A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

Billie’s Black presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley - starting with a VIDEO EXCERPT sizzle produced by DERRICK HEMPHILL who supported the song selections duirng the evening:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152123074463737&set=vb.662073736&type=2&theater

VIDEO EXCERPT: Maxwell's THIS WOMAN'S WORK by Patrick L. Riley

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152123190033737&set=vb.662073736&type=2&theater

VIDEO EXCERPT: Diana Ross' MISSING YOU by Patrick L. Riley (TRIBUTE to Marvin Gaye on the 30th Anniversary of his passing)

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152123198808737&set=vb.662073736&type=2&theater&notif_t=video_comment

VIDEO EXCERPT:  Mariah Carey's CAN'T LET GO by Patrick L. Riley
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152126865728737

Billie's Black presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley kicked off! And what an awesome round-up of ALL STARS led by "R&B Diva" Monifah whose new season begins on TV-One Wednesday, April 23rd at 10p. She sang Bonnie Raitt's "Something to Talk About" and Jill Scott's "Getting in the Way".I had to catch up with her on-stage - so she could clue us in on how to stay in touch with her and support her upcoming projects. She also serenaded me at one point. She also joined me impromptu on Monica's "Love All Over Me". Monifah's beautiful wife Terez, a recent buddy, accompanied her. Three BRAVO-TV All-Stars were in the house - "Chef Roble & Co"s Artie Thompson; and my friend Bevy Smith from "Fashion Queens" who performed "Slave 4U" by Britney Spears and Tina Turner's "Private Dancer". And "Real Hosewives of DC"s Paul Wharton, TV personality and style expert Paul Wharton came and sang. He and I did "I Knew You Were Waiting For Me" by Aretha Fraanklin and George Michael. We also did "The Boss" with Black2Broadway's Kevin Anthony, head of events at Billie's Black and a well-respected singing pro. Kevin Anthony did a wonderful rendition of John Lennon's "Imagine". All of this, while my BFF Sidra Smith worked the room. We are all still celebrating her NAACP Image Awards win (Producer of Angela Davis documentary "Free Angela"). Also in the mix:  celebrity hairstylist Carla Bone; my karaoke doppelganger; Coach Billy (from doc "Little Ballers"); and a room full of my buddies; family; and friends - including Broadway triple threat/Morehouse brother Maurice McRae, Ant, Kevin "Moochie" Freeman, Lisa Bonner, Esq. AKA "inner-rocker chick", Derrick (who helped out immensely), Jamar, Ryan, Ern, Tatiana, Pedro, Blair, Ivonne, Elisabeth (from Norway), Laurence, Mario, Ephraim, Horace, my Penwah, Leonard, Jason, and so many more! GREAT FIRST NIGHT!
Please come out next Tuesday April 8th and join us as we celebrate THE Kevin Anthony's special birthday. Sing him a song or two at All Star Karaoke or just come hang out. If you too want to celebrate your birthday with Karaoke, just drop a line to b2productions1@gmail.com. It's a great way to celebrate for you and your friends. I hope to see you all there. Please feel free to pass this along and let everyone know we are back. ALL STAR KARAOKE with PATRICK RILEY at BILLIE'S BLACK. Make your reservations today. Big shout out to Adrian and Marian who run Billie's Black and allow us a backdrop of beautiful art, great food, and drink specials (including a signature ALL STAR KARAOKE cocktail, "The Life of Riley" - rum, cola, and lime). And as always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke

ABBY Z and MORE!

 Spent the first part of this rainy Sunday afternoon with Ant – a delicious brunch of FAB cuisine and cocktails from Hillstone Restaurant. I then had to head straight to SiriusXM Studios to be a guest on “Abby Z +1” podcast! #abbyZ show! I got to promote Billie's Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/3/24/billies-black-presents-all-star-karaoke-with-patrick-riley.html  - #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke; Fashion Link V.I. presents FVIFW Fashion Weekend (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/3/12/fashionlinkvi-fashion-weekend-in-st-croix.html); and all things “Motown: The Musical” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ); and so much more! Great INTERVIEW and ROUND-TALK, ABBY! ALSO in the mix: Gwen DeVoe – Founder and Executive Director of Full Figured Fashion Week (http://fffweek.com/2014/);  model/stylist Elizabeth Taylor (http://www.laliznyc.com/); aerial choreographer Brooke Notary (http://www.brooknotary.com/); and new Abercrombie & Fitch model Josh.

