A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

Jody Watley EXPLODED

Miss Jody Watley invited Anthony Harper and me out on a Saturday date night TO JODY WATLEY - SHALAMAR RELOADED at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill #TimeSquare!! Jody Watley, Nate, Rosero, and the whole Shalamar Reloaded crew SERVED and DELIVERED! New music and TWO rare gems for me: her "Makeover" Ross cover LOVE HANGOVER: a 72nd birthday homage to THE SUPREME DIANA! Also, she did my EVERYTHING which I asked that she do the next time she was in town! JODY is a WOMAN of her WORD! And a GORGEOUS ONE, might I add! SHE'S FOREVER YOUNG & FOREVER FABULOUS!Along with all the great hits and one upcoming SMASH they performed for the first time, ORIGINAL - an ode to the social media trolls, cyber bullies, and flat-out haters out there, JODY WATLEY commanded the room LEGENDARILY SO - with LOVE and FLAIR:

https://www.facebook.com/ShalamarReloaded/videos/919602521493810/?pnref=story! And SHALAMAR RELOADED took us "back" to the "future" to know pointedly that this LEGACY of MUSIC, DANCE, and STYLE is FOREVER! And never before has it been more relevant than RIGHT NOW! BRAVO, MISS JODY! LOVE YOU SO! #JodyWatley #ShalamarReloaded#nightlife #saturdaynightexperience #itsinthemusic#concerts 

#music #dance #style #MusicMonday#Entertainment #Easterweekend #MissRoss#DianaRoss 

#LoveHangover #TheMakeover

 

BILLIE'S BLACKOUT

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DIANA ROSS! MARIAH CAREY! CHAKA KHAN! ARETHA FRANKLIN! ALL THE ARIES DIVAS! WE/I sing them at Billie’s Black presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley whenever I can! SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, April 14th... and LOOK OUT FOR OUR PROMO TOP OF NEXT WEEK: Billie's Black Gourmet Soul is going under renovation from mid-April for a couple of months. So, SEASON 5 of Billie's Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley will be back in the FALL 2016! BUT on THURSDAY, APRIL 14TH from 7p-11p, we will do a ONE NIGHT ONLY All Star Karaoke followed by an 11p-3am AFTER SET that we'll call BILLIE'S BLACKOUT!

THURSDAY, APRIL 14TH. 
Event Time: ALL STAR KARAOKE: 7pm - 11pm Full menu
Billie's Blackout after set: 11pm - 3am Appetizers will be served 
Drink Specials: $5 Well Drinks/ $3 Shots RESERVATIONS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for seating and dining during ALL STAR KARAOKE: 212.280.2248.‪#‎billiesblack‬#allstarkaraoke#billiesblackout 

P.S. When we're back up, come and DANCE & SING with us:https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152166354908737#getready#motownthemusical 

#BILLIESBLACK‪ #‎ALLSTARKARAOKE‬ ‪#‎NBCBLK‬

 

P.P.S. GIVEAWAYS will include:
A. MISS JESSIE'S giveaways

B. BLACK ENTERPRISE magazine with MISS JESSIE'S Co-Founder & CEO Miko Branch on the cover

C. BILLIE'S BLACK ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE - presented by ALL STAR KARAOKE (December 2015 - extended through February 2016): Contemporary Artist Shenna Vaughn will have SMALL ITEMS available for sell (SHENNA: "I Create Soulful Funk On Canvas to Create A Mind Blowing Experience").

D. ANOTHER featured sponsor that we introduced during SEASON 4 of ALL STAR KARAOKE: SHOO NAIL POLISH - via its Founder and CEO Shawanda Vickers - is donating 20 gift bags. 

