A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

LIFE AFTER CONTINUES

The new season of TV One's Life After has begun. Did you see my debut on the Clifton Davis episode? Here it is: http://tvone.tv/shows/life_after/video/full-episode--life-after-amen--clifton-davis-.html.

NEXT UP (with me):

October 9 at 8pm - LeVar Burton

October 16 at 8pm - Maia Campbell

October 23 at 8pm - Shereé Whitfield

STAY TUNED… and THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

CLAY CANE LIVE

In fact, what better time than now to hip you that I was a guest on Clay Cane Live on WWRL 1600 AM New York ... and what a TIME WE HAD! Click here to ENJOY: http://claycane.tumblr.com/post/62904421407/clay-cane-live-episode-87-october-1-2013"WWRL 1600 AM is the number one progressive talk radio station in the New York City area. WWRL airs Ed Schultz's radio program and Clay recently took over Rev. Al Sharpton's time slot. Clay Cane Live broadcasts in NJ, NY, CT and live-streamed on the worldwide web from 8pm - 10pm EST every Tuesday. Clay’s show is geared to the LGBT community, but he transcends all of the labels. Previous guests have included Brandy, Clay Aiken, Aubrey O'Day, Rockmond Dunbar, Jackée Harry, Laverne Cox of Orange Is the New Black, Kandi Burruss, Jennifer Holliday, Sheryl Lee Ralph, tons of Broadway stars and many others.  Hear previous shows: http://www.play.fm/radioshow/claycanelive You can also download Clay’s podcasts here: http://www.wwrl1600.com/pages/11672134.php.  I sing Mariah Carey's "Can't Let Go" - plus, we talk Obamacare, government shutdown and more! WAS EXCITING! THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! We broadcast on 1600AM in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.  Also, we're live-streamed on the web at http://tunein.com/radio/WWRL-1600-s23848/ - which can be heard anywhere.  Feel free to promote that link.  #claycanelive #lifeafter #wwrl1600am

COZI-TV AND EMMY AWARDS

I also am a recurring pop culture expert with COZI-TV for its NEWS 4 at 7 newscast. This past Monday, I did a two-segment EMMY RE-CAP with TV Guide Magazine's Matt Roush: http://youtu.be/lKDDhF_6qy4. This call-back came from the EMMY NOMINATIONS ROUND-UP we did in July: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Emmy-Nominations-for-2013/216162211.  And I'd originally done a BROADWAY segment with them a few months ago: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Pop-Culture-Expert-Patrick-Riley-on-Black-Broadway_New-York.html. SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO KERRY WASHINGTON! #nexttime

UPTOWN MAGAZINE HOT LIST

Shout out to Editor in Chief Isoul Harris and his FAB staff at UPTOWN Magazine for including my name on their current HOT LIST nearby my BFF aka Amazing Grace Mara Schiavocampo. I DIDN'T KNOW, ISOUL! And what a GREAT COVER, by the way! THANKS Morehouse College BROTHER! I'm HONORED! Mara and I were placed on the Editor’s page last year – a pic showing us take delight in New Orleans’ Bourbon Street Krystal fast food joint. Angela Bronner Helm placed us in that issue. CONGRATS to her as she’s just announced her new post as Executive Editor at ESSENCE Magazine! CONGRATS ANGELA! #uptownmag #essencemag 

NABJ REGION ONE

I LOVE NABJ – forever and always! I was SO EXCITED to be able to give more back to my beloved NABJ. My eternal gratitude to NABJ Region 1 Director, Sherlon Christie (Sports Reporter, Asbury Park Press (Neptune, N.J.)) – [TWITTER @sherlonapp] - also the multi-media journalist and published author Stephanie Guerilus who booked me [TWITTER: @qsteph] to moderate the closing panel “MAKING A LIVING OUTSIDE TRADITIONAL MEDIUMS”. There has been a long standing tradition of writers creating their own opportunities. Blogs have become one of the go to mediums of expansion and being from restrictions. How do writers go from being just another scribe on the web to an enterprise? Creative individuals that have become experts at this will discuss how they’ve navigated the world of freelancing and how it can lead to entrepreneurship. My panelists waxed philosophical and instructional on all of the above…and they were great! THANKS TO: Roy Paul, Political commentator & contributor [TWITTER: @RoyPaulReports]; Mark A. Thomas, MIT Sloan Fellow; Former Director, City Limits [TWITTER: @workandprogress]; and Trenae V. McDuffie Nuri, Multimedia Reporter, Philadelphia Tribune and South Jersey Journal [TWITTER: @TrenaeMcDuffie]. All the FUN took place at the Associated Press Headquarters. AND A BIG SHOUT OUT TO another NABJ BFF Brian Henderson, Director of Communications and Marketing at National Bar Association. Was great to catch up with Brian and so many of my FAVORITE NABJ PEEPS! An additional WHAT’S UP to my friend Erich McMillian-McCall – Founder of Project1Voice (http://www.project1voice.org/). GLAD TO HANG with you for a bit as well! #freelance13 #nabjregion1#nabjregionone

