A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

“FATHER, HELP YOUR CHILDREN AND DON'T LET THEM FALL BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD...”

 

I wrote about the song “Jesus is Love” a couple of years ago (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/7/20/roots-the-next-generations-and-the-melody-lingers-on.html) and its presence in my life on the day my mother died. Now, it’s been remade by Heather Headley and Smokie Norful (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6SGBqMmyHM). I like the remake. As it was piping from a car radio recently, I was riding in the backseat of a car – cruising along 125^th Street. When I became aware and awakened to this now-positively post-traumatic moment, I looked up to find that we were getting ready to pass a building that inhabits my family’s denomination The United House of Prayer for All People. Something in that moment made me do something I hadn’t done with that song the times I’ve heard it since July 20, 1994: I smiled. Still, a tear dropped.

 

"... AND TEACH THEM TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER..."

 

I do feel as if I continue to be “helped” by forces bigger than me and far off into the distance yet right next to me:

• Ant and I are preparing to go to Detroit this weekend for Ms. Aretha Franklin’s birthday party. There’s much more to the story that I will have to share later. But TRUST! It’s a BLESSING... and a TOTAL HONOR! Plus, we’ll get the chance to see our Greg Dunmore who just recently did a feature on jazz great Harvey Thompson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNHUZ5k05WM) via his Jazz Jewels TV, which proves jazz is truly an international language. Harvey salutes one of Japan's hottest jazz clubs, the Sone Jazz Club located in Kobe.
• As certain clients have been able to outsource my services more of late, I’m happy to say I’ve attracted a special project my way that – for 10 weeks – will have me in Atlanta and Los Angeles. Though not optimum to be away from Ant and our home for that window of time, the wages are welcome and much needed for us to catch up with our arrears. And when I can tell you more, I will. But, TRUST that it is a GOOD, CREATIVE FIT that you will all be able to see sometime later this year! STAY TUNED!
• In the words of Rupaul: “BB, life isn’t always fair... I have two words :Extravaganza! Eleganza!” Not sure what that meant. But let me tell you - it made me laugh each and every time I played TIVO back to repeat it: www.logoonline.com/shows/dyn/rupauls_drag_race/videos.jhtml This, before each of the bottom two lipsync'd for their life via Mary Mary's "Shackles". 

"... HEAVEN  MIGHT FIND A PLACE IN THEIR HEART..."

 

Meanwhile, BLESSINGS ABOUND all around for many! Let me catch you up!

 

Firstly:

• A shout out to our South African girlfriend Melony who invited “my Amazing Grace” Nichole, Ant, and me to her NYC home for a lovely meal. Got to see Johnna and several others from her circles. Always a good time!
• Though we didn’t get to see our Jason, we got some great hang time with Marqice in he and Jason’s Queens’ home.
• We got quality time with Charlie T; Danielle; Karu; and Kevin-Anthony at THE GOOD NEGRO at the Public Theater (www.publictheater.org). Kevin-Anthony will be celebrating his birthday with a performance on Monday, April 6th, 2009 @ The Triad in NYC (www.triadnyc.com). He will be recording a live CD that evening. So bring your energy and love in the house that evening as this is Kevin-Anthony’s 1st CD. For tickets:http://www.smarttix.com/show.aspx?showCode=KEV5 or call 212.868.4444 and check out his new blog site:http://b2productions.wordpress.com/2009/02/22/kevin-anthony-birthday-show/

"...WE'VE GOT TO WALK ON, WALK ON THROUGH TEMPTATION..."

 

Kevin-Anthony was also featured on “HARLEM HEIGHTS” this week on BET (www.bet.com/OnTV/BETShows/harlemheights). His recent BLACK 2: Broadway event last November was featured on the show. Without blinking, you can see Ant, Ern, Kimberly Jajuan, and me in the background at the VIP reception that preceded the awesome showcase on the Schomberg stage. Keep tuning into “Harlem Heights” as you’re bound to see us again (We’ve been hanging with this crew a bit – socially). But also, my good girlfriend/acting coach Tracey Moore-Marable will be sharing her “The Spirited Actor” philosophy on the show (www.thespiritedactor.com/).

 

"... HIS LOVE AND WISDOM WILL BE OUR HELPING HAND..."

