WELCOME to "The Life of Riley" which will include periodic chronicles of pop culture and possibilities that flow out of Patrick L. Riley's day. That's me!!! Through blogging (and soon some other technological features on which I'll keep you posted as they launch), I will pull experiences from my busy life to entertain and inspire all of you. Through this site, I will share my observations and insights. Some features to look forward to:
1.) "PATRICK'S POP UP(DATES)" will feature stories from pop culture, music, theater, fashion, and the entertainment industry at large.
2.) "The Life of Riley" will also introduce a "take-a-look-at-your-life" section (READ: sort of an advice column), where I will help readers come up with their own questions and answers around what "ways of being" are working (or not working) to have them acheive their respective goals and live their best lives. This section is called "WHO YOU BE?".
3.) Additonally, there will be a free-flowing, organic section called "TESTIFY" from which I will pull from my own life's journey to share and hopefully inspire. Some of the fare may be new musings and experiences. Other times, I may pull from my journals and past sharings to shed light on some uncomfortable truths that I've experienced and that may perhaps play a role in healing someone else's wounds as the real-life experience did for me. From my experience of covering 9/11 as a freelance journalist to courageously coming out (as gay) to my family, "TESTIFY" promises to move those who choose to read it.
4.) And a section titled "PR" (like my initials, but also like "public relations") will include press clips from any coverage I get.
Entries in NBCBLK (6)
so thankful
Hi folks,
Many seemed to enjoy! And my heart is full for ALL THE LOVE everybody sent my way!
- NEXT UP: Sunday, December 11th.
Just let me know.
I am SO GLAD we were able to CONTINUE to have SO MUCH FUN as those things were being/are being managed. And again, THANK YOU ALL!
His #KARAOKESUNDAYS at #BUNGALOW is our OFFICIAL #ALLSTARKARAOKE AFTER SET
And with Miko in the house, you KNOW we did #THEBOSS!
Curtain: 8p. Tickets $18. 
She was SO GENEROUS to raffle off an original piece of her fine art: CITY LIGHTS which one of our #ALLSTARKARAOKE guests got take home!
Good Morning America Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo; 
Broadway singer/actress Virginia Woodruff;
French Canadian painter/artist Josee Nadeau; 
celebrity/cinema makeup artist Therese Flaherty; Drums Along the Hudson Producer Carl Nelson;
Musa Jackson Productions’ Musa Jackson; Harlem Haberdashary’s Louis Johnson;
TV personality and Bevelations host (on Sirius XM's Andy Cohen channel) Bevy Smith; Apollo Theater’s Nina Flowers; 
Sweet Honey & The Rock Founder Carol Maillard; Southern Chefs EP Adrianne C. Smith; 
Ed Gordon Productions Executive Producer Carol Johnson Green;
favorite nephew Herman L. Riley III (cast-mate on ASPiRE TV’s “The Graduates NYC”); 
Anthony Bodden (filmmaker/media expert/screenwriter, "Belly"); etc.
And of course, all the BFFs and dearests were in the house: Ernest; Tata; Tati;
Mario; Michael K. Watts; Dawn; David; Bernice; Naiika; Erin Stanley; Ebonee; our #ALLSTARKARAOKE faithfuls and favorites Ephraim and Darius Booker; and many many more! It was a PACKED HOUSE!|
So the reps for Brazilian HEART-THROB Alex Cypriano let me know they
were bringing him to town and he wanted to say HI to #LIFEOFRILEY –
aware that we have introduced some amazing talent from the world of
ears.
 Alex wanted me to tell you HI but also wanted to give me a wonderful
BIRTHDAY gift of VERSACE gear! THANK YOU, ALEX! Here are his stats so
far: Currently in LA; 20 years old; Actor/Model; 2015 "Mr. Teen Tampa";
Represented By MC2 Miami; ETC. Stay tuned for the rest! #LIFEOFRILEY
is watching…and will keep you posted!#AlexCypriano is a BEAUTIFUL
 LOOK OUT FOR HIS BRIGHT FUTURE! Bring your SUNGLASSES! It’s BLINDING! Thanks for the Versace head to toe! Perfect for my birthday!
man - inside and out!
11. Hi folks! You know how much I LOVE Spirited Actor’s own Tracey Moore who
– over the years - has breathed life into the world through a powerful testimonial
in action of acting, casting, producing, directing, hosting...and now hosting this
project alongside everything else.
