A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

more hosting

I'm on my freelance hustle out here! LOL! Just wrapped hosting a 2nd season of WELLS FARGO's MONEY MINUTE - first installments of which are out this week:

teaser:

http://www.advocate.com/advocate-money-minute

part 1:

http://www.advocate.com/.../9/24/purchasing-home-jason-shane

part 2:

http://www.advocate.com/.../planning-retirement-jason-shane

Please share with your PEEPS: #advocatemoneyminute And as always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! XOXOXO

The Porters

Happy 10th Anniversary, to two-time Emmy-award-winning, GMA Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo and her husband Tommie Porter! Happy to host their vow renewal! We LOVE YOU! Thanks Reverend Al Sharpton for re-sealing the deal! Great to see him after interviewing him at Miss Aretha Franklin's birthday party earlier this year:

... and after Executive Producing him for this year's iconic, PSA campaign for NBCU: "The More You Know" 2015-16. He spoke of DIVERSITY:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNoWX-dO9aM

. And the ENVIRONMENT:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNSNKutJ7Rs

. And special shout out to contemporary fine artist Shenna Vaughn who Ant and I commissioned to create a 10-year anniversary piece for Mara and Tommie! It IS stunning! Shenna is described as “a vessel for enlightenment, virtue, creativity and color”. She uses her gift as an artist to evoke the raw essence of inner beauty, otherwise not seen until now. Her paintings range from customized gratitude pieces to original works of art. Her work has been featured In Chelsea, Miami Art Basel and Internationally just to name a few…and she will be showing at “Billie’s Black” in December during “Billie’s Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley”.  #ENDLESSLOVE #ThePorters #ENDLESSLOVE #ThePorters

Happy Birthday, Nephew

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Herman Lee Riley III aka NOOT (to me)! BEST NEPHEW EVER! Great to celebrate with Savannah homegirl Aquilla and her childhood friends as my childhood BFF Ernest Maynor was also in the house – toasting 27 YEARS of Herman Lee Riley III. Also, a HAPPY 50^TH BIRTHDAY to my brother – and HLRIII’s father – Herman L. Riley Jr.

Ladies Who Lunch And Love

Excited to introduce my friend Nathan Hale Williams at the New York City book party for his new novel "Ladies Who Lunch & Love". What a great room: Bevy Smith, La Rivers, Beverly Johnson, Flo Anthony, and so many more! Also, Miss Miko Branch from Miss Jessie's was in the house. Miko partners with Billie's Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul. Season 4 to be announced soon for a late October return… STAY TUNED! Meanwhile, check out “Ladies Who Lunch & Love”. The novel is a hoot and gives "Sex & The City" with some #blackish and #girlfriends to boot! It's an exciting trip through the fabulous lives of 5 friends in New York City. Get the book exclusively on www.Amazon.com: http://tinyurl.com/oefd4kn. YOU MUST BUY IT! Oh! AND AS ALWAYS, THANKS FOR SUPPORTING US ALL! CONGRATS,Nathan! #harlemskinlaserclinic #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #mikobranch #LadiesWhoLunchAndLove #AngelofHarlemNY #HarlemSkinClinic #NathanHWilliams #LadiesLunchLove

Beverly Johnson

Great to attend Beverly Johnson’s book launch party for her memoir 'The Face That Changed iIt All' at The Museum of the City of New York. Many friends – old and new – were in the house, including “The Original Dreamgirl” Sheryl Lee Ralph and BFF Ern’s and my dance diva CeCe Peniston for whom we’ve LIVED since she came out! Plus, I was excited to hang out with Co-Founder of MISS JESSIE'S, Miko Branch as I'm doing some consulting work with the brand in addition to Miss Jessie's being one of my sponsors for “Billie’s Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley”: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2015/3/20/ask-patrick.html. Co-Founder Miko Branch was my EXCLUSIVE SPONSOR for#NABJ40 where she spoke on an AUTHOR's panel with PAULA MADISON and LUTHER CAMPBELL. Next up: Miko’s just back from DC at the Congressional Black Caucus and then was a Marshal in Harlem’s African-American Day Parade. GREAT to see everybody as SUMMER 2015 transitions into FALL 2015 with Fashion Week unfolding… XO #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

#WhereAreTheyNow

She is LISA PRICE. Born in BROOKLYN. Made with LOVE. She is CAROL'S DAUGHTER! I can't say more than that today, but it was nice to interview her. Will tell you when you can see it in 2016! #BornAndMade Have something coming up with “The Chew”s Carla Hall as well. Also, IMAN! MEANWHILE, more of my assignments in the new season of “Oprah, Where Are They Now?” are beginning to air – including Debi Mazar: http://www.wherearetheynow.buzz/the-actress-who-started-out-as-a-makeup-artist-to-the-stars/. #WhereAreTheyNow