E. TICKET GIVEAWAYS for BROADWAY/OFF-BROADWAY SHOWS – from Walk Tall Girl Productions and Walker International Communications Group, Inc  (limited supply for ALL STAR KARAOKE participants)

F. HARLEM SKIN & LASER CLINIC GIFT CARD

 

 

 

 

HATEFUL 8

SHOUT OUT TO ARIES DIVO Quentin Tarantino! His The Hateful Eight's DVD street date is March 29th. Can't wait Tagan Lee and Anna Fuson! #THEHATEFUL8

 

 

 

Smokie Norful - Dear God (Live) 

 

It feels so good to make it this far

And I didn't think I could take it so long

There were days I wanted to quit

I said surely this is it but I held on

 

And I watched as so-called friends turn and walk away

It hurt so much I didn't have words to say

But even when my day turns to night and nothin' seems just right

Lord, I thank You for, for my life

 

For my life, Lord, I thank You

For every victory in You I've seen

And all the moments I know it was You who kept me

So I thank You for, for my life

 

And I watched you take my family from there to here

And when times where a lil' rough, God, I know You were near

And the moments I thought I'd fail, I was reminded of your nails

So I held on

 

And if I never live to see another day

There is nothin' I would change or take away

I've had so many ups that they far outweigh my downs

Lord, I thank You for my life

 

I realized some didn't make it

I could've been one of the ones who lost my way

And there was times, Lord, I knew I almost went crazy

But I'm still here with my life

 

It may not be all that I hope for

And every dream has not yet been realized

And to see Your face one day, God

I know it's all gonna be worth it

 

So I thank You, thank You for every mountain, every valley

God, everythin' You brought me through, thank You

I know, I know it was You

Just wanna take the time to say thank You Jesus, for my life

This song ‘bout had me driving off the 110 South as I was going to San Pedro this past Sunday. It says so much of what I feel inside as I am managing this L.A. living for which I am most grateful as it’s a good thing to work on a project you believe in. And even if – in my case – I’ve had to trek cross-country to hold onto it (and I have to dig even deeper into my pockets and my core to maintain my West Coast temporaries alongside my East Coast life back home), I know that I am covered and protected and supported by something and – surely – SOMEONE BIGGER THAN me.

The evidence is in MY LIFE: I am working – through likely February - on a team (as field and story producer) to bring Dubose Production’s “MONICA: STILL STANDING” to life (It premieres Tuesday, October 27^th at 10:00 pm). I am also EXCITED that I am a contributing reporter on the "We Dream A World With an African American President in The White House" in the current issue of ESSENCE Magazine (Starting on p. 156, brothers - several of whom I interviewed - examine how the image of Black manhood is evolving). I’m getting lots of cool feedback! Please check it out!

 

Meanwhile, I’m having a blast inside my blog’s partnership with Spelman College Museum of Fine Art in the promotion of “Undercover: Performing and Transforming Black Female Identities,” an original exhibition on view through December 5, 2009. (Spelman Museum Tour) As a Morehouse Man, I consider this collaboration with my 'sister alma mater' a total honor.

The exhibit 'Undercover' (detailed in the attached documents) examines the social implications of race, gender, and disguise. And the Museum emphasizes works by and about women of the African Diaspora (and well-known, mid-career, and emerging artists are a part of this exhibit - detailed in the attached documents).

But to put some POP in the effort, the marketing team sought me out to ask some CELEBRITIES and FRIENDS in my social network (and representatives of CELEBRITIES and FRIENDS in my social network) some questions - the responses of which I’ll be sprinkling into my blog next week… as well as the exhibit’s website.

 Look for fun responses from Spelman celebs like my girl Bridget Bland (of “Harlem Heights” fame) and TV actress Sharmell Sullivan Huffman; and others like NBC Digital Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo; soul singer Ledisi; style expert Michaela Angela Davis; DIVA Sheryl Lee Ralph; and many more. BY THE WAY, WHO IS YOUR ALTER EGO? 

 

Mariah Carey - ribbon (studio Version)

 

It's only been 20 good minutes since I kissed you

Come back boo, I miss you

Wish I had 20 million hours to caress you

And undress you, to be continued

Boy you, you don't know how it feels when you whisper in my ear

Boy you, you give my body chills whenever you are near

 

And boy I got your lovin' on my mind

I got your lovin' on my mind

You got me wrapped up, packed up

Ribbon with a bow on it

 

Sometimes we argue and we fight

But they better know that that's my baby

You might even think he cute

But everybody knows that I'm his lady

Every time you see us, we super fly

So proud he's by my side

He knows I'm ride or die

You don't know how we roll

Holla at your people

Boy you, you don't know how it feels when you whisper in my ear

Boy you, you give my body chills whenever you are near

 

Got ribbon with a bow on it baby

Boy you don't even know the things you do

I could spend my whole life with you

 

I got your lovin' on my mind

Baby I could spend my life with you

It's been 20 good minutes since I kissed you

Come back boo I miss you

 

Okay, so Ant played this new Mariah chestnut from her “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel” and – like Janet’s “With U” from “20 Y.O.” – he’s declared this "our song". Of course, the crier that I am, the tears poured down my cheeks as I took him to the airport last week when he was here for DIVAS: SIMPLY SINGING. (Truthfully this long distance doesn’t feel like it’s getting better. But now we have something to look forward to as I am going home for my birthday and Thanksgiving before returning to L.A. to complete the two months of post-production on MONICA).