 I even audited her Spirited Actor course when she started it in 1995…
and I continue to remain close to Tracey and her family who ARE my
family. In a nutshell, Tracey Moore ROCKS…and SHARES – so I was
too elated that she welcomed ACTORS to be in her Studio Audience
for her PILOT: “Inside the Black Box with Tracey Moore”. She shot
it at The Sheen Center in The Village.
 Her guests for the pilot included awesome actors Malik Yoba and Joe Morton
with whom I got to share that I always had an “identification” with him (even
as a child when he played Fred Sanford’s BFF Grady’s son-in-law). We connected
that our mutual, international military “brat” history may be what I saw! This show
is lively and fun! Tracey is the best HOST and ACTING COACH. The guests inspired
and motivated ALL!
12.. Ant and I will celebrate 11 years at "The Color Purple" - the very show we were
attending when we met December 1, 2005.
 This time, we'll see Jennifer Holliday as Shug Avery! 
So excited! Hope you've had the chance to see my NBCBLK interview
with Miss Holliday:
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/broadway-queen-jennifer-holliday-s-next-act-color-purple-n662641
13. President Obama Names Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom…
and among them is someone I hoped silently would get it now (vs. later):
MISS ROSS! Today, President Barack Obama named 21 recipients of the
Presidential Medal of Freedom – including Diana Ross – encapsulated in
bio via the White House release as follows: “Diana Ross has had an iconic
career spanning more than 50 years within the entertainment industry in
music, film, television, theater, and fashion.
 Diana Ross is an Academy Award nominee, inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and recipient of the Grammy Awards
highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award. Ross was a
recipient of the 2007 Kennedy Center Honors. Diana Ross's
greatest legacy is her five wonderful children.” The Presidential
Medal of Freedom is the Nation's highest civilian honor, presented
to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions
to the security or national interests of the United States, to world
peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.
The awards will be presented at the White House on November 22nd.
This event will be streamed live at: www.whitehouse.gov/live President Obama said, "The Presidential Medal of Freedom is not just our nation's highest civilian honor - it's a tribute to the idea that all of us, no matter where we come from, have the opportunity to change this country for the better. From scientists, philanthropists, and public servants to activists, athletes, and artists, these 21 individuals have helped push America forward, inspiring millions of people around the world along the way." |
THE LIFE OF RILEY
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1 Reference
HOLLIDAY for the holidays
Hi folks,
A (BIRTHDAY) IN THE LIFE OF RILEY is looking like this…
1. A #LIFEOFRILEY INTERVIEW WITH JENNIFER HOLLIDAY FOR NBCBLK: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/broadway-queen-jennifer-holliday-s-next-act-color-purple-n662641 
My birthday is this weekend! A gift to me that I can share with you my Q&A with one of the DIVAS who serves as an EXEMPLAR for what #LIFEOFRILEY LOVES and CELEBRATES: Jennifer Holliday! In our comprehensive chat, we cover a lot of ground – including talk of her iconic role as Effie White and what relations are like today with her fellow Dreamgirls Sheryl Lee Ralph and Loretta Devine) plus what being on Broadway again - in Tony-award-winning Musical Revival "The Color Purple" - is like. You can PUSH DA BUTTON for your COLOR PURPLE tickets here (Ticket prices start at $59): https://www.telecharge.com/Broadway/The-Color-Purple/Overview. #TheColorPurple #ColorPurple#Dreamgirls #JenniferHolliday #HollidayFORTHEHolidays
2. Always good to contribute to #NBCBLK:
* NBCBLK - Aretha Franklin birthday party
http://www.nbcnews.com/watch/nbcnews-com/aretha-franklin-puts-on-star-studded-birthday-417968707987
* NBCBLK posted an EMPIRE/Aretha Franklin viral as well. https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1553278574945680&set
* Q&A with LEE DANIELS
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/precious-butler-director-lee-daniels-building-empire-n290416
* FOREST WHITAKER Q&A just posted - promoting SOUTHPAW:
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/forest-whitaker-knockout-southpaw-n399381
* THE WIZ LIVE's NEW DOROTHY:
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/shanice-williams-tonights-wiz-live-debut-n471616
Best,
Patrick L. Riley
LIFE OF RILEY
3. I sing Holliday and Dreamgirls all the time at #AllStarKaraoke: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_pVZZ9GCm4! Next up: THIS Sunday, November 20th from Noon to 5p at MIST Harlem. For $5, guests qualify for BROADWAY/THEATER GIVEAWAYS and FREE MISS JESSIE’S! Plus, the menu has a range of delicious options and pricings (including $20 carafes of mimosa and sangria) and ALL STAR KARAOKE!
