A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

Finale

COMING OFF OF A THREE-DAY WEEKEND into THE EXTENDED GRAND FINALE of #MOTOWNMAY from 7P until AROUND-MIDNIGHT at “Billie’s Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley”!

 LIFE OF RILEY needs a BREAK! LOL! But no time this week! Well, Ant and our family of friends did find some time to trek down to Metutchen, NJ for our “annual karaoke bash” that friends Danielle and Bernard host so generously at their beautiful home! Thanks guys!

BUT FOR THOSE IN ATTENDANCE AT OUR MEMORIAL DAY FETE AND MY ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS? PLEASE JOIN US TONIGHT as our TOP 6 from MOTOWN MAY perform (in the 11p hour after some of the “Motown: The Musical” cast-members wrap their Broadway show and hop uptown to Billie’s Black!). The GRAND FINALE winner will win the opportunity to attend – AND SING - in one June installment of the Broadway show with “the Diana Ross character” from Motown the Musical. Plus, DINNER FOR TWO at BILLIE’S BLACK – ALL during BLACK MUSIC MONTH!

LAST WEEK, OUR ALL STARS included: my friend and NABJ brother Don Champion, reporter for CBS 2. He brought NBC 4 anchor Shiba Russell and a host of other journalist buddies – all of whom enjoyed the night, even performing as a group to the tunes of Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” and “Drunk in Love”. Don and Shiba also did a BRILLIANT “Golden” by Jill Scott.!

WE CONTINUE TO HAVE A BLAST, Y’ALL! And we’ll be up and running JOYFULLY through the end of JUNE 2014! PLEASE come one TUESDAY before our SPRING 2014 SERIES wraps! We’ll likely take a break over the summer and look to a FALL SERIES come SEPTEMBER! #motownmay #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

Co-Host Boot Camp

WHAT A BOOT CAMP FOR CO-HOSTING A SHOW! WHEW! - http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-23-05-6482. Shout out to my friend Lola Ogunnaike and the AMAZING TEAM over at Arise Entertainment 360! They are kind to invite me in - from time to time - to do Broadway and pop culture segments! But I got a call Monday morning that would change the LIFE OF RILEY - in a moment's notice! I was given the 11th hour opportunity to fill-in for her co-host Shannon Lanier as he covered The Cannes International Film Festival... and SO IT WAS! (THANKS TO YOU, SHANNON, AS WELL!). They held my hand as I jumped right into the mix of teleprompter reads; in-studio interviews and demos; and more - including: comedian/actor Tracy Morgan (who was a HOOT and so KIND) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6jMa-V87Fk&feature=share&list=UUiNTlttMzKDVAOTJBtPENPQ; Broadway’s Bobby Steggert from Mothers and Sons on Broadway - ; Dominic Adams from Devious Maids - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN8oFA-tGTo&feature=share&list=UUiNTlttMzKDVAOTJBtPENPQ&index=1;

celebrity blogger Necole Bitchie.com and Barbet Smith of Lifetime's Million Dollar Shopper - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnETNj8mFqg&list=UUiNTlttMzKDVAOTJBtPENPQ&feature=share&index=2; and so much more - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceP1AKRc640&list=UUiNTlttMzKDVAOTJBtPENPQ&feature=share&index=3! Here’s Thursday: http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-22-05-6467. We had singer KEM on; Actor John Douglas Thompson and Gordon Edelstein – Star and Director of Off-Broadway play “Satchmo At The Waldorf” – a look at the iconic jazz trumpet player Louis Armstrong – a wonderful one-man play with music: http://youtu.be/UiIhbPlZL2c; and acclaimed author Dinaw Mengestu, whose latest novel “All Our Names” is getting raves: http://youtu.be/m-j5i5uQVIw. PLUS, I taped a MEMORIAL DAY special that will be on MONDAY and a CANNES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL special (from the NYC studio) that was on over the WEEKEND! Here’s Wednesday’s show: http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-21-05-6449 – including a fun HOT TOPICS segment; an interview with Mali Music, my Savannah homeboy! Mali Music is promoting his new album “Mali,” out June 17th. And Mali Music performed his hit single “Beautiful” - http://youtu.be/TRjRSS8t-H4.  Savannah-homeboy to Savannah-homeboy, we hit it off! http://www.malimusicofficial.com/  

https://www.facebook.com/malimusicnote  

https://twitter.com/malimusic  We also did an interview with another cool brother Kofi Siriboe, who portrays the role of Tyler, a new student from Rwanda who is spending a year studying in America in MTV’s Awkward, though Kofi Siriboe is Ghanas Own Kofi Siriboe. FROM TUESDAY’S SHOW, see here: http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-20-05-6423.  ARISE 360 is normally my stop for “pop culture segments”: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1TUj2SKo8ntR2D6QVDcQLwdykzvhtzbK.  Now, for this fill-in run, it’s a range of segments – including a WORKOUT SEGMENT! LOL! Here’s a clip: http://youtu.be/BDSFV2hUiMQ  TOSSES TO CANNES: http://youtu.be/zj5E8iLEf6U.  FUN! FROM HOT TOPICS to HOT SAUCE, we’ve been having a blast! http://bit.ly/lor_arisew  CentricTV will be syndicating Arise360 in Fall 2014 #Arise360

Fashionlinkvi Fashion Weekend is HERE!

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM Fashionlinkvi Fashion Weekend on LIFE OF RILEY:

"One of the countries hottest TV personalities and producers, Patrick L. Riley, is coming to St. Croix for Fashionlinkvi Fashion Weekend in St. Croix May 30-June 2nd!!! Patrick Riley will be covering the event for his blog and other media outlets. Excited to have you Patrick!"

LIFE OF RILEY is EXCITED to be a part!!! #fashionlinkvi

COME ONE, COME ALL! Log on to www.fashionlinkvi.com for details!

BUT HERE'S SOME OF WHAT WILL GO DOWN:

* FVIFW is a fashion event featuring celebrity performers and models, fashion designers and the Best Plus Size Fashion Show in the Caribbean!

* The mission of FashionlinkVI Fashion Weekend is to introduce fashion tourism to St. Croix and the Virgin Islands.

* The objective of FVIFW is to showcase local fashion related talent and attract fashion affiliated businesses to America's Paradise.

* Promoting pride in our Caribbean heritage by showcasing the diversity and similarity in our culture through the art of fashion. Participants from U.S. mainland and other countries are welcome.

* 2014 marks the first year of FVIFW, a vision that finally comes to life after numerous years of tedious planning. FVIFW is a yearly event in St. Croix, and the Virgin Islands where guests will witness fashion and paradise collide.

