A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

WHITNEY

Most people who know me know that MISS ROSS is MY BOSS… and a week in which she received her LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT GRAMMY AWARD is among the BIGGEST WEEKS for a fan like me (and the many hundreds of thousands and thousands of fans with whom I have the honor to share in this excitement). This, after Miss Ross has been nominated 12 times (Sang/recorded 3 songs that are in the Grammy Hall of Fame), but had yet to win one. Picture this: It’s Saturday, February 11, 2011. A wonderful group of friends were invited to an intimate, pre-Fashion-Week gathering.                                                                                                                         Everyone agreed to join me in watching Miss Ross accept her Lifetime Achievement Grammy on the academy’s website (http://www.grammy.com/videos/diana-ross-accepting-lifetime-achivement-award-at-special-merit-awards) – a highlight in the day (and this fan’s life). Just moments before her segment was to take place, the first texts, tweets, and emails started to come in. I felt like Miss Ross in the rain at her Central Park Concert: “It took me a lifetime to get here. I’m not going anywhere!”  And as each text, tweet, and email came in, I chalked it up as a hoax… and kept it to myself. But alas, the news would be true: WHITNEY HOUSTON: DEAD AT 48. Miss Ross accepted her award (and announced she’d be going back into the studio to record and - FYI! - she's going back on the road - starting this week). We were all left to wrap our heads around one other SPECIAL woman with whom Miss Ross had to share the spotlight in “…the life of Riley…” (circa 1984-1998).

This is the hardest blog I’ve ever had to write. I’ve been a range of in shock; bed-ridden sick; depressed; unable to get through the day’s deeds without a tear or many; inconsolable; and nostalgic and joyful for one moment in time when Whitney Houston brought us such comfort and joy with THAT VOICE!

The loss of Whitney Houston also brings me back in touch with blasts from my past. One Morehouse brother felt he needed to reach out – in part because he too is touched by the loss. Also, he remembers how much I LOVE WHITNEY...and wanted to make sure I was O.K. An excerpt of my reply to him:

“...This loss is HUGE for many reasons - some of which you've outlined. In the '90s, I had lots of connects from the Whitney world - including those domains you outline i.e. publicists/managers/Arista folks/fellow churchmembers of her/Cissy who were/are friends of mine, etc. And YES! As a singer myself, I have long been shouting fromt the rafters - often to those aforementioned people - to correct THAT VOICE before it's 'wrecked'. Though it wasn't exactly wrecked in 1998, it depreciated from 'dreamy' to a 'nightmare' by 2001. That said, the short window she was able to give us THE VOICE is LEGACY enough (more than enough). Still, we're all left with this bad feeling. Though I've shared commentary on Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and Rev. Sharpton's shows, I'm left now to say SOMETHING via my blog by week's end. And though I don't know if I'll go comprehensive in this entry (as I'm still wrapping my brain and heart around the LIFE, the LOSS, and all that I'm truly feeling right now where I can feel), so much of me is numb. I called Whitney "the Billie Holliday" of our time in that by the time you and I were born, she was dead. We then were introduced to her - on some level - by Diana Ross' portrayal of her in "Lady Sings The Blues" (and not even when that came out). So, there was a disconnect, though the history was duly noted and well-received. With WHITNEY, like the contemporaries of Billie Holliday, we met her, we knew her pedigree, we watched her rise to the top, we watched her fall, we watched her attempt a comeback, we watched her die ------ ONE MOMENT IN TIME! And yet, again, we know her LEGACY lives on...through her music (and hopefully she and Bobby's daughter.... and - as irony goes - through the very women on whose shoulders she stands - including her mom, Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, etc. - all of whom are STILL STANDING & SINGING, which furthermore makes this passing harder to swallow. Like most anything, Whitney sang it best when she added this BeBe Winans composition to some of her early '90s shows…”

It was first recorded by CeCe Winans who sang it at the funeral:

Verse 1:

Here we are again,

that old familiar place,

where the wind will blow,

no one ever knows the time or space.

