A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

MOTOWN MAY – WEEK 2

I'M NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE Motown the Musical CONTEST at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul for Billie's Black PRESENTS All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley!

BUT MOTOWN IS FOREVER and MY LOVE FOR MOTOWN is ENDLESS, hence my OPENING HOMAGE for Week 2 of #MOTOWNMAY –  http://youtu.be/UX1ncAQVRmg

TWO MORE WEEKS until the Grand Finale where the winner will win the opportunity to sing on the Broadway stage with Diana Ross from Motown the Musical.

For more info, click on my blog, A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RILEY, at http://bit.ly/lor_blog 

BUT IN A NUTSHELL: ONE MORE WEEK to qualify! So, WHO’S COMING OUT WITH US NEXT WEEK? Sign up begins at 7pm with the competition taking place between 9-10pm. TWO MORE WINNERS (OF SIX TOTAL) FROM NEXT TUESDAY WILL ADVANCE TO THE FINALE ON TUESDAY, MAY 27TH. So come join us for Billie's Black Bar Lounge & Restaurant Presents: All Star Karaoke w/ Patrick Riley. #motownmay #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

CONGRATS to ALL STAR KARAOKE faithful (from our prior venue), Danny Rey, on his stellar “Neither One of Us Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye” by Gladys Knight & The Pips: http://youtu.be/FF4jeVmqRRs. HE DID THAT!

RUNNERE UP: my friend Derrick Prwtch Leblanc, whose "Hello" by Lionel Richie was stunning! Check out my YOUTUBE channel for other selects from ALL STAR KARAOKE: http://www.youtube.com/user/patarack2010

BUT OUR ALL STAR for the night? My friend, Bravo's own MICA HUGHES from Bravo’s BLOOD, SWEAT, & HEELS! She attended with her man, Terry Lyon, on her arm. She sang many things… and it was all SWEET:  http://youtu.be/_hQkBhgANZ4

Special shout out to my ALL STAR FRIENDS CBS2 reporter/anchor Don Champion; artist Cynthia Burgos; Morehouse brother Michael K. Watts; publicist/producer of the most stylish note, George T. Wilson; and more for coming by to join us! And I'm so GLAD my girlfriend Dawn performed! MY GIRL!

Please come out and join us for BILLIE’S BLACK PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE WITH PATRICK L. RILEY!

We are having a BLAST!

This series runs EVERY TUESDAY from 7p-10p until the end of June.

GREENHOPE

CHECK THIS OUT: http://youtu.be/dQDVyZhz3Qs

Greenhope Services for Women commissioned me to narrate and produce its latest highlight video which highlights all the great work the agency is doing to help women involved with the criminal justice system who are struggling with substance abuse to reclaim their lives, reunite with their families, and rebuild their communities. Special shout out to my media partners:

Director of Photography James Michael Curry with Mindfile Multimedia, Inc. - http://www.mindfilemultimedia.com/  and Director/Editor Mitch Jacobson with Category-5 Studios - http://www.category5studios.com/.  These two gentlemen are often my A-TEAM collaborators for recurring clients OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network (Oprah: Where Are They Now?) and The Wendy Williams Show among others. For more info on Patrick L. Riley, check out blog, A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RILEY, which can be found at http://bit.ly/lor_blog - http://bit.ly/lor_greenh

SPECIAL PROJECT

Working on a new project. Stay tuned...

9/11 MUSEUM

My Tony-award-winning friend LaChanze, whose husband Calvin died when Tower One was struck, sang an extremely moving rendition of “Amazing Grace” at the opening of the 9/11 Museum.  The emotion of LaChanze’s performance was truly touching, and was a perfect, somber way to honor her husband and all of the other victims. I’ve had the chance to know LaChanze since that time. She is what “pop culture” and “possibilities” in “The Life of Riley” are all about. I LOVE YOU and the girls, LACHANZE, CELIA, and ZAYA! #neverforgotten SEE the clip NBC Nightly News did: http://www.nbcnews.com/watch/nightly-news/a-moment-of-amazing-grace-at-9-11-museum-dedication-257079363753

HOLLER IF YOU HEAR ME

Shout out to MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL marketing outreach diva Marcia Pendelton – my dear friend for inviting me out to a wonderful preview event for an upcoming Broadway HIT [I’ve claimed it]! Marcia is always making sure I’m in the place to be – like the Opening Night of Motown: The Musical: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ&feature=share&list=PL1TUj2SKo8nvZ9A3Ah0NKuFI3BWM5aqru and as she has just booked another Broadway show to market, this evening was no exception for Marcia ensuring I was in yet another PLACE TO BE (Shout out to MOTOWN as her #motownmay sponsor for “Billie’s Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley”: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/). It was a press event at legendary Sardi’s Restaurant – promoting the breakthrough musical HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME – based on the poetry and lyrics of Tupac Shakur. The show is directed by one of my early mentors from the AUC, Kenny Leon – late ‘70s Clark College grad who directed me on Clark and Morehouse’s stages when I was a student there in the ‘90s. Now, he is prolific Broadway director extraordinary whose current work “Raisin on the Sun” is one of The Great White Way’s big shows this season. It picked up FIVE nominations – including one for Kenny as Director. HOLLER is written by Todd Kreidler, and starring another familiar player from my AUC past, poet/actor Saul Williams, my Morehouse brother (same years): www.SaulWilliams.com. Also in the cast: Tony winner Tonya Pinkins and a friend I’ve now gotten the chance to know via Broadway: Saycon Segbloh (http://SayconSegbloh.com/ - TWITTER @sayconsengbloh). I got to interview her during her FELA! run and her “Motown: The Musical” run! SHE’S THE CREAM OF THE CROP! HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME will begin performances on May 29, 2014 and open June 19, 2014 at the Palace Theatre (1564 Broadway at 47th Street) – home to where MOTOWN MUSE, Diana Ross, snagged a special TONY AWARD for her “An Evening with Diana Ross”, which broke box office records in the legendary venue. Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster at www.Ticketmaster.com  or by calling 877-250-2929. Also stay tuned to LIFE OF RILEY (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/) for DISCOUNT CODES and other info on the show – also reachable via www.HollerIfYaHearMe.com; on TWITTER, via @HollerBway; and on FACEBOOK, via: https://www.facebook.com/HollerBway. 

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL DISCOUNTS

RED TAILS

Went to "Red Tails" World Premiere in NYC at Ziegfeld Theater. The George-Lucas production tells the story of our beloved Tuskegee Airmen. And it stars Terrence Howard. And Cuba Gooding, Jr. Also: a stellar cast of Hollywood's best, including my friend Nate Parker; the so-nice Tristan Wilds;
Andre Royo; David Oyelowo; and Neyo. Also in the packed house and/or at the star-studded after party at Gotham Hall: George Lucas; "Black Girls Rock" creator Beverly Bond; her husband Azar; Keesha Sharp; BeBe Winans; Khalil Khan; Peter - Cynthia Bailey's husband on ATL Housewives; Kangol from UTFO; Desiree Rogers, Publisher of EBONY; EXTRA's AJ Calloway; my New Ros Michelle Sanchez-Boyce; Erica Munro Kennerly; and others from the crew; Spike Lee; EBONY Editor-in-Chief Amy Dubois Barnett; Miss Cassie Freeman; Samuel L. Jackson; and so many other friends and favorites - including a couple dozen "original" and documented Tuskegee Airmen, including Michelle's Uncle Charles. What a total honor to be in their presence!!! BOTTOM LINE: GO SEE “RED TAILS”!

STICK FLY

TOTAL HONOR to host post-“Stick Fly” talk-back with cast members Tracie Thoms, who plays an entomologist, who, too, is the estranged daughter of a prominent Black intellectual (She’s also known from “Rent” , Broadway & movie; “Cold Case”; and my favorite, “The Devil Wears Prada”). Also: sole White cast mate Rosie Benton whose credits include “All My Children” and “Law & Order, SVU”. They were so generous in their sharing. Then, the panel was rounded out by Marcia A. Cole (Editorial Director, AMBERmag.com) and Chloe Hilliard (Editorial Director, TheLoop21.com…but I’ve known her since she was 15, a student in the New York Association of Black Journalists’ High School Journalism Workshop for which I was an instructor. I always knew she’d be a journalism star, maybe pro B-Ball player. But she’s now ADDITIONALLY working her magic as a stand-up comic). The special event was brought to us by AMBERmag.com and its Beauty & Broadway who sponsors include Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and John Paul Mitchell. AKANYC helped out as well. BOTTOM LINE: GO SEE “STICK FLY”: www.stickflybroadway.com.

KIM COLES

GREAT NIGHT that started with the “Inspired In New York Honors” event which saluted friend Kim Coles for her many great deeds, dids, and TO-Dos (www.kimcolesinc.com). Was also nice to see my BFFs Ed Roebuck and Carl Nelson.

LACHANZE

“…The life of Riley…” is constantly singing the praises of LaChanze, Tony-award-winning actor/singer (“The Color Purple”): http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/lachanze. Of course, I love who she is as a performer and the recent LINCOLN CENTER PRESENTS ‘AMERICAN SONGBOOK’ series reminded me as a sold-out audience enjoyed an awesome repertoire of classics as well as the amazing NYC view that The Allen Room’s Frederick P. Rose Hall gives inside Jazz at Lincoln Center. In addition to her own career songs (The Color Purple’s “I’m Here” and her “Once on This Island” and “Ragtime” fare), she performed Stevie Wonder’s “Summer Soft”; Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides, Now”; Pink’s “Glitter in the Air”; Anita Baker’s “Fairy Tales”; etc. LaChanze also sang Etta James on home (without knowing, of course). At the persuasion of an unidentified friend, she added “At Last” to her set (Shout out to songwriters Mack Gordon and Harry Warren for that classic! R.I.P. ETTA JAMES. Time passes quickly here! LaChanze reminded the audience that her first “American Songbook” performance was 10 years ago. I was there… and about a year into getting to know her. And we've continued to be present at each others' milestones along the way - from the night of her Tony win to her wedding. Ant and I hold the night of "The Color Purple" (for which she won the Tony) as our anniversary. It was December 1, 2005...We were both covering the red carpet. And it was actually the night we met. Fast forward six years (now looking to the 7th): We are STILL STANDING together! Other dear friends – Tony/Broadway darlings their own – in the house: Ken Roberson; Erich McMillan; Brenda Braxton; Tamara Tunie; Gregory Generet; etc. Also in the mix: LaChanze’s family – including “my sister friend” Michelle Sapp; LaChanze's husband/my Morehouse brother Derek Fordjour; and a host of others. And my Ant and BFF Sidra Smith rounded things out. I LOVE NEW YORK! And LACHANZE? You are THE BEST!

DEATH OF THE DIVA

Shout out to my friend Roger C. Jeffrey who invited us out to a one-woman musical narrative: “DEATH OF THE DIVA” (www.DeathoftheDiva.com) – written, performed, and – in part composed – by Amanda Seales. Ray Angry co-composed the music and Roger directed. I recently had the chance to experience Roger C. Jeffrey’s dance teaching genius at ESOTA in Queens. The Bernice Johnson Cultural Arts Center-trained dancer and choreographer is also a graduate of Performing Arts High School and The Juilliard School. He’s performed in the companies of Bernice Johnson, Martial Roumain, Kevin Iega Jeff, Twyla Tharp, Lar Lubovitch, Zvi Gotheiner and with Mikhail Baryshnikov's White Oak Dance Project. In addition to his many pursuits, he is currently a dancer with The Metropolitan Opera Ballet Company. Also in the house: DEX (www.dexnewyork.com) – make-up artist extraordinaire.

Performances:
March 23, 24 & 25
March 30, 31 & April 1

Where:
Helen Mills Theater
26th between 6th & 7th

Cost: Regular- $30
Seniors & Students- $20
Group rate- $20(10 or more tickets)

Here are a couple of helpful links related to the project:

Who is amanda seales- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6TR5QMPA9k

To purchase tickets – www.deathofthediva.ticketbud.com/deathofthediva

Promotional reel- www.youtube.com/watch?v=9G8WDEFt2sQ

THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD

Shout out to my friend Gilda Squire who invited me to a preview of The Greene Space at WNYC & WQXR’s 75hth Anniversary of Zora Neale Hurston’s THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD: a multiplatform celebration of the classic novel and legacy. The evening featured an intimate, creative conversation with actor and director Ruben Santiago-Hudson (who directs this unprecedented radio drama adaptation); executive producer Indira Etwaroo; WQXR host Terrance McKnight; adaptor Arthur Yorinks; and hosted by Julie Burstein. The cast is to include Phylicia Rashad, Leslie Uggams, and a host of other great performers. The festival (chronicling the 75th Anniversary of the legendary literary work) kicks off on February 24 and will culminate with a national radio broadcast in September 2012. The festival will include an event hosted by Terrance McKnight that explores Zora’s relationship with Langston Hughes. Ruben is currently starring in Stick Fly on Broadway (You’ll recall, I got to interview a few “Stick Fly” cast-members the other night on their Cort Theatre set for an AMBERmag.com BEAUTY & BROADWAY event). http://www.thegreenespace.org/ #Zora75

VALENTINE’S SPIRIT

Our friend Hanna Lee (www.hannaleecommunications.com & www.unwindwithwine.com) invited us to a New Valentine’s Day & Winter Cocktails Tasting and Argentine Tango Event at Michael’s New York. This special event was hosted by Michael McCarty. Mixologist Michael Flannery stirred up new cocktails made with aged Venezuelan Rum, high proof French Cognac, Campari, sparkling Italian prosecco and fine liqueurs to celebrate the most romantic of holidays, Valentine’s Day, and banish winter’s chill. Plus, there were innovative twists on favorites like hot buttered rum and mulled wine, as well as imaginative original libations. Executive Chef Kyung Up Lim served tasty Bar Bites that salute his homeland, including Korean fried chicken and spicy kalbi tacos.To add a sensuous note, a top dance couple performed authentic Argentine Tangos throughout the evening. In the house: my girlfriend and colleague Janet Lee whose book "Living in a Nutshell: Posh and Portable Decorating Ideas for Small Spaces" will be out on March 27, 2012. (http://harpercollins.ca/books/Living-Nutshell-Janet-Lee/?isbn=9780062060693). GO JANET!

MC DECA

The Bowery Poetry Club attracts cool people like Independent Hip-Hop artists, poets, artists, singers, etc. in the mix. Last night, Ant and Manivone invited Carl and me to the Bowery Poetry Club for a hip hop showcase – featuring their Denver friend, MC Deca! http://www.bowerypoetry.com/

BREAKING BREAD & TOASTING BDAYS

With work (and snow) sprinkled all up and through, the weekend also included a lovely dinner with my dear friend Ed Roebuck – accompanied by two FAB dates: Jacqueline Cholmondeley (www.alwaysaccolades.com). And also in the mix: the mom/manager of Malcolm Jamal Warner, Pam. Restaurant: Hillstone (AKA Houston’s). I had the chance to meet her through Ed a few years ago when I spent lots of time in L.A. working on "Monica: Still Standing" and Frankie & Neffe". What an AWESOME woman... and of course, a GREAT MOTHER! Not to be confused with his TV MOM with whom he had the chance to recently reunite along with the rest of The Huxtables (except for Denise AKA Lisa Bonet, of course).There were also two birthdays in “…the life of Riley…”: Candice Harper (at BOHO karaoke). And Jason Johsnon (at Cubana Social in Williamsburgh – www.cubanasocial.com). HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you babies...and the many LOVED ONES in "...the life of Riley..." who have January birthdays i.e. Tori, DeDe, Lisa Goodnight, TJ, Reinaldo, Evolyn, Natalie, Maurice, Jamar, and many, many more! GO CAPRICORN & AQUARIUS!

HUEY’S

Cute Cajun-style restaurant Huey’s (www.hueys247diner.com) is CLOSED. At least, it looks to be. Its window interiors are aligned with garbage bags outstretched to hide the view of the inside YET the menu and its GRADE A are still displayed outside (Maybe it’s coming back?). I’ve grown to love it for its proximity to my work of late (8th Avenue between 55th and 56th Streets) PLUS it’s menu is great i.e. cornbread casserole, jambalaya, chili, etc….and cheap drinks). The challenge (though not for me) is it was always empty. Still, the food was so good and fresh (cornbread was prepared and served in a skillet).

RUPAUL

I felt like I was at THE LEGENDS BALL while at the Harlem home of make-up artist extraordinaire Merrell Hollis (@makeupbymerrell). A fun and accomplished group gathered to watch the premiere of Rupaul’s Drag Race, which is in its Cycle 4. It was GLAMOUR-PALOOZA up in there – including Dani Evans – winner of “America’s Next Top Model” (@Only1DaniE); my friends, celebrity make-up artist Sam Fine (@SamFineBeauty); hair master Oscar James (@oscarjameshair); Chuck Amos (@CHUCKIELOVE), who does Tracee Ellis Ross’ tresses (and has done Miss Ross); stylist par excellence Memsor Kamarake (@Memsor); and some of the ‘The Wendy Williams Show’ team – including Monique Taylor (@moekittytweets) and Wendy’s wig expert Antwon Jackson (@antwonljackson) were also on deck as well as some other great friends – including Ian, etc. Of course, I’ve met a few of the drag race ladies over the years – including Cycle 1 winner BeBe Zahara Benet; Sahara Davenport; and Shangela (HALLELU!!!). And as we all witnessed last night, this new crop is BRINGING IT!

MAXWELL’S “THIS WOMAN’S WORK”

My karaoke spin on Maxwell’s “This Woman’s Work”: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/video/video.php?v=390384328736&ref=mf Standing on Maxwell’s shoulders alone is heavy, but as evidenced by TV ONE “UNSUNG”s take on Sylvester’s life (http://www.tvoneonline.com/), my falsetto is also standing on big shoulder (pads)! LOL! Shout out to the strong falsettos out there – including Earth, Wind, & Fire's Phillip Bailey and The Temptations’ Eddie Kendricks. I recently got to echo Kendricks' style when my Tony-award-winning friend LaChanze ambushed me with the mic on she and Greg Generet’s recent spin on “Just My Imagination” - http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/3/15/easy-breezy-george-and-weezy.html).

BIRTHDAY GIRLS AND BOY

Consider it a birthday serenade, of sorts. Miss Ross recently celebrated another year of fierceness and fabulousness. But the big gift is ours as concert tickets have been cleared to see my favorite, 66-year-young diva Diana at Radio City Music Hall on May 19^th and – a week and change later – in Chicago, courtesy of my earth angel Sally Lou.  This “More Today Than Yesterday” tour promises lots of comfort and joy for me in May (http://www.facebook.com/#!/DianaRoss?ref=search&sid=662073736.1095004508..1). But there are also birthday shout outs due to our girlfriend Cy whose Big 3-0 fete Ant and I weren’t able to make. Still, we absolutely adore our diva girlfriend who is a Designer/Social Entrepreneur/Sustainable Lifestyle Branding Guru EXTRAORDINAIRE (http://www.vivedesignhaus.com/). We were, however, able to get out – in the 11^th hour for our other Aries birthday girl Dr. Shirley Madhere – plastic surgeon with the most (http://www.thenewaesthete.com/). She emailed us at 12 noon to show up at her last-minute brainchild of a celebration at the well-appointed, private club Norwood (www.norwoodclub.com/). And what a set it was as I uncovered that we have more mutuals in common than we knew about – including: “Why Did I Get Married Too?”s Malik Yoba; Yoki Brown (of Brandy's 'Full Moon' video notoriety - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxC1XZDghTc&feature=related); our girlfriend, good dentist Dr. Ericka; and my Lisa Goodnight's college mate Mica who inspired Ant and me to karaoke afterwards. She owns an anti-aging spa business which she is growing as it is still in the infant stages: www.myspatique.com, but look out: With Mica behind it, it promises to be a big success. While at our Dr. Shirley’s set, I got to reiterate to Malik - a regular reader of my blog 'A Day in the Life of Riley' - how great he is in "Why Did I Get Married Too?” Hopefully you have seen the film by now. Ant and I went a third time on our new favorite film’s opening night with Ern, Charlie T, and Danielle. AUDIENCES seem to be LOVING it… and are quite SHOCKED at several reversals Tyler Perry incorporated into the film to off-set critiques of being predictable and cliché. And as I shouted out Miss Aretha Franklin who too recently celebrated a birthday (Ant and I attended her BDAY set last year in Detroit: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/3/26/people-say-im-the-life-of-the-party.html), and I just uncovered that “Secret Trois”, the trio Ant and I secured for Ms. Franklin’s party last year, shouted us out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKWh3Mu3m34. This, for arranging their performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ2385evPmY.   And another shout out to Joe Ballon who too celebrated a birthday in March. He's Ant's colleague at 'The Wendy Williams Show' and is just an all-around, swell dude. And he and I have a love for all things 'Black sitcoms' in common. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOE! 

 BLEU BLOOM

Ant and I went to the BLOOM Spring Party on invite from my friend Clarence Haynes (I teased it in last week’s blog entry: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/3/24/nothing.html). It was quite festive – dancing, cocktails, African drums, World music remixes, etc! Then, Ant and I went to BLEU's Beautiful People night - Sunday - at 7 BELOW 0 in Harlem. Turns out Ant and I were named to the Winter 2010 issue of BLEU Magazine's BLEU LIST! Total honor! Shout out to BLEU Publisher De’Von Christopher for the LOVE (www.bleulife.com)!

TEZA

My girl Loren - who collabo'd with me on my recent BET projects - co-edited this critically-acclaimed film TEZA for which the Dwyer Cultural Center in Harlem hosted a launch. Danny Glover endorses TEZA and hosted the opening night alongside TEZA’s director Haile Gerima ("Sankofa"). It’s currently showing in NYC at Lincoln Plaza Cinemas and other select movie houses nationwide (www.TezaTheMovie.com). CONGRATS LOREN!

SHOUT OUTS

• ·        So my good girlfriend Jakki’s stepdaughter Kamari has just started a new blog site called "Save Safe Sex" (www.savesafesex.webs.com) and FACEBOOK: www.Facebook.com/kamaririchardson. And her blog: www.krichy15.blogspot.com. She has started a fan page on Facebook called “Let’s Talk Sex...Blog In!! Her mission is to teach everyone from the young ages of 11 to seniors at 85 about saving safe sex. She felt that if she just stuck to the basics and did a blog on Reality TV or Celebs, it wouldn't have made a mark of any importance in the lives of everyone. For Kamari, she feels that this is important because she trusts that her story and some of its challenges must parallel other girls around the world and she just wants to do her part in helping that not be the story of our future girls.
• ·        My Morehouse brother Maurice McRae is currently at Baltimore’s Centerstage, set to open in "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom", featuring a talented cast including diva E. Faye Butler. Maurice is playing the role of Levee originated by Charles Dutton. Then, they are in Philadelphia. For Baltimore:  www.centerstage.org/Default.aspx?alias=www.centerstage.org/marainey. For Philly: www.philadelphiatheatrecompany.org/2010/marainey.html And for more on Maurice: www.mauricemcrae.com.

HAPPY EASTER DAY!

On this day, Ant and I celebrated a holiday meal with Ern, Danielle, her husband Bernard, and our girlfriend Tina. A couple of years ago, Ant, Ern, Danielle, and I did the same location - Delta soul food restaurant in New Brunswick, NJ near Rutgers University. Now, I’m packing for a multi-week stint in Chicago (with a quick stop in L.A.). With Spring in BLOOM, I’m thrilled and blessed that some work has accompanied it. And though I am still a work-in-progress on a journey that is chockful of twists and turns, I am so GRATEFUL to have so much LOVE and LIGHT around me. Today, as we all broke bread, fellowshipped, and acknowledged the reason for the season, I was reminded how GOOD GOD IS. And it is HE who sustains me while on this ride called LIFE.  

EASY, BREEZY, GEORGE AND WEEZY!!!!”

I’m sad to see “Ugly Betty” go in five more episodes, but Willy aka Wilhelmina aka Wanda helped me put it in perspective as she aimed to display her street credibility to an old boyfriend (Brian Stokes Mitchell) who knew her when she was just a regular girl. She assured him she was ‘…easy, breezy, George and Weezy!!!!’ – one of the last gut-wrenching laughs Ant and I will have from one of our favorite little shows.

MORE TODAY THAN YESTERDAY

That said, Miss Ross is hitting the road again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaZOKEDuNd8

And you know Ant & I will be there. She’ll return to her home away from home, the stage, this summer with a 17-city U-S tour titled “MORE TODAY THAN YESTERDAY”. When last she toured in 2007, Ant and I saw her several times between New York City and New Jersey. Then, in 2008, she headlined DIVAS WITH HEART. She closed out a charitable night featuring fellow DIVAS Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Chaka Khan. As many of us fans are excited about a new album, clearly we’re not moping about in the meantime because MISS ROSS LIVE is magical. So, greatest hits will do… and we hear she will be pulling out all the stops with breathtaking costumes and stage designs, along with a live string and horn section. The must see show kicks off in Boston, MA on May 15th, the tour runs thru June 12th. I know I will see her at RADIO CITY on May 19^th… and I may pop back down to Red Bank, NJ or Atlantic City to check her out as well. As her bio reminds us, Diana Ross has had a profound influence on American popular culture and has become an icon in the entertainment industry. She is an Academy Award nominated actress for her unforgettable role as Billie Holiday in Lady Sings The Blues, a Tony and Golden Globe winner, a bestselling author, winner of 8 American Music Awards and a recipient of The Kennedy Center Honors. Her reputation as a woman of great style and beauty has put her on the covers of hundreds of magazines. Ms. Ross has sold over 100 million records and recorded 18 #1 hits. Her music became the sound of young America in the ‘60s soon after she signed with Motown Records in 1961 with The Supremes. She embarked on her extraordinary solo career in 1970, and has not stopped since. Diana Ross sings the soundtrack of our lives, a true music legend. To get breaking news, latest tour information and exclusive content, become a fan of Diana Ross’ official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/dianaross).

ALMIGHTY RECORDS: WE LOVE DIANA ROSS

Though not a new album, it feels fresh. “WE LOVE DIANA ROSS” by Almighty Records is the new digital album featuring brand new remixes of ALL THINGS DANCEABLE… and DIANA! This project has been five years in the making. It was originally planned to be released by Universal. But now, it’s available on-line (http://www.almightyrecords.com/product/ALMYDD071/). This digital collection is overflowing with exclusives, such as the brand new mixes of ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’, 'Love Hangover' and ‘The Boss’, plus first time airings of ‘Remember Me’, ‘Reach Out And Touch’ and ‘I’m Still Waiting’, plus the sensational Almighty 'In The Mix' which includes classic titles: Love Hangover; Upside Down; I'm Coming Out; I'm Still Waiting; Ain't No Mountain High Enough; The Boss; Remember Me; I Thought It Took A Little Time; No-One Gets The Prize; Reach Out And Touch; Touch Me In The Morning; Lovin', Livin' And Givin.