* Along with extravagant fashion shows, guests will enjoy a variety of fashion industry related workshops, celebrity guest appearances and extraordinary entertainment. It is the goal of FVIFW to attract much deserved attention to the beautiful island of St. Croix, USVI while showcasing the brilliant local and national fashion designers involved.

* Fashionlinkvi Fashion Weekend is not just a regular annual fashion event, FVIFW is a weekend getaway filled with entertainment for everyone. Vendors will have an opportunity to sell products or provide service at some of the events.

* Our extraordinary Weekend begins with a press reception on Friday May 30, 2014 (invitation only) followed by a preview party; featuring local entertainers, host by a local celebrity.

* Celebrity artist and guest will have an opportunity to see what we have to offer in the field of fashion.

* Designers, hairstylist, makeup artist, and models of all sizes are welcome to register online to be a part of our preview party, with an opportunity to work alongside celebrities at the main event. www.fashionlinkvi.com  

* Saturday May 31, 2014 We want you to look and feel beautiful inside and out beginning the morning with Yoga and Zumba by the sea, join us at our host hotel “The Palms at Pelican Cove” and relax to the sound of the sea with a Yoga class or rejuvenate your body with a Zumba class. Brunch will be served before our scheduled health is wealth seminar, followed by a hair and skin care seminar, facilitated by celebrity guest from Denver, California and New York.

* Following the seminar enjoy a cultural experience with local performers or take Scenic Island tour of St. Croix in a safari or jeep.

* Get ready for the main event later the evening with the best plus size fashion show in the Caribbean featuring, stateside and local plus models and actor/recording artist Leon Robinson, model Griselle Grayson and recording artist Eliah; Chenese Lewis, the first Miss Plus U.S.A. will host the main event.”

* Designers from Denver, BVI, St.Thomas by way of Orlando, St. Croix by way or New Jersey will be featured as our Divas take it to the runway.

* Last but not least, the swim wear and T- shirt fashion show is scheduled for June 1, 2014, featuring models of all sizes, followed by the after party on the beach host by “Leon “ featuring the Soca Diva “Jadine “from Montserrat by way of New York.

* Closing FVIFW until next year with a VIP cocktail party (Invitation only)

* Purchase your tickets online at www.fashionlinkvi.com

* Read more about event and featured celebrities, checkout our video on the home page showcasing a few local models with a sneak peek of St. Croix.

* Purchase your airline tickets and book your room now!!! Hope to see you there. May 30- June 1, 2014.

General Information

Log on to www.fashionlinkvi.com for details

DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON

Drums Along The Hudson is this Sunday! It’s FREE! And you know, I always sing its praises! My friend Carl Nelson was on ABC 7’s “Here and Now” to discuss it:

http://7online.com/65916/. FOR MORE INFO: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/drums-along-the-hudson

 

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL DISCOUNTS

 

 

MOTOWN MAY – WEEK 2

 

I'M NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE Motown the Musical CONTEST at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul for Billie's Black PRESENTS All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley!

 

BUT MOTOWN IS FOREVER and MY LOVE FOR MOTOWN is ENDLESS, hence my OPENING HOMAGE for Week 2 of #MOTOWNMAY –  http://youtu.be/UX1ncAQVRmg

 

TWO MORE WEEKS until the Grand Finale where the winner will win the opportunity to sing on the Broadway stage with Diana Ross from Motown the Musical.

 

For more info, click on my blog, A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RILEY, at http://bit.ly/lor_blog 

 

BUT IN A NUTSHELL: ONE MORE WEEK to qualify! So, WHO’S COMING OUT WITH US NEXT WEEK? Sign up begins at 7pm with the competition taking place between 9-10pm. TWO MORE WINNERS (OF SIX TOTAL) FROM NEXT TUESDAY WILL ADVANCE TO THE FINALE ON TUESDAY, MAY 27TH. So come join us for Billie's Black Bar Lounge & Restaurant Presents: All Star Karaoke w/ Patrick Riley. #motownmay #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

 

CONGRATS to ALL STAR KARAOKE faithful (from our prior venue), Danny Rey, on his stellar “Neither One of Us Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye” by Gladys Knight & The Pips: http://youtu.be/FF4jeVmqRRs. HE DID THAT!

 

RUNNERE UP: my friend Derrick Prwtch Leblanc, whose "Hello" by Lionel Richie was stunning! Check out my YOUTUBE channel for other selects from ALL STAR KARAOKE: http://www.youtube.com/user/patarack2010

 

BUT OUR ALL STAR for the night? My friend, Bravo's own MICA HUGHES from Bravo’s BLOOD, SWEAT, & HEELS! She attended with her man, Terry Lyon, on her arm. She sang many things… and it was all SWEET:  http://youtu.be/_hQkBhgANZ4

 

Special shout out to my ALL STAR FRIENDS CBS2 reporter/anchor Don Champion; artist Cynthia Burgos; Morehouse brother Michael K. Watts; publicist/producer of the most stylish note, George T. Wilson; and more for coming by to join us! And I'm so GLAD my girlfriend Dawn performed! MY GIRL!

 

Please come out and join us for BILLIE’S BLACK PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE WITH PATRICK L. RILEY!

We are having a BLAST!

 

This series runs EVERY TUESDAY from 7p-10p until the end of June.

 

GREENHOPE

 

CHECK THIS OUT: http://youtu.be/dQDVyZhz3Qs

 

Greenhope Services for Women commissioned me to narrate and produce its latest highlight video which highlights all the great work the agency is doing to help women involved with the criminal justice system who are struggling with substance abuse to reclaim their lives, reunite with their families, and rebuild their communities. Special shout out to my media partners:

 

Director of Photography James Michael Curry with Mindfile Multimedia, Inc. - http://www.mindfilemultimedia.com/  and Director/Editor Mitch Jacobson with Category-5 Studios - http://www.category5studios.com/.  These two gentlemen are often my A-TEAM collaborators for recurring clients OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network (Oprah: Where Are They Now?) and The Wendy Williams Show among others. For more info on Patrick L. Riley, check out blog, A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RILEY, which can be found at http://bit.ly/lor_blog - http://bit.ly/lor_greenh

 

SPECIAL PROJECT

 

Working on a new project. Stay tuned...

