A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

frank ishman

World-renowned photographer - Frank Ishman – also my Morehouse College brother! He married his GENIUS to the COLLABORATIVE BRANDING GENIUS of Myrdith Leon-Mccormack... to the STYLING GENIUS of Janine Linton... and – VOILA! – you have MAN-HOGANY! LOL! Was FUN to get my MAHOGANY on with FRANK! Frank Ishman is THE BEST! www.frankishman.com #frankishman

mahogany

How is it that I tell a slew of people on social media to go see MAHOGANY at the IFC and – by the time – I got around to securing my own ticket, it was SOLD OUT! Then, when I do an outreach, I get an emailed reply from Rhonda Ross! Yes, my friend! But also: daughter of Miss Diana Ross and Mr. Berry Gordy… and MAHOGANY was their 1975 Blockbuster project for which Miss Ross designed (and/or styled) ALL OF THE COSTUMES! Oh, and wait for it! Rhonda was seeing it ON THE BIG SCREEN for the FIRST TIME! Her escort? Bob Silberstein, the man who raised Rhonda - also father of her sisters Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney Ross. The occasion: "Black Summer Nights", a celebration of queer African American artists and their unique role in shaping American culture and history. Tonight's selection was curated by another industry buddy, Tony-nominated actor for "Passing Strange" Colman Domingo via SKYPE (who - last we hung out - I was helping navigate the red carpet at the World Premiere of Lee Daniel's "The Butler"). As I'd just asked our sponsor at "Billie's Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley", Miko Branch of Miss Jessie's, her favorite film at a recent book signing, LOVE that it was "Mahogany" and she came out to enjoy it as well --- along with other buddies, filmmaker Andre Robert Lee; legendary performer Flotilla Debarge whose next show "FLO-REAL!! Here & Now" goes up Thursday, June 25th at 9p at Kraine Theatre -   www.horsetrade.info - and many others! FAB Monday Night! Next month on July 20th, pick up the series with "James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket". For more info on Queer/Art/Film at the IFC Center...and the awesome folks associated - including filmmaker Stephen Winter, poet Pamela Sneed, Ira Sachs, Adam Baran, please visit www.IFCCENTER.COM/SERIES/QUEERARTFILM.  #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke#mahogany #queerartfilm

invisible life

Week 7 of BILLIE’S BLACK presents ALL STAR KARAOKE was VISIBLY VIBRANT as EVERYBODY ENJOYED their “Miss Jessie’s” grab bags (and Miko Branch’s current book). Highlight of the night was the cast of “Invisible Life: The Musical” coming by to promote their week-long, almost-SOLD-OUT engagement at The Apollo June 25th – 30th. We gave away tickets; sang Miss Ross’ “The Boss” produced by Motown Legends Ashford & Simpson who wrote the music and lyrics for “Invisible Life” (with additional lyrics by my brother friend Stanley Bennett Clay): https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley/videos/vb.662073736/10153063149713737/?type=3&theater.  Based on the novel “Invisible Life” by E. Lynn Harris, the musical’s book is written by Proteus Spann & Javon Johnson who joined us on stage for the fun! They co-direct “Invisible Life: The Musical”. And can we talk about the cast which is full of Broadway star power? Tony Award nominee Brenda Braxton (Smokey Joe’s Cafe) will portray Mama Tyler, the mother of Raymond Tyler Jr., who will be played by Gregory Williams. Raymond’s two closest friends Kyle and JJ, will be Terry Lavell (La Cage aux Folles) and Grammy- nominated Frenchie Davis (RENT). The iconic stage songstress Vivian Reed is also in the cast. Terry and Frenchie came to play – singing with me and solo! Ant’s sister Sabrina does Frenchie’s PR – so these moments were extra special. Purchase Tickets: http://gn-bp.com/invisible-life. ALSO IN THE MIX: One of our All Star Karaoke Journalism DIVAS, NBC4’s own anchor extraordinaire Shiba Russell and her crew were in the house as well as FIT grad Travis and his friends – led by ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFUL Antoinne who brought a fun group to CELEBRATE. And to all my peeps, THANKS! BILLIE’S BLACK presents ALL STAR KARAOKE is going through Tuesday, July 14th. PLEASE COME JOIN US! RESERVATIONS are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:212.280.2248. AND COME TUESDAY, JUNE 23^RD, LET’S LOOK TO ALL STAR KARAOKE plus CELEBRATE BILLIE’S BLACK’S 9^TH ANNIVERSARY – including a “special surprise guest”! #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack #invisiblelife

