A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

 Good times
These are the good times 

So Ant and I wanted Ern’s birthday after set to be at Sugar Lounge in Red Hook, Brooklyn (http://lounge.sugarlounge.com/). But on his night, we went to our regular spot instead. Still, Ant and I popped by to see what their karaoke night is like (on Wednesdays). I performed my Maxwell’s “This Woman’s Work” for the new audience. Surely, Ant and I will go back. Join us sometime. Afterwards, we went to SPLASH to toast our friend Nathan Hale Williams for his birthday. Of course, he has more than a birthday to celebrate of late. 2010 is off to a great start for he and his business partner Crystal McCrary Anthony’s respective companies iN-Hale Entertainment & Crystal McCrary Anthony Productions.  First, their television show, LEADING WOMEN (formerly Real Life Divas) has been nominated for the NAACP IMAGE AWARD (The same category in which I had the luxury of being LAST YEAR as part of a team that produced a Martin Luther King documentary). Awesome to be nominated. Better to win. And better luck next time for us all. The episodes profiling DR. MAYA ANGELOU and INDIA.ARIE got the OUTSTANDING TELEVISION SHOW - NEWS/INFORMATION nod. And Ant, Ern, and I enjoyed the show after going to Red Robin to pick up a snack and coming back to Ern's place for a low-maintenance night in the wake of yet another blizzard.  MEANWHILE, Nathan and Crystal are also currently taping a new docu-series that will air on the SUNDANCE CHANNEL in August.  This time, however, they're in front of the camera.  The new show chronicles their relationship as business partners and friends as they prepare to make their next film, HOMECOURT ADVANTAGE – based on Crystal and Rita Ewing’s groundbreaking and best-selling novel of the same name. This book really is the first to begin to explore NBA Players and their wives/girlfriends.

Leave your cares behind
These are the good times 

Ant and I had invites to the INDASHIO fall/winter 2010 “red carpet” collection and were on our way to  NYC hotspot TENJUNE to attend. However, a stop by my girlfriend Sidra’s Harlem place inspired us to spend some quality, down time with her. We decided to pop by our boy Brian Palmer’s restaurant Native for a little bite and we ran into my buddy Patrik-Ian Polk who credits himself a New Yorker now. He’s now a singer for Los-Angeles-based band Fol Chen, which is an art rock/electro-pop band (www.myspace.com/folchen). Plus, he’s writing “Noah’s Arc” spinoff for LOGO right now. Lead characters and couple Noah and Wade move to New York City, prime for new adventures. I love those guys! And they are all so nice!

Good times
These are the good times 

Though Ant and I didn’t make the fashion show, Sidra provided us another awesome opportunity to socialize a week or so later: her birthday extravaganza in Harlem. She gathered a group of her favorite folks to eat, drink, sing, and be merry. Several of the performers – including two of my favorites: Anwar Robinson and Gordon Chambers – shared a stage with me a couple of months ago when we all sang for “Ashford & Simpson”... and they turned it out for Miss Sidra.The backdrop was Indigo Arms (www.indigoarms.com) – cute bed and breakfast on Lenox Avenue. And so much LOVE was in the room for Sidra – including Television Personality/Fashion & Lifestyle Correspondent & Host Paul Wharton, who is poised to be a stimulating source of drama on the upcoming “Real Housewives of DC”. www.evolutionlook.com and
 www.trendctv.com. He was such a breath of fresh air. Sid has wanted us to meet for years and now we finally got the chance. And it was also great to see my George Faison who so graciously participated in one of the BET Black History Month campaign spots I produced at The Faison Firehouse (www.faisonfirehouse.org) – dropping historical science as the first African American man to win a Tony in choreography for “The Wiz” in 1975 (ftp://ftp.bet.net/BHMGEORGEFAISONCUT7.wmv). Also in the house: friend of the blog Charlotte Doreen Small (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/12/16/cat-on-a-hot-tin-roof.html) and stage grand dame Ebony JoAnne. Speaking of birthdays, Ant and I got the chance to celebrate with “The Queen of Soul” last year in Detroit (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/3/26/people-say-im-the-life-of-the-party.html). Well, I must mention her cute SNICKERS commercial with Liza Minnelli. Did you see it? Check it out! A HOOT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLrsCnBvQFo.

