A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHTS AT NATIVE

I love karaoke! You know that, right? http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=390384328736&ref=mf And I love NATIVE Restaurant in HARLEM http://harlemnativenyc.com/! Well, NATIVE has invited me to host an ALL-STAR KARAOKE NIGHT on every Thursday night from 9pm – MIDNIGHT, starting this Thursday, August 26th.

NATIVE RESTAURANT

161 LENOX AVENUE

@ 118TH STREET

NEW YORK, NY

212.665.2525

No worries, if you don’t “do” KARAOKE! We have you covered:

·       We’ll be creating a supper-club, open-mic scene by inviting some of New York City’s KARAOKE ALL-STARS to perform their karaoke favorites (along with me) during the first two hours.

·       For any walk-ins (or folks who may need two hours to loosen up a la the bar), we’ll have a few slots available in the third and final hour of the night.

·        ADDITIONALLY, on any given Thursday, some of our AWESOME PRO SINGER friends may pop by and bless us with a song or two.

·       Though this week will include a survey of all music, we will also schedule THEME NIGHTS i.e. MOTOWN, the DIVAS, BROADWAY, 70s FUNK, JAZZ STANDARDS, etc.

If you are among my fellow KARAOKE singers or are just one of NYC’s FINEST SINGERS (and you want to come out and play THIS THURSDAY, AUGUST 26 @ 9PM), please email me privately at patarack@hotmail.com. And LET ME KNOW WHAT FOUR or FIVE SONGS YOU’D LIKE TO SING (so we can pre-program the line-up). This is all for FREE and for FUN… for now! We’re trying this concept on for size and – over the next weeks – will determine what of it works best… and where we may want to grow this special Thursday night in Harlem. And we know there are many GREAT THINGS popping off in New York City on Thursday, so if you’re double or triple booked, please consider rolling through – if just a moment.

KARAOKE, KARAOKE, AND MORE KARAOKE

WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU FOLKS COME OUT and experience my special brand of KARAOKE which has had quite a presence in “… the life of Riley…” over these last couple of weeks:

Video 1 - http://www.sendspace.com/file/jne6hv
Video 2 - http://www.sendspace.com/file/9gjz99
Video 3 - http://www.sendspace.com/file/0fg5mk

There was a night Ant and I happened upon “my karaoke pusher men” Dante and Michael – both of whom hipped me to the pastime, even in the afternoon.

Then, there was the surprise birthday party for our buddy Javier whose partner Marco invited us out to celebrate. Since this was at our regular spot One 7, we invited my “Amazing Grace” Nichole to come by and celebrate her birthday. She sang. She brought friends – including Troy and Danielle. And our mutual buddy Dawn provided us much voice and song that I’m excited to have you all hear at one of our NATIVE nights. And one night, I got to sing with Amber Dirks of KOPATECHNIC fame (www.kopatechnic.com). She’s an AWESOME DIVA and has sung with many of the greats. Her production team has done AMAZING work with many – including CeCe Peniston. One night, Greg, Khalid, Ern, Ant, and I did karaoke.After a round of cocktails with friends at the Hudson Terrace, we enjoyed a musical walk down memory lane. On that night, we got our first try-out of the New Pink Tea Cup - including the grits, catfish, potato salad, and the many familiar faces from its staff. A walk to Ern’s car inspired a familiar voice in the air. It was my friend Jensen Atwood (Wade from "Noah's Arc"). He and I always stumble into each other – no matter which city we’re in. I last bumped into him in Chicago while there on an extended assignment in the Spring, earlier this year. We had a lovely exchange before calling it a night.

