A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

all star karaoke

 

 WHERE IS MY ‪#‎THEBOSS CHOIR? LOL!!!! We sing it EVERY WEEK:

https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley/videos/10152301946678737/! This clip features THE AMAZING Gordon Chambers, Darius Booker, AND Husain Mello Deas Williams! SPRING 2015 SERIES of Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley starts next Tuesday, April 28th at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul! Y’ALL COME ON OUT AND JOIN US! NOW THAT I CAN EXHALE from one recent client project: BET's UP FRONT for which I got to contribute to the Creative Services team on its video and art/design that let all the industry and the friendly advertisers know why BET IS ALL WAYS THE NEW BLACK with lots of new programming to ensure it stays at #1! CONGRATS, TEAM! Some of you will join me at ALL STAR KARAOKE - to let some steam off! LOL!  ‪#‎billiesblack ‪#‎allstarkaraoke ‪#‎motownmay #theboss

more arise work

ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 had me on again this past week. I filled in for Shannon again. Always fun to chat it out with MISS LOLA!

LAST WEEK:
Among the Believers directors
- Co-Directors Hemal Trivedi & Mohammed Naqvi @manaqvi talk with us about their new Documentary#amongthebelievers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVpdgMGAap0&feature=youtu.be

Kristen Taekman
#BRAVOTV #RHONY Reality Star &creator of#popofcolor @KristenTaekman talk with us about the upcoming season & much more 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPSIGsgkFGY

Kendall Minter
Entertainment Attorney/Author Kendall Minter @askmusiclawyer tells us about his new book "Understanding & Negotiating 360" 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqcU6wlXXzs&feature=youtu.be

YOU can watch (and me from time to time) - now on Time Warner, Verizon Fios, and On Demand...www.YouTube.com/AriseENT360. As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! #arise360 #allstarkaraoke#billiesblack

the more you know

Hi folks! I mentioned Executive Producing a special project inside the Fall/Winter 2014 months last year! But it was kinda’ top secret as I was asked to jump into the project in the 11th hour. Well, the project is complete and can be seen here: http://www.themoreyouknow.com/. It’s NBC Universal’s iconic THE MORE YOU KNOW campaign which had been EP’d for years by the legendary Susan Haspel. But as she was leaving the building, I was asked to come in and oversee production on the shoots with the over 40 NBC Universal talent that we shot in L.A. and New York City. I also worked with the scriptwriters; our content partners; graphic designers; and all the respective crews to complete the 2015-16 installment. FOR MORE on THE LIFE OF RILEY and that project:

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/10/13/jakki-is-back.html.  Since working on that project at the end of 2014, NBC News' African American vertical, NBCBLK, has brought me on as a freelance contributor to its digital platform:

* Miss Aretha Franklin's birthday party:

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

* MISS FRANKLIN and EMPIRE Co-Creator LEE DANIELS! LOL! -

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1553278574945680&set.  

 

* My debut contribution was an interview with Lee Daniels on EMPIRE:

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

#themoreyouknow #comcast #nbcuniversal #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #NBCBLK

blackbird

It was Ant’s birthday... and since it fell in the middle of the week, we will enjoy and toast this weekend (and one thing we’ll be doing is supporting the opening weekend of “BLACKBIRD” [See cities below and let’s make this FIRST WEEKEND count]. Last night, on Ant’s birthday, he and I thought it important to attend and support the New York PREMIERE of our friend Patrik-Ian Polk’s “Blackbird” – Co-Executive Produced and Starring Academy Award winner Mo’Nique – in attendance with her co-stars Isaiah Washington, D. Woods, and introducing Julian Walker. The historic night at the iconic Schomburg included an awesome array of my industry family – including legendary make-up artists Reggie Wells and Roosevelt Cartwright – once-Oprah’s team (Roosevelt now works with Mo’Nique). TRAILER: https://youtu.be/rHe0ukjp0-M. I am TOO EXCITED for Patrik-Ian as I remember in 2006 in Los Angeles as I was out there for business, we had dinner and drinks at The Standard on Sunset. And I remember him sharing the BLACKBIRD script and telling me how he was seeking funds and some star attachments for the project. After that deal fell through, his BLACKBIRD takes flight! YAZZZ! Blackbird opens April 24 in the theaters below. Tell a friend and check www.BlackbirdTheMovie.com for more information.#WeAreBlackbird p.s. Leon was there! Always good to see him!

