW RELEASE: http://www.rcarecords.com/news/brandy-release-highly-anticipated-album-two-eleven-october-16thEarlier that day, it’s worth noting that one of my colleagues from Chicago-based Harpo, Caroline Ziv, popped into town on business. She’s one of the BEST producers I know in the business! Of course, between her meetings, she dedicated some time to catch-up and break-bread with me at Serafina! Great to see you, ZIV!

WILD WITH HAPPY

Shout out to Marcia Pendelton and Lauren Tobin - both of whom have been asking me to come out to see "WILD WITH HAPPY", a world premiere written by and featuring Colman Domingo ( http://www.newstimes.com/entertainment/article/Who-s-a-busy-boy-Actor-playwright-Colman-Domingo-3915439.php). I've sung his praises from his tour de force performance in Broadway's "Passing Strange" (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/3/15/twas-passing-strange.html). Then, I penned his hosting words at one of Black 2 Broadway's Tony Awards events (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/6/19/postcards-from-the-edge.html). Now, Colman is in previews at the Public Theater and what a wonderful piece. And this time, it's a work that also features my Morehouse brother Maurice McRae in a BRILLIANT performance. Maurice is my MOREHOUSE BIG BROTHER; he directed me in several staged productions at Morehouse; we were in the glee club together; etc. GREAT FRIEND!!!

 Here is a description of the work:

World Premiere

 WILD WITH HAPPY

 By Colman Domingo

 Directed by Robert O'Hara

 Featuring Colman Domingo, Korey Jackson, Maurice McRae,

and Sharon Washington

 October 9 - November 11

From Colman Domingo (a Tony Award® nominee for The Scottsboro Boys and an Obie Award winner for Passing Strange) comes a deeply imaginative and utterly outrageous new work that explores the bizarre comedy that lies within death and healing. Gil, an actor who's struggling to carve out his own new life, finds his worlds colliding when his mother dies and he decides to have her cremated. But where should he scatter the ashes? And can he make a fairytale ending for her in the one place that made her WILD WITH HAPPY? Domingo leads a cast of four. And directing is Obie winner Robert O'Hara.

BIRTHDAY SEASON

Our friend Michelle Sanchez Boyce inspired an ENERGY OF LOVE – ALL FOR HER – at a birthday party she and her husband, our buddy Nelson Boyce hosted. It was a fun set at their New Rochelle home which features a back-deck patio – ripe for poet Mums and Grammy-award winning Anthony Hamilton to wax poetical; philosophical; political; psychological (and everything else). And also, a house full of GREAT FOOD and our New Rochelle (and Bergen County) favorites – including my Amazing Grace Nichole and a host of other festive folks!

Shout out to Ant’s cousin Taricq! We celebrated his birthday last night at ReCoup and Fat Buddha Bar! Taricq and his Multi Vision team performed at the first set (www.multivisionent.com)  and what a FAMILY REUNION it was!

Ant’s Denver BFF and art soul-mate Manivone’s birthday was yesterday. We toasted my Scorpio sister at Clinton Hill’s Speedy Romeo. Then, we continued our hang in Brooklyn. Always good to be in the BK with our peeps!

KARAOKE RULES

We’ve still been getting some casual karaoke in when we can. Popped over to Astoria to join Ant’s cuz Shantay for some fun! While at One 7 Karaoke recently, I stumbled into one of my karaoke buddies Javier Millan. He excited me with the news that he is a contestant on "IDOLOS de la cancion" - an "American Idol" for the Latin audience in which participants impersonate a Latin music icon or current superstar (http://tv.univision.com/sabado-gigante/article/2007-08-03/idolos-de-la-cancion). Check him out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=necxEyG6p9s. Congrats, Javier!

NEW MUSIC: TAVARES STEPHENS & KENNY CARR

You all read about my ‘Amazing Grace’ Natalie in my CNN piece a few months ago (http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/07/living/gay-best-friend/index.html). Well, she’s family! Her brother-in-law Tavares is family too…and I’m excited to tell you about something this Atlanta-based artist is doing. It’s all here on his webite: www.tavaresstephens.com. But let me wax proud for a moment. He’s been working on a praise and worship music project/CD titled “The Ascension Project”... and it is something to behold. Again, you can find it at www.tavaresstephens.com.

It is a five track EP that is a fusion of contemporary praise and worship and spoken word poetry. Tavares wrote, executive produced, and co-produced the CD. He says it's truly a unique offering that can make a difference in the way it will minister to people's hearts. The project is an independent project; so, please check it out; buy it; share it; spread the word! In addition to being able to hear the music on his site, you can also watch video clips of live performances (like this one: http://youtu.be/vq9qqwMJ1eI). MEANWHILE, a pop into Hillstone to use the restroom and to then have a glass of iced tea turned into a quick bite with my friend Shareen (Uber-Producer at “The Bill Cunningham Show”) and her husband, the most awesome musician Kenny Carr who has some new music coming out soon. I can’t wait to share! (You’ll recall, Shareen and I worked alongside each other in 2009 while producing reality shows “Monica: Still Standing” and “Frankie & Neffe”. LOVE THAT COUPLE & THOSE TWO INDIVIDUALS!). But back to Kenny: He is a Composer, Producer, Singer, and Musician. I know his trombone playing from the United House of Prayer for All People - my family church. He and I still have many mutual peeps from that common ground. But Kenny is now internationally renowned as one of the world’s premier soulful jazz trombonists and shout band recording artists. He's apepared on Grammy nominated recordings, Dove award winning projects, and has been named the Best of North Carolina Music Artist. The Charlotte native has performed with and shared the stage with the likes of Ramsey Lewis, Wycliffe Gordon, Jonathan Butler, Al Green, Gladys Knight, and the late Ray Charles. His talents extend across genres, allowing Kenny to share his talents with gospel greats Vickie Winans, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Bishop Ronald Brown, and John P Kee. Kenny has toured and shared his musical expertise internationally with his solo project “Sound the Alarm” (2003). He has also broadened his repertoire to include Executive Producer of the amazing masterpiece, “The Seal Breakers” (2011). And Kenny’s latest gift, “Amazing Love” (2012) will certainly secure him as one of the best musicians of all times. That's the one I'm excited to share with you when it's time! CONGRATS, TAVARES & KENNY: pop culture and possibilities at their BEST!

FAMU & NABJ

So honored to have been invited to be the Keynote Speaker for the 2012 NABJ Multimedia Short Course - a journalism boot-camp that attracts 30 or so college students from all over to receive intensive hands-on training at FAMU's School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (and its 100,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility). As I am one of the NABJ BABIES who just-over 20 years was introduced ...to student opportunities the like of this one, you must know how excited I was to share my testimonial in front of these bright students and others of my NABJ colleagues who volunteered their time to teach. And on top of that, I got the FULL CIRCLE honor of reuniting with the very woman who introduced me to NABJ in 1991 (circa my days at Morehouse and in the AUC - including Clark Atlanta University's Mass Media Arts Department from which I got much of my early training): Dr. Ann Wead Kimbrough, now-Dean of the FAMU School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (Twitter: @annkimbrough) and my "industry mom" with whom I also got to enjoy one-on-one catch-up time at one of Tallahassee's best restaurants Masa... and after my speech, I got to enjoy a tour of Tallahassee and further catch-up time (on our families and mutual colleagues) at her beautiful home. As I look back on my last 20 years, I'm so proud to continue my investment in the next generation of media professionals. NABJ continues to teach us well! (www.nabj.org)! Oh! Don't tell my Morehouse brothers, but the FAMU hosts made me an honorary "rattler"! LOL! SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! THANKS FAMU for hosting me in EXCELLENCE!

MARY WILSON

My friends at the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (www.visitphilly.com) invited me to the African American Museum in Philadelphia, for cocktails; appetizers; one-on-one chat time with Miss Ross' fellow Original Supreme, the FABULOUS Mary Wilson whose new exhibition, "Come See About Me: The Mary Wilson Supremes Collection" will run January 25-July 2013 at the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP).
 
For more info:
http://www.aampmuseum.org/
 
http://aampmuseum.org/index.php/page/come-see-about-press-kitrick
 
The exhibit will include more than 30 gowns from the musical group but it will be about so much more:
 
·         How the Supremes began to change the perception of black women in America in the 1960s and 70s
·         Music of the era
·         Fashion: the exhibit contains Supremes' wigs, jewelry, accessories, album covers, etc.
 
The exhibition is likely to strike a chord with baby boomers, fans of the music, mothers and daughters, etc.  This is the first time this many gowns will be shown together, and in this social context-the empowerment of women and the breaking down of social barriers.
Mary shared many stories - including many of the Motown memories; sang beautifully one of her jazz staples "Here's To Life" a capella; played one of her new pop songs "Life's Been Good To Me" for us (after those many #1 hits piped through the sound system); and once she and I sat down to talk, she asked if I'd send her my "...Life of Riley..." Blog entry. I assured her I'd get it to her AND blast it out to many friends who - I'm sure - will want to come see the exhibit with me next January 2013 - June 2013.
 
I'M SO GLAD I TOOK THE TIME TO 'COME SEE ABOUT (THE FABULOUS MISS MARY WILSON)'. Someday she, my beloved Diana, and Flo-Ballard-replacement Cindy Birdsong may NOT ever be together again. BUT like Miss Ross (a few times over), I'M THRILLED I GOT TO MEET HER!