 
Our new state of mind
These are the good times 

FIRST WEEKENDS (BLACK MOVIES)! My buddy Nate Parker invited Ant, our mutual friend Ike, and me to join him a couple of Fridays ago to see his movie "Blood Done Sign My Name" (http://www.hulu.com/watch/127642/movie-trailers-blood-done-sign-my-name). I tweeted all of you about it. Of course, I talk about Nate Parker all the time in the blog (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/8/31/i-can-do-good-all-by-myself-and-with-someone.html). Met him through his college buddy Ike who has become a dear friend of Ant and mine.  You know him from "Great Debaters". Also, "Secret Life of Bees". In this film, he plays civil rights activist Benjamin Chavis. BE SURE TO CHECK IT OUT! Afterwards, Nate, Ike, their gang of buddies, Ant, and me enjoyed a little snack and drink at BBQ. This, as we toasted yet another strong performance on film from Nate. PROUD OF YOU, NATE! KEEP DOING IT!

Happy days are here again
The time is right 

Lots to toast of late: my girl Cynthia's new digs in the suburbs of New York City. At this lovely event, Ant and I got the chance to hang out with my Amazing Grace Nichole and friends Michelle & Nelson’s little boy Ferro. The cutest! Another recent celebration: Sam Fine! He’s our friend... and a great guy all his own. But he is known the world over as the legendary Celebrity Makeup Artist for Great Divas – including Iman and Vanessa Williams who are always BEAT! Right? Well, he’s moving into the head-to-toe territory. He launched Sam Fine by Cavage at Dex Studios. The line is comprised of ballet flats for today’s cosmopolitan woman. And live models were on display in the windows to showcase them. I got the chance to hang out with our boy Theo. Also, my stylist friend Deb Ginyard who you recall worked alongside Ant in helping me style the ladies for my 'first lady fashion show' on CN8's "Your Morning" (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/11/2/hey-i-aint-got-no-money-but-im-rich-on-personality.html) or to see it: http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/firstladyfashion.wmv.  Also, known for Kissable Couture, AJ Crimson. Great to finally meet him (www.kissablecouture.com/).  Lawyer friend Londell McMillan came by as well. the way, CAVAGE shoes are made from the highest-quality raw materials, with the use of refined leathers, Swarovski crystals, and imported fabrics and satin. Furthermore, genuine exotic alligator and snake skins are also used. CAVAGE is one of the few Brazilian companies in this field that owns a special license issued by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources – IBAMA, to manufacture, sell, and export shoes made from exotic animal skins. This, before Ant and I rushed home to see RuPaul's Drag Race and the best our TIVO playlist had to offer.

For makin' friends
Let's get together

Well, I couldn't very well field and story produce 'Monica: Still Standing' (in Atlanta and L.A.) and alert/stalk you to watch on BET each Tuesday of our 12 episode run throughout 2009 and the top of 2K10 and not ALSO share with you the first video off of the upcoming project (my favorite select, i might add). Wearing the late, great Alexander Mcqueen, MISS THANG herself: MONICA with 'EVERYTHING TO ME' (sampling Deniece Williams' 'Silly' and produced by MISSY!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqe93Bct7UU&feature=player_embedded THOUGHTS? On the day this came out, Ant and I – along with his ‘Wendy’ co-worker Tashara – went to Wilhelmina Agency's Hot Body Model Search. Met a cool model Andre Douglas while there. He's as good looking on the outside as he seems on the inside. Some models aren't always the most approachable. But Andre was kind and chatty. One of my NABJ mentors Roy Johnson is Editor-in-Chief at “Men’s Fitness” - one of the editorial sponsors for the contest. I've known him since I was a student in the National Association of Black Journalists and was excited to see him working the room to ensure all clients and partners were having a good time. The next day, I went to see Patti LaBelle at ‘The Wendy Williams Show’. Many called, texted, emailed, tweeted, and FB’d me after they saw me in the audience giving what my Dad called: “...(my) 1-2-3-4 clap... straight from our church The House of Prayer. LOL!  ...” Before the show started, my buddy, Patti's music director John Stanley, came out and said HI. He's always so gracious and calm, even prior to playing for Miss LaBelle before millions. And one of Patti's AWESOME background vocalists Keith Fluitt sang background for me when I did "The Boss" for Ashford & Simpson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbI1qEM_k8k). He assures Nick & Val loved it and that we'll get to do it again really soon (I'll be better prepared). And after the show, Wendy received a special MLK Award from a renowned Jewish organization. And Patti will appreciate this as proof that all that glitters isn’t gold in my world: I went right home to take another stab at being domestic: cleaning bathroom & laundry (hopefully without a flood this time. LOL! Someday my MERRY MAID will return! LMAO!) And also on this night: I was featured in a piece re: Ebony Fashion Fair on CUNY-TV's "Indepedent Sources" that runs on CUNY TV - channel 75 in New York City (8:30 PM).