 

It’s still not too late to join Ant and me at “Inked Baby”. It’s Sunday, March 29^th and IF YOU'RE STILL GAME, DON'T FORGET TO SEND YOUR CHECKS TO THE ADDRESS BELOW ASAP - TO ENSURE THE GROUP RATE OF $30 **** (SEE DETAILS BELOW. That's a $20 discount... and LACHANZE says she will join us for an after-show cocktail!!! By the way, check out the link to her new CD, an EP of awesome songs from her repertoire. Entitled "Love LaChanze," the CD can be purchased by visiting iTunes (www.iTunes.com) or Amazon (www.Amazon.com).

Here’s how it works:

1. Commit to attend the Sunday, March 29th /7:30 pm “INKED BABY” starring Tony-award-winning LACHANZE at Playwrights Horizons (416 West 42nd Street close to 9th Avenue)

 

2. By Tuesday, March 24th: Send a $30 check (per person) payable to:

WALK TALL GIRL PRODUCTIONS

1375 BROADWAY

3RD FLOOR

NEW YORK, NY 10018

Phone: 646-467-7393 or 917-334-6492

MEMO: 3/29 INKED BABY w/PAT & ANT

*** THAT'S A $20 DISCOUNT VIA THIS GROUP RATE!!!!! ***

 

3. After you do that, PLEASE let me know that you will be joining us via patarack_riley@yahoo.com

 

4. On Sunday, March 29th, let’s meet at 6:30 pm – so I can personally ensure your tickets get to you. Showtime is 7:30 pm. It’s about 90 minutes – so will wrap about 9:00 pm.

 

And my friend LACHANZE has agreed to join us across the street for a quick cocktail at:

 

THE WEST BANK CAFÉ

407 W. 42nd Street

New York, NY 10036

Phone: 212-695-6909

 

"... LIFT UP OUR HEARTS TO BE THANKFUL AND GLAD..."

 

Since I wrote about Ms. Melinda Doolittle last month (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/2/2/we-will-find-a-way.html), her fans have become readers of my blog. One fan, Louise, asks me to hip you folks to one of Melinda’s fansites: www.melindasbackups.com

 

"...I WANNA FOLLOW YOUR STAR WHEREVER IT LEADS..."

 

My friend Shaun Robinson may want to reach out to Melinda as an example of a great role model. This could be for the follow up to her debut tome for young girls, “Exactly As I Am” (www.randomhouse.com). Celebrated women share candid advice with today's girls on what it takes to believe in yourself. I’ve worked alongside Shaun via our National Association of Black Journalists’ annual convention programming (www.nabj.org) and I couldn’t be more proud of her. She’s heading to NYC soon and I’ll get to buy the book and congratulate her in person.

 

 

My dear industry friends Kirsten Poe Hill & Renée E. Warren (pictured on right) are now published authors. We all have CNBC in our roots. They left just before I started there in the mid-90s to start their business. When I left CNBC a few years later, their media consulting firm became a safe place for me as a freelancer (who wrote, pitched, and promoted on their company Noelle-Elaine’s behalf – www.noelle-elaine.com) but I also had the chance to hire them for their services via volunteer work I did with one of their major clients The New York Association of Black Journalists (www.nyabj.org). Fast forward 15 years and you’ve got “You Buy the Peanut Butter, I’ll Get the Bread: The Absolutely True Adventures of Best Friends in Business”. It hits book shelves on March 31^st.

To purchase the book, visit one of the book stores below:

http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=0452290147

http://www.amazon.com/You-Buy-Peanut-Butter-Bread/dp/0452290147/

http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?isbn=9780452290143

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ean=9780452290143

http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9780452290143?id=4205521630491

http://www.www.indiebound.org http://www.www.indiebound.org/

Catch them at one of the following book signings:

Baltimore, MD March 31, 2009

Chevy Chase, MD April 1, 2009

Washington, DC April 3, 2009

Harlem, NY April 15, 2009

New York City, NY April 16, 2009

More locations to come ...

For more information, visit: www.peanutbutterbreadbook.com

 

"...I WANNA WALK WITH YOU AND TALK WITH YOU AND DO ALL THE THINGS YOU WANT ME TO DO..."