 Special shout out to Abby Z's producer Jamison! Cool cat! Smart! And uber-talented! Thanks Jamison!

Taha, Manivone, and BUA!

MEANWHILE, Ant had to go and represent our household by going to @Corridor Gallery in Brooklyn to support our “brother” Taha Clayton who was a part of a group show presented by Rush Arts and curated by Charlotte Mouquin Voznesenskaya. The group exhibition of contemporary portraits also included the work of Kate Crilley Fauvell, Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, Jas Knight, and Sylvia Parker Maier – all contemporary portrait painters working in Brooklyn, NY. These works range in subject and size but create painted portraits of people around us in our everyday lives. As always, CONGRATS TAHA! I caught the tail end! But most importantly, got to hang with Ant’s and my new niece via Taha and Ant’s Brooklyn-based, Denver-born-and-raised BFF Manivone: new niece  Bua-Lienh ("line of lotus flowers") named after her great grandma.

 HAPPY 70^TH BDAY MISS ROSS

It’s no surprise that MISS ROSS is my FAVORITE! And many can’t believe she’s just turned 70! I am BLESSED to have danced and sung on-stage with her. I’ve interviewed her several times. And of of those times, got the OMG moment of posing with THE BOSS in my arms! Well, many of us ROSS-ers got together to DANCE to DIANA – an event organized by ONE OF MY DIANA ROSS BFFs Dustin Fitzharris who DESCRIBED our night at THE MONSTER BEST: "I've gotten so excited that I almost have no voice left."

Last night was truly a special night at the Diana Ross dance in New York. Thank you to everyone who came out and all of those who were there in spirit. The DJ played four hours worth of Diana Ross music---those in attendance would agree, "if there's a cure for this, I don't want it."

There were a lot of highlights, but one that immediately comes to mind is when "Reach Out and Touch" came on and everyone on the dance floor--many who were strangers to each other before the evening began--joined hands and sang together. I smiled all evening seeing everyone have such a good time. Here are the songs that we danced to:

Remember Me (Remix), Gettin' Ready For Love, Dirty Looks (Remix), Tenderness (Chic Mix), Chain Reaction, Workin' Overtime, Love Hangover (Single Version and Extended Alternate) The Boss, No One Gets the Prize

Eaten Alive (Remix) Once in the Morning, Brand New Day, Let's Go Back To Day One, Last Time I Saw Him, Touch Me In The Morning (Almighty Mix and Alternate Vocal) Ain't No Mountain High Enough (Almighty Mix) Lovin', Livin', Givin' (Almighty Mix), Reflections, I Will Survive, You Can't Hurry Love

Why Do Fools Fall in Love, Mirror Mirror, Swept Away, Bottom Line, Take Me Higher (Remix), Carry On, Upside Down, I'm Coming Out, Supremes 12" Mix, Love Child (Remix), Pieces of Ice, Up Front (Remix), It's Never Too Late, Surrender

Muscles (Remix) I Want You, Your Love Is So Good For Me (12"), Reach Out and Touch, It's Not Unusual, It's My Turn, It's My House, Baby Love, Stop in the Name of Love, I Hear a Symphony, Someday We'll Be Together (Remix), You Keep Me Hangin' On

Thanks again to The Monster and everyone there who made it possible and to those who showed off their best dance moves!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS ROSS! See you in JUNE when you perform in NYC on your IN THE NAME OF LOVE TOUR!

#endlesslove

COMING UP

Did recent interviews with Geraldo Rivera, my first NYC boss (circa 1995) and "Scary Sprice" AKA Mel B! Will tell you for what and when it will air another time. But these two "revolutions" will be televised in Summer 2014.

SO MANY have been asking “When are you going to do another karaoke night in Harlem?” How THRILLED I am to finally have an answer.

Please join me TUESDAY, APRIL 1^st from 7p to 10p (and every Tuesday evening after that throughout the Spring 2014) for:

“Billie’s Black presents:

All Star Karaoke with Patrick Riley”

As the weather warms, so should your vocals! LOL! Come on out and showcase them. Or just enjoy the ride from the side or while dining on some mouth-watering cuisine. And you must quench accordingly on the drink specials. And you never know who might pop by, so make sure you come out with your entourage in tow.

