PATRICKRILEYHEADSHOT2.JPGWELCOME to "The Life of Riley" which will include periodic chronicles of pop culture and possibilities that flow out of Patrick L. Riley's day. That's me!!! Through blogging (and soon some other technological features on which I'll keep you posted as they launch), I will pull experiences from my busy life to entertain and inspire all of you. Through this site, I will share my observations and insights. 

Some features to look forward to:

1.) "PATRICK'S POP UP(DATES)" will feature stories from pop culture, music, theater, fashion, and the entertainment industry at large. 

2.) "The Life of Riley" will also introduce a "take-a-look-at-your-life" section (READ: sort of an advice column), where I will help readers come up with their own questions and answers around what "ways of being" are working (or not working) to have them acheive their respective goals and live their best lives. This section is called "WHO YOU BE?".

3.) Additonally, there will be a free-flowing, organic section called "TESTIFY" from which I will pull from my own life's journey to share and hopefully inspire. Some of the fare may be new musings and experiences. Other times, I may pull from my journals and past sharings to shed light on some uncomfortable truths that I've experienced and that may perhaps play a role in healing someone else's wounds as the real-life experience did for me. From my experience of covering 9/11 as a freelance journalist to courageously coming out (as gay) to my family, "TESTIFY" promises to move those who choose to read it.

4.) And a section titled "PR" (like my initials, but also like "public relations") will include press clips from any coverage I get. 

5.) And anytime pictures or video can support an entry (in the blog, and perhaps in the subsequent podcasts, my space, and website), those visuals will keep things aesthetically enrolling. That section will be called "MY TUBE".
PLAYING TO THE POP IN POSSIBILITIES!
Patrick L. Riley

 

Entries in MARY MARY (2)

hallelujah amen

Shout out to friend Amanda Johnson for getting me involved in this “IT GETS BETTER” project! Check out the link here: http://www.advocate.com/youth/no-more-bullying/2014/01/24/healing-one-truth-time She brought me to the attention of Wells Fargo which is producing a video campaign titled “It Gets Better”. The purpose of the “IT GETS BETTER” video is to inspire teenagers who may have been bullied and offer them inspiration – perhaps that may have been lacking when I was coming up. To borrow a phrase my late, great mom often used: ONE DAY AT A TIME, SWEET JESUS! This comes on the heels of a recent profile that UPTOWN UNPLUGGED did on me - including references to the same MILESTONES in my LIFE!

http://uptownmagazine.com/2013/12/h-list-patrick-riley-video/

 

Speaking of JESUS (it’s a tie in...and for my BRETHREN and SISTERS in CHRIST, you will want to read on):  

Hi folks,

My dear friend from back in my Atlanta days, Melanie Few, is the only African American with a sanction to do a Super Bowl event of which she is the Founder. And along with the Super Bowl, the 15th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration is coming to town! The event is truly amazing and has been a blessing to a number of charitable organizations as it a fundraiser. This year the ticket sales will benefit St. Jude Children's Hospital. The National Football League Sanctioned Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (SBGC'14) that will take place on Friday, January 31st, 2014 at the Theater @ Madison Square Garden.


Please continue to read below signature for more information! And most importantly, COME JOIN US NEXT FRIDAY! It's going to be a BLESSED BLAST - including some of my favorites Patti LaBelle; Mary Mary; Tamela Mann; and a host of others!


LOVE & LIGHT,
Patrick L. Riley
"A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities"
 
 
  
Please check out:
 
  
Event Vitals for the 15th Annual National Football League Super Bowl Gospel Celebration:
Date: Friday, January 31st, 2014
City: Super Bowl Host City: New York / New Jersey
Location: Theater at Madison Square Garden
Time: 7:30pm
Type of Event: Public, Ticketed (portion of ticket sales go to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital)
Genre: Inspirational musical performances     
Broadcast: Syndication in 200 plus TV markets 
 
  
Event Overview:
In its 15th year, the National Football League Super Bowl Gospel Celebration is the FIRST and ONLY gospel event sanctioned by the NFL for Super Bowl Weekend.  Since its inception the event has drawn thousands, selling out venues in key Super Bowl host cities; and was named by USA Today as “One of the Best Three Super Bowl Events to Attend.” The event brings key NFL players and top gospel/contemporary Christian and mainstream artists together on one stage for uplifting music and inspirational messages. It is by far the largest multicultural event that takes place during Super Bowl weekend.  In addition, SBGC offers an opportunity to extend goodwill from the NFL.

