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 Mist Harlem (8)

All Star BROADWAY Karaoke Mon Oct 9 at 6p with ONCE ON THIS ISLAND at Mist Harlem

Hi folks!

Sending LOVE to LAS VEGAS....and ALL AROUND!

A couple of quick updates:

1. I won't be heading to South Africa after all. Look for other destination synergies to pop up in 2018!

2. Of course, our hearts continue to go out to our beloved Puerto Rico. Will keep you posted on what that looks like in 2018 as we all do what we can to help....


3. Many have asked about All Star Karaoke! For FALL/WINTER 2017, we're doing a one-off partnership with the 90s Broadway revival ONCE ON THIS ISLAND on Monday, October 9th from 6p-9p (also at MIST Harlem). It's billed ALL STAR "BROADWAY" KARAOKE: ONE NIGHT ONLY WITH PATRICK L. RILEY.

ALL STAR KARAOKE is a popular, open mic/karaoke franchise - primarily in Harlem, but not venue or city specific. The Summer 2017 AirBnB Guidebook deemed ALL STAR KARAOKE one of "the best karaoke experiences in New York". Please join us...and SHARE! Will be ticket giveaways for lucky participants to win; Miss Jessie's bags for all; and a piece of art by Contemporary Artist Shenna Vaughn, All Star Karaoke Artist-in-Residence.

 

As always, THANKS for SUPPORTING #LifeofRiley.

I'll have more updates soon on future synergies and new projects!! WILL WELCOME YOUR SUPPORT!

XO

Patrick L. Riley

A Day in the Life of Riley - pop culture & possibilities

FIND OUT MORE HERE:

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2017/10/3/all-star-broadway-karaoke-mon-oct-9-at-6p-with-once-on-this.html


 

p.s. G-Listed included me in its BEAUTIFULLY HUMAN: SHADES OF BLACK PRIDE 2017 Round-up - out today! I am truly humbled! Please find out more about my BLACK LGBTQ FAM and me here:http://www.theglisted.com/2017/10/02/beautifully-human-50-shades-of-black-pride-2017/.#LifeofRiley


so thankful

Hi folks,

Thanks to all who participated in #ALLSTARKARAOKE #MISTHARLEM #BRUNCH which doubled as my birthday party! Many seemed to enjoy! And my heart is full for ALL THE LOVE everybody sent my way!

NOTE: We are EXCITED that Miss Jessie’s and Walk Tall Girl Productions want to continue to partner with #ALLSTARKARAOKE.

We welcome any other good-fit partnerships for our future installments - NEXT UP: Sunday, December 11th. Just let me know.

1. We want to thank MIST HARLEM for housing us at such a beautiful facility with delicious food and beverage. THANKS to all who hung in there with the service team as we look to make the next two installments run much more smoothly. I am SO GLAD we were able to CONTINUE to have SO MUCH FUN as those things were being/are being managed. And again, THANK YOU ALL!

2. We look forward to enjoying you: 
Sunday Dec. 11 
a. Winter Holiday kick-off
b. Celebrating any SAGITARIANS  
c. Miss Jessie’s
d. Walk Tall Girl Productions Broadway/ticket giveaways
 
Sunday Feb. 12 (2017)
a. Valentine's Day
b. SPECIAL CO-PRESENTER: Apollo Theater Young Patrons
c. Celebrating Ernest Maynor and Derrick Styles’ birthdays and all AQUARIANS (Kevin Moochie Freeman; etc.)
d. Miss Jessie’s
e. Walk Tall Girl Productions

3. We must THANK Derrick Styles who is THE BEST! ALL STAR KARAOKE is POWERED by: DERRICK STYLES from Mount Vernon. His #KARAOKESUNDAYS at #BUNGALOW is our OFFICIAL #ALLSTARKARAOKE AFTER SET


4. OUR ALL STAR KARAOKE BRUNCH series is POWERED by MISS JESSIE’s who had BAGS for everybody! ALSO, we’ll RAFFLED some FULL-SIZED PRODUCT BAGS – including her National Best Seller by Miss Jessie’s Co-Founder, CEO, and Creative Director Miko Branch: “Miss Jessie’s Creating a Successful Business from Scratch –  Naturally” (Available in paperback January 2017). And with Miko in the house, you KNOW we did #THEBOSS!