p.p.s. And a special shout out to our girlfriend Alysia Joy Powell - a regular alongside Debra Messing on The Mysteries of Laura - NBC hit in primetime! YOU GO GIRL!

support

The weekend brought out the CHEERS – first for Miss Miko Branch with whom I had the chance to have a conversation at an awesome book event hosted at Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Skylight Gallery – hosted by the Honorable Assemblywoman Annette M. Robinson and my friend Blaine Robinson’s Bainbridge Harrison Partners. BEAUTIFUL to catch up with Miko on her debut tome: “Miss Jessie's: Creating a Successful Business from Scratch---Naturally”. Then, also in Brooklyn – DUMBO to be exact, our girlfriend Charon who I got the chance to meet in St. Croix last year, debuted her GWAN BY CHARON HEAT line of swimwear for the curvy girls out there. The Private Fashion Presentation was fierce and the publicity was handled by Ant’s sis Sabrina who I met December 1, 2005 – the same night I met Ant. Then, we had Mairie and Eric baby shower duty. And the close out? Celebrating Ant’s birthday! Backdrop: Kiabacca bar on 10^th Ave between 45^th and 46^th. BEER. BRICK-OVEN PIZZA. And an ENDLESS STREAM OF LOVE for ANT!  #iammissjessies #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

DL and ESTELLE

I interviewed Debi Mazar for recurring client Oprah: Where Are They Now? recently! Find out more about her later this summer. But this past weekend, my D.L. Hughley and Estelle Parsons finally aired --- culled from a couple of days I got to spend with each of them in New York City last year on assignment for recurring client OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. AS ALWAYS, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Here’s a peek: http://www.oprah.com/own-where-are-they-now/The-Promise-a-Young-Broke-DL-Hughley-Made-to-His-Baby-Girl-Video#ixzz3Y9PpoXUQ. #WhereAreTheyNow

BLACK GIRLS ROCK

If I was going to be the understudy for Tommie Porter, you KNOW I had to capture my internet wifey Mara Schiavocampo while she WERQ'd the white carpet at#BLACKGIRLSROCK for Black Girls Rock! Inc. I can't teach her how to be an Emmy-award-winner /GMA Correspondent/Author of THINSPIRED, but I can escort her FABULOUSNESS... and capture a shot or two! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED, MISS Mara Schiavocampo! You are my BLACK GIRL who ROCKS! And I look forward to everyone getting to see you present at the 'Black Girls Rock!' BET special which taped at NJPAC (NJ Performing Arts Center Prudential Hall on March 28, 2015 in Newark, New Jersey. SO PROUD OF YOU, MY AMAZING GRACE! And as an embarrassment of riches go, it was a night of WORK WIVES! LOL! I WAS TOO EXCITED to see Lola Ogunnaike back in front of that camera in haute couture! As you know, I fill-in for Shannon Lanier over at Arise Entertainment 360: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2015/2/13/beyond-the-cray.html. And I have missed LOLA as she's been on maternity leave - having ushered her little boy into the WORLD! SO HAPPY for your growing family and your FIERCE RETURN, LOLA! Glad I ran into you, Jacque Reid, and Sharmayne Jenkins before you got too busy! TRUST ME, FOLKS! THIS IS A SHOW YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS! Easter Sunday night on BET and CENTRIC at 7p/eastern. For updates or more information about "BLACK GIRLS ROCK! " visit http://www.BET.com/blackgirlsrockandwww.blackgirlsrock.org

Join the conversation on social media by logging on to BET's multiple social media platforms:
• On Twitter by using hashtag: #BlackGirlsRock; follow us @BET and @BLACKGIRLSROCK

• On Facebook by liking the fan pages at facebook.com/BET and facebook.com/BLACKGIRLSROCK

• On Instagram @betnetworks and @BLACKGIRLSROCK
#BlackGirlsRock #AriseTV360 #allstarkaraoke#billiesblack

#GMA #THINspiredbook#allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

WENDY WILLIAMS ROCKS!

