A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

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

     i

MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL

Enjoyed an EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK at "MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL" (www.MotownTheMusical.com)  #GetReadyBroadway #ChryslerMotown WHAT WONDERFUL EXCERPTS! THEY WERE DREAMY AND TRULY SPARKLED! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE WHOLE SHOW! Of course, I love all things MOTOWN: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/3/26/people-say-im-the-life-of-the-party.html & MISS ROSS: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/diana-ross.   It seems that after everyone else has taken creative license on Berry Gordy's story (including his romance with Miss Ross), that he and Miss Ross will finally OWN their story in this MUST-SEE MUSICAL! PREVIEWS begin March 11, 2013 and Opening Night is April 14, 2013. The Book is by Berry Gordy, Jr. based on the book "To Be Loved" and features songs from the Legendary Motown Catalogue. In the house: Rhonda Ross Kendrick (who will be doing her part for the Gordy/Ross legacy as she performs a show of her beautiful songs at The Triad on November 5th. Come out and join us! www.triadnyc.com/); Gordon Chambers (who reminded me of his birthday show - Midnight - at the Blue Note on October 13^th: http://www.bluenote.net/newyork/schedule/moreinfo.cgi?id=10431); My girl Jacquie Lee who worked her integrating marketing magic on Broadway’s recent “Streetcar Named Desire” (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/streetcar-named-desire) introduced me to Chrystler executive Justin Byrd, who is the brains behind a synergy that will entertain and promote the show and the music’s legacy over the next few months. With Chrysler lending its branding and integrated marketing power to "Motown: The Musical", we're all promised a ride as magical as the one Berry Gordy and TEAM MOTOWN continue to take us on today. Stay tuned.  Marcus Canty from X Factor (will release his debut EP aptly titled, This…Is Marcus Canty on October 30th. For more info: http://www.MarcusCantyOfficial.com, http://www.twitter.com/IAmMarcusCanty.com, and http://www.facebook.com/OfficialMarcusCanty.com). Suzanne DePasse; my girl Marcia Pendelton who is on Team "Motown: The Musical", working her marketing/audience development magic. - audience; my girl Jacque Reid; Hoda Kofi from TODAY (The 10am hour); Gayle King; my friend Caliaf St-Aubyn who is in the cast; Marva Hicks who is in the show; L.A. Reid (X Factor) and wife Erika; Claudette Robinson, former Miracle and first wife of Smokey Robinson who was also in the house; famous former manager of Diana Ross; Supremes; Temptations: Shelly Berger; The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin; Emilio Sosa, costume designer of "Motown: The Musical". I had the chance to interview on the stage of one of his last projects, "By The Way, Meet Vera Stark" starring Sanaa Lathan; the Legendary Valerie Simpson; and a host of my nearest and dearest friends. I'M SO EXCITED FOR THIS SHOW! GET READY BROADWAY!

DON’T SLEEP WITH T.J. HOLMES

I’m hoping for a call back now that I’ve done a test taping of “DON’T SLEEP! Hosted by T.J. Holmes” (as an on-cam “pop culture analyst” on his round-table – also adorned with fellow talking heads: Comedian Sherrod Small; Tiffany Shorter; and Issa Rae. We talked all things pop culture & politics – including: Ann Romney on LENO; “Gay Marriage: Will Blacks sit out the election?”; Celebrity Endorsements: Helpful? Hurtful?; Brooklyn Nets Cheerleaders New Uniforms; etc. WHAT A GREAT SHOW & A GREAT PRODUCTION TEAM! Everyone felt like family and some are – including producer Nichole Andrews Shellman, muse for my recent CNN.com piece (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/8/7/my-girls.html). And one of my BFFs Q (on tresses). And Unique (on make-up). “DON’T SLEEP!” premieres October 1st and will run Monday-Thursday at 11pm. For more info on BET and “Don’t Sleep!” check out http://www.bet.com/ and http://www.bet.com/shows/new-shows/dont-sleep-tj-holmes.html.  CONGRATS to TJ who I’ve had the pleasure of knowing through the National Association of Black Journalists (www.NABJ.org). GREAT GUY! CLASS ACT! AND FUNNY!!!!! It’s going to be MUST-SEE and a great way for us to be informed and entertained – at once! I look forward to return visit(s)!

