A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

mo’ better arise

I guest co-hosted this week on Arise Entertainment 360 – filling in for my friend Shannon Lanier and rejoining Sharon Carpenter who is filling in for our beloved Lola Ogunnaike. YOU can watch them (and me from time to time) - now on Time Warner, Verizon Fios, and On Demand... www.YouTube.com/AriseENT360. As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Here are a few of the segments we did this week:

Author of "The Work" Wes Moore!

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

The Authors of "Single Man Married Man!"

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hbvDBYlCJs

Author of "MelloYello" Walker Smith!

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHd0HBPTpQ4

T.S. MONK (Thelonious Monk III)

- http://youtu.be/1EMJPYRQSW4

BRIAN WATKINS (jeweler)

- http://youtu.be/T4dNgHuqxa4. 

 #arise360 #ariseTV360 #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack #wesmoore #thework #singlemanmarriedman #pervistaylor #melloyello #jacktherapper #walkersmith

cindy crawford

Shout out to my dear friend Kiwan Michael Anderson, Special Events Manager at Ω OMEGA Watches (Division of The Swatch Group (U.S.), Inc.): www.omegawatches.com/corbis. He made sure Anthony Harper and I were in the house at The NY Historical Society to celebrate the screening of a special documentary OMEGA produced with iconic Supermodel and businesswoman Cindy Crawford and Orbis (the flying eye hospital). Crawford narrates the compelling doc. Nice to pop by my friends Mario and Randall’s Thursday night set in HARLEM: NABE. FUN TIMES! #omegaorbisteddy

beyond the lights

Shout out to Tagan Lee and Anna Fuson for getting me out to the Parker Meridian Hotel-Bar to see Director SUPREME Gina Prince-Bythewood whose Beyond the Lights is now available on Digital HD via iTunes and Amazon digital – just in time for Valentine’s Day! It will release on Blu-ray™ & DVD Feb 24. The PG-13 film – called by some a modern-day The Bodyguard – stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw (also from Belle – the premiere of which I got to attend and meet Gugu); my buddy Nate Parker (who I recently saw in L.A. while out there Executive Producing NBCUniversal’s The More You Know campaign for 2015-16); Minnie Driver; Richard Colson Baker (MGK); and Danny Glover. I got to interview Gina Prince-Bythewood and Nate Parker in Chicago in 2008 at the National Association of Black Journalists' annual convention where they were promoting The Secret Life of Bees (film) - also directed by Gina: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/7/29/like-i-never-left.html.#beyondthelightsfilm #nateparker#belle #BeyondTheLights 

between riverside and crazy

ALSO: Shouting out my friend Marcia Pendelton for getting Anthony Harper, Marlynn Snyder, Derrick Hemphill, and more out to see one of several off-Broadway productions she’s marketing where the lives of African-Americans unfold in front of the audience in bold, diverse strokes. Our latest treat from her repository of HOT SHOWS was Between Riverside and Crazy by Stephen Adly Guirgis starring Stephen McKinley Henderson and Ron Cephas Jones, now playing at Second Stage Theatre, through March 22…and inside its very NYC-centric narrative, the two-act play is nothing short of spectacular! MUST-CHECK-OUT

#SecondStageTheatre#BetweenRiversideandCrazy 

loud 100

Shout out to David Bridgeforth for including me on your Loud 100 LGBT PEOPLE OF COLOR OF 2014 LIST http://dbqmag.com/loud100.html. Go see who else made the list! CONGRATS to all of my brethren and sisters! #dbq #loud100 #lgbt

blackbird

A few months ago, I shared with all of your that I attended Film Life Presents the 18th annual American Black Film Festival in NYC: www.abff.com - at which my friend Patrik-Ian Polk PREMIERED his NEW FILM “BLACKBIRD – Executive Produced by and Starring Academy Award winner Mo’Nique. Well,  the distribution deal is done and the theatrical release date is April 24th: http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/exclusive-umc-sets-theatrical-date-for-patrik-ian-polks-blackbird-new-release-poster-trailer-20150210. Here is the trailer:

https://vimeo.com/86641697  #blkbirdthefilm #abff

lesbe real radio talk

 Shout out to Jazz Gray-Sadler, Producer and Host of LesBe Real Radio Talk! She popped into New York City for her birthday and squeezed me in for a FAB TALK that she'll be sharing via her airwaves very soon. Stay tuned for those details.  Meanwhile, please take a few minutes to check out this video & article to learn more about her journey:  http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/speak-easy/speak-easy-feature/item/75910-a-live-mic-for-lgbt-philadelphias-most-disenfranchised. ALSO: Check out What's New @ LesBe Real on Pinterest! Adventure, Lovers, Travel, Wellness & more...www.pinterest.com/lesbereal1/ THANKS JAZZ! Looking forward to seeing/hearing our CHAT! #lesberealradiotalk

Last year, LIFE OF RILEY was in L.A. during OSCAR weekend - a party I got to help throw with the African American Film Critics Association: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-log/2013/2/26/oscar-and-remy-martin.html This year, LIFE OF RILEY got in on a little of the POST-OSCAR fun by way of COZI TV at NBC's 30 Rock in New York City!

