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 NICK ASHFORD (1)
A SUNNY DAY
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/2009/11/17/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-am
erican-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!!! Ev
en 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 18th at 115 South Fourth Avenue/2nd 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
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/
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in Ashford & Simpson, BASKETBALL WIVES, DIANA ROSS, MARA SCHIAVOCAMPO, MOTOWN, NICK ASHFORD, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, PO JOHNSON, VH1
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