I think we already knew that my recurring client The Wendy Williams Show was Daytime Emmys-worthy! And now, the Academy has caught up to say "How you doin'?" LOL! That’s right! The Queen of All Media can now proclaim she and her show are Emmy nominated! Yay!!!! As we would expect from LIFE OF RILEY, I must shout out the entire team over there, who are industry fam. They are truly the hardest working team in talk - a little engine that could, did, and still does - in EXCELLENCE! A personal congrats of the not-always-sung kind: my partner Anthony Harper who worked with the producing team over there from sneak-peek to the end of last season...and helped build, shape, and grow it into the grandness we yearn to watch daily or nightly today. I even get the treat of personally producing Miss Wendy Williams for many of their integrated marketing shoots over the years - including the British Virgin Islands & Closet Makeover shoots: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZJZDNu3ztM&list=PL1TUj2SKo8nu4WfB_74atRGcx0Q_l-Wfq. I produced several Family Dollar moments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5nYvBxX_wM;  Walt Disney World: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15cT2QmAhZc.  I even got to do a wonderful, inspiring profile on Christine Carter – an Against All Odds inspirational story for "My Black is Beautiful": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm2fqrEStSo.  And we did "50 and FAB" just this past summer. A Monster Truck: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUpsz80z8oY; Stand-up debut in Vegas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYWSgh_7ha8;  and a BDAY greeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5VxXjA1L4Q.  Job well done to all of our Wendy Williams fam - yesterday, today, and How You Doin'? LOL! Oh! And WENDY and TEAM! PLEASE come to Billie's Black presents All Star Karaoke with @Patrick Patrick L. Riley when you win! Wendy and I can do "The Boss"!!!!!! Yazzz! XO #wendyshow #wendy#wendywilliams #daytimeemmys #allstarkaraoke#billiesblack #motownmay15 #faband50 #wendywilliams

BOLD SOUL SISTERS ROCK!

I’M JUST GONNA PUT IT OUT THERE! I asked Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge if she’d come and join us at BILLIE’S BLACK presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley and she said – wait for it! – pending schedule, she really wants to try to come by! YAY! Now, if I can get her to bring her Bold Soul Sisters: Nona Hendryx of LaBelle; and Ruth Pointer of Pointer Sisters; and Rochelle Fleming of First Choice --- all of whom music journalist and essayist Christian John Wikane curated last night for a staged, APOLLO THEATER panel that explore a revolution of sound and style like none other. As the excerpt from the book notes: “Riding the waves of an evolving Feminist movement and the sexual revolution, the “girl groups” of the 1960s gave way to a more progressive look and sound for female singers in the 70s. Groups like Labelle, The Pointer Sisters, First Choice, and Sister Sledge took R&B, jazz, soul and even country music to a new level.” ALSO in the HOUSE: Melba Moore; Rhonda Ross (on her mom DIANA ROSS’ birthday! WHAT A GIFT!); and CHIC’s women voices, Norma Jean Wright and Alfa Anderson – pointing out that they have a Nile-Rodgers-produced collaboration coming up with Kathy Sledge. Maybe they’ll ALL come by and sing at Billie’s Black. Some highlights:• Miss Nona Hendryx is GODDESS! So full of EXPERIENCE! And SUCH a POWER ROCK STAR persona (yet so REAL & HUMBLE)! • The vintage clips; pix; and album covers were EVERYTHING to experience again - Lady Marmalade on Midnight Special anyone!!!• Ruth Pointer had us HOWLING and yet left us sober by her AUTHENTIC sharing! Says she and Anita did NOT want to be bothered with June or Bonnie before they re-grouped as Richard Perry's girl group trio - leading them on a soul train of pop success through mid-70s to mid-80s. This, as Ruth put it, those two were "out there"!• Ruth also told of the time when The Pointer Sisters were invited to the Grand Ol' Opry after winning a best Country song Grammy - their first - for "Fairy Tales". They arrive. Are received by Opry handlers who ushered them quickly through a backdoor and into the kitchen for what they're thinking is the big reveal of them surprising the audience with their dramatic arrival. From inside the party, their manager wonders where they are as the "guests of honor": missing in action. Their manager soon discovers them waiting in the kitchen and come to find out the Opry people who received them at the door thought they were THE HELP! 1976. SMH! • Ruth also tells of a time when they discovered that their male musicians were making more than them. And the band quit because they loved the girls and hated to see them ripped off. • Was great to see clips on ALL with the audience and to enjoy Chris' flow. Nice program!• Shout out to Ulysses Williams; Nina Flowers; Cynthia Tate; and Tonya Giddens for making sure my face was in the place. • BONUS ROSS MOMENT 1 – Motown the Musical Opening night: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ • BONUS ROSS MOMENT 2 – Excerpt of Legends Ball in 2005: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGFgjJ7u1hk • BONUS ARETHA FRANKLIN BIRTHDAY MOMENT 1 for NBCBLK: www.nbcnews.to/1HFEc48 • BONUS ARETHA FRANKLIN BIRTHDAY MOMENT 2 for NBCBLK: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1553278574945680&set=vb.1508175089456029&type=2&theater • #divatakeover #BoldSoulSisters #ApolloLIVF #ArethaFranklin #NBCBLK#AllStarKaraoke#billiesblack #motownmay #DianaRoss

