A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

Well, I’m taking more and more meetings. So, something is bound to pop up as my WHAT'S NEXT goes. Meanwhile, I'm treading lightly in the spending department but no less enjoying what life has to offer.            

Sometimes spot work pops up that’s less about revenue and more about using my talents (as gifts) or building and/or maintaining relationships.

I am contributing my gift for writing the scripted word to the “6th Annual Black 2: Broadway Celebrates the Tony Awards”. My boy Kevin-Anthony puts it on every year and I’ve scripted it before (in years gone by): http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/6/13/from-black.html. This is an EXCITING year in which many folks of color are nominated for The Tony Award– including Denzel Washington and Viola Davis (for “Fences”); Lillias White, one of 11 nominations for “Fela”; and David Alan Grier for “RACE”. Along with these nominations for the 64th Annual Tony Awards, this year’s special Black 2: Broadway event is co-hosted by Adrian Bailey & Coleman Domingo who Ant and I got to know during his run in Broadway’s “Passing Strange”.

The event I’m working on with Kevin-Anthony is honoring the Broadway Production of “Sophisticated Ladies” along with my friend, Choreographer Kenneth Roberson & “The AUDELCO Organization”. Both will be receiving our Vanguard Award for their contributions & excellence in uplifting & supporting our theater community of color and beyond. The night will round out with the outstanding talents of Ty Stephens, Alyson Williams, Kimberly Nicole just to name a few.

There will be hors d’oeuvres, great dinner buffet, dessert, amazing musical selections and whole lot of fun. For more information, www.black2broadway.com and www.b2productins.xbuild.com. The last time Kevin-Anthony reached out to me, it was November last year… and the request was for me to sing Diana Ross’ “The Boss” to its composers Ashford & Simpson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbI1qEM_k8k). Though not my shining moment (as a singer: http://216.117.188.141/rileyshowforkodjoe.wmv and http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/video/video.php?v=390384328736&ref=mf, it was a lot of FUN to sing for them at GOSPEL UPTOWN where this special Tony-viewing event is held as well.  

Speaking of MISS ROSS, she performed this past week at a SOLD OUT Radio City Music Hall. And as you know, I’d been COUNTING DOWN to the moment. And what a MAGICAL MOMENT it was. The day started at Bard High School Early College where I spoke at an assembly that LIVE OUT LOUD organized (www.liveoutloud.info). You recall, I speak to kids all over the New York City area for LIVE OUT LOUD which mentors, provides scholarships, and promotes awareness around LGBT issues for all students. This auditorium - filled with spirited students - had great comments and questions. After I shared one particular anecdote re: one of my late, great mentors Tom Morgan (for whom I got to sing "Wind Beneath My Wings" before his passing), a student asked me to sing it to them (They gave me a standing ovation). I dedicated it not only to the memory of Tom but to these teenagers who seem to really have a grasp on what they are (more courageously than me...at their age). And I mean the gay teens AND the straight teens. GREAT GROUP OF YOUNG FOLKS!

Then, I had a quick, pre-show drink at THERAPY.

Mario and Derrick invited Ant and me to pop by as Mario was preparing to see 'RACE' on Broadway.

 RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL for MISS ROSS' SOLD-OUT show is where we were going!

She was FABULOUS!

Two of her three daughters Rhonda & Chudney were in the house along with one of her two sons Ross.

I got a pic with Chudney.

Of course, I've gotten shots with Rhonda before.

And Tracee.

I’ve known Ern since 7^th grade (1982) and he’s known my Miss Ross-jones since that time. But of my 25 times seeing Miss Ross, he’s never been. So, for his February birthday, I promised him a ticket (This, before I even knew Ross was – for sure – going on tour).

Then, Ant – of course – had to be there. And so many other friends I know through our collective love of DIANA - including my Frankie. Scott.

 And Dustin.

And Bernard.

 Just too many to name here.

But I must acknowledge my Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts accompanied me (also my birthday gift to him). He reviewed the show VIA his new Facebook page for his concert reviews... “LIVE! from Front Row”!!!  Please join his Facebook page... and you don't have to be ON Facebook to see the Diana Ross review!!!   