WENDY WILLIAMS

Speaking of working outside traditional mediums, I’ve done some freelance work for ‘The Wendy Williams Show’ over the years! HOW YOU DOIN’? LOL! For Black History Month 2012, I did a profile on Christine Carter: http://www.wendyshow.com/MyBlackIsBeautiful/, which got a media hit in Black Enterprise: http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/giving-back-against-all-odds/. Before that, I produced another integration for Proctor & Gamble/FAMILY DOLLAR: http://www.wendyshow.com/2011/12/16/family-dollar-holiday-dash/. And in November 2011, I made my 'WENDY WILLIAMS' debut (as freelance field producer) via a special project in the British Virgin Islands. It's an integration (trip giveaway) that ran throughout November sweeps. I’ve even produced a sizzle for her production company. Well – from the green-light corner - coming up THIS WEDNESDAY AT 8P on the TV Guide Network (TVGN), co-owned by Lionsgate and CBS, be sure to catch new series with popular daytime talker Wendy Williams. Under the working title, "Wendy Williams Project," Wendy gives TVGN's cameras a backstage look at her life. The series goes behind-the-scenes on "The Wendy Williams Show," as well as follow her as she prepares for her Broadway debut in "Chicago" as prison matron Mama Morton. Wendy is executive producing under her company, Wendy Williams Productions, alongside additional EPs Kevin Hunter, Lisa Knapp and Jill Ramsey. BE SURE TO TWEET OUT as it will feature more of the camera on Wendy’s GLAM SQUAD, my friends:  Merrell Hollis (celebrity make-up artist); Antwon Jackson (my fellow ROSS fan and – oh! – Emmy-award-winning ‘wigologist’); and Memsor (fashion stylist with THE MOST). I know – FIRST HAND – they are a hoot! Can’t wait to watch!!! @wendyshow @memsor @merrellhollis @antwonljackson @wendywilliams #howyoudoinbroadway #wendywilliams #wendyshow #makeupbymerrell

ROMEO & JULIET

Shout out to my Spelman sister and Front Row Productions’ own Alia Jones-Harvey, a producer on new Broadway production of ROMEO AND JULIET which is currently in previews. Starring international film star Orlando Bloom (Pirates of the Caribbean, The Lord of the Rings) making his Broadway debut opposite two-time Tony Award nominee Condola Rashad (Stick Fly, The Trip To Bountiful), Ant and I had a great time – especially catching up with friends Alvin and wife Terri (Prettyman) Bowles – my dear friend from our dinner group, “The Pentav”; fellow NABJ fam Chris John Farley and his wife Sharon Epperson, CNBC’s own financial journalist extraordinaire with whom I worked years ago. Directed by five-time Tony Award nominee David Leveaux, ROMEO AND JULIET is open and running at the Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street, NYC).

YWADA

Shout out to Ywada (pronounced Yah-da) - client of my dear friends: publicist Juanita Stephens (also Jody Watley rep: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/9/10/a-nightlife-to-remember.html) and Ywada manager Andrew Prince, husband of childhood BFF Tonja Denmark: www.YWADAMUSIC.com.  Small world and what a wonderful one that had my buddy Derrick Hemphill and I an audience of two at The Village Underground for a live performance. YWADA threw down on Stevie Wonder classic "All I Do" and Ywada's current single "End of the Road" at the venue's legendary open-mic night hosted by the iconic Ron Grant. Great to see friend Bariek Robinson and his peeps in the mix as well as friends Laverne Perry and Kenneth Reynolds' client Ju-Taun who also performed. #ywada #endoftheroad #rongrant #villageunderground