STUDIO 54

FUN to host Duane Gazi-White's Epic 50th Bday Party – a “RETURN TO STUDIO 54” starring DISCO DIVAS Carol Douglas; Taana Gardner; Norma Jean Wright and the Former Ladies of Chic; Sylvester doppelganger Clayton Bryant (with whom I even got the chance to sing in 2009 when I was asked to perform THE BOSS for its composers! And I looked to CLAYTON for all the high notes! LOL! And I can sing high! LMAO! ); Mel’lisa Morgan; Former Ladies of Skyy; and MISS KATHY SLEDGE! Shout out again to Musa Jackson Productions for booking me…and I’m too excited my Itika Oldwine was in town to enjoy! All the ladies must join us at Billie’s Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley when we return at the end of October! CHEERS, DUANE! P.S. A MESSAGE FROM MUSA JACKSON PRODUCTIONS: it was a journey beyond Epic! Super agent Duane and his husband Rashgene Gazi-White along with artist extraordinaire Mira Gandy with our combined creative genius took MIST Harlem and transformed it back to the era of the most legendary and exclusive nightclub in History. Complete with back door VIP entrance, silver carpet and over the top open bar super sexy decadent disco fun! We had legends upon legends Kathy Sledge, Norma Jean Wright, Tania Gardner, Clayton Bryant, Meli'sa Morgan and the Ladies of Skyy performing some of their iconic hits on a first ever 3 stages with DJ Sir Charles Dixon ( WBLS master mixer) and DJ Magic Myke accompanied by the original videos playing on 3 screens. Hosted by Patrick L. Riley with 6 amazing hot male dancers/servers 2 gorgeous bartenders provided by hot choreographer Manwe Sauls Addison with door hosts Coco De'ball and legendary publicist Irene Gandy and hunk Daniel. Silver carpet Studio 54 photos courtesy of Will Will Vaultz and legendary lensman Ronnie Wright and Waddie G. with indoor photos from Rowena M Husbands and Sheila Ennisattended by 250 beautiful artists, fashionistas, supermodels, celebs and fabulous guests. It was a Harlem night for the record books. Thank you MOËT and Lennard Jackson for the champagne and Louis Johnson/ Harlem Haberdashery and designer Masahiro Saga for the gorgeous jacket and slippers. David Chevreux of Gin Fizz, Justin Walters of Real Life Studio, Alex Lerner and Bena. Cliff Cooper on security and Rachel, Sam, Anthony Harper and the staff of MIST.

Thank you again and a Happiest of birthdays to Duane for choosing MJP to help bring your birthday fantasy to life.

*Make your birthday dream an epic fantasy with musajacksonproductions@gmail.com.

#allstarkaraoke #billiesblack #motownmay

LEON

Ant’s sister Sabrina, who I met the night I met him in December 2005, was in town with client Leon & The Peoples. So, in addition to an awesome dinner at MIST Harlem where Ant works, we all – with GWAN’s Charon Richardson and Sabrina’s bio brother Jason in tow – enjoyed the awesome band at La Marina for “Reggae on the Beach”. Then, after Ant and I enjoyed the PA-based wedding of dear friends Robin Stone and Rodney Pope... we got an encore presentation from Leon & The Peoples at an awesome, Trenton-based “prostate cancer awareness fundraiser”! GREAT CAUSE! #nyc #nyfw #reggae #soul #music #inwood #hudsonriver

STILL THE BOSS

MISS ROSS was at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) LAST NIGHT! At the top of the day, it was SOLD OUT! I was despondent that I hadn’t secured my ticket before time. Was hoping for a hook-up or a sponsor. Still, I went to SEE if MISS ROSS had room for one more in the house! And upon my arrival, one of her FANS did: an orchestra seat right by the sound-board and near my friends Karu Daniels, Audrey Bernard, Phil Geston, Stanley Hopkins, and a FULL HOUSE MORE! The show was familiar but she did introduce a new gown that she’d only worn in her Hawaii stop this past summer. “It’s My House” was a highlight and it is clear that MISS ROSS was in control. But as she sang “Don’t Explain”, she did confess vulnerably and jokingly: “…I can’t stop thinking about that Billy Dee Williams!” The audience exploded with applause. MISS ROSS did it again: EXCELLENT SHOW! LOVE ME SOME MISS ROSS! As you all know, I was hired as Opening Night Host of “Motown the Musical” – another chance to interview Diana Ross, a video that ran on the Lunt Fontanne Theatre for the hit show’s full run: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. (Was also a DREAM to interview MISS ROSS for Oprah at the Legends Ball in 2005: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGFgjJ7u1hk). They all got me ready for my latest get with MISS ARETHA FRANKLIN. Here’s my recap: www.nbcnews.to/1HFEc48.

Nice Tits

My editor friend Shaun Edwards introduced me to Amy Marcs who recently wrote a one-woman show aptly titled "Nice T!ts" which is about her experience with breast cancer and undergoing a double mastectomy. She performed it last year to a sold out crowd at The Peoples Improv Theater. Now, she is excited to announce that, beginning October 8th in conjunction with breast cancer awareness month, The Rack is Back.... 

Nice T!ts

Thursday October 8th  8pm

Sunday   October 11th 4pm

Sunday   October 25th 4pm

Thursday October 29th 8pm

to buy tickets www.thepit-nyc.com/event/nice-tts-5

 #NiceTits #TheRackisBack

CHARLES PERRY

Thanks to my girlfriend Paula Witt, PR at Sunshine Sachs, for inviting us out to hear her client Charles Perry at Quad Studios. Here is a little snippet of him performing a song with none other than Jeff Goldblum! He certainly has the theatrics and the voice like ME! We MUST get him to ALL STAR KARAOKE to jam with us at BILLIE’S BLACK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59AAfRz0yZ0.