How 'bout a quarter to ten
Come tomorrow
Let's all do it again 

CONGRATS to my girlfriend Erica Watson in her one-woman show "FAT BITCH" (http://www.spincyclenyc.com). It was AWESOME - funny, insightful, honest, raw, and just plain FABULOUS! LOOK OUT FOR IT! Also, good to hang out with our Charlie T. And it has been a minute since we've had the chance to hang out with our Jamar, but he called and VOILA! He enjoyed the show with us as well! On this particular day, before I met up with Ant, I happened upon the “Meet The Oscars” exhibit on the 2nd level of the Time Warner Center mall on Columbus Circle...  and I got to pose with AN OSCAR! Of course, after all these years, I channeled my DIANA ROSS and how she should have won back in the early ‘70s for “Lady Sings The Blues” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YA22pXIf1I).

Boys will be boys
Better let them have their toys 

Ant and I enjoyed a fun time at BET's taping of "Rip The Runway" where I got to run into many of my BET family – including my hometown best friend Maurice Marable and Creative Director Michaela angela Davis. Here, I channeled MISS ROSS again as each model CATWALK’d on her shoulders http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFB2E8v4MUg. They even had an inspired moment in the show where they VOGUE’d! Miss Bevy Smith was in the house... and it is always a pleasure to see her. She informed me that she and my nephew are TWITTER friends. LOVE IT!

Girls will be girls
Cute pony tails and curls 

After the show, Ant & I ran into Kittie (from 'Let's Talk About Pep') in the subway. Her co-star Jacque Reid is a friend.   Jacque invited us to join them for their Season Finale party. We’ve enjoyed the show and considered it a total honor to be asked to attend. The set was festive. Our friends, publicists Katrina Boswell (with Kat Walk Media) and Theo Perry, made sure we were taken care of in anticipation of Miss Jacque's arrival. Though Ant and I didn't get our Kittie moment on, we did get some time with Jacque. Also, Pepa seemed to remember me from the last time we met at a VIBE party a couple of years ago. We too were reacquainted at her book party which Salt attended. And Pepa's Tom was in the house... and quite gracious with the photo ops. And in the house to support the ladies: Miss Gayle King herself... and Fatman Scoop and his wife Shanda... They both were so nice and quite funny. Also, I was shocked to stumble into my Atlanta buddy Lamoh who works with longtime friend Dwight Eubanks of "Real Housewives of Atlanta" fame. Of course, it's always a blast when Dwight is around... and Pepa seemed to agree. Too, Ern, Ant, and I got to sit with one of Whitney's close-circle handlers Ulysses Carter. He is preparing to join Whitney in Europe as she's on her world tour that has already taken her through Korea and Australia. GO WHITNEY, GO! It was cool to experience the show in a theater setting. Everyone laughs in the same places. CONGRATS, JACQUE and all the girls! By the way, I Chair the NABJ Arts & Entertainment Task Force and we are producing a panel: "REALITY SHOWS: IS THIS WHERE THE JOBS ARE?" As I have had to consider the skills-set applicable genre as a way to maintain my living, others have too… and it can be quite lucrative. The NABJ Convention is in San Diego  on July 28-August 1. (www.nabj.org)... And we are going to explore the changes that have been an inherent part of our members and fellow journalists for the last couple of years. As newsrooms downsize and newspaper circulation/TV viewing habits are on the decline, many of us have replaced our own displaced realities with ‘reality TV’.