ON THE AIR

So, of course, as I “sing for my supper” (or – at least – for a snack), I am taking meetings and networking feverishly to identify some good fit work inside my brand as independent personality/producer/writer. Nothing so concrete has popped up yet, but I’m operating and navigating to POSSIBILITIES only. So, even as the budget is tight, I STAND and TRUST my GOD and our UNIVERSE to have my back. My friends Maurice Jamal and Richard Pelzer – multi-media directors, producers, writers, managers, publicists, TV execs, etc. – are embarking on a new, urban LGBT network glotv (www.GloTVNetwork.com) which is premiering September 3, 2010. I have been looking to do more on-camera pop culture analysis (playing off the momentum I’ve attracted from bookings of late):

• NBC Nightly News w/Brian Williams [on-line: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pYKZBjEx40) and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXc6x5JlJuw
•  Also, I was a guest on Michael Eric Dyson's public radio show (It was a MEN'S SUMMIT that first ran on Father’s Day Friday but you can click on it here: http://dysonshow.org/?p=1721  --- between 13:46 - 31:27)
• I'm featured in a piece re: Ebony Fashion Fair on CUNY-TV's "Indepedent Sources" that ran in February.  http://www.cuny.tv/series/sources/listen.lasso?-database=CUNYPROG&-response=detail2.lasso&-table=webprogdetail2&-sortField=TapeDate&-sortOrder=descending&-op=eq&SeriesTitle=Independent%20Sources&-op=neq&Real_av=%3d%3d&-op=lte&TapeDate=12%2f31%2f2010&-op=gte&TapeDate=1%2f1%2f2010&-maxRecords=1&-skipRecords=1&-search  (I am excerpted a couple of times between 4:08 & 5:28)

Maurice and Richard invited me to be one of the on-camera, pop culture analysts for some of their new programming. Stay tuned as the links will soon be available. This, while we are still editing the pilot project that I host and while I am trusting long-standing client dispatches to pick-up as the new talk season is about to begin. Coincidentally, I got an encore media impression from the Game Show Network last night. I was channel surfing and I stumbled into the episode of "Million Dollar Password" in which I won $25K back in 2008 (http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickGeneralReel.wmv). I LOVE and LIVE for ABUNDANT reminders – especially from my own testimonial pool!!!

BLACK WOMAN’S AGENDA

I get my 3^rd ESSENCE Magazine (www.essence.com) by-line in the current 40^th Anniversary issue of the popular magazine. I contributed – as reporter/researcher – to The Black Woman’s Agenda, comparing African American women from 1970 to African American women today (in a multitude of categories). Please be sure to pick it up. Meanwhile, I was super excited to bump into girlfriend Kim Coles who is busy as ever on her own agenda that promises to empower not only Black women but ALL OF US (www.openthegifts.com). I got an invite to see the taping of “The Nate Berkus Show” and Kim Coles was the guest. You’ll have to wait and see all that she talked about, but afterwards, she had Kim Coles’ G.I.F.T.S. for Ant and me :a new empowerment program that helps participants step into their authentic selves; share their unique qualities with the world; and soar into a joyful and passionate life. So, that’s GRATITUDE. INTENTION. FORGIVENESS. TRIUMPHS. SELF-LOVE. And includes FREE G.I.F.T.S eBook, Newsletter, blog, podcasts, events, teleclasses, Kim’s Inner Circle Club, and more! I’m all signed up… and see it as a wonderful compliment to the work that I’ve already done in the way of MOMENTUM EDUCATION (www.momentumeducation.com). Our catch-up with Kim Coles took place at Moda Restaurant in the city and - as always - was chockful of laughter and great sharing. Since on a spot level, I’ve worked with Nate over the last decade (as a freelance field producer), he received me warmly in front of his studio audience. Too, it was great to see other friends who work for the show - including "My Ivory" (the “other” Nathaniel) and my Reeny (with whom I worked on “Monica: Still Standing” and “Frankie & Neffe” in Atlanta and L.A.). Ant and his work buddies Lorraine, Kemar, and Alia were our dates. Afterwards, we enjoyed a quick lunch at Hudson Eatery.

KEM

Another KIM (spelled KEM) celebrated something this past week. Detroit’s-own Kem’s third album INTIMACY came out. We went to his private CD release party at Tillman’s. Friends Devon Christopher (BLEU Magazine); Bevy Smith; Jamie Foster Brown (Sister 2 Sister); Elise Finch (CBS Meteorologist); were in the house. And of course, label prez Sylvia Rhone was the host with the most. Afterwards, did a little rooftop action at Fashion 26: A Wyndham Hotel. My Morehouse buddy Eddie reminds me that I sang KEM’s “You Are” at his wedding.