CHRIS KADIMA

Speaking of HOT! SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to model Chris Kadima who has been mentored by many mutual friends – including Ron Smith and Carl Nelson – since arriving here in NYC from France. We got to hang out and sit together at my friend and fashion designer Edwing D’Angelo’s presentation during New York Fashion Week. He walked in his first NYFW show for M4M and he’s getting some press – including an upcoming moment in THE LIFE OF RILEY (next week…). Meanwhile, check out his pix! WHAT A GREAT GUY! ONE TO WATCH, my friends! TWITTER: @chriskadima AND A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO MISS TOCARA and K MICHELLE!

MY LADIES

RACHEL

WE STILL TOGETHER! LOL! Rachel Allen in NYC w/her fiance Lawrence for a wedding. My Anthony hooked them up with The Wendy Williams Showl tix. I met up with them at Cafeteria Restaurant for our AWESOME REUNION ---- between FRIENDS for LIFE! XO

CASSIE

ANOTHER “RILEY” ON IMPROMPTU ASSIGNMENT A LA “LIFE OF RILEY”: My sister JANICE RAN INTO OUR CASSIE DAVIS - my Spelman sister who the world first got to know in the Spike Lee Joint School Daze but over the last twenty years from the Tyler Perry camp – from plays to the hit comedy “House of Payne”!!! Just after her film debut, I got the chance to perform alongside her in a musical produced at Morehouse College, “MARTIN: The Life and Times of Martin Luther King, Jr.” Janice reports: "Look who I ran into this evening!! She told me to tell you that she loves her some Patrick!!!" AND AS I’VE CHRONICALED on “A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities” before, I LOVE ME SOME CASSIE! http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/11/26/accept-me-flaws-and-all-and-thats-why-i-love-all-of-you.html

SIDRA

We had a GREAT Sunday Brunch recently at Paul Wharton's place (@paulwharton) - catered brilliantly by @baileysthechef (TWITTER)/(INSTAGRAM: @chefmarkbailey) + Zach's bar: #L649 #chefbailey Look for Paul Wharton's new line: www.conquerbeauty.com! Just a great time c/o Sidra et al!!! #somuchfun #whatgoodfood We also got the chance to hang out in Long Branch, NJ for a nice pool set at the home of my dear friend Ed Roebuck! FUN into FALL 2013!

BERLINDA

Shout out to my FRIEND Berlinda Garnett (former co-worker at CNBC circa 1995-1996)!!! She and former colleague Mike Jerrick won an EMMY!!!!!! That’s right! For the 2013 MID-ATLANTIC EMMY® AWARDS in the PUBLIC/CURRENT/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS PROGRAM/SPECIAL category, they won for "Black On Black: The Conversation Continues" which ran at FOX29. I AM SO PROUD OF MY FRIEND! Berlinda is the Producer for FOX 29's new, Enterprise Unit which includes Investigations and Special Projects. Previously, she served as Planning Editor and an Emmy award-winning producer for Good Day Philadelphia. Berlinda has been with the station since the 1996 inception of the program. She has produced hundreds of segments ranging from health to entertainment, fashion to money, food to pets, as well as numerous profile pieces and more controversial subjects such as, "Race in America."  Her diverse library of work also includes the highly regarded prime time special, “Black on Black”, which explores the recent causes and ramifications of the uptick in violence in the African-American community among young black males.  The series was recently nominated for a second Emmy, of which Berlinda was recently awarded. She has been nominated for a total of 7 over the span of her 22 years in broadcasting. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Ms. Garnett considers journalism her calling, and is driven by her belief that her work should foster a stronger sense of community amongst Philadelphians. She is the 2001 winner of the prestigious Wilbur Award for a story she produced about a local Gospel Rap pioneer.  The Wilbur Award is a national honor presented by The Religion Communicators Council, which recognizes excellence in the communication of religious issues, values and themes in the secular media. Ms. Garnett is a 1991 graduate of Temple University’s School of Communications and Theater.  She has also studied for her Masters of Theology degree at Palmer’s Theological Seminary. An avid reader and writer of poetry, Ms. Garnett also likes to cook in her spare time. She currently resides in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia…but she’ll always be MY SISTER FRIEND with whom I’ve experienced SO MUCH JOY – from our long chats to our fun days in NYC at Moshood; Sylvia’s SOUL FOOD; and all the great stops in between! CONGRATS, BERLINDA!

