A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

CONGRATS KEKE!

EXCERPT: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152166354908737  - Friends of Billie's Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley, Miss Keke Wyatt and her hubby Michael are expecting Baby #8! She INSTAGRAM'd it! http://www.designntrend.com/articles/19897/20140921/keke-wyatt-expecting-baby-8.htm CONGRATS TO THEM! OH! AND WE TOO HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE SOON! STAY TUNED... #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER

Was fun to see a great mix of my friends at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 2014-15 Season Opening Party – featuring music from The Rodriguez Brothers, signature cocktails and a buffet dinner. Always a good time! Be sure to check out its offerings this season: http://www.jazz.org/.

URBAN WORLD FILM FESTIVAL

After that, Ant and I met up with his sister friend Sabrina – in town for the Urban World Film Festival with her client Michael Jai White (whose #falconrising is out and screening this weekend). We popped by SILVANNA to see friend Victor Wyatt’s group British Dependency before we all went to 67 Orange (www.67orangestreet.com) for a late night bite of some of the best food in Harlem courtesy of 67 Orange owner Karl Franz Williams. Many popped by to say HI! The next day, we all gathered at NYC's Refinery Hotel rooftop. It was Ant, his Denver sister Sabrina, her client Michael Jai White, MJW's son Devin, buddy Bobby Roache, and Bobby's FAB eyewear for a pre-celebration of Michael Jai White’s Urban World Film Festival presentation of his new film #falcolnrising – co-starring Laila Ali. Bruce Leroy AKA Taimak was in the house - #uwff! #lastdragon

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NOOT!

It was also my FAV nephew Noot's BDAY set – at Wined Up - in NYC! He's 26! Lawd! Happy BDAY Herman L. Riley III! AND MY GIFT? www.bobbyroache.com – a pair of the CLUBSTER! AND HOW MUCH DO I LOVE that my friends (AKA family) are as emotionally invested in my nephew as I am, hence coming out to toast him for his birthday (He's like my son! LOL!). THANKS ERN AND PAULA! Y'all are the best! XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

END OF SUMMER COOKOUT!

Great times with Mairie Ame Raxy, Elisabeth Blix Lie, Ivonne Velasquez, Carl Nelson, and more for END OF SUMMER COOKOUT! This, before Beyoncé and Jay Zon HBO with Brian Henderson and Nikita Stewart! FUN SATURDAY!

SOME THINGS TO DO:

• ·         Shout out to Dr. Libby Lewis for hipping me to Gabrielle Denise Pina’s “LETTERS FROM ZORA: In Her Own Words” – Directed by Anita Dashiell-Sparks with Original Music by Ron McCurdy… and STARRING Vanessa Bell Calloway! You can check it out October 9 – 26 at the Tony-award-winning  Crossroads Theatre Company: www.CrossroadsTheatreCompany.org.

• ·         It’s MORE SCANDALOUS THAN 'SCANDAL' and written by MY FRIEND Stanley Bennett Clay! It’s his controversial and award-winning play RITUAL Off-Broadway. And you can get tickets now! (866) 811-4111 www.theatermania.com/off-broadway/shows/ritual_305392/

• ·         SAVE THE DATE and make your reservations for LEON & THE PEOPLES LIVE in HARLEM!! My buddy Leon and his band will be performing at Ginny's Supper Club at The Red Rooster Harlem! ALL THE INFO IS HERE:   https://www.facebook.com/LeonandThePeoples

COME JOIN ME AT:

The Jillian's Peak Premium Web Series Fundraiser this upcoming Tuesday: http://jillianspeak.com/Cast. Jillian’s Peak Fundraiser is a FREE event. Attendees are encouraged to make a contribution toward needed resources. This event is an organized effort to gather funds for the filming of Jillian’s Peak first episode and a trailer. The funds raised will go towards production cost to include but not limited to; equipment rental (lighting, sound, cameras, monitors, computers, clothing, location filming), film crew & actors salary, Pre and Post production, editing, & travel expenses. It is because of your support and help that we can bring quality LGBT programming to mainstream media. Please fill free to ask about our Corporate Sponsorship Packages at info@jillianspeak.com. To find out more about our web series, please go to our website at www.jillianspeak.com. There will be a special live performance by the cast, at 7pm and a “meet and greet” afterwards. Also there will be a silent auction and raffles. All attendees receive a great take away bag from our event. Do help us to reach our GOAL.

Location

Leslie Lohman Museum Prince St. Project Space

127-B Prince Street

New York, NY 10012

(At Prince & Wooster)

Complimentary RSVP tickets here via Eventbrite:

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/jillians-peak-premium-web-series-fundraiser-tickets-12629817123?aff=efbevent

 

Many of my ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS have been requesting my take on “DREAMGIRLS” – THE EFFIE SONGS – since we began! Well, I got in “I AM CHANGING” this week at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul's Black Gourmet Soul! CHECK IT OUT!

http://bit.ly/mm_patrick

See below for FUN EXCERPTS from MOTOWN MAY - TUESDAY NIGHT 1! PLEASE SHARE - using:

#motownmay

#allstarkaraoke

#billiesblack

Though it was #MOTOWNMAY (and a FABULOUS LAUNCH WE HAD), we too had a FABULOUS ALL STAR APPEARANCE: Xosha Roquemore! My ALL STAR KARAOKE producer and friend Derrick is the #1 FAN of "The Mindy Project". So, you must know this was the BIGGEST TREAT FOR HIM! LOL! I hope I get this right, but Xosha (pronounced Zo-sha) Roquemore plays no-nonsense, if not always tactful, Tamra! Xosha made a FAB ALL STAR KARAOKE appearance - enjoying the night from her seat and eventually hitting the stage for Nicky Minaj's superbass! SUPER SWEET LADY: http://bit.ly/mm_xosha! We'd received word that Tank and LaTavia Roberson would TRY to pop by. They didn't make it, but WE'LL KEEP OUR MICS HOT FOR YOU TWO... AND EVERYBODY! THANKS TO EVERYBODY FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

 Our ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS have been COMING OUT and TURNING IT OUT! THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!