From NABJ baby to seasoned publicist (and dear friend) Paula Witt represents many of the reality stars – from Kandi ("Real Housewives of Atlanta") to Tiny & Toya ("Tiny & Toya"). Her simple thought is we can explore the place that REALITY TV currently has in a journalist’s life… and already, Jacque has agreed to sit on the panel along with my buddy Dr. Ian Smith. And my boss from 2009, Evolyn Brooks, who was the show runner on “Monica: Still Standing” and “Frankie & Neffe”.

Must put an end
To this stress and strife
I think I want to live the sporting life 

Ant’s Amazing Grace Manivone invited us to hang out with their Denver crew Chris and Reggie along with some of their other friends for a screening of “Bronson” and some delicious bites as prepared by Manivone's talented hands - including rice pudding for dessert. Quite intense, but loads of FUN! By the way, you all know I love TV One’s UNSUNG! It’s coming back March 22 with four new episodes: Rose Royce. Sylvester. Childhood favorite Stacy Lattisaw. And The Bar-Kays. APPOINTMENT TELEVISION! (www.tvoneonline.com/).

A rumor has it that
It's getting late 

Remember I met KINDRED last year (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/11/2/desperate-real-times-in-atlanta.html)? Well, check this out: www.vimeo.com/9386223 My friend Tierre Brooks who I met in Indianapolis as he was fill-in managing for neo-soul great Donnie. Well, he asked me to take a look at the first episode of Kindred's web based reality series "Six is It." Soon thereafter, he set up a conference call with Kindred and me – asking for a little consulting. There may be synergies for us down the line. However, the official launch of the husband-and-wife duo is being announced on Tom Joyner this week. Too, they asked me for a quote. Here goes: “I've always loved Kindred's music. And as reports of their steadily-expanding family have unfolded over the years, I often wondered how they manage it all. Well, the first episode of Kindred's web based reality series "Six is It" answers some of those questions and then some. I'm excited to see more of the adventures of this neo-soul Jon & Kate + 6!"

Time marches on
Just can't wait
The clock keeps turning
Why hesitate 

Besides dancing for "Shakira", Ant’s and my hip hop dance isntructor Tweetie aka TweetBoogie has  been performing for myself these days. Below is a piece of which she is very proud. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piikOR4w3zE And of course, we are proud of her. As always. Love you, Tweetie! www.TweetBoogie.com and www.Twitter.com/TweetBoogie and www.FaceBook.com/TweetBoogie and www.Myspace.com/Birddance2

You silly fool
You can't change your fate
Let's cut a rug
A little jive and jitterbug 

My L.A. buddy Herndon Davis’ book “Repackaged Common Sense: A New Age path to career and business” is out and you must check it out! It is a 13 chapter spiritual guide book for those seeking career and business success utilizing spirituality tools and techniques.  It speaks directly to career minded people-of-faith from all beliefs and is written through the lens of universal spirituality and metaphysical thinking.  You can purchase the book today on Amazon.com. (www.herndondavis.com) LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING HIM when his book tour comes to NYC!

We want the best
We won't settle for less

Though not the best occasion - my uncle Bobby's passing, my cousin Bobby, his siblings, and I got to reconnect as we buried their father in Pontiac, MI late last year. More than how much Bobby and my dad Herman's kids are aesthetically family, musical talent runs in our family too. My dad was very much a big Gospel quartet singer in the day. Via my parents, I sing. And Uncle Bobby had some pep in his musical step too. So, I am not surprised that my cousin Bobby is on that path as well. He recently shared the following with us as his upcoming release goes. Bobby Black comes to us from Chop Shop Records. Check him out... and let me know your thoughts: http://apps.facebook.com/reverbnation_fb/artist/bobbyblack?autoPlay=3425530&_fb_fromhash=cb0f82f2f48e664894ba7629be5f8c38. CONGRATS, CUZ! I'm SO PROUD OF YOU!