ELISABETH

Our girlfriend Elisabeth from Norway has come to NYC and returned back to Norway ONE MORE TIME! We LOVE spending time with you, Elisabeth! And WHAT A VIEW!!!! #nycfam2013

JODY WATLEY

See the FAB MISS JODY WATLEY in a FAB new pic by the FABULOUS Mike Ruiz with whom I’ve had the chance to meet as we were both booked to speak on a GMAD panel: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/1/27/live-out-louder.html. You recall that I had the chance to interview Miss Watley a couple of weeks ago about her current song NIGHTLIFE, her upcoming project PARADISE, and MUCH MORE: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/9/10/a-nightlife-to-remember.html READ ON:

“As quiet as it's sometimes kept, Grammy award winning artist, songwriter, producer, Jody Watley one of  Pop/R&B and  Dance Music's most enduring pioneers has been at the forefront of some of the most groundbreaking, trendsetting sensations in modern pop culture. Known as one of the most innovative and stylish trailblazers in entertainment, Ms. Watley stays true to her legacy on the shimmering dance floor classic, her new single, "Nightlife." Jody continues to put genuine artistry and quality into everything she does, making each musical moment into a wonderful experience.  There is no better way to wait for Paradise, (her upcoming album) than to dance and enjoy the "Nightlife."

FINAL NOTES:

·        JODY WATLEY says “NIGHTLIFE” can be mixed straight into Phyllis Hyman’s "You Know How to Love Me" - one of her inspirational, soulful dance classics. 

·        JODY WATLEY says “NIGHTLIFE” is a great tune for working out or even walking.

·        The NEW single “NIGHTLIFE” from the forthcoming new EP “Paradise” due early 2014. Available now at digital outlets worldwide, including the “Classic Glamour Extended” EP. BUY “NIGHTLIFE” –  Limited edition vinyl coming mid September!

·        The NEW Single "NIGHTLIFE" - 'It's In The Music!" http://youtu.be/4j64kkLwerI

·        Official Artist Site / Style Blog: http://www.jodywatley.net

·        Follow on Twitter! http://www.twitter.com/jodywatley

·        Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jodywatleyofficial

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 

THIS IS A BIG BIRTHDAY SEASON – from my nephew turning 25 (WOW!) to his father – my brother – celebrating his BIG DAY to our New York Association of Black Journalists’ President Mike Feeney, my dear friend. There’s our BELOVED COOKIE – Momentum BFF Ruben’s mom! I got the chance to serenade for her BIG 5-7 [WE LOVE YOU, COOKIE!]. AND THEN, THERE’S MISS MARA SCHIAVOCAMPO. Our respective lives are moving at quite the frantic and high-frequency pace of late (Less time for two BFFs to giggle and gossip, like we “sometimes” can do! LOL!) How EXCITING that her birthday has come around again and we all got to gather to wish her THE BEST YEAR EVER… and MANY MORE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY MARA!!!! We had a BLAST – nibbling on Victor’s Cuban cuisine; sipping on delicious MOJITOS; and enjoying the company of our NYC FAM! ALWAYS A BLAST! XOXOXOXO

BYE NATIVE

WTF! While holed up away from the city last Sunday, I find out that my beloved watering hole, place-where-everybody-knows-my-name, and HOME of the OH-SO-FUN ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT, Native Restaurant, closed!!!!!!!! Indeed, it is the end of an era! But I know owner Brian must have something up his sleeve! I gave birth to in August 2010 when NATIVE Restaurant asked me to HOST a karaoke night. Hence, ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT was born! And we have had a blast with this special night. Our guest singers - on any given night - 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; 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 at NATIVE:http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/karaoke. WE LOVE YOU, NATIVE! And BRIAN, ARY, and TEAM NATIVE? WE LOVE YOU!!! See y’all soon! Can’t wait! MEANWHILE, THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!

 

 

 

 

PRESIDENT OBAMA: MY MOREHOUSE BROTHER

Scheduling wouldn’t have me down in Atlanta at my alma mater as our President of the United States became a Morehouse brother.