R&B DIVAS AND DIVOS ROCK!

Sunday brought a couple of awesome invites for Ant and me – starting with a shrimp & grits/chicken & waffles brunch invite to the home of friends - New York Times’ Nikita Stewart Henderson and her husband/my NABJ baby boy Brian Henderson. YUM is the only WORD! We then double-dated down to another invite from Brad and Lyndsay Christian: RnB Spotlight presents multi-platinum singer-songwriter Faith Evans. Also, special guest J Drew was headlining. And we all got a special treat as Ivan Ellis from the smash TV show Empire performed! This is SWV manager Cory Taylor’s event that Brad and Lyndsay co-produce and present with him. Got to chat to Ivan Ellis – rep’d by an awesome team of folks, including my friend Will Nero. Stay tuned into Ivan Ellis as new music and a possible return to EMPIRE – Season 2 goes: http://www.ivanellismusic.com/. AND what a JOY it was to interview Faith Evans a couple of months ago.  I was filling in on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfpHpiQd2pg. The weekend started with a standing-room drive-by to BB King’s to see Angie Stone and Bradd Marquis: SOLD OUT! Shout out to Fiona Bloom for the tix and for the invite to then see Avery*Sunshine in concert at Sub/Culture this past Monday. You recall, I had the chance to meet her last weekend as she was hand-selected by the QUEEN OF SOUL to perform for her 73rd Birthday party - an evening I chronicled for recurring client NBCBLK:www.nbcnews.to/1HFEc48. MISS FRANKLIN and I also got into it about EMPIRE... and I brought Lee Daniels into my "dream casting"! LOL!https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1553278574945680&set=vb.1508175089456029&type=2&theater. In meeting Fiona and Avery’s team, I have some new music to share: Jeff Bradshaw has a new CD out this week that features Black Thought as well as Robert Glasper, Trombone Shorty, Marsha Ambrosius, Trombone Shorty, Will Downing, Kim Burrell, Take 6, Najee, Bilal, Eric Roberson, Tweet, and Kenny Lattimore. Two time Grammy winner Robert Glasper is executive producer of the album. Jeff Bradshaw has been a key player in Philly's influential neo-soul scene. Bradshaw's trombone has propelled horn-sections for everyone from The Roots, Jill Scott and Jay Z to Erykah Badu to Kirk Franklin. He is kind of the go to guy. The new CD, "HOME", (out 3/31) is an all-star concert recorded live at the renowned Kimmel Center in Philadelphia and joins Bradshaw by some of the brightest stars in R&B and gospel. Bradshaw's Kimmel Center concert is a dream come true and in a way brings the inspiring musician full circle. Bradshaw grew up in the North Philadelphia housing projects, the son of a minister. His formative musical experiences were in church, where brass bands were a staple. Jeff amazingly never took formal lessons. He used to play around the corner from the Kimmel Center on the street. HOME brings him full circle and this star-studded date is a testament to how respected Bradshaw is in the music world. Jeff is also committed to bringing the trombone to the forefront in music and not just having it be relegated as a background instrument.The album's first single "All Time Love" features Robert Glasper, Tweet and Eric Roberson:http://youtu.be/2KHNGsC9vZs

AND Fiona’s client Timothy Bloom is poised to perform at 

Apollo Music Café April 18th:

 http://www.timothybloom.com. 