MARCIA PENDELTON

My dear sister friend Marcia Pendelton's Walk Tall Girl Productions Celebrated 15 Years of Bringing the Best in Performing Arts to NYC‏. For 15 years, Marcia Pendelton has been guiding audiences to the best in theater and other performing arts across New York City. Her work was feted last night. The event included performances by Classical Theatre of Harlem, Creative Outlet Dance Theatre of Brooklyn, Darius Crenshaw, Tony nominee André De Shields (The Wiz, The Full Monty), Eden Duncan-Smith (Fences, The Lion King), Marva Hicks (Motown The Musical), Ebony JoAnn (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom), Dr. Barbara Ann Teer’s National Black Theatre, Sounds of Praise of Emmanuel Baptist Church,  Jamal Story (Motown the Musical, The Color Purple [2005]) Rema Webb (The Lion King, Violet, The Book of Mormon, The Color Purple[2015]). For more information and reservations visitwww.walktallgirlproductions.com.

ALL STAR KARAOKE is BACK

We will be singing MISS ROSS and MISS FRANKLIN at BILLIE’S BLACK PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE WITH PATRICK L. RILEY for this FALL 2015 SERIES – starting at the end of October: October 27, 2015 from 7p-10p (and going through to Tuesday, December 29, 2015)!

And as MIKO did this last season in promotion of her book Miss Jessie's: Creating a Successful Business from...​ (Amistad; Hardcover; $24.99): https://youtu.be/RL-EqYvCAeI, we hope you will come SING your FAVORITES with us, ENJOY cocktail specials and tasty soul food, and NETWORK with a ROOM FULL of FABULOUS FOLKS! SEASON 4 is - in part - POWERED by ALL STAR KARAOKE PLATINUM PATRON Mr. Reginald Van Lee. WE THANK HIM and all of you who continue to be such a support for our little night that could and IS!  Would LOVE TO SEE YOU some Tuesday - really soon! #BILLIESBLACK #ALLSTARKARAOKE #MOTOWNMAY #missjessiesbook #iammissjessies #Legacy of #TitiBranch

Denver love
AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH to keep me from


 Ant and his Denver peeps! WHAT A GREAT LABOR


DAY WEEKEND that included the stunning wedding of 


Ant’s high school friend Vanessa and her husband


 Will in Keystone, CO – a beautiful, two-hour


 drive from Denver. 



Some of Will’s fam came from Germany and they


 were lots of fun! 




Our Denver host with the most – as always – is Jean 
Nicholson who let me tour her FAB consignment shop


 "re: for your home":
 http://www.re-foryourhome.com/ and
 https://www.facebook.com/re.foryourhome.


 Of course, Ant’s blood 
fam pulled out ALL THE STOPS for BBQ – including 


some of the best potato salad known to man


 and made by Ant’s awesome mom “Jackie Washington”.
 And I – of course – had to see my babies: Sabrina and


 Brina. And what a bonus that Sabrina’s business partner,


 friend Victor E. Lewis, was also in town and joined


 Ant’s sister Chanel, he, Sabrina, and I for 


HILLSTONE – my favorite, though known to many as 
HOUSTON’S. 
HEY DENVER! SEE YOU AROUND! #laborday2014
  
Roache and FORBES
 
Special shout out to my little brother in the industry, 


international model Bobby Roaché, who was just


 interviewed by Forbes about his modeling career 


and sunglasses collection and the interview is out.
 Here is the video link of Bobby Roaché's 


interview: http://www.forbes.com/video/3755958950001/.

 
 Kehinde Wiley
 
 Has been great to work with my friend Lamar Johnson - the Executive Producer of 


Kehinde Wiley’s documentary - which – inclusive my 


finite consultation – has gotten lots of good press: 
http://www.vogue.com/1062811/kehinde-wiley-riccardo-tisci-collaboration/! 


Well, it’s showtime…and the documentary premieres 


this Friday, September 5 on PBS! 
The movie "Kehinde Wiley: An Economy of Grace" follows


 the artist as he steps out of his comfort zone to create a 


series of paintings of women for the first time. 


Kehinde casts his models on the streets of New York and then
enlists Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy to create couture gowns


for each woman.


 The film traces the artist's process from concept to 


canvas as he reveals to us another side of black femininity.


 Lamar notes it is a celebration of art, style and African-American 


beauty and has been very well-received, garnering several


 festival awards including @SXSW 2014. The film is also an official


selection in the "Run & Shoot” Martha’s Vineyard African-American


 Film Fest. For more info, you can go to www.PBS.org/pressroom 
or www.pressroom.pbs.org/Programs/k/KEHINDE-WILEY-AN-ECONOMY-OF-GRACE.aspx.
Kathy Sledge
 
This says it all! KATHY SLEDGE ~ NYC ~ SATURDAY ~ SEPTEMBER
 6TH The Brighter Side of Day. A musical journey of the


 life of the American icon Billie Holiday.
 www.metropolitanroom.com ~ www.randblive.com

ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360
 
 The full episodes for my last two guest co-hosting stints on ARISE 


ENTERTAINMENT 360 are here:
 http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-25-08-8038
  
and
 
 http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-26-08-8017
 
 ALWAYS A BLAST to GUEST CO-HOST on Arise Entertainment 360


 with Lola Ogunnaike and Shannon Lanier:
http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/arise-entertainment-360. 



