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

So, there’s nothing like six weeks of steady work in my industry. Twelve weeks is good too. And when creativity and good vibrations are folded in, it’s ON! With all of that in place, I too felt good to be able to take a few days to leave the aforementioned circumstances to return home – just for the weekend – to celebrate my Ant’s birthday.  And though I had homework, it was so cool to be able to oversee my long-standing plans to celebrate all things Ant. There was a karaoke party that he requested for he, his friends, fam, co-workers, and I to enjoy… and that we did. It was his fellow co-worker Joi's birthday too - so she shared in the celebration (She is in the audience department for 'The Wendy Williams Show' and Wendy's warm-up). We chose a different spot: KARAOKE TOP TUNES (www.karaoketoptunes.com) and even with some spring fever, I managed to serenade him his favorite tunes – including “This Woman’s Work” (http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/video/video.php?v=390384328736&ref=mf). And he and I did our favorites. Plus, Joe and I did some TV theme songs. But mostly, our guests enjoyed singing all of their songs… and keeping the energy in the room alive. It was so much FUN! See the many pix (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=166054&id=662073736&l=15c9dcddcf).

On Friday, Ern & I took Ant to one of his favorite dining experiences Houston’s in Hackenack, NJ (www.hillstone.com) – some local flavor. And wherever we would go, the servers were happy to provide a little celebratory sweet. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! But Saturday, we went international – EGYPT to be exact to the KING TUT Exhibit which opened that weekend at the Discovery Time Square Exposition (www.discoverytsx.com/exhibitions/kingtut). Our girlfriends Manivone and Cy joined us for the audio tour and 3-D movie.  ANT loves all things EGYPT! In fact, his alter ego is AKHENATEN – King Tut and Nefertiti’s son. Given Ant took me to Manila to see Beyonce for my birthday, I figured I'd do a little something - if just virtual. LOL! Someday soon, we'll get there. After that exploration, we went to Cafeteria (www.cafeteriagroup.com). Our girlfriend Cristal was in town from Atlanta. So, she and Ern joined us in the city. Then, we went to our main karaoke spot One 7 (www.karaoke17.com).

And Sunday capped us off on Broadway – where we met – to see Denzel Washington in “August Wilson’s Fences” (www.fencesonbroadway.com). We stumbled into some of our dear friends – including Tracey Moore (http://www.thespiritedactor.com/biography.cfm) from whom Ant recently took some acting lessons. Also, my fellow NABJ (www.nabj.org) buddies Harriette Cole (EBONY’s own – www.johnsonpublishing.com) and Ms. Karyn Collins – founder of the NABJ Arts & Entertainment Task Force (www.karyncollins.com). And Ant and I adore our girlfriend CJ. Well, we too love her husband Herman who brought his sister to the show. And we even got some photo ops with a couple of the cast members Russell Hornsby who I recognized from “Lincoln Heights” and a couple of “Girlfriends” episodes (Toni’s little brother). Also, Stephen McKinley Henderson stopped to greet us; He plays opposite Denzel through most of the production.  After Denzel and company did their thing, we joined Charlie T and Danielle who treated us to Ant’s birthday Sunday dinner at Room Service (www.roomservicerestaurant.com). The food is thai. The company was great. And of course, there was another sweet to celebrate it all. We capped the night off with a night cap at El Morocco (www.elmorocconyc.com) before turning in for what was an early Monday morning both ways.

I had to hop on a plane back to Chicago to wrap up this six-week project. And of course, with the work days, I got to continue my taste through Chicago each night:

On Monday, Rockit Bar & Grill was our backdrop for dinner and drinks (www.rockitbarandgrill.com). This, for Itika’s SCENE blog on www.cheekychicago.com. Though out of salmon (due to the Island volcano eruption, we're told), we enjoyed the company with several of her friends – including my Morehouse brothers, Dell & Corey. Afterwards, Carl & I did an encore appearance at REPUBLIC for the drag show. This, while missing the season finale of RUPAUL's DRAG RACE! But now I know that TYRA – the other TYRA - SANCHEZ won… and I got to see it on a VH-1 re-airing! JOB WELL DONE!

On Tuesday: After a busy day of work on Tuesday in Chicago, Chicago Carl took me to Adobo Grill (www.adobogrill.com/) for some delicious Mexican cuisine. We were joined by Vince who joined me in an impromptu concert culled from our "favorite" Jennifer Holliday. We sang a cappella. And we mostly pulled from her repertoire - the early years: songs from her Maurice-White produced debut album "Feel My Soul": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6g_rf73TpU and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgO6hte-wqw.

On Wednesday, my Morehouse BFF Eddie joined me for dinner. We did prime rib and jazz at BANDERA restaurant  (www.hillstone.com) – our take two in as many weeks. But they were out of prime rib last week.

And last night, on the eve of my Chicago departure, my Itika orchestrated a little agenda for us. She took me to an independent film premiere Black Butterfly (www.blackbutterflymovie.com).     There were elements to this film that were truly endearing. Other parts uneven. But overall, we really enjoyed the evening. And Itika and I love to experience the triumph of independent filmmakers - bringing their labor of love to life. Afterwards, we met up with Chi Carl at Market (www.marketbarchicago.com) to toast our great time in Chi. Then, my NABJ mentee Danyella (who worked with me on "Monica: Still Standing" & "Frankie & Neffe") and her beau Jason - also an emerging journalist and member of NABJ - joined us. And we had a GREAT NIGHT!

TODAY… I’m wrapping up the project… and getting ready to head back to NYC… and I’m poised for WHAT’S NEXT? No answers yet. But I have a little window to breathe as these next few checks trickle out over the next month or so. Will work for FOOD! SMILE! And I am TRUSTING my next rung of ABUNDANCE to be right around the BEND as I manage this current revenue stream delicately.

By the way: Not my happiest holiday (if not my least happiest), but MOTHER’S DAY is upon us… and there’s a SPECIAL MOTHER’S DAY EVENT WITH ALVIN AILEY AT NJPAC that you should check out:  http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/4/29/special-mothers-day-event-with-alvin-ailey-at-njpac.html Tell them I sent you!