 

9/11 MUSEUM

My Tony-award-winning friend LaChanze, whose husband Calvin died when Tower One was struck, sang an extremely moving rendition of “Amazing Grace” at the opening of the 9/11 Museum.  The emotion of LaChanze’s performance was truly touching, and was a perfect, somber way to honor her husband and all of the other victims. I’ve had the chance to know LaChanze since that time. She is what “pop culture” and “possibilities” in “The Life of Riley” are all about. I LOVE YOU and the girls, LACHANZE, CELIA, and ZAYA! #neverforgotten SEE the clip NBC Nightly News did: http://www.nbcnews.com/watch/nightly-news/a-moment-of-amazing-grace-at-9-11-museum-dedication-257079363753

 

HOLLER IF YOU HEAR ME

Shout out to MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL marketing outreach diva Marcia Pendelton – my dear friend for inviting me out to a wonderful preview event for an upcoming Broadway HIT [I’ve claimed it]! Marcia is always making sure I’m in the place to be – like the Opening Night of Motown: The Musical: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ&feature=share&list=PL1TUj2SKo8nvZ9A3Ah0NKuFI3BWM5aqru and as she has just booked another Broadway show to market, this evening was no exception for Marcia ensuring I was in yet another PLACE TO BE (Shout out to MOTOWN as her #motownmay sponsor for “Billie’s Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley”: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/). It was a press event at legendary Sardi’s Restaurant – promoting the breakthrough musical HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME – based on the poetry and lyrics of Tupac Shakur. The show is directed by one of my early mentors from the AUC, Kenny Leon – late ‘70s Clark College grad who directed me on Clark and Morehouse’s stages when I was a student there in the ‘90s. Now, he is prolific Broadway director extraordinary whose current work “Raisin on the Sun” is one of The Great White Way’s big shows this season. It picked up FIVE nominations – including one for Kenny as Director. HOLLER is written by Todd Kreidler, and starring another familiar player from my AUC past, poet/actor Saul Williams, my Morehouse brother (same years): www.SaulWilliams.com. Also in the cast: Tony winner Tonya Pinkins and a friend I’ve now gotten the chance to know via Broadway: Saycon Segbloh (http://SayconSegbloh.com/ - TWITTER @sayconsengbloh). I got to interview her during her FELA! run and her “Motown: The Musical” run! SHE’S THE CREAM OF THE CROP! HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME will begin performances on May 29, 2014 and open June 19, 2014 at the Palace Theatre (1564 Broadway at 47th Street) – home to where MOTOWN MUSE, Diana Ross, snagged a special TONY AWARD for her “An Evening with Diana Ross”, which broke box office records in the legendary venue. Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster at www.Ticketmaster.com  or by calling 877-250-2929. Also stay tuned to LIFE OF RILEY (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/) for DISCOUNT CODES and other info on the show – also reachable via www.HollerIfYaHearMe.com; on TWITTER, via @HollerBway; and on FACEBOOK, via: https://www.facebook.com/HollerBway. 

 

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL DISCOUNTS

   

 

 

 

 

“Motown to Def Jam”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, Motown has been on my brain of late: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. And even more of the label’s legacy continues to sprinkle itself all over the world – from Paris where Miss Ross did a tour-de-force performance at the Louvre this week... to HARLEM where my friend Souleo for invited me to be a tour guide for his “Motown to Def Jam” Artcrawl Harlem gallery tour for African-American Music Appreciation Month. The project is a first I’ve been asked to do and the first in which four Harlem art galleries feature over 40 visual artists. Each of them created especially commissioned pieces inspired by songs from the Chess; Stax; Motown; Philadelphia International and Def Jam Records catalogs. THE BEST CONCEPT EVER, right? AND I GOT TO BE A PART OF IT! This past Saturday, ArtCrawl Harlem  presented the kickoff—a four-hour trolley bus tour to each gallery led by expert guides including media veteran Flo Anthony, historian John T. Reddick, arts renaissance man, Walter Rutledge, and me. I was most excited to pop by Harlem gallery SOL (as run by my Morehouse and Morehouse College Glee Club brother Gregory Caldwell). That space was dedicated to Def Jam Records – including work by dear friends Derek Fordjour (another Morehouse brother and my girlfriend LaChanze’s husband): http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/1/27/black-tales.html and Dianne Smith about whom I’ve written much in “…the Life of Riley…”: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/6/15/welcome-back-into-my-life-again.html. THANK YOU, SOL: https://www.facebook.com/TheSolStudio  and all of our participating galleries. The day culminated with a dinner gala at Broadway Housing Communities’ Rio Galleries featuring special performances by R&B songstress, Meli’sa Morgan, Annette Taylor 2013 winner of The Howard Stern Subway Talent Contest, bass virtuoso Lawrence Wilson... and teenage jazz sensation, Solomon Hicks paying tribute to the legendary labels through song. One of the highlights of the exhibition was the opportunity to see the visual arts debut of Aanisah Hinds, daughter of Grammy-winning singer Macy Gray who attended the event in motherly support for her baby girl. In a press piece advancing this event, Hinds notes that this project is her chance to let the world know that talent runs deep in the family beyond music. “I’ve been painting for five years now and I’m just at a point where I feel like people other than my art teachers should see my work,” says the 18-year-old emerging artist. “I mean what is art if there’s no one to see it? So Motown to Def Jam is the perfect platform for me to share my work and perspective on life. Plus this project is significant because it appreciates the history of our music.” The exhibition runs until July 26 with a series of free youth tours, gallery talks and more. PLUS, A LITTLE ON MOM MACY GRAY: She will perform at the new NYC venue SubCulture. On June 19th and 20th, she joins acclaimed jazz composer David Murray and his Infinity Quartet for “Stomping and Singin’ the Blues” – a showcase that marries blues to pop to soul to jazz. THANKS AGAIN, SOULEO whose weekly column, Harlem Arts Alliance Presents: On the “A” w/Souleo, covers the intersection of the arts, culture and entertainment scene in Harlem and beyond. Souleo is the founder and president of event/media content production company, Souleo Enterprises, LLC. THANKS SOULEO!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MORE MOTOWN THE MUSICAL

 

 

 

 

Was able to break-away from my MANY-TO-DOs recently for a FAB lunch of Virgil’s BBQ and more with Bonnie Newman Davis – my NABJ sister friend; iconic print journalist; and endowed professor of journalism at North Carolina A&T. She and her sister were in town to see Motown The Musical – so I had to stop by last night and welcome them in (along with my opening night highlight video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ). Then, got a quick visit from my former CNBC mates and friends for life.  Berlinda Garnett (now big producer at Fox’s Good Day Philadelphia) and music manager, enthusiast, and all-around great guy Miles Anthony Williams. And foot care specialist, Dr. Maasi J. Smith popped by too (http://drmaasi.com/).  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HARLEM SHAKE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The HARLEM SHAKE opening was a BLAST! PLEASE SUPPORT it! AND LIKE: https://www.facebook.com/harlemshakenyc CONGRATS to all my many HARLEM friends and associates who are responsible for uptown’s latest SPOT! AND WHAT A CROWD at its GRAND OPENING! Inside, there  is an old-school counter from which you order your comfort selects – including burgers, dogs, chicken sandwiches, etc. – all of which you can wash down with an assortment of regional sodas – like Vernor’s Ginger Ale, Mexican Coke, and Dublin Cherry Lime Soda. The milkshakes are hand-made and made with New York Organic Valley whole milk and organic Blue Marble ice cream. AND OF COURSE, there are many other sweets!