Arise News is on TV now in NYC/NJ area - 18 million homes Mon-Fri 2pm on


 Time Warner Cable #92 & Verizon FiOS #481 plus still on millions of TVs


 overseas. And it's coming this FALL 2014 to CentricTV - BET Networks. 
As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! XO #ARISE360

WHITNEY

Most people who know me know that MISS ROSS is MY BOSS… and a week in which she received her LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT GRAMMY AWARD is among the BIGGEST WEEKS for a fan like me (and the many hundreds of thousands and thousands of fans with whom I have the honor to share in this excitement). This, after Miss Ross has been nominated 12 times (Sang/recorded 3 songs that are in the Grammy Hall of Fame), but had yet to win one. Picture this: It’s Saturday, February 11, 2011. A wonderful group of friends were invited to an intimate, pre-Fashion-Week gathering.                                                                                                                         Everyone agreed to join me in watching Miss Ross accept her Lifetime Achievement Grammy on the academy’s website (http://www.grammy.com/videos/diana-ross-accepting-lifetime-achivement-award-at-special-merit-awards) – a highlight in the day (and this fan’s life). Just moments before her segment was to take place, the first texts, tweets, and emails started to come in. I felt like Miss Ross in the rain at her Central Park Concert: “It took me a lifetime to get here. I’m not going anywhere!”  And as each text, tweet, and email came in, I chalked it up as a hoax… and kept it to myself. But alas, the news would be true: WHITNEY HOUSTON: DEAD AT 48. Miss Ross accepted her award (and announced she’d be going back into the studio to record and - FYI! - she's going back on the road - starting this week). We were all left to wrap our heads around one other SPECIAL woman with whom Miss Ross had to share the spotlight in “…the life of Riley…” (circa 1984-1998).

This is the hardest blog I’ve ever had to write. I’ve been a range of in shock; bed-ridden sick; depressed; unable to get through the day’s deeds without a tear or many; inconsolable; and nostalgic and joyful for one moment in time when Whitney Houston brought us such comfort and joy with THAT VOICE!

The loss of Whitney Houston also brings me back in touch with blasts from my past. One Morehouse brother felt he needed to reach out – in part because he too is touched by the loss. Also, he remembers how much I LOVE WHITNEY...and wanted to make sure I was O.K. An excerpt of my reply to him:

“...This loss is HUGE for many reasons - some of which you've outlined. In the '90s, I had lots of connects from the Whitney world - including those domains you outline i.e. publicists/managers/Arista folks/fellow churchmembers of her/Cissy who were/are friends of mine, etc. And YES! As a singer myself, I have long been shouting fromt the rafters - often to those aforementioned people - to correct THAT VOICE before it's 'wrecked'. Though it wasn't exactly wrecked in 1998, it depreciated from 'dreamy' to a 'nightmare' by 2001. That said, the short window she was able to give us THE VOICE is LEGACY enough (more than enough). Still, we're all left with this bad feeling. Though I've shared commentary on Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and Rev. Sharpton's shows, I'm left now to say SOMETHING via my blog by week's end. And though I don't know if I'll go comprehensive in this entry (as I'm still wrapping my brain and heart around the LIFE, the LOSS, and all that I'm truly feeling right now where I can feel), so much of me is numb. I called Whitney "the Billie Holliday" of our time in that by the time you and I were born, she was dead. We then were introduced to her - on some level - by Diana Ross' portrayal of her in "Lady Sings The Blues" (and not even when that came out). So, there was a disconnect, though the history was duly noted and well-received. With WHITNEY, like the contemporaries of Billie Holliday, we met her, we knew her pedigree, we watched her rise to the top, we watched her fall, we watched her attempt a comeback, we watched her die ------ ONE MOMENT IN TIME! And yet, again, we know her LEGACY lives on...through her music (and hopefully she and Bobby's daughter.... and - as irony goes - through the very women on whose shoulders she stands - including her mom, Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, etc. - all of whom are STILL STANDING & SINGING, which furthermore makes this passing harder to swallow. Like most anything, Whitney sang it best when she added this BeBe Winans composition to some of her early '90s shows…”

It was first recorded by CeCe Winans who sang it at the funeral:

Verse 1:

Here we are again,

that old familiar place,

where the wind will blow,

no one ever knows the time or space.

Chorus:

Don't cry for me,

don't shed a tear;

the time I've shared with you will always be.

And when I'm gone,

still carry on,

don't cry for me.

Verse 2:

No one is the blame,

my death was meant to be.

Don't carry guilt or shame,

the reason why I came,

soon you'll see.

Chorus:

Bridge:

Don't cry when life is not

the joy it should be,

with life comes pain.

Soon time will end its course appointed,

then you will be rewarded,

and all the world will see.

THIS, OF COURSE, AS I CRY!