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Post-Oscar-Panel/248296351 GO Ellen!  I've also been talking a lot of TV on COZI - before this an appearance about the Golden Globes. Prior to that, it was an EMMY RE-CAP with TV Guide Magazine's Matt Roush: http://youtu.be/lKDDhF_6qy4 and that was a call-back that came from the EMMY NOMINATIONS ROUND-UP we did in July: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Emmy-Nominations-for-2013/216162211). And I'd originally done a BROADWAY segment with them a few months ago: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Pop-Culture-Expert-Patrick-Riley-on-Black-Broadway_New-York.html. I am inside a lot of bookings from NBC-related entities - one from MSNBC's "First Look" to weigh in on Beyonce's Inauguration performance (a phoner). NBC's other platforms have come a calling: NBC News/The Grio has been calling on me - recently to weigh-in on the NAACP's endorsement of gay marriage: http://www.thegrio.com/politics/will-naacp-gay-marriage-resolution-change-black-hearts-and-minds.php; On New Year's Eve to 2011, I made my "debut" on THE TODAY SHOW (as on-cam 'pop culture analyst') inside a piece that Mara did on the ball drop in New York's Times Square (http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickDemoSept2011.mov).  P.S. LIFE OF RILEY HEADS UP: http://www.foxsearchlight.com/Belle/ Remember I told you about this today. Shout out to my Harlem buddy Tracy Grant hipped me to her brother in law’s new film (He's UK producer Damian Jones of D.J Films). "BELLE" hails from Fox Searchlight Pictures the way that 12 Years a Slave did a year or so ago...  and this HISTORIC TALE brings forth yet another story that chronicles the horrors of slavery and what reversals and progressions have transpired in its time. I would be remiss if I did not mention Belle's director Amma Asante http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1392994/ It opens May 2, Mothers Day. Please spread the word! #belle #12yearsaslave #foxsearchlight

What a busy week! I’m on deadline with one client BET as I work with its creative team on content for its UP FRONT presentations in April. Been balancing work with other clients – spot shoots here and consulting gigs there. I even got an invitation to sing “Through the Fire” to Chaka Khan for her 60^th birthday, but the plans around those arrangements changed along with my serenade. A friend tells me “mercury is in retrograde”. Maybe… LOL!

girlfriendz

Shout out to Mara Brock Akil who received such an awesome honor Oscar week from Essence at its annual women's luncheon (presented to her by the original cast of "Girlfriends" I.E. Tracee Ellis Ross, Golden Brooks, Persia White, and - wait for it - Jill Marie Jones AKA Toni Chiles whose character abruptly moved to NYC from LA and before the show went away, we never heard from her again). But I missed that event as I didn't get to LA until Friday for my Oscar-related business:  the Oscar Viewing Party - hosted by the African American Film Critics Association and the Robey Theatre Company. I enrolled fine liquor comany Remy Martin to partner with the groups' fundraiser to ensure all suitably quenched while the live telecast ran [Go J Hud!!!]). The one thing missing from the L.A. Center Studios set was Mara Brock Akil who I invited to the Oscar Viewing Party. But as I was hopping into Hollywood, she was heading to Atlanta to continue her work on her upcoming BET creation: "Being Mary Jane" starring Gabrielle Union (Stay tuned). But in addition to texting me her regrets, she made good on it: inviting me to sit at she and her fab director husband Salim Akil's table that they bought for the New York City-based Dance Theater of Harlem's Vision Gala (They were Gala Co-Chairs). Though in their absence, my "Amazing Grace" Nichole Andrews invited me to escort her...and BABY! WE HAD A BLAST! - an evening produced - in large order - by my friend Vernon! In addition to reconnecting to dear friends Terri Prettyman Bowles and her husband Alvin Bowles as well as many other friends Olivia Scott-Perkins(Omerge Alliance); publicist Gilda Squire; TV exec Sharon Nelson; colleague(at BET) Jeanine Liburd; EXTRA correspondent AJ; host of "Closet Talk" Chenoa Maxwell; Corcoran Group's Spencer Means (NYC real estate agent); journalist Lola Ogunnaike (and her brother who works at Amex where my nephew works); Salim's Uncle Rick; former N Boutique co-owner Larry; and a beautiful room of folks:

* to honor Vision Award Honoree Vanessa L. Williams (TOTAL FAV!!!!! And an even more profound treat seeing her daughter Jillian Hervey AKA Lion Babe - an aspiring singer/actress and current fashionista a la her mom's 'Right Stuff' era - present to her mom while Vanessa's mom looked on with pride. Jillian's latest video is all the rage with the young'ns: "Treat Me Like Fire":  www.youtube,com/watch?v=gNd2XAP_Pfo 