In the meantime, we do what we can to stay amused respectively. Last week, my dear friend Zabrina (BET PR) called me in the 11th hour with a ticket to attend The Fox Reality Channel's 2009 REALLY Awards - chockfull of reality TVs best - including nominees and presenters Tiny & Toya - from the Dubose production family of which I'm apart these days a la "Monica: Still Standing" and "Frankie & Neffe". Also in attendance: Vivica A. Fox (host); Paris Hillton; Hugh Hefner; Claudia Jordan; Ray J; Hammer; Antonio Sabata; American Idol's 'bikini girl'; Nikki Hilton; Kim Kardashian; ATL Housewife Kim; Aaron Carter; Eric Roberts; Lorenzo Lamas; Melissa Rivers; Lance Bass; and more! After party was at AREA in West Hollywood.

Ant got to see PRECIOUS – a sneak peek of which I plan to see in the coming days here in L.A. Ant says it brought him chills and tears… and still haunts him throughout his days since he saw it. He says Mo’Nique should – for sure – win the Oscar.

My friends – new and old - have been there for me over these last days here in L.A.:

Got to connect with high school best friend Maurice Marable recently at Four Seasons (Beverly Hills). He was in town directing the new campaign for the new season of HBO series “Big Love”. Turns out he also directed Monica's campaign for BET. We are collaborating and didn't know it (since the content producing team is different from the ad campaign folks is even different from the crew that does the title sequence, who I just found out is my AUC brother Randy). We LOVE the synergy though! LOL!... and of course, the chance for Maurice and me to catch up as we're still quite close, but don't see each other often enough with our respective busy-ness.

Afterwards, connected with friends Brian, Li-Ling, and J for Fashion Week party at The O Hotel in Downtown L.A. And did I mention that Brian accidentally dropped my camera? Soon to be replaced. Meanwhile, this file photo of Maurice and me will have to do. http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/3/4/-weve-come-a-long-way-baby.html

And in the wake of a stressful Friday (date changes on L.A. project and assignment tweaks), my friends Brian and Kelly called me off the cliff and out (on them) - starting with Zanzibar in Santa Monica. Then, friends Derek & Keith asked us to join them at Dragonfly. And from there, Denny's (after Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles was closed). GOOD FRIENDS (and sponsors) can protect us from the damage a fall can do.

From that moment, friends Derek and Keith invited Brian and me to a rooftop set in Downtown L.A. yesterday. Good folks. Good food. Afterwards, Derek and I capped night off - briefly - in WEHO. Another spot to which he took me is La Velvet Margarita Cantina. On this night, I jaunted over to Tony & Scott's place to taste Scott's father's pound cake & Tony's red velvet cake. Love my friends for providing me cheap and/or sponsored comforts as I manage my East Coast/West Coast situation.

And to cap off this most recent weekend, many headed to Brian's San Pedro digs for a cookout (and more football! LOL!). And then, Derek, Keith, and I enjoyed an evening at THE ABBEY – all in a weekend.

 

http://www.youtube.com/user/greattime007#p/u/11/mDVK-4tET4M

 

Everybody look around

'Cause there's a reason to rejoice you see

Everybody come out

And let's commence to singing joyfully

Everybody look up

And feel the hope that we've been waiting for

 

Everybody's glad

Because our silent fear and dread is gone

Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully

Just look about

You owe it to yourself to check it out

Can't you feel a brand new day?

 

Everybody be glad

Because the sun is shining just for us

Everybody wake up

Into the morning into happiness

 

Hello world

It's like a different way of living now

And thank you world

We always knew that we'd be free somehow

In harmony

And show the world that we've got liberty

 

It's such a change

For us to live so independently

Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully

Just look about

You owe it to yourself to check it out

Can't you feel a brand new day?

