A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

purple

Some know but I’ll share again: Ant and I met the opening night of “Oprah Winfrey presents The Color Purple”. He was covering it for STARZ. I was covering it for aforementioned title producer’s talk show. Ten years later, Ant and I are HERE! And my ARISE 360 Broadway/theater segment producer Derrick Hemphill and I got to meet the cast of on THE COLOR PURPLE Revival for Broadway – due in November 2015. At Chelsea’s Pier 59 as the backdrop, we got to hang out with the ladies on their first day together: Cynthia Erivo as Celie (She played the part in the London run); Jennifer Hudson as Shug (EGOT anyone? She has the Oscar and the Grammy); and Danielle Brooks of “Orange is the New Black” FAME as Sophia. #thecolorpurple

all star karaoke

Hope we can get Miss Hudson and the ladies up to Billie's Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley. We are UP AND RUNNING through mid-July! Join us next Tuesday for some special giveaways – including MISS JESSIE’s and a raffle for tickets to see the APOLLO THEATER's staged adaptation of E. Lynn Harris' New York Times best-selling debut novel "Invisible Life"….

This week was a BLAST! We welcomed another group of business journalism interns under the leadership of my NABJ brothers Will Sutton and Garry Howard. Shout out to the #DJNFbiz15 – the Dow Jones News Fund Business Internship program…

…we toasted and serenaded our ALL STAR KARAOKE show-runner Derrick Hemphill…

…and we welcomed singer Kylie Marcus Blue who sang her new single WONDER – available on I-Tunes and all platforms.

HERE'S A HIGHLIGHT VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/5t6cAyzUqSA

ALSO IN THE HOUSE: Celebrity designer Indashio came, saw, and conquered --- with the promise to return! MUCH LOVE!

Was also a treat to have ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 CO-HOST SHANNON LANIER in the house! I fill in for him at ARISE 360 when he's away. Now, we must get MISS LOLA OGUNNAIKE and the rest of the ARISE gang to come hang out at ALL STAR KARAOKE.

COME JOIN US NEXT WEEK – prepared to sing your favorite DIVA in the first hour of the night. We’ll have a “little giveaway” for the participant who BRINGS IT!

RESERVATIONS are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED – if you want to sit and enjoy some SOUL FOOD & COCKTAILS! 212.280.2248. #DJNFbiz15 #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke

nectar imperial rose

Shout out to BFF Derrick Hemphill who invited me out to his birthday celebration extension: a Moet & Chandon-sponsored TOAST (of Nectar Imperial Rose - one of my FAVS!). The event at Cipriani was to introduce Nectar Imperial Rose's FIRST CREATIVE COLLABORATION: LIMITED EDITION BY MARCELO BURLON! FUN ROOM of GREAT FRIENDS and INDUSTRY BUDDIES I've not seen in a minute. ALSO IN THE HOUSE: my EVERY-STYLISH & GQ NEPHEW: HERMAN L. RILEY III. FUN to stumble into him... and a hang a bit! XO #MOETXMARCELO

AMERICAN STROKE ASSOCIATION

Shout out to Morehouse brother Kevin Walker for interviewing me at The Apollo the night I was red carpet reporter for the American Stroke Association's "You Are The Power" Concert:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4mlQSWYNCI&feature=share. For more info: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/5/15/nothing-ventured-nothing-gained.html The footage from the evening is going to be cut into a special on Gospel Music Channel this summer. Stay tuned.

EMILIO SOSA

MEANWHILE, I was on the Broadway stage recently. And Whoopi Goldberg saw me on it. Well, I wasn’t performing. I was actually interviewing “By The Way, Meet Vera Stark...'s Costume Designer Emilio Esosa who proved an AWESOME spirit and personality! Whoopi happened to attend the show that night. Emilio is also a Season 7 Finalist from “Project Runway” and is working on other great shows – including “Twist” with Debbie Allen. After my Q&A, the play's star Sanaa Lathan and other cast members took pix. Awesome performances! Thanks to my girlfriend Marcia Pendelton who booked me for this gig. This, before a roll by NYC's fearless firefighters! And then, BFF Carl Nelson & I met up with a couple of his friends visiting from Brussels for a quick Thai bite at Pongsri.