sidra and tasha smith

I was too excited to see my girlfriend Sidra Smith who has been busy as ever of late, but not too busy to bring the cast of “Invisible Life” to see me at All Star Karaoke (with the coordination of my friend Richard Pelzer). Sidra - NAACP Image Award winning producer of “Free Angela” - is Executive Producing "BOXED IN" - a film project her identical twin sister, Hollywood star Tasha Smith wrote and directed in association with producer Kim Ogletree. ABFF – the American Black Film Festival – screened the awesome flick . Shout out to ABFF and Jeff Friday for curating this one! For more information visit: http://www.abff.com/).What a compelling story that anecdotes brilliantly the struggle and stigma of mental illness among our African American brothers and sisters. Beautiful film andawesome cast! Walter Fauntleroy plays a character who suffers with bipolar disorder. His mom is played by the amazing actress Tyra Ferrell who I've missed from the big screen a la the days of Poetic Justice and School Daze! We also loved her from HBO's The Corner (with Tasha Smith)...and - this just in - she told me we'll see her in Season 2 of Empire. BOXED IN also features the lady who cast me in upcoming film Steps- due out later this year: Penwah Phynjuar!! She's THE BEST! Director of STEPS, Eddie Harris
also in attendance tonight - saw an early screening of BOXED IN...and says he had to have Walter Fauntleroy for STEPS! And he and I have a few scenes together. Eddie also says I'm looking good in edit - as Rudy, the character I play, my acting debut in a feature film... Stay tuned..

tony awards

Another of my Broadway predictions on Arise Entertainment 360 has come TRUE! From my last visit, I figured Helen Mirren is so well-decorated in so many platforms for portraying THE QUEEN, the Great White Way would CROWN her accordingly. I was right! CLIP: http://bit.ly/bway_arise360_mirren! Tony Awards Leading Actress in a Play -- Helen Mirren in "The Audience". Mirren played Queen Elizabeth II in the Broadway play, written by Peter Morgan. Mirren also originated the part at the play's original 2013 run in London's West End. #TheAudienceBway #TonyAwards #Arise360 #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke

drums

VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/UGOqHhjbZ3k - SHOUT OUT to Carl Nelson - BFF for 20+ YEARS and Producer of Drums Along The Hudson -Inwood Park joined me on stage recently at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul for Billie's Black presents All Star Karaoke to promote #drumsalongthehudson which he produces every years. I host the afternoon stage this Sunday, June 14^th – an event that honors Tichina Arnold and His Holiness the Dalai Lama! #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

 Hosting 2015s Drums Along The Hudson -Inwood Park, 13th annual! Honorees: my friend Tichina Arnold andHis Holiness the Dalai Lama! And George Faison andLotus Music Dance put on quite the FABULOUS presentation! #weareONE #drumsalongthehudson#rhythmnation 

#wearetheworld #thewiz #tony#lotusmusicanddance

LOVE, AMERICAN STYLE!!!

“LOVE, AMERICAN STYLE” is a muse for this entry. Not sure why. But do you folks remember the show – an anthology of comedic episodes about LOVE? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNHuI0Pw0m8 At least, those of you who are old enough to remember (at least a syndicated version of it, which is why I remember it).