He plays guitar and piano. Check out some of his clips:

 "Waitin on You"

From upcoming 808 Project

http://youtu.be/BrOaph8MAlI

 Official Video-

"Stand in the Way"- featuring Herbie Hancock

http://youtu.be/1LQA-C9UBKM

 "On the Other Side"-- MUSE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-EeU42vkRU

Last time I did Apollo Music Cafe, the headliner was MISS JOI! She's AMAZING... and so HUMBLE! Have known her since my days in Atlanta in the '90s! XOXOXOXO

 STEPS ROCKS!

Earlier this year, I mentioned that I shot a small part in a film called STEPS: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2015/1/22/empire-fire.html. Well, as I’m trying to announce BILLIE’S BLACK Presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley is coming back for SPRING 2015, starting Tuesday, April 28th and as LIFE OF RILEY toasts THE QUEEN OF SOUL - http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2015/3/20/ask-patrick.html, THE OFFICIAL MOVIE POSTER for STEPS is out – underscoring that it’s COMING SOON! And AMERICAN IDOL FINALIST QAASIM MIDDLETON is in it too along with his brother KHALIL MIDDLETON. I’ll tell you more when I can… but the poster came out today! YAY! And BIGGEST of THANKS to EDDIE HARRIS and PENWAH for casting me… #LIFEOFRILEY #ALLSTARKARAOKE #BILLIESBLACK #NBCBLK

MIKO ROCKS!

Got to celebrate Miko Branch at the 17th Annual Influential Black Women in Business Awards Luncheon – put on by The Network Journal at the Marriott Marquis. And we got advanced copies of her book Miss Jessie's: Creating a Successful Business from Scratch-NaturallyScratch - NATURALLY hits stores April 15th! And Billie's Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley is excited to have Miss Jessie's back in our “mix” for SPRING 2015: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2015/3/20/ask-patrick.html.  OF COURSE, we’ll celebrate the release of her book, which you can pre-order now: http://www.amazon.com/Miss-Jessies-Creating-Successful-Scratch-Naturally/dp/0062329189 …and maybe MIKO will join us on the stage to SING – along with, ahem, Kobie Brown; Andre Robert Lee; Anthony Harper; Amber Payne; Ryan Williams; and more! WE LOVE YOU, MIKO (who is also featured on the cover and inside the Spring 2015 issue of The Network Journal (TMJ)! #IamMissJessies #NATURALLY #ALLSTARKARAOKE #billiesblack

BRANDY ROCKS

I said when we saw Wendy Williams in Chicago the Musical on Broadway that I would NOT see it AGAIN - having gone TOO MANY TIMES for all the stunt castings they've done over the years - from Michelle Williams to Robin Givens to Smokey Robinson! WELL, I LIED! LOOK WHO'S COMING? Brandy!!!! http://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city-theater/news/brandy-norwood-chicago-broadway_72221.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=24mar2015 LOL! Oh, well… one more time! LOL!

BEING MARY JANE & MAD ROCK!

So GLAD to CELEBRATE THE BEST amongst BET’s BEST while watching THE BEST TV EVER! It was Michaela angela Davis’ BDAY! So, that alone should have been enough but – wait for it – we were hosted by the network’s top tier as we screened ‪#‎BeingMaryJane on BET – featuring an inspiring cameo by Miss Michaela AND Bevy Smith – also in attendance. Bravo TV’s Demetria Lucas D'Oyley – cast-member on “Blood, Sweat, & Heals”. Plus, Miss Tai Monique Beauchamp - who is featured in the Mara Brock Akil interviews that run after the show each week – gave us a reason to toast her: she’s got her own show on TLC that will be rocking this summer. And my friend Briana Bingham was in the house as well. She designs the most amazing bags. Stay up on her… and if you need any further proof that #blackgirlsrock … be sure to check it out Sunday at 7p/eastern on BET! IT IS AN AWE-INSPIRING NIGHT! CONGRATS MAD ET AL!!!! Y’ALL ROCK! Please come rock with us at Billie’s Black presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley. XOXOXOXOXO #beingmaryjane #earringsoff #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #motownmay15

PATRIK-IAN POLK AND MO’NIQUE ROCK!