Also look for more art from Artist-in-Residence Shenna Vaughn and friends – including Scorpio artists Ruthy Valdez and Richard S. Carroll Jr. 
Also look for my nephew Herman L. Riley and some of the AWESOME castmembers of the #ASPiRE.tv web series #THEGRADUATESNYC.
Now the season has wrapped, you can see all 8 webisodes here: http://www.aspire.tv/shows/the-graduates-nyc/videos/. 
And there will be #THEBOSSCHOIR: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley/videos/10154176021623737/?l=1634402992647739097.
Please come sing to all of the fellow SCORPIOs and me. Let us know you’re coming by clicking here: www.all_star_karaoke.eventbrite.com.
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in DREAMGIRLS, Jennifer Holliday, Mist Harlem, NBCBLK, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, SHERYL LEE RALPH, The Color Purple, Walk Tall Girl Productions, Wicked
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6 References
Forest Whitaker in HUGHIE
LOVE ME SOME Forest Whitaker!
Got to interview him for recurring client NBCBLK in the summer of last year as he was promoting SOUTHPAW: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/forest-whitaker-knockout-southpaw-n399381! 
Now, he makes his Broadway debut in HUGHIE. Ant and I saw it in previews and highly recommend you see this Hollywood Star Power on the Great White Way. PLUS, it’s a one-act play with no intermission. Tell them LIFE OF RILEY sent you. 
Use special offer code - HUDWK203 to purchase. Click below and enter the code. http://hughiebroadway.com/ #HughieonBroadway #HughieBroadway #WICG 
THE LIFE OF RILEY
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iconic inclusion
tony bennett
Last week in the LIFE OF RILEY should have had me stay in the house for the rest of week after I met: 
THE Tony Bennett!!! YEP! Shout out to Lincoln Center’s Dwayne Ashley for making sure I could meet him and a whole bunch more
– including Nancy Sinatra – in the house for the opening of the exhibition:
SINATRA: AN AMERICAN ICON – www.nypl.org/sinatra.
Friend since and for forever, Carl Nelson, accompanied! FUN EVENING! AWESOME EXHIBIT – a MUST SEE that will remain on view in the Donald and Mary Oenslager Gallery through September 4, 2015. #lincolncenter #sinatra
inclusion show
Hi folks! As always, THANKS for your support of LIFE OF RILEY! Check this link out: http://youtu.be/tZ1EGcqbb90. Was great being a guest on The Inclusion Show with Wallace Ford – as produced by Ideal Development, Inc. http://www.idealdevelopment.net/ and the awesome production team at the Cliffside Park, NJ studio – led by Carlos Rosa. 
The episode in which I’m featured is now on YOU TUBE… and will aired this past weekend: http://www.theinclusionshow.com/ as well as on the Soul of the South Television Network.
I met host Wallace Ford - (http://www.theinclusionshow.com/about-the-host - a couple of weeks ago as we were both guests on Arise News' ARISE AMERICA with Debbye Turner Bell: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152816022788737.
For more on Inclusion The Show Show, click here: http://www.theinclusionshow.com/about-the-show/.
It is a televised, short-format, weekly commentary and conversation program which takes on the contemporary topics that matter today.
Thx! XO #theinclusionshow #soulofthesouth #ARISETV360 #ARISENews #EMPIRE #FOXTV
sage harlem, sing!
After SAGE Harlem program manager (and friend) Christopher Jones stopped by Billie's Black Gourmet Soul this past December for our FALL 2014 SERIES of Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley, he asked if I'd sing for the SAGE Harlem Pride holiday party at the Dempsey Theater.
AWESOME event and cause: SAGE Harlem provides a safe space for LGBT older adults in Harlem and The Bronx. 