 

 

 

 

J ROME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Legendary stylist and TV personality Phillip Bloch invited us to his Manhattan apartment for a summer evening set! Great food and friends in the house – including the great PR, marketing, and management folks from the SMEG – in the house with their client J. Rome who you should recall as the winner of ABC’s hit show “Duets”. He’s ready to embark on his career: http://youtu.be/gLdZOmPJdeM. CONGRATS, J. ROME! GREAT TO MEET YOU! Wonderful set, Phillip!

 

 

 

 

CHEF KENNY’S EAT FOR LIFE! RE-IMAGE HEALTHY

 

 

 

 

Shout out to my friend Ulysses Carter and SMEG/Savvy Marketing Entertainment Group! They invited me out to Chef Kenny’s Eat for Life! Re-Imagine Healthy: An Evening of Art, Music & Food Tasting Event. Chef Kenny Minor is a graduate of the Art Institute; Kenny’s career highlights include sharpening his culinary skills under chef Daniel “Chino” Parilla of the notable Five9th restaurant in New York City. He has been featured on an episode of Chopped on the Food Network and catered many private events for top celebrity clientele. He has an upcoming feature on the Bravo network channel this fall. Kenny’s food styling has been featured in Hampton Magazine “Restaurants”. Chef Kenny’s accomplishments reflect his passion and dedication to the culinary craft. Cooking has become the launching pad for Chef Kenny's message of good health and Eating for life! THE BACKDROP: La Maison D’ Art Gallery AT 259 West 132nd Street near Frederick Douglass Blvd (8th Ave). We all experienced traditional southern cuisine with ingredients remixed and re-imagined through the tasty and healthy techniques of Chef Kenny.

 

 

 

 

PAUL WHARTON

 

 

 

 

While wrapping up my day on a special project with recurring client BET, I got a call from Paul Wharton – inviting me over to his new Manhattan apartment for a quick cocktail with a few of his friends. After wrapping his turn in BRAVO’s “Real Housewives of DC”, Paul Wharton is now still representing on many levels: DC50 show “Paul Wharton Style” primary among them. Next up: a skin-care line; lifestyle-guru books; TV production work; and more! WELCOME TO NYC, PAUL! http://paulwhartonstyle.com/

 

 

 

 

20 FEET FROM STARDOM

 

 

 

 

‘20 Feet From Stardom’ is a new documentary that explores the good, bad, and ugly of being a background singer. The wonderfully-curated selection of background singers includes Darlene Love, Lisa Fisher, Tata Vega, Patti Austin, and wonderful nods to perhaps the most famous background singers, Florence Ballard of The Supremes; Luther Vandross; Cissy Houston; Sheryl Crow; and a host of others who are UNSUNG but have been SINGING for a long time. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: http://twentyfeetfromstardom.com/.

 

 

 

 

YOU ARE NOT ALONE (AGAIN)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to my friend Terrie M. Williams (Founder/President of the Terrie Williams Agency & author of "Black Pain: It Just Looks like we’re not Hurting” and more)!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She invited an impressive group and me out to the Arthur Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in HARLEM to see YOU ARE NOT ALONE and then to comment on a panel, which also included:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lee Daniels Academy Award nominated film director for the movie Precious & The Butler); Antoine Craigwell (journalist and producer of You Are Not Alone); Nathan Hale Williams (film and television producer, and entertainment attorney); and Tanya Odums (Assistant Principal).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The documentary explores Black gay men dealing with depression. It is a combination of powerful, heart-wrenching, and poignant as it marries professional opinions provided by mental health professionals, academics, and religious leaders (Christian and Islam) to beautifully-woven docu-dramatized iconography (as directed pointedly by Stanley Bennett Clay).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’d seen the film a few months ago on an invitation from my BFF Sidra Smith (Producer, Free Angela – Shola Lynch documentary on Angela Davis). She and our mutual friend Stanley gathered a group at Sidra’s Harlem pad. Though Stanley could not be in attendance last night, I must say he is the Writer & Director of YOU ARE NOT ALONE. This, as he is directing the play B-Boy Blues which is launching in DC June 26th. Stanley is my hero (as actor and author), but he too has been a renowned film director since the late nineties, beginning with his feature "Ritual" which won the Jury Award at the 2000 Pan African Film Festival.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With regards to "You Are Not Alone," he directed and put together a beautiful film – including the dramatic scenes; the interviews; the music; the editing; casting and working with the actors; cinematography; etc--and let me tell you: He made one cohesive and IMPORTANT film. Was great to SHOUT STANLEY OUT accordingly last night! Worth also noting that “YOU ARE NOT ALONE” is the brainchild of Guyanese-born, double NYABJ-Award-winner/journalist/national gay mental health activist Antoine B. Craigwell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THANKS TO TERRIE WILLIAMS and Ryan for inviting me out to be a panelist for "TERRIE WILLIAMS Presents: You Are Not Alone". GREAT NIGHT! Black gay men dealing with depression should know, like all of us, we are nothing without our emotional and mental health. Declaring who we are is healthy—not doing so is a very painful experience, and no one should ever have to live this way. Thank you so much for your support of this important film.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RENAISSANCE BRUNCH FOR PRIDE

 

 

 

 

    THANKS to those of you who have been popping by some of the things that LIFE OF RILEY is posting and sharing for your ENTERTAINMENT and AMUSEMENT - especially the folks in NEW YORK CITY! Well, if you know how LIFE OF RILEY rolls around this time, you know that PRIDE is involved! To kick off PRIDE WEEK, I'll be supporting my friends Artie Thompson, Nathan Hale Williams, and their special guest host/BFF Sidra Smith (Producer, Free Angela & All Political Prisoners) at The Hudson Bond for the 2nd installment of The Renaissance Brunch Series! I told you how much of a blast it was the last time with MISS Bevy Smith as guest host ( BRAVO, Fashion Queens & 'Dinner with Bevy'). This Pride Week Kick-Off Event takes place this SATURDAY, JUNE 22nd from 1p-4p at The Hudson Bond - 215 West 40th Street @ 7th Avenue - 212-719-1200. TO MY PEEPS (and you know who you are), COME ON OUT!: http://renaissancebrunch622.eventbrite.com/.