EDWING D’ANGELO

In attendance at this Fashion-Week kick-off was designer EDWING D'ANGELO (whose Fall 2012 NYFW Collection presented this past Sunday at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel: www.edwingdangelo.com. Excellent new line, I might add. Basketball Wives’ Royce and Mob Wives’ Carla agree). On that night of AMAZING HIGHS and BOTTOMLESS LOWS, it was also great to see friend/jeweler Trevor Hartman. I consider it a blessing to have so many friends and loved ones around me at the time. And afterwards,  I made it my business to get down to Japas 55 Karaoke to homage Miss Houston in song (via the Whitney Houston medley its catalog has). My friend Carl Nelson was on-hand to hold me up (just in case) as well as ATL Housewives’ Dwight Eubanks. And as my love of karaoke goes, I’ve continued to sing more and more Whitney wherever I go – to ensure that the MUSIC LIVES ON! That – in addition to many things – is a BIG LEGACY! We sang after the Edwing show. Also, on another night with another awesome designer/my friend Jeffrey Williams (www.jeffreycwilliams.com), we all gathered at a new spot: baby grand (www.babygrandnyc.com) – a cute discovery for us. My girl Dawn sang pretty too!

GRAMMY TELECAST

Since I wasn’t in L.A. And given the developments du jour, the invitation to watch THE GRAMMYS with my friends Mara Schiavocampo and Tommie Porter while dining on declicious chili and cornbread (a la Rakia) was – for sure – the move. Ant , Ernest Maynor, and MISS NINA agreed. In fact, NINA was the BEST example of the CIRCLE OF LIFE! CONGRATS, MISS ROSS! WE LOVE YOU, WHITNEY! Great job, Jennifer Hudson!

MY BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL

I spent the top of the month producing a Black History Month segment for ‘Wendy Williams’ and ‘My Black is Beautiful’. If you didn’t get to see it, here goes: http://www.wendyshow.com/MyBlackIsBeautiful/.

FULL FORCE

My girl Flo Anthony invited us out to dear friend Marva Allen’s Hue-Man Bookstore (www.huemanbookstore.com) for a cool event: A book signing with The Full Force Brothers (www.fullforceworld.com). Their new book “Not Just a House Party” takes us deeper and beyond what is now the highest-rated “Unsung” in which they were recently featured. Bowlegged Lou (who I’d met years ago through my Atlanta buddy Denyse Parks); Paul Anthony; and B-Fine were in the house. They are so gracious, nice, and generous in sharing their history in the industry. From there, another dear publicist friend Juanita Stephens invited us to Maria Davis’ special event at Shrine World Venue in Harlem. I got a quick meet-and-greet at W’s A-Loft Hotel with the Jamaican virtuoso David M (He’s a singer/songwriter/classical musician/etc.). You – for sure – will be hearing more from this conscious artist who credits Marvin Gaye as an influence.

KEVIN FREEMAN & “REAL HOUSE-FRIEND OF ATLANTA”

Our dear friend Kevin Freeman’s birthday was last week (Same week that he was featured in an episode of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” in which he hosted Sheree and some of the ladies in South Africa). Priya Scroggins threw a set of all sets at her Manhattan pad. Tasty cocktails; hors’douevres; delicious bites of cauliflower pakoras; jerk chicken wings; vegetable curry; shrimp vindaloo; chicken chettinad; dal; rice; Indian bread; and WHITNEY! We all gathered around and either sang Whitney at the top of our lungs and/or danced with a roo...m full of SOMEDBODIES who love Kevin! Quite healing! Joyous! FAMILY! In the house: Ant, Gwendolyn Niles, Keanna KJ Rose Henson, Kiwan Michael Anderson, Dawanna Williams, Nathan Hale Williams, Tracey Kemble, Stephanie Horton, Lisa Bonner, Angelique Miles, Mark Buquoi, Chris Gentry, Chantis Parks, Michelle Sanchez Boyce, Erika Munro Kennerly, Nichole Shellman, her beau Troy, Tamayu Takayama, Wardell Malloy, Bevy Smith and more! A TOTAL LOVE FEST!

HARLEM FINE ARTS SHOW 2012

 I wrapped the week up with two art invitations from my friends Tata and Carl Nelson. First up: We went to The New York Times Building to kick-off the Third Annual 2012 Harlem Fine Arts Show (www.hfas.org) – featuring among many, the artwork of AFUWI 2011 recipient of the American Foundation of the University of the West Indies award (the tributes of which I got to produce: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/1/27/live-out-louder.html). Also in the house: NYC icons B. Smith and Susan Taylor. The open-to-the-public exhibition will take place from Friday, February 10th through Sunday, February 12th at Riverside Church of New York (490 Riverside Drive at 120th Street). Then, we went to a GRAFFITI photography and art exhibit (that benefitted a pediatric oncology ward on Long Island, NY. At the helm of the brainchild: Elizabeth Jordan (WWW.EJORDANPHOTOGRAPHY.COM), who invited guests to St. Peter’s Church to participate in an evening celebrating the power of the pen (and positive thought) through graffiti. A light bite at Hillstone rounded out the evening just lovely.

TARGET FIRST SATURDAY

 The Brooklyn Museum’s TARGET FIRST SATURDAY was a fun time: http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/visit/first_saturdays.php.  Lots of exhibits, people, music, and dancing. Saw lots of fun faces – including my Savannah homegirl Rae Mack, Theo Perry, Shantay Wilson, and many others.

SUPERBOWL

Our friends Irma Clement and Gisele Pemberton threw yet another FAB SUPERBOWL EXTRAVAGANZA! GREAT FOOD, FOLKS, & MADONNA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4VbChGJ8nw&feature=youtu.be.