DREAMGIRLS: SOMEDAY WE’LL BE TOGETHER

Meanwhile, YOU HEARD? The original Dreamgirls - Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine, and Jennifer Holliday were in attendance at the L.A. premiere of the staged musical 'Dreamgirls' road tour that launched here in NYC at The Apollo. I hear they had their own special moment during the finale song. Jennifer Holliday reportedly reached out and grabbed the hands of Sheryl and Loretta... and it was one more moment for Deena, Lorrell, and Effie - 29 years later! DREAMGIRLS LIVES! I LIVE! WE ALL LIVE!

CAN WE TALK????????

I co-hosted a pilot "tvQ" a few years back. It was a 'queer eye' meets 'the view'. It had lots of promise and got lots of press, but after a year of being retained, we didn't get picked up. But it gave me the chance to meet Michael Musto who was one of the co-hosts along w/Simon Doonan and others (Go 9:00 in on this link for an excerpt: http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickGeneralReel.wmv and I wrote something about it in a blog entry a couple of years ago: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/8/5/a-black-person.html). Well, my favorite Joan Rivers hosted a FAB fete at the 230 Fifth Avenue penthouse to toast Michael's 25 years at 'The Village Voice".  Ant, Nichole, Aleeka, and I had a ball. We ran into RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Sahara (in blue); Robert Verdi; and a host of others. REALLY GOOD NIGHT!

“RESPECT THE JUX”

Marketing strategist & guru Jacquie Lee invited Ant and me to Phillipe Chow to meet her client, author Frank Matthews. His upcoming Simon & Schuster release is titled "Respect The Jux". This, after meeting a couple of new Aussie friends at Coppersmith's - Sue & Steve - for an aperitif.  Stay tuned for more on Frank as his book readies for the marketplace.

PRECIOUS: A DISCUSSION OF HOLLYWOOD’S IMAGE OF THE BLACK WOMAN

The Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists invited me to sit on its "Monitoring Hollywood II - Precious: A Discussion on Hollywood's Image of The Black Woman" panel. It included moderator Patty Jackson; filmmaker Rel Dowdell; radio diva Golden Girl; columnist Annette John-Hall; 'Minority Reporter' Khalid Patterson; and fashion/beauty journalist (and my friend) Cheryl Wadlington. I also got to see my L.A. buddy-by-way-of-Philly Anthony Henderson. Happy to call him new friend (Mr. Jason too!).  We had lots of great times during my L.A. stint. Also, it was great to see so many of my NABJ sisters - including Amy Simmons. At about 5:43, you can see an excerpt of my commentary on the panel: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/video/video.php?v=106339826059527&ref=nf I LOVE PHILLY!

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK

Ant and I saw Sweet Honey In The Rock this evening at The Met. Awesome show. Afterwards, Ant and I ran into the great KiKi Shepard. You should remember her from “Showtime Returns To The Apollo”. It was good to see her again as I got to hang out with her at her Sickle Cell bowling benefit in L.A. where my friends Scott and Tony took me one night. She is a friend – dating back to  their Howard University time – of group member Carol Maillar. KiKi talked Marcia, Ant, and me into going to Carol’s birthday party at Harlem's MOJO (www.mojo-harlem.com). And what a hoot she was - putting Ant up for judging as if at The Apollo. I got the chance to interview Carol when I was producing the BET Black History Month campaign. She said some wonderful things during our sit-down chat. Its owner Mounir Jabrane proved ever the host. You may recognize him from an American Express commercial with Epatha Merkerson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b2_hNNVe88). And also in the house: Also in the house: My Marcia Pendelton. And my own Ki-Ki, Jackie Williams who is looking sexy and slinky these days. She's in production and featured as an actor in a commercial for a tooth pain product.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, OWEN ANGELO

My Godson Owen Angelo's birthday party was SO MUCH FUN! And he had a BLAST! Ant & I enjoyed spending time with him, his parents - our friends Owen & Sandy, and their friends & family! And I karaoke'd all night long! LOL! Happy Birthday, Owen Angelo!!!!

“… AND THE OSCAR GOES TO…”

Ant, Ern, & I attended a couple of Oscar viewing parties (Brooklyn & Harlem).    Word had it LA ROSS was gonna appear on the show, which would have been a welcome return given her many appearances on the Academy Awards. BEFORE B (or HALLE B), THERE WAS D... and after her nomination for Best Actress in "Lady Sings The Blues" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFstpIKW7A4), she became quite the Oscar darling - from her "Theme From Mahogany ('Do You Know...')" performance via satellite from Amsterdam a couple of years later. Then, co-hosting and presenting in '78 and '79 to performing several more times in the '80s and '90s (even co-hosting in '85, the year that she sang Stevie Wonder's "I Just Called To Say I Love You" from "The Woman In Red"). Some selects that are currently on YOU TUBE - including this one where Ross reflects on that heavy and exhilarating time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YA22pXIf1I):