 BUSHWICK SCHOOL FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

Carl Nelson also joined me when I went to speak to the Gay Straight Alliance at his alma mater Bushwick: class of ____. LOL! It’s still a mystery but what a GREAT FRIEND for attending with me. As always, it was a great group of teenagers to whom I spoke. I do these career day speeches via LGBT-youth mentoring and scholarship organization Live Out Loud - www.liveoutloud.info). The kids always have the best questions for me on the good, bad, & sometimes ugly of being out as a gay man.

TERRANCE DEAN’S “MOGUL”

My dear friend Terrance Dean invited me to be a part of a panel discussion recently: “Young, Black, Gifted, and Gay...Powerful Men in the Entertainment Industry.” It was wonderful to wax philosophical --- in an affirming way --- about being out in the industry: http://www.centerforfiction.org/calendar/young-black-gifted-and-gay-powerful-men-in-the-entertainment-industry.  I was honored to sit and chat with Kevin Anthony, DJ Baker, Marlynn Snyder, Stanley Bennett Clay, and Kevin E. Taylor! LUV U GUYS! We too celebrated Terrance's debut novel "Mogul". Go check it out now! Perfect summer read!

PROJECT 1 VOICE

Remember I told you about my friend Erich McMillan-McCall's PROJECT 1 VOICE and how I shot a small scene in one of the promos? Well, it's out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJCQI15tsGs&feature=youtu.be. See me around 1:45 on link. For more info on this nationwide 6.20.11 event at which theaters all over the US will run Alice Childress' "Trouble in Mind". The NYC cast includes three TONY-Award-winners Leslie Uggams, La Chanze, Bill Irwin, and Obie-Award-winning Andre De Shields with direction by the award-winning Charles Randolph-Wright. Each city is having June 20 proclaimed Alice Childress Day: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Project1voice/158820437504381 or http://www.project1voice.org/.

BLACK 2: BROADWAY

I've had the luxury of scripting this special night for many years and my friends Kevin Anthony & Sean Hollingsworth always serve up the best moments at this signature BLACK 2 BROADWAY event! http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/6/13/from-black.html This year was no exception as I scribed tributes for honorees – including my friend George Faison (Adrian Bailey sang a brilliant "If You Believe" from "The Wiz" for which George won the Tony award for Choreorgraphy - first African American in that category); Donna Walker-Kuhne; and “Ain’t Misbehavin’”. The legendary Vivian Reed hosted and sang with Kevin-Anthony.

“THE HELP”

It was 2006 when I got to not only write the scripts for the annual BLACK 2: BROADWAY event, but I too got to celebrate my friend La Chanze’s TONY win for her portrayal of Celie in “The Color Purple” (the opening night of which is when I met Ant). Well, I was so excited when my publicist girlfriend Jackie Bazan invited me to see “The Help" (https://www.facebook.com/thehelpmovie). It reminded me that La Chanze is in it – playing opposite Cicely Tyson. This much-anticipated film adaptation of the best-selling novel "The Help" is wonderful! Strong performances - including Viola Davis, Miss Octavia Spencer (in a breakout role), Harlem buddy Aunjanue Ellis, and many more. And I got to enjoy it w/Morehouse brother (and “Dreamgirls” soul-mate) Devon. We too bumped into another Morehouse brother Isoul (now at UPTOWN Magazine) as well as another friend Derrick. GREAT NIGHT which we capped off with karaoke!

JONES MAGAZINE

Shout out to L. Londell McMillan & Tracey M. Ferguson for including a variation of the above pic on page 28 of Jones Magazine's Winter 2010 issue. My BFF Carl Nelson saved his copy for me to see. GO JONES!

BOBBY ROACHE

Shout out to my friend Bobby Roache who generously invited me (and some of his other friends) to join him at Cole Haan SOHO Store. Great guy! And great party! Saw my Spelman sister Tai Beauchamp; buddy Frank; etc. Look for Bobby on a TV or runway near you. Stay tuned for what & where. BRAVO, Bobby! He’s the model with the most.

TAI BEAUCHAMP

Speaking of Tai Beauchamp, she has an update. In addition to continuing her work as an entrepreneur, consultant, and freelance fashion/beauty/lifestyle expert & TV host, she has joined In Style Magazine (the #1 Women's Fashion Magazine) as National Correspondent. YOU GO GIRL! SO PROUD OF YOU! MUCH LOVE!