Billie's Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley is TOO EXCITED to be partnering with MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL! We are having a BLAST! MOTOWN REVUE PART 1 of 3 (before 5/27's GRAND FINALE) was AWESOME! "Jules" won THIS WEEK on Teena Marie's "I Need Your Lovin'" - http://bit.ly/mm_jules -  and Hussain ran right up with Stevie Wonder's "Superstition": https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152195389718737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater. TWO MORE WEEKS TO QUALIFY FOR OUR GRAND FINALE;

 meanwhile, EVERYBODY CAN SEE MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL for a discount by using the discount code: ABC123 #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #motownmay

RULES: Rules and prizes: Sign up is 1st come - 1st serve, starting at 7 pm each night (a maximum of 10 competitors per preliminary round). Competition takes place from 9 – 10 pm each night of prelims. All competitors must sing a song from the MOTOWN record label. 1st and 2nd place winners from the prelim rounds each compete in the GRAND FINALE. The GRAND PRIZE is 1) a pair of tickets to see MOTOWN THE MUSICAL during Black Music Month in June. 2) an opportunity to do an on-stage walk-on for that performance. 3) dinner for two at Billie’s Black. The 2nd PLACE GRAND PRIZE is 1) a MOTOWN THE MUSICAL gift bag with a signed Playbill, a MOTOWN THE MUSICAL CD, poster, coffee table, etc.

Audience members will ALSO have a chance to win Motown the Musical merchandise through MOTOWN Q&A trivia. FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/4/23/soul-out-loud.html

 IN OTHER LIFE OF RILEY NEWS….

 

WENDY WILLIAMS

 HOW YOU DOIN’? Was COOL to work on a quick turnaround project for recurring client The Wendy Williams Show with organizing expert Julie Morgenstern via Julie Morgenstern Enterprises for the My Healthy campaign. Check it out HERE: VIDEO: http://youtu.be/RgCMC_6UjAA  and visit www.MyHealthy.com for more info. THANKS for all the LIFE OF RILEY LOVE! FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/.  I’ll be with recurring client BET this week (I just wrapped BET UPFRONT 2014).  p.s. I got to produce recurring client Wendy Williams as she discovered her Disney Side on a recent family vacation to Walt Disney World ® Resort when she tasted food and drinks from around the world at Epcot - Walt Disney World Center! http://youtu.be/76FBGNfZ7vQ; Wendy discovered her Disney Side when she became a Princess for a Day: VIDEO: http://youtu.be/n0nWYUq_3KQ; There was the Thrill Ride piece from Disney's Hollywood Studios: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNMeClGC828#t=0;   and our FINALE: Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRc0POz-C10#t=0.  I had the privilege of producing her down there and working with her show’s team to put these special pieces together. A JOY! Thanks ALL for your support! XO Though I've produced several integrations for the show, this DISNEY project WAS A GREAT ENCORE to our British Virgin Islands integration a couple of years ago: PART 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZJZDNu3ztM  and PART 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sm2Z1CqJr0

TANIKA RAY

P. FRANK WILLIAMS

My Spelman sister Tanika Ray's NYC baby shower just took place at 44 1/2.Fun, well appointed room of Spelman sisters with whom I went to school, associates from the business, and the dad of Tanika's bundle of joy, my industry brother P. Frank Williams whose production company produces a lot of hit shows like "Unsung", "Unsung Hollywood", and Centric's "BEING". CONGRATS TO THE BEAUTIFUL NEW FAMILY! Ant and I may consider some babysitting - next time you all are east!

 MARA SCHIAVOCAMPO

After Tanika and Frank’s event, it was CINQO DE MARA time! BFF Mara Schiavocampo and hubby Tommie Porter hosted a fight party that kept us all in a joyous mood. P. Frank joined us. Sidra was in the house as well as Derrick, buddies Will and Joe, and a host of the FAB usual suspects that make CASA PORTER the place to be! Then to BOBBY ROACHE's birthday set in Union Square. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOBBY!

MAURICE MARABLE

 I continue to be proud and thrilled for high school BFF/brother for life, Maurice Marable. This, for his latest milestone. Mo directed the short film that introduced the President this past Saturday at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The spot follows Julia Louis-Dreyfus (of HBO's VEEP) and VP Joe Biden as they skip the dinner and hang out for the day, featuring cameos by FLOTUS Michelle Obama, Nancy Pelosi and John Boehner. Mo shot the top-secret project (written by VEEP writers) in a day and a half. #savannahintheWHITEhouse http://youtu.be/da5tjfpKyac

STEPHANIE GUERILUS

SHOUT OUT to NABJ little sister, Stephanie Guerilus, who booked me for one of NABJ’s fabulous panels – this particular one held in NYC! She’s been between project and harnessing her energy in the direction of a self-published novel, “By Any Means Necessary”. It centers on a teenage girl who wants to be the next big superstar. However, she encounters some issues on her way to greatness:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/1497442672/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_ClCytb0D96HRVFYN I told her I would tell you folks to check it out! SUMMER READING TIME! CONGRATS, STEPHANIE!

AND ONE REMINDER ABOUT "BILLIE'S BLACK PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE" WITH "MOTOWN THE MUSICAL" THIS MAY!

 

http://bit.ly/mm_darius

 

http://bit.ly/mm_jules

 

http://bit.ly/mm_geneva

 

http://bit.ly/mm_carla

 

http://bit.ly/mm_xosha

 

http://bit.ly/mm_jeremy

 

http://bit.ly/mm_patrick

 

http://bit.ly/mm_ephraim

 

http://bit.ly/mm_larry

 

http://bit.ly/mm_ariana

 

http://bit.ly/mm_kevin

Since last I posted, SO MUCH HAS GONE DOWN – from DIVAS to DADDY!

Let’s go!