5. ALL STAR KARAOKE is also PRESENTED by WALK TALL GIRL PRODUCTIONS and its Founder Marcia Pendelton who comes bearing INFORMATION and LOTS OF FREE TICKETS for Broadway and Off-Broadway care of BLACK THEATRE ONLINE and WALK TALL GIRL PRODUCTIONS! She brought giveaways for: 
 
a. August Wilson's Jitney on Broadway directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson (presented by the Manhattan Theatre Club)

b. Party People featuring Universes; developed and directed by Liesl Tommy (Eclipsed) (Public Theater)

c. Marcia introduced everyone to a new property that will run Monday through Saturday, December 5 through 17th at The Poet’s Den Theatre, 309 East 108th Street in NYC. “FOR ALL MY GIRLS” stars #ALL STAR KARAOKE’s beloved Monifah, April Nixon, and @Virginia Woodruff who joined us at ALL STAR KARAOKE along with Tmapp who wrote the book, music, lyrics (in addition to being a producer) for “FOR ALL MY GIRLS”. Marishka S. Phillips directs.  Curtain: 8p. Tickets $18. 
FOR ALL MY GIRLS: A Musical Celebrating the "Everyday Diva"
The Poet's Den Theatre, 309 East 108th Street, NYC
Monday, December 5 @ 8pm
Tuesday, December 6 @ 8pm
Wednesday, December 7 @ 8pm
Thursday, December 8 @ 8pm
Friday, December 9 @ 8pm
Saturday, December 10 @ 8pm
Monday, December 12 @ 8pm
Tuesday, December 13 @ 8pm
Wednesday, December 14 @ 8pm
Thursday, December 15 @ 8pm
Friday, December 16 @ 8pm
Saturday, December 17 @ 8pm
Tickets: $18
www.brownpapertickets.com
800.838.3006

6. ALL STAR KARAOKE’s Artist in Residence SHENNA VAUGHN was in the
house with things to show and share. She was SO GENEROUS to raffle off an original piece of her fine art: CITY LIGHTS which one of our #ALLSTARKARAOKE guests got take home!
 
7. SOCIAL MEDIA: Please INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK and SNAP CHAT and FACEBOOK LIVE out there for:
1. #ALLSTARKARAOKE
2. #MISTHARLEM
3. #TeamWTGP
FB /walktallgirlproductions
Twitter @blktheatronline
Instagram @walktallgirl


8. And find all of our SPONSORS out there…and LIKE them and TAG them and THANK THEM: #MISSJESSIES #MISSJESSIESBOOK #MIKOBRANCH

9. We always say: WE NEVER KNOW who will come by ALL STAR KARAOKE, but my NYC family and friends truly showed up and out for me as we celebrated my birthday. I’ll name just a few: Good Morning America Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo; Broadway singer/actress Virginia Woodruff​; French Canadian painter/artist Josee Nadeau; celebrity/cinema makeup artist Therese Flaherty; Drums Along the Hudson Producer Carl Nelson; Musa Jackson Productions’ Musa Jackson; Harlem Haberdashary’s Louis Johnson; TV personality and Bevelations host (on Sirius XM's Andy Cohen channel) Bevy Smith; Apollo Theater’s Nina Flowers; Sweet Honey & The Rock Founder Carol Maillard; Southern Chefs EP Adrianne C. Smith; Ed Gordon Productions Executive Producer Carol Johnson Green; favorite nephew Herman L. Riley III (cast-mate on ASPiRE TV’s “The Graduates NYC”); Anthony Bodden (filmmaker/media expert/screenwriter, "Belly"); etc. And of course, all the BFFs and dearests were in the house: Ernest; Tata; Tati; Mario; Michael K. Watts; Dawn; David; Bernice; Naiika; Erin Stanley; Ebonee; our #ALLSTARKARAOKE faithfuls and favorites Ephraim and Darius Booker;  and many many more! It was a PACKED HOUSE!
10. 
So the reps for Brazilian HEART-THROB Alex Cypriano let me know they
were bringing him to town and he wanted to say HI to #LIFEOFRILEY –
aware that we have introduced some amazing talent from the world of

ears. 
Alex wanted me to tell you HI but also wanted to give me a wonderful
BIRTHDAY gift of VERSACE gear! THANK YOU, ALEX! Here are his stats so
far: Currently in LA; 20 years old; Actor/Model; 2015 "Mr. Teen Tampa";
Represented By MC2 Miami; ETC. Stay tuned for the rest! #LIFEOFRILEY
is watching…and will keep you posted!#AlexCypriano is a BEAUTIFUL                                                             LOOK OUT FOR HIS BRIGHT FUTURE! Bring
your SUNGLASSES! It’s BLINDING! Thanks for the Versace head to toe! Perfect for my birthday!
 