SAGE Harlem is a program of SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders). Fun to sing favorites: “Reasons” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vxU3In7zl4; “This Woman’s Work” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phNQU3hWfAE; and “Endless Love” – (LINK TO COME). Learn more at: http://www.sageusa.org/sageharlem. #SAGEUSA #SAGEHARLEM
honeymoon in vegas
Great times at Honeymoon in Vegas - www.honeymoonbroadway.com - starring Tony Danza!
Getting in the latest BROADWAY and OFF BROADWAY shows to share with you in the coming month on Arise Entertainment 360 where I have been guest co-hosting as well! 
We had a fun pre-show mixer atBar Catalonia: https://twitter.com/honeymoonbway - #honeymoonbway#tonydanza #ARISETV360 #lifeofriley #HONEYMOONBWAY
rupaul legends
HERE'S OUR LEGENDS BALL SELFIE C/O Chuckie Amos! It's ALWAYS LEGENDARY when we gather at the home of Merrell Hollis for FRIED CHICKEN WINGS c/o MAKEUP by MERRELL and the PREMIERE of RuPaul's Drag Race!
WE GATHER EVERY CYCLE! LOL! Hey Memsor Kamarake! Ian Adrian! Derrick Hemphill! ETC!!!!!!!!! FUN TIMES! https://instagram.com/p/zwEeIjoRSp #wespeakyourname #rupaulsdragrace
wendell pierce
THIS JUST IN from my friend Derrick Hemphill: his NBCBLK debut onWendell Pierce! http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/brothers-bottom-n317726.
You know Derrick's writings from UPTOWN Magazine! His online & pre-and-post-production content is often used in my blog LIFE OF RILEY and our ALL STAR KARAOKE franchise at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul. 
And a time or two on Oprah: Where Are They Now? and THE Keke Palmer Show - a behind-the-scenes with 5th Harmony! GO DERRICK! Glad more and more of my folks are contributing to NBC News' latest African American vertical to which I got to contribute my debut last month: Lee Daniels on Empire: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/precious-butler-director-lee-daniels-building-empire-n290416. 
#Billie's Black #ALLSTARKARAOKE #brothersfromthebottom #wendellpierce #NOLA#NewOrleans #SELMA50 #SELMA
idol voice
TOP 16, LOOK OUT! Qaasim Middleton continues to do his thing on AMERICAN IDOL! AMERICA AND THE JUDGES LOVE THEM SOME QAASIM! 
Keith Urban said "watching [Qaasim] Middleton is what it's all about, noting he explodes on stage in front of an audience"...Harry Connick, Jr. said [Qaasim] "that's what we're looking for"...And Jennifer Lopez said "It's so crazy how funky you are. You own that stage."
YAZZZZZZ! THIS IS WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT! PROUD OF YOU, QAASIM!
AND IT LOOKS LIKE WE KNOW SOMEONE ON THE VOICE AS WELL: MISS Kimberly Nichole, my Spelman "little" sister! LOL! Congrats to a diva we've been following around NYC for years and now the world will know the name and the endless talent of KimberlyNichole! 
Check her blind audition out the other night on THE VOICE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2KXhn0YFl0#t=96. Glad they both have popped by ALL STAR KARAOKE - from Native Restaurant to Billie's Black Gourmet Soul! #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack #motownmay #Idolonfox #americanidol
shances
CHECK THIS OUT: https://www.facebook.com/etiquettewithshances and on all platforms: #ETIQUETTEWITHSHANCES #SHANCES #ETIQUETTECHANCES
– My friend Sharon Frances’ new lifestyle resource: ETIQUETTE FOR EVERYONE AND ANY OCCASION! ETIQUETTE for the person you want to be!
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in AMERICAN IDOL, Derrick Hemphill, Kimberly Nichole, NBCBLK, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, Qaasim Middleton, The Inclusion Show, The Voice, Wendell Pierce
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empire fire
Empire
THIS JUST IN! Please SHARE! My debut contribution to new, recurring client NBC’s new African American vertical NBCBLK:
an interview with Lee Daniels whose Empire on FOX TV
- starring Taraji P. Henson,
Terrence Howard,
and Gabourey Sidibe 
- is a BIG HIT - http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/precious-butler-director-lee-daniels-building-empire-n290416! LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS! And as always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! XO #NBCBLK #Empire #Lee Daniels #FOXTV
Idol
Y’all know I love me some Toni Seawright! And her boyz Qaasim and Khalil are the bomb too! Qaasim is one to watch this season on American Idol! Happy that he (and the whole fam) brought their talents, love, and gifts to “Billie’s Black PRESENTS All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley” – the Spring 2014 Series!