1pm - Cocktail Hour (by ALCARAN TEQUILA)

2pm - Brunch Served (Promptly)

HERE'S THE MENU:

Corn Bread

Scrambled Eggs

Sausage Links

... Cheddar Jalapeno Grits

Home Fries

Shrimp w/ Spicy Cajun Gravy

Seafood cake w/ side of Hollandaise Sauce

Grilled Chicken and vegetables w/ Chicken Gravy

Caesar Salad


Cocktails following Brunch

GET TICKETS HERE: http://renaissancebrunch622.eventbrite.com/


OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:

* Business Cards 2 Win Giveaways

* FEATURING:

Album Listening Party & Signing for

Gordon Chambers'

Latest CD

SINCERE

www.gordonchambers.com

* Music by DJ Poison Ivy



$45 - (Before 6/20)

$55 - (Before 6/22)



http://renaissancebrunch622.eventbrite.com/ 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SYLVESTER PRIDE

 

 

 

 

You folks know that Sylvester is a muse for me! In all of his UNSUNG, sang-that-falsetto FABULOUSNESS, I continue to be moved by the disco ‘queen’s legacy! Broadway’s own Anthony Wayne brings YOU MAKE ME FEEL MIGHTY REAL: A SYLVESTER CONCERT next Sunday, June 30, 2013 at (le) poisson rouge: 158 Bleecker Street (www.FABULOUSSYLVESTER.com). Here’s a clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V_Ri7a0CyQ. Last night, after a stretch of day (including a really sad celebration of a 22-year-old Yonkers’ woman’s life – RIP Paige and WE LOVE YOU, CYNTHIA), my AMAZING GRACE, Nichole Andrews, Ant, and I popped by our watering hold NATIVE for a bite and some bubbly. I was EXCITED to run into Pippin’s Anthony Wayne and his partner Kendrall Bowman – both of whom invited me to the much-buzzed-about YOU MAKE ME FEEL MIGHTY REAL: A Sylvester Concert. READ MORE ABOUT THEM HERE: http://broadwayblack.com/anthony-wayne-kendrell-bowman-you-make-me-feel-mighty-real/. Kendrall is the Creative Director/Costume Designer for the show – presenting under the name AnthonyKen LLC. Kendrall is a celebrity stylist – clients including recording artists K. Michelle; Kanye West; David Banner; Lauriana Mae; etc. The show also features Broadway’s Anastacia McCleskey (PRISCILLA; Hair) and Jacqueline B. Arnold (PRISCILLA) as The Two Tons of Fun/Weather Girls. Backed by the Sylvester Singers (Antoine L. Smith (MEMPHIS) / Rashidra Scott (Sister Act; Avenue Q.)) and a FULL LIVE Band led by Drummer Jason Patterson, this show I’m told is GUARANTEED to have you dancing in the aisles. I’m otherwise booked next Sunday, but MUST find some way to make it work as I’m SO HAPPY it is back (MANY FRIENDS have been telling me it is a MUST SHEE SHOW)! CONGRATS, GUYS! RIP SYLVESTER! WE SPEAK YOUR NAME, OH LEGENDARY ONE! Why don’t y’all come as well? NEW YORK CITY TICKET LINKS - 7PM SHOW: http://www.lepoissonrouge.com/lpr_events/fabulous-one-more-time-a-sylvester-concert-starring-anthony-wayne-june-30th-2013/ AND 10PM SHOW: http://www.lepoissonrouge.com/lpr_events/fabulous-one-more-time-a-sylvester-concert-starring-anthony-wayne-june-30th-2013-late-show/. LIVE EXCLUSIVE PROMO VIDEO LINK from Prior Le Poisson Rouge NYC Concert: http://youtu.be/9V_Ri7a0CyQ. The “MAKING OF” VIDEO LINK: http://youtu.be/q4nM3aG5rWw. Audio Clips: CLIP #1: http://snd.sc/TDkrRD AND CLIP #2: http://snd.sc/PXsbsC. FOR MORE INFO: www.fabuloussylvester.com. PHOTO INFORMATION:
Photography: Nathan Johnson Photography; Hair: Izzy Decauwert; Costume Designer: Kendrell Bowman.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RIP JEAN STAPLETON

 http://youtu.be/WUoJvhQrbjk Edith Bunker from All in the Family is how we will ALL remember this GENIUS of an ACTRESS. But CIRCA 1991 my Morehouse College Glee Club brothers and I got the chance to share the stage with her on Kennedy Center Honors as we all honored Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus’ Conductor and Composer Robert Shaw. We often speak of the glee club’s performance of our signature work, "Betelehemu" – prior to which I got to give a spoken tribute: http://youtu.be/yZF2iK2VOY8. But the final number in the tribute would have us joined by members of the The Choral Arts Society of Washington, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus, the Singing Sailors of the Navy and special guests Silvia McNair and Jean Stapleton (former member of the Collegiate Chorale under the direction of Robert Shaw)! GOD IS GOOD! THANK YOU FOR INTRODUCING US TO JEAN STAPLETON who my brethren Bobby P-Grew reminds me we were all TOO EXCITED to meet (along with Walter Cronkite; Carol Burnett; and many others!).

TV ONE’S “LIFE AFTER”

K2 Pictures invited me to weigh in on three of their “LIFE AFTER” subjects for TV ONE. They seemed to have pulled from my vision board of pop culture muses from the ‘70s – so we had a blast taping those. Was also great to stumble into screenwriter/artist/actress and all-around-RENAISSANCE WOMAN Tina Andrews who was taping some reflections of her own for "Life After". Also, I ran into friend Klay Kane who has been in the pop-culture-expert mix of "Life After" since its inception. I consider it a total honor to be folded into the mix. Stay tuned for more info on all of this. The new season of “LIFE AFTER” starts mid-September – including what of my interviews they will excerpt and sprinkle throughout those episodes.

