A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

all star karaoke

 

 WHERE IS MY ‪#‎THEBOSS CHOIR? LOL!!!! We sing it EVERY WEEK:

https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley/videos/10152301946678737/! This clip features THE AMAZING Gordon Chambers, Darius Booker, AND Husain Mello Deas Williams! SPRING 2015 SERIES of Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley starts next Tuesday, April 28th at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul! Y’ALL COME ON OUT AND JOIN US! NOW THAT I CAN EXHALE from one recent client project: BET's UP FRONT for which I got to contribute to the Creative Services team on its video and art/design that let all the industry and the friendly advertisers know why BET IS ALL WAYS THE NEW BLACK with lots of new programming to ensure it stays at #1! CONGRATS, TEAM! Some of you will join me at ALL STAR KARAOKE - to let some steam off! LOL!  ‪#‎billiesblack ‪#‎allstarkaraoke ‪#‎motownmay #theboss

more arise work

ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 had me on again this past week. I filled in for Shannon again. Always fun to chat it out with MISS LOLA!

LAST WEEK:
Among the Believers directors
- Co-Directors Hemal Trivedi & Mohammed Naqvi @manaqvi talk with us about their new Documentary#amongthebelievers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVpdgMGAap0&feature=youtu.be

Kristen Taekman
#BRAVOTV #RHONY Reality Star &creator of#popofcolor @KristenTaekman talk with us about the upcoming season & much more 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPSIGsgkFGY

Kendall Minter
Entertainment Attorney/Author Kendall Minter @askmusiclawyer tells us about his new book "Understanding & Negotiating 360" 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqcU6wlXXzs&feature=youtu.be

YOU can watch (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! #arise360 #allstarkaraoke#billiesblack

the more you know

Hi folks! I mentioned Executive Producing a special project inside the Fall/Winter 2014 months last year! But it was kinda’ top secret as I was asked to jump into the project in the 11th hour. Well, the project is complete and can be seen here: http://www.themoreyouknow.com/. It’s NBC Universal’s iconic THE MORE YOU KNOW campaign which had been EP’d for years by the legendary Susan Haspel. But as she was leaving the building, I was asked to come in and oversee production on the shoots with the over 40 NBC Universal talent that we shot in L.A. and New York City. I also worked with the scriptwriters; our content partners; graphic designers; and all the respective crews to complete the 2015-16 installment. FOR MORE on THE LIFE OF RILEY and that project:

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/10/13/jakki-is-back.html.  Since working on that project at the end of 2014, NBC News' African American vertical, NBCBLK, has brought me on as a freelance contributor to its digital platform:

* Miss Aretha Franklin's birthday party:

http://www.nbcnews.com/watch/nbcnews-com/aretha-franklin-puts-on-star-studded-birthday-417968707987.

* MISS FRANKLIN and EMPIRE Co-Creator LEE DANIELS! LOL! -

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1553278574945680&set.  

 

* My debut contribution was an interview with Lee Daniels on EMPIRE:

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/precious-butler-director-lee-daniels-building-empire-n290416.

#themoreyouknow #comcast #nbcuniversal #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #NBCBLK

blackbird

It was Ant’s birthday... and since it fell in the middle of the week, we will enjoy and toast this weekend (and one thing we’ll be doing is supporting the opening weekend of “BLACKBIRD” [See cities below and let’s make this FIRST WEEKEND count]. Last night, on Ant’s birthday, he and I thought it important to attend and support the New York PREMIERE of our friend Patrik-Ian Polk’s “Blackbird” – Co-Executive Produced and Starring Academy Award winner Mo’Nique – in attendance with her co-stars Isaiah Washington, D. Woods, and introducing Julian Walker. The historic night at the iconic Schomburg included an awesome array of my industry family – including legendary make-up artists Reggie Wells and Roosevelt Cartwright – once-Oprah’s team (Roosevelt now works with Mo’Nique). TRAILER: https://youtu.be/rHe0ukjp0-M. I am TOO EXCITED for Patrik-Ian as I remember in 2006 in Los Angeles as I was out there for business, we had dinner and drinks at The Standard on Sunset. And I remember him sharing the BLACKBIRD script and telling me how he was seeking funds and some star attachments for the project. After that deal fell through, his BLACKBIRD takes flight! YAZZZ! Blackbird opens April 24 in the theaters below. Tell a friend and check www.BlackbirdTheMovie.com for more information.#WeAreBlackbird p.s. Leon was there! Always good to see him!