 
SBGC has featured Grammy Award-winning and platinum-selling artists such as Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Anita Baker, Gladys Knight, Kirk Franklin, Israel Houghton & New Breed, Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin and a host of other major acts. Our goal for 2014 is to make the show even more diverse and select from artists such as: Carrie Underwood, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Nettles, The Neville Brothers, Josh Groban, The Judd’s and more!  Current and former NFL players who have been featured on the show include: Emmitt Smith, Drew Brees, Jerry Rice, John Elway, Cris Carter, Kurt Warner, Ray Lewis, Donovan McNabb, Bryant McKinnie, Richard Seymore, Tommie Harris, Curtis Martin and Deion Sanders to name a few; plus- Coach Tony Dungy, Coach Lovie Smith and others!

 
In 2008, SBGC presented the first ever NFL Players Choir featuring some of the most musically talented NFL players in the nation. The 32 plus member choir performed during the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration and were received with major applause and excitement!
 
  
  
Charitable Contributions:
The Super Bowl Gospel Celebration believes in giving back to each Super Bowl host city. Since its sanctioning in 2002, more than 5,000 tickets and $500,000 has been donated to various organizations including Special Olympics, Urban League, Project Wave, YET and other local / national charities. SBGC charity partner is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.   
 
Community Relations:
  • SBGC has implemented several community relations/grassroots campaign that includes strategic advocacy and relationship building to successfully saturate core audience.  Activities include: 
  • Ticket donation to in-market charities and community organizations.  To date more than 5,000 tickets have been donated. 
  • Participation in local market activities including parades, community events, luncheons, church events, etc. Fundraiser for in-market churches (Monies have been used to purchase instruments, choir robes, fund trips, etc.).  
  • Cross promotions with select host committee activities
  
Posted on Friday, January 24, 2014 at 05:00PM by Registered CommenterTHE LIFE OF RILEY in , , , , , , , , | CommentsPost a Comment

"...NOTHING CAN KEEP ME FROM YOU..."

DIANA ROSS

So those of you who know me know that I don't ever document particulars about one of my main clients that is a household name (and most watch the client at 4pm in most marketplaces). Not that I am not proud of the work I do for the show (of which I am also a fan). But much of the high-profile fare to which I contribute is confidential and proprietary. So, it's in the best interest of all that I keep those particulars at bay from this forum. That said, you ALSO know that I am MISS DIANA ROSS' #1 fan since my childhood (so wherever she is, I'm usually commenting on it).

Well, as "pop culture" and "possibilities" converge in "... the life of Riley...", please know that MISS ROSS will be on the air of my main client (for which I am a freelance field producer) this Friday (or depending when you read this: was on my main client's air).

This will be her 4th appearance on a show that's been on the air for 25 years: http://www.oprah.com/showinfo/Supreme-Icon-Diana-Ross-Her-5-Children-and-Show-Stopping-Performance.

After the taping earlier this week in Chicago, one of my bosses (the one who green-lighted my attendance and participation in the show) told me to tell my readers to WATCH!

(This, as everybody else is talking about the now-moving-between-#1-and-#2-TRENDING topic of the last few days: MISS DIANA ROSS - a FACEBOOK & TWITTER phenomenon this week! I LOVE IT!). You must check MISS ROSS out on FRIDAY!

SHE'S EVEN MORE SUPREME THAN YOU HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED or can IMAGINE! It is truly MISS ROSS at her best. Having the show’s studio as a client helped me to get up close and personal with Miss Ross. 