FATHER’S DAY (AND A MOTHER)

When last I wrote you, it was FATHER’S DAY weekend. I was asked to be a guest on Michael Eric Dyson’s new radio show: http://dysonshow.org/?p=1721. It was a MEN’S SUMMIT! Please take a listen between 13:46-31:27. On the day itself, my DAD called to say he received my basket of healthy gourmet goodies - a blend of savory and sweet. He – in turn – sent a lovely note and this hard copy picture of my siblings and me with our late mom Queen Elizabeth Bellinger Riley. I thought this was from my birthplace Tokyo, Japan (circa '70s) but my sister has reminded me that it was from when we were stationed in California soon thereafter.. Since her passing in July of 1994, I’ve kept few pictures of her in my personal collection. At the time, it was just too painful. Here 16 years later, I still miss her so. But there are too many fond memories that have shaped me to be who I am today. So, this was quite a lovely THANK YOU from my father! Amidst FATHER’S DAY, Ant and I went to join my girlfriend Sidra who invited us to enjoy an easy, breezy Sunday in Harlem (Morningside Park, to be exact) – for house music and lots of fellowship. Ran into many buddies – including Kevin "Moochie" Freeman (Kevin's “Amazing Grace” Erika Munro Kennerly also popped by); Chenoa Maxwell; Tai Beauchamp, Stacey J, her daughter Riley, and Riley’s father; and our girl Bevy Smith.

PRINCE & ELIZABETH

At the Harlem event, I ran into Dave Rowan (pink shoes). He invited Ant, my Morehouse brother Michael Bryant, and me out to celebrate all things Prince and Elizabeth (www.princeandelizabeth.com). The evening included a tour of the retail space (Prince of SOHO); the showroom space (The SHOWROOM); and a preview of Tacombi Taco Stand. Afterwards, we did a swim by our Nathan Hale Williams' SPLASH set. Prior to our Prince and Elizabeth moment, Michael and I met up at nearby BarBossa to discuss future business possibilities.

PRIDE IN BLEU

As PRIDE festivities kicked in, my friend Ra-Fael Blanco invited us to SOHO’s BO CONCEPTS store to celebrate the 4th anniversary of our beloved BLEU Magazine (www.BLEULIFE.com). Many were in the house – including: dearest friends Marqice, Jason, Marlynn, Theo, and Trevor - all celebrating DeVon Christopher's labor of love; Derrick Briggs; Jamar and Ryan; Maurice Jamal; Demarco Majors; Seven; our Hal; and on and on I could go. And recording artist and actress Teyana Taylor was host with the most for the night. Afterwards, a drive by Desire and Chi-Chi’s in the Village. Derrick Bell doubles as bartender and artist.

MJ R.I.P.

Soon came the 1^st anniversary of Michael Jackson’s passing. About 3 minutes into this clip, hear and see Miss Ross' MJ Tribute. It is from her summer tour which received RAVES! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDnoQLvuh_s Last year, I was in the throes of field and story producing reality TV for Dubose Entertainment (in L.A. and then Atlanta). The team with whom I worked included my “Amazing Grace” Nichole and Miss Shareen – both of whom credit “The Nate Berkus Show” as their new employer. As they are busy working on the start-up, they did honor me by letting me get a quick glimpse of them at Copper Smith’s after they clocked out for the weekend. New friend Lorna joined us as well. Then, Ant and I took a meeting at Native with its owner Brian (Stay tuned for a night in which I’ll be hosting a special evening of karaoke. You won’t want to miss it!). Then, we did “Leaving Neverland”, a multi-media tribute to Michael Jackson. It was created by our friend George Faison (Tony-award winning choreographer for “The Wiz” and gracious participant in and generous donor - of space - for the Black History Month campaign I helped produce for BET). And singing diva sister friend Toni Seawright collaborated with him. And my Morehouse brother Khalid worked on the production. Also, Ashford & Simpson were in the house. Since I sang “The Boss” to them back in December… and since Miss Ross is now opening her current show with the hit tune, I wanted to make sure they knew. SMILE! My girl Deborah Gregory was one of the narrators of the script. It was written by Quincy Troupe. His wife Margaret is a famous art curator and collector.  From there, we enjoyed a hang in Harlem – including Amy Ruth. Always great to see my performer friends - whether they/we are on the stage or just supporting others to do their work.

PRIDE COMES TO HARLEM!