Chorus:

Don't cry for me,

don't shed a tear;

the time I've shared with you will always be.

And when I'm gone,

still carry on,

don't cry for me.

Verse 2:

No one is the blame,

my death was meant to be.

Don't carry guilt or shame,

the reason why I came,

soon you'll see.

Chorus:

Bridge:

Don't cry when life is not

the joy it should be,

with life comes pain.

Soon time will end its course appointed,

then you will be rewarded,

and all the world will see.

THIS, OF COURSE, AS I CRY!

EDWING D’ANGELO

In attendance at this Fashion-Week kick-off was designer EDWING D'ANGELO (whose Fall 2012 NYFW Collection presented this past Sunday at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel: www.edwingdangelo.com. Excellent new line, I might add. Basketball Wives’ Royce and Mob Wives’ Carla agree). On that night of AMAZING HIGHS and BOTTOMLESS LOWS, it was also great to see friend/jeweler Trevor Hartman. I consider it a blessing to have so many friends and loved ones around me at the time. And afterwards,  I made it my business to get down to Japas 55 Karaoke to homage Miss Houston in song (via the Whitney Houston medley its catalog has). My friend Carl Nelson was on-hand to hold me up (just in case) as well as ATL Housewives’ Dwight Eubanks. And as my love of karaoke goes, I’ve continued to sing more and more Whitney wherever I go – to ensure that the MUSIC LIVES ON! That – in addition to many things – is a BIG LEGACY! We sang after the Edwing show. Also, on another night with another awesome designer/my friend Jeffrey Williams (www.jeffreycwilliams.com), we all gathered at a new spot: baby grand (www.babygrandnyc.com) – a cute discovery for us. My girl Dawn sang pretty too!

GRAMMY TELECAST

Since I wasn’t in L.A. And given the developments du jour, the invitation to watch THE GRAMMYS with my friends Mara Schiavocampo and Tommie Porter while dining on declicious chili and cornbread (a la Rakia) was – for sure – the move. Ant , Ernest Maynor, and MISS NINA agreed. In fact, NINA was the BEST example of the CIRCLE OF LIFE! CONGRATS, MISS ROSS! WE LOVE YOU, WHITNEY! Great job, Jennifer Hudson!

MY BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL

I spent the top of the month producing a Black History Month segment for ‘Wendy Williams’ and ‘My Black is Beautiful’. If you didn’t get to see it, here goes: http://www.wendyshow.com/MyBlackIsBeautiful/.

FULL FORCE

My girl Flo Anthony invited us out to dear friend Marva Allen’s Hue-Man Bookstore (www.huemanbookstore.com) for a cool event: A book signing with The Full Force Brothers (www.fullforceworld.com). Their new book “Not Just a House Party” takes us deeper and beyond what is now the highest-rated “Unsung” in which they were recently featured. Bowlegged Lou (who I’d met years ago through my Atlanta buddy Denyse Parks); Paul Anthony; and B-Fine were in the house. They are so gracious, nice, and generous in sharing their history in the industry. From there, another dear publicist friend Juanita Stephens invited us to Maria Davis’ special event at Shrine World Venue in Harlem. I got a quick meet-and-greet at W’s A-Loft Hotel with the Jamaican virtuoso David M (He’s a singer/songwriter/classical musician/etc.). You – for sure – will be hearing more from this conscious artist who credits Marvin Gaye as an influence.