You need look no further than the pages of LIFE OF RILEY to know how much I love me some Patrik-Ian Polk and all of his great contributions to TV and film – from PUNKS to Noah's Arc to Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom to The Skinny to Blackbird (2014 film) which did a successful run on the FILM FESTIVAL circuit: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/6/30/empowerment.html.  Well, it now has a distributor and a release date: "Blackbird" @BLKBirdTheFilm www.blackbirdthemovie.com.When the film did one of its festival premieres, Patrik-Ian Polk came by Billie’s Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley. Hoping he’ll come by this Spring 2015 – starting Tuesday, April 28, 2015 (through mid-July)…and PLEASE BRING your STAR and EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Mo'Nique by! LOL! Great to attend a press screening with a Q&A hosted by my friend from The Grio and MSNBC, Chris Witherspoon with Patrik-Ian. #WeAreBlackbird TWEET and INSTAGRAM away, my friends:

@BlkBirdtheFilm

@PatrikIanPolk

@WitherspoonC

@WatchUMC

@135StreetAgency

BETTER BROTHERS ROCK

I LOVE that my friend Scott and his BETTER BROTHERS group put on the

Inaugural Truth Awards – an evening to celebrate "Living Our Truth".

The Truth Award honors Black Gay Men and Women whose accomplishments have positively impacted the perception and image of the Black LGBTQ community.

 

The Inaugural Truth Awards presented to the following honorees:

 

B. Slade

Grammy-nominated producer, writer and singer

 

Dr. Wilbert C. Jordan MD, Founder

Oasis Clinic

 

Stanley Bennett Clay

Actor, Producer, Author and Journalist

 

Benjamin Cory Jones, Writer

Amazon’s “Hand of God” and HBO series creator

 

Darren “Buttah Man” Brin, Music Director

BET’s 106th & Park and Yo MTV Jams

 

Vallerie Wagner, Chief Operating Officer

AIDS Project Los Angeles

 

Wendell James, Philanthropist

OWN’s “Raising Whitley” Cast Member

 

Steph Thomas and Glen Lawrence

Community Mentors

 

Quincy & Deondray Gossfield

 

Writers, Producers and Creators of “ DL Chronicles”

 

Dr. Tenika Jackson

Community Mentor

 

 

The goal of the Truth Awards is to increase the awareness of Black Gay men and women, and highlight their contributions in life, career, and mainstream culture. This annual event will also provide funding for a college scholarship to be given to a promising Black LGBT youth. While recognizing members of the community, we want to encourage youth to pursue educational opportunities while being true to themselves.

 

For more information: www.betterbrothersla.com/truthawards

YLONDA GAULT CAVINESS ROCKS!

CHILD, PLEASE (Penguin) by Ylonda Gault Caviness hits bookstores on May 5. It's a glimpse of her life as a mom and parenting editor living in a fancy-ish suburb. Occasionally she pokes fun at the differences between white moms and black moms. But mostly she explores her stormy relationship with a straight-no-chaser mama, whose lessons eventually shape her into the woman she was meant to be. She concludes that Mama had motherhood righhttps://scontent-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/19122_627112977420232_564525210395960882_n.jpg?oh=69a197112442d5fea16beef4ccb39fe6&oe=55B60000fter all, you really don't need expert advice when you have such old school wisdom as, "Act like you've got some sense!" Pre-order on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Child-Please-Old-School-Lessons-Wrecked/dp/0399169962. CONGRATS YLONDA! www.ylondagault.com 

 

 

 

 p.s. LIFE OF RILEY keeps churning through the BLESSINGS and the DIFFICULT TIMES. ALL TOWARDS MAKING A BETTER ME, WE, AND THE WORLD! But  I MUST - in LIFE OF RILEY signature style and sensitivity - mention that it's been 10 YEARS since KODJOE left us! WOW, right? SURELY, he's looking down and saying JOB WELL DONE! Or as the struggles and stresses of life go, he might be saying "BETTER Y'ALL THAN ME"! LOL! Either way, WE SPEAK YOUR NAME, KODJOE! And MISS YOU MUCH! RIP.

 

PRECIOUS: ROUND 1 & ROUND 2

At the top of the week, I got to hear the final notes of a FEFE DOBSON show at UNIVERSAL CITYWALK's Hard Rock Cafe, but what resounds within my spirit is the preview screening of PRECIOUS I saw prior. WOW! HAUNTING! BONE CHILLING! DISTURBING even! STRONG PERFORMANCES all around!