ALL-STAR KARAOKE HISTORY: I hosted ALL-STAR KARAOKE for NATIVE Restaurant from August 2010 to 2012. NATIVE is now closed. Our guest singers - on any given night - at ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT included: songstress Tichina Arnold; NAACP Image Award winning producer Sidra Smith; R&B divas Alyson Williams & Monifah; actress Napiera Groves; the artist formerly known as TONEX, B. Slade; Mariah Carey's long-standing background singer Melony Daniels - an artist her own right; Broadway baby Brenda Braxton; singer/author David Nathan; FELA!s Kevin Mambo; Paul Wharton ("Real Housewives of DC"); etc. Of course, the blog "A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities" has chronicled much of the ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT:http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/karaoke.

The LIFE OF RILEY brand is EXCITED to partner with Billie’s Black to continue that exciting yet laid-back tradition of music, fellowship, and fun!

SOCIAL MEDIA: We’ll have an E-LIER for forwarding and sharing soon. MEANWHILE, please SHARE and connect with BILLIE’S BLACK via the following social media platforms. Let’s PLEASE get the word out and post our videos and pictures from this special Tuesday night in Spring 2014. In all sharing, please use hashtag #billiesASK

As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Warmest regards!

Patrick L. Riley

“A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities”

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/patarack

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley

FOLLOW BILLIE’S BLACK:

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"Words that people say are just that: Words that people say. They are not reality!" Alosondra de la Parra. Founder/Conductor, Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas (from NBC 4 special NYC WOMEN for "Women's History Month" on CMT Taxi Programming - www.cmtnyc.com) I LOVE THAT QUOTE!

MISS ROSS

By now, all have seen MISS ROSS’ most recent tour de force on TV’s airwaves. Now, she’s on tour. A few notes:

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKHlhkcoLxs Miss Ross sang “It’s Hard for Me to Say”. Luther Vandross wrote & produced it for her 1987 “Red Hot Rhythm & Blues” album (her final RCA project which was a companion piece for her Emmy-award-winning TV special of the same name: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBg022fBO_8). To her fans, like me, it’s a long-overdue acknowledgement of a cult classic that she is currently singing in her current concert repertoire.

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgMipf9KFfQ&feature=related I’m reminded that Miss Ross’ Emmy-award-winning TV special “Red Hot Rhythm & Blues” produced more than an album with a Luther Vandross song on it (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKHlhkcoLxs). The 1987 May sweeps event also included yet another reunion with Billy Dee and Miss Ross.

3. And as we were given the chance to see Miss Ross & Lionel Richie perform the most successful duet of all time “Endless Love” on the Academy Awards: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnfwnOp6uek, we know that since her Oscar nomination for Best Actress in “Lady Sings The Blues” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFstpIKW7A4) that she’s been quite the Academy Awards darling. Other appearances follow:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N69rO3fRitc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sccwmEKJaA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_aUPf-Rdk0

4. "The Motown Sound: In Performance at the White House" was missing Miss Ross. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2knTjxQkec&feature=player_embedded I think she was inside existing scheduling conflicts when the planning of this one came to be. Plus, aren’t we all still trying to recover from the magic of MISS ROSS in February?: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrzpYEE27a4

5. My Morehouse brother JONATHAN ROPER – filmmaker out of NYC – sent me this link of him at Miss Ross’ Central Park Concert – Day 2. He’s peeped around 2:08 on the this clip of her singing “You Can’t Hurry Love”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMC9s0jWO-A&feature=related.  