NEW YORK ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS

Was GREAT to confab with my fellow New York Association of Black Journalists recently at B.Smith’s restaurant. Our new President Mike Feeney led a festive networking event. This, before sleeves are pulled up to the elbows – so NYABJ can get started on its good work. If you are a member of NYABJ (and/or want to me), don’t worry! You can join up (and start working) NOW! Is always good to see my friends – old and new – including Philana Patterson, Dwight Oestricher, Jenisha Watts, Brandon Bain (my fellow karaoke host AND TV personality his own), etc. SHOUT OUT to NOVAHCAINE PHOTOGRAPHY (www.novahcaine.com). Afterwards, I returned to our beloved NATIVE in Harlem (where we gave life to ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT). Our friends Brian Washington-Palmer & Jamar Dunn pulled out all of the stops for us to TOAST our Harlem buddies Nikoa & Garrett Hendricks at a baby shower to celebrate the pending arrival of their little diva Zuri.

EBONY.COM

A great group of friends recently gathered to toast Kierna Mayo and the launch of www.ebony.com.  Katra in SOHO(217 Bowery btwn Prince & Spring) is where we partied. The Legendary Chris Washington provided AWESOME music.

JESSICA BETTS

Friend Dennis Decker hosted a well-appointed set at his Harlem brownstone to introduce Jessica Betts (https://www.twitter.com/JessicaBetts). It gave BFFs Itika Oldwine, Mara Schiavocampo, Carl Nelson, Kimberly Nichole, Darius Booker, and a host of other friends a chance to catch up and share lovingly and reflectively about Miss Whitney Houston whose home-going services took place earlier on this day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ERN

Happy Birthday, Ernest Maynor – BFF since 7th grade! Had a great BDAY GAMES PARTY at our friend Kimberly Jajuan’s home. Many old friends were in the house – including Dwayne Grayman and Erich McMillan-McCall. Also: Angela Robinson (“Shug” from Broadway and road-tour’s “The Color Purple”); and many more!

DIANA ROSS

So those of you who know me know that I don't ever document particulars about one of my main clients that is a household name (and most watch the client at 4pm in most marketplaces). Not that I am not proud of the work I do for the show (of which I am also a fan). But much of the high-profile fare to which I contribute is confidential and proprietary. So, it's in the best interest of all that I keep those particulars at bay from this forum. That said, you ALSO know that I am MISS DIANA ROSS' #1 fan since my childhood (so wherever she is, I'm usually commenting on it).

Well, as "pop culture" and "possibilities" converge in "... the life of Riley...", please know that MISS ROSS will be on the air of my main client (for which I am a freelance field producer) this Friday (or depending when you read this: was on my main client's air).

This will be her 4th appearance on a show that's been on the air for 25 years: http://www.oprah.com/showinfo/Supreme-Icon-Diana-Ross-Her-5-Children-and-Show-Stopping-Performance.

After the taping earlier this week in Chicago, one of my bosses (the one who green-lighted my attendance and participation in the show) told me to tell my readers to WATCH!

(This, as everybody else is talking about the now-moving-between-#1-and-#2-TRENDING topic of the last few days: MISS DIANA ROSS - a FACEBOOK & TWITTER phenomenon this week! I LOVE IT!). You must check MISS ROSS out on FRIDAY!

SHE'S EVEN MORE SUPREME THAN YOU HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED or can IMAGINE! It is truly MISS ROSS at her best. Having the show’s studio as a client helped me to get up close and personal with Miss Ross. 

But as effortless as one might imagine it would be for the #1 DIANA ROSS FAN (me) to get access to this historic taping, it wasn't. I had to get creative with the finances to snag a plane ticket. And I had a village of friends on the inside who worked diligently to ensure that once I made it, it was special. This, as "AIN'T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH. NOTHING CAN KEEP ME FROM [MISS ROSS]..." LOL! So in the end, I made it there... and had the time of my LIFE! Still no photo op with MISS ROSS and me. But as THE SUPREME DIVA often says: "GO FOR YOUR DREAMS... REACH AND THEIR YOURS!" I'm still REACHING, MISS ROSS! Regardless, I have other new memories now with MISS ROSS that are JUST MINE. Plus, I got to be a part of an intimate audience with MISS ROSS' BEAUTY; TALENT; and TESTIMONY from back-stage and in the studio.

One cherished moment is meeting her background singer Fred White.

He also wrote "I Love You" - the title track for her most recent CD (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAVrRwImr9M).

Will be great to hear about other things that Fred is working on - including new material with Miss

Ross. So stay tuned for those developments over time. 

Diana Ross will continue her national “Now” Tour with a southern and eastern U.S. leg beginning February 25 – March 20. The complete list of the Diana Ross “Now” Tour dates follows.  For the latest tour information, please visit Facebook: http://www.facebook.com//dianaross.