Well, it should be no news that President Obama is being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize! Go Obama! Yayyy Peace! Since my Diana was the featured performer at the Nobel Peace Prize concert in Norway last year (Diana Ross - Supremes Medley live at the Nobel ...), of course I’ve been wondering who would be the featured entertainment this year. Ross has a show ready as she just performed in Amsterdam for two sold-out shows (30,000-seat arena) for the Symphonica in Rosso. This spectacular is an annual concert series that years prior featured Dutch artists Marco Borsato and Paul de Leeuw; and her former and fellow Motown mate and duet partner Lionel Richie. The show was BIG – featuring many costume changes; the 40-piece Symphonica in Rosso-orchestra; dancers; and Diana’s amazing voice and catalog – including Netherland favorites like “Ease on Down The Road”. And one of my favorites: “Brand New Day” (also an homage to her ‘Wiz’ co-star Michael Jackson) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQWF_CZnSP8

 

.

 

http://www.youtube.com/user/greattime007#p/u/11/mDVK-4tET4M

Meanwhile, “CALL TO THE OBAMAS? MISS ROSS is workin’ it… and notwithstanding a diaper change to her new grandbaby boy… could serve the world yet again with a sparkling performance of Nobel worthiness…”. Just saying…

EBONY FASHION FAIR

 

Was asked my thoughts on the cancellation of Ebony Fashion Fair's 4th quarter tour by my NABJ mentor Jackie Jones. Was quoted on Black America Web re: Ebony Fashion Fair cancellation: http://www.blackamericaweb.com/?q=articles/news/moving_america_news/12499 Thanks for calling for my weigh-in, Jackie!:

Patrick Riley, a New York-based independent television producer, pop culture analyst and blogger, said he, too, was mesmerized by the Fashion Fair since childhood.

 

"Like Ebony and Jet overall, the images of the models in the Ebony Fashion Fair made this little boy from Savannah, Georgia tingle on the inside, much like my icon Diana Ross and her movie 'Mahogany' made me feel," Riley told BlackAmericaWeb.com. "The images were haute couture, European, chic, yet no less African and what we all know our people can be about - from the high-end to the low-end: Dressing sharp and to the nines.”

 

Riley also said, however, that in addition to the changes in the economy, the audience for the Fashion Fair may be drifting away as well.

 

“This economy is screwing with more than my bottom line; now it is messing with my Ebony Fashion Fair. And though some may consider the concept 'a dinosaur' in the grand scheme of how people of color are slowly but surely folding into the mainstream, just look to Tyra's 'America's Next Top Model' as modern-day proof of a door that opened on the shoulder-pads of Ebony Fashion Fair," said Riley. "The Ebony Fashion Fair experience is an annual tradition that many of our people look forward to attending. Moreover, it raised lots of money for key charities that impact communities of color."

 “WHY US? LEFT BEHIND & DYING”

For those who remember the late, great Kodjoe, the documentary he was working on, "Why Us? Left Behind & Dying", premiered in L.A. and NYC. Saw it and found it to be a palatable look at AIDS through the eyes & ears of inner-city youth. My college mate Danni went with me. And I got to see Kodjoe’s dear friend and the director of this project, Claudia Pryor (www.diversityfilms.com).IMDB FILM CLIP LINK:

 http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/wab/vi2765881881/

 

YOU TUBE TRAILER LINK:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9a7_iO48OTY

 

KARAOKE

 

Afterwards, Danni and I went to watch a karaoke final at Oil Can Harry's in Studio City. My L.A. buddy (by way of South Carolina), Tony (who hosts the hip hop dance contest I’ve attended at Micky’s in West Hollywood) invited me to support a couple of his friends. I might have to get in the next contest as it’s for $1,000 but over 5 weeks of elimination rounds. The runner up sang my staple “This Woman’s Work”. Perhaps with me singing it, I’d win and take that much needed grand. Stay tuned.