Don't be a drag
Participate
Clams on the half shell
And roller-skates
Roller-skates

LYRICS from CHIC - Bernard Edwards & Nile Rodgers

 

 

I Can (Watch Tyler Perry's new movie) All By Myself in L.A. and have a BLAST (www.icandobadmovie.com)! Ran into industry buddies Herndon Davis & Regina Robertson. And forgot I was gonna be entertained by Mary J. Blige, Gladys Knight, and Marvin Winans. Won't give it away but it's Tyler's classic formula - REMIXED. I generally enjoyed it! http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/10/11/what-has-pop-culture-done-for-me-lately.html

 

Hung with girlfriend Sidra at her rooftop pool – always the thing to do on a lazy Saturday; however, NYC buddy Ike coordinated via remote the 2^nd part of my day. His best friend is actor Nate Parker (of “Great Debaters” and “Secret Life of Bees” fame). Nate invited me to join he, his wife Sarah (www.sarahdisanto.com) – an awesome designer in her own right; and Ike's friend Cassie Freeman (www.cassiefreeman.com) at Casa Vega (www.casavega.com) in the Valley (great conversation!). Big shout out to Ike for bringing us all together, though he was in NYC. I interviewed Nate a year ago in Chicago as he was promoting “The Secret Life of Bees” and I had a chance to meet him at the NYC premiere of “The Great Debaters”. Found out he and Ike were college buddies sometime thereafter. This is our first time bringing all those tie-ins together as Ike insisted they keep me entertained for a spell during my lonely L.A. blues. And boy did they all put a smile on my face!

 

And for part three of my night, I went to The Church where ?uestlove waxed all things Mi-Jac (Happy BDAY MJ)! (www.walktalkin.com). My girl Zabrina hipped me to that joint. And what a celebration that was! Plus, I hear Michael’s godkid Evan Ross celebrated his 21^st birthday in L.A. the night prior. It took place at "Guys & Dolls" in L.A. Mom Diana reigned supreme (of course). Evan's sisters Tracee and Chudney came along as well as brother Ross. A Mi-Jac megamix reportedly played in honor of Michael who Evan claims was working on some music with him in the studio. (Can't wait to hear what this most prolific actor gives in the music department. Chip off the old block, one might say, coupled with an "angel" - or two - from above... not to mention the 'earth angel' right by his side. 

 

By the way, speaking of MJ, I had a Harvey Levin run-in around Hollywood. And it didn’t take the paparazzi or TMZ for me to spot him.

 

And Sunday, I finally got to see my Tony and Scott (Ed too… but he had come out to play for “Mahogany”). We went to the Abbey and it was quite the place to see and be seen. I ran into NYC buddies Chris and Jared plus new L.A. buddy Joey and the man with the most – lashes - Ja'Maal Buster ('eyelash guru to the stars'): www.jamaalbuster.com. I even got a glimpse of Patrik Ian-Polk and Tyra's glam squad quy, friend Valente (in town to beat Tyra's face for her Daytime Emmy.: But way EXCITED to hang with Tony, Scott, and Ed again (my boyz).

 

I also got to hang out with my Morehouse bro Redic at his art gallery ("Images of you!"). He too is a singer/songwriter; fashion designer; and all-around Renaissance man. Shout out to Spelman sis Tia as well. Low-key, creative, and inspired night with lots more to report come September when he introduces his brand to the world.

 

My buddy Delandis invited me to attend his birthday dinner at 'Sushi Dan on Sunset'. My money is funny, but he told me to come anyway. Funds not an issue and FUN all around by way of Delandis and his very nice friends. He says the gift was having my energy in the mix. I say the gift was mine... Thanks Delandis! http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/8/24/do-you-get-what-youre-hoping-for.html

 

So you apparently watched as "Frankie & Neffe" did a 1.5 on BET the other night - the network's 2nd highest reality debut ever (behind "Tiny & Toya" who had the unfortunate lead-in of a post-Michael-Jackson BET Awards). We hear BET has never seen this many viewers at 10:30pm. *SIGH Well, it is one of the projects that kept me on the road (and off the street corner) this summer (ATL and L.A.) - as field & story producer. What a ride! And I lived to tell... and now you can see and judge for yourself:

 