man - inside and out!
11. Hi folks! You know how much I LOVE Spirited Actor’s own Tracey Moore who
– over the years - has breathed life into the world through a powerful testimonial
in action of acting, casting, producing, directing, hosting...and now hosting this
project alongside everything else.
 I even audited her Spirited Actor course when she started it in 1995…
and I continue to remain close to Tracey and her family who ARE my
family. In a nutshell, Tracey Moore ROCKS…and SHARES – so I was
too elated that she welcomed ACTORS to be in her Studio Audience
for her PILOT: “Inside the Black Box with Tracey Moore”. She shot
it at The Sheen Center in The Village. 
Her guests for the pilot included awesome actors Malik Yoba and Joe Morton
with whom I got to share that I always had an “identification” with him (even
as a child when he played Fred Sanford’s BFF Grady’s son-in-law). We connected
that our mutual, international military “brat” history may be what I saw! This show
is lively and fun! Tracey is the best HOST and ACTING COACH. The guests inspired
and motivated ALL!
12.. Ant and I will celebrate 11 years at "The Color Purple" - the very show we were
attending when we met December 1, 2005. This time, we'll see Jennifer Holliday as Shug Avery! 
 
 So excited! Hope you've had the chance to see my NBCBLK interview
with Miss Holliday: 
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/broadway-queen-jennifer-holliday-s-next-act-color-purple-n662641
13. President Obama Names Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom…
and among them is someone I hoped silently would get it now (vs. later):
MISS ROSS! Today, President Barack Obama named 21 recipients of the
Presidential Medal of Freedom – including Diana Ross – encapsulated in
bio via the White House release as follows: “Diana Ross has had an iconic
career spanning more than 50 years within the entertainment industry in
music, film, television, theater, and fashion. Diana Ross is an Academy Award nominee, inductee into the
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and recipient of the Grammy Awards
highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award. Ross was a
recipient of the 2007 Kennedy Center Honors. Diana Ross's
greatest legacy is her five wonderful children.” The Presidential
Medal of Freedom is the Nation's highest civilian honor, presented
to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions
to the security or national interests of the United States, to world
peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.
The awards will be presented at the White House on November 22nd. President Obama said, "The Presidential Medal of Freedom is not just our nation's highest civilian honor - it's a tribute to the idea that all of us, no matter where we come from, have the opportunity to change this country for the better. From scientists, philanthropists, and public servants to activists, athletes, and artists, these 21 individuals have helped push America forward, inspiring millions of people around the world along the way."
This event will be streamed live at: www.whitehouse.gov/live

 

 

HOLLIDAY for the holidays

Hi folks,

A (BIRTHDAY) IN THE LIFE OF RILEY is looking like this…

1. A #LIFEOFRILEY INTERVIEW WITH JENNIFER HOLLIDAY FOR NBCBLK: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/broadway-queen-jennifer-holliday-s-next-act-color-purple-n662641 My birthday is this weekend! A gift to me that I can share with you my Q&A with one of the DIVAS who serves as an EXEMPLAR for what #LIFEOFRILEY LOVES and CELEBRATES: Jennifer Holliday! In our comprehensive chat, we cover a lot of ground – including talk of her iconic role as Effie White and what relations are like today with her fellow Dreamgirls Sheryl Lee Ralph and Loretta Devine) plus what being on Broadway again - in Tony-award-winning Musical Revival "The Color Purple" - is like. You can PUSH DA BUTTON for your COLOR PURPLE tickets here (Ticket prices start at $59): https://www.telecharge.com/Broadway/The-Color-Purple/Overview. #TheColorPurple #ColorPurple#Dreamgirls #JenniferHolliday #HollidayFORTHEHolidays


2. Always good to contribute to #NBCBLK:

* NBCBLK - Aretha Franklin birthday party

http://www.nbcnews.com/watch/nbcnews-com/aretha-franklin-puts-on-star-studded-birthday-417968707987

* NBCBLK posted an EMPIRE/Aretha Franklin viral as well. https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1553278574945680&set

* Q&A with LEE DANIELS

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/precious-butler-director-lee-daniels-building-empire-n290416

* FOREST WHITAKER Q&A just posted - promoting SOUTHPAW:

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/forest-whitaker-knockout-southpaw-n399381

* THE WIZ LIVE's NEW DOROTHY:

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/shanice-williams-tonights-wiz-live-debut-n471616