 

SIDRA

 

My girl Sidra is heading back to NYC, which is a good thing for when I return. But not so good for the balance of my time here in L.A. because we have been hanging something tight this go around – especially as my weekly wages continue to fast deplete to the budget of a Der Wienerschnitzel patron (of which I’ve become a lifetime member. CHILI DOGS, anyone? LOL!). This, after many-a-long overdue bill gets paid. So, with the pennies that are left, Sid invites me over to her fly Downtown L.A. pad for many-a-wholesome meal (usually of pasta and great seasoning… and – of course - wine).And we watch whatever the appointment television of the evening is: WHITNEY, anyone? MARIAH in Central Park – an audience that I – in part – helped fill as word came down the pike that my friends and I should be in that audience to see MC sing her new single “I Want To Know What Love Is” (Remember my Diana did it at “Motown Returns to the Apollo”? Patti LaBelle - Motown Returns to the Apollo - 1985). There were must-see Michael Jackson reflections like Miss Jackson on the MTV VMA Awards. And on that same show, a self-indulgent moment of brilliance from Madonna (coupled with Kanye’s antics...  and do-no-wrong Beyonce’s graciousness).

And if not being entertained by the folks on the small screen, we have had a cast of characters around who have provided just as much of a show, but in reality. Sidra & I did stumble into an Aussie couple at the Abbey who showed up as quite the sponsors and lovely people. One evening, she had a crew over to watch HBO’s “True Blood” season finale. My buddy Javier popped by on one of the nights as Sid hosted Chrystale (known as “Ronnie” in ‘Players’ Club’). She is currently working on several projects in several media. Stay tuned as I plan to shout her out more. She’s a lovely lady. And on another night, stumbled into Vaughn (KMart's Joe Boxer and now-owner of www.the360mag.com). We were born on the same day (Different years, I suspect. LOL!). ALSO, Jae Joseph was there and he is working with L.A.s Fashion Week. Always a new cast of characters at Sid's spot. Good networking! Good times!

 

DIANA ROSS HANGOVER

Last Saturday, I headed to North Hollywood for Diana Ross leftovers at friend Curtis' place. You recall, when Ant was here, Curtis (and his lovely brother Walter) threw a DIANA-themed party. Well, we couldn’t look at everything that night as he has quite the collection. So, Curtis provided a stellar DIANA 'hangover' set that was just for us (and a couple of folks who weren’t able to make it the week prior – including Wallace Butts who works side-by-side with Miss Jody Watley, one of my favorites. Wallace and I hit it off… and – of course – I look forward to my one-on-one time with Jody! SMILE!

DINNER & RAIN CHECKS

Had to cancel dinner plans with L.A. bud Nate Parker the other night as the midnight oil burned in the edit bay. But came out of the session with a THUMBS UP from the big bosses. So, good that my reason for being here is landing for now. But I was able to make good on a dinner invite from new L.A. friend Nick (who works for THE GRAMMYs). We met at Aretha Franklin’s post-Hollywood-Bowl-concert party at The Peninsula in Beverly Hills back in June. We hit it off on so many fronts as it relates to our DIVAS out there. So, over turkey burgers at HOME in Los Feliz, we talked all things divas - from our favorite track from Dionne Warwick's "Friends" album, 'Extravagant Gestures' to - this is exciting!: the coming-together of Tamia, Kelly Price, and Deborah Cox as a supergroup the likes of LSG (Levert/Sweat/Gill).

BOWLING WITH THE STARS

Then, since I was near best buds Tony and Scott, they graciously invited me to join them for KiKi Shepard's Bowling fundraiser. It was chockfull of Hollywood's finest - from Dawnn Lewis to Olivia Brown to DJ MC Lyte. Then, one of my "Half & Half" favorites, Chico Benymon (Spencer). Also, Grey's Anatomy star James Pickens, Jackee and her ex-husband Elgin Charles, Kristoff St. John, etc. And a friend Nik (someone to whom my buddy Pete introduced the amazing work of  Momentum Education – www.momentumeducation.com - which Pete and I did together). Nick brought his students from Farmingdale State College (back in NYC) to L.A. to attend his friend Kiki’s event – so as to expose the students to their infinite possibilities. This event benefitted and raises awareness around Sickle Cell. And after that, Scott and Tony took me to Boy Trade at Dragonfly on Santa Monica Blvd – a hot, new spot (for Friday) where many of the ‘brothers’ hang out. THANKS GUYS for allowing me to third leg for the night. We also got some good time in at the Abbey on a Sunday I was called in unexpectedly to manage a quick edit. As my planned day to join Sid and Chrystale at Tischina Arnold's house had been distracted, the call from Scott and Tony to meet them (along with our Ed) at The Abbey was just the book end I needed to say I had a weekend. Again, THANKS GUYS! Hanging close to folks who are like family is key these days.