BREAKING BREAD

The GREAT thing about the SUMMER… and my friends, in particular: WE LOVE TO EAT! And THEY LOVE TO ENTERTAIN! And HARLEM is usually the backdrop. And though these are hard times for many, it’s WONDERFUL to BATHE in the FELLOWSHIP of friends. This past Saturday, friends Robin & Zach hosted a well-appointed brunch at their Harlem pad. Tasty spread of shrimp, cheese grits, Caesar salad, champagne, and a great lemonade w/brown sugar in the mix. That night, another meal (of a handful in the last couple of weeks) at Sidra’s place. It was neighborhood pizza & “Mahogany” on this particular night. On another evening, it was another pizza place & watching “Real Housewives of D.C.” in which our friends Paul Wharton, Ted Gibson, and Jason Backe are featured. But we’ve also done African cuisine; West Indian; and her home-spun pastas and veggies. One night, we had our Tommie (Mara's hubby) pop down to join us. On another night, my friend Kevin (Moochie) was in the house. One recent night, my nephew came by as he too is a Harlem resident now. He and his roommate Harrison allowed us to crash one night as they hosted a dinner party. This, since he wanted to see my dear friend Tata. She’d invited Ant and me to join her for the Harlem Week Street Festival. Her company had a booth there. We ran into buddies Will; Tommie; Jamar; Nina; Seitu; Dwayne; KiKi; and our favorite City Gym Boys. Some of the fellows were out - selling the fitness company's calendars which benefit the mentoring of young men and women on the lifelong benefits of fitness and exercise (www.citygymboys.com).  My buddy Natalie was promoting the upcoming Broadway revival “Driving Miss Daisy” – starring James Earl Jones and Vanessa Redgrave. And this was but a second day of hanging with our friend Will. He invited Tommie, Ant, and me up for poolside fellowship and dinner at his Nyack, NY pad. Like Will, another favorite DP James Curry (who shot some of our pilot project) was in attendance with his lovely wife Lisa in tow. We ended up at Tarantella for pizza. Since last I updated, I had a business dinner with dear and old friend Zabrina (BET PR) and her friend Eric, who is a hair stylist extraordinaire - including clients like Carol's Daughter. We ate at Delta Grill. Also, stumbled into our buddies Melvin and Derrick in the streets of NYC en route home. I LOVE NEW YORK for that! I also happened upon old friend Steve Van Patten who is making his mark in the the Vampire Novel literary genre. He's published two volumes of Brookwater's Curse with one more on the way. CHECK HIM OUT!

THE FABULOUS MS. JO THOMPSON & SON!

The Metropolitan Room was the place to be last night for the FABULOUS MS. JO THOMPSON's tribute to LENA HORNE! (My buddy Gregory Generet has also been performing there over the last month). You recall, I mentioned my dear friend and NABJ brother, Greg Dunmore, is the son and manager of jazz vocalist and pianist Jo Thompson. Her set was called the “Lena Horne Salute  - THANK YOU LENA!!!” (Conceived by Greg himself). And it was Jo Thompson with the JC Heard Orchestra. The elegant set was directed by Walt Szymanski. Additionally, this special event will mark the official CD Release of “Jo Thompson: Forever Fabulous!!!” (with the JC Heard Orchestra directed by Walt Szymanski) on the Jazz Jewels Digital Label (www.jazzjewels.tv/jothompsonepk.html). In addition to all of my favorites, Jo did a FABULOUS finale reading of “Believe in Yourself” as inspired by Lena Horne from the cult classic film “The Wiz”. Extra shout out to Greg. You know, we just got back from San Diego. The NABJ A&E Task Force honored JET Magazine’s Clarence Waldron with our 2010 Legacy Award. Greg – Co-Chair of the task force (which I Chair) – produced (in cooperation with Pulse Beat TV – www.pulsebeat.tv) a wonderful tribute to Clarence – including remarks from Miss Aretha Franklin; Miss Nancy Wilson; Miss Dionne Warwick; Brandy; India.Arie; and a host of others. Take a look: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u90BzT1cUI. CONGRATS, CLARENCE! And as always THANKS, GREG! We’re keeping our eyes on PULSE BEAT TV – including all your wonderful programming options. And here are more pix from NABJ SAN DIEGO: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/album.php?aid=195276&id=662073736.