 

CONGRATS to Sheila E who took home the “Gone Country” prize this season (www.cmt.com/shows/dyn/gone-country/series.jhtml) with grace, a competitive edge, loads of talent, and spirituality.  And already the rollercoaster of “American Idol” (www.americanidol.com/) is throwing viewers – like me – for a loop with its new judge, new rules, new surprises. After seeing the Top 13’s take on a “Jackson 5” medley, Ant reminded me that A.I. was showing up where “Kids Incorporated” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3i00ieI3UI) meets “Star Search” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZyjSuOrRBw). And like “Gone Country” (under the category of WHO KNEW I’D BE TUNING INTO CMT?), I hear there’s another show that I haven’t seen that I should be watching: “Kitchen Nightmares” with Gordon Ramsay (www.fox.com/kitchennightmares/). Anybody seen it? Worth my time or squeezing the already-exhausted memory of my antiquated TIVO?

 

"... WHO CAN BRING YOU LOVE?..."

 

My good girlfriend Juanita Stephens (who you recall had a lovely dinner recently where she brought journalists together with another of her clients Kindred) is working with her sister publicist Karen Lee on Charlie Wilson’s new project ‘Uncle Charlie’ (Jive Records) which debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Hot 200 a few weeks back. It’s been a long time since ‘The Gap Band’ but Charlie is still kicking. He was also recently diagnosed with PROSTATE CANCER last July... and is living not only to see himself back at the top of the charts but to also testify about his journey from that grim diagnosis through a journey of medical options to where he stands now as a healthy advocate to shed light and awareness on this disease which impacts 1 in 3 African American men. He is now

informing as well as performing" by becoming a spokesperson for the Prostate Cancer Foundation (www.prostatecancerfoundation.org) to help raise awareness and funds for future research. On June 12th, Charlie will be a part of a panel, where he will share his knowledge and information about this disease, at the National Conference for 100 Black Men in New York City.

 

"... WHO CAN BRING YOU JOY? ... "

 

These are the kind of updates we rely on JET and EBONY to give us. Many are buzzing about the layoffs at many media shops but the ones at JET and EBONY could impact those fellow journalists I know who’ve been working for Johnson Publishing a long time, but I am also wondering where we’ll get “our” info without these magazines running at full capacity. For a walk down memory lane (to know what we could lose): http://books.google.com/books?id=Db4DAAAAMBAJ&hl=En&source=gbs_all_issue

 

"...WHO CAN TURN YOUR LIFE AROUND? ..."

 

Some friends and friends of friends who are doing great things – proof in the links or websites below:

* My Morehouse brother Chris McDonald’s cousin owns this little boutique that WILL:

www.GEORGIANY.COM

* My alma mater Morehouse College’s Glee Club of which I was a member during my four years there (much chronicled here) just performed at Abyssinian Baptist Chuch this past weekend. I couldn’t make it but wanted to shout them out as they continue their Spring Tour (www.mcgclub.com/).

* One of my college mates and true leader to many of us in the glee club and the arts overall Maurice Mcrae just launched his new website. He's an actor, director, and overall creative spirit who I've admired mostly for his kindness. Check him out: www.mauricemcrae.com

* My “Original Amazing Grace” Natalie’s brother-in-law Tavares just launched his new website. He is a poet/actor/teacher/motivational speaker... and all-around Renaissance Man: www.tavaresstephens.com

* Ant’s friend and supervisor on “The Wendy Williams Show” Lorraine Haughton has been working on other projects as they wait to go back in for the re-launch this summer. She has been working on "Bought & Sold" which airs on HGTV. It's a reality show about real estate agents in New Jersey (www.hgtv.com/bought-sold/show/index.html).

* My girl, CHEMENE PELZER, is a producer at “NBC Today”. Check out her recently posted blog and video related to a recent trip she took to West Africa:

http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/03/10/1829119.aspx

* My dear friend Camille introduced me to a lovely lady out of ATL named Ivy Simmons. She is on the steering committee for Earth Hour 09 (www.earthhour.org/). Earth Hour began in Sydney in 07 with 2.2 million participants and thousands of buildings all turning their lights out for one hour to show they care about global warming. Last year such iconic buildings went dark for the hour as the Coliseum in Rome, Golden Gate Bridge, Coca Cola's Times Square billboard, the Bank of America Building in Atlanta and more. This year, they are looking for the Vegas strip to go dark. Earth Hour takes place March 28 from 8:30-9:30pm this year.