KEVIN FREEMAN & “REAL HOUSE-FRIEND OF ATLANTA”

Our dear friend Kevin Freeman’s birthday was last week (Same week that he was featured in an episode of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” in which he hosted Sheree and some of the ladies in South Africa). Priya Scroggins threw a set of all sets at her Manhattan pad. Tasty cocktails; hors’douevres; delicious bites of cauliflower pakoras; jerk chicken wings; vegetable curry; shrimp vindaloo; chicken chettinad; dal; rice; Indian bread; and WHITNEY! We all gathered around and either sang Whitney at the top of our lungs and/or danced with a roo...m full of SOMEDBODIES who love Kevin! Quite healing! Joyous! FAMILY! In the house: Ant, Gwendolyn Niles, Keanna KJ Rose Henson, Kiwan Michael Anderson, Dawanna Williams, Nathan Hale Williams, Tracey Kemble, Stephanie Horton, Lisa Bonner, Angelique Miles, Mark Buquoi, Chris Gentry, Chantis Parks, Michelle Sanchez Boyce, Erika Munro Kennerly, Nichole Shellman, her beau Troy, Tamayu Takayama, Wardell Malloy, Bevy Smith and more! A TOTAL LOVE FEST!

HARLEM FINE ARTS SHOW 2012

 I wrapped the week up with two art invitations from my friends Tata and Carl Nelson. First up: We went to The New York Times Building to kick-off the Third Annual 2012 Harlem Fine Arts Show (www.hfas.org) – featuring among many, the artwork of AFUWI 2011 recipient of the American Foundation of the University of the West Indies award (the tributes of which I got to produce: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/1/27/live-out-louder.html). Also in the house: NYC icons B. Smith and Susan Taylor. The open-to-the-public exhibition will take place from Friday, February 10th through Sunday, February 12th at Riverside Church of New York (490 Riverside Drive at 120th Street). Then, we went to a GRAFFITI photography and art exhibit (that benefitted a pediatric oncology ward on Long Island, NY. At the helm of the brainchild: Elizabeth Jordan (WWW.EJORDANPHOTOGRAPHY.COM), who invited guests to St. Peter’s Church to participate in an evening celebrating the power of the pen (and positive thought) through graffiti. A light bite at Hillstone rounded out the evening just lovely.

TARGET FIRST SATURDAY

 The Brooklyn Museum’s TARGET FIRST SATURDAY was a fun time: http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/visit/first_saturdays.php.  Lots of exhibits, people, music, and dancing. Saw lots of fun faces – including my Savannah homegirl Rae Mack, Theo Perry, Shantay Wilson, and many others.

SUPERBOWL

Our friends Irma Clement and Gisele Pemberton threw yet another FAB SUPERBOWL EXTRAVAGANZA! GREAT FOOD, FOLKS, & MADONNA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4VbChGJ8nw&feature=youtu.be.

NEW YORK ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS

Was GREAT to confab with my fellow New York Association of Black Journalists recently at B.Smith’s restaurant. Our new President Mike Feeney led a festive networking event. This, before sleeves are pulled up to the elbows – so NYABJ can get started on its good work. If you are a member of NYABJ (and/or want to me), don’t worry! You can join up (and start working) NOW! Is always good to see my friends – old and new – including Philana Patterson, Dwight Oestricher, Jenisha Watts, Brandon Bain (my fellow karaoke host AND TV personality his own), etc. SHOUT OUT to NOVAHCAINE PHOTOGRAPHY (www.novahcaine.com). Afterwards, I returned to our beloved NATIVE in Harlem (where we gave life to ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT). Our friends Brian Washington-Palmer & Jamar Dunn pulled out all of the stops for us to TOAST our Harlem buddies Nikoa & Garrett Hendricks at a baby shower to celebrate the pending arrival of their little diva Zuri.

EBONY.COM

A great group of friends recently gathered to toast Kierna Mayo and the launch of www.ebony.com.  Katra in SOHO(217 Bowery btwn Prince & Spring) is where we partied. The Legendary Chris Washington provided AWESOME music.