On last Saturday, there was PRIDE in HARLEM. Ant and I rolled through before heading to see ‘RACE’ on Broadway care of our beloved Marcia Pendelton. Nichole and Khalid joined us. Ran into my friend Alicia Evans who is a publicist extraordinaire and a singer with whom I've shared a stage or two - including the holiday party for the Black Public Relations Society some years ago (She was the President and booked me to entertain the troops with Christmas songs and many-a-pop-standard). This is Ebony Jo-Ann - also at RACE. She is featured in the new film "The Grown Ups". Go check her out! Afterwards, we joined our Momentum buddies Ruben, Raoul, Ruben's mom Cookie; and Liz for Ruben BDAY BBQ in Washington Heights followed by a roll through No Parking. Then, the next day, we went to the PRIDE parade. We got a bite at COWGIRL with our girl Andrea, her girls, and Ant’s cousin Chantay. Plus, we ran into many friends along the way.

VISIBLE LIVES

Last week, I got the chance to put my acting cap on and participate in a table read for an upcoming romantic comedy that a dear friend is producing. It went well. Here, the rest of the table-read cast celebrate a great session at Native in Harlem.

A few days later, film adaptations were on the mind of many who attended the book signing for “Visible Lives: Three Stories in Tribute to E. LYNN HARRIS”.

My dear friends Terrance Dean (not in attendance on this night), James Earl Hardy, and Stanley Bennett Clay have homaged E. LYNN HARRIS with their three sizzling novellas.

James and Stanley read from their selections and Miss Tina Andrews (who wrote 'Sally Hemmings' telescript and "Why Do Fools Fall In Love") hosted the book signing/reading event at Barnes & Noble on 82nd and Broadway.

My girl Sidra was in the house.

And our dear friends Danielle and Charlie T.

Charlie T (center) is a renowned photographer and creator of Stamford, CT exhibit "Just As We Are" which is now being prepped for a London debut. She shot Ant and me a couple of years ago (www.charlietphotography.net/portfolios.htm and www.justasweare.org). We are featured in her photo exhibit. Afterwards, got to enjoy a lovely meal of pasta, tuna, and wine at my Sid's new Harlem digs. En route, we stumbled into artist Hani Shihada (on Broadway and 91st street - www.HaniSideWalkArt.com).

 NABJ

In addition to chasing checks for spot work I’ve recently done, I am open to some new projects (Whatcha got? Any good-fit fare? Gotta keep that revenue streaming). SOS! But in the meantime, I am not twiddling my thumbs as my mostly volunteer efforts as Chair of the NABJ Arts & Entertainment Task Force have me on back-to-back conference calls – in preps for our San Diego convention at the end of July. It’s gonna be a BLAST (if I can put my pennies together to actually be there. UGH! This, as it too will be good for networking and attracting more good-fit work). Michael K. Watts and I are co-producing the NABJ Opening (featuring my buddy DR. OZ and gospel great Donnie McClurkin); Boris Kodjoe is coming to promote his new NBC show “Undercovers”; and so much more that we are still aiming to greenlight (ahem, time will reveal...). Stay tuned. NABJ is always a blast! (www.nabj.org). One highlight: “The Young & The Restless” is powering our NABJ A&E Task Force reception. The highest-rated daytime drama on American television joins one of NABJ’s top task forces for an evening that promises sparkling synergies and star power. This reception will take time to salute the iconic, multi-Emmy-award-winning “The Young & The Restless” which has charmed its audiences with the best soap operas have to offer since March 26, 1973. For nearly 40 years, Y&R has stood firmly inside a commitment to diversity with its cast and storylines. Y&R stars Kristoff St. John (“Neil Winters”); Darius McCrary (“Malcolm Winters”); and the legendary Jeanne Cooper (Y&R's ever-youthful matriarch “Katherine Chancellor”) will attend this NABJ A&E Task Force’s signature event. These beloved and revered co-stars will share great reflections and updates on the hit soap opera. The characters are like family members i.e. Drucilla RIP (I got to interview her in Vegas at NABJ a couple of years ago); Neil; Lily; Malcolm; Olivia; etc. - just a few of the key players on the show who help to underscore that rare commitment to diversity in the soap world (My brother, my nephew, and I stand on our late mom's (nephew's grandmother's) shoulders with this pass-time. LOL!). Additionally, the NABJ A&E Task Force LEGACY Award will be presented to JET Magazine’s own Clarence Waldron. The creation of the "LEGACY AWARD" - first presented in 1997 at Chicago's NABJ - is designed to acknowledge our unsung (perhaps less heralded) crop of A&E journalists who have spent substantive careers chronicling the often-celebrated and high-profile lives and careers of others. Clarence - known to some as 'the Dean of the African American entertainment journalists' - joins the company of a special group - including the late John H. Johnson and EBONY's former Managing Editor Lynn Norment, also an active member of the NABJ A&E Task Force. Additionally, we've honored such noteworthy journalists as USA Today’s music critic Steve Jones (pictured); the Michigan Chronicle's Rita Griffin (first journalist to interview Diana Ross & The Supremes and their many fellow MOTOWN mates in Detroit -before they became international icons); and David Earl Jackson of Memphis' Tri-State Defender.