ARISE 360

http://youtu.be/DYghWCBasyo Motown the Musical,Monifah Carter, and the LIFE OF RILEY have been crossing paths a lot lately - in recent weeks at: Billie's Black Gourmet Soul for Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE WITH Patrick L. Riley. http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/4/2/something-to-talk-about.html. A few weeks after that at Monifah Carter's R&B Divas: Atlanta PREMIEREPARTY in Harlem at The Corner Social: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/4/23/soul-out-loud.html. AND THIS WEEK at my home away from home when it comes to on-camera pop culture analysis: Arise Entertainment 360 with my friends Lola Ogunnaike and Shannon Lanier - both of whom I want to congratulate as CentricTV will be syndicatingArise360 in the Fall (an announcement made recently at the Ziegfeld Theatre for the BET UPFRONT 2014 - the last project on which I worked for recurring clientBET (TV network) Creative Services). Monifahappeared on this same edition in which I analyze the Tony nominations for 2014 - including a host of surprises, celebrations, and upsets! SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to my girl Anika Noni Rose and everybody at A Raisin in the Sun (1961 film): BROADWAY. Though Denzel didn't get the nod, the show is still an AWESOME, CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED impression for The Great White Way. "ROCKY" WINS or could win! ALSO: We didn't get to mention Audra McDonald whose turn as LADY DAY may garner her a SIXTH TONY AWARD -a grand-slam record breaker, if she's victorious. Here's a link to my most recent Broadway round-up with ARISE several weeks back: http://youtu.be/AijZZeZgFkQ. We talked NEW MUST-SEE BROADWAY SHOWS! Last year, I predicted the TONY AWARDS nominations:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTd5S1wKUs0. A few weeks prior to that, I was on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 to talk BROADWAY: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDxfe-hG_aY. In the aforementioned ARISE 360 Broadway segment, I predicted the iconic Cicely Tyson would be nominated for her role in Broadway's "The Trip to Bountiful". And she was!! YAY! So, they played that clip and referenced my prediction the following day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuJEs6ruin0. I was again on ARISE recently to talk GATSBY: the book, the film(s), the blueprint on hip hop! HERE'S THE LINK:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBT9mSmfmCo. TWITTER handles for the day include: @themonifah for MONIFAH CARTER! And @thetonyawards for THE TONY AWARDS! CONGRATS to all the nominees - including "After Midnight" - currently featuring Vanessa Williams as guest vocalist. Fantasia is coming back! And Patti LaBelle;  Gladys Knight, and Natalie Cole have JUST been announced for the summer. What a line-up!And for the telecast, which will be hosted again (a fourth time) by Hugh Jackman who took a selfie of us a few months ago. Speaking of Broadway (as she starred on The Great White Way this past summer), recurring client "The Wendy Williams Show" has booked me to work on a project this week. Look for it on the show next week! Stay tuned... and as always THANKS FOR EVERYONE'S SUPPORT OF THE LIFE OF RILEY!#billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #motownmay

 

BET UPFRONT

I’m proud to have been working this past couple of months with recurring client BET! It was the BET UPFRONT 2014 for which I got the chance to work with the Creative Services team there on the video and art/design presentations. From the big screen of the Ziegfeld – home of most NYC WORLD PREMIERES, was a treat to see my work! The clients and advertisers seemed pleased! Afterwards, all gathered at The London for a post-set. Among many at BET Upfront '14, Brandy and MC Lyte were among them – ushering in BET’s upcoming programming – including: 1. 8th season return of “The Game” (all of the cast was in the house); 2. Real Husbands of Hollywood is coming back; 3. Being Mary Jane (the cast is finishing up filming the season finale now); 4. Sunday’s Best; 5. 106 & Park; 6. There will be three new scripted shows – including Diggy Simmons show “The Start Up” in which Diggy stars as a young entrepreneur. He and his crew who explore the city, love, etc. - with Teyana Taylor in tow; 7. “Gone Gospel” is a reality show hosted by Kirk Franklin. Secular artists come together for GOSPEL BOOTCAMP. The winner wins $100k; 8. A new game show, Got Game. Three men will go on dates with a woman in disguise and they have to depend on ‘their game’ and not looks to win their prize date over; 9. Three original movies will premiere: a) Let The Church Say Amen, directed by Regina King, tells the story of a preacher and his family as they face life’s challenges. b) The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker is the black version of the Nutcracker. Raven Simone will appear in the film. c) Book of Negroes is the a six part mini series, with Cuba Gooding and Louis Gossett Jr; 10. Centric’s Programming includes:

Being

According to Him and Her

Read Between the Lines

Arise 360 (the show on which I am a recurring pop culture analyst)

Single Ladies

Soul Train Awards

Centric Comedy All Stars

 

–Centric will also air The Wendy Williams Show, The Talk and the Queen Latifah Show.

–KeKe Palmer’s new talk show was also announced.

–The network announced a new BET platform (health, image, service) dedicated to the black man, called His BET.

 

R&B DIVAS

After BET Upfront, Monifah and team asked me to still stop by their premiere. Got another KeKe moment plus some Syleena time. They say they are coming back to ALL STAR KARAOKE sometime soon. We'll keep the mics hot for them! Shout out to Musa Jackson Productions LLC for putting on a FAB set at Corner Social in Harlem last night. My guys Savoy Walker and Mark A Forrest of SMEG asked me on behalf of Monifah to host their event! Because of BET UPFRONT, I couldn’t meet the hosting time. But I’m told my BFF Sidra Smith, NAACP Image Award Winning Producer did a FAB job of introducing the DIVAS! Always a pleasure to see Monifah’s wife Terez – another of my favorite DIVAS! CONGRATS, R&B DIVAS! LOVE YOU ALL! Check out the GREAT TIME I had with KEKE this week: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/4/23/soul-out-loud.html. And we ADORED when our FIRST ALL STAR R&B DIVA came to our OPENING NIGHT: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/4/2/something-to-talk-about.html. #ENDLESSLOVE

DIVAS & AMAZING GRACE  – SERVED UP ATL-STYLE

Was n ATL for DAD's 80th BDAY! But more on that in a minute. Dad's before-BDAY festivities included performances from my brother Herman and me for our sister Janice at her "church secretary" appreciation. But LIFE OF RILEY and my dear friends are around wherever I go! So, I had to FIRST catch up with friends - Chandra, her son Gavin, Lamoh, my Audrey, DR. J's beautiful wife Dorys Madden, "R&B Divas-Atlanta"s own and ex-DESTINY's-CHILD-two-time-Grammy-winner Latavia - all at Tijuana Garage for lunch! LOVE A-T-L! XO