JESSICA BETTS

Friend Dennis Decker hosted a well-appointed set at his Harlem brownstone to introduce Jessica Betts (https://www.twitter.com/JessicaBetts). It gave BFFs Itika Oldwine, Mara Schiavocampo, Carl Nelson, Kimberly Nichole, Darius Booker, and a host of other friends a chance to catch up and share lovingly and reflectively about Miss Whitney Houston whose home-going services took place earlier on this day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ERN

Happy Birthday, Ernest Maynor – BFF since 7th grade! Had a great BDAY GAMES PARTY at our friend Kimberly Jajuan’s home. Many old friends were in the house – including Dwayne Grayman and Erich McMillan-McCall. Also: Angela Robinson (“Shug” from Broadway and road-tour’s “The Color Purple”); and many more!

REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA CONDOLENCES

While in Atlanta shooting "Frankie & Neffe", I went to a couple of "Real Housewives of Atlanta" events - including a birthday party for Kandi & Kim. Also, there was a Kandi performance. I haven't seen the show since its first episode (Hotel doesn't have BRAVO), but I'm getting emails, txts, and calls that I was seen a few times at the joint birthday set. I'm told the Kandi performance at Tongue & Groove ran as well.

Well, when I posted my pix of Kandi during current season's "Real Housewives of Atlanta" (per events I attended this past Spring), the news of her ex-fiance's passing had not broken. I extend my condolences to Kandi and AJ's children and family. AJ: RIP! And as Kandi and her daughter and AJs kids deal with all of this, she too is mourning the loss of her Uncle Ralph. Though I don’t know Kandi well, I do know that she has a brother named Patrick Riley who passed away in the early ‘90s. Whenever I would interview her when she was with XSCAPE, my name would always generate a surge from within. When my partner Anthony recently saw her (and mentioned me), he too experienced that. (Coincidentlly, I too have an Uncle Ralph who is dearly departed.).

But I do remember having a good time during those sets in Atlanta earlier this year. My chronicle at the time read like this: Of course, I couldn’t be in Atlanta without sniffing out “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” (www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-atlanta). My new buddy Lamoh was gracious to take me to as many of the sets as my schedule would allow. We went to AJA Asian Bistro near Lenox for 'Kim' and Deshawn-Snow-replacement 'Kandi Burris' (of Xscape fame and 'TLCs-No-Scrubs'-writer notoriety). It was a filming for second season. Sheree was in attendance but no Nene, Lisa, or Dwight to be found. Kim - sported a skintight, red haltermini thatunderscored her little pouch as well as her decorative, high-endredpumps (of glorious, over-the-top,ostrich feather garnish). She premiered her new single "Tardy for the Party" (Dallas-Austin-penned-and-produced "Tightrope" - debuted on the 1st season of the show - was not pro-tooled, nor re-presented, nor– Kim told me - made a part of her upcoming collection of dance music. Her actualvocals - as evidence by this new single -are washed down and into the mix/voice-altering machine. She may actually haves ome dance hits on her hands. Kandi - from my observation - seems apleasant, Deshawn-Snow-esqueaddition to the cast. She's sexy and sweet; doesn't drink; is letting her personality shine through (it seems) in a way differently and more engagingly perhaps than Deshawn Snow. It seems she and Kim get along and - per Kim's comments - that they maybe collabo-ing in the studio. Kandi was apparently privy (prior to Kim) to a huge rock that sets on Kim's finger now (a la engagement ring from 'big poppa', who seems back in the picture). Big Poppa and Kandi's fiance are buddies too, it seems. Also in attendance (and often on the blogs): hairstylist Derek J (sporting a kimono-style dress and pumps). He is in L.A. now competing on reality-tv's "Sheer Genius". Champagne and Patron were flowing. And overall, it was cool to see the inner-workings of the upcoming season, if just a snapshot from this one 'scene'. Then, however, Kandi (whose late brother’s name is Patrick Riley) invited me to her “Tongue and Groove” performance (www.tandgonline.com/). (Ironically, “Tongue and Groove” (the former Buckhead location) is where my platonic boo Carl Nelson threw my going-away party from Atlanta in 1995.) Kandi performed her old material from the days of Xscape. Also, she performed her new songs “Trade Him In”; “Fly Above”; and “Leroy Jones” (www.twitter.com/kandiconnection and www.myspace.com/kandionline). And “Real Housewife” Lisa was there! Still no photo ops with Nene and Dwight (who I know)… and though I did see her at Kim/Kandi’s party… Sheree (from whom I did get an invitation to preview her 'actual' fashions but I had a conflicting shoot scheduled that day. I hear it was FAB though.). There’s always my 5-week ATL run in June. Shout out to my girlfriend Lisa McCall who assured Lemoh and I got into the set. Sister 2 Sister’s Jamie Foster Brown was also in the house (www.s2smagazine.com/). She and I got to catch up as we had some business-in-common later that week (a la “Frankie & Neffe” and “Sister 2 Sister”).
 And there must always be a shout out to my friend Dwight Eubanks.He proved to be the host with the most during my stay in Atlanta. Also, we got to hang out recently in New York City where - after I left - he and Lamoh got to hang out with Ant. Plus, Ant attended Dwight's fashion show during Fashion Week.