BROADWAY INSPIRATIONAL VOICES

It was ONE NIGHT ONLY but many NIGHTS in the making: Grammy-Award-nominee Michael McElroy and the Broadway Inspirational Voices' EXPECT THE GREAT performance at Harlem's First Corinthian Baptist Church. AND IT WAS BEYOND BEYOND!!!! Worth noting high up that BIV's management is Entertainment Creative Management AKA childhood BFF Ernest Maynor... and dear friend Kimberly JaJuan...and the fine choir's PR is done by my girl Marcia Pendelton. In attendance, many of Broadway's Tony-Award royalty including Class of 2013's nominees Charl Brown ("Smokey Robinson" in MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL ...as well as the "Berry Gordy", Brandon Victor Dixon) and my fav-for-years-now Billy Porter (in the top-nominated production this year "Kinky Boots" - including a nod for him); Marva Hicks led BIV brilliantly with "Jesus Can Work It Out"; the-LEGENDARY Leslie Uggams; another industry buddy Angela Robinson who stars in my recurring client OWN's new hit via Tyler Perry: "The Haves and Have Nots" (which debuted to redefining numbers for network start-up OWN); Tony darling Adrianne Lenox (whose credit in "Double Platinum" with MY MISS ROSS and Brandy I always have to note) and singer extraordinnaire a la "The Color Purple" church ladies Virginia A. Woodruff; Erich McMillan - President and Founder of Project 1 Voice which I had the chance to participate in as a narrator in last year's "Amen Corner" (www.project1voice.org).(And look for "Four Little Girls" on September 15th across America (a commemoration of the 50th years since the bombing of the Birmingham church which killed the four African American girls during the strain of the Civil Rights Movement); Disney superstars Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman - the latter of whom helped me win MILLION DOLLAR PASSWORD a few years ago (WAS GREAT TO RECCONNECT WITH HER since 2009: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/7/9/aint-no-mountain-high-enough.html); and a host of other FAB and FAMILIAR FACES from the repository of BROADWAY and all of the associated industries of which I am a part! Tony-award-winning actress Phylicia Rashad is Chairperson of BIV's Board of Directors. #missedthechoirinchurch P.S. Afterwards, many of us gathered at NYC's Public Authority bowling alley to TOAST Broadway's BEST, my friend Norm Lewis who - just last year - was Tony-nominated for his role in "Porgy and Bess". Visit BIV at www.broadwayinspirationalvoices.org. Special shout out to my brother D'Ambrose Boyd who captured beautiful images from the amazing evening of MUSIC and PRAISE! HALLELUJAH! AMEN! LOVE! LIGHT!

MOTOWN TO DEF JAM: AN ART GALLERY TOUR

Of course, these last few months have been all about MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. Meanwhile, I am super excited that the fabulous diva, Meli'sa Morgan will join the Motown to Def Jam: An Art Gallery Tour (curated by Sou L Eo) on Saturday June 15. Meli'sa Morgan will perform live at the reception! We announced last week that I am joining the tour-guide-team for the special day. During the tour, I am going to weigh in with some good pop culture anecdotes on the ICONIC music and artists of OUR TIME and OUR HISTORY! Purchase your tickets here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/366026 For more information and to purchase tickets please visit: www.artcrawlharlem.com.

RUTHY VALDEZ’S ORANGE 67 “SWALLOW”

Was nice to pop into Harlem for a little “Amy Ruth” (and catch-up chat and chew with Morehouse brother Mario) preceded by the chance to meet fine artist Ruthy Valdez @ruthy_valdez. She showcased and sold her artwork at my friend Carl Nelson’s Drums Along The Hudson event which I had a hand in co-hosting the other week: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/5/20/rain-for-flowers.html. You’ll recall, Ant sold one of his masterpieces. Well, 67 Orange Street (TWITTER - @67OrangeStreet) is the back-drop for Ruthy’s latest show “Swallow” which compliments the speak-easy’s finest signature cocktails (and food menu) to a T. We also got the chance to meet artist Ruben Zambrano whose work can be seen on INSTAGRAM via @rubenz_art. Shout out to 67 Orange owner Karl Franz Williams and one of his mixologists, Garrett Lee Hendricks (friend and actor). His “Color Purple” cocktail is WONDERFUL!

KARAOKE IN METUCHEN

Shout out to Bernard Jablonka and Danielle Andrea Simone Knight on hosting our ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY KARAOKE BLAST! Backdrop: their beautiful home in Metuchen, New Jersey! They - as usual - attract friends and family from FAR & NEAR - including Bernard's cousin (and friend) from The Netherlands! GREAT FOOD (homemade THAI); GREAT DRINKS; and GREAT ENERGY (folks singing and friends coming together ONE MORE TIME)! THANKS FOLKS for the GOOD TIMES! XOXOOXOX

MEMORIAL DAY WITH MERRELL

Shout out to Merrell for getting those of us who were still in NYC (or back in NYC by Memorial Day Monday) together for delicious food (shrimp, chicken, burgers, rips, and more);great entertainment (or enjoyable fare for a room full of ‘opinionated’ folks! LOL!): HBO Film “Behind the Candelabra” – the story of LIBERACE (which I call the “Mommie Dearest” of our time! NO SHADE! It’s really good… and what an AWESOME cast); and a FUN ROOM of our usual suspects and some FUN surprise guests! ALWAYS A GOOD TIME with Merrell about whom I’m ALWAYS yapping because I’m so PROUD of my Georgia homebody! @makeupbymerrell is Wendy Williams' makeup artist and cosmetics icon his own right in the industry. He is quite the muse du jour for me as he takes his brand to the next level. #makeupbymerrell

VISIT OAKLAND

My friend from the National Association of Black Journalists Kim Bardakian is Director of PR & Partnerships for "Visit Oakland" (visitoakland.org) and while in town to discuss various story angles about Oakland (cuisine, arts, citywide renaissance), she met up with some of us Lounge 48. WSJ's Lee Hawkins; fellow NYABJ Trailblazer Bob Anthony, and dear NABJ friend Neal Scarbrough. I also met a host of new journalists I'd not met before.

BOBBY ROACHE AND ANDY WARHOL

Was great to hang out with my friend and brother from another mother Bobby Roache at his boo Dolshe’s exclusive sample sale for her clothing and shoe business Olcay Gulsen www.olcaygulsen.com in The Decker Building in Union Square West – sacred pop culture ground: Andy Warhol had his Factory inside this building from 1968 through 1973. It is also where Valerie Solanas shot Warhol and art critic and curator Mario Amaya in 1968. IF POP CULTURE IS AROUND, I’LL SNIFF IT OUT! LOL!

ENDLESS LOVE

Congrats to Ant’s BFF Manivone and her new husband, our friend Taha! SO HAPPY FOR YOUR GUYS on marriage and a NEW CHAPTER in your collective life of LOVE!

 

NICK ASHFORD

 

The world cries a tear for NICK ASHFORD!

 

But what a LEGACY he’s left behind – including many of my DIANA ROSS’ greatest hits – from “Reach Out & Touch (Somebody’s Hand) to “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to “The Boss” to “Remember Me” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMc_B7ey5l0) … and SO MANY MORE!