* Chef Love Jones who recently catered a fashion week event I attended last month has finally launched his website. It will keep you updated with his day-to-day happenings. www.iambilljones.com

* My friend Reginald Barnes is an actor/publicist/promoter/talent extraordinaire and never ceases to amaze (www.myspace.com/reggieonthemove). His next round of projects will include a turn in popular ‘Down Low’ author JL King’s new off-Broadway play titled “RAW”. It opens May 1^st and features six men (and... full frontal nudity). It’s a controversial adult show running at 10pm on weekends in May. Stay tuned for more as I get it. Congrats Reginald!

 

"... WHO CAN HELP YOU HOLD OUT A LITTLE WHILE LONGER?..."

 

Y’all remember a Black version of “Cinderella” from the ‘70s before Brandy went there? IMDB tells me I’m not crazy for this childhood memory. This version of the Cinderella tale with an all-black cast has Cinderella, who wants to marry a dashing army officer, finding out out that her father, who she thought had an important job at a big hotel, is actually the men's room attendant. Her wicked stepmother finds out, too, and complications ensue. Charlayne Woodard starred as “Cindy” and Cleavant Derricks, Clifton Davis, and Nell Carter also starred.

 

My line is always: “I sleep in Jersey. I live in the city.” And often, Harlem is the destination within the city. The last few weeks have had me eating, breathing, living, and loving Harlem. It’s such the buyer’s market. Ant and I would love to click our respective heels three times and make the plunge to the place Diana’s Dorothy (from “The Wiz”) calls home. That said, based on our current fiscal snapshot, it’s going to take Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, and a couple of good witches for that to happen this moment... but one sweet day!!!

HARLEM HEIGHTS

 

I’ve already shared with you the excitement and filming-in-progress of BET’s new reality show “Harlem Heights” (www.bet.com/harlemheights) - http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/2/2/we-will-find-a-way.html. Well, it has hit the airwaves and Ant and I were invited to the “legendary” Apollo to celebrate this beautiful cast of 20-somethings who remind me a lot of my 20-something-self from the angle of ambition, optimism, over-compensation, oh my!!!! But during this era of reality TV, their every move is being chronicled and placed under a microscope. Like my contemporaries and me, they aren’t doing anything to embarrass themselves. But they are real, imperfect people except for – my opinion – my Spelman sister Bridget Bland who narrates the lion’s share of the first two installments. She explains the inner-workings of the cast which includes my Morehouse brothers Landon Dais and – in a supporting role – Aden Seraile, both of whom I’ve had a chance to meet at some of the prior shoots.

 

(By the way: A la FACEBOOK and my Spelman sister Robbin, see some of my Morehouse/Spelman best friends from our 10-year reunion at Morehouse/Spelman. Another shot that hit my FACEBOOK shows me with the Morehouse College Glee Club [circa 1990-something]).

 

I loved the show - the imagery; the message-ing; etc. Most times, I need to get a few episodes of anything new under my belt before I can form a solid opinion. With the first show chronicling something so historic and household (as President Obama’s election), I was concerned that the whole series was all going to read heavy-handedly like 'black college chapel/assembly' – not a negative thing but I was wondering how enrolling such would continue to be for a viewer. (Remember, fellow MOREHOUSE MEN?). But then, the 2nd episode assured that there would be doses of drama and pop culture/social scenes in those hip (arguably less high-brow) ways that we sometimes enjoy (as viewers). Coupled with the intellect and philosophy, VOILA!: It's the perfect mix!!!! Of course, knowing that in reality, things can be so pre-set... I'm anxious to see the cameras disappear and to feel like this cool cast isn't just playing to the cameras. One of the characters Jason and his 8-year-old daughter?SUCH CHEMISTRY! Landon and his civil leader dad? AWESOME MALE BONDING!