BEING MARY JANE & URBAN WORLD FILM FESTIVAL

The 16th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival presented by BET Networks opened last week at AMC 34th Street with the BET Premiere Cinema film 'Being Mary Jane,' an original made for television movie and pilot. On hand to celebrate this world premiere was the film's lead star Gabrielle Union along with cast members Tika Sumpter and Richard Brooks and my friends AKA writer/director powerhouse couple Salim and Mara Brock Akil. BET top execs Debra Lee (Chairman and CEO), Loretha Jones (President of Original Programming), Jeanine Liburd (Exec Pres. of Corporate Communications) and Connie Orlando (VP, Original Programming) were also in the house to present the film, which my date, buddy Carl Nelson, and I loved. It seemed the packed house love it too! ESSENCE entertainment director Cori Murray moderated the cast Q&A afterward. Then, we all went to the Gaansevort Hotel in NYC’s Meatpacking district for an after-set on its rooftop. Others in the mix:  Jacque Reid, Harriette Cole, Twinkie Byrd (casting director, "Being Mary Jane"), Susan Fales-Hill, Jennifer Williams (VH1, "Basketball Wives"), Karen Gravano (VH1, "Mobb Wives"), Taimak (actor, The Last Dragon), Stacy Spikes (founder, Urbanworld), and Gabrielle Glore (executive producer, Urbanworld).

SHAGGY & SHELLY ANN FRASER-PRYCE

Shout out to Ant's and my sister friend Sabrina Coleman who - with her Pansophy PR FIRM - brought a wonderful group of people together at Private East Side Manhattan home of Ambassador Brenda Johnson. The occasion was to unveil plans for The American Friends of Jamaica (and Executive Director Caron S. Chung) - a foundation close to my heart for the work I've done producing tribute videos for The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies over the last two years: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/1/27/live-out-louder.html. AFJ's 2012 Hummingbird Gala is scheduled for October 25, 2012. Here to help signal the occasion: Jamaica's 2012 Gold Medalist Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce (who signed a pair of NIKEs that will be auctioned off for the awesome charity event); MR. LOVAH-LOVAH HIMSELF, the BOMBASTIC Shaggy; my girlfriends (circa our GERALDO days), Debbie Mitchell (www.thebloggerconnection.com) and Lora Wiley (www.citizenbrooklyn.com), and my NABJ/BET sister Deborah Skinner. For more information on how you can be a part of this amazing effort which benefits so many Jamaicans in need, please kindly go to www.theafj.org. Afterwards, we reunited Sabrina briefly with her Mario who is responsible for introducing us all.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Shout out to my favorite nephew! He’s 24! YIKES! I LOVE YOU, Herman L. Riley III.

And we got a recent birthday toast (and bite) in with our friend, birthday boy Mike! Tao was our celebration spot, which doubled as a long-overdue delight! Hadn’t been to Tao in a minute!

TRENDING PIC OF THE WEEK (CIRCA 1984)

A BLAST FROM THE PAST sent this to my FACEBOOK and many had lots to say! LOL! YES, I PLAYED TROMBONE from 5th grade to Freshman year (first semester) in college. This picture is from Freshman Year in high school.  I not only played trombone (first chair typically), but I went on to be the Band Captain my Senior Year at Windsor Forest High School (when all of our bands were voted SUPERIOR on the STATE LEVEL(s) i.e. marching & symphony). And i even brought my trombone to Morehouse and actually joined the Marching Maroon Tigers alongside the Morehouse College Glee Club. Clearly, we know which won out as I chose not to do both. From there, I even kept my trombone in tact and with me, but - at some point - my brother 'borrowed' it to play in our 'church shout band'... and - let's just say - I never saw MY TROMBONE again! LOL!