6. I should have told American Idol's Ashthon Jones that as much as the song is a favorite, America didn't get Miss Ross' "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" when she first recorded it. But the rest of the world did: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu0IvWwTN2U - including Manila where Ant took me for my BDAY a few years ago. I did it at karaoke... OF COURSE! LOL! http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/11/12/manifest-destiny-destination-manila.html 

ALL STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT

Though we’re taking this Thursday, March 17^th off from ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT, we are back up and running on Thursday, March 24^th in Harlem at Native Restaurant (Lenox Avenue & 118^th Street). We’ve been having great times over the last few weeks. So many of our favorites popped by. And even more sang. My Morehouse brothers Mario and Jamahl King (of STEPS Event Planning Firm - www.stepsevents.com) came out to support. Also, my NABJ buddies Mara Schiavocampo and Mike Feeney (who is a writer and reporter at The New York Daily News - including the paper's UPTOWN section). And some old karaoke buddies came and graced us all with their talents. We got visits from my karaoke buddies Caliaf St. Aubyn, who I first met at Pulse Karaoke. And Brandon Bain. He's really one of my favorite karaoke peers. So good... and smooth as he croons to us all!  He invited us recently to perform at his LIVE BAND KARAOKE set. It takes place at PROHIBITION on Columbus Avenue between 84^th and 85^th Streets. I got to do Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got To Do With It?”. By the way, we have been doing a lot of karaoke of late. I ran into Josh Groban at another of our karaoke spots - just casually. He was walking out as I was doing Beyonce's "Listen" from "Dreamgirls". After his thumbs up to me, I got a picture!

RAY RICE

Shout out to Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle who hired me to host its BE GREAT fundraiser. What an INSPIRING night! When New Rochelle's own Ray Rice popped in, I convinced $8,000 out of two attendees who - through Ray's generosity - get a Baltimore Ravens’ helmut & jersey – each – signed by Ray himself! One cool way to kick off raising $$$ to help our kids. I feel GREAT! FYI: Ray Rice is an All-Pro Running Back for the Baltimore Ravens. He's an '05 New Rochelle High School grad and a member - as a youth - of The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle! Thanks Ray! CLASS ACT!!! And thanks to Quay, Michelle, Nichole, Oscar, Jill, Jamie, Robin, and a host of the others who supported my participation in this special program. We also saluted the 25th Anniversary of the Remington Flyers Track Team (led by coach Walter Brown - pictured). Wynton Marsalis Jr. and his bandmates (Vassal States) performed for the cocktail hour. Wynton Sr. is speaking at my Nichole’s upcoming Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle event: Passport to Manhood Mentorship Dinner later this month.Oh! My girl Cynthia's art was one of the silent auction items that helped raise money for the kids. And friends (of "Alvin & Friends" fame) were in the house - including The Frances family (Angelique & my Morehouse brother James). You'll recall, I recently hosted their daughter Arianna's 16th birthday party.

GMAD

Great to moderate the Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD) panel recently. THEME: "The Black Church and her Other Sheep: Where is our room at the inn?" LOCATION: The LGBT Center. I learned a lot from these folks who not only brought their expertise but their open hearts. Powerful program! Esteemed panel – including soon-to-be systematic theologian Nixon Cleophat; Gay Men Health Crisis’ Krishna Stone; ministerial sexual health training expert (for Pastors, Ministers, and church staff personnel) Michael Elam (DSA Ministerial Development, Inc.); and Rev. Dr. Paulette M. Zimmerman, advocate for the infected and affected HIV/AIDS population inside and outside of the faith-based community in the fight against HIV/AIDS. I learned a lot from these folks who not only brought their expertise but their open hearts. Shout out to my Morehouse brother Kevin Rusty who attended and waxed philosophical as well.

 TIKA SUMPTER

Shout out to Tika Sumpter who has been on "The Game" inside a recurring role opposite the "Malik" character. Have you been watching her? http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=261254&id=662073736&l=7f9c75696c I met her at the NYC Premiere party for the hit BET show! And here's hoping for a NEW SEASON on BET as "The Game": REINCARNATED has brought ratings GOLD to the cable network!

 “TROUBLE IN MIND” 

Shout out to my friend Erich McMillan-McCall for inviting me out to a playreading for "Trouble in Mind" by Alice Childress and directed by Charles Randolph-Wright. Cast includes: the legendary Leslie Uggams & my Tony-award-winning friend La Chanze. Esteemed actress Mary Alice was in the audience!!! That's "Stevie" - the dorm director - from "A Different World" and Fred Sanford's sister in "Sanford & Son". My friends Marcia Pendelton, Charles Wallace, and several others were also in the house. Inside this reading, Erich’s PROJECT1VOICE officially launched yesterday (at the American Airlines theater): www.project1voice.org. The inaugural event JUNE 20, 2011 will be a one-day, staged reading of Alice Childress' TROUBLE IN MIND. This reading, in theatres across the country, will promote the legacies of African-American theatre organizations and celebrate the rich catalogue of literary works by African-American playwrights and authors.