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/8/24/do-you-get-what-youre-hoping-for.html

 

I just completed an assignment for ESSENCE that you can check out in the November issue. It’s a piece of which I’m proud to be a contributor – for what the brand of ESSENCE represents as excellence in journalism goes but also the subject matter (Stay tuned). The project reminds me how proud I am of those in my own circle. I’ll shout some of them out here… randomly:

 

It’s my Dad’s baby brother Bobby’s birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, UNCLE BOBBY! My dad went to Pontiac, Michigan to celebrate with him. Uncle Bobby’s baby boy Chris, my little cousin --- ever the grown man now --- is the Chief Director of All Operations at Sky’s The Limit Community Foundation (www.skysthelimitcf.giving.oficelive.com). Its programs are making a positive impact on the Youth and Young Adults in the Pontiac area. 

 

My Morehouse brother Marcellous (whose fashion shows I’ve had the honor of hosting during our School Daze) is now living his ‘haute couture’ dreams abroad as his Parisian-based TV show has been extended for another season. He co-produces it with a Canadian cable network. Check out his interview with USHER RAYMOND in Paris by CLICKING HERE or by entering the following link: http://www.thefashioninsider.com/video/40.html?lang=EN&meta=Video_Fashion_show_EN_USHER_RAYMOND_BREAKS_SILENCE_ON_DEATH_OFMICHAEL_JACKSON_LANVIN Now if you want to catch his recent interview with FERGI, WILL. I. AM and the rest of the BLACK EYED PEAS and other stars like Milla Jovovich, head on over to the FI² column at the www.TheFashionInsider.com. When you go there, it will automatically ask you to sign in. Just click on the world "OK" and the video will immediately start. He just wrapped a fab vacation which took him to Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland, the French Alps, Croatia, and even to Bosnia-Herzegovina. Now, I’ve gone some awesome places, but come on now… LOL! Still, somewhere in his intercontinental zone (by way of Perry, Georgia), he still thinks of me often – even writing this piece on me a couple of years ago (on my own sense of fashon & style):

 

 FROM WWW.FASHIONWINDOWS.COM by Marcellous Jones 

 

Patrick Riley 

From a solid career foundation in local TV news to current, on-going freelance projects in New York City, Patrick L. Riley is one of New York’s hottest talents. His credentials as a producer are impressive: Good Day Atlanta, Rivera Live!, and others. Over the years, he has collaborated heavily with NBC, BET, I-STYLE TV.COM, CROSSWALKS TV, LEVI'S, and HBO.

As a freelance producer, certain assignments have placed him across from President Bill Clinton, Quincy Jones, Bill Cosby, Mary Tyler Moore, Penelope Cruz, Gwyneth Paltrow, Dr. Maya Angelou, Chris Rock, Beyonce, P. Diddy, Alicia Keys, Moby, Luther Vandross, etc. And for HBO, he has interviewed the likes of Michael Douglas, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Morgan Freeman, etc.

With that said, it is clear that fashion and appearance are important to Riley. He wears Kenneth Cole (head-to-toe); Donna Karan; Armani and Rene Lezard --- all of whom offer simple and classic pieces that work in many ways. Riley also throws in some “look-for-less” pieces from THE GAP and H&M. He also wears lesser known designers of color who do great work such as Moshood and Belasse.

In TV, Riley must look authoritative, but have the freedom to display it with colour, flamboyance and pizzazz without being a distraction. So, on any given day, you may see him wearing a sports coat or suit jacket by Rene Lezard or Donna Karan, but beneath it a crisp, white Emmanuelle Ungaro tuxedo shirt or perhaps a fitted and ribbed-turtleneck with geometric designs from GAP, H&M, Armani or Kenneth Cole.

“For the weekend, I love to be comfortable, but still stylish. Moshood has a line of T-shirts and patchwork-pants (drawstring) that accommodate that dichotomy”, says Riley. “Also, in the summer, tanks from H&M and GAP keep me going. In the winter, simple turtlenecks from H&M and GAP accent a leather jacket and some jeans just fine. And those Kenneth Cole jeans and sneakers go with me through the week and on the weekend.”