But as effortless as one might imagine it would be for the #1 DIANA ROSS FAN (me) to get access to this historic taping, it wasn't. I had to get creative with the finances to snag a plane ticket. And I had a village of friends on the inside who worked diligently to ensure that once I made it, it was special. This, as "AIN'T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH. NOTHING CAN KEEP ME FROM [MISS ROSS]..." LOL! So in the end, I made it there... and had the time of my LIFE! Still no photo op with MISS ROSS and me. But as THE SUPREME DIVA often says: "GO FOR YOUR DREAMS... REACH AND THEIR YOURS!" I'm still REACHING, MISS ROSS! Regardless, I have other new memories now with MISS ROSS that are JUST MINE. Plus, I got to be a part of an intimate audience with MISS ROSS' BEAUTY; TALENT; and TESTIMONY from back-stage and in the studio.

One cherished moment is meeting her background singer Fred White.

He also wrote "I Love You" - the title track for her most recent CD (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAVrRwImr9M).

Will be great to hear about other things that Fred is working on - including new material with Miss

 

Ross. So stay tuned for those developments over time. 

Diana Ross will continue her national “Now” Tour with a southern and eastern U.S. leg beginning February 25 – March 20. The complete list of the Diana Ross “Now” Tour dates follows.  For the latest tour information, please visit Facebook: http://www.facebook.com//dianaross.


 
      # # #
 
DIANA ROSS FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011
“NOW” TOUR

Date

City Venue
2/25/2011Choctaw, MS Golden Moon Hotel & Casino
2/26/2011Bossier, LA Horseshoe Casino & Hotel
2/27/2011Austin, TX Austin City Limits Live at Moody Theatre
3/1/2011Houston, TX Verizon Wireless Theater
3/2/2011Dallas, TX Majestic Theatre
3/4/2011Jacksonville, FL Moran Theatre (Times Union Center PAC)
3/5/2011Greenville, SC Peace Center Concert Hall
3/7/2011Charleston, SC Charleston's Historic Dock Street Theatre
3/9/2011Charlotte, NC McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square
3/11/2011Durham, NC DPAC
3/12/2011Washington, DC Washington Convention Center
3/13/2011Poughkeepsie, NY Bardavon, 1869 Opera House
3/15/2011Englewood, NJ Bergen Performing Arts Center
3/16/2011Hartford, CT Bushnell Auditorium
3/18/2011Stamford, CT Palace Theatre
3/19/2011Atlantic City, NJ Caesars Atlantic City - Circus Maximus
3/20/2011Staten Island, NY St.  George Theatre

 

RICHARD HARRIS

Shout out to Sara & all of my friends at Richard Harris Inc. (www.richardharrisinc.com) for graciously dressing me for my close encounter of the ROSS kind.

That of course includes Scott French - the designer with the most!!!

He has dressed me in many great pieces over the years. This time was no exception.

You'll recall, I primarily wore Richard Harris Inc. for the National Association of Black Journalists Convention.

That was last year in San Diego.

He's been my FAVORITE for a minute.

Ant too.

And the folks at RICHARD HARRIS & AMERICAN CHANG have gone on the record saying my blog is a FAV in their showroom!! American Chang – in fact – gave my blog “A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities” its “Golden Poodle Award” as “The Best Way To Spend A Lazy Afternoon” (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2006/12/22/wake-up-and-dream.html).

 Check all of their links out: www.richardharrisinc.com and www.richardharrisusa.com/rh and www.americanchang.com 

You can take a look at the new suits and the new outerwear for Fall 2011.

HOT LOOKS to keep cool near the end of this year.  

 

CHICAGO

While in Chicago, you know I spent time with my best friends. I enjoyed one of Obama's favorite soul food joints MacArthur's with Morehouse BFF Eddie, Chicago buddies Carl & Itika, and new friend Cory. Then, Market sports bar for quick cocktail catch-up w/Ti-Ti. This, as that ALL-STAR GAME was on! GO RIHANNA! GO BLAKE GRIFFIN!