p.p.s. And a special shout out to our girlfriend Alysia Joy Powell - a regular alongside Debra Messing on The Mysteries of Laura - NBC hit in primetime! YOU GO GIRL!

support

The weekend brought out the CHEERS – first for Miss Miko Branch with whom I had the chance to have a conversation at an awesome book event hosted at Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Skylight Gallery – hosted by the Honorable Assemblywoman Annette M. Robinson and my friend Blaine Robinson’s Bainbridge Harrison Partners. BEAUTIFUL to catch up with Miko on her debut tome: “Miss Jessie's: Creating a Successful Business from Scratch---Naturally”. Then, also in Brooklyn – DUMBO to be exact, our girlfriend Charon who I got the chance to meet in St. Croix last year, debuted her GWAN BY CHARON HEAT line of swimwear for the curvy girls out there. The Private Fashion Presentation was fierce and the publicity was handled by Ant’s sis Sabrina who I met December 1, 2005 – the same night I met Ant. Then, we had Mairie and Eric baby shower duty. And the close out? Celebrating Ant’s birthday! Backdrop: Kiabacca bar on 10^th Ave between 45^th and 46^th. BEER. BRICK-OVEN PIZZA. And an ENDLESS STREAM OF LOVE for ANT!  #iammissjessies #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

DL and ESTELLE

I interviewed Debi Mazar for recurring client Oprah: Where Are They Now? recently! Find out more about her later this summer. But this past weekend, my D.L. Hughley and Estelle Parsons finally aired --- culled from a couple of days I got to spend with each of them in New York City last year on assignment for recurring client OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. AS ALWAYS, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Here’s a peek: http://www.oprah.com/own-where-are-they-now/The-Promise-a-Young-Broke-DL-Hughley-Made-to-His-Baby-Girl-Video#ixzz3Y9PpoXUQ. #WhereAreTheyNow

 

STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

My industry buddy Jacquie Lee (www.jacquieleeinternational.com) made sure “A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities” was in the house for the first preview of “A Streetcar Named Desire”. She’s one of the associate producers on the project who has been instrumental in building some wonderful corporate marketing synergies between many vendors and the show (Jacquie choreographed an AMAZING sweepstakes with the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation – a giveaway that promises free trips - including a 7-day cruise, a weekend at the ESSENCE Music Festival, a trip to NYC to see 'Streetcar', etc.). You recall, we told you about this much-anticipated, multi-cultural revival a few weeks ago when it was announced. (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/3/15/dreams-and-desire.html). Well, it’s on… and happening in a BEAUTIFUL & BRILLIANT way! The stellar cast includes: Blair Underwood who takes “mean and dysfunctional” to a whole new level with his dark and effective interpretation of “Stanley” (His L.A.-based wife Desiree, who was in the house, agreed!); stellar actress Nicole Ari Parker DOES THE DARN THING as “Blanche”. I’ve always loved her work – from “Soul Food” to “Remember the Titans”, but BABY!!!!!! (a la with my New Orleans accent), she truly delivers one over-the-top-yet-spot-on moment at a time with style, grace, and DELUSION! LOL! Her fine husband Boris Kodjoe was – of course – there to support. You recall, he is the first cousin of my beloved Kodjoe who – coincidentally – passed away seven years ago this week (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2006/10/25/love-is-in-the-air.html). Though life and love continue in my life inside a whole new and wonderful adventure, I must say it’s been a rough week for me (in my memory mind). But the places that Tennessee Williams takes us, according to this AWESOME cast, healed me on many fronts. I got to share that with dear friends Jason and Marqice (Ant’s and my favorite couple); my social-networking doppelganger Bevy Smith who proved an awesome escort for the night; my BFF Sidra who I hadn’t seen in a minute (so it was good to catch up). Moreover, having the chance to chat with Boris and Nicole who I only met at Kodjoes’ home-going service back in 2005 proved a salve for me. And the rest of the cast is just a delight – on and off the stage: Daphne Rubin-Vega; Wood Harris; the LEGEND-ary Carmen De Lavallade; Jacinto Taras Riddick; Count Stovall; etc. Jacquie Lee hosted a lovely after-set at Bourbon Street (www.bourbonny.com/) on Restaurant Row (right across from a cabaret spot at which I used to perform “An Intimate Evening with Patrick Riley” from 1996-2005. It felt good to be back on that block for something). And as play synergies go, after-party sponsor “Southern Comfort” provided the goods. BIG CONGRATS to Lead Producers Stephen Byrd and my Spelman sister Alia Jones (ALSO producers of Broadway's All-Black Revival of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" from a few years ago: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/1/9/pat-on-a-hot-tin-roof.html); director Emily Mann; and a few of my buddies who – in addition to Jacquie Lee – round out the FAB list of associate producers (Randolph Sturrup; Paulette Martin-Carter; George Williams; Socrates Marquez; etc.). ALSO IN THE HOUSE: Broadway and day-time soap LEGEND Tonya Pinkins, who was such a joy at the after-party as we compared notes on the play and the wings. LOL!  NOW, HERE’S THE GOOD PART: Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire" is in PRE-VIEWS now and it opens April 22, 2012 at The Broadhurst Theatre (235 W 44th Street). Here’s a discount code. Go to www.broadwayoffers.com and use code ASJKB215. For more info on the show: http://www.streetcaronbroadway.com/. 