J-HUD

Only for J-Hud! After a full-day of work at BET and a series of late-night social events, I woke up before dawn to see her again (You recall that I first bonded with her a few years back. I got to interview her at the National Association of Black Journalists' Convention in Indy. And we even sang together when I didn't serenade her myself.). She's still a JOY as she rehearsed and then performed for GMA’s Concert Series. My friend Carl Nelson snagged the passes. And what a fun morning it was! I got to hang out with Sam Champion; Robin Roberts; Lara Spencer; and more! Shout out to George Huff, J-Hud and Fantasia's fellow American Idol finalist and now-J-Hud's background singer! J-Hud and I just had our reunion! I got to chat and do a quick photo-op. Our eyes caught and she walked right through those handlers to hug and say HI!

JAMAICA LOVE

Of course, my friendship with Savannah homeboy Maurice Marable is well documented in my blog: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/3/4/-weve-come-a-long-way-baby.html. Certainly he is a key player in “… the life of Riley…” and has been since we started high school in the mid-‘80s. I am still honored to have been among those loved ones who got to attend his wedding to the too-fierce and most-friendly Karen Good. Those in the mix included his nuclear & extended family (who I’ve known these years as well). And what an AWESOME and ROMANTIC weekend it was. Air jaunts from NYC to Kingston, then Kingston to Montego Bay presented us with a less-than-two-hour ride from Montego Bay to Negril. The Rock House was the backdrop for the wedding and all associated festivities. And wherever I turned my head, LOVE WAS IN THE AIR! Add in the mix: our beloved mutual friends – including one of our adolescent buddies Rae D. Mack (now a Brooklyn-based personal shopper and bridal concierge extraordinaire). And the presence of many of my fellow/sister journalists (of the highest order [READ: Kierna Mayo, dream Hampton, etc.].I was missing me some Joicelyn Dingle. Still, it was enjoyable to see (and spend time with) literary agent Marie Brown; filmmaker Charles Stone III – another Mo BFF – who showed his mic-side manner as excellent as his commercial appeal (Remember the “WHASSUP?”-Budweiser commercials?); BET blast from the black-don’t-crack past Brett Walker (who is so nice and humble); and including Maurice’s kids; his niece; and his nephew, several superstars-in-training (Mo’s son Myles, who proved ever the showman as he shut the house down in song, spoken tribute, and rap!; his stepdaughter Radiance gave a well-articulated, heartfelt tribute as well). A highlight for me (in addition to just getting some long-overdue and much-deserved paradise-like R&R with the one I love): The couple’s use of the Luther Vandross/Ashford & Simpson-penned “Brand New Day” (from “The Wiz”) in the immediate wake of the bridge/groom kiss. Karen-style, the party was officially turned ON with the perfect song: mission was complete and Miss Dorothy (ahem, Karen) eased (with Mo in tow) on down the road that was the aisle that split their seated guests who sat beneath the Yoga gazebo which faced the reflection pool in front of which the couple pledged their love. But none of us sat for long (I instantly jumped up out of my seat and began dancing! In fact, we all did! What a CELEBRATION OF LOVE!). Shout out to Hershelle Burton who produced the special wedding experience that none of us will soon forget… if ever! And CONGRATS to Mo and Karen! LOVE YOU BOTH!

CHARLOTTE

So my Savannah home girl Bernie - who I haven’t seen in a few years – saved the day! Ant and I missed our flight coming back from Montego Bay to NYC – so we had to re-route to Charlotte airport… and then, connect to get home the following morning. She scooped us up and gave us food & shelter. She made the snafu FABU – including a listening session of George Michael’s “Kissing A Fool” and all things FAITH! We enjoyed the basketball game and a lovely meal at Hickory Tavern. Love some Jamaican cuisine, but a sports bar & grill with chicken tenders, quesadillas, and Caesar salad made me feel that my simple-palette knows what it's talking about. I'm just sayin'... And our comfy night in her beautiful home (+ a fun & heartfelt walk down memory lane) had me feeling so LOVED and GRATEFUL to have life-long friends like Bernie!