* to enjoy Eyewitness 7's Sade Baderinwa;

* to be in the presence of Opera diva Jessye Norman;

 * to be impressed byHonorary Chair Chelsea Clinton;

AND

* to be inspired by all the wonderful, young dancers! Indeed I was exhausted from our L.A. whirlwind followed by a quite full and demanding day with my client. But clearly, I found my second wind: The Colors of the Wind to be exact.

everybody loves sidra

Harlem BFF Sidra Smith attracted a ROOM FULL OF LOVE! Backdrop? Cedric’s for her birthday – including many of her NYC FAMILY MEMBERS i.e. Ant, Carl, Mara Schiavocampo, Tommie Porter, MISS NINA, Nathan Hale Williams (who brought actress Jennifer Lewis by to greet Sidra), Brian Palmer Washington, Micheala angela Davis, DJ Stormin’ Norman, Gordon Chambers (who has a show TONIGHT with Avery Sunshine at the Highline Ballroom: http://highlineballroom.com/show/2013/03/07/avery-sunshine-with-gordon-chambers/); As he serenaded Sid HAPPY BIRTHDAY, I joined in... and then we all cut up! LOL!), Eric Deon, Phedra Gremillon, Elisabeth Blix Lie, Ramon Hervey, Ary, Tracey Smith, and a host more. After brunch wrapped, we popped over to Billie’s Black and ran into even more well-wishers – including Kimberly Nichole and my nephew Herman L. Riley III. He was having a brunch with a few colleagues. Sid was thrilled to see him. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIDRA! WE LOVE YOU!

love hangover

Y'all SAVE THE DATE(S) for my girl LaChanze who is presenting a LOVE HANGOVER to all of NYC! See this clip: https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=10200753000931783 “Stop! In The Name of Love”? or “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”?, La Chanze asks on this viral as she prepares to perform Love Hangover: Celebrating the Music of Diana Ross over THREE... NIGHTS in April at 54 Below (www.54below.com) ...: April 17, 18, & 22nd! I mentioned in a prior “…Life of Riley…” that my girlfriend LACHANZE is doing this special tribute (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/1/24/first-look-and-listen.html). When she originally told me, she said “knowing she’s your girl, I just had to share this with you. I'm so inspired and pumped up about it I don't know what to do…!!” Moreover, you know I bombarded her with recommendations of what she should sing. She says she’s doing sections for her set list: MISS ROSS’ #1s; MOVIES; JAZZ; SUPREMES (“Baby Love”; “Where Did Our Love Go?”; “I Hear a Symphony”; and only one more song can fit in the section: “Stop! In The Name of Love”? or “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”? WHAT SAY YOU? LACHANZE went on to say “… I LOVE HER! And while so many other legends have been celebrated, I can't think of one honoring her…” I LOVE IT!

black on black

Shout out to a dear friend Berlinda Garnett with whom I used to work at CNBC in the mid-‘90s. We were BFFs then and have stayed in touch through the years, even though I hadn’t seen her in a decade-plus. She popped into NYC from Philadelphia recently and what a reunion we had. She met me at my client BET’s Times Square office. This, while she is an UBER-PRODUCER of SPECIALS and great programming like “Good Day Philadelphia” (www.myfoxphilly.com). She’s produced and promoted a series of specials titled “Black on Black” which have been highly-praised and nominated for awards (I SMELL EMMY!).  YOU GO, BERLINDA! I’m so proud of you ALWAYS! Here are some links to her work: http://www.myfoxphilly.com/video?clipId=6980827&autostart=true And from “Black on Black… the Conversation Continues” - http://www.myfoxphilly.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=7981645&clienttype=generic&mobilecgbypass.

vy higginsen

My dear friend Vy Higginsen is celebrating the 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF "MAMA, I WANT TO SING" - the longest-running off-Broadway Black musical in theater history!  EVENT CHAIRS Lesley Stahl; Aretha Franklin; Chaka Khan; Cissy Houston; Shirley Caesar; Valerie Simpson; and show creator Vy Higginsen are doing a big RED CARPET on Saturday, March 23rd at The Dempsey Theater - 127 West 127th Street - Harlem. (The Gospel for Teens program will benefit; It was created to transform young lives through music and to pass on gospel as an art form so that the music never dies). For more information, click on www.mamafoundation.org.