EXTRAVAGANZA ELEGANZA!

So, this past weekend, I got to do a couple of roll-bys: LATEX BALL @ Roseland Ballroom (AIDS benefit put on by the GMHC). We saw GREAT FACE & the faces of friends Derrick, Toyce, and RU DRAG RACE DIVA BeBe Zahara Benet (who is so SWEET & FABULOUS!). Then, we went to SECRET to see our buddy Demarco Majors who celebrated his birthday. He was so happy that we came. And it was great to see friends Patrik-Ian Polk; Seitu; and a host of our other buddies we’ve been seeing a lot here in the summer months. I LOVE IT! Patrik (Creator of “Noah’s Arc”) – in fact – attended our buddy Nathan Hale Williams’ set at NYC’s ROAM. This evening was also the backdrop for our friend Ra-Fael Blanco’s birthday celebration. Our Teaneck, NJ-buddy Robert attended with us. And Momentum buddy Bariek was in the house as well. We also got some FAB BEACH TIME in. It brought The Pines on Fire Island; a lovely beach house; relaxation; and lots of laughs amongst friends – including Ern. After a great day of fun in the sun, we went to girlfriend Cindy and her husband-to-be John’s engagement party at Le Souk. Great food! Great people! And a BIG SNAKE!

P.S. FELA!

So my dear friend Marcia Pendelton (www.walktallgirlproductions.com) who works marketing and audience for mostly all of Broadway's big shows alerted me that FELA! is welcoming Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist Patti LaBelle to its cast on Tuesday, September 14. She will take over the role of Fela’s mother (Funmilayo Anikulapo-Kuti) through Sunday, January 2, 2011, when the show will play its final scheduled performance. Tony Award-winner Lillias White (who received a 2010 Tony Nomination for her performance in this production) will play her final performance on September 12. Fela! received three 2010 Tony Awards, including Best Choreography, Best Costume Design and Best Sound Design. It is currently playing at Broadway’s Eugene O’Neill Theatre (230 West 49th Street) where it opened to rave reviews on November 23. Either hit Marcia up or click: www.felaonbroadway.com for more information.

MORE PIX:

Well, I’m taking more and more meetings. So, something is bound to pop up as my WHAT'S NEXT goes. Meanwhile, I'm treading lightly in the spending department but no less enjoying what life has to offer.            

Sometimes spot work pops up that’s less about revenue and more about using my talents (as gifts) or building and/or maintaining relationships.

I am contributing my gift for writing the scripted word to the “6th Annual Black 2: Broadway Celebrates the Tony Awards”. My boy Kevin-Anthony puts it on every year and I’ve scripted it before (in years gone by): http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/6/13/from-black.html. This is an EXCITING year in which many folks of color are nominated for The Tony Award– including Denzel Washington and Viola Davis (for “Fences”); Lillias White, one of 11 nominations for “Fela”; and David Alan Grier for “RACE”. Along with these nominations for the 64th Annual Tony Awards, this year’s special Black 2: Broadway event is co-hosted by Adrian Bailey & Coleman Domingo who Ant and I got to know during his run in Broadway’s “Passing Strange”.

The event I’m working on with Kevin-Anthony is honoring the Broadway Production of “Sophisticated Ladies” along with my friend, Choreographer Kenneth Roberson & “The AUDELCO Organization”. Both will be receiving our Vanguard Award for their contributions & excellence in uplifting & supporting our theater community of color and beyond. The night will round out with the outstanding talents of Ty Stephens, Alyson Williams, Kimberly Nicole just to name a few.