MAGIC/BIRD

When my Broadway marketing BFF Marcia Pendelton invited Ant and me to check out “MAGIC/BIRD” (www.magicbirdbroadway.com/), I reconnected to my youth. I was the youngest boy of two (And FYI: an oldest sibling – a sister – was in the mix too). Whereas my father and I may have always had ‘reading’ and ALL THINGS INTELLECTUAL in common (library visits, books, newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, etc.), LOVE OF SPORTS belonged to he and my brother. They tried to get me into it, but it never took (even though it’s worth noting that I played all the little-league options…and I did just fine on the respective teams, THANK YOU! LOL! I am quite agile and strong [even though I wanted to express it in a dance class, but I digress… LMAO!]). So, coincidentally, Ant had to work late. Not wanting to waist the chance to experience this much-buzzed-about production (and to put my 2 cents in via the blogosphere), I end up taking my sports-enthusiast brother’s son (my FAVORITE and only nephew), Herman L. Riley, who is much more of a B-BALL fan than his Uncle Patrick (a la my brother/his perhaps more persuasive dad). That said, he AND I enjoyed it! Though it was good to see the dots connected in this LEGENDARY rivalry, I actually remembered a lot of the story-line via maybe osmosis and acknowledged comprehension of what I perhaps was pretending not to understand. Leave it to BROADWAY to get ME into SPORTS. LOL! SO…if you are a BIG NBA FAN, you MUST see this Broadway play (And you won’t be alone: So many men and sports fans were in the house – from B-ball players, coaches, Lakers fans, Celtics fans, etc.). If you are NOT A BIG SPORTS FAN, you MUST see this Broadway play. The cast’s performances are strong and the multi-media effects are stunning! Plus, it’s a quick 90 minutes (NO INTERMISSION). So to the ADDs out there (like me), it flies by! LOL!I loved it so much, Ant finally got to go with his co-worker Stephanie. And my friend and former co-worker from Chicago, Kevin Gist, came with his beautiful family in tow for Spring Break... and I arranged for them to enjoy the show as well.

Here are some details on the show:

A World Premiere

A New Play by Eric Simonson

Directed by Thomas Kail

Now in playing

Longacre Theatre

220 West 48th Street, NYC

From the producers and creators of Lombardi comes a new Broadway play that "tells the INSPIRING STORY of two rivals whose SHARED LOVE FOR THE GAME turned their animosity into FRIENDSHIP." --Sports Illustrated

Academy Award® winner and writer of Lombardi, Eric Simonson, reunites with Tony Award®-nominated director Thomas Kail (Lombardi, In the Heights) on MAGIC/BIRD, an unprecedented Broadway event about basketball greats Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird. Featuring an all-star cast of theater's best, including Kevin Daniels (Twelfth Night), Tug Coker (ART's A Midsummer Night's Dream), Deirdre O'Connell (Circle Mirror Transformation), Peter Scolari (Hairspray), Robert Manning, Jr ("Southland") and Francois Baptiste (Prelude to a Kiss), this moving and thrilling new play, created in collaboration with Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, is an eye-opening chronicle of two incredible figures, fatefully intertwined.

Save over 35% off regular ticket prices when you use code MBBTO79*

Selected Orch/Front Mezz $79

(reg $121.50-$126.50)

Selected Rear/Side Mezz $61.50

(reg $86.50-$91.50)

Balcony (Rows E-F) $36.50

(reg. $36.50)

THREE EASY WAYS TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Online: Click here or visit www.broadwayoffers.com

and enter code MBBTO79.

Call: 212.947.8844 and mention code MBBTO79.

In person: Present a print out of this offer at the Longacre Theatre

Box Office, 220 W. 48th Street.

FOR GROUPS 10+ Contact

Marcia Pendelton | Walk Tall Girl Productions

646.467.7393 | marcia@walktallgirlproductions.com  

Ask about our student and youth group rates!

For performance schedules, additional information about the show,

and to watch the promotional video featuring

EARVIN "MAGIC" JOHNSON, visit

www.MAGICBIRDBROADWAY.COM

*Offer based on availability and can be withdrawn at anytime.

Good for performances 3/21/12-5/27/12. Limit 8 tickets per purchase.

 

 

 

BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL & LACHANZE

Tony Award Winner Actor/Singer Brian Stokes Mitchell performed at Westport Country Playhouse Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County. Its Spring Gala was organized - in large part - by my good girlfriend Michelle Sapp (sister of Tony-award-winning songstress LaChanze, who too was in attendance, and is a dear friend). Brian - also a Tony-Award winner - has credits that cover the range of the Broad...way stage ("Kiss Me Kate"); film ("Jumping the Broom"); TV ("Frasier"; "Ugly Betty"; and opposite my Diana Ross & Brandy, "Double Platinum"; and who remembers Trapper John MD. Just sayin'. LOL!). What an AWESOME singer and performer he is - even calling his former co-star from "Ragtime", LaChanze on the stage to join him on their big duet from that hit Broadway show! By the way: Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County provides arts education to children at risk and those with special needs. The goals are to improve academic performance, increase graduation rates and serve as a catalyst for lifelong success. Neighborhood Studios is based in Bridgeport, CT and serves the greater Fairfield County community. For more information and how you can support: www.westportplayhouse.org  and www.nstudios.org CONGRATS, MICHELLE!

BEVERLY JOHNSON & OWN

Got to hang out recently with Beverly Johnson whose OWN show "Beverly's Full House" premieres Saturday night at 10p. Hosted by Harlem's Fashion Row (HFR), Brandis Henderson and Jenna Bond hosted a wonderful breakfast/conversation at Opia about the show and Miss Johnson's product line (www.beverlyjohnson.com). Also in the house: BFF Carl Nelson, Harriette Cole, Michaela angela Davis, icon Audrey Smaltz, BRAVO's Chef Roble; Deborah Gregory; actor Justin Davis, Bevy Smith Phillip Bloch & many more! CONGRATS to the LEGENDARY Beverly Johnson!  #BFH #BevConvo #HFRConversation  

SWEETIE PIE is BACK!

I'm glad "Welcome to Sweetie Pie" is a BIG HIT! And it’s now ushering in the aforementioned Beverly Johnson show into a couplet of success. We felt it would be when we had the chance to break bread with Tim Norman and his AWESOME mom MISS Robbie Montgomery in NYC before their season started. http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/11/10/put-me-to-the-test.html CONGRATS! <Now, I'm craving that peach cobbler! LOL!> NEW EPISODES have baked and are ready to go! CONGRATS to recurring client OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network!

MARY MARY on WE

As new TV fare goes: We saw sneak-peek of Mary Mary's new WE show. AND I LOVE IT! Perfect blend of behind-the-scenes and seeing them do what they do best: SING HIS PRAISES...BRILLIANTLY!!!! LOVE ME SOME Mary Mary http://ilovemarymary.com/ And since I've had the chance to hang out with them for their last two CD releases http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/2/23/nothing-can-keep-me-from-you.html and http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/10/22/one-idea-can-last-forever.html, it only made sense that I would be with them for the debut of WE tv’s newest reality show “MARY MARY” (http://www.wetv.com/shows/mary-mary) featuring the Grammy-winning gospel duo. CONGRATS & PRAISE THE LORD! Big UP to Erica and Tina! Your show will - for sure - be my NEW, NOT-GUILTY PLEASURE! LOL! I also ran into many dear friends – including Z (college buddies from CAU/Morehouse), Marcia Cole, Shante Bacon, Miss "singing" KJ Rose, alongside enjoying time with BFF Tata.

JANET LEE’S “LIVING IN A NUTSHELL”

My girlfriend and colleague Janet Lee’s book "Living in a Nutshell: Posh and Portable Decorating Ideas for Small Spaces" is out!!! (http://harpercollins.ca/books/Living-Nutshell-Janet-Lee/?isbn=9780062060693) And she wants the world to know! MEANWHILE, she hosted a lovely launch in her downtown Manhattan digs. Many of her fellow colleagues and buddies from ‘OPRAH’, ‘Anderson Cooper’, ‘The Wendy Williams Show’, FOX News (and beyond) were in the house. I even enjoyed seeing some great friends – including our friend Hanna Lee (www.hannaleecommunications.com & www.unwindwithwine.com). CONGRATS, JANET!

FolieM

Shout out to my girl Bri Cole who I actually met the same night I met Ant the opening night of “The Color Purple”. His Denver work-wife is continuing to make things happen - most recently in LA handling her PR handle for the launch of folieM https://www.facebook.com/FoliemLLC. Robert Townsend; Kendra; Leon; of course, Christian Siriano; and a host of others were in the house! CONGRATS, BOO! FolieM, LLC is a female operated company based in Denver, CO. FolieM, which is the latin word for leaf, is launching its eM line of four female perfumes this month! As part of its Five for Femme program, FolieM will give 5% of profits to charities that support the betterment of women. The charities are: Dress for Success Denver, Polaris Project, Center for Women's Education and Employment (CWEE), and Alternatives to Domestic Violence. FolieM has created four scents that are distinct, exciting and rare! They use a special extraction from a plant which has never been fully explored in this capacity. The plant holds our secret ingredient which produces extremely individual scents which can only be found in Colorado at this time.Twitter: @eMperfumes

DON REED’S “THE KIPLING HOTEL”

Shout out to Don Reed! I met him in NYC a few years back when he was running Off Broadway in an AWESOME show. He is now at the The Tonight Show with Jay Leno every day for almost 3 years now as the first African American Opening Act/Warm-up... Comedian in the 60 year history of the show. Now, that's POP CULTURE & POSSIBILITIES, okay!!!? This, after he left Off Broadway with East 14th to have it run for 2 1/2 years in San Francisco and Oakland every single weekend. He has a new show now covering the 80's window of his life - which runs in the Bay Area now - every weekend. Next time I'm WEST, I'm heading to check him out in "Don Reed's THE KIPLING HOTEL: True Misadventures of the Electric Pink 80s!" http://www.themarsh.org/don_reed.html MORE INFO: https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/401696286507380/ 

"THE SKINNY” EXCLUSIVE

“A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities” is a big fan of PATRIK-IAN POLK and his great work for TV and film – including PUNKS & NOAH’S ARC: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/jensen-atwood. Next up: THE SKINNY! For more info on how you can see the film (FIRST UP: WASHINGTON, DC & ATLANTA)… and more, PLEASE READ ON! THE SKINNY opens Friday, April 6th for an exclusive one-week engagement in Atlanta at the Midtown Art Cinema (931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30308) and Washington D.C. at the E Street Cinema (555 11th Street NW, Washington DC 20004) with more cities to follow. We will be having a "Meet and Greet" with the director and the cast on Friday, April 6th at E Street Cinema at 7:30pm and 9:45pm. In Atlanta, we will be having a "Meet and Greet" with Polk and the cast at the Midtown Art Cinema on April 7th at 7:30 and 9:45pm.

From the director of cult classics PUNKS and NOAH'S ARC, comes the much-anticipated third feature film from Patrik-Ian Polk THE SKINNY, a sharply scripted comedy about a group of four young, black, gay men Magnus, Sebastian, Kyle, Joey and their lesbian best friend, Langston. They arrange to meet up in New York City one year after their graduation from Brown University. Their plans for a weekend of fun start off well, relaxed in each other's company as only old friends can be. But old tensions quickly resurface.

Drinking, drugs, hidden desire and the demands of promiscuity put friendship, trust and even lives at risk. In between sharp one-liners and a great soundtrack there's a few important lessons that these pleasure-seekers must learn for themselves. Written with a real sense of the demands of urban living, these bright and believable characters will remind you of someone you know. Remaining true to his past work, Polk addresses issues in THE SKINNY that face the LGBT community such as date-rape, infidelity, and HIV/AIDS awareness.

The film stars Jussie Smolett, Blake Young-Fountain, Anthony Burrell, Shanika Warren-Markland and Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman. Supporting cast includes alumnus of Polk's past features such as Darryl Stephens ("Noah's Arc"), Jennia Fredrique ("Noah's Arc"), Wilson Cruz ("Noah's Arc") and Seth Gilliam ("Punks"). Also, the film introduces new actors Dustin Ross and internet sensation B. Scott.

In an exciting partnership, the film has teamed up with the Black AIDS Institute to promote the importance of health in the LGBT Community, especially in the Black and Latino communities.  The Institute will sponsor appearances, receptions and panel discussions in Washington D.C. and Atlanta featuring producer/director Polk and cast members Jussie Smollett, Blake Young-Fountain and Jennia Fredrique (who all appear in the Black AIDS Institute's latest PSA campaign "Greater Than AIDS"). The Skinny director and cast will be on hand to discuss the HIV awareness story-lines in the movie and other sexual health issues of importance to the LGBT population.

"I've been involved with the Black AIDS Institute since the early days of my NOAH'S ARC television series, and I've been addressing issues of HIV and AIDS in my work since my first film PUNKS," Polk explains. "So it makes perfect sense to partner with them to promote their great cause and highlight the HIV awareness issues raised in my new film THE SKINNY."

The film also features music written and performed by Patrik-Ian Polk. With tunes that illustrate the highs and lows of the film, Polk sings with his heart and soul to capture the essence of it all. Polk was inspired by artists such as Grammy-Award winning Adele to "who had created a very personal album based on her romantic experiences," he says. Polk continues to share coyly that, "...most of the songs I wrote, although they fit very nicely in THE SKINNY, are actually about some very personal experiences with...someone very specific."

For more information, see http://www.skinnythemovie.com.

Advance Movie Ticket Information

Atlanta, GA - Purchase Tickets HERE: https://tickets.landmarktheatres.com/Ticketing.aspx?TheatreID=265&ShowDate=4/6/2012&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

Washington, DC - Purchase Tickets HERE:

https://tickets.landmarktheatres.com/Ticketing.aspx?TheatreID=264&ShowDate=4%2F6%2F2012&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 

HARLEM JAZZ SHRINES FESTIVAL

My friend Melvin Taylor just hipped me to this wonderful collaboration between The Apollo Theater, Harlem Stage and Jazzmobile Renew Partnership: It’s the Second Annual Harlem Jazz Shrines Festival which is scheduled to run from May 7 – 13, 2012. Partners Celebrate Legacy of Jazz in Harlem FeaturingConcerts by Emerging and Established Artists, Panel Discussions, Films and More. Bringing both established and emerging artists to famed Harlem venues, the festival will pay tribute to Club Harlem, Clark Monroe’s Uptown House, Havana San Juan Club, Small’s Paradise, Minton’s Playhouse, Showman’s Café, Park Palace, Lenox Lounge and the Apollo Theater. In addition to concerts at jazz shrines, other festival events will take place at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, Columbia University and a variety of locations throughout the Harlem area.  Designed to draw a diverse audience of neighborhood residents, New Yorkers and tourists, all events are offered at the affordable price of $10.  Concerts are scheduled to allow people the option of attending several events each day, continuing the tradition of non-stop jazz throughout Harlem.  Tickets for many of the Harlem Jazz Shrines Festival events are available now.  For tickets and more information on the Festival and its partners, visit the Harlem Jazz Shrines’ website at www.Harlemjazzshrines.org and/or the organizations’ websites at www.apollotheater.org,  www.harlemstage.org and www.jazzmobile.org.

KIMBERLA LAWSON ROBY

My friend Shandra Hill Smith, with whom I recently reconnected while in Orlando at the Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine hipped me to her client Kimberla Lawson Roby’s news (www.kimroby.com). The ninth installment of her acclaimed Reverend Curtis Black series,  THE REVEREND’S WIFE (Grand Central Publishing; May 1, 2012; $24.99; ISBN 978-0446572477), is scheduled to hit stores May 1, 2012. The New York Times bestselling author tells the story of Reverend Black who discovers his wife, Charlotte, has had not one but two affairs.  “I am incredibly grateful to have experienced such an amazing journey," Roby says. "And to have created a character like the Reverend Curtis Black — one that thousands of readers continue to ask for year after year — this is even more of a blessing. What I hear regularly, too, from readers nationwide is that there is a ‘Reverend Curtis Black’ in every single city in the country, so it feels good writing stories that people can relate to." Roby’s novels — which address true-to-life social issues — have frequented bestseller lists, including The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post, ESSENCE and Upscale magazines, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Walmart and many others. Her 13th book and second novella, A DEEP DARK SECRET, was the Essence Book Club Recommended Read by ESSENCE magazine for November 2009. She received the Female Author of the Year award from the African-American Literary Award Show in 2011, 2010, 2009, 2007 and 2006. Among other honors, she also received the 1998 First-Time Author Award from Chicago's Black History Month Book Fair and Conference. 

LOUNGIN WITH TONY

Check out my friend Tony Moore’s new website for LOUNGIN WITH TONY (www.lounginwithtony.com). I met him Summer 2009 and just knew he was going to continue to sparkle for us all to see. CONGRATS TONY!

CLASSIC BLACK CINEMA & CAKE

My BFFs, the Porters (Mara Schiavocampo and Tommie Porter AKA Nina’s parents) had us over recently for an impromptu ‘classic Black movie night’ with popcorn, candy, THE BEST CAKE A LA MARA (see picture), and “COMING TO AMERICA”. LAUGHTER IS GREAT MEDICINE. FRIENDS & JUNK FOOD are too! XO PLR— with Tommie Porter, Rakia Clark, Ernest Maynor and Mara Schiavocampo. Maybe now that the SPARKLE trailer is out: http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/46925044, they’ll let us screen the 1976 original. LOL! CONGRATS to my friends Salim Akil and Mara Brock-Akil. As I work with BET's Creative Services team on the network's UP FRONT, I continue to be PROUD and IN AWE of what you both are creating in the way of your LEGACIES for TV and FILM! (For those who don't know, they are the creators of "Girlfriends", "The Game", "Jumping The Broom" (the film), and so much more, including the much-anticipated "Sparkle" remake, which is Whitney Houston's cinematic swan song!

NASHA RASHA

On one free night in New York City, my “Amazing Grace” Nichole Andrews Shellman invited me to join she and our friend Michelle Sanchez Boyce for a CELEBRATORY TOAST & TASTE at Nasha Rasha (http://www.nasharashanyc.com/) – a new concept in authentic Russian dining. It offers authentic Russian small plates meant for sharing and pairing with authentic Russian Vodka and Russian wines. Among its many signatures: bacon-infused vodka and ...horseradish vodka. As Vodka doesn’t agree with me, I still had to try it! INTERESTING!

But hear me: For the vodka lover in you, you can do shots of a selection of over 200 different vodkas. Most of them originals from Russia. And word has it, Nasha Rasha has karaoke on Mondays and Tuesdays. And coincidentally, it’s near one of my favorite karaoke spots in the Flatiron District – so I’m going to have to make sure I pop back by… and check that scene out as well!

MOREHOUSE 20

Ready or not? REUNION 20 from Morehouse College is here! CALLING ALL BRETHREN! www.morehouse1992.com (It seems like our 15 was just yesterday: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/5/22/walking-in-strange-and-new-places.html) Kinda’ started it early with Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts and Spelman sister Tiffanie R. Spearman (visiting NYC from Texas to experience Oprah’s Life Class with Deepak Chopra at Radio City). We had a nourishing chat and chew at Havana Central Times Square: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Havana-Central-Times-Square/106062046112971. DELICIOUS BEEF EMPANADAS and POMEGRANITE MOJITOS!

THINK LIKE A MAN

Everyone’s abuzz about “THINK LIKE A MAN” which hits theaters April 20^th (www.thinklikeaman-movie.com). From the stage to the streets, I’ve had the chance to mingle with many of its leads – from Steve Harvey with whom I’ve collaborated on DISNEY'S DREAMERS ACADEMY WITH STEVE HARVEY & ESSENCE MAGAZINE (just down in Orlando a couple of weeks ago: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/steve-harvey); Taraji P. Henson (at Mary J. Blige’s FFAWN gala – an evening I had the luxury of on-site producing/scripting: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/ffawn); Terrence J (at “The Game” premiere party last year: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/1/10/hope-theres-someone.html); and La La Anthony (friend of my friend Po Johnson). These folks and a number of others comprise the cast of “THINK LIKE A MAN” – including Michael Ealy, Regina hall, Jerry Ferrara, Kevin Hart, Romany Malco, Gabrielle Union, Meagan Good, etc. “THINK LIKE A MAN” opens nationwide April 20. Visit the movie online at www.thinklikeaman-movie.com.