FAST FORWARD a week or so to: AFI's L.A. premiere of "Precious" to which I got an invite. This night brought out the whole star-studded cast and its star executive producers and Sidney Poitier with whom I got the chance to reacquaint myself after interviewing him a few years ago in Santa Barbara. Like last time, he was GRACIOUS and PRESENT and so VALIDATING: BLACK MAN to BLACK MAN! Too, he endorsed Oscar-buzz-worthy Mo’Nique whose performance – as we’ve all heard – is spine-tingling and gutt-wrenching. Mo’Nique introduced Sidney to her husband Sidney as Sidney introduced his daughter Sydney to Sidney and Mo’Nique. Got it? Also in the house: Downtown Julie Brown and a host of others from the entertainment world – including "Precious" castmember Chyna Layne; Robi Reed, Kenya Moore, Lisa Raye, Saw VI/Scream girl Tanedra Howard; Andre Harrell, Forrest Whitaker & wife Keisha Whitaker, Mary J. Blige who performed at the after set which took place at Chateau Marmont. But DJ Mr. Best’s remix of Diana Ross' "My Old Piano" had everybody on the dance floor. Ran into my Yoga buddy Russell Simmons and MISS Paula Abdul at this set. And with my Spelman sister/publicist extraordinaire Jocelyn Coleman on my arm, she made care to ensure we were at the after-after party at Tyler Perry's L.A. home in the hills. What a GREAT NIGHT!

FRIENDS, LOVERS, and DIRTY LAUNDRY (MAURICE JAMAL)

My boy Derek with whom I've been hanging a bit over the last couple of weeks here in L.A. reconnected me to industry friend Maurice Jamal with whom I had the chance to bond during his New York City run a year or so back - promoting the feature "Dirty Laundry" (starring Rockmond Dunbar, Loretta Devine, and Jenifer Lewis). Maurice directed and starred in it. Prior to that, we'd auditioned alongside each other for a couple of hosting opportunities... and we hit it off! Good to see him on the West Coast (his neck of the woods). Last night, he preview screened exclusively (with cast, crew, and friends) his new film/proposed series "Friends and Lovers" at John Casablanca's modeling agency. From my "A Day in the Life of Riley: Pop Culture & Possibilities" vaults, see an interview I did with him a couple of years ago:"DOING LAUNDRY WITH MAURICE JAMAL".

I LOVE MAURICE! HE'S JUST JOY AND LIGHT! But he was dark at his HALLOWEEN party! Halloween is a big deal in L.A. I went to a "scary" Maurice Jamal's Halloween party (pictured). I went as a Cal State-Fullerton Freshman-turned-Psycho-during-Finals! LOL! Ran into great friends Robin Hood (Lloyd Boston); Basketballer a la DIVAS 2000: TRIBUTE TO DIANA ROSS-hair (Patrik Ian Polk); Run (a la Run DMC AKA Derek Lafayette); and new ...buddies Jason (as Cliff Huxtable in his famous pajamas) & his partner Anthony (as a FLIRT). Thanks to friend - a "slinky" Herndon Davis - for the invite. Also, great to see where new Diana soul-mate Dale Guy Madison seemingly combines a couple of Rock royals: Prince and Little Richard to regal effect. Lots of FUN!

COCKTAILS & KARAOKE

My girlfriend Ev had a get together at her home in L.A. Good to hang out with my colleagues on "Monica" (and "Frankie & Neffe"). And that, of course, includes my Shareen, my soul mate in managing long-distance love (Her Kenny was in town for a visit.). What a lovely night with good people and GREAT food! Everything was well-appointed and just so elegant like the hostess. She entertained the troops with the sounds of MISS ROSS and Michael Jackson... and we danced, shouted, and shook our bodies down to the ground... where approriate. My buddy Brian joined me. A good time was had by all. And afterwards, we joined Brian's friend LiLing and her friends at Backstage Bar & Grill in Culver City. We were right across the street from Sony Studios. For what? My favorite: karaoke, which always excites me!!! I did an ensemble number with the ladies: "Material Girl" by Madonna. Of course, it wouldn't be long before I took over (some gospel ad-libs to boot. Sorry Madge! LOL!).