KEN ROBERSON

So EXCITED that my friend Kenneth L. Roberson is about to unveil his “Middle Aged Passage Crisis” at The Triad on Monday, April 4 at 7pm (www.Triadnyc.com and www.brownpapertickets.com). It’s a benefit for YOUTH REPRESENT – a legal services organization dedicated to young people age 24 and under (www.YOUTHREPRESENT.org). Ken is such a GREAT FRIEND… and an AWESOME, INTERNATIONALLY-RENOWNED TALENT!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SID!

Got to celebrate my dear friend Sid's 40th birthday recently! Always good to show Sid how much she means to all of us! Her guests included our Mara and Tommie, of course. But also in the mix: model and artist Bobby Roache’. Bobby's breakout moment came when he was cast as Grammy-Award-winning singer BEYONCE’S no-good boyfriend for her #1 HIT single “IRREPLACEABLE" music video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EwViQxSJJQ. But he is doing his thing: on the runway; in the fashion world; and in popular publications like ESSENCE Magazine. Additionally, his art has already captured the attention of many, including our First Lady Michelle Obama who has acquired and hung one of his pieces on a wall in The White House. He too has a mural on the side of the Reformer building (Corner of 12th and U Street). The DC-native/Duke Ellington School of the Arts alum is one to watch.

Keep doin' your thing, Bobby... brother from another mother!

MARSHA AMBROSIUS

I got lots of texts & FB messages from folks.

They are saying they saw me on www.centrictv.com at the party for and live performance of Marsha Ambrosius.

Ant and our friend Jermaine went as well.

He was shooting some shots as well for his own blog. 

Also, my buddy Jamar was in the house.

 She shared tunes from her highly-anticipated debut solo album, “Late Nights & Early Mornings“. It is in stores now! The location: Time Warner Center’s Samsung.

I didn’t realize this while at Marsha Ambrosius’ CD release party, but someone just told me that the liner notes of the solo debut of the former-Floetry-diva’s debut album includes a dedication to MY MISS ROSS. To quote: “...to Diana Ross in Concert!” Here is one of the virals from that night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y2kV__gX4s  

Then, by the time we re-connected with her – a week later – at our friend Nathan’s SPLASH party, Marsha had the #1 & #2 albums on Billboard's R&B and pop charts… and the kids CELEBRATED with her!

Oh! I almost forgot: My dear friend Brian Henderson (www.brianhenderson.carbonmade.com). You recall, he is my NABJ brother and 'play nephew' with whom I've grown close over the last few years. When he saw that I went to see Marsha, he sent me this  historical image of Floetry - the duo from which Marsha hails. When they first hit the scene, they had a concert in Washington D.C. in 2003 and Brian was able to have a shoot with them at Logan Circle near the hotel at which they were staying. THANK YOU, BRIAN!

 

MARSHA, LATOYA, ARETHA, & WENDY...DANCING!!??? 

Ern and I got to attend “The Wendy Williams Show” on which Marsha Ambrosius appeared.

But we were there to see “Celebrity Apprentice”s own Latoya Jackson.

Also, to enjoy Wendy’s toss to Part 2 of her Aretha Franklin interview (which she conducted in Detroit over high tea).

You know, Ant & I have held court with THE QUEEN in Detroit... and she's a most gracious, elegant, yet whimsical lady.

All of those sides showed up in her Wendy interview. I'm thrilled that she is feeling better.

By the way, please check out my Detroit BFF Greg Dunmore's piece on Miss Franklin: http://jazzjewels.tv/enter/?p=166. MEANWHILE, Wendy’s fans are asking “HOW YOU DANCIN’?” as she’s been announced to the new cast of “Dancing With The Stars”! GO, WENDY GO!