 

My good girlfriend Nina Flowers who heads up communications at The Apollo Theater (www.apollotheater.com/) always makes sure we’re in the house for the right things (By the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY NINA!!!). And the event was no exception for capturing the hotness that Harlem can be. We saw our good friend Vy Higginsen (www.mamafoundation.org) and her singing daughter Noel (a Harlemite poised for such exposure as “Harlem Heights”). Vy – of “Mama, I Want To Sing” fame (and so much more) - is staging her new Off-Broadway treasure (that’s already received SOLD-OUT success in Japan) “Sing Harlem Sing!” It will run at the Dempsey Theater in Harlem, USA! And it opens Friday, March 27^th. For tickets, contact www.smarttix.com. We also ran into Flo Anthony who is always working on something cool in the pop culture/entertainment world (www.floanthonysblacknoir.com) and (www.celebritytoyboxmagazine.com).

 

You folks have been reading my blog. What about bringing “A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RILEY” to life? I know my demographics are far and wide. You’d watch, right? It could be where reality meets TV talk and the magazine format at the pass.

 

HBO’s “THE BLACKLIST: VOL. 2”

The Apollo was also the backdrop for “The Blacklist: Volume 2” (www.hbo.com/docs/programs/blacklistv2/synopsis.html). And compliments of my Man of Morehouse nephew Herman Riley’s boss at HBO, Ant and I got a pair of tickets to its premiere. You’ll also recall I had the opportunity to host the premiere of “The Blacklist: Volume 1” in Atlanta at its iconic High Museum back in August (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/8/26/its-good-to-be-black.html).

 

This all-new special presents more dramatic portraits of some of today’s most fascinating and influential African Americans who share their stories and insights into the struggles, triumphs, and joys of black life in the U.S. Tyler Perry; Maya Rudolph; Charley Pride; Suzanne de Passe; Angela Davis; etc. are featured in this installment. Faye Wattleton (from Volume 1) moderated a Q&A with photographer/filmmaker Timothy Greenfield-Sanders and award-winning journalist Elvis Mitchell.

 

In the house: So many but we snatched a moment with Tamara Tunie who we love so much. She’s been ‘producing’ many things – from Broadway hits to TV shows and some animated fare. Stay tuned for all that she touches as most of it turns to gold.

 

My buddy Gil Robertson IV(www.robertsontreatment.com), who I talk about all the time here in the blog – either for his writings or his clients, has edited another great book titled “FAMILY AFFAIR: What It Means to Be African American Today”. It features essays by actors Isaiah Washington, Ruby Dee, Victoria Rowell, Beverly Johnson, Isaac Hayes, and a wonderful telling (that I helped broker) by my friend Candi Carter who is an award-winning television producer as well as the owner of “It’s Hip Hop Baby” (http://www.itshiphopbaby.com/). It is a children’s educational DVD series that is flying off the shelves for parents who need a little beat and heart to teach their kids the basics.

 

“INSIDE: BLACK CULTURE” featuring THE STUDIO MUSEUM IN HARLEM

“INSIDE: BLACK CULTURE” (www.bet.com/OnTV/BETJShows/betjaboutinsideblackculture.htm) is the wonderful brainchild of my friend Nathan Hale Williams and his co-executive producer Crystal McCrary Anthony. Ant and I have been spending lots of time with our good girlfriend Charlie T (www.myspace.com/justasweareproject) and (www.charlietphotography.net). She is an extraordinary photographer (responsible for all of the pictures in this section). So many from Harlem and beyond came out to celebrate the show; Studio Museum’s Director and Curator Thelma Golden; and the museum itself – a bird’s eye view of the people we will want in the house when Ant debuts some of his fine art later this year or early next year. Stay tuned. It’s coming along brilliantly. I was elated to see good industry girlfriends Adrienne Lopez (author/producer) and Bevy Smith (fashionista/hostess) as well as mentors Sheila (“SRB Productions” - www.srbproductions.com/) and Rodney Brooks (“USA Today” – www.usatoday.com). Bevy introduced me to the fabulous tyrusrocell townsend (head art lover/blogger) – www.iheartartblog.blogspot.com. Charlie T’s partner Danielle was also in the house (By the way, Charlie and Danielle threw a fab Oscar party with Ant and me in mind. However, I was called away on some business in – gasp! – Rochester, NY and had to experience my Oscars from an airport Holiday Inn during a blizzard. As this pic shows, Ant and the girls had the better time. SMILE! Ant predicted the most wins and walked away with a statue of his own.). Too, I got to see my dear friend and mentor/ ABC 7 weekend anchor Sandra Bookman and reporter Kimberly Richardson – both of whom do stellar work (www.abclocal.go.com/wabc/index). And author and political analyst Keli Goff (www.keligoff.com) with whom I’ve had the chance to wax political on BET’s “The Truth With Jeff Johnson” looked better than ever (http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/TheTruth.wmv).