To read the review of Diana Ross' Radio City Music Hall show:  http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=393390688541

To read past reviews and get the latest concert tour news, check out and join our Facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/LIVEfromFrontRow

And of course, YOU TUBE (www.youtube.com) can show you an excerpt here or there. But MISS ROSS has proven again that there’s nothing like seeing her LIVE. She TRULY REIGNS SUPREME!

Have you picked up your JUNE issue of ESSENCE Magazine (www.essence.com) with Taraji P. Henson on the cover? I’d mentioned this before, but a friend just called to say they saw the resource guide for Black fathers I wrote and compiled for ESSENCE, my 2^nd by-line since November (when I did a series of interviews with top thinkers on the shifting image of African American men in the era of Obama). It’s on p. 160...just below an awesome piece my NABJ sister Katti Gray wrote.

This past weekend, I put on my media consulting hat. I supervised a session to help a friend navigate some new career decisions. Then, my friend Ron Smith invited me to meet fab Chicago-based designer Borris Powell (www.borrispowell.com) at The Bryant Park Hotel. He does amazing dresses and coats/jackets. And in the house - at his suite - were many old industry friends like Dynelle as well as a round of new buddies - including model Cole who Ant and I remembered seeing in a few shows - including Miquel Antoinne and R. Scott French. Also, not intentionally, there was a host of SCORPIOS in the house (go figure). And that number included fashion photographer Antonio Anobile. Ant and his 'Wendy' co-worker Jaz came by too.

Later in the weekend, Ant and I accepted an invite to New Rochelle from my Amazing Grace Nichole and her New Ro buddies. They were throwing a garage sale. FUN TIMES! Afterwards, we went to Chat 19 American Grill for some delicious cuisine before turning in.

Then, Sunday, we did DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON. This is an event my Carl Nelson produces every year (www.drumsalongthehudson.org/). He even booking me to host portions of the program in years gone by. This year, Ant – who has worked for the event before – and I were simply guests. Refreshing! The over-riding host is Sandra Bookman. Always a JOY! And my co-host from last year is Tetiana Anderson and she held down the fort brilliantly – including her tribute to Melky Jean, Wyclef's sister (www.carmafoundation.org). BFF Brian's girl Kelli and her son Jonathan joined us - after which we grabbed a lovely bite with her homegirl Emily at El Paso Restaurante Mexicano in Harlem. Then, an early evening back at home... getting ready for the week which includes my nephew coming up to NYC to find his permanent digs (The recent graduate from Morehouse College has a 1^st gig awaiting him here in Manhattan). Last week, Ant and I enjoyed a marathon-of-a-weekend in Atlanta – all centered around my nephew’s graduation. It was so great to see the family. And many of us were in the house. But before Ant and I got around to family time, we got to hang out with our friend Lamoh. He's the buddy with whom I hung out all last summer. Many of his friends were shooting "Real Housewives of Atlanta". I was field and story producing "Monica: Still Standing". And he and I actually met while I was shooting "Frankie & Neffe". He works alongside Dwight Eubanks... and manages all of his appearances. 

He took Ant & me to "Blakes on the Park" (Piedmont) where we stumbled into Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty's older sister on the now-canceled show). She is shooting a movie in ATL and was so SWEET - even remembering a recent story she read in The Huffington Post that named Morehouse one of the most grueling (academically challenging) colleges in the nation (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/12/the-most-grueling-college_n_574120.html); ALSO, Lamoh - my first call when I hit ATL - took Ant and me out later... to MIXX (in Ansley Mall).Then, we had to get our Taco Cabana on.

This is Latisha, who served us l-l-l-lovely cocktails during our drive by Blakes.

Ant and I also got some down-time at my sister Janice’s place with her husband Vincent, my cousin Felecia, and her husband Skip. My "original Amazing Grace" (BFF) Natalie stopped by my sister Janice's place to say HI with her gorgeous and smart girls Hannah and Lydia in tow. Though I'd left their Christmas presents with my sister, she and Nat hadn't connected yet. So, they got CHRISTMAS IN MAY! LOL! Since I hosted a "The Princess & The Frog" event for NABJ back in August (http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/NABJDisneyMagic.wmv), I received a lot of SWAG from Disney that I just knew the girls would enjoy! "Uncle" Ant threw in some stuff as well. His paternal energies were shining through. We also had to make time to meet BABY GAVIN, another of my BFF Chandra's 'baby love'! Everyone thought Ant was the father! FUTURE MOREHOUSE MAN? So, GREAT to spend time with our Chandra.