STATE OF INDEPENDENCE

This past Happy 4^th of July weekend provided lots of relaxation - including a great cookout at one of the homes of Ant's extended Brooklyn family. Ern joined us. A little work. Actually, went to Wal Mart to grocery shop. GASP! And Ern had us over for a seafood fest a la shrimp/catfish/hush-puppies/baked-fries(with rosemary and other seasonings). And daiquiries. Also, it was great to see friends Sid, Candice, Mara, Tommie, and others over the last few days.

SPIRIT OF SUCCESS

My high school principal from Savannah's Windsor Forest High School passed away. AWESOME LADY! MAJOR MOTIVATOR! Frances Wong R.I.P. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/savannah/obituary.aspx?n=frances-wong&pid=143824140&sms_ss=facebook

LUTHER: HERE AND NOW

LUTHER V! We miss you! But you're still HERE & NOW! WE ARE LUTHER! See these LV-related archive entries from "A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities" (circa '07): http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/2/25/we-are-luther-please-reply-by-march-12.html and http://thelifeofriley.squarespace....com/rilys-blog/move-on-up-a-little-higher-lord-upgrade-me.html

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MKW

So all of my peers are turning 40. How can that be? Perhaps because – in November of this year – I will turn 40. Many are being low-key about it. My Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts did it up – including Ammos Greek Seafood Restaurant in East Midtown - a FAB backdrop to ring MKW into his "NEW DAY"! Also, via FACEBOOK, Michael did “40 Days to 40 Years” in which he counted down 40 days leading up to his 40th Birthday with a new photo uploaded each day - tracing his evolution from birth to age 40. And though I’ve known him since I was 17, his picture #38 honored our friendship. Read on:

40th Photo #38: When my best friend Patrick Riley and I pursued careers in journalism while at Morehouse, we had no idea where our paths would lead us. We supported each other professionally and personally, and our career paths would cross a few times: his leaving FOX 5 Atlanta to move to New York caused a job opportunity for me at FOX 5; when I moved to New York, we collaborated on freelance projects between jobs. Our most significant collaboration has been producing major events for the National Association of Black Journalists for the past several years. Here we are posing during the convention in Indianapolis. We are a team, and our friendship is priceless.