 

A highlight was running into Miss Veronica Webb (www.veronicawebbisode.com/) who I had the chance to book on “Good Day Atlanta” (www.myfoxatlanta.com/subindex/entertainment/good_day) when she went on a media tour to announce her historic contract with REVLON (www.revlon.com). She was the first African American model to get such. She’s gone on to do so many things on and off the runway – with her looks and her brain – at work. I continue to admire her.

 

And as all roads lead to Morehouse, I got reacquainted with a Morehouse brother with whom I actually attended college. Michael James and his lovely wife Keisha Sutton-James were in the house. Since we hadn’t seen each other – face-to-face – since the 90s, there were many things to catch up on. His big update is he’s launched a men’s grooming line Frederick Benjamin grooming (www.frederickbenjamin.com/). CONGRATS MICHAEL!

 

“FREDERICK BENJAMIN” “N”

 

So, it makes total sense that my favorite boutique “N” (www.nharlemnewyork.com) would host my Morehouse brother Michael’s launch party and special products of shampoo, moisturizer, and hydrator. In addition to seeing my favorite Harlemites – owners Lenn and Nikoa; my main stylist friend Jamar; and Michael, I have the chance to show you all of what went down via the pictures of my Spelman sister Kendal Whitlock (www.imagesandtales.com). Thank you, Kendal!!! We got complimentary line-ups – another treat that I’ve eliminated from the budget of late. And mojito’s were the drink of the day. My "N"... a spa day with some fab product... and my Harlem! What day! What a day!

 

“INKED BABY” – COME SEE IT WITH ANT & ME ON SUNDAY, MARCH 29^TH OR WHENEVER YOU CAN!!!!

 

I mentioned my good girlfriend LaChanze is starring in a new play at Playwrights Horizons (www.playwrightshorizons.org). My sweet Marcia Pendelton invited us all out for an “INKED BABY” Open House in which the cast read from excerpt for the awesome play written by Christina Anderson. This piece also features a stellar cast. The drama in excerpt had us all wanting more and on the edge of our seats – so I can’t wait to see this complete production in its full splendor. Like “LOVE PROJECT”, Ant and I want to take as many people with us as possible. For $50 tickets on any night, go to www.playwrightshorizons.org or call Ticket Central at 212/279-4200 (noon – 8pm DAILY). But if you’d like to join Ant and me, we are looking to get a BIG GROUP together to attend on Sunday, March 29, 2009 --- for just $30-a-head. Here’s how it works:

1. Commit to attend the Sunday, March 29^th /7:30 pm “INKED BABY” starring Tony-award-winning LACHANZE at Playwrights Horizons (416 West 42^nd Street close to 9^th Avenue)

2. By Tuesday, March 24^th: Make $30 check (per person) payable to:

WALK TALL GIRL PRODUCTIONS

1375 BROADWAY

3^RD FLOOR

NEW YORK, NY 10018

Phone: 646-467-7393 or 917-334-6492

MEMO: 3/29 INKED BABY w/PAT & ANT

 

3. After you do that, PLEASE let me know that you will be joining us via patarack_riley@yahoo.com

4. On Sunday, March 29^th, let’s meet at 6:30 pm – so I can personally ensure your tickets get to you. Showtime is 7:30 pm. It’s about 90 minutes – so will wrap about 9:00 pm. And I’m going to check with my friend LACHANZE to see if she is available to join us across the street for a quick cocktail at: THE WEST BANK CAFÉ

407 W. 42^nd Street

New York, NY 10036

Phone: 212-695-6909

 

CHESTER GREGORY

 

My buddy Ra-Fael Blanco (www.2RSENTANDMEDIA.COM) represents so many great clients that I love to blog about all the time – from BLEU Magazine to its publisher/Harlem’s own Devon Christopher (who too co-owns Harlem’s new “Atomic Wings”); and Dawn from Danity Kane... it’s no wonder singer Chester Gregory (www.chestergregory.com) has signed on with this man to help publicize his debut album "IN SEARCH OF HIGH LOVE", available on March 31st. I’ve enjoyed his work on and off Broadway for years and am happy to see his talents contained inside of a CD lasering – so you can all experience him. Here’s a sneak-peek: The lead singe is the classic remake of "I Only Have Eyes 4 U", by Harry Warren and Al Dubin.