ATL HOUSEWIVES MARATHON ON BRAVO

Since my extended stay doesn't have BRAVO, I was WAY EXCITED that my day of R&R (napping and doing nothing) could be scored by the "Real Housewives of Atlanta" marathon - repurposed on OXYGEN, one of the few channels the hotel has. I'm still not caught up with the whole season, but got to see a ...handful of 'em: 

"YOU KEEP PRAYING, SAYING THERE MUST BE A BETTER WAY..."

 

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CALLING ALL ALTER EGOS

Spelman College Museum of Fine Art has partnered with my blog "A Day in the Life of Riley: Pop Culture & Possibilities" in the promotion of “Undercover: Performing and Transforming Black Female Identities,” an original exhibition on view through December 5, 2009. PLEASE CHECK IT OUT: 

“Undercover: Performing and Transforming Black Female Identities” @ Spelman College Museum of Fine Art 

 

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And I’m still taking responses to the question: WHO IS YOUR ALTER EGO? WHY? Hit me up and I’ll share it in my next installment in the coming week or two.

MONICA: STILL STANDING

Well, the proof is in the pudding! MONICA: STILL STANDING is a BIG HIT! Highest rated debut on BET this season! 2nd highest debut in history of network (just a little behind "Tiny & Toya" which premiered after post-Michael-Jackson-death BET Awards). Tangible evidence that my sacrifice to do this great gig... (a la cross-country displacement/money woes/etc.) was not IN VAIN. People are actually watching! THANKS ALL! And PLEASE keep tuning in. 11 more episodes to go... And to put it in  perspective, 3.2 million viewers watched the Premiere and Encore of "Monica: Still Standing" - #1 debut this season and #2 series launch in BET history. 11 more episodes to go (every Tuesday night at 10pm). THANKS TO ALL! GO TEAM MONICA!

MICHAEL JACKSON: CHILDHOOD/THRILLER!!!

Being at "The Farmer's Market" for the first time since childhood walked me down memory lane as fellow producers/friends Shareen (pictured); Evolyn; and I eased on down the road to The Grove. A run into newlyweds Lamar Odom & Khloe Kardashian turned our heads, it was MJ's "This Is It" that knocked us out! WOW! The Genius of Michael Jackson on the big screen is a MUST SEE! And Shareen was first in line... just to make sure we didn't have any worries with seating. And we didn't. But I was right behind her... just in case. LOL! Ev's beau Gary even joined us just before the film started... and we were able to save him a seat. But don't get it twisted: the place was packed! I must go back!

ANT IS RADIO RAHEEM

Michael Jackson's "This Is It" is a THRILLER but look who's BAD in this photo. My phone voice/text mailbox and FB message box were overflowing with those of you who saw Ant on "The Wendy Williams Show" today. She invited Ant and his fellow colleagues to showcase their 'alter egos'. Ant is RADIO RAHEEM from "Do The Right Thing". AWESOME, right?


ED ROEBUCK GOODBYE PARTY (OR SEE YOU IN A-T-L)

My friend Ed Roebuck invited me to his going-away party in Beverly Hills. He's leaving L.A. for Atlanta. Lots of good folks were in the house - including Norwood who I finally got to meet and with whom I got to engage in an awesome conversation - about Michael Jackson (Norwood and I have many mutual friends). Everybody was sad to see Ed go, but so happy for him as he takes this big step into his WHAT'S NEXT? Also in the house: new friend, "Eyebrow King" Damone Roberts. He reported to me - HOT OFF THE PRESSES - that he's partnering with Disney which will install his franchise into its parks - so he can makeover little girls into Princess Tiana, the first African American, animated lead in Disney film, "The Princess and The Frog". Love the synergy of this since I had the luxury of hosting the event that unveiled the voice of Anika Noni-Rose and her alter-ego Princess Tiana - the incarnation that will actually greet little girls and boys in the Disney parks: 

"...THIS DREAM IS FOR ALL OF US. THIS ONE CAN BE REAL..."

 

. CONGRATS DAMONE! WILL MISS YOU, EDWARD!

R.I.P. SOUPY SALES

By the way, R.I.P. SOUPY SALES. Brought my family many laughs and I had the chance to interview him and produce an award-winning-feature on him with Al Roker in the late '90s at NYC's Friar's Club. His passing triggered that long-forgotten, but treasured, moment.
 

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!