80-YEAR-YOUNG DADDY

 Dad turns 80! WOW! All his kids (and grandkid) were in the house at ATL's Paschal's! Plus, other fam, friends, and special surprises! LOVE MY DAD! XO

MY TRIBUTE:

For those in my world, THE LIFE OF RILEY is about pop culture and possibilities. But I would have NO LIFE were it not for this RILEY. His name is Herman. Most call him Mickey. I call him Dad. And he is all of those names and more inside a shell of character, principle, and work ethic that is unmatched by any of the luminaries and la-la-land folks with whom I get the chance to rub shoulders on the daily. Dad recently referenced that my ambitions were seen early on. I wasn't so sure he was paying attention. But then again, I do re-imagine our regular visits to the public library (remember those?) and I remember that no matter his nudgings for me to consider books on sports and boy stuff, he never stopped me from getting any of the books I actually wanted to read and soak up: celebrity bios, dance/theater arts/Broadway reference books, pop culture, and self-help. LOL! Even at 9 years old! LMAO! And though I also had daily witness to a man of traditions, morals, and mores - just what you'd expect from a Southern, gentle one, I never once felt a complex from him that strategizing and navigating myself inside the realm of pop culture and entertainment couldn't be a way in which I'd make a successful living. And so it is. Additionally, he challenged me. Asked difficult questions. Made thoughtful comparisons. All for the greater good. And his gentle and constructive brand of fatherhood makes me know that all is infinitely possible with a great mix of faith, hard work, and passion. I am who I am today because of Herman Lee Riley and I am SO PROUD to call him MY FATHER! We THANK GOD to still have him at 80 YEARS YOUNG! XO

GREENHOPE

I'm basking in the glow today of Dad's 80TH BDAY CELEBRATION this past weekend in Atlanta where ALL OF HIS KIDS were together WITH HIM for the first time in a LONG TIME...and his GRANDSON, TOO! So, he says, it made for one of his BEST BIRTHDAYS EVER! Great times notwithstanding, Ant and had to suffer through a flight delay to get back home as he and I have lots of work on cue. With little time for new projects, I couldn't resist an invitation from Robin Stone, Greenhope Services for Women Board member and my NABJ sister and birthdate-mate, to help her out on something special. A few years back, she asked me to host a fundraiser for this agency which works women involved with the criminal justice system who are struggling with substance abuse: http://www.greenhope.org/. THIS TIME, she's asked me to narrate a highlight video on all the great work the agency is doing to help women reclaim their lives, reunite with their families and rebuild their communities. On the ask, my A-TEAM in PRODUCTION stepped in to GIVE A LOT for a LITTLE to this great cause. Today, I'm at my favorite DP James Curry's place, Mindfile Multimedia, to record my VO narration for this project and to screen the bites from the interviews I did at GREENHOPE - excerpts of which will be sprinkled inside of the highlight video which unveils at the annual gala May 14th. Mindfile Multimedia and I have a mutual client in "Oprah: Where Are They Now?" for which we've collaborated on many segments - including recent shoots with Geraldo Rivera, Fran Drescher, and Mel B. But we've done tons of them as excerpted in this promo: http://www.oprah.com/own-where-are-they-now/Oprah-Where-Are-They-Now-Season-2-Preview-Video. Editor EXTRAORDINAIRE Mitch Jacobson is cutting this piece at his CATEGORY 5 STUDIOS: http://www.category5studios.com/! THANKS MITCH! He and I last worked together on WENDY WILLIAMS' MAGICAL WATCH AND WIN from Walt Disney World Resort! PIECE 1: http://youtu.be/n0nWYUq_3KQ; PIECE 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76FBGNfZ7vQ; PIECE 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNMeClGC828; PIECE 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRc0POz-C10. GREENHOPE has been around since 1979. CONGRATS to ALL!

BELLE

I'd sent out the RIPPLE a few months ago - noting that in the wake of 12 YEARS A SLAVE that FOX Searchlight had another much-buzzed-about, historical chunk of Black history and cinema on its roster: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/3/4/valid-dreams.html.  Remember it was my Harlem buddy Tracy Grant who 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! Great to meet everybody tonight! And a SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to Fox Searchlight's own Cassandra Butcher who always makes sure I'm in the house as well - from our longstanding relationship of introducing the great cinematic fare that comes from her desk often to the National Association of Black Journalists Convention via the NABJ Arts and Entertainment Task Force which I once Chaired --- including many of John Singleton's titles and "Beast of the Southern Wild" and - just last year - '12 Years'. Cassandra! You are the BEST! BFF Carl Nelson and I attended the WORLD PREMIERE of BELLE tonight at New York City's PARIS movie house. Was great to see recently-CENTRIC-syndicated host of one of my pop-culture-analysis platforms ARISE 360, Lola Oguinnake; MSNBC's own and former host of former pop-culture-analysis platform "Don't Sleep" T.J. Holmes (who co-hosted "The View" again today); Phylicia Rashad, "A Raisin in the Sun"s Anika Noni Rose (who just did an awesome turn in Lifetime's Terrie McMillan adaptation for "Day Late Dollar Short"); Chenoa and the girls from recurring client OWN's "Love In The City"; my industry girlfriends like marketing guru Jacquie Lee; MISS Monica Bailey; pr diva Katrina Boswell; ABC 7 anchor Sandra Bookman; and a host of others. And my industry fellow fam was in the mix too - like pr maven Theo Perry; MY favorite arts and culture writer Karu Daniels; film critic with the MOST, Wilson Morales; and many more. Please charge to my head and not my heart where I may not have called your name because it was so great to see everybody, I can't remember all. #BELLEMOVIE written by Misan Sagay FUN MONDAY NIGHT! XO

 