B MICHAEL

Miss Ross’ oldest offspring Rhonda Ross was in Chicago (exclaiming - when she saw me for the first time in Chicago - "YOU MADE IT!" with her left thumb up to the sky while her other hand was holding her son). She was with her mom and her son as well as the rest of her siblings Tracee, Chudney, Ross, and Evan. I had the chance to chat her up in NYC a few days prior at B Michael America show at The Plaza. It’s Fashion Week after all. And B’s show featured star model Cicely Tyson. Also in the house: Susan Taylor, Ashford & Simpson, Melba Moore; my Sidra, my Carl Nelson, Seitu, etc (my usual suspects).

MANIVONE

After B. Michael’s show, I went uptown to join our girl Manivone who showcased her paper sculptures on live models from her "PAPER STATUS" series (www.elleFANTart.com). Her models included my girl Anise White – also an amazing vocalist who has popped by ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT with her gifts. And Manivone’s cousin Vilay. And dear friend Chris were also in the show. Vilay – you’ll recall – helped out on our fashion pilot last year. Also, her man Taha’s brother Adam was a featured model. He is a talented artist who knows his way around leather, suede, and all the elements that make up a great bag. Stay tuned for more on Adam, Taha, and Fafa – three brothers from Toronto who are a FORCE in the ART WORLD and three to watch - the Clayton brothers! 

NICOLE RICHIE

Amidst Fashion Week, got to hang out with Nicole Richie. She hosted a Bergdorf Goodman set promoting her “About Winter Kate | House of Harlow 1960” line. Shout out to my friend Seitu who managed the media relations on the Fall/Winter 2011 Collection of Nico Lena (by Nicholas D’Aurizio) at the Chelsea Art Museum (www.NicoLena.com).  While commuting from show to show, I happened upon hairstylist extraordinaire Oscar James alongside the FABULOUS Deborah Cox. I spoke to them both quickly and blew kisses from my cab while rushing to my next event.

LINDA ROWE

My boy Ron Smith always invites me to great shows. This recent Fashion Week is no exception. For my BFF (since 7th grade) Ern’s birthday, we went to the presentation of ROMAS (Linda Rowe) at Michaelangelo Hotel. Shout out to Harriette Cole who in her post-EBONY life tells me she's been consulting with Prince. From the Michealangelo Hotel to Cafeteria for dinner. Then, the Village’s “Insomnia” cookies and GRAMMY-DVR set at Ern’s place to round out the night. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ERN!

MARY MARY

Shout out to my BFF Tata for inviting me to join her at Mary Mary’s listening party concert promoting the duo’s 5th CD release “Something Big” at The Canal Room in NYC. And these girls were serving (God's) children...hear? ...with VOICE & TESTIMONY & INSPIRATION! AMEN! Donald Lawrence was also in the house! They sang their biggest hits “Shackles”; “God in Me”; “Yesterday”; and a few of their new tracks from “Something Big” – including their current single “Walkin’”. Was with Mary Mary when their 4th release came out a couple of years ago. Always good to see them. Happy they are back!

VALENTINE’S DAY

My Valentine’s Day started with a table read at George Faison Firehouse where I contributed my acting chops. It was for my friend Sid's in-development romantic comedy feature alongside-this-go-around- a stellar combo including diva D'Atra Hicks; Maya Days; FELA!s Kevin Mambo; and a host of others. After this, I ran some errands – including snagging Janet Jackson’s new book “True You” and a card for Ant’s and my exchange. You know he loves him some Janet! He and I did dinner and karaoke - singing Janet. And we basked a little bit in the accomplishment of having snagged Janet Jackson tix for her NYC tour in March. Just us. Interestingly, while picking up the book at Time Warner Center’s Borders, I ran into to FAV male vocalist Billy Porter (getting on subway as I was geting off). I LOVE NY! Before Ant and I connected, I popped by Harlem's Red Rooster & Chez Lucienne to have a 'happy (valentine's day) hour' during which I caught up w/dear friends and got some fun chat time with Miss Lynn Whitfield who was in town from L.A. and about to celebrate a birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LYNN!