DIVAS

VH1s DIVAS ran this week with Paula Abdul as host and featuring young’ns like Jennifer Hudson; India.Arie; Kelly Clarkson; Jordin Sparks; Stevie Wonder; etc. A long way from the cache the franchise originally attracted - including DIVAS 2000: A TRIBUTE TO DIANA ROSS. But then again, these ladies are ALL in training - so perhaps this VH1s DIVAS was more like an AFFIRMATION or ASPIRATION. The first DIVAS (as branding goes) – however – is Sheryl Lee Ralph’s DIVAS: SIMPLY SINGING (www.divassimplysinging.com) which takes place Saturday, October 10^th. And Ant is coming back to L.A. to attend this AIDS benefit with me (in its 19^th year of raising awareness and funds for AIDS research and treatment). Yolanda Adams, Frenchie, and Brenda Russell are booked along with a host of usual suspects – like Loretta Devine and Jennifer Lewis. I asked Wallace on my Scott (and Sheryl Lee Ralph’s) behalf if Jody Watley is available. She participated before in 2005 but would be GREAT to see her again in the wake of seeing her in New York City in July. JUST LOVE HER! And a birdie tells me FAITH EVANS is coming aboard. LOVE HER too!

REDIC UNVEILED

My Morehouse brother Redic about whom I’ve blogged many times is here in L.A. And we’ve rekindled our friendship and brother bond since I’ve been here as well. I’ve mentioned to you how proud I am of his art (all of his art). But most importantly, I’m impressed with his kindness, joyfulness, and humility, which he sprinkles throughout everything he does and to everyone with whom he comes into contact. Well, he’s asked me to host the  Grass Roots Grand Opening of Redic

Eclectic Order gallery at 1514 Manchester Avenue. It’s Thursday, September 24^th at 7:00 pm and will feature night one of a two-night event promising high energy inside a cultural extravaganza. On Thursday, there will be visual art, Spoken Word, Jazz & Neo-Soul. Proceeds go towards the Eclectic Order foundation, Morehouse College Fund & Save Africa Children.  Check out HIS promotional video for this event below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpd6PZx1RRY

 

GIVING BACK

Well, I must say I am impressed with a young Cal State Fullerton student named Mario Davis. He attended the freelance panel on which I sat at NABJ in Tampa. As I coached many on how to network to your optimum, Mario used some of my advice on me. He has proven himself enterprising in remembering that I am temporarily in L.A. So, he’s invited me to be a guest on his radio show that beams out to his campus. Mario says they are the largest enrolled university in California (even more than UCLA). Mario thinks that students can gain valuable knowledge from me alongside being entertained by my unstoppable (often inappropriate) silliness. LOL! Samples of HIS show can be heard on HIS website: www.calldrmario.com

Just click show clips and there you will find a few small clips of the show. Also, check out: www.titanradio.org. The interview is scheduled for the top of October and – according to Mario – will revolve around my accomplishments, advice for upcoming students, and some fun stuff as well. GREAT JOB, MARIO! I look forward to coming to the show!

 

MICHAEL JACKSON: LEGACY LIVES VIA MKW

In the weeks after Michael Jackson died, my Morehouse brother (and dearest of dear friends) Michael K. Watts received an opportunity to pay tribute to the King of Pop in a way he never dreamed.  The producers of Tavis Smiley's America I AM: The African American Imprint touring exhibition asked him to loan items from his personal music and memorabilia collection for a memorial display.  The exhibition recently installed items from his collection in an elaborate display at the exhibition's current home, the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center, helping re-launch the exhibit for the remainder of its run through September 27. Now, to know Michael K. Watts is to know that he has been collecting music and memorabilia of Michael Jackson and countless other recording artists since he was a child.  He always dreamed he would build a big gallery (read: shrine) to exhibit these items in his home for friends and family.  But he never dreamed this level of display and honor to a public audience. He is (and we all are) ecstatic for him. America I AM: The African American Imprint is presented by Tavis Smiley and celebrates nearly 500 years of African American contributions to America.  It is a nearly 15,000 square-foot presentation of pivotal moments in courage, conviction and creativity that celebrate the undeniable imprint of African Americans across the nation and around the world.  Featuring more than 200 extraordinary artifacts, documents, photographs and multimedia, America I AM: The African American Imprint highlights how African Americans have shaped American culture from the nation's beginnings through the present. 