STAR-STUDDED L.A.

L.A. publicist Lauren Tobin – daughter of my late, great NABJ buddy Pat Tobin - invited me out to Oz and Lynne Scott's Sherman Oaks estate which is home to the Jackie Robinson's Foundation's annual Jazz on the Green (www.jackierobinson.org). Ran into many of my favorite celebs and enjoyed an awesome round-up of musical talent. I tried to maintain my cool but I was really excited to meet them all. Sitcom actors Richard Gant (“Night Court”) and Harold Sylvester (Dwayne Wayne’s father from “A Different World”) were there. Too, legendary publicist Ken Reynolds (who has worked with everyone from Whitney Houston to Stephanie Mills over the years) was in the house. And believe me, I was as excited to meet him as those folks I knew by name like TV legend Hattie Winston and her husband Harold Wheeler (who is the composer and music director with the most – current credit including “Dancing With The Stars”). “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” co-star Tatyana Ali was there. (And I got a glimpse of Uncle Phil too: James Avery).My girl Shaun Robinson (from Access Hollywood) was there and bid on a big Michael Jackson collage. Salli Richardson and Dondre Whitfield – husband and wife, and new parents – presented and enjoyed their time away from the kids. Ran into my Dubose co-worker MC Lyte again. She even got on the mic after Sheila E called her up for a ‘freestyle’ moment. Lauren’s client is James Pickens of “Grey’s Anatomy” fame (His colleague Reggie Jackson was also in the house). And James’ wife Gina (who was in the disco group Musique as Gina Taylor – just before she married her “fine” husband) broke out in an impromptu “Dr. Feelgood” at the end of which James himself made sure that everyone knew she belonged to him. My New York City, saaaangin’ girlfriend Marva Hicks performed a brilliant set for the group – including Etta James’ “At Last”. She is good friends with actress Vanessa Bell Calloway with whom I chatted about her daughter Ashley who is a student at Spelman (Freshman) as my nephew prepares to leave the AUC at Morehouse (He’s a Senior). Favorites Brenda Russell, Patrice Rushen, and James Ingram also sang their big hits for the enthusiastic crowd which also got to bid on great silent auction items like ELLEN underwear. Also, another of Lauren’s clients Carmen Lundy, who is a world-renowned jazz vocal stylist, auctioned off some of her artwork. She commanded silence, wind, and standing ovations for her performances – including a song titled “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” (www.carmenlundy.com). Also in attendance: Chris Spencer, Kym Whitley, George Duke, Dave Koz, Marcus Miller, Stephen Bishop, Kiki Shepard, Atallah Shabazz, Greg Phillanganes, and that’s about all I can remember (but I’m certain there were more). Great day!