1980/MJ & DR -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORPmEg4MYeI

1982/DIANA ROSS & LIONEL RICHIE on their OSCAR NOM'd "ENDLESS LOVE" -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ewf0TnM4eKo

1985/SINGING STEVIE'S OSCAR NOM'd "I JUST CALLED TO SAY I LOVE YOU" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_aUPf-Rdk0

1992/SINGING "OVER THE RAINBOW" – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N69rO3fRitc

Well, it turns out Miss Ross wasn’t in the Oscar house after all. But that didn’t stop the party.  Ant, Ern, and I did two sets: Jacque Reid's intimate set at Rustik in Brooklyn featured karaoke during commercials (I serenaded the room with Maxwell's "This Woman's Work", dedicating it to Jacque and Mo'Nique who'd just ...snagged her prize in the previous segment). After my performance, the fellas and I high-tailed it to Harlem for an Oscar party hosted by our best girlfriend Mara Schiavocampo and our best girlfriend's hubby Tommie.

 “INDEPENDENT SOURCES”

For those of you who don't have CUNY-TV, here's a link of "Independent Sources" on which I am featured in a Johnson Publishing profile (EBONY/JET money woes). The piece starts at 2:33 and I am excerpted a couple of times between 4:08 & 5:28. This, before it was reported that Ebony Fashion Fair will continue its hiatus (citing the recent death of its founder Eunice Johnson Rice). http://www.cuny.tv/series/sources/listen.lasso?-database=CUNYPROG&-response=detail2.lasso&-table=webprogdetail2&-sortField=TapeDate&-sortOrder=descending&-op=eq&SeriesTitle=Independent%20Sources&-op=neq&Real_av=%3d%3d&-op=lte&TapeDate=12%2f31%2f2010&-op=gte&TapeDate=1%2f1%2f2010&-maxRecords=1&-skipRecords=1&-search

IT’S THE WEEKEND, BABY!!!!!

Ant and I just had a lovely weekend of connection and rejuvenation – in part because it was his pay day and furthermore because a long-standing check from services already rendered FINALLY came, all of this despite the rain. From a Friday night tasting hosted by Ant’s friend Nova ("Saucy Solutions by Nova") - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saucy-Solutions/272235603144?v=info. And what a tasty inventory – from hot to mild to sweet AND savory, Nova offered up cheesy dips; succulent BBQ sauces; and other special recipes including Bad Girl Bolognese and Fabulous Formaggio. Check her out. Afterwards, Ant and I went to have a light meal at Heartland Brewery with Manivone. This, before going to Club 57 to see Kelis perform: http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=k-K_bKQtUsI&feature=player_ embedded#.  We also hung out in Brookllyn and did a round of lite bites from Red Hook/Brooklyn's Sugar Lounge along with more karaoke at One 7 in Chelsea.

“JUST MY IMAGINATION” – A REALITY WITH LACHANZE & GREG GENERET

Ant & I honored our girlfriend LaChanze and friend Gregory Generet's invite to see them perform at Joe's Pub  (SOLD OUT). It was a GREAT show that highlighted these two stellar vocalists’ chemistry when sharing a stage.

Dear friend LaChanze walked her six-inch Valentino pumps off the stage and up to me to sing.

Yes, she did hand me that microphone for the chorus of The Temptations' "Just My Imagination".

I got a roar of approval from the sold-out audience - including Greg's wife Tamara Tunie (HAPPY BDAY!);

Star Jones; Lynn Whitfield; 'The Wiz' Tony-award-winning legend George Faison; and a host of others.

 Several of the folks joined LaChanze's sister Michelle, Ant, and I at Indochine for an after set. And we always have such a good time. This time was no exception.

The set list was as follows:

“It Takes Two” – duet

“One Less Bell To Answer” – LaChanze

“Nature Boy” – Greg

“Once I Fall in Love” – Greg

“Route 66” – duet

“To Sir With Love” – LaChanze

“Happy birthday” – duet

“Imagination” – Greg

“Just My Imagination” – duet*

“All of Me” – duet

Encore: BLUES FINALE – duet

LaChanze excited me with the news she’d be returning to her role as Aunt Em and Glenda The Good Witch in the soon-Broadway-run of “The Wiz”. Since I was in L.A. and missed the short run of it last summer, I am EXCITED to see the show again. By the way, check out LaChanze’s new children’s book “Little Diva” which will soon have a companion video with the title song that LaChanze penned. Stay tuned…

… AND SPRING FORWARD!