 

THANK GOD, I even got the chance to sing “The Boss” to the song’s composers in December 2009:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbI1qEM_k8k&feature=related. It was a

Harlem tribute that my friends Kevin-Anthony and Darius Booker co-produced. It wasn't my best version, but was the MOST HONORED I've ever felt singing it. On the day his death was announced, I sang a better version of it at "No Parking" KARAOKE for HIM!

 

Sending LOVE & PRAYERFL THOUGHTS to Valerie & the girls. ALL FOR ONE...and ONE FOR ALL!

 

I write of Nick & Val often here on the blog:

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/11/30/entertainment-exclusive-2-get-your-tickets-to-see-pieces-of.html

 

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/11/24/entertainment-exclusive-get-your-tickets-to-see-roy-ayers-an.html

 

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/11/17/la-proved-too-much-for-the-man.html

 

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/3/24/nothing.html

 

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/7/6/love-american-style.html

 

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/5/2/visible-life.html

 

Is always EXCITING to see Nick & Val out on the town! In fact, my dad stumbled into Nick & Val in Detroit's airport Fall 2009! He was so excited (AND KNEW I WOULD BE), he submitted his picture to me for consideration in the blog. LOL

 

ALSO: http://www.pulsebeat.tv/enter/#1 Please check out the following video on the now late/great Nick Ashford by my friend Greg Dunmore!!! pulsebeat.tv & jazzjewels.tv & http://jazzjewels.tv/enter/#1

 

 

BASKETBALL WIVES L.A.

Demands of my current project prevented me from attending his home-going services (re-scheduled after Hurricane Irene swept into town). But I did get to join friends Kevin Anthony, Carl Nelson, Tichina Arnold, and others who invited me to join them at The Sugar Bar for the repast (Valerie Simpson is such a special & strong woman!). This, after my buddy Andy Diaz invited us to join he, his client Tanya Young Williams at her NYC Premiere Party of VH1's hit reality show "Basketball Wives of L.A." at "Tian at the Riverbank". www.vh1.com/shows/basketball_wives_la/series.jhtml My AUC/NABJ sister and friend Jacque Reid was in the house along with a number of other great friends - all singing the praises of Nick Ashford (even singing along at one point) and happy that 'Irene' had passed over. Also in the house: Norwood Young; Marva Hicks; Deborah Gregory; Penwah Phynjuar; and a host of others who came together – for LOVE & LIFE!

 

ESTHER GORDY EDWARDS R.I.P.

 http://www.freep.com/article/20110825/NEWS01/110825040/Motown-remembers-Esther-Gordy-Edwards R.I.P. Esther Gordy Edwards - MOTOWN FOUNDER! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqTGZcoiOPE THIS HOUSE IS BUILT ON A FOUNDATION OF LOVE! Sending LOVE & SYMPATHY to Berry Gordy and family.

PO JOHNSON

Shout out to my new friend PO JOHNSON! Many friends and I got to toast her at a special viewing of LA LA'S FULL COURT LIFE season premiere on VH-1. Café Mezcal was the spot (where we celebrated Jeffrey Williams’ BIG WIN on BRAVO’s “Fashion Show” w/Iman & Isaac Mizrahi; He was in the house too!!). Shout out to her manager, our friend Michelle Sanchez Boyce, and my nephew Herman Riley for joining his old uncle. And as always, good to see the peeps – from KJ Rose to Nelson Boyce to Tracey Smith to Pamela Watson to Cynthia Burgos to Jina Johnson… and many, many more! www.vh1.com/shows/la_las_full_court_life/series.jhtml GO PO!

MINDFILE MULTIMEDIA, INC. 

Amidst another grueling deadline on a special project at BET, I did manage a return to PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT featuring artwork by Lawrence Joyner; Tyson Hall; and Dean Richards. They did a talk about their pieces at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Labor Center. I also got to squeeze in a trek down to my friends James & Lisa Curry’s new business Mindfile Multimedia, Inc. He too is one of my favorite Directors of Photography – having shot many pieces for me. The open house & cocktail social reconnected me to many of my favorite production people – including Dennis and Adam. And I got to meet some cool new friends as well.

DIVAS: SIMPLY SINGING

Anthony Harper & I got to attend DIVAS: SIMPLY SINGING a couple of years ago in L.A. We were personal guests of our friend V Scott Hamilton & Miss Sheryl Lee Ralph herself. Well, it's coming up again & TIX GO ON SALE TODAY: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/190321 SO MANY DIVAS...ALL ON ONE STAGE! TO MY L.A. PEEPS & BEYOND: Let's GO!

HAIR DUES: A NEW MUSICAL

My Morehouse brother Christopher McDonald and I LOVE a good musical. And now he's writing the next great musical. He's currently raising funds for a reading of his new musical! Even a $5 donation helps!!! Even spreading the link helps where others can donate!! http://mim.io/1eb961 GO CHRIS, GO!

SUPERSTAR K3

Remember I auditioned for Superstar K 3!? Just got a viewer note via FB. As it shows in Korea, I have to figure out how to get a link of the episode or my segment. The Korean viewer wrote: "Hi...Yesterday I saw you on SUPERSTAR K3. You're an amazing person! Many Korean people were fascinated by how lovely your voice is...and the couple. Please appear on the next year SUPERSTAR K4 again :) You are amazing!" http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/7/13/best-thing.html ALSO GOT TWEETS from Korea – including: "...Lizontheparade Liz Kim TWEETED: Lizontheparade Liz Kim @patarack I am watching you on SuperStarK3 right now!!
26 Aug THEN TWEETED: @patarack I seriously want to see you once more in season4 UNLESS you get the record deal at the US lol :)..." I'm still trying to get a copy of it! It airs in KOREA! LOL!

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Though in Labor Day Weekend edit bliss, I did manage to squeeze in a little karaoke in and some late supper and cocktails with BFFs – old & new - Tata; Ernest Maynor; Ashley; Cole McDonough; Mike; and Ant. BBQ on 72nd was the spot followed by a pop cultural walk by The Dakota, once-John Lennon’s home in front of which he was shot and killed.

DANIEL

Had a lovely dinner at Daniel on NYC's Tony east side. Haute cuisine and stellar fellowship, courtesy of friends Darryl "Mixologist"...and Hannah Lee (who -
via her company Hanna Lee Communications (www.hannaleecommunications.com and
www.unwindwithwine.com) markets and publicizes for luxury spirits; wines; champagnes; and prosecco). GREAT NIGHT!

 

MARA SCHIAVOCAMPO

 

Everyone knows I LIVE for Mara Schiavocampo. Well, she LIVES for my pop culture analysis in many of her pieces at NBC News/TODAY. At the top of this clip, see a couple of recent impressions from this year & last year: http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickDemoSept2011.mov And my GREATEST HIT: Obama's POUND! Right here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXc6x5JlJuw  http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/1/10/hope-theres-someone.html THANKS MARA!