There will be hors d’oeuvres, great dinner buffet, dessert, amazing musical selections and whole lot of fun. For more information, www.black2broadway.com and www.b2productins.xbuild.com. The last time Kevin-Anthony reached out to me, it was November last year… and the request was for me to sing Diana Ross’ “The Boss” to its composers Ashford & Simpson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbI1qEM_k8k). Though not my shining moment (as a singer: http://216.117.188.141/rileyshowforkodjoe.wmv and http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/video/video.php?v=390384328736&ref=mf, it was a lot of FUN to sing for them at GOSPEL UPTOWN where this special Tony-viewing event is held as well.  

Speaking of MISS ROSS, she performed this past week at a SOLD OUT Radio City Music Hall. And as you know, I’d been COUNTING DOWN to the moment. And what a MAGICAL MOMENT it was. The day started at Bard High School Early College where I spoke at an assembly that LIVE OUT LOUD organized (www.liveoutloud.info). You recall, I speak to kids all over the New York City area for LIVE OUT LOUD which mentors, provides scholarships, and promotes awareness around LGBT issues for all students. This auditorium - filled with spirited students - had great comments and questions. After I shared one particular anecdote re: one of my late, great mentors Tom Morgan (for whom I got to sing "Wind Beneath My Wings" before his passing), a student asked me to sing it to them (They gave me a standing ovation). I dedicated it not only to the memory of Tom but to these teenagers who seem to really have a grasp on what they are (more courageously than me...at their age). And I mean the gay teens AND the straight teens. GREAT GROUP OF YOUNG FOLKS!

Then, I had a quick, pre-show drink at THERAPY.

Mario and Derrick invited Ant and me to pop by as Mario was preparing to see 'RACE' on Broadway.

 RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL for MISS ROSS' SOLD-OUT show is where we were going!

She was FABULOUS!

Two of her three daughters Rhonda & Chudney were in the house along with one of her two sons Ross.

I got a pic with Chudney.

Of course, I've gotten shots with Rhonda before.

And Tracee.

I’ve known Ern since 7^th grade (1982) and he’s known my Miss Ross-jones since that time. But of my 25 times seeing Miss Ross, he’s never been. So, for his February birthday, I promised him a ticket (This, before I even knew Ross was – for sure – going on tour).

Then, Ant – of course – had to be there. And so many other friends I know through our collective love of DIANA - including my Frankie. Scott.

 And Dustin.

And Bernard.

 Just too many to name here.

But I must acknowledge my Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts accompanied me (also my birthday gift to him). He reviewed the show VIA his new Facebook page for his concert reviews... “LIVE! from Front Row”!!!  Please join his Facebook page... and you don't have to be ON Facebook to see the Diana Ross review!!!   

To read the review of Diana Ross' Radio City Music Hall show:  http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=393390688541

To read past reviews and get the latest concert tour news, check out and join our Facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/LIVEfromFrontRow

And of course, YOU TUBE (www.youtube.com) can show you an excerpt here or there. But MISS ROSS has proven again that there’s nothing like seeing her LIVE. She TRULY REIGNS SUPREME!

Have you picked up your JUNE issue of ESSENCE Magazine (www.essence.com) with Taraji P. Henson on the cover? I’d mentioned this before, but a friend just called to say they saw the resource guide for Black fathers I wrote and compiled for ESSENCE, my 2^nd by-line since November (when I did a series of interviews with top thinkers on the shifting image of African American men in the era of Obama). It’s on p. 160...just below an awesome piece my NABJ sister Katti Gray wrote.

This past weekend, I put on my media consulting hat. I supervised a session to help a friend navigate some new career decisions. Then, my friend Ron Smith invited me to meet fab Chicago-based designer Borris Powell (www.borrispowell.com) at The Bryant Park Hotel. He does amazing dresses and coats/jackets. And in the house - at his suite - were many old industry friends like Dynelle as well as a round of new buddies - including model Cole who Ant and I remembered seeing in a few shows - including Miquel Antoinne and R. Scott French. Also, not intentionally, there was a host of SCORPIOS in the house (go figure). And that number included fashion photographer Antonio Anobile. Ant and his 'Wendy' co-worker Jaz came by too.