***Download "I ONLY HAVE EYES 4U"- http://www.zshare.net/audio/557184312fa21965/

***Download "SEARCH IN"

http://www.zshare.net/audio/55718637b190188f/

2R's Artist Page - http://www.2rsentandmedia.com/artists/chester2/chester.html

 

Meanwhile, check out the new BLUE Magazine (www.bleumag.com). It features my buddy Jensen Atwood of “Noah’s Arc” fame on the cover. Another friend Demarco Majors who has recently asked me if we might not consider working on a project as we all aim to maximize our talents and reach. Demarco, who I have been bumping into socially for a couple of years now, is always so gracious and always working on his next level. He can currently be seen on LOGO (www.logoonline.com/shows/dyn/shirts_and_skins/series.jhtml) via his series “Shirts and Skins” – a reality show that looks at gay basketball team the “Rock Dogs”. CONGRATS!

 

Speaking of DOGS (the real kind):

My friend Pierre hipped me to his friend Amber who has an intriguing line of luxury pet-wares that you can check out and buy via www.kaneandcouture.com

 

By the way, another friend Dewayne Snype just hipped me to the sounds of Karen Bernod (www.karenbernod.com). She’s been around for a minute. But check her out as she’s quite a talent. He sent me two of her CDs “life @ 360 degrees” (www.lifeat360degrees.com) and “Some othaness for you” (www.Nativelycreative.com). DON’T SLEEP!

 

 

MY MOMENTUM COMMUNITY AT WORK – IN THE WORLD!

 

• Like the aforementioned Marcia Pendelton, my good friend Renee and I had the privilege of doing Momentum Education (www.momentumeducation.com). Renee hipped me to an awesome tome that held my hand and heart while on a uber-turbulent prop plane that was flying me way off my path (so I could earn a little penny). It’s titled “Thank God I...: Stories of Inspiration for Every Situation”. It was created by John Castagnini (www.johncastagnini.com/). As self-help and spirituality are among my favorite genres of books to read, imagine my excitement to pick up this one. It challenges us to transform our human experience by being grateful for the bad things that happen to us towards breaking through into our power and resilience. Visit the online community at www.ThankGodI.com
• Another two Momentum buddies are doing great things... and another is simply BEING THE DIFFERENCE. My friend Nikki Johnson is an Executive Assistant, Company Manager, Touring, Travel & Logistics Manager, Stage & Production Management, Festival & Special Event Management (http://www.myspace.com/miapicha). She’s pursuing her passion and dream of being a personal/executive assistant to a high profile individual (talent, celebrity, musician, actor, executive, agent, etc.). I want to hire her now but it’s not in the budget. Still, I want to share her with anyone out there who has this need. Having a great assistant is key when you’re managing many things. Nikki’s motto is "to clear the path for the artist to do their work." She is clear this is her calling and has been preparing for this moment. So, see her myspace website above and/or find her on FACEBOOK... and tell Nikki “Patrick sent you!”. HERE’S TO INFINITE POSSIBILITIES!
• One of my coaches when I started the MOMENTUM work was HAZELLE GOODMAN – comic actress and first African American woman to be cast in a Woody Allen flick. She’s currently off-Broadway in a critically-acclaimed piece “Spalding Gray: Stories Left to Tell” (www.broadway.com/Spalding-Gray-Stories-Left-to-Tell-Off-Broadway/broadway_show/543520). Also, Hazelle is starring in her one woman show "It's a New Day: Hazelle's Back!" at Joe's Pub on Friday, March 13th at 8:00 pm (www.joespub.com). She’s always a treat to see – so check her out!