GET READY KARAOKE

After getting the opportunity to host the opening night carpet for MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ), I'm THRILLED to announce this new partnership: MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL and BILLIE'S BLACK PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley are partnering for MOTOWN MAY! Find out all the DEETS and how our night last week with KEKE went by clicking here - the latest edition of LIFE OF RILEY: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/4/23/soul-out-loud.html. BUT LAST NIGHT was "GET READY" Tuesday where we promoted MOTOWN's catalog as an option for our ALL STAR KARAOKE folks to prepare for #motownmay #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

A LITTLE EVIDENCE OF THE BLAST WE’RE HAVING:

1. PATRICK GETS READY FOR #MOTOWNMAY W/"I WANT YOU BACK"

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152181242383737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater

2. EPHRAIM & ERIC GET READY for #motownmay with "END OF THE ROAD"

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152181275628737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater

3. PATRICK GETS READY FOR #MOTOWNMAY WITH "GOT TO GIVE IT UP"

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152181301813737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater

 THE REDLAND

Shout out to my ATL homeboy with whom I got the chance to really bond while I spent time in L.A. circa 2009! THANKS DEREK LAFAYETTE! He is currently consulting for The Redland, an eclectic Atlanta based hip-hop duo: think Outkast meets Macklemore and Lewis. They're an edgy, philanthropic group that promotes positivity and individuality... and I hear they are my MOREHOUSE BROTHERS! The Redland has a devout social media fan base and they have a strong presence in Atlanta - the burgeoning entertainment market. Cutting edge director Don Lee shot the "Survive' video. Don is also directing "Love Thief" in LA within the next four weeks. Veteran radio promotions executive, Issy Sanchez (Cash Money Records, etc), is currently working "Survive" at pop radio. Major labels are interested in signing the group. His team is releasing the project independently July 2014. They have distribution through eOne. The group also has a "hot new artist" article that recently ran in the highly coveted music industry magazine, Amalgamation: (please see article link) http://www.amalgamationmag.com/website/amalgamated/discovering-the-redland/ They recently performed at the up South By Southwest convention in March and killed it. They also will be performing at the Urban Network convention in May.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwB9cmIiTuE&feature=youtu.be

HERE’S THE REDLAND BIO:

Born and raised in the Redlands of Oklahoma and Louisiana respectively, Kose and Earv were naturally inspired to call the music duo they would go on to form 'The Redland.' But once their individual forms of expression crossed paths and began to meld into a dynamic sound that they considered a "state of mind" and a "voice that brings people together,” The Redland transcended the reference of simply being where they’re from to becoming an all-inclusive artistic movement. Earv and Kose, whose collective influences run the gamut from John Lennon and Bob Marley to The Fugees and OutKast (artists known for their culture-shifting musical contributions), met while matriculated at Morehouse college in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta – which they’ve also adopted as part of their origins - and the Southern Hip Hop culture that defined it became fertile ground for the two, individually, to more deeply explore their musical talents.  Then those talents collided.

Through either happenstance or fate, it was discovered while in the midst of hanging out with mutual friends that Earv had an affinity for writing and Kose was a capable vocalist and producer.  So, the pair decided to play around with creating music together.  But what began as playful experimentation turned into production of a unique and compelling sound that deserved to be taken more seriously.  

Defined as Hip Hop for practical purposes, Earv’s and Kose’s conscious lyrics and hybrid sound - which seamlessly incorporates the myriad genres they were exposed to growing up - began to take on a life of its own.  They began hearing their music played by friends and strangers and seeing it gaining momentum on social networking sites without their intervention.  That and the realization that Hip Hop as they saw it was stuck in one gear, hitting the same "I'm richer, can get drunker and can have more sex than you” note is when they began seeing their contribution to the art form as more of a responsibility than “having fun.”  Things took off from there and The Redland officially became a “Hip Hop movement born out of the soil,” representing those who desired to hear and be heard.

“We want the fans to feel they're a part of this inclusive group and they have a say in our direction and the type of music we make," they said.  "We also try to look at ourselves honestly and really get that across to our audience.  We don't let the genre define us, we define our own music and we're just ourselves.  We feel like we have something to say, something to make an impact and we feel like it's something that's needed.

The Redland’s new album, Enlightened Contagion - named so out of the understanding of how easily negative things can spread, and how “dope it would be if positivity could spread just as easily,” will be released this July on Redland Entertainment through eOne Distribution.

MOMENTUM HONORS

It is a privilege to announce that I will be honored and celebrated at the Fourth Annual Momentum Honors Gala Fundraiser for Momentum Teens for Leadership. I am holding court with an extraordinary group of people who will be honored that night. This year they are honoring 4 graduates, celebrating Momentum Education's 11th anniversary and Momentum Teens For Leadership's 4th year in existence. There will also be two other awards given - The Momentum Teens for Leadership Teen Possibility Award and The Robin Diane Lynn Lifetime Contribution Award. The honorees this year are:

 

 

 

KEKE WYATT

 WEEK 4 of Billie's Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley did that!

It featured the announcement of our #motownmay

And Keke Wyatt was our SUPREMELY SPECIAL GUEST!

 She SANG - including a LOVELY BDAY serenade for my partner Anthony Harper! It was to the tune of "If Only You Knew" - a song Keke Wyatt covered some years ago of the Patti LaBelle classic: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10202471111313827&set=vb.1075882270&type=2&theater.

First things first, THANKS to everybody for coming out! We had record numbers on the strength of our little night that could... and IS DOING - only because of our ALL STAR KARAOKE regulars who support us week-after-week at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul whether we have surprises, giveaways, or not.

This time, however, our cup runneth over with surprises and giveaways.

Our weekly sponsor is Joseph Riley Land ( Riley/Land Gourmet Pantry) - www.riley-land.com. He is popping up all over Harlem. Tonight's gift: A Taste of the South including handmade toffee from NC, drenched in dark chocolate and topped with finel-ground pecans, award-winning stone-ground grits from SC, Virginia peanuts dusted with wasabi; and an Uber car credit.

And all the singers brought their A game!

I couldn't name all the fabulous talent (Some clips, however, I must share - like this one with my boo boo Darius Booker! Can't he sang?

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10202590938709284).

 Still, I must name my "internet wife" Mara Schiavocampo, who is a BFF,  popped by. And you know we had so much fun! And we didn't take it for granted given she had just completed a busy day as ABC News Correspondent - often filing on "Good Morning America". I LOVE YOU, MY MARA!

 

And certainly she is standing on Whitney's shoulders! So much so that after KeKe did "If Only You Knew" for Ant, I offered him a song. He asked for "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" (also by Whitney) and half-way into the song, KeKe came back from her seat to join me on stage:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10202587840755200&set=vb.1172177040&type=2&theater

 &  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152166354908737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater.

This, after we discovered the song Ant loves for me to sing wasn't available: Des'Ree's "Kissing You"). WHAT A BLAST! And may I say that KEKE was FUN, GRACIOUS, GENEROUS of her time and talent, and even said some SWEET THINGS about her enjoyment of my VOICE! HEY! She also said she would LOVE to come back some time! We'll keep the door open and your mic hot, KeKe! CONGRATS ON EVERYTHING!

 THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT! I feel each and every one of your well wishes! And I am eternally grateful. #ENDLESSLOVE

 

MOTOWN MAY

 

And all of this went down before I made the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL and BILLIE’S BLACK PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE are partnering for MOTOWN MAY – an opportunity for one of our ALL STAR KARAOKE REGULARS to – get this:

 

1. WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO SEE ONLY THE HOTTEST SHOW ON BROADWAY RIGHT NOW: “MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL” IN JUNE, which is BLAC MUSIC MONTH

 

2. THIS PERSON WILL ALSO WIN A “WALK ON ROLE” IN THAT VERY PRODUCTION OF “MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL”

 

3. AND DINNER FOR TWO AT “BILLIE’S BLACK”!

 

BACKGROUND:

* THAT’S RIGHT! "Motown: The Musical" will be a month-long sponsor of "Billie's Black Presents All Star Karaoke hosted by Patrick L. Riley".

 

* In addition to our standard hash-tags: #billiesblack and #allstarkaraoke, we'll additionally be using #motownmay for all correspondence and social media messages.

 

 

* Soon, we'll have an e-flyer for sharing on all platforms that we’ll ask all of your help in GETTING THE WORD OUT! 

 

The campaign will flow as follows:

 

1. On Tuesday, May 6th; Tuesday, May 13; and Tuesday, May 20th, BILLIE'S BLACK PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE will dedicate the 9PM hour for MOTOWN-RETURNS-TO-THE-APOLLO-style SINGING COMPETITION.

2. On each of those respective nights, there will be UP TO 10 PARTICIPANTS who can sign our list that we’ll make available at 7p SHARP. On that list, you’ll note: your name; (from the book, what song and song number you’ll perform on that night in the 9p hour); and your cell phone and email address – so we can stay in touch with you. FEEL FREE TO TRY AGAIN, IF YOU DON'T GET 1ST OR 2ND THE FIRST OR SECOND TIME.

 

3. TO REITERATE, if you participate, you will sing ONE MOTOWN SONG (of your choosing from the karaoke catalog - classic or modern).

 

4. On the respective TUESDAY in May, anybody can sign up --- up to 10 people --- before the MOTOWN-RETURNS-TO-THE-APOLLO-HOUR (9p-10p) wraps.

 

5. As the clock nears 10p on each of the first three Tuesdays of MAY, we’ll determine who wins our MOTOWN-RETURNS-TO-THE-APOLLO-style competition by round-of-applause. NO BOOS!

 

6. Weekly prizes for each 1ST and 2ND PLACE WINNER will be the MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL SOUNDTRACK and some especially SUPREME MOTOWN merchandise.

 

7. BUT THERE’S MORE: Those SIX PEOPLE who win the top two prizes for the first three weeks of MAY are eligible to come back the FOURTH TUESDAY of May for: "Billie's Black Presents All Star Karaoke: MOTOWN MAY’s GRAND FINALE".

 

8. Remember, the GRAND FINALE at which the TOP TWO from each of the THREE WEEKS gets to compete THEIR SAME MOTOWN SONGS against each other and be judged by a panel of MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL cast-members and special MOTOWN FAM!

 

9. WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED:

 

GRAND PRIZE:

 

1. WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO SEE ONLY THE HOTTEST SHOW ON BROADWAY RIGHT NOW: “MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL” IN JUNE, which is BLAC MUSIC MONTH

 

2. THIS PERSON WILL ALSO WIN A “WALK ON ROLE” IN THAT VERY PRODUCTION OF “MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL”

 

3. AND DINNER FOR TWO AT “BILLIE’S BLACK”!

 

RUNNER UP:

 

1. WINS SUPREME BAG OF MOTOWN MERCH

 

2. DINNER FOR TWO AT “BILLIE’S BLACK”

 

On Tuesday, May 27th's GRAND FINALE of MOTOWN MAY, we'll EXTEND the night beyond 7p – 10p and have a FULL NIGHT OF MOTOWN - including:

 

(1) a sprinkling of Motown throughout the ALL STAR KARAOKE PROGRAM - starting at 7p;

(2) our ALL STAR KARAOKE regulars will perform MOTOWN

(3) we'll do a little Q&A trivia throughout the night and give away MERCH to ALL STAR KARAOKE attendees

(4) ALL STAR KARAOKE NIGHT extends from 10p to MIDNIGHT - so at 11p, we:

 

THROUGHOUT MOTOWN MAY at ALL STAR KARAOKE and inside all blog references and the varied e-blasts, we will provide information for DISCOUNT TICKETS to see Motown the Musical - a discount code that's been extended to July 6, 2014: ABC123 (see flyer below along with our flyer for BILLIE'S BLACK PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE)

Special shout out to my friend Marcia Pendelton, Marketing Outreach for “Motown: The Musical”,  who brought this synergy to us. She first introduced me to the “Motown: The Musical” folks when they were in search of a host for their Opening Night video – a career highlight for me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ.