Later in the weekend, Ant and I accepted an invite to New Rochelle from my Amazing Grace Nichole and her New Ro buddies. They were throwing a garage sale. FUN TIMES! Afterwards, we went to Chat 19 American Grill for some delicious cuisine before turning in.

Then, Sunday, we did DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON. This is an event my Carl Nelson produces every year (www.drumsalongthehudson.org/). He even booking me to host portions of the program in years gone by. This year, Ant – who has worked for the event before – and I were simply guests. Refreshing! The over-riding host is Sandra Bookman. Always a JOY! And my co-host from last year is Tetiana Anderson and she held down the fort brilliantly – including her tribute to Melky Jean, Wyclef's sister (www.carmafoundation.org). BFF Brian's girl Kelli and her son Jonathan joined us - after which we grabbed a lovely bite with her homegirl Emily at El Paso Restaurante Mexicano in Harlem. Then, an early evening back at home... getting ready for the week which includes my nephew coming up to NYC to find his permanent digs (The recent graduate from Morehouse College has a 1^st gig awaiting him here in Manhattan). Last week, Ant and I enjoyed a marathon-of-a-weekend in Atlanta – all centered around my nephew’s graduation. It was so great to see the family. And many of us were in the house. But before Ant and I got around to family time, we got to hang out with our friend Lamoh. He's the buddy with whom I hung out all last summer. Many of his friends were shooting "Real Housewives of Atlanta". I was field and story producing "Monica: Still Standing". And he and I actually met while I was shooting "Frankie & Neffe". He works alongside Dwight Eubanks... and manages all of his appearances. 

He took Ant & me to "Blakes on the Park" (Piedmont) where we stumbled into Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty's older sister on the now-canceled show). She is shooting a movie in ATL and was so SWEET - even remembering a recent story she read in The Huffington Post that named Morehouse one of the most grueling (academically challenging) colleges in the nation (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/12/the-most-grueling-college_n_574120.html); ALSO, Lamoh - my first call when I hit ATL - took Ant and me out later... to MIXX (in Ansley Mall).Then, we had to get our Taco Cabana on.

This is Latisha, who served us l-l-l-lovely cocktails during our drive by Blakes.

Ant and I also got some down-time at my sister Janice’s place with her husband Vincent, my cousin Felecia, and her husband Skip. My "original Amazing Grace" (BFF) Natalie stopped by my sister Janice's place to say HI with her gorgeous and smart girls Hannah and Lydia in tow. Though I'd left their Christmas presents with my sister, she and Nat hadn't connected yet. So, they got CHRISTMAS IN MAY! LOL! Since I hosted a "The Princess & The Frog" event for NABJ back in August (http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/NABJDisneyMagic.wmv), I received a lot of SWAG from Disney that I just knew the girls would enjoy! "Uncle" Ant threw in some stuff as well. His paternal energies were shining through. We also had to make time to meet BABY GAVIN, another of my BFF Chandra's 'baby love'! Everyone thought Ant was the father! FUTURE MOREHOUSE MAN? So, GREAT to spend time with our Chandra.

Ant and I also got to hang out with our friend Aaron and a buddy of his at my once-Atlanta-home-away-from-home "The TWELVE Hotel - Atlantic Station". We enjoyed some BBQ Pizza and special cocktails - including my kir royale which the servers knew to prepare for me from my time there last summer while shooting "Monica: Still Standing" and "Frankie & Neffe".

My nephew Herman L. Riley III (Noot, I call him) is now a MOREHOUSE MAN (c/o 2010). And since MOREHOUSE, too, is my ALMA MATER, I saw many ‘brothers’ - including Mike Bryant and Kevin Ross. I even got the chance to sing along with the rest of the Morehouse College Glee Club (on our annual tradition:  "Prayer" from Lohengrin and "Dear Old Morehouse"). And to that, I saw many of my professors – including Dr. David Morrow who directs The Morehouse College Glee Club of which I was a member.