MEMORIAL DAY

I also got to hang out with other Savannah BFFs (since 7th grade) Tish (Cookiehead Jenkins) & Ernest Maynor! We had great meals and a long-overdue gathering with our favorite couple Mara Schiavocampo and Tommie Porter. We even got to see my buddy Will with whom I sometimes do field shoots (He’s a Director of Photography). Our well-appointed brunch menu turned into a day-long marathon of food and fun. Also, our dear friends Danielle Andrea Simone Knight & Bernard Jablonka did their annual event. They hosted a sequel to last year’s Memorial Day Weekend blast. Highlights included seeing my dearest Adrene Clarke Williams; her hubby Paul; other BFFs Linda Gadsby; Pam; Ernest Maynor; etc. NICE EXHALE after a busy last few months. And shout out to Harlem buddy Jamar Dunn. He made sure we were in the house for other friend Ryan Hall’s Super Last Minute Birthday Bash. Wasn’t a late night, but a FUN ONE at which time I got to sport my new MISS ROSS T-shirt that Ant bought for me!

RODNEY CHESTER

My friends and brothers in the biz Nathan Hale Williams and Lloyd Boston are producing "An Evening with Rodney Chester" on June 22nd. Come and enjoy what promises to be an awesome night at the Faison Firehouse Theatre. Rodney is a hoot! The after party will be at our beloved Native Restaurant and then, we'll move it to Splash. Click following link for more details. It's going to be a BLAST! https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=10150214362328737&set=a.10150214261483737.316970.662073736&

KELI GOFF

Shout out to my girl Keli Goff - a blogger and political analyst with whom I've had a chance to share a roundtable or two ( http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/TheTruth.wmv). She sent me her first novel “The GQ Candidate”. It’s about what happens to a group of friends when one of them runs for PREZ. It’s kinda’ where “The West Wing” meets “The Game” with a little “Entourage” to boot!

ALL-STAR KARAOKE

So our beloved ALL STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT is officially on summer break from our favorite Harlem restaurant Native Restaurant. But one summer hiatus can't stop my KARAOKE! LOL! In the meantime, I have been supporting my buddy Mario's KARAOKE MONDAY. It's at NO PARKING - 4168 Broadway (btw 176TH and 177th Streets). Big shout out to my ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT regulars Dayne Brett, Laron 'Howard', Harlem Anthony, Carl Nelson, and others who came out recently. WE HAD A BLAST! While we are researching some other spots, feel free to join me on Monday’s and support NO PARKING'S MONDAY NIGHT KARAOKE.

FRENCHIE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBFhlhKQFEU Did y'all see Frenchie Davis last week? She SLAYED THEM with Kelly Rowland’s hit tune “When Love Takes Over”! GO FRENCHIE! But don't cry for Kelly. She's got a #1 R&B song on and popping out there. CONGRATS, KELLY!

JO THOMPSON

Shout out to my NABJ BFF Greg Dunmore for hipping me to some good news. His client & mom Jo Thompson's upcoming performance of "THANK YOU LENA" in Philly at The Clef Club (2 shows on Fri. 7/1 & another on Sat. 7/2). If you're in Philly, PLEASE DON'T MISS IT! Her NYC show was nothing short of SPECTACULAR!

ANA GASTEYER

I interviewed SNL alum Ana Gasteyer a couple of months ago. We hit it off. And now she has just invited me to check out her show at FEINSTEIN'S AT LOEWS REGENCY: "ELEGANT SONGS FROM A HANDSOME WOMAN" on June 13th & 27th. $30 COVER* | $50 PREMIUM SEATING* | $25 FOOD & BEVERAGE MINIMUM* DINING AT 6PM | BOOK EARLY FOR BEST SEATING FOR INFORMATION, CALL 212.339.4095 |*FEES AND TAXES APPLY

DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON

We got to continue some belated birthday LOVE for Tata & Ant recently. Our friend Carl Nelson’s “Drums Along The Hudson” was a chilly blast. But our girlfriend Tetiana Anderson warmed our hearts with her stellar hosting skills! She and I have co-hosted at past 'Drums'. Then, catfish fingers & fries at Moca in Harlem (It was games night and I ran into some friends – including Itika’s buddy Muffin). From there, long-overdue karaoke at One 7 where I stumbled into buddies Jamar, Eric, Ern, and others. FUN WEEKEND! Heavyweight icon Evander Holyfield's son is far left.

DIANNE SMITH

Shout out to our Harlem friend, artist Dianne Smith. Her “Syllogisms” opened recently and runs until this month. Plus, I got to host my Atlanta homegirl Condace Pressley (in town for the Peabody Awards). Even BFF Michael K. Watts; Sidra Smith; and Saundra Booker came out to play – from gallery to our beloved Native to Red Rooster for dancing!