Still, I sure felt like I was there as so many of my brethren and friends in attendance gifted me with the best play-by-play. There or not, what a proud day in the Life of Riley… and in THE WORLD! Shout out to BFF Elise Durham, Morehouse College’s Media Relations Manager who served as the primary liaison between my alma mater and The White House in preparing for this historic undertaking! CONGRATS, ELISE! And a SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to mother of my Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts: Dr. Anne Wimbush Watts, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of English at Morehouse who is leaving THE HOUSE (after 43 years) for her own new chapter.  Morehouse College unveiled an oil portrait of Dr. Anne W. Watts at Baccalaureate the day prior to Commencement. CONGRATULATIONS, DR. WATTS! MUCH DESERVED!

 

 

Won't HE do it? HAPPY TO CALL MYSELF MOREHOUSE MAN, hear!? Oh! And MOREHOUSE uncle!

 

SCANDAL

 Obviously, I was well-represented there while my own MOREHOUSE mystique was showing up elsewhere in the world - including THE PHILADELPHIA SUN:  http://www.philasun.com/news/4252/38/The-OMG-Show-Scandal-has-kicked-the-political-soap-opera-up-a-notch.html Shout out to writer/reporter Denise Clay for including some of my pop culture analysis in her The Philadelphia Sunday SUN cover story on the Scandal phenomenon. It reminded me that I shared a sweet moment recently in New York City with the hit show’s star Kerry Washington whose fabulosity went out to 9.1 million viewers for its finale the other night. NABJ brethren Roland Martin is also quoted. The ratings for the season finale hit an all-time high of 9.1 million viewers.

DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON

And while – through the rain - President Obama was speaking words of service, responsibility, and daring to the Universe’s 500 or so NEW MOREHOUSE MEN, I – through the rain – was hosting the main stage (afternoon shift) at Drums Along The Hudson: a Native American Festival and Multicultural Celebration - the afternoon of which I hosted (My friend, news anchor Sandra Bookman with WABC-TV, hosted the earlier part of the day, which included honors to Deborah Harvey-Koenigsberger.

(Deborah is Founder/President of Hearts of Gold charity to which I introduced Remy Martin, a sponsor for one of her recent fundraisers: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/11/19/golden-hearts.html);

Grammy-award-wnining singer/songwriter Joanne Shenandoah (Oneida); and author Doug George (Mohawk). "The rain is for the flowers! It'll only make us GROW," I exclaimed (a la Miss Ross Central Park circa '83) to the many who braved the stormy weather to enjoy live performances on the main stage. I got to introduce some awesome acts - including Kotchenga African Dance Company; Saung Budaya Indonesian Dance Group; and Samuel Le Heananff Quartet. And our girlfriend, artist Cynthia Bergos, and Ant (as his artist name Akhenaten) displayed their art for the attendees. Ant sold one of his Egyptian-inspired pieces: "Radiant Thinker" (2013 Egyptian Pop Series: Acrylic on raw canvas 3 x 2.5) 2013 - SOLD). This transaction turned one art patron's rainy day SUNNY! Congrats Ant! Shout out to my friends Frankie Edozien, Ed Roebuck, Matt Morgan, and many others who came out to support me. But primarily we were ALL there to support the cause and the creator and producer of the 11-year-old brainchild, Carl Nelson.

Good job, Carl!