Was walking to Columbus Circle subway station near Time Warner Center. Happened upon the papparrazzi - snapping a tall blond & beautiful woman in full-length fur. Cajoled to join in, I pulled my cam out of my pocket and started shooting. I even got in one. After the surge of excitement ended, she went in. I "then" asked my fellow "paps" 'WHO IS THAT?' Of the group, only one person knew it was <drumroll> Deborah Norville from "Inside Edition"!!! I know who she is and what she looks like but usually inside the TV box. She looked good though! Also, just ran into my girl RENE SYLER here in the CITY! Always a pleasure! Had a chance to recently hang with some cool folks from the world of television. My dear friend Mara Schiavocampo (NBC News Correspondent) invited me to hang out with some of her colleagues from The Grio (www.thegrio.com) - including the NBC-owned website's fearless leaders David Wilson and Goldie Taylor. I happened upon some fun industry friends - old and new, including Miss Bevy Smith. Also on hand: Fox News Channel's anchor/reporter/attorney Jamie Colby.

And a recent hang at the Downtown Manhattan STANDARD (in the Meatpacking District) gave us the chance to see our Itika for a quick spell before she and her fiance Datari Turner embark on a voyage of sorts. Many CONGRATS are in order Mr. Datari Turner. And Mr. Datari's upcoming 2nd season of LISA RAYE's TV ONE reality show for which he is the Creator and Executive Producer. In this file pic, see Miss Lisa Raye and Miss Star Jones, who is making her splash in the realm of reality a la CELEBRITY APPRENTICE!

CONSTANCE WHITE

Congrats to my NABJ friend Constance White (pictured right with Jacque Reid [Have you seen Jacque on LXTV a la NBC of late? CONGRATS!] and me). Now working it at the top of the iconic ESSENCE Magazine, a recurring client. http://www.wwd.com/media-news/fashion-memopad/constance-white-named-essence-editor-3535216

SHEILA BROOKS

One NABJ mentor Jackie Jones asked me for a quote about another NABJ mentor Sheila Brooks and I consider it a blessing to SPEAK THE NAME of one of my personal living LEGENDS! Take a look: http://www.blackamericaweb.com/?q=articles%2Fnews%2Fmoving_america_news%2F26228%2F1

“CHEAPER TO KEEP HER”

We got to laugh; walk down memory lane; and cry (just a little) at "Cheaper To Keep Her" matinee at Beacon Theatre. Vivica A. Fox; Brian McKnight; my ATL buddy Jonathan Slocumb; Karen Malina White ("Cosby Show"; "Different World"), and a talented cast (www.imreadyproductions.com/). Shout out to show's creator Je’Caryous Johnson. He could be likened to Tyler Perry with all he's building with his empire. Oh! Miss J of "America's Next Top Model" fame was in the house too.

Ant and I got a pic with Vivica. As soon as I can get it properly scanned, I'll put it up. Here's a pic she and I took (kinda') a couple of years ago during Fashion Week at a Kimora Lee Simmons' set. And finally, here's the pic we took that night.

KOREAN ART SHOW 2011

Shout out to Harlem-based artist Dianne Smith whose work is international. She invited us to The Korean Art Show 2011 & Red Dot Art Fair in SOHO located at 82 Mercer between Spring & Broome: www.koreanartshow.com & www.reddotsale.com.  And PS: Shout out to Sophia Loren Coffee who - in addition to being a fine artist - is a fine vocalist. She sometimes gigs at St. Nick's Pub. And it's usually FREE...and a lovely slice of Harlem!

NORM LEWIS

 My boy Norm Lewis starred in "Les Miz" on Broadway(and I got to hang out with him a time or few during his run). He was part of PBS' LES MISÉRABLES 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT AT THE O2 that premiered recently on PBS, but you know you must check your local listings to see when it will run again. CONGRATS NORM! Here's a peek: http://video.pbs.org/video/1825866897/. CONGRATS NORM! XO

MOCA

The fried catfish fingers at Moca Bar & Lounge in Harlem are so GOOD! Almond crusted chicken fingers are a delight as well. Price point good, too! www.mocalounge.com And I want to shout out my boy Matt Morgan for the social work he's doing in Harlem.  "Music Mondays" at Nectar (www.nectarwinenyc.com) w/guest vocalist Sonia Rogers (pictured). You must check it out! Also, in Harlem, we went to the new home of Mr. John Castro. It was housewarming time... and - while there - we got to host dear friends – including Denver-based recording artist and compadre Aaron Blaze (www.aaronblaze.com). 