SUNDAE SERMON

For a working weekend, I still managed to get a little fun in. Dear friend Carla was in town from ATL – so a little BBQ & Red Robin kept us entertained as comfort food goes; my NEW ROs had a Garage Sale (Shout out to Nelson Boyce, Michelle Sanchez-Boyce, Tracey Smith, Erika Munro Kennerly, Fairoza Allie, etc.); My friend DJ Stormin Norman gets us all out to Sundae Sermon (www.sundaesermon.com/) in Harlem’s Morningside Park. Was so good to see friends Sidra Smith, Stacie J, Bevy Smith (with whom I got my groove on); Kiwan Anderson, Murphy, and a host of others. This house party in the park is nothing short of FABULOUS! Norm also jumped on the ONE-TWOs in Jamaica.

CLARICE TAYLOR R.I.P.

So glad to have met her... and enjoyed her talents over the years! As a child, I just loved her in an episode of "Sanford & Son" on which she stole the show. Then, as Grandmother Huxtable, she reigned supreme on "Cosby". Her staging of Moms Mabley's life was a recent thumbs up! JOB WELL DONE, MISS TAYLOR! XO

LEBRON JAMES

Next time, buddy...



PICTURES

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=235558&id=662073736&l=3af5ecf1c3

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=238525&id=662073736&l=fdf9c66ef5

ALL-STAR KARAOKE

ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHTS at NATIVE RESTAURANT in HARLEM continues to bring FUN TIMES and GREAT SINGING! And in addition to my many friends who are coming out to listen and support, several are getting on the mic.  My friend Charles Wallace – singer/actor/dancer/producer/director/writer extraordinaire - ‘turned off the lights’ (a la Teddy P) and serenaded the house with ‘love ballad’ (a la LTD). Tony nominee Brenda Braxton popped by to help us with our give-aways including her show "Travelin'" which is running in the city. On that week,  we also gave away tix to FELA! w/Patti LaBelle and Daniel Beaty's "Through The Night" as well as two gift cards to N, my favorite boutique. And our regional/city members of the National Association of Black Journalists came out – including NABJ Region 1 Director Katina. And another week, my NABJ sisters – poet Marcie Eanes (whose current collection, “Sensual Sounds”, is available at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com) and playwright Amy Simmons – came from Racine, Wisconsin and Philadelphia, respectively JUST to get in on the fun and support our new karaoke adventure! THANKS LADIES! And a special shout out to the Bay-area’s own Troy for popping in and our Dawn, who sang really pretty on the night she came! And my birthday-sake Robin Stone Boyd brought a large party of her girlfriends – including Miss Lisa and Carol. And our ALL-STAR regular Darius Booker (who has substitute hosted at No Parking’s Monday night Karaoke); and sbP’s vocalist extraordinaire Stephen Beasley brought their A-game. And Dr. Mixologist Darryl Robinson (who came out to celebrate his birthday and the week thereafter). He asked me to sing “Theme from Mahogany” for his celebration, and – of course – I did. CHEERS, DR. MIXOLOGIST! And THANKS TO ALL for supporting ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHTS at NATIVE RESTAURANT in Harlem.

SIDRA, KIM COLES, AND NATE BERKUS

After my Sidra supported me at my ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT, Ant & I returned the favor. For her Friday, in-studio taping at “The Nate Berkus Show”, Sid asked Ant to style her and she asked me to accompany her to the studio where she, our buddy Kim Coles, and Sid’s friend/interior designer Lisa did their segment, which aired recently: http://www.thenateshow.com/episodes/detail/the-house-that-nate-built  She’s already been invited back. Afterwards, Sidra sponsored a fabulous lunch at Tao Restaurant where our server Kevin Sweeney served up salmon, steak, crispy vegetable rolls, banana pudding, and info about the web series “Keeping Up with the Cardassians” (www.keepingupwiththecardassians.net) in which he stars. Then, we took a bus back to Harlem – something new for me. Ristoranti Settepani provided us some wine, sidewalk fellowship, and a host of characters as only Harlem can provide. Then, we segued to New Rochelle. Girlfriend Chenoa and her husband Carlyle invited us out for an elegant, well-appointed dinner party. Many of our favorites were in the house – including my “Amazing Grace” Nichole; Michelle; Nelson; Tracey; Adair; Jason; and others.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARA!