COMING UP: BROADWAY INSPIRATIONAL VOICES – Sunday, June 2nd

I have several friends who are in and/or associated with the Broadway Inspirational Voices – including Miss Kimberly Jajuan who introduced me to the dynamic group! I’m so excited they’ve given me permission to share with you word on their upcoming  concert: Sunday June 2nd at First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem. THAT’S RIGHT! YOU HEARD IT HEAR (from the group’s fab press release): The Grammy-Nominated Broadway Inspirational Voices “Expect the Great” June 2^nd: Creator Michael McElroy (TONY nomination, BIG RIVER) will lead The Broadway Inspirational Voices in their 3rd Annual Spring concert to create an evening of hope, joy, and inspiration.  With members representing such shows as Motown: The Musical, The Lion King, Wicked, Spiderman, The Book of Mormon, Annie, Kinky Boots, and many more, “Expect the Great” will include a wide array of inspirational repertoire, including a few original pieces by McElroy. The one-night-only concert will be held on June 2nd at 7pm st at 8pm at the First Corinthian Baptist Church, located at 1912 7th Ave at 116th St.  Tickets are priced from $10-$100 and can be purchased by visiting: www.smarttix.com. A portion of the proceeds from this concert will go to BIV’s Educational Outreach Program.  BIV members participate in these outreach programs to provide music to children in need.  Through their music and community driven work, BIV is committed to providing children access to high quality and engaging music arts programs and resources. Broadway Inspirational Voices was originally founded by McElroy in 1994 as the Broadway Gospel Choir and in 1999 was reincarnated to its current form. In addition to numerous concerts, the group has performed on “The Rosie O’Donnell Christmas Special,” Broadway Sings Elton John, The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation Benefit, and The 2000 Tony Awards. The Broadway Inspirational Voices second album Great Joy: A Gospel Christmas was released on Sh-K-Boom Records in 2003 and received a Grammy Award nomination.”

BLACK GIRLS ROCK AND BURY THE RATCHET  – Tuesday, June 4th

International DJ and Black Girls Rock Founder and Executive Director, Beverly Bond  will present the Brooklyn community services human spirit award to Michaela angela Davis on Tuesday, June 4, 2013. You should come out and bear witness to two dynamic women and then some. The Brooklyn Community Services will host its annual BCS Human Spirit Awards at the Grand Hyatt-Manhattan Ballroom this year. I’ve been asked to join its host committee and to invite as many of you to get in on this wonderful cause as possible. In addition to Michaela, BCS will honor another cultural leader who too calls Brooklyn his home: award-winning artist, Danny Simmons, will join other honorees in a ceremony that celebrates individuals who through their vision, leadership, service and generosity have built a lasting impression on both culture and community. The Human Spirit Awards is the annual fundraising dinner for BCS that highlights individuals, groups and programs that have made lifting up the lives of Brooklynites their call to action.  Last year's gala raised $500,000 and provided vital resources to support BCS's mission to strengthen families, help children and youth reach their full potential, and support adults in leading productive, fulfilling lives.  Proceeds from this year's online and silent auction will support efforts to provide continued relief to victims of Hurricane Sandy in Coney Island: http://bit.ly/ZVFgLS. #humanspirit2013

FRIENDS

CONGRATS to dear friend, fine artist Taha Clayton on his latest project: "Round Zero", an Exhibition of Paintings by Tim Okamura, Jerome Lagarrigue, Taha Clayton, & Joseph Adolphe in NY! We got to check out "Round Zero," a fine art exhibition, featuring Taha and crew at the Art Director’s Club in Manhattan.

Tim Okamura, Jerome Lagarrigue, Taha Clayton and Joseph Adolphe exhibited their latest work in a boxing-themed collection curated by Dexter Wimberly. The exhibition also served as the culmination of more than two years of documentation of these artists' creative journey by film-maker Jeff Martini, for an upcoming feature entitled "HEAVYWEIGHTPAINT," a segment of which was shot at the events. A portion of proceeds went to the Brotherhood / Sister Sol, a Harlem-based youth organization.  Artworks created by students from "Bro/Sis" were also on display at the event. (http://heavyweightpaint.com/)  and (http://www.brotherhood-sistersol.org)

Afterwards, we all gathered to toast my Nichole who is getting ready to embark on a fun journey of reinvention and relocation. Stay tuned! WE LOVE YOU, NICHOLE…

and of course, you and I are together forever – no matter where we are geographically.

Happy birthday to BFF Tommie Porter – husband of Mara Schiavocampo.

We all gathered in Harlem to toast Tommie;

enjoy cake and champagne; and – as always – to have a good time!

Shout out to my NABJ buddy Alicia Quarles – E! Entertainment News’ own!

She was standing next to me the opening night of "Motown: The Musical" - covering for E! News (as chronicled by my lens when I wasn't otherwise occupied).

She did the same when she wasn't busy and forwarded me some of the good ones while we awaited Tommie's arrival.

In addition to the highlight video of my work which you can check out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ, Alicia got some shots that were coming in from a whole other angle of which I wasn't aware.

Great shots, Alicia! 

EVEN MISS ROSS walking away...

THANK YOU!