merrell hollis

Shout out to my friend and Wendy Williams glam-squad best Merrell Hollis for his recent  2013 Bronner Bros. ICON Award presented By Clairol last month in Atlanta. Merrell is blowing up – working on many great projects – including his flawless foundation pro class that he teaches in Harlem. LOVE YOU, MERRELL! KEEP GOING! #flawlessfoundation

ken reynolds

I got to see friend and legendary entertainment publicist Ken Reynolds when I was out in Los Angeles. He was in New York City with two clients JU-TAUN (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Exist/110507328978273?ref=ts&fref=ts&rf=106390986063307#!/jutaun?fref=ts) and DC FAM (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Exist/110507328978273?ref=ts&fref=ts&rf=106390986063307#!/DCFAMBoston?fref=ts)! You’ll want to check them out – so don’t sleep!

will downing

Grammy Nominated Singer Will Downing is celebrating 25 Years of Recording Excellence with the Release of "Silver"! It’s out now! And what a wonderful reflection: http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Will-Downing/dp/B00B1E6FLM.

the tony rich project

Shout out to my friend Thornell Jones for reminding me about his client The Tony Rich Project’s "Speak Me", a new album coming May 2013. Pre-view new music at www.hiddenbeach.com/thetonyrichproject Pre-Order Now at http://www.hiddenbeach.com/speakme .

kenneth carr

Hey y'all! Check out my friend Kenneth Carr's video about the history and the evolution of his music! Share with your family and friends... and don't forget to LIKE it... Thxs! Stay tuned for the first release coming in a couple weeks.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HXv6nmqmG8

Oscar and Rémy Martin

Was in L.A. this weekend with recurring client Rémy Martin. I partnered the fine liquor company with my friend Gil Robertson's African American Black Film Critics Association for its Oscar Viewing Party - including other partners and friends. All fundraising benefits the Robey Theatre Company (http://www.robeytheatrecompany.com/). What a great night - including in attendance: Oscar nominee Viola Davis; the iconic Danny Glover; Tony-award-winning Obba Babatunde; A Different World's Glynn Turman; Judyann Elder (Gina's mom on "Martin"); Harold Sylvester (Dwayne Wayne's dad on "Different World"); Sheryl Lee Ralph's son Etienne; and a host of other actors and actresses of note. And several of my friends joined me: Itika; Will; Scott; Adolpha; Ern; and many more. Meanwhile, with childhood BFF Ern along for company, we also got to enjoy those cookies at The Doubletree Hotel; we got to hang out with my once-Chi-town BFF Itika Oldwine - and two of my favorite Directors of Photography friends Will Miller and Paul Hamilton - for catch-up; we enjoyed brunch at Pete's Cafe; (I've told you often about my friend Scott who works with Sheryl Lee Ralph) we got to attend his 40th birthday bash in Venice Beach (and to see great friends - including Scott's Tony; L.A buddies - including Henry; Spry; and the legendary publicist Ken Reynolds; make-up artist extraordinaire Valente Frazier [He's Tyra's main man and often 'beats' the faces of Nicole Ari Parker and Sidra Smith]; and a host of others); we got to go to the Grammy Museum for the 'Whitney Houston' exhibit (quite moving and I got to sing along with Whitney in the studio with Narada Michael Walden - a virtual recording game included in the beautiful and heartbreaking walk down memory land); we got to experience L.A. Live where the BET Experience at L.A. Live will take place June 28, June 29, and June 30 - starring Beyonce; and so much more (www.betexperience.com)! L.A. --- in the right dosage! Happy to back home in NYC! TO SEE MORE PIX FROM MY L.A. WEEKEND, please click here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151325515808737.465685.662073736&type=3&l=a22ba9042a

Where Did Our Love Go?

Speaking of my friend, Gil Robertson, He asked me to share his latest work “Where Did Our Love Go: Love & Relationships in the African American Community” with all of you! The tome features essays by an impressive array of prominent thought-leaders from the creative, religious, business and mental health communities. Each shares powerful insights on love & relationships in the African American community. This is Gil’s third anthology that examines crucial issues affecting the quality of African American life. The book is in stores now and Gil will be on the road to promote it throughout March and April. Go to www.wheredidrlovego.com for more information. CONGRATS, GIL! Great to see you in L.A.

MY FIRST LOVES

I’m on the Host Committee in support of two friends, filmmakers Dominga Martin and Monty Ross who are making the film MY FIRST LOVES – the campaign of which to raise funds is going on NOW! All donations are tax-deductible because of fiscal sponsor New York Women in Film & Television. Here’s the link to the campaign: www.indiegogo.com/myfirstloves "My First Loves" is a romantic comedy about a young woman who gets cold feet before her wedding day.  Written by Director, Dominga Martin and being produced by Monty Ross; the Producer behind Spike Lee's first 7 films. Our current goal is to raise awareness for the film, to raise funds and ultimately exceed the fundraising marker. @domingamartin @my1stlovesmovie @MRMontyRoss #myfirstlovesmovie Be sure to stop by the page often to share, or participate with all of the great things that we have coming up. https://www.facebook.com/MyFirstLovesMovie  

 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