Tillman’s supper club in New York City was the spot to celebrate the birthday of our ‘Amazing Grace’ Mara Schiavocampo, NBC Digital Correspondent. As always, so much fun with Mara’s cast of characters in the mix: her husband Tommie; CNN’s David Puente; and Mara’s protégée Sia Nyorkor who has left NYC to start reporting in Florida. Afterwards: Karaoke Cave for a night cap! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARA!

FELA & PATTI LABELLE

Ant, our friends Robert & Sidra, and I got to join my Morehouse BFFs Michael and Mario for another run of Broadway’s Tony-award-winning FELA! (but this time featuring Patti Labelle). SHE WAS WONDERFUL, but Lillias White was nominated for a Tony for originating the role. This particular day started with brunch at VYNL with friend Theo – another birthday boy (VYNL Scramble! YUM!); then, after a few errands, we enjoyed the show after which we did a little after-set of Ruby Foo’s Times Square sushi and cocktails. SPEAKING OF FELA! My girl Marcia Pendelton booked me to interview lead producer Steve Hendel on Broadway musical FELA! along with two cast members Onika and Farai – all of whom shed light on the life FELA! will have after it closes at the top of 2011 (including a run in London in The West End; filmed version available in DC; filmed version available in Europe; a state-side road tour; and preps for a feature film adaptation). My boys Rod and Marlynn came out. The legendary Melvin Van Peebles was in the house. Marva Hicks and my girl Sidra were also in the house. And a host of others.

LEBLON

After my FELA! duties, I joined Ant for an exclusive seated dinner event at the brand-new SOHO destination LANI KAI cocktail bar – including producers from “The View”; DR. Mixologist Darryl Robinson; and Founder & President of LEBLON (natural cane cachaca-brasil). Our girlfriend Donna Torrence put all of this together. Then, we joined Travis & company at NO PARKING for Monday night karaoke – including two performers from “Naked Boys Singing” and a clothed boy, ME. LOL!

THE BROOKS BUSINESS REPORT

TAKE A LOOK at THE BROOKS BUSINESS REPORT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7EljxSYSSM  The Go To Resource for Women Business Owners. One of my NABJ mentors Sheila Brooks hired me to work on it a year and change ago. I interviewed all of the subjects she didn't (including my girlfriend Dr. Shirley Madhere) and I produced those interviews that Sheila conducted. Excerpts from all are in this clip. GOOD STUFF COMING UP w/THE BROOKS BUSINESS REPORT.

DINNER WITH NOOT

My nephew invited me to dinner (on him) one night. The old Houston’s (now Hillstone) was his choice. SO SWEET OF HIM, RIGHT? And for all of my goings and comings, this – its own – was truly a highlight. We got to catch up on his new job and new digs. And as he navigates through this thing called “adult”-hood, I’m excited to be a listening ear for him (as I – knocking on 40 – am still trying to figure “adult”-hood out). The journey continues… and it’s WONDERFUL! Then, Ant and I popped by Nathan Hale Williams’ “Classic” night at our NATIVE (where we do ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHTS).

CHICAGO QUICKIE

So, I wasn’t in Chicago long enough to get homesick, but I did have to go there for business. On Night 2 of 4, after a full day of a writing/editing session, my Ti-Ti insisted I join her at The House of Blues for Michigan Avenue magazine's cover of Jennifer Hudson who brilliantly performed "And I Am Telling You" and "I Will Always Love You" bombastic-like (yet inside her new-Naomi-Campbell body). Also ran into NYC buddy Waddie. And one of my work buddies Joe was there too. Always an adventure with Ti-Ti, even though I didn't get my photo op with J-Hud (There's always a file photo. LOL!!!! Thanks boo! Then, on Night 3 of 4, my best Chicago buddies Eddie and Chicago Carl insisted I give them some fun time. They wanted to get in on my karaoke jones. So, they took me to Blue Frog Bar & Grill - so they could see what the hype is all about. Not only were they sold with my performances, but they jumped up and joined in on Hall & Oates' "Sara Smile" which Eddie led brilliantly (GO EDDIE!). Unfortunately, after a late-night bite at Dublin's Restaurant, Eddie's towed car left a bad taste in our night. STILL, we'll always have memories of our fun-filled, musical night in Chicago.