THE SILENCE IS BROKEN

Then, I went to "The Silence Is Broken" (www.thesilenceisbroken.com/SIB_PRESS_2_web.pdf) - a benefit concert underscoring AIDS awareness. The Saban Theater housed the event which featured my friend Eric B. Anthony (of “Naked Boys Singing” fame) who I met at my buddy Delandis' birthday party some weeks ago. Last week, we all hung out after I went to see Eric in "Naked Boys Singing". Eric's buddy Andre who was in the mix last week was also there at this performance. Delandis accompanied me to this concert which founder, composer, conductor Patrick Gandy made possible for me to attend. And what a treat it was to see Loretta Devine on stage singing in the lights. She's such a talent as is TC Carson who sang on a whole new level than I'm used to hearing. He was wonderful! And Laurnea, my good girlfriend Camille’s buddy, performed the stunning theme song to perfection. TC Carson, by the way, works sometimes with Lauren’s husband, bassist J.V. Collier who often plays with The Pointer Sisters and The 5^th Dimension. He’s now on the road with Bruce Hornsby. All of the vocalists were in EXCELLENT voice – singing compositions on which they collaborated – as writers – with Patrick Gandy’s lush arrangements! And Patrick conducted as well. And I was excited to experience it all with my friend Delandis who will soon be taping his DVD for kids. Stay tuned for more on that. Please check out the website and all that THE SILENCE IS BROKEN is creating under the context of music, art, literature, and public service. It’s a wonderful movement that welcomes your support.

KIM COLES

My girl Kim Coles hosted an event in Culver City called “Jazz In The Village 2009”. It took place at Veterans Memorial Complex. I wasn’t so sure what the event would entail but knew if Kim was inviting me that I wanted to go and support her. I invited my girl Danni but she wasn’t able to make it. Thank goodness Kim had a plan in mind: for me to sit with her good friend Ceci who is renowned for having dressed Ms. Coles and the cast of “Living Single” for all of its seasons. She is a great lady (also an AKA) who entertained and inspired me from the beginning of this function comprised of table rounds; heavy appetizers; and spectacular jazz music from Samantha Nicole and Talita Long – both of whom are managed by Burke Management (www.BurkeManagement.net), which also represents singer/socialite/eccentric personality Norwood. When I heard Talita Long sing, I immediately texted Anthony that she gives me “womanchild”. She has a beautiful, unique voice that puts you in the mind of Michele (“Nicety” and “Something In My Heart”) in its high-pitch but a little Teena Marie and Deneice Williams in its soulfulness. And perhaps a little Latoya Jackson in her whimsy way.  What further set her apart is she is award-winning actress Nia Long’s mother. And must have had Nia when she was 12 as she reads so young and childlike with a Marilyn-Monroe-esque sexiness that is most charming. She is such a free spirit and as she sang her own material and covers like Minnie Ripperton’s “Lovin’ You” and Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful”, I believed her and thought she’d be a great addition to Sheryl Lee Ralph’s “DIVAS: SIMPLY SINGING” – if not this year (since it’s next week), perhaps next year (Talita Long @ The Jazz Bakery). And the headliner Dwight Trible too was awesome. Mostly, it was just exciting to see Kim who wowed the crowd. She and I have both been so busy (though sometimes in the same cities i.e. Atlanta, New York, and L.A. – at the same time), we’ve not been able to hang out in a minute. She’s soon to go back to New York City before I go and do “The Wendy Williams Show” to promote her BET game show “Pay It Off”. She reached out to Ant to support her for this awesome appearance… and he’s been supporting the best he can with her concerns.  I LOVE SYNERGY… and as she pointed out to me this week: She loves her some ANT! LOL!

DR. MARIO

I was invited to be a guest on the Cal State-Fullerton campus radio show of "Dr. Mario" (one of the new NABJ mentees I met during our convention in Tampa - www.calldrmario.com). He was quite the professional and I really enjoyed offering up advice to the many curious student callers & just hanging out with Dr. Mario, a promising journalist on the rise after he graduates next year or so.