40 LOOKS GOOD ON YOU, MICHAEL! I breathe better as I look to mine. LOVE!

So, check out “Out” magazine (www.out.com) this month (http://www.out.com/detail.asp?id=25657
). I am featured in the lead story photo inside the current issue which profiles Food Network star Sandra Lee (page 51): http://www.zinio.com/reader.jsp?issn=1062-7928 (click on the page at the bottom of the screen). You may recall, I shot it last year. I met Sandra Lee one night at a NYC cocktail party hosted by a friend.On this night, Sandra asked me to come visit her photo shoot for OUT Magazine the following day as I knew her publicist Audra. Upon my arrival to the photo studio, she asked if I'd join the shoot as she had - since the night prior - been going goo-goo and ga-ga over my ---- get this ---- cheekbones. Suddenly, I was being whisked away from the kraft service table into wardrobe, hair, and makeup. QUITE THE RUSH! Well, here it is: http://www.zinio.com/reader.jsp?issn=1062-7928And this is how I blogged about it last year: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/8/15/butterflies-begin-from-having-been-another.html R.I.P. to E. LYNN HARRIS: Without him, I may not have ever gotten to the point where I would agree to do such a shoot. His works - from "Invisible Life" to the present - helped me EMBRACE MY TRUTH... and helped me be PROUD about who I am - for "the world to know"! I am HAPPY and HUMBLED to be a part of this layout as perhaps the extent of the diversity on the particular page.

Another highlight from the last couple of weeks was being able to do a few days of business back in New York City (as I’ve been holed up in Atlanta on a project featuring singer Monica).I can’t detail all the goings on but you’ll be able to see it yourself come October on BET. The best part is I got the chance to see Ant as we were put up at The Hudson Hotel (www.hudsonhotel.com) - a stone’s throw from his day work on “The Wendy Williams Show” (www.wendyshow.com).I got the chance to introduce Ant to Monica. And we got the chance to introduce to Monica my nephew Noot, who has been the Grammy-award-winning diva’s #1 fan for many years.In addition to a reality show, Monica has a new CD coming out… and I trust it to be a big hit for her. Though work, great to share it with my guys.In between our long-in-the-tooth shooting days, Ant and I got to hang out a little – including some time at my old stomping ground for ‘intimate evenings of song’ The Duplex (http://216.117.188.141/rileyshowforkodjoe.wmv). My “Broadway baby love” Ken Roberson performed The Wiz’s “If You Believe” and Pippin’s “Magic To Do” for the spirited crowd. We also got to hang out with our friends at spots like “Nowhere” and “Splash”.But we had a blast hanging in Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn (www.fortgreenepark.org) with Ant’s Denver buddies Manivone, Chris, Reggie, and many others.On this night, we enjoyed a taste of Greek cuisine at a neighborhood spot (juxtaposed to now-old-hat-soul-food–since–in-Atlanta from Amy Ruth --- www.amyruthsharlem.com) and we even got a little karaoke in at our favorite spot One 7 (www.karaoke17.com). While in NYC working, I got access to Whitney Houston’s listening party. However, scheduling didn’t allow me to attend.Still, New York City provided me lots of pleasure – including a quick visit with my Detroit buddy Greg Dunmore with whom I spent lots of quality time on my last leg of L.A. (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/6/23/hes-hoppin-it-to-hollywood.html). We dined at the Hudson Hotel’s “Kitchen”. Check out Greg’s HAT CONTEST PROMO for Aretha’s SOLD-OUT Detroit Fox date from a week or so ago: www.youtube.com/?v=m1pjxxPOVso.

I have been working alongside Monica for the last month and change (not to mention the chance to work with some of the best and most kind folks in the business).And on top of that, there have been some additional, personal highlights to my time here.I was excited to get the chance to warm up for an exclusive performance she recently did at my Morehouse brother Christian Ruffin’s place “The View” (www.TheViewatKingPlow.com).His One Stop Productions company (www.OneStopProduction.com) managed the sound, lighting, staging, etc. for the affair. Though in place as a stretching mechanism for Monica’s fab costume changes, it was good to be on the stage and to be given an opportunity to let my personality shine through.I sang too! Lots of fun.Plus, I got to invite some dear friends out – including my homegirl from Savannah (READ: elementary school) Tonja (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/8/26/its-good-to-be-black.html).She brought her husband Andrew who is managing a music group 430 that is creating quite the buzz on the charts and on the road as they prepare to tour stateside and internationally (www.myspace.com/4thirty). Tonja also proved herself quite the “A Day in the Life of Riley” correspondent as she also took this pic at our high school classmate Anthony David’s recent Atlanta set that I couldn’t attend due to scheduling (www.anthonydavidmusic.com/).Also, my girl Elise – Media Relations Manager at Morehouse (www.morehouse.edu) - came and enjoyed the show along with Morehouse brother Jabez Shakur (www.marooninstitute.com). And amidst our preps for this project, Monica’s makeup artistChristian – also a friend of my L.A. buddies Scott and Tony – and I got to enjoy some lovely meals at two ATL hot spots: “Geisha House” (www.dolcegroup.com) and “Two Urban Licks” (www.twourbanlicks.com).He's been an awesome host to me - and not always as over as the accompanying picture, but always cute, fly, and so cool!