JOI

We went to see my ATL-buddy JOI perform a couple of weeks at the inaugural APOLLO MUSIC CAFÉ. She sang songs from people who have performed at The Apollo Theater – from Stevie Wonder to Aretha Franklin to Paul McCartney to Bessie Smith. AWESOME SHOW! Dressed minimally-yet-fiercely in a spaghetti-strapped catsuit in black. My dear friend from A-T-L looks as if she’s frozen in time – still fit and trim to the naked eye; vocals still on fire; and her Esther-Rolle-meets-Nina-Simone, deconstructed ‘fro was to die. She sang songs from people who have performed at The Apollo Theater. My rough notes produced this set list (I didn't know all of the titles - so some of the listings include lyrics):

"Steppin' in the Darkness" - WAR

"Halo" - Delfonics

"Try Me" - James Brown

Stevie Wonder - "Jesus, Children"

Bob Marley - "Burnin' in Loop" (featuring Devon Lee)

Curtis Mayfield – “Runnin' Wild”

Teena Marie - "Square Biz"

Paliament – lyric: "produced in conjunction"; lyric: "cobwebs out your mind" (outkast sampled on southern funk)

Dinah Washington – “You Don't Know What Love Is”

Jimi Hendrix – “Little Wing” (featuring Devon Lee)

Paul McCartney - "Helter Skelter" (featuring Devon Lee)

Aretha Franklin - "Nobody Knows The Way I Feel"

Bessie Smith - "I'm Wild About That Thing

FINALE: Tina Turner - "Nutbush City Limits"/Joi - "Lick"

AWESOME NIGHT… and GREAT NEW EXPERIENCE that bridges the classics with new, independent artists of today and the future. Find out more about this FUTURISTIC THROWBACKS franchise, which will include a diverse mix of live music, poetry, spoken word, comedy and spinning DJ’s. Tickets for Apollo Music Café are available at The Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Apollo Music Café is made possible by generous support from Heineken, the Official Imported Beer Sponsor of the Apollo Theater’s 2010-11 Season. This program is also supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

ARIANNA LIVE!

Lots of birthdays last week! Friends Maurice Jamal, Toyce, Scott, and a wonderful young lady named Arianna Francis turned 16. Her parents invited me to interview her guests on the red carpet at the well-appointed affair at the Midtown Loft AKA Arianna LIVE!

ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT

ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT is BACK!!!!

And many of our ALL-STAR KARAOKE regulars came out to CELEBRATE last THURSDAY along with a house full of new folks in the mix!

THANKS TO ALL!

We are at NATIVE Restaurant in HARLEM every THURSDAY – from 9pm to MIDNIGHT.

PLEASE JOIN US ANY and EVERY WEEK on any THURSDAY NIGHT!

Brian, Jasmine, Ephraim, Carl Nelson, Troy & Darryl (“Bangin’ Ass Artists”), Derrick; Mario (also from “No Parking” KARAOKE Monday night); etc.

My Morehouse brothers PT and Kobie (www.fromfatherlesstofatherhood.com) were in the house along with my NYABJ/NABJ sister Georgia Scott.

She owns a Harlem coffee shop GLOBETRIPPIN’ (and she is celebrating the publication of her new book, "Down There: Narratives About the Joy, Aroma and Overall Existence of the Bush"). AS ALWAYS, THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

 P.S. Happened upon Vinyl in Chelsea for a late night bite last Friday… and look which menu I got: one of my favorite albums of all time Jennifer Holliday’s “Feel My Soul” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6g_rf73TpU) and her sophomore release. I didn’t take it (I have one at home). LOL! I hear Miss Holliday has a new Gospel CD coming out! I sure hope so! I LOVE ME SOME JENNIFER HOLLIDAY!

 

Posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 11:51AM by Registered CommenterTHE LIFE OF RILEY in , , , , , , , , | CommentsPost a Comment | References6 References