 
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DIANA ROSS FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
“NOW” TOUR

Date

City Venue
2/25/2011Choctaw, MS Golden Moon Hotel & Casino
2/26/2011Bossier, LA Horseshoe Casino & Hotel
2/27/2011Austin, TX Austin City Limits Live at Moody Theatre
3/1/2011Houston, TX Verizon Wireless Theater
3/2/2011Dallas, TX Majestic Theatre
3/4/2011Jacksonville, FL Moran Theatre (Times Union Center PAC)
3/5/2011Greenville, SC Peace Center Concert Hall
3/7/2011Charleston, SC Charleston's Historic Dock Street Theatre
3/9/2011Charlotte, NC McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square
3/11/2011Durham, NC DPAC
3/12/2011Washington, DC Washington Convention Center
3/13/2011Poughkeepsie, NY Bardavon, 1869 Opera House
3/15/2011Englewood, NJ Bergen Performing Arts Center
3/16/2011Hartford, CT Bushnell Auditorium
3/18/2011Stamford, CT Palace Theatre
3/19/2011Atlantic City, NJ Caesars Atlantic City - Circus Maximus
3/20/2011Staten Island, NY St.  George Theatre

 

RICHARD HARRIS

Shout out to Sara & all of my friends at Richard Harris Inc. (www.richardharrisinc.com) for graciously dressing me for my close encounter of the ROSS kind.

That of course includes Scott French - the designer with the most!!!

He has dressed me in many great pieces over the years. This time was no exception.

You'll recall, I primarily wore Richard Harris Inc. for the National Association of Black Journalists Convention.

That was last year in San Diego.

He's been my FAVORITE for a minute.

Ant too.

And the folks at RICHARD HARRIS & AMERICAN CHANG have gone on the record saying my blog is a FAV in their showroom!! American Chang – in fact – gave my blog “A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities” its “Golden Poodle Award” as “The Best Way To Spend A Lazy Afternoon” (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2006/12/22/wake-up-and-dream.html).

 Check all of their links out: www.richardharrisinc.com and www.richardharrisusa.com/rh and www.americanchang.com 

You can take a look at the new suits and the new outerwear for Fall 2011.

HOT LOOKS to keep cool near the end of this year.  

CHICAGO

While in Chicago, you know I spent time with my best friends. I enjoyed one of Obama's favorite soul food joints MacArthur's with Morehouse BFF Eddie, Chicago buddies Carl & Itika, and new friend Cory. Then, Market sports bar for quick cocktail catch-up w/Ti-Ti. This, as that ALL-STAR GAME was on! GO RIHANNA! GO BLAKE GRIFFIN!

B MICHAEL

Miss Ross’ oldest offspring Rhonda Ross was in Chicago (exclaiming - when she saw me for the first time in Chicago - "YOU MADE IT!" with her left thumb up to the sky while her other hand was holding her son). She was with her mom and her son as well as the rest of her siblings Tracee, Chudney, Ross, and Evan. I had the chance to chat her up in NYC a few days prior at B Michael America show at The Plaza. It’s Fashion Week after all. And B’s show featured star model Cicely Tyson. Also in the house: Susan Taylor, Ashford & Simpson, Melba Moore; my Sidra, my Carl Nelson, Seitu, etc (my usual suspects).

MANIVONE

After B. Michael’s show, I went uptown to join our girl Manivone who showcased her paper sculptures on live models from her "PAPER STATUS" series (www.elleFANTart.com). Her models included my girl Anise White – also an amazing vocalist who has popped by ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT with her gifts. And Manivone’s cousin Vilay. And dear friend Chris were also in the show. Vilay – you’ll recall – helped out on our fashion pilot last year. Also, her man Taha’s brother Adam was a featured model. He is a talented artist who knows his way around leather, suede, and all the elements that make up a great bag. Stay tuned for more on Adam, Taha, and Fafa – three brothers from Toronto who are a FORCE in the ART WORLD and three to watch - the Clayton brothers! 

NICOLE RICHIE

Amidst Fashion Week, got to hang out with Nicole Richie. She hosted a Bergdorf Goodman set promoting her “About Winter Kate | House of Harlow 1960” line. Shout out to my friend Seitu who managed the media relations on the Fall/Winter 2011 Collection of Nico Lena (by Nicholas D’Aurizio) at the Chelsea Art Museum (www.NicoLena.com).  While commuting from show to show, I happened upon hairstylist extraordinaire Oscar James alongside the FABULOUS Deborah Cox. I spoke to them both quickly and blew kisses from my cab while rushing to my next event.

LINDA ROWE

My boy Ron Smith always invites me to great shows. This recent Fashion Week is no exception. For my BFF (since 7^th grade) Ern’s birthday, we went to the presentation of ROMAS (Linda Rowe) at Michaelangelo Hotel. Shout out to Harriette Cole who in her post-EBONY life tells me she's been consulting with Prince. From the Michealangelo Hotel to Cafeteria for dinner. Then, the Village’s “Insomnia” cookies and GRAMMY-DVR set at Ern’s place to round out the night. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ERN!

MARY MARY

Shout out to my BFF Tata for inviting me to join her at Mary Mary’s listening party concert promoting the duo’s 5th CD release “Something Big” at The Canal Room in NYC. And these girls were serving (God's) children...hear? ...with VOICE & TESTIMONY & INSPIRATION! AMEN! Donald Lawrence was also in the house! They sang their biggest hits “Shackles”; “God in Me”; “Yesterday”; and a few of their new tracks from “Something Big” – including their current single “Walkin’”. Was with Mary Mary when their 4th release came out a couple of years ago. Always good to see them. Happy they are back!