 

 

ANIKA NONI ROSE

 

LOVE ME SOME Anika Noni Rose! And I got to introduce her in Tampa a couple of years ago when I hosted a big DISNEY event. See an excerpt of it on this link (the final piece): http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickDemoSept2011.mov. She was wonderful! AS ALWAYS... XO http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/8/12/this-dream-is-for-all-of-us-this-one-can-be-real.html

 

 EARTHQUAKE

 

Who felt the earthquake or its tremors? My folks at BET did. And we filed out - along with the rest of the building - onto 57th Street. This, as my HARPO buddy Nate Berkus and his staff and audience too filed out of his show's studio which tapes right across the street. Though the moment passed and our fears subsided, this evacuation did give me the chance to CONGRATULATE NATE on being an Executive Producer on "The Help", which is performing BRILIANTLY at the BOX OFFICE...and which I had the chance to introduce to the National Association of Black Journalists at its annual convention in Philly a few weeks ago! Members of the cast joined us. GO NATE & HAPPY NEW SEASON!

 

YOTEL

 

Before Irene blew us all home, we popped by Yotel rooftop. It was a Friday night for artist Jimmy Black’s GOODBYE SET! Ran into ATL reporter and NABJ sister Michelle Marsh and a host of other friends.

 

MOREHOUSE COLLEGE GLEE CLUB: 100

 

It was Dec. '91. The Morehouse College Glee Club was performing on Kennedy Center Honors: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZF2iK2VOY8. Fast forward to Sept. 30th - Oct. 2nd & join us for a "Celebration of the Glee Club's 100th Year in Song" here in NEW YORK CITY! For more info: http://themwf.org/

 

MLK DEDICATION

 

So the TWO reels I produced for MLK Dedication Weekend along with an AMAZING DREAM TEAM were presented in DC. And though I wasn't there, FEEDBACK says: THUMBS UP; GOOSEBUMPS; & BRAVO! We used Whitney and Mariah's "When You Believe" to score our CIVIL RIGHTS OVERVIEW and Beyonce’s “I Was Here” for the WOMEN. The dedication is now scheduled for October 16th.

 

INSPIRED WORD

 

I got to see two of my NABJ BFFs Amy Simmons and Marcie Eanes – both poets with the most. Marcie’s book “Sensual Sounds” is taking the nation by storm – including NYC where Marcie (and Amy) recited their poetry at “Inspired Word”  http://inspiredwordnyc.blogspot.com/ (at the Nexus Lounge at the 1 and 1 Bar in the East Village). Amy read from her upcoming chat book “High Tea”. We all connected for hugs and coffee. ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO SEE MY LADIES!

 

NINA SIMONE & MICHAEL A. GONZALES

 

Please check out my friend Michael A. Gonzales' cover story on Nina Simone that just came out this week in Wax Poetics. It's a 6,000 word piece on how Nina went from being a regular lounge act to the fiery personality we know today.
http://www.waxpoetics.com/wax-poetics-magazine/issue-48 IT'S REALLY GOOD!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATS, MICHAEL!

 

MOREHOUSE BROTHER: RIP JON ROPER

 

I just found out my Morehouse brother Jon Roper passed away. I'm BLOWN AWAY! We took many classes together - often at CAU media relations dept. He always would say "Pat! I got a part for you in my next movie!" We did get the chance to do a little work together. In this blog, he shared that he was at Miss Ross' historic Central Park Concert. http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/3/14/words-that-people-say.html & http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/ctpost/obituary.aspx?n=jonathan-roper&pid=153270332&fhid=5197

 

KENT STATE ‘90

A final round of edit on my current project (delivering tomorrow) detoured my quick catch-up reunion with friend Victor Parada. We did a minority journalism program at Kent State/Ohio (Karen Paritee; W Russell Robinson) the summer of '90 and - 21 years later - were to have a big drink while he's here in NYC on business from TX. He's back in two weeks. For sure, next time...

 WELCOME BACK, CUZ!

 

Welcome home, CUZ! I LOVE YOU! Elliott Buddah Gray Jr. Happy the GRAY boyz: Christopher Gray; Ernest; et al are BACK TOGETHER AGAIN! And TRUST: someday we'll ALL be together (GLAD we got XMAS in though...). SEE Y'ALL SOON! LUV U Harriet L. Gray!

 

FASHION WEEK & MIGUEL

 

Fashion Week begins in NYC with Fashions Night Out. In the wake of a hectic deadline, I used what energy I had left to support my girl Michelle Sanchez Boyce. She works on the management team of singer Miguel. He performed tonight in SOHO to an audience including Nichole Andrews Shellman; Kiwan Michael Anderson, Michael J. Feeney, Traceye Smith, Erika Munro Kennerly, Angelique Francis, & many more. On another day amidst Fashion Week, Ern, Ant, & I joined my Amazing Grace, Nichole, and friends Resa, Laura, Michelle, Danielle, Erika, & Michelle at "Alvin & Friends". Fun Saturday Night!

 

MORE ART

 

Artist Loft Sunday’s is about to pop off for Ant and our girl Cynthia who is leading a movement called “ARTIST LOFT SUNDAY’S” where in Mt. Vernon, you can see and buy the work of Ant – or Akhenaten, his artist name; Estos; and of course, C. Burgos! It’s this Sunday, September 18^th at 115 South Fourth Avenue/2^nd Floor/Mt. Vernon, NY 10550 from 2pm to 8pm. Come and support the Arts of Mt. Vernon! Their Basquiat tribute is still up in Harlem at the Adam Clayton Powell State Building. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150273229038737.334123.662073736

 

9/11

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/a-letter-from-ground-zero-91101.html REMEMBERING 9/11/01...NEVER FORGOTTEN!

 

      MY WORK    

    Been working faster than the checks can come in (NOT GOOD) & at such a pace, I haven't had a chance to excerpt, demo, & share some of it. This link includes a bit of my red carpet reporting at Power to End Stroke awareness benefit which ran on GMC this summer: http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickDemoSept2011.mov. It's the 2nd clip on the reel. ALSO: Shout out to Sekou Writes who interviewed me on the night I interviewed many at the Power to End Stroke Concert. I delve into my personal testimonial around STROKE. Big UP to Pamela Garmon Johnson; Toiya Lewis Honore; & Sidra Smith for the outlet - including now-VOICE-OVER work on their marketing video. http://simplyrides.com/driveby-interview-patrick-l-riley/