EL DEBARGE

Well, you know I am close friends with the first cousins of the Debarges: my Sherry & Shelly. Yes! They're twins! As a result, Chico has accepted me as family. And since Sherry and Shelly introduced us, we hit it off. Plus, I've volunteered my 'falsetto' services to the background of any of his dates. And we've bumped into each other a time or two right here in New York City. The ladies vouch for me. And recently in San Diego, El did the like. I was invited to an intimate set that El performed at SOBs last week, but wasn’t able to make it for my business in Chicago (I will see him on Monday when he opens for Mary J. Blige at Radio City Music Hall). With that, my Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts was in the house by way of LIVE! FROM FRONT ROW and he’s letting me share his review and clips with you here. ENJOY!

The LIVE! Review: 

El DeBarge's 'Second Chance' With Fans on Memory Lane

By Michael K. Watts 

El DeBarge danced to the salsa-infused beat of "Rhythm of the Night" at the close of his S.O.B.'s show in New York last night.  A sea of fans cheered him on as his hip-shaking salsa morphed into an almost holy dance.  If the playful bounce in his swift steps were any indication, he had reason to let loose and celebrate. 

It was just under two years ago that the soulful singer, an R&B mainstay in the 1980's as front man to his group of singing siblings as DeBarge, finished a prison sentence for drug possession.  A lengthy battle with drugs and the law sidelined his career for well over a decade. 

DeBarge says he's been clean for two years and wants a chance to prove himself again.  With a new record deal and a forthcoming album, Second Chance, the singer is restarting his career. 

Last night's intimate show, one of a handful of spot dates this fall, was a chance to reconnect with his fans, whose loyalty showed in their incessant screams.  When he entered the stage, DeBarge seemed to freeze with distraction as he sat at the keyboard and grinned through the thunderous cheers.  He fumbled through the first verse of "Stay With Me," but nobody seemed to mind.  

Cameras flashed about the stage as DeBarge took fans down memory lane with number one hits like "All This Love" and "Time Will Reveal."  It was like 1983 all over again as he worked the crowd and led them in nostalgic sing-along's. 

"Can I reach out and touch you just like that," he sang melodically.  And fans his screamed some more.  "It's all about love," he crooned. 

His signature falsetto remains in virtually the same condition as in his younger years.  So does his boyish smile.  Perspiration glistened on the youthful skin of his forehead, but he was just warming up. 

To read the rest of the El DeBarge review, click here. 

To watch video clips from El DeBarge’s show, click here. 

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

To watch past video clips, check out our Youtube page:  http://www.youtube.com/LIVEfromFrontRow. 

JAMES EARL JONES

http://www.daisyonbroadway.com/

James Earl Jones can read the phone book and I’m there. I was front and center when he did “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” a couple of years ago. Well, he is back on Broadway in “Driving Miss Daisy” and I plan to be there. Hopefully you will come out as well!

BUY TICKETS

http://www.telecharge.com/behindTheCurtain.aspx

WATCH VIDEO

http://www.daisyonbroadway.com/media.html

VISIT WEBSITE

http://www.daisyonbroadway.com/ 

NABJ A&E TASK FORCE LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT CLARENCE WALDRON

SHOUT OUT TO NABJ A&E Task Force Legacy Award Recipient Clarence Waldron. We had the chance to present him a video when the task force, which I Chair, honored him at our Y&R-sponsored reception in San Diego at NABJ. See the tribute video here: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/video/video.php?v=1585721932503

ALBERTINA WALKER

You know, I grew up on Gospel music and still consider it one of my favorite genres. Well, we lost one of our pioneers this week: ALBERTINA WALKER. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard her voice blasting throughout my childhood homes. A TRUE LIVING LEGEND! R.I.P.

FAITH AS FLORENCE BALLARD

SHOUT OUT TO BRILLIANT CASTING! I didn’t know that a bio-pic was being worked on about original Supreme Florence Ballard (left). She is the inspiration for all-things-Effie-White from ‘Dreamgirls’. Unfortunately, Florence died on welfare in the mid-‘70s and would never have the chance to re-claim the spotlight as Effie White did. Well, one of my favorite r&b/hip-hop divas Faith Evans says she has landed the role of Florence Ballard in this project. This news comes while Faith is out promoting her  new CD “Something About Faith”.  GO FAITH! (I had the chance to play a cop in her debut video “You Used To Love Me” – quite the exciting opportunity made possible by my friend Tracey Moore, a casting director at the time who has now added director/producer/writer to her multi-hyphenated brand in addition to acting teacher/coach a la “The Spirited Actor” acting courses). And I LOVE Faith's new song!