Pappadeux was the backdrop for our post-graduation brunch. There, I actually got to see my Dad and reflect a little on 1992 when I became a Morehouse Man... and many of these same players were in attendance for me. And Ant and I got to talk to the many who came to celebrate my nephew - including my cousins Felecia and Sylathea who've known me since I was a baby. They shared all the tid-bits with him. The food was great! The cake was awesome (my sister's brainchild)! And what a blessing to all be together again... for such an OPTIMISTIC gathering! I LOVE YOU ALL!

MEANWHILE, CONRATS to aforementioned Morehouse brother Michael K. Watts on raising $7,000 (of $5.7 million overall) for AIDS Walk. WHAT A HUGE SUCCESS! He reports that over 45,000 people walked the 6.2 mile route which began in Central Park then circled around the Upper West Side and back into the park. Thanks to the funds raised, the Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) and over 30 other tri-state area AIDS service organizations can continue helping thousands of people living with HIV and AIDS and their families year after year.  GO, MIKE GO!

I'm missing home something terrible but looking at these pix means I'm making the best of it!

Still, 'success is nothing without someone you love to share it with'! LOL! Though just a text or quick call away, the time zones between Ant and me - coupled with our respective attachment to keeping our individual selves entertained without the other in tow (sometimes at the expense of what's sensible) - have made it a challenge (at best). I'm not a fan of being without Ant. And I'm not a fan of being alone. That said, being alone has allowed me to put things in perspective and work through some of the feelings that lie beneath the loneliness.

But back to making the best of it: My L.A. friends say 'only you would come to town and have us at the Egyptian Theatre to see 'Mahogany'. Most of them had never set foot in the Hollywood landmark'. THANKS GUYS (and GALS) - including my Tanika Ray of EXTRA fame.My Theo was in town from New York - so he had to be there given when we first met at now-closed Day-O, our mutual friend Erich told him I was a big Diana Ross fan... and Theo asked me to recite lines from "Mahogany" that he wrote on the paper table tops, tore off, and took home. LOL! Talk about a full-circle moment.

There was also my Ed who has worked with the diva and many divas over the years.

And Curtis who is "the other" #1 Diana Ross fan. And Walter - Curtis' brother - who I'd never met before but he told me he was a fan of the blog. As his brother Curtis introduced us, he assured he already knew who I was and always wanted to meet me. Well, now we've met. And thank you, Walter, for reading "A Day in the Life of Riley: Pop Culture & Possibilities". Curtis will be hosting a Diana Ross-themed party (in my honor) during Labor Day weekend when Ant comes to town. We'll party alongside rare Ross footage. ALL ABOUT LOVE! 

Theo brought his good girlfriend Victoria who brought her good girlfriends - including Ms. Lana. I even won the "Mahogany" prize as the promoters had some folks come up and answer some trivia and work the runway.

Though the bag said GUCCI, its contents were not. But there was "Mahogany" cake. Still, fun... and of course, I took the time to buy a toothbrush and spruce up my Diana's Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame - right in front of the Egyptian Theatre. Afterwards, "Eyebrow King" Damone Roberts - another Ross fan -  and his partner Ramon - joined us at The Abbey for some nourishment ----- all of this juxtaposed to me --- three hours prior --- crying in my L.A. hotel room  as Oxygen rolled out "Bodyguard" for the 500th time. Surely my tears were from loneliness and homesickness ("Bodyguard" isn't one of my fav films like "Mahogany" but I'd always wished Ross had taken the part when it was offered to her after "The Wiz").