I also got some quality time with family and friends. My brother Herman, sister Janice, and I got the chance to spend some quality sibling time together. Of course, we did one of our favorite things to do: EAT. First, Houston’s (www.hillstone.com). Then, Busy Bee (for banana pudding): www.thebusybeecafe.com. Also, we got the chance to memorialize Michael Jackson (as a family) since he was such a part of our growing up.We met him on Norton Air Force Base in San Bernadino, CA at an airplane expo: The Thunderbirds. Also, we shared an audience with him at Magic Mountain for a Sylvers Concert.Then, there are the Jacksons/solo shows we've attended in addition to one moment in Atlanta when I got to meet him at The Omni for a charity benefit at which he made an appearance with TLC. Oh! And I attended that pre-9/11 30th Anniversary concert in September of 2001.We played Michael all day and night long which brought a bit of closure to The King of Pop’s passing (I wondered why I hadn’t quite gotten over it yet. I was waiting on this moment with my brother and sister.). Janice, cousin Floyd, and I got the chance to do a meal at “Six Feet Under” (www.sixfeetunderatlanta.com) followed by a screening of DVD “Madea Goes To Jail” (www.madeagoestojailmovie.com/).

And my friends popped by too – including my Morehouse brother Khalid with whom I enjoyed Ron Winans and Gladys Knight Chicken ‘n Waffles (www.gladysandron.net).Also, on the Morehouse tip, I stumbled into my Spelman sister Laura Morse while in the Atlanta airport. Always good to see my peeps.And Morehouse brother Michael K. Watts was in town for business but made it his business to see me (in a very small window of time).He’s been doing some awesome work with his writing (as his Maxwell interview is featured in this month’s UPSCALE Magazine – www.upscalemagazine.com).But Michael is also doing some awesome work inside his longstanding brand as a collector of pop culture memorabilia. Stay tuned for more details on this special way in which Michael Jackson’s #1 fan is being a stand for the great entertainer’s legacy.

And there was lots of fun to be had at Midown Tavern (www.midtowntavern.net) where our friend Anthony Hill, head writer for Tyler Perry’s “Meet The Browns” (www.tbs.com/shows/meetthebrowns) invited us to karaoke.I experimented on Diana’s “Waiting in the Wings” (www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAVA6kBZ73Q). Anthony and I did The Spinners “Games People Play” (www.youtube.com/watch?v=5znh58WITU8). I got a showstopper in: Mariah Carey’s “Can’t Let Go” (www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLkwbUPfk3g).And SWV’s LeLee (my colleague Shareen’s buddy) was in the house. Shareen introduced us on our last stint in Atlanta.

Meanwhile, You recall I told you about Laurent Korcia earlier this year (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/1/14/through-the-mirror-of-my-mindi-see-reflections-of-you-and-me.html). Well, here’s a link to a recent NPR story on him: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106479206 His CD is coming out next week.

And one of my favorite New York City editors Kerry Soloway has some great programming coming on Public TV soon (www.NightingaleEditorial.com). It’s a Great Performances “Harlem in Montmartre”. Check it out!And my girlfriend Paula Witt is a part of a speakers’ bureau and spreading positive messages all over the world via “Truth Be Told Speakers” (www.truthbetoldspeakers.com). CONGRATS!

… and as I come to the end of this leg of my Atlanta stint, I head home for a few days.I’ll take a little breather, though will still be prepping for NABJ in Tampa (www.nabj.org) and my two-month stint in L.A. for which I still am trying to identify a place to stay. And when I get a moment in, I am simply counting my blessings!