Riley is free with good advice for men with their own fashion needs. He says, “ I think it’s important for men on the rise in the business world to know the rules and be prepared to play them. One should be armored with a black/blue suit; crisp, white shirt; pressed tie; solid belt; shined shoes; etc.). That said, I think it’s important for men on the rise to simultaneously know themselves and where their spirit is going. And from there, they might find creative ways to express that in their wardrobe. My business, of course, allows for that expression.”

 

My friend Stephen Beasley about whom I’ve blogged a time or trillion partnered with some amazing organizations to enhance his next music launch. A charity GLOBAL SOLES made the event a Drop-Off Site for people to donate new shoes to kids around the world. Torie Wiggins, whose South in the City treats are all but taking over Brooklyn, served up some goodies alongside our girl Marcia Pendelton who gave away free theatre tickets through her company Walk Tall Girl Productions.This event was his trial for the format of his next live recording which will happen this winter… and will be a Bazaar called "Cornucopia" at this amazing place called Littlefield, which is fully equipped to record his album live. Check out a free live download of sbPs Rock & Soul made possible by Microsoft!

www.myspace.com/windowshomepage=thesbp . As always, CONGRATS STEPHEN (this one took a minute to get up).

 

And for every powerful brother, there’s a powerful sister somewhere in the neighborhood. My girlfriend Shaun Robinson (of “Access Hollywood” fame) is very excited to share this Girls Empowerment video with you that is based on her new book, "Exactly As I Am". It's designed to help build self-esteem in our girls and Shaun’s hope is that you will share it with a teen girl you love. Here goes; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmI6ggx2Aiw

(www.shaunrobinson.com and www.exactlyasiam.com).

 

You folks have heard me reference my dear departed Kodjoe (A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - "LOVE IS IN THE AIR") – the man for whom I dedicated this intimate evening of song (http://216.117.188.141/rileyshowforkodjoe.wmv). Well, the film on which Kodjoe was working before his untimely passing will see the light of day - screening in NYC and L.A.  It’s titled "Why Us? Left Behind and Dying", about a group of inner-city African-American teenagers discovering why HIV rates are so high in black communities. The director Claudia Pryor (also Kodjoe’s dear friend) wants you to know about this project which premieres in Los Angeles and New York City (www.diversityfilms.org/). Check out the website (CLICK: FILMMAKERS) to see a tribute to Kodjoe.  Claudia is the visionary behind this project... and its DIRECTOR. She enrolled Kodjoe back home to NYC to work on this film which took him to many parts of Africa (beyond his family's homeland of Ghana). He was most passionate and excited to work on this important piece. I'm full.. and SMILING --- all at once --- that the work to which he contributed for such a great cause will finally be seen by the WORLD!

 

WOW! GOD IS GOOD! 

 

Remember? Don't take any of this LIFE and those we LOVE for GRANTED! 

 

... and PLEASE FORWARD & SPREAD THE WORD - SO ALL CAN SUPPORT THIS IMPORTANT PROJECT... and KODJOE'S LEGACY!!!!

 

Here's the info:

 

LOS ANGELES  -- Wednesday, September 9 through Tuesday September 15

 

Grande 4-Plex

345 S.Figueroa

Los Angeles, CA  90071

213-617-3084

 

Two shows daily at 4:45 and 8:15pm

 

The director, Claudia Pryor attend the Los Angeles screenings on Sept 9th and 10th  

 

NEW YORK  -- Friday, September 11 through Thursday, September 17

 

IFC Center

323 Sixth Avenue

New York, NY 10014

212-924-6789

 

Two shows daily:  Times to be announced

The director, Claudia Pryor, will attend the New York screenings Sept 11th and 12th

 

LINK TO TRAILER:

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

 

Labor Day is approaching… and I’m the most excited person around as Ant is coming for the weekend (with the new digital camera he bought me strapped on). I’ve clearly made the best of my time here in L.A. and will continue to do so (as has Ant on the New York end). But we’re much better together – so we’ll enjoy this long weekend… and beyond that, we will look to identify the next window amidst my L.A. stint that we can enjoy each other as we do. http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/6/23/hes-hoppin-it-to-hollywood.html Remember the fun we had the last time?