• My good girlfriend Camille Morrison (who I write about all the time. She’s in Beijing, China now) hipped me to her good girlfriend Julie Rainbow who has been documenting stories of African American elders. She points out that rarely do we see tenderness and/or affection shared in the media about our African American elders and she seeks to share these unheralded stories. Take a look at an excerpt from her work: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYAOG4Z29NI Thanks for sharing, Julie! CONGRATULATIONS!
• It’s no secret that these times have been challenging financially for me. As a result, my spirits are down too. I CHOOSE to get up everyday and see what difference I can be to turn it around... and I am BLESSED to be seeing the benefits of getting up and CREATING MY NEW DAY! That said, sometimes I just need a little help – a little budge, someone or something to scoot me along into my day’s purpose or into the fire (depending on the day). My other coach from Momentum was a lovely man named Curtis. And even in these many months since taking the various courses, I still stay in touch with Curtis. We don’t talk a lot but through the airwaves of LOVE, he continues to get me. One day, after agreeing to do a gig I couldn’t quite afford to take (as funds were that low), I checked the mail. In it was a check from Curtis with whom I’ve never spoken so specifically about my money woes. But he read between the lines (and sometimes on the lines via the blog) and responded – quite simply because he could. To him, it may not have seemed like a lot. But it allowed me to step forward into the day’s purpose (which was some work on which I could now do my best job without the worry of transportation, food, room, and board). Without questioning WHY or going to the place that has been difficult because I’m not used to being in actual NEED, I simply accepted it and continue to be SO GRATEFUL for it! CURTIS, you are SIMPLY THE BEST! And same for my MARIO, AUDREY, and all the others whose PRAYERS and kind gestures continue to SHOW UP and OUT!

 

WE ARE A FAMILY

 

• My cousin Floyd (in Atlanta) is poised to graduate college later this year and has taken on an internship with a local TV show “A Sound Voice Live” featuring "The Sweethearts of the Industry" James and Regina Howard. On his first day, they were interviewing “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Deshawn Snow (www.deshawnsnowfoundation.org/). As I always mentor Floyd and my nephew Noot on the importance of networking, imagine my pride as Floyd secured contacts from Mrs. Snow’s foundation (knowing that I’m a big fan of the show and disappointed that she won’t be back next season). Her folks even reached out to me amidst several rounds of telephone tag, but I’m hoping to hear from them soon – so I can share what she’s up to with her foundation, etc. Meanwhile, I hear that the new season of "Real Housewives of Atlanta" has begun filming. And I also hear that Dwight is coming back - in fierce effect. Can't wait to see. Meanwhile, Floyd also introduced me to his bosses who tell me they think Floyd has a great future ahead in this industry. Their radio show is airing on www.ensoundradio.com Mon-Fri from 5pm-7pm. And in Atlanta, you can tune in to BBG Network daily to "A Sound Voice". You can log onto www.bbgnetwork.com, click on listen live at the bottom of the page in the lower right corner OR Log onto www.loudcity.com, type in bbgnetwork in the find box, then click tune in OR Log onto www.now-streaming.com and click the gospel box and choose your media player for your computer OR log onto www.live365.com and type in "BBG Network" in the "Find stations that play box", click the yellow play box and you will hear the audio OR Log onto www.lifestream.tv, click on the green radio tab and then click on Bridgers Broadcasting Gospel Network OR log onto www.itunes.com, in order to hear the show here you have to have itunes media player. So, make sure you download itunes. Click on the radio tab, then religious, when the drop box comes down click on BBGNetwork OR log onto www.audiorealm.com, in the search box type bbg network and click on the speaker to listen OR log onto www.flytunes.com and search for gospel and bbg network. And for the television show "A Sound Voice Live!" airs as a special on People TV (Comcast Cable 24) or log on to www.peopletv.org. Meanwhile, go to www.youtube.com and www.godtube.com and see special segments from the show. It is GREAT TO HAVE OPTIONS! GOD BLESS YOU, JAMES AND REGINA! I’M PROUD OF YOU, FLOYD!

And of course, we didn't just hit Harlem this week. We went to Williamsburgh where Ant's best friend Manivone hosted us at The Velvet Lounge (www.velvetbrooklyn.com/). Ant's other high school buddies Paul and Dustin were there. Ern came. And we just enjoyed a lovely night of old friends connecting with old friends. Too, it was great to spend time with Ant and his peeps who are lots of fun and have so much love for him.    It was what we have to remind ourselves to have on the ordinary days - a simple CELEBRATION OF LIFE at the changing of the season and the promise of ABUNDANCE! "... when [IT'LL] change... nobody knows..." BUT WE MUST STAY ENCOURAGED and OPTIMISTIC! And we do!