 

BROADWAY 2014

Derrick Hemphill and I saw Cabaret the Musical Broadway recently (in preps for future analysis on Broadway and the forthcoming Tony Awards season). Was GREAT to see my Karu F. Daniels in the house! I LOVE THAT!). After, we stumbled into the cast of ROCKY Broadway, the musical we saw last week with Derrick's LSU buddy Katrina Pete Dunn: Rocky, Adrienne, and Apollo! Both shows are GREAT! It's been a wonderful season at the theater, hasn't it? Anyway! After that, Anthony Harper's BDAY fete started as Ant's Kappa brother Christopher Genwright has made it to town. So, Ant’s BDAY celebration had begun.

 

SOUL OUT LOUD

 

I interviewed many of the cast members and the icons they play on the opening night of “MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. Was EXCITING to get further up-close-and-personal with a few of them last night. MOTOWN THE MUSICAL’s TRIPLE GRAMMY AWARD NOMINEE, who portrays Stevie Wonder: RYAN SHAW BROUGHT “SOUL OUT LOUD” BACK TO THE CUTTING ROOM LAST NIGHT! And I’m so glad Marcia Pendelton invited Anthony C Harper, Derrick Hemphill, Kevin Anthony, and me out to enjoy. Gordon Chambers was there too. And was that Debbye Mcintyre and Jamar Dunn? It was. But as happy as we were to see our NEW YORK CITY FAM, none of us could take our eyes and ears off of the stage – from MR. SHAW to his SPECIAL GUESTS MOTOWN THE MUSICAL CAST MEMBERS BRANDON VICTOR DIXON (“Berry Gordy”) and MORGAN JAMES (“Teena Marie”). Ryan’s bi-monthly “Soul Out Loud” show features special guests from the theatre and music worlds and is highly anticipated on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at The Cutting Room. Theatre enthusiasts and music fans can appreciate the Monday night Broadway “dark night” tradition of stars performing their own music on the “night off.” Ryan joins a list of Broadway talent to stop by the "musician's living room" for the warm, intimate feeling, incredible acoustics and sight lines and comfortable experience for performers and audiences.

 

AND THEY WERE SINGING! Here are clips:

CLIP 1 - "Shake You Down" by Brandon and Ryan

 https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152164521878737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater

 

CLIP 2 – “Caravan of Love” and “Shake You Down” by Brandon, Ryan, and audience:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152164543738737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater

 

CLIP 3: Marvin Gaye’s “I Want You” by Brandon

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152164552193737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater

 

CLIP 4: “Hallelujah” by Ryan

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152164567928737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater

Shaw’s music can be described as a fusion of soul and rock. The musician’s singer, Shaw is also a brilliant songwriter and has been nominated for three Grammy Awards. In addition Shaw and/or his music have been featured in such movies as: “Bride Wars”, starring Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway; “Soul Men”, starring Bernie Mac and Samuel Jackson; “My Blueberry Nights”, starring Jude Law, Norah Jones and Natalie Portman; and on soundtracks such as “Sex and the City”, and TV shows including “Dancing with the Stars”, “So You Think You Can Dance” and ABC’s “Brothers and Sisters”. The Cutting Room has been named one of the top five “Intimate Show Venues To Check Out” by NewYork.com and features performers, bands, events and entertainment ranging from rock icons to up and coming singer songwriters. A look at http://thecuttingroomnyc.com/ highlights entertainment for a wide variety of musical tastes, a delicious menu and a comfortable rock and roll atmosphere with great optics and extraordinary acoustics. After opening a decade ago, The Cutting Room continues to build upon its dynamic reputation of having launched and hosted top musicians like Ronnie Wood & Mick Taylor, Sting, Billy Joel, John Legend, John Oates’ stripped down solo CD release party, the night after being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Darryl Hall and Lady Gaga (who was signed after a showcase at the venue) and many more. FOLLOW RYAN SHAW: http://www.thisisryanshaw.com./ THANK YOU, MARCIA! 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANT!

 

Thanks to all of you who came out to DANCE to the sounds of DjStormin Norman of SUNDAE SERMON fame as we ALL lifted Anthony Harper up for his BIRTHDAY! HONEYCOMB PLAYHOUSE was our speak-easy backdrop this past weekend! And so many came by to TOAST ANT! THANK YOU ALL!

EXCERPT OF TOAST AND CAKE:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152164234868737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater

 

 

 

Billie’s Black presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley - starting with a VIDEO EXCERPT sizzle produced by DERRICK HEMPHILL who supported the song selections duirng the evening:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152123074463737&set=vb.662073736&type=2&theater

 

VIDEO EXCERPT: Maxwell's THIS WOMAN'S WORK by Patrick L. Riley

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152123190033737&set=vb.662073736&type=2&theater

 

VIDEO EXCERPT: Diana Ross' MISSING YOU by Patrick L. Riley (TRIBUTE to Marvin Gaye on the 30th Anniversary of his passing)

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152123198808737&set=vb.662073736&type=2&theater&notif_t=video_comment

VIDEO EXCERPT:  Mariah Carey's CAN'T LET GO by Patrick L. Riley
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152126865728737