Best,

Patrick L. Riley


LIFE OF RILEY

3.  I sing Holliday and Dreamgirls all the time at #AllStarKaraoke: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_pVZZ9GCm4! Next up: THIS Sunday, November 20th from Noon to 5p at MIST Harlem. For $5, guests qualify for BROADWAY/THEATER GIVEAWAYS and FREE MISS JESSIE’S! Plus, the menu has a range of delicious options and pricings (including $20 carafes of mimosa and sangria) and ALL STAR KARAOKE! Also look for more art from Artist-in-Residence Shenna Vaughn and friends – including Scorpio artists Ruthy Valdez and Richard S. Carroll Jr. Also look for my nephew Herman L. Riley and some of the AWESOME castmembers of the #ASPiRE.tv web series #THEGRADUATESNYC. Now the season has wrapped, you can see all 8 webisodes here: http://www.aspire.tv/shows/the-graduates-nyc/videos/. And there will be #THEBOSSCHOIR:  https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley/videos/10154176021623737/?l=1634402992647739097. Please come sing to all of the fellow SCORPIOs and me. Let us know you’re coming by clicking here: www.all_star_karaoke.eventbrite.com.

 


 

Update on All Star Karaoke BRUNCH at MIST Harlem on Sun 10/30 from NOON to 5p

1. The return of #ALLSTARKARAOKE BRUNCH at #MISTHARLEM is NEXT SUNDAY October 30, 2016 from NOON to 5p! 
2. ONE QUICK UPDATE: You can order what you like from the MIST HARLEM BRUNCH MENU, but we are charging $5 COVER which will make you eligible for our GIVEAWAYS - including:
• MISS JESSIE's VIP FULL PRODUCT bags; 
 
• a pair of tickets for THE COLOR PURPLE on Broadway; 

• a pair of tickets for SWEET, The National Black Theatre; etc. 

3. Our #ALLSTARKARAOKE presenting sponsor MISS JESSIE’s will be in the house with MISS JESSIE'S SAMPLE BAG GIVEAWAYS for ALL GUESTS!

4. #ALLSTARKARAOKE Artist-in-Residence Contemporary Artist Shenna Vaughn will have items for exhibit and sale. Plus, she’ll have an announcement on how you can own your own #ShennaVaughn 

5. #SWEET is the debut piece for the National Black Theatre’s 48th Season: IN PURSUIT OF BLACK JOY. ‏The cast of SWEET offers up a DISCOUNT CODE to all of our #LIFEOFRILEY and #ALLSTARKARAOKE fam. Just go to the National Black Theatre: www.Nationalblacktheatre.orgor call 212-352-3101 and use code RISE. 

6. MEANWHILE, let us see you at our SEASON of FOUR #ALLSTARKARAOKE brunches at #MISTHARLEM – starting Sunday, October 30, 2016 from NOON to 5p (Costumes welcome). 

7. We'll get in as many songs as we can while enjoying our ALL STAR KARAOKE company one more time while also celebrating the birthday of KIANA!!!


8. ALL STAR KARAOKE is powered by Derrick Styles from#KARAOKESUNDAYS in Mount Vernon’s #BUNGALOW, HOST of the OFFICIAL “ALL STAR KARAOKE” AFTER SET on Sunday Nights – from 9p to 2am: 523 S Fulton Ave.

9. SOME HASHTAGS: 
#ALLSTARKARAOKE #MISS_JESSIES 
#MISSJESSIESBOOK#MISTHARLEM

 

10.

EVENTBRITE LINK here:

www.all_star_karaoke_brunch.eventbrite.com/

All Star Karaoke BRUNCH at MIST Harlem I Pre Halloween I Oct 30 at NOON

EVENTBRITE LINK here: www.all_star_karaoke_brunch.eventbrite.com/

 

Hi ALL STAR KARAOKE FAM!


You've been asking "When is ALL STAR KARAOKE coming back?" Well, we will be returning to MIST Harlem for a handful of ALL STAR KARAOKE brunches over the next five months - starting SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2016 from NOON to 5p. $50 EXPERIENCE includes: delicious brunch, many mimosas, amazing karaoke, MISS JESSIE's give-aways, and MORE SURPRISES! Since it's HALLOWEEN EVE, please feel free to wear a COSTUME (but not mandatory)! We'll get in as many songs as we can while enjoying our ALL STAR KARAOKE company one more time!

Here are video recaps of our last two MIST Harlem ALL STAR KARAOKE brunches.

ALWAYS A BLAST: 

* NOVEMBER 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq1uovrAx0o.  

* VALENTINE'S DAY BRUNCH 2015:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1p9VidQr3uU  

RESERVATIONS are highly recommended.

Please call 212.828.6478.

For more information, please click here: www.mistharlem.com/events.  

And let us know here if you will be GOING: https://www.facebook.com/events/1753070518275894/!

As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Patrick L. Riley

Host, ALL STAR KARAOKE

 

Page | 1 | 2 | Next 5 Entries