I am further honored that Toni invited me to host her 50TH BDAY PARTY – a tribute to Michael Jackson! We all shared the stage that BEAUTIFUL NIGHT as well! GO QAASIM! #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #motownmay #AmericanIdol
STEPS
I did a rare day of "acting" in an independent film STEPS - an Eddie Harris Script and Production.
My part shot yesterday in Jersey City (and I'll shoot one more day next week). It's this project that my beloved Penwah Phynjuar was instrumental in casting me. I play RUDY who is a hoot with heart. Check out some great press STEPS got as it shoots around Jersey City and here in the Tri-State Area:
Nightly Show
Glad to attend a Meet & Greet Breakfast for The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore – scheduled to premiere MLK Monday on Comedy Central. He’s branded himself quite well as a comic personality who turns humor about race, class and social issues into big laughs — from his days of writing for In Living Color and Jamie Foxx Show; executive producing Bernie Mac Show; 
and Eddie Murphy's animated comedy The PJ's; creating specials for Showtime Networks and writing a book, I'd Rather We Got Casinos: And Other Black Thoughts. GLAD TO HANG OUT WITH MY INDUSTRY BUDDIES Isoul Harris (Editor in Chief at Uptown Magazine); iconic editor and writer Angela Bronner Helm ("The Root", "Essence", "Uptown", "Honey", etc.); and NBCBLK’s Amber Payne (Editor whose dispatched me to do my debut contribution to NBC’s new African American vertical, the interview with Lee Daniels). #ComedyCentral #LarryWilmore #THENIGHTLYSHOW #UPTOWNmag
Mel’isa Unsung
My friends at SMEG have one of their diva clients Meli'sa Morgan on Unsung Wednesday, February 4th on TV ONE.
The new season’s been great so far with Rick James and Peaches & Herb. I LOVE UNSUNG! And I adore MELI’SA and her SAVVY-MARKETING ENTERTAINMENT GROUP team!
And I CELEBRATE SAVOY on his 50TH! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FRIEND!
Centric Celebrates Sisterhood
Not sure if you folks saw a little of my last BET project for CENTRIC - "Centric Celebrates Sisterhood":
three TV/viral spots I worked with their creative services team to produce, shouting out on their FOUNDERS WEEK, the AKAs, DELTAs, and ZETAs: https://www.facebook.com/CentricTV/videos #CentricCelebratesSisterhood
FRESH
Shout out to my Orlando-based friend Tammie Dunlap whose Fresh Natural Spring Water is delicious! She sent me a box that greeted me upon my return from Georgia.
And what a convenience to have water at the ready as I needed to hydrate from all of that eating and drinking down South. Imagine me reaching for more and more bottles of FRESH – light, refreshing, and crisp – instead of my “bubble” (usually a sip of Coca Cola! LOL!). Well, it’s happening. Check it out: www.Drinkfreshusa.com. CONGRATS, TAMMIE! Need another box! LOL!
Motown… See u around
I INTERVIEWED MR. BERRY GORDY and MISS DIANA ROSS and MARY WILSON on OPENING NIGHT of MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL on Broadway: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. 
Got to see the show one more time with my Carl Nelson. MOTOWN THE MUSICAL rocks… and will continue to do so – in London and all over the United States before it returns to Broadway (another theater) in 2016. #ENDLESSLOVE #MOTOWNMAY #BILLIESBLACK #ALLSTARKARAOKE
HB DANI!
Great times at our girlfriend Danielle Andrea Simone Knight's 50th bday party! Eventi - A Kimpton Hotel in NYC hosted the night! 
Here come the "50 fetes"! LOL! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, OUR DANI! WE LOVE YOU!
fractured
Check out my friend Pierre Romain's upcoming project: "Fractured" - Staring Eric Roberts, Jake Busey and Athena Lebessis, Directed by Lance KR Kawas, Executive Produced by Pierre Romain, from Washington Street Production, Sterling Worldwide Entertainment and RU'YA International (coming April 2015). Get all the tea here: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=822129274526908.
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in Empire, FOX, Lee Daniels, NBCBLK, NBCNews, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, Taraji P Henson, Terrence Howard, homophobia
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