VALENTINE’S DAY

My Valentine’s Day started with a table read at George Faison Firehouse where I contributed my acting chops. It was for my friend Sid's in-development romantic comedy feature alongside-this-go-around- a stellar combo including diva D'Atra Hicks; Maya Days; FELA!s Kevin Mambo; and a host of others. After this, I ran some errands – including snagging Janet Jackson’s new book “True You” and a card for Ant’s and my exchange. You know he loves him some Janet! He and I did dinner and karaoke - singing Janet. And we basked a little bit in the accomplishment of having snagged Janet Jackson tix for her NYC tour in March. Just us. Interestingly, while picking up the book at Time Warner Center’s Borders, I ran into to FAV male vocalist Billy Porter (getting on subway as I was geting off). I LOVE NY! Before Ant and I connected, I popped by Harlem's Red Rooster & Chez Lucienne to have a 'happy (valentine's day) hour' during which I caught up w/dear friends and got some fun chat time with Miss Lynn Whitfield who was in town from L.A. and about to celebrate a birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LYNN!

JOI

We went to see my ATL-buddy JOI perform a couple of weeks at the inaugural APOLLO MUSIC CAFÉ. She sang songs from people who have performed at The Apollo Theater – from Stevie Wonder to Aretha Franklin to Paul McCartney to Bessie Smith. AWESOME SHOW! Dressed minimally-yet-fiercely in a spaghetti-strapped catsuit in black. My dear friend from A-T-L looks as if she’s frozen in time – still fit and trim to the naked eye; vocals still on fire; and her Esther-Rolle-meets-Nina-Simone, deconstructed ‘fro was to die. She sang songs from people who have performed at The Apollo Theater. My rough notes produced this set list (I didn't know all of the titles - so some of the listings include lyrics):

"Steppin' in the Darkness" - WAR

"Halo" - Delfonics

"Try Me" - James Brown

Stevie Wonder - "Jesus, Children"

Bob Marley - "Burnin' in Loop" (featuring Devon Lee)

Curtis Mayfield – “Runnin' Wild”

Teena Marie - "Square Biz"

Paliament – lyric: "produced in conjunction"; lyric: "cobwebs out your mind" (outkast sampled on southern funk)

Dinah Washington – “You Don't Know What Love Is”

Jimi Hendrix – “Little Wing” (featuring Devon Lee)

Paul McCartney - "Helter Skelter" (featuring Devon Lee)

Aretha Franklin - "Nobody Knows The Way I Feel"

Bessie Smith - "I'm Wild About That Thing

FINALE: Tina Turner - "Nutbush City Limits"/Joi - "Lick"

AWESOME NIGHT… and GREAT NEW EXPERIENCE that bridges the classics with new, independent artists of today and the future. Find out more about this FUTURISTIC THROWBACKS franchise, which will include a diverse mix of live music, poetry, spoken word, comedy and spinning DJ’s. Tickets for Apollo Music Café are available at The Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Apollo Music Café is made possible by generous support from Heineken, the Official Imported Beer Sponsor of the Apollo Theater’s 2010-11 Season. This program is also supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

ARIANNA LIVE!

Lots of birthdays last week! Friends Maurice Jamal, Toyce, Scott, and a wonderful young lady named Arianna Francis turned 16. Her parents invited me to interview her guests on the red carpet at the well-appointed affair at the Midtown Loft AKA Arianna LIVE!

ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT

ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT is BACK!!!!

And many of our ALL-STAR KARAOKE regulars came out to CELEBRATE last THURSDAY along with a house full of new folks in the mix!

THANKS TO ALL!

We are at NATIVE Restaurant in HARLEM every THURSDAY – from 9pm to MIDNIGHT.

PLEASE JOIN US ANY and EVERY WEEK on any THURSDAY NIGHT!

Brian, Jasmine, Ephraim, Carl Nelson, Troy & Darryl (“Bangin’ Ass Artists”), Derrick; Mario (also from “No Parking” KARAOKE Monday night); etc.

My Morehouse brothers PT and Kobie (www.fromfatherlesstofatherhood.com) were in the house along with my NYABJ/NABJ sister Georgia Scott.

She owns a Harlem coffee shop GLOBETRIPPIN’ (and she is celebrating the publication of her new book, "Down There: Narratives About the Joy, Aroma and Overall Existence of the Bush"). AS ALWAYS, THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

 P.S. Happened upon Vinyl in Chelsea for a late night bite last Friday… and look which menu I got: one of my favorite albums of all time Jennifer Holliday’s “Feel My Soul” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6g_rf73TpU) and her sophomore release. I didn’t take it (I have one at home). LOL! I hear Miss Holliday has a new Gospel CD coming out! I sure hope so! I LOVE ME SOME JENNIFER HOLLIDAY!

Hi folks, 

 

The marketing folks from the Urban World Film Festival have asked "A Day in The Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities" to help them get the word out on the Annual 2010 Urbanworld Film Festival in NYC | Sept 15-19.

 

It's always a good time! And UWFF is always an awesome opportunity for film lovers from behind the scenes and in front of the camera to come together and network. 

 

For more information on how you can attend, please click the following:

http://www.urbanworld.org/Site/Attend.html 

 

And here's a glimpse of what UWFF looks like via one of my blog entries from UWFF a couple of years ago: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/9/17/blue-thats-the-new-color-children.html 

 

Patrick L. Riley
A Day in The Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities