A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

MORE HOSTING

I’ll share cryptically – for now – that I just wrapped a day of co-hosting an on-line show that is “all about the Benjamins” (a clue, but not DIDDY or REVOLT! LOL!). Instead, it will be something ELSE from THE LIFE OF RILEY that you can see soon! STAY TUNED… and as always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT, FOLKS!

HARLEM SHAKE

UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT! Was too excited to be a part of HARLEM HISTORY as I hosted the Miss Harlem Shake 2014 pageant. One of the #Top 5 --- Ljeoma (PRONOUNCED E-JAMA) --- won! She’s a health educator, PHd student, and blogger. In addition to winning cash prizes and a slew of great SWAG, she raised $1,000 for her charity: Harlem's Children Zone, which I’ve had a the chance to chronicle a few times for recurring client “Oprah”. Ljeoma’s favorite meal at Harlem Shake is the BBQ Onion Burger and the jerk fries. The celebrity judge panel was fierce too: make-up artists extraordinaire Cynde Watson and Kevin McQueen; the debonaire Byl Thompson with CACHE; Broadway royalty and Harlem entrepreneur, Tony nominee Brenda Braxton; dancer/choreographer supreme Manwe; theater icon, storied stage manager of Broadway, Mr. Kenneth Hanson ; and the fiery Farrah Burns AKA The Harlem Chanteuse; and one of my favorite people of all time: the legendary Ms. Vy Higgensen who Founded and heads up Mama Foundation for the Arts. Her beautiful daughter Knoelle entertained the enthusiastic crowd with Minnie Ripperton’s "Loving You". And the sponsors were so great – including: Chatman Cakes, Sober Up, Uptown magazine, Harlem trends, Harlem Haberdashery, Jembere eyewear, graffiti artist Kindo Harper, DjNessdigital ,and more! Special shout out to Musa Jackson whose Musa Jackson Productions booked me and organized the event. And to the Harlem Shake TEAM plus ALL-of-the behind the scenes team-members – most pointedly, owner of Harlem Shake: Jelena Pasic who noted to me the night went beyond her expectations. Congrats to Ljeoma: the 2014 Miss Harlem Shake. abulous Job. See you next year! #MissHarlemShake2014 #Top5 p.s. Ant and I did an after set with one of our favorite couples: Brian and Nikita Henderson. We enjoyed karaoke at Radio Star. FUN!

 KEHINDE

I love me some Lola Ogunnaike who – along with Shannon Lanier – co-hosts Arise Entertainment 360 where I do Broadway and pop culture round-ups and re-caps + I get to guest co-host with her.

Well, I told her at a recent Kehinde Wiley party that the guest co-host (yours truly) expects to be invited to the baby shower as she has announced to us all (though I knew for a month now) that she and her hubby are expecting their new addition at the end of the year! CONGRATS, LOLA!

And that good news came with the great occasion we were attending: the PREMIERE of a film EXECUTIVE PRODUCED by my friend Lamar Johnson: “Kehinde Wiley: An Economy of Grace” (a MUST-SEE on PBS or somewhere nearby… and MISS LOLA has a cameo! Check it out on www.pbs.org).  

SPEAKING OF ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360, the full episodes for my last two guest co-hosting stints on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 are here:

http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-25-08-8038  

 and

http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-26-08-8017  

 ALWAYS A BLAST to GUEST CO-HOST on Arise Entertainment 360 with Lola Ogunnaike and Shannon Lanier: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/arise-entertainment-360.

 Arise News is on TV now in NYC/NJ area - 18 million homes Mon-Fri 2pm on Time Warner Cable #92 & Verizon FiOS #481 plus still on millions of TVs overseas. And it's coming this FALL 2014 to CentricTV - BET Networks. As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! XO #ARISE360 #LOR_kehinde #kehindewileyPBS #economyofgrace #aneconomyofgrace #ARISE360 #ARISEENT360

SYLVESTER

We have to SHOUT OUT Anthony Wayne and his partner Kendrell Bowman (along with their partner, my favorite DIVA Sheryl Lee Ralph) as they unveiled Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical at the Theatre At St. Clement'st. It’s an ALL-MONTH-LONG-AND-BEYOND run – so please get your tickets and come out and feel #MIGHTYREAL!! Several of my FAVs were in the house - including Jamie Foster Brown, Michaela angela Davis, DjStormin Norman, Kendrick Jim Brown Reid, Derrick Hemphill, and more! FUN NIGHT and FIERCE PERFORMANCES! www.FABULOUSSYLVESTER.com  AND http://www.facebook.com/FABSYLVESTER.  

 We were too excited when Anthony Wayne graciously popped by our Spring 2014 series of “Billie’s Black Presents All Star Karaoke” with Patrick L. Riley. We had a blast as he gave us a preview of his Sylvester turn before he and I rotated on Miss Ross’ “Upside Down”! BLISS! http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/6/5/fvifw.html

 Interview from ALL STAR KARAOKE:

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152256906708737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater

 AIN’T NO WAY:

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152256929153737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater

 YOU MAKE ME FEEL (MIGHTY REAL):

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152256942133737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater

 UPSIDE DOWN

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152256951438737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater

MICHAEL JAI WHITE

Ernest Maynor & I at Michael Jai White's #falconrising premiere. Anthony Harper's sis Bri Cole's PR for MJW & actor Leon Robinson aka "Leon". Being Mary Jane's Richard Brooks came too! Enjoyed a great dinner at Negril after - also with Charon Richardson of G'wan by Charon fame - and what a great Saturday Night in New York City! P.S. Ern and I did stop by Karaoke One7 for a nightcap. WE JUST HAD TO! LOL!

MALIK YOBA

HAPPY BAIRTHDAY, MALIK YOBA, who produced a project that screens at Urban World Film Festival this weekend in New York City. It’s TONSURE – directed by my fellow freelance writer/producer at BET, FRED BUMAYE and also produced by Savannah homeboy Maurice Marable: http://www.bet.com/news/celebrities/2014/09/16/malik-yoba-produced-short-tonsure-premiering-at-urbanworld.html 

BRANDEE YOUNGER

Enjoyed BET buddy Blair Younger's sister Brandee Younger stellar harpist - at jazz club Minton's Harlem. Anthony Harper and one of my work BFFs Howard Chisholm were in the house too! "PRELUDE" available on iTunes: www.brandeeyounger.com. BRAVO!!!

Oh! If I could be two (or even more) places at one time. Or if I could just be present with what is and where I am – in the moment. Instead, I’m managing my five weeks in ATL while looking ahead feverishly to where I’ll lay my head for low-or-no cost while in L.A. on an assignment through October. But there are two welcome short spells in NYC – one work-related; and one slight hiatus [READ: just enough time to switch out my drawers] before I hit Tampa for a week (NABJ Convention - www.nabj.org) followed by that aforementioned two months in L.A. And notwithstanding a couple of beloved sponsors (and the payroll that will only roll out week-by-week and has me catching up on arrears), I have to ensure I can bankroll travel and hotel incidentals; meals; and the many bills before me. WHEW!!!! HEADY and WEIGHTY stuff... and - TRUTH BE TOLD - it feels OVERWHELMING sometimes. But unlike the Whitney of the past on which current Whitney reflects, "I (DO) know my own strength!!!!" And I will make it through. [Heard Nippy's new one, by the way? www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u9INHSQ6mQ].

Oh! And inside all of that, Ant and I must maintain as best a connection/communication as possible with our mutually demanding, respective schedules – especially my around-the-clock demands - that make catch-up time virtually impossible. Some days are better than others for me when we can't speak. Other times, I wile out from the loneliness and the distance. And though he's less a complainer and more apt to just accept it as it is (in those moments) than I am, I know it's rough for him too. But we will get it in – hopefully with several visits in whichever aforementioned location. ACCEPTING ALL PRAYER, MY PEEPS because it is ALL MORE THAN A NOTION!!!!! And I know you understand for whatever your challenges may be. But I had to get that off my chest. THANKS FOR LISTENING...

SO, since touching down in Atlanta, I have hit the ground running with my latest project (which like my first ATL project will premiere on BET – the former August 25^th; the latter October 27^th) – Details later when I can actually talk about it. But it's reality TV - a new frontier for me!!!! Long shooting days have kept me creatively and physically busy – even exhausted, but grateful for a meantime revenue stream. And Ant has been working mad hours in NYC as “The Wendy Williams Show” (www.wendyshow.com/) has finally premiered on FOX affiliates nationwide (and BET). Her first guest was our Vanessa Williams (www.vanessawilliams.com/) whose mother "Gaga" (Helen) is likely the show's biggest fan (Loves her some Ant too).

(Too, Ant’s been hitting some hot sets and holding it down on our behalf – including the 20^th Anniversary of “Do The Right Thing” screening and after party - www.amazon.com/Do-Right-Thing...Anniversary/.../B0024EWP6W) as well as a screening of independent film “Ink”, a spiritual thriller about the power of destiny that some of his Denver folks produced.

My home away from home – this go around – is (again) the TWELVE Hotel in Atlantic Station (www.TwelveHotels.com). My neighbors happen to be the cast of Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married 2?” (www.tylerperry.com). Well, at least some of them are staying here. Hot off of seeing and hanging out with her twin sister Sidra in L.A., I stumbled into Tasha Smith with whom Ant and I hung out at the premiere of the original flick. Malik Yoba is in the house as well as Sharon Leal. When we checked in, Janet Jackson was – of course – with her family in L.A. (and may I say what a wonderful send-off to Michael Jackson at his memorial. So touching! Such honor! So much LOVE!). I was also excited to find that my college buddy Danni was staying here as she was working on one of BET’s new game shows “Pay It Off” which my friend Kim Coles is hosting (www.bet.com). And her now-grown daughter Le-Le is now married and was visiting Danni in Atlanta along with her husband Jason and another dear friend. It’s been 14 years since I’ve seen Danni and Le-Le. What a great reunion that was!!!

I also got to spend time with my “Original Amazing Grace”, best friend Natalie who is a very busy career woman/mother/wife. But she took some time to take me to my favorite restaurant Houston’s (www.hillstone.com). Another time she came and rescued me from a fast-moving depression and talked me lovingly through some challenges. And my Nichole, who is again here in Atlanta with me for this leg, came out to say HI. Of course, I had to capture it.

And though I missed Beyonce this go around as scheduling didn’t allow (though tickets came through), Ant and I will always have Manila where she serenaded me Happy Birthday! I too had to miss “The Wiz” with my friend LaChanze but Ant and our friends Ern, Patrice, Keron, and Kimberly went… and had a blast I hear. Of course, “The Wiz” has been on everyone’s minds with the passing of Michael Jackson. I can’t stop playing this clip of MJ and DR on her 1981 special: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BfvzaSxkSY. In fact, while at soul food joint “Mrs. Bs on 4^th” in Birmingham (on a day shoot), I stumbled into a little boy named Tarek who insists he is the next Michael Jackson who some years ago told the boy how talented he was.

Speaking of Diana (Aren’t I always? LOL!): Remember “American Idol” Taylor Hicks? Well, he’s remade a song my Diana recorded on her 1991 “Force Behind The Power” CD. Diana’s “Battlefield” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRRIztNC). Taylor’s “I Live On a Battlefield” (www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMkEhvnVo4Y).

The sounds of Diana Ross (some remixes from the aforementioned project) and Jennifer Holliday were piping through the speakers at “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Dwight’s home for the 4^th of July. My friend Lamoh invited me to join him for the festive celebration. (I know Dwight via my ‘platonic boo’ Carl Nelson). Dwight was ever the gracious host – piling me a plate to go plus a bottle of wine. Truly a class act all around, I look forward to seeing the new season of the show. Afterwards, Lamoh and I hit a set in Douglasville. Another night, we hung out at Tapas Restaurant Eros (www.erostapas.com), which turns into quite the disco scene. We also did a stint at “Harlem Bar” (www.harlembaratlanta.com).

You recall, my friend Greg and I met with Ryan of designer firm Hugh Simms (www.hughsimms.com). Well, I sported the “Gentlemen Johnny” for a Sunday at the Intercontinental Buckhead (www.ichotelsgroup.com). Well, you can now find these looks in high-end department store Segal’s (www.fredsegal.com).

As small world’s go, remember I mentioned how Ant is booking opera burlesque diva “Black Betty” at The Velvet Lounge in Williamsburg, Brooklyn (www.velvetbrooklyn.com/). Well, it turns out an audio guy and friend with whom I work sometimes, Khalif, is her longtime friend and manager. Khalif is here in Atlanta where we uncovered this small-world tidbit.  Meanwhile, my Morehouse brother and friend Khalid is in town on business and we’ve had the chance to hang out a little. He’s here cutting some deals for a couple of animation projects. And he was featured in an image on the cover of a recent issue of Black MBA Magazine (www.blackmbaonline.com/).

And I attended V103’s Car & Bike Show (www.v-103.com/) which featured many and plenty from Atlanta’s entertainment scene – including The Dream, Christina Milian, Bustah Rhymes, Chilli, ‘Housewives’ Kandi & Sheree, Outkast’s Big Boi, and ‘the legendary’ Miss Sophia - the only one with whom I got a picture as I was working and staying focused. But my colleague Steve insisted I get this one.

My assignment here wraps July 29^th at which time I will return to NYC for a week before heading to Tampa, then L.A. for two months. But this weekend, I am scheduled to hit NYC for a couple of days (on assignment). Will be great to take in The Big Apple (and see Ant), if only for a night or two. Reminds me of this night in the mid-90s when my college mates Z, Cassandra, and I were getting our feet wet in New York City (along with this fabulous shirt that I must find and remix: It's vintage now! LOL!).