Miss Jackson blew through Chicago and - per the picture - stopped by The Baton Show Lounge's drag show. The Baton is a world renowned establishment in Chicago celebrating over 40 years, and the longest running female impersonation show in the country. Mimi Marks, standing on Janet's left in the photo below, has been friends with Janet. This, as Ant & I are excited to see Miss Jackson when she blows through town this week and next week.

LYNN NOTTAGE’S “BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK”

I hear - by all accounts - that my friend Marcia Pendelton's preview presentation of Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Notage's work "By The Way, Meet Vera Stark" went very well. Lynn, the director, and the cast - including Sanaa Lathan - were in the house. It runs at Second Stage Theatre & co-stars Sanaa Lathan. I was to be standby host (and still attend regardless). But I was then reminded of another commitment: my Pulitizer-prize-winning photojournalist friend Michelle Agins ("New York Times") had a set. It was an intimate Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras set - the reputation of which precedes itself. So, I had to go! And what a TREAT! Great New Orleans cuisine, Hurricanes, and an ecclectic mix of folks from far and near.

GRADDAi

Shout out to my friend Richelle who hipped me to this group GRADDAi which performed Live in NYC @ The Nuyorican Poets Café last week. They are ones to watch: www.facebook.com/graddai.

APOLLO 'WOMEN IN FILM: BREAKING THE BARRIERS'

Shout out to my girl Nina Flowers at The Apollo. She invited me to experience my friend Michaela angela Davis' brilliance as moderator of panel "Women in Film: Breaking the Barriers" - scheduled for Monday, March 28th at 6pm. It's FREE! For more information, click on www.apolloeducation.org. These women - inlcuding film producers Lisa Cortes; Dana Offenbach; and Friday Torresblanco; will join Managing Director of Tribeca Film Institude Eileen Newman to explore the accomplishments made by women in the film industry.

MYRIAM BELASSE

Remember my special gift from my friend Carl Nelson: A lovely corduroy coat by FAB designer Myriam Belasse (http://www.belassecollection.blogspot.com/). She too is a friend. Her fabulous men's designs take up a lot of room in my closet... and her many talents have been seen even on "Real Housewives of Atlanta" and beyond. Her women's wear collection comes to us in April. Inspired by Myriam's Caribbean culture, you will see elegant silhouettes,inspiring textiles, vibrant colors and prints, in 100% silk, silk blends with some Lycra, and soft Pima Cotton. CONGRATS MYRIAM!

LOLA FALANA

Shout out to my friend Terry for walking me down memory lane to LOLA FALANA! A LEGEND! I LOVE HER!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gbx5GKP5l7g

P.S. 

And WE must continue PRAYING for those in Japan, which - via my being an Air Force Brat - is my birthplace (a la Tokyo). MY HEART IS GOING OUT! https://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=281291&id=662073736&l=99c3b1ea13 

DIONNE WARWICK

Got to talk to LEGEND-ary Dionne Warwick at a press conference and preview of "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing".

This Smithsonian-co-organized exhibit about the iconic Apollo Theater is running here in New York City at the Museum of the City of New York (www.mcny.org): 1220 Fifth Ave at 103rd Street.

It runs from Feb. 8 through May 1. APOLLO LEGEND Chuck Jackson was also on-hand.

And as “… the life of Riley…” goes, I’m always turning the camera around to see my fellow journalists. This, as there's more to my stories than what's inside the framing of the cameras that are all facing in the same direction. I try to break a bit of the fourth wall in my sharings as it's all par for the course (my course, at least).

This time, my fellow National Association of Black Journalists’ buddies (and fellow journalists of color) were in the house (www.nabj.org):

NBC 4’s Demarco Morgan (talking to Chuck Jackson);

New York Daily News’ Mike Feeney (whose latest contribution to NY Daily News’ UPTOWN NEWS can be experienced when it launches 2.10.11). CONGRATS FEENZ!; NYABJ’s own Bruce Williams; Reuters TV’s Showbiz Producer Alicia Powell; Harlem’s own radio diva Jean Parnell; etc. Thanks to the Apollo’s Nina Flowers – my friend – for keeping me in the loop on all things “pop culture” & “possibilities”. And much will continue to be said about my LOVE of MISS ROSS and before KENNEDY CENTER; CENTRAL PARK; and concert venues all over the world, she too earned her SUPREME stripes via the royal, chitlin'-circuit rite of passage that is the APOLLO Theater.