Ant and I also got to hang out with our friend Aaron and a buddy of his at my once-Atlanta-home-away-from-home "The TWELVE Hotel - Atlantic Station". We enjoyed some BBQ Pizza and special cocktails - including my kir royale which the servers knew to prepare for me from my time there last summer while shooting "Monica: Still Standing" and "Frankie & Neffe".

My nephew Herman L. Riley III (Noot, I call him) is now a MOREHOUSE MAN (c/o 2010). And since MOREHOUSE, too, is my ALMA MATER, I saw many ‘brothers’ - including Mike Bryant and Kevin Ross. I even got the chance to sing along with the rest of the Morehouse College Glee Club (on our annual tradition:  "Prayer" from Lohengrin and "Dear Old Morehouse"). And to that, I saw many of my professors – including Dr. David Morrow who directs The Morehouse College Glee Club of which I was a member.

Pappadeux was the backdrop for our post-graduation brunch. There, I actually got to see my Dad and reflect a little on 1992 when I became a Morehouse Man... and many of these same players were in attendance for me. And Ant and I got to talk to the many who came to celebrate my nephew - including my cousins Felecia and Sylathea who've known me since I was a baby. They shared all the tid-bits with him. The food was great! The cake was awesome (my sister's brainchild)! And what a blessing to all be together again... for such an OPTIMISTIC gathering! I LOVE YOU ALL!

MEANWHILE, CONRATS to aforementioned Morehouse brother Michael K. Watts on raising $7,000 (of $5.7 million overall) for AIDS Walk. WHAT A HUGE SUCCESS! He reports that over 45,000 people walked the 6.2 mile route which began in Central Park then circled around the Upper West Side and back into the park. Thanks to the funds raised, the Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) and over 30 other tri-state area AIDS service organizations can continue helping thousands of people living with HIV and AIDS and their families year after year.  GO, MIKE GO!

 If you believe
Within your heart

I just wrapped up my last six-week project in Chicago. Tried to extend six to seven or eight weeks, but to no avail. All good though as HOME was calling me. Now, I must find something else to do with myself – creatively speaking and, of course, revenue-wise. This, as main clients are getting ready for a summer break… and so many of them just aren’t outsourcing at the frequencies at which they once did before this so-called recession. In the meantime, I’ll ride the wave of what I have earned over the last month or so and outreach other account receivables that are due me and par for the course in this freelance life.

You'll know that no one can change
The path that you must go

So, as we COUNTDOWN to DIANA ROSS’ “More Today Than Yesterday” tour (http://www.etonline.com/news/2010/05/86927/index.html), I must point out a few synergy pieces. We got word that the legendary Lena Horne passed away at 92. You’ll recall, it is LENA who tells DIANA’s Dorothy in “The Wiz”: "We're always home, anywhere!" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoCF1bCySn8 Paying the debt (and then some) Diana - now the only surviving principle cast member - had the chance to honor LENA and many others on whose shoulders she stands in her “Red Hot Rhythm & Blues” special in 1987: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBg022fBO_8 