Billie's Black presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley kicked off! And what an awesome round-up of ALL STARS led by "R&B Diva" Monifah whose new season begins on TV-One Wednesday, April 23rd at 10p. She sang Bonnie Raitt's "Something to Talk About" and Jill Scott's "Getting in the Way".I had to catch up with her on-stage - so she could clue us in on how to stay in touch with her and support her upcoming projects. She also serenaded me at one point. She also joined me impromptu on Monica's "Love All Over Me". Monifah's beautiful wife Terez, a recent buddy, accompanied her. Three BRAVO-TV All-Stars were in the house - "Chef Roble & Co"s Artie Thompson; and my friend Bevy Smith from "Fashion Queens" who performed "Slave 4U" by Britney Spears and Tina Turner's "Private Dancer". And "Real Hosewives of DC"s Paul Wharton, TV personality and style expert Paul Wharton came and sang. He and I did "I Knew You Were Waiting For Me" by Aretha Fraanklin and George Michael. We also did "The Boss" with Black2Broadway's Kevin Anthony, head of events at Billie's Black and a well-respected singing pro. Kevin Anthony did a wonderful rendition of John Lennon's "Imagine". All of this, while my BFF Sidra Smith worked the room. We are all still celebrating her NAACP Image Awards win (Producer of Angela Davis documentary "Free Angela"). Also in the mix:  celebrity hairstylist Carla Bone; my karaoke doppelganger; Coach Billy (from doc "Little Ballers"); and a room full of my buddies; family; and friends - including Broadway triple threat/Morehouse brother Maurice McRae, Ant, Kevin "Moochie" Freeman, Lisa Bonner, Esq. AKA "inner-rocker chick", Derrick (who helped out immensely), Jamar, Ryan, Ern, Tatiana, Pedro, Blair, Ivonne, Elisabeth (from Norway), Laurence, Mario, Ephraim, Horace, my Penwah, Leonard, Jason, and so many more! GREAT FIRST NIGHT!
Please come out next Tuesday April 8th and join us as we celebrate THE Kevin Anthony's special birthday. Sing him a song or two at All Star Karaoke or just come hang out. If you too want to celebrate your birthday with Karaoke, just drop a line to b2productions1@gmail.com. It's a great way to celebrate for you and your friends. I hope to see you all there. Please feel free to pass this along and let everyone know we are back. ALL STAR KARAOKE with PATRICK RILEY at BILLIE'S BLACK. Make your reservations today. Big shout out to Adrian and Marian who run Billie's Black and allow us a backdrop of beautiful art, great food, and drink specials (including a signature ALL STAR KARAOKE cocktail, "The Life of Riley" - rum, cola, and lime). And as always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke

 

ABBY Z and MORE!

 Spent the first part of this rainy Sunday afternoon with Ant – a delicious brunch of FAB cuisine and cocktails from Hillstone Restaurant. I then had to head straight to SiriusXM Studios to be a guest on “Abby Z +1” podcast! #abbyZ show! I got to promote Billie's Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/3/24/billies-black-presents-all-star-karaoke-with-patrick-riley.html  - #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke; Fashion Link V.I. presents FVIFW Fashion Weekend (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/3/12/fashionlinkvi-fashion-weekend-in-st-croix.html); and all things “Motown: The Musical” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ); and so much more! Great INTERVIEW and ROUND-TALK, ABBY! ALSO in the mix: Gwen DeVoe – Founder and Executive Director of Full Figured Fashion Week (http://fffweek.com/2014/);  model/stylist Elizabeth Taylor (http://www.laliznyc.com/); aerial choreographer Brooke Notary (http://www.brooknotary.com/); and new Abercrombie & Fitch model Josh.

 Special shout out to Abby Z's producer Jamison! Cool cat! Smart! And uber-talented! Thanks Jamison!

Taha, Manivone, and BUA!

MEANWHILE, Ant had to go and represent our household by going to @Corridor Gallery in Brooklyn to support our “brother” Taha Clayton who was a part of a group show presented by Rush Arts and curated by Charlotte Mouquin Voznesenskaya. The group exhibition of contemporary portraits also included the work of Kate Crilley Fauvell, Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, Jas Knight, and Sylvia Parker Maier – all contemporary portrait painters working in Brooklyn, NY. These works range in subject and size but create painted portraits of people around us in our everyday lives. As always, CONGRATS TAHA! I caught the tail end! But most importantly, got to hang with Ant’s and my new niece via Taha and Ant’s Brooklyn-based, Denver-born-and-raised BFF Manivone: new niece  Bua-Lienh ("line of lotus flowers") named after her great grandma.

 HAPPY 70^TH BDAY MISS ROSS

It’s no surprise that MISS ROSS is my FAVORITE! And many can’t believe she’s just turned 70! I am BLESSED to have danced and sung on-stage with her. I’ve interviewed her several times. And of of those times, got the OMG moment of posing with THE BOSS in my arms! Well, many of us ROSS-ers got together to DANCE to DIANA – an event organized by ONE OF MY DIANA ROSS BFFs Dustin Fitzharris who DESCRIBED our night at THE MONSTER BEST: "I've gotten so excited that I almost have no voice left."

 

Last night was truly a special night at the Diana Ross dance in New York. Thank you to everyone who came out and all of those who were there in spirit. The DJ played four hours worth of Diana Ross music---those in attendance would agree, "if there's a cure for this, I don't want it."

 

There were a lot of highlights, but one that immediately comes to mind is when "Reach Out and Touch" came on and everyone on the dance floor--many who were strangers to each other before the evening began--joined hands and sang together. I smiled all evening seeing everyone have such a good time. Here are the songs that we danced to:

 

Remember Me (Remix), Gettin' Ready For Love, Dirty Looks (Remix), Tenderness (Chic Mix), Chain Reaction, Workin' Overtime, Love Hangover (Single Version and Extended Alternate) The Boss, No One Gets the Prize

 

Eaten Alive (Remix) Once in the Morning, Brand New Day, Let's Go Back To Day One, Last Time I Saw Him, Touch Me In The Morning (Almighty Mix and Alternate Vocal) Ain't No Mountain High Enough (Almighty Mix) Lovin', Livin', Givin' (Almighty Mix), Reflections, I Will Survive, You Can't Hurry Love

 

Why Do Fools Fall in Love, Mirror Mirror, Swept Away, Bottom Line, Take Me Higher (Remix), Carry On, Upside Down, I'm Coming Out, Supremes 12" Mix, Love Child (Remix), Pieces of Ice, Up Front (Remix), It's Never Too Late, Surrender

 

Muscles (Remix) I Want You, Your Love Is So Good For Me (12"), Reach Out and Touch, It's Not Unusual, It's My Turn, It's My House, Baby Love, Stop in the Name of Love, I Hear a Symphony, Someday We'll Be Together (Remix), You Keep Me Hangin' On

 

Thanks again to The Monster and everyone there who made it possible and to those who showed off their best dance moves!

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS ROSS! See you in JUNE when you perform in NYC on your IN THE NAME OF LOVE TOUR!

 

#endlesslove

COMING UP

Did recent interviews with Geraldo Rivera, my first NYC boss (circa 1995) and "Scary Sprice" AKA Mel B! Will tell you for what and when it will air another time. But these two "revolutions" will be televised in Summer 2014.