By the way, there are lots of MJ/APOLLO memories inside the exhibit. ANYWAY! All of that to say: I LOVE ME SOME DIONNE WARWICK... and have for as long as I have loved MISS ROSS! In my heart, there's room for them both... and a galaxy of many other DIVAS and STARS I hold dear and deep.

). And Suzanne was just in town per my last entry? http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/1/27/live-out-louder.html: 

MEANWHILE, I know that singer JOI would say she stands on the shoulders of MISS WARWICK. http://www.apollotheater.org/programs/2011-apollo-artists/149-joi

 Maybe she'll say so this weekend when she performs on The Apollo Theater stage (Friday & Saturday).  

LAMMAN RUCKER

My friend Lamman Rucker is back in NYC for a minute. (You know, he splits his time between Atlanta and L.A. as well). He,'The Black Gents of Hollywood' & the cast of "BLACK ANGELS OVER TUSKEGEE" are celebrating their 1-Year Anniversary Off-Broadway. Lamman says to be sure to tell all of you to see the show (www.BlackAngelsOverTuskegee.com).  He’s back in it for a while as well.

NORWOOD

While I was working in L.A. (on “Monica: Still Standing”), my friend Ed Roebuck invited me to his going away party where I met Norwood Young (pictured in L.A. in 2009). He and I knew we had many friends in common. Buddy Diaz threw a launch party for Norwood and his new book "GETTING BACK TO MY ME". Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar was the venue.

FRIENDS

• ·       We always manage to get some quality time in with friends – including our boy Jamar who just celebrated his BDAY. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAMAR!
• ·       We recently joined Manivone for a fun Saturday. Our girl Cy and Manivone's man Taha joined us. We did a little karaoke. We did “foh” in the East Village. This, after some hang time in Chinatown.
• ·       New friends J’Nara (actress: “Friends & Lovers”; model; etc.) and Clay (pop culture analyst i.e. “Life After”; BET; etc.) decided to come out and play. They joined us for karaoke on the same night (“Sing Sing” - also in the East Village – is a new spot for us).
• ·       Our buddies Irma & Gisele hosted a FAB Super Bowl set. Great food, great people, and – oh yeah! – the game! CONGRATS to Green Bay! It was Gisele's birthday, too! A lot of chat about Christina Aguilera flubbing the National Anthem and what some called an underwhelming performance by “The Black Eyed Peas”. A few missed words notwithstanding, I thought Christina did a fine job. And “The Black Eyed Peas” were a visual fiesta to behold, if just. But remember this one? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgZF551KrLE MISS ROSS’ 1996 SUPERBOWL TOUR DE FORCE – at the 30 year mark of her career and the annual game – was SIMPLY SUPREME! I’m just sayin’ (again!) LOL!

ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT

So technical difficulties with the karaoke equipment prevented us from going in – like we do - at ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT last week. But it didn’t stop our ALL-STAR KARAOKE REGULARS & FRIENDS from having an a cappella blast (including the also-called Kelis song). Our FAB folks at NATIVE say all will be repaired for next week’s ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT. Hopefully with less ice, we can all come out and enjoy! We hope to see ALL OF YOU at our beloved NATIVE RESTAURANT on Lenox Avenue at 118^th Street from 9pm until midnight! More than karaoke, we eat, drink, and enjoy the company of an always-GREAT room of GREAT folks! And in addition to our neighborhood regulars, we never know who might pop by. So far, since our August 2010 launch, guest singers have included: songstress Tichina Arnold; R&B divas Alyson Williams & Monifah; actress Napiera Groves; the artist formerly known as TONEX, B. Slade; Mariah Carey's long-standing background singer Melony Daniels - an artist her own right; Broadway baby Brenda Braxton; singer/author David Nathan; and so many more! PLEASE COME OUT SOME TIME... and BRING YOUR FRIENDS; HOST A DINNER PARTY; etc. It's ALWAYS a BLAST!