Believe what you feel
And know you're right because

Well, as NYC anticipates the experience of MISS ROSS in the sold-out Radio City Music Hall venue on May 19^th, I got the chance to sing on the very stage. While at the storied venue where ROSS performed a couple of years ago (headlining DIVAS WITH HEART along with Patti LaBelle; Chaka Khan; and Gladys Knight - http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/5/11/divas-with-heart.html), I was simply sitting in the audience with friends – awaiting a special TV taping. Before I knew it, the warm-up lady (also a friend) invited me to sing "And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going" before the packed house of 5300. This, because she knows I LOVE all things DREAMGIRLS, JENNIFER HOLLIDAY & HUDSON, and DIVAS! Well, like an out-of-body experience, my inner-DIVO stepped right over the me that didn't realize my name had just been called onto that stage in front of the anticipating crowd. And it was only after I slipped back to my seat that I realized I didn't just lunge into a little ditty (something soft and sweet that my early-morning voice could accommodate, but I had performed "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" a cappella - in my risky (albeit strong) falsetto. The residue of the audience’s thunderous applause woke me up to what had just taken place, after I sat back down. And after the awesome TV show (our reason for being there. LOL!), I couldn't walk two steps without folks asking for my autograph or to take a picture or to meet their mother - one of whom said to me after I shouted out how good the taping that we’d all just seen was: "Sure! The show was good. But you made it exciting before the show even started!" LOL! COUNTDOWN TO YOU, DIANA! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHNbB1hiYi4 

The time will come around
When you'll say it's yours

More than that moment, I got the chance to invite many friends to join me. From Ern to Norell to Michelle to Nichole to Chenoa. Then, my Brian came down from DC. Also, Ryan and Marcus got to enjoy the fun. My girl Karen and her buddy Bryna came along with my Michaela and Joi (from BET). Also from my recent BET work: Loren. I saw Miss Bevy Smith in the house! My Morehouse brothers Geoffrey Bennett (and his fiancé Beth) and Mario came. Dear friend Danielle and her buddy Doris came. And my girl from NABJ, Cheryl Burton, an anchor at WLS in Chicago, came along with her mother. GREAT MOTHER'S DAY GIFT, huh? AFTERWARDS: Lunch at Armani Ristorante. Nichole, Ern, Brian, Michelle, Danielle, Chenoa, Pam, Doris, et al. wanted to celebrate our wonderful morning. So, we felt it required something more than our old standby BBQ. And we ran into Armani’s concierge Mechel, our dear friend who used to own Maroon’s Restaurant. Liquid lunch was good. The food itself was great. And the company was unparalleled. Then, I got to hang out at Hudson Hotel with Brian until Ant got off work. We then joined his work buddy Joi and his trainer Jen for karaoke. Of course, I did an encore presentation of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”. This, since Ant and the crew didn’t get to come to the show earlier.  And the soap opera fan that I am was SO EXCITED to see the characters Craig Montgomery and Rosanna Cabot in the 'karaoke' house! Well, their names are actually Jon Linstrom and Cady McClain. But they will always be Craig and Rosanna to me. Ant and I then did a nightcap at CAFETERIA  & MERCHANTS NYC dessert. GOOD FRIDAY!

Believe that you can go home
Believe you can float on air

When I first got back from Chicago, Ant and I had a lazy weekend. We did go to Mara & Tommie's place for the Mayweather Fight with Ern. Watching that boxing match reminded me that 'boxing' is the muse for this DIANA special: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3ZLbtWEQ54. On another day that weekend, we did it low-maintenance: Red Lobster. Remake of "Nightmare on Elm Street". Super WAL MART for shower curtain, some groceries, etc. AC unit! LAZY and productive!!!

Then click your heels three times
If you believe

One day, I stumbled into buddy Robert in Times Square while waiting on Ant to get off work. Robert & I enjoyed a lite bite, cocktail or two (a la Cinco de Mayo), and caught up at Zanzibar in Hell's Kitchen NYC (www.zanzibarnyc.com). Afterwards, Ant and I went to our buddy Seitu's birthday set. It took place on the rooftop of a high-rise building near the Lincoln Tunnel. Great to see friends Jamar, Ryan; Nina, our diva from The Apollo Theatre; Toyce, et al. Always a good time with Seitu and the gang.

 
Then you'll be there
That's why I want you to

This past weekend, Ant and I enjoyed a fun night. It was Common at Highline Ballroom (including a surprise appearance by his upcoming film's co-star Queen Latifah). They are both featured in “Just Wright” (www.foxsearchlight.com/justwright/) along with Phylicia Rashad and Pam Grier.

Believe in yourself
Right from the start

This, after we spent the afternoon with buddies Brian and Caleb. We’re all close via the National Association of Black Journalists. They brought their buddy Regine – also NABJ – into the mix. You'll recall, Brian and I have been best buddies from last April in DC to the time we spent in L.A. while both out there on business. Then, Ant hosted Brian and his family in Denver over Christmas. This time, in addition to our Radio City outing, we all hung out atop The Hudson Hotel's Sky Terrace. Then, we did a birthday meal for Brian at Delta Grill. GOOD TIMES! Ant and I did a little karaoke where we enjoyed some quality time with our “karaoke Cathy” who is always looking out for us.

Believe in the magic
Right there in your heart

SHOUT OUT to my NABJ sister Marcie Eanes who is riding high on the release of her first book of poetry “Sensual Sounds”. It is a thought-provoking collection designed to encourage and inspire readers to cherish intimate relationships. In addition to being a poet, she is a journalist who has written for numerous publications and has shared her poetry in a variety of venues across the nation. Marcie is doing her thing! CONGRATS, MARCIE!

Go ahead believe all these things
Not because I told you to

Ant and I are off to Atlanta this weekend to finally celebrate my nephew Herman’s graduation from my alma mater Morehouse. Noot – I call him – is poised to get that degree. I am such a PROUD UNCLE. He has stayed with Ant and me over the last two summers as he interned at HBO. And we have had some good times. Now, he’ll head up to New York City and make it on his own. He will be a marketing analyst for American Express. It will be great to welcome him – fully – to this brotherhood, or nation – if you will, of MOREHOUSE MEN!

Before leaving for Noot’s graduation, Nichole and I met for lunch at Cafeteria. Afterwards, Ant and I got to see Sabrina, her mother, and son before heading down to The Village to Desire to hang out with Theo, Ra-Fael De-Blanco, and author of “Nick, Dontae, Gus, & Jack”, Nigel Barto. Lots of laughs but little sleep before our flight.  

But believe in yourself
If you believe in yourself

On one night, I went to Copper Smith’s and ran into summer-concert-companion Shani as well as several of Ant’s ‘Wendy’ colleagues. This, before my L.A. buddy Herndon Davis shared his latest tome “Repackaged Common Sense” with me. It’s A New Age Path to Career and Business Success. From there, joined Ant & his colleague J at Planet Rose Karaoke Lounge to sing a happy-hour concert. Then, Ant & I joined his sister-friend (from Denver by way of France) Sabrina. After we picked her up at her east side hotel, we escorted her to karaoke. Then, we enjoyed a late dinner at Cafeteria. She was present the night Ant & I met December 2005. So, this was a full circle night!

Just believe in yourself
As I believe in you

MESSAGE FROM MY FRIEND MICHAEL K. WATTS

Donation Link:  http://aidswalknewyork2010.kintera.org/michaelkwatts

Please sponsor me for AIDS Walk New York!

Dear Friend,

I have registered for AIDS Walk New York and am very excited about the event! I want to do as much as I can to make a difference in the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS. I have set an ambitious fundraising goal and I need your help in order to reach it!

Link to my personal donation page:  http://aidswalknewyork2010.kintera.org/michaelkwatts

AIDS Walk New York, the world’s largest AIDS fundraising event, benefits GMHC and over 30 other tri-state area AIDS service organizations. GMHC is the nation’s oldest and most comprehensive AIDS service organization, serving approximately 15,000 people living with HIV and AIDS and their families each year, and countless more through its prevention and advocacy work locally and nationally.

Even though there has been success with drug treatments that are prolonging some people's lives, they don't work for everyone. These treatments can also take their toll physically, and for many cause awful side-effects. I am also concerned that so many young people in New York City are getting infected. There is a dire need for comprehensive prevention programs and services that target youth in their language. And above all, there is still no cure in sight.

I would really appreciate your help. Please sponsor me for AIDS Walk New York. Just click on the link below to visit my personal fundraising Web page. It’s fast, easy, and safe to make a donation online with a credit card, debit card, or paypal! After making your donation, you may be able to double your donation with a matching gift! Please consult your human resources department, or use the matching gift search engine on the AIDS Walk New York website, to find out if your company has a matching gift program!

Thank you for supporting AIDS Walk New York and for helping to put an end to this epidemic.

Much Love,

Michael K. Watts

Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support AIDS Walk New York