It hasn't all been lonely and blue. From the pool party that Javier and I attended when I first got into town, I met a cool dude named Delandis (www.delandisworld.com). He happened to have a business meeting in the studio where I'm working. We stumbled into each other and decided to have lunch. Aroma on Sunset was our spot... and we caught up on all the great things he's doing - including pitching a kids show starring HIM.Ant and I saw him a couple of years ago (but didn't know it) as he was in the Chicago company of "Wicked". Delandis - who is celebrating a birthday in a few days - also got me out my hotel room last night. The Abbey - again - was the spot. It was good to be out but I'm really missing NYC and Ant (who says he just bought me a new digitial camera [DISPOSABLES no more! LOL!] and can come to L.A. Labor Day Weekend. Ern is coming too). And Theo kept me entertained while he was here in town. He hosted a night of Mexican at El Coyote where he reconnected me to his Victoria (Ant and I got to meet her when we were last in L. A.). Then, she brought Lana and others into the mix. 

 

Plus, my PMAMA  (Marlene), who I know from a listserv of which she and I are members, came and we got to meet in person for the first time.

My other dear friend Zabrina came by and we enjoyed a cocktail before she took me to meet up with our girl Tosha Whitten-Griggs (and her sister) for a party at The Roxy. Zabrina is doing publicity for BET which is the home of a couple of my latest projects "Frankie & Neffe" and "Monica: Still Standing".On one night, my buddy Javier scooped me up for a quick drink. A few more cocktails later (coupled with karaoke in WeHo), I'm excited to report that - after shutting them down in NYC, Burbank, Manila, Chicago, Atlanta, and some other locales I may be forgetting - my Maxwell's "This Woman's Work" is now a hit in West Hollywood. LOL! Next stop: a karaoke dive bar near you! LMAO!

And Sid - always a joy - has been giving of her time generously - to 'babysit' me when I am over being in my hotel room alone... and can't remix the four walls around me any other kind of way. One night, we went to the home of a friend of hers. I stumbled into some actors whose work I admire - including Terrell Tilford (http://www.terrelltilford.yuku.com/) and Noah's Arc's Chase, Doug Spearman. It was such the intimate affair, I got shy to ask for photo ops but did get to chat each of them up a little. And they are both the nicest guys! Very warm! My L.A. buddy Javier popped by after his fashion show. The following day, Sidra and I enjoyed a bite at L.A. LIVEs "The Farm" as we needed to debrief all the fun we had the night prior. Thanks Sid - for a great time! (I considered going to the Sunset Junction Street Fair - featuring performances by Supremes' Mary Wilson, Motown artist/"Lady Sings The Blues" co-screen writer Chris Clark, and others). The L.A. Times did a story on Clark that reminded me what a compelling way she managed to weave her talents throughout Motown (as a white woman) during some of the label/movie company's integral moments  (www.chrisclarkinc.com).

Meanwhile, work is good. Post-production on the "Monica" project is going well.

My other long-standing clients have even been calling and though I've not been able to squeeze in any of their requests for my services (due to demands of my current schedule), it's good to know the calls are coming and will hopefully be coming when this current project wraps (or whenever I can squeeze a day or two into the mix. I'm all about a WIN-WIN!).

And I've also taken on a couple of quick turn-around assignments for 'ESSENCE' and 'Spelman College'. Stay tuned on those particulars when closer to roll-out. Though my project for 'ESSENCE' is for the November 2009 issue (details later), I - unrelated to this assignment - 'heard' (on the street. SMILE!) that my Miss Ross, her oldest daughter (with Berry Gordy) Rhonda, Rhonda's new baby boy (Miss Ross' first grandchild), and others in the Ross clan are supposed to pose for 'ESSENCE' cameras sometime soon. Will be great to see those shots as it was to see cover models, Miss Ross and Tracee Ellis Ross, a few years ago, on the iconic magazine's cover and inside the issue.
So, deadlines, premieres, and post-production... OH MY!... are on the horizon. There is still the uphill battle of managing the economics (especially as I have to pay for room/transportation in order to work out here on the West Coast). But things are improving... and it's all par for the course. Even when things show up a challenge, I continue to acknowledge that I AM BLESSED... and in the words of Langston Hughes, "Life is fine... Fine as wine... life is fine...".