This is exhibit is not to be missed!  The Michael Jackson display is located in the lobby-waiting area just outside the exhibit entrance.  The items on display include: a career-spanning wall of vinyl albums, including a limited edition E.T. Storybook Album; a collector's edition first prining pop-up display of the Dangerous CD; classic magazine covers including EBONY and People; collectible buttons and stickers; tour programs and concert ticket stubs from the three live performances Michael K. Watts himself attended; and many other collectibles. 

Anyone in the Atlanta area or who will be passing through Atlanta in the next few weeks to go see this exhibit.  It runs through Sunday, September 27 at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center, 395 Piedmont Avenue, N.E. in Midtown Atlanta.  For ticket information, directions, or parking information, visit www.americaiam.org. 

 

Exhibition Hours:

Monday - Closed

Tuesday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday - 12 noon to 5 p.m.

 

If you're not in the Atlanta area, the exhibit is traveling the country for the next four years.  But the Michael Jackson display, for now, is only a part of the Atlanta run. GO MICHAEL!!!!!

 MO’NIQUE

As I’ve mentioned here, I Chair the National Association of Black Journalists Arts & Entertainment Task Force. My dear friend Zabrina (PR at BET) called me to see if our NABJ folks could support a couple of events coming up around actress and comedienne Mo’Nique’s new, late night BET show. Though I’m not in NYC or Atlanta (where she’ll be taping), I put a great group together for events in both cities. My Ant attended the New York City “Meet & Greet” at Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar... and he took some of his "Wendy Williams Show" folks as well as our girlfriend Charlie T who took all of the pix you see in this "Mo'Nique" section. THANK YOU, CHARLIE T (Remember? She did these pix of Ant and me: "I HAVE A DREAM TODAY..." ) Too, Ant got to attend our friend Dwight Eubanks’ fashion show. We look forward to seeing Mo’Nique’s show and further exploring ways that we can continue to support her – especially as she is being ‘buzzed’ about for her performance in “Precious” which the NABJ A&E Task Force will also be co-presenting in Chicago, Atlanta, and Baltimore next month. We’ll be hearing a lot about Mo’Nique in the months to come and through 2010. And a CONGRATS to MO'NIQUE (and my girlfriend Denise who is producing on that show now)! 

 

DREAMGIRLS AT THE APOLLO

Everyone knows I’m a “fool” for DREAMGIRLS! Remember when I saw it 5 times before it came out and 16 times before January wrapped when it first came out? And how excited was I to interview Jennifer Hudson before any of the buzz started when she came to NABJ in Indianapolis with DREAMGIRLS clips, a few songs, and her fun personality in tow. Well, Ant has begun to organize my WELCOME HOME/BIRTHDAY EXTRAVAGANZA which he says MUST include us seeing the limited engagement of DREAMGIRLS that is running at the APOLLO – beginning November 7^th. My birthday is November 19^th. Not sure when I get back home (if November and not December). But regardless, I look forward to seeing the show and sharing it with all my loved ones back home. Dreamgirls will introduce Moya Angela as Effie White and feature, as The Dreams, Syesha Mercado (“American Idol”) as Deena Jones; and Adrienne Warren as Lorrell Robinson. Please visit the Dreamgirls website at www.dreamgirlsonstage.com for more information as I hear they are incorporating the new movie music into this staged version. www.ticketmaster.com/venue/6 Truly something to look forward to as I put one foot in front of the other to wrap up this project and plant my feet on the ground of my home and my arms around my Ant and my family and friends back East. 

Oh, by the way: Could I have a nephew who is 21 years old today???? A Senior at my alma mater Morehouse who is about to embark on a promising career and life of abundance, creativity, and sophistication????? Is it possible????? Time to shave the salt-and-peppers away from my chin... and moisturize my smooth and youthful skin... just so no one gets it twisted! LOL! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NOOT! I LOVE YOU!