FRANKIE & NEFFE WRAP & KARAOKE!!!!

Afterwards, I joined my fellow producers and editors for a karaoke celebration at Brass Monkey where we toasted the wrap of post-production on "Frankie & Neffe" - a ride we weren't all sure we'd survive but feel stronger for having done it - in excellence - together!

Beer and shots of yager (sp?) all around. We upgraded to Patron after this college-frat round. LOL!

But the activity was my favorite pass-time KARAOKE, which everyone knows I do day and night and night and day and wherever I can - from New York City to Manila! LOL! I dedicated my show stopper "This Woman's Work" (Maxwell) to Frankie and Neffe. But most importantly, it was important to shout out Ev, Shareen, Maia, Nichole, Liz, and all the great women without whom this project would not have happened.One of our stellar editors Barrett gives us some ol' time rock & roll! He was really good! And Shareen gets her groove on! WORK IT, GIRL. Here editor Steve and I pose for a pic. He and I collaborated on some “Frankie & Neffe” post and are now back in the edit bay together – working on “Monica: Still Standing”.

Maia was TEAM NEFFE (along with Shareen). I was TEAM FRANKIE (along with my Amazing Grace Nichole). And somehow – against many odds – my fellow field/story producer and I managed to shoot and cut 10 episodes on our challenging subjects. It was an all-hands-on-deck prospect and it took a village and a kingdom to get on the air.

I encored with an ambitious “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from my favorite “Dreamgirls”. With feedback as my indicator, I hit the mark. WHEW! Could’ve been disastrous. LOL!

And let me tell you: without our show runner and co-executive producer Evolyn Brooks – to whom I dedicated Diana Ross’ “The Boss” - FORGET ABOUT IT! THANKS EV! And now to our next level: MONICA: STILL STANDING!

Near the end of the night, Maia, Liz, Steve, me, Shareen,  and Ev backed up Steve Carr on "The Love Boat". ALL ABOUT LOVE!

PAUL’S PARTY & MAINCHAIN

Ant and I have been representing our household independent of each other as our friends celebrate BDAYs on respective coasts. Our girlfriend Mara just had the BIG 3-0 in NYC (Ant went). And earlier this week, I went out to celebrate Ant's best friend Paul at Downtown L.A. STANDARD's rooftop to toast.  Glad I went to represent! He and Ant love each other so and consider themselves ‘brothers from other mothers’. So, to be representing on Ant’s behalf (and now benefitting from Paul’s love directly) is a warming feeling. Other Denver native buddies (of Paul and Ant) were also in the house and equally nice, including Elia Mountjoy, one-half of the duo Mainchain which will be performing Friday night when Ant comes to town to visit (and for DIVAS: SIMPLY SINGING – www.divassimplysinging.com). So, we are excited to check them out. You should come out. For more information:

www.themainchain.com

www.myspace/mainchain

http://www.facebook.com/TheMainChain

www.twitter.com/mainchain

http://www.youtube.com/TheMainChain

BREAK A LEG!

RANDOM THOUGHT

 As I was listening to the track on Madonna’s 1984 “Lucky Star” (Madonna-Lucky Star), it came to me how much it sounds like Gladys Knight & The Pips’ “Save The Overtime For Me”  from 1983 (GLADYS KNIGHT & THE PIPS - SAVE THE OVERTIME FOR ME).MADONNA? You’re standing on our GLADYS’ shoulders! HOLLA!

P.S. NYC, TY STEPHENS, and DONNY HATHAWAY

My friend Terrance Russ reminds me to tell you - especially if you are in New York City to go see Ty Stephens' celebration of all things Donny Hathaway at The Triad (www.triadnyc.com). Ty is such a great vocalist and that voice atop Donny's catalogue can mean nothing but nirvana. It's Sunday, October 11th - 5:30 and 8:00 - so get your tickets now.