WELCOME to "The Life of Riley" which will include periodic chronicles of pop culture and possibilities that flow out of Patrick L. Riley's day. That's me!!! Through blogging (and soon some other technological features on which I'll keep you posted as they launch), I will pull experiences from my busy life to entertain and inspire all of you. Through this site, I will share my observations and insights. Some features to look forward to:
1.) "PATRICK'S POP UP(DATES)" will feature stories from pop culture, music, theater, fashion, and the entertainment industry at large.
2.) "The Life of Riley" will also introduce a "take-a-look-at-your-life" section (READ: sort of an advice column), where I will help readers come up with their own questions and answers around what "ways of being" are working (or not working) to have them acheive their respective goals and live their best lives. This section is called "WHO YOU BE?".
3.) Additonally, there will be a free-flowing, organic section called "TESTIFY" from which I will pull from my own life's journey to share and hopefully inspire. Some of the fare may be new musings and experiences. Other times, I may pull from my journals and past sharings to shed light on some uncomfortable truths that I've experienced and that may perhaps play a role in healing someone else's wounds as the real-life experience did for me. From my experience of covering 9/11 as a freelance journalist to courageously coming out (as gay) to my family, "TESTIFY" promises to move those who choose to read it.
4.) And a section titled "PR" (like my initials, but also like "public relations") will include press clips from any coverage I get.
Entries in Rupaul's Drag Race (3)
life art
NYABJ FAMILY
Am GRATEFUL to the New York Association of Black Journalists (NYABJ) for honoring me a couple of months ago as one of its Trailblazers alongside Robert Anthony, Eric V. Tait, Lena Sherrod and Audrey Edwards. A BLESSING!
A couple of months later, I'm grateful AGAIN to NYABJ fam, President Mike Michael J. Feeney and the many Board and committee members – including Cheryl Wills; Diane Patrick; Christina Carrega; et al for inviting me to attend the 25th ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS BANQUET.
Late, great WNBC reporter Bob Teague was honored as well as veteran TV journalist Randall Pinkston (Lifetime Achievement Award).
And a WHO’S WHO of journalism and media were in the house to recognize the work of NYC journalists while being entertained by the one-and-only MISS Rhonda Ross (daughter of Diana Ross & Berry Gordy). 
Rhonda sang "Killing Me Softly" by the great Roberta Flac,! As always, WONDERFUL!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mg_qz6jluOk
David Ushery, WNBC Anchor
Carol Jenkins, Former WNBC Anchor & Presenter
Norma Quarles, Former NBC/CNN Anchor & Presenter
Toure, Co-Host, MSNBC “The Cycle” Honoree
Bill McCreary, Former Fox 5 Anchor & Presenter
Vanessa Bush, Editor-In-Chief, Essence Magazine
Patrik Henry Bass, Sr. Editor, Essence Magazine
Michelle Miller, National Correspondent, CBS News
David Rhodes, President, CBS News
Cheryl Wills, Anchor/Author, NY1 News (NYABJ Dinner Chair)
Diane King, Anchor, NY1 News (Dinner Host)
Larry Mullins, Anchor, 1010 WINS (Dinner Host)
Dan Bowens, Reporter, Fox News
Ruschell Boone, Reporter, NY1 News
Dean Meminger, Reporter, NY1 News
....and a HOST OF OTHER NABJ FAM!!!!
An advocacy group established in 1976, the New York Association of Black Journalists provides career development as well as educational and other support to its members. 
NYABJ is an affiliate of NABJ, the largest organization for journalists of color in the nation. 
I LOVE NYABJ!
GOOD BROTHERS
Shout out to two brothers who’ve been great to me in my journey as a pop culture expert – each having booked me on their shows to discuss all sorts of topics: (1) ED GORDON - Ed Gordon Media announced today the syndication of Conversations with Ed Gordon, a quarterly, one hour special with award-winning journalist and renowned interviewer, Ed Gordon, serving as host and executive producer.
The specials will be aired nationally, including on all ten NBC owned and operated affiliates. The first special begins airing April 28, 2013. Specific airdates, times and markets can be found on http://www.edgordon.net/conversations.htm. Gordon is known for in-depth and exclusive interviews. 
(2) TJ HOLMES – As he’s announced that he’s inside his what’s next (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/13/tj-holmes-ending-relationship-bet-future-career-plans_n_3266492.html), I want to thank he and his team for having me on “DON’T SLEEP – HOSTED BY TJ HOLMES” several times.
I'm most proud of being invited to participate in the post-election-day show. On that episdoe, I waxed philosophical and political alongside MSNBC's Toure and rapper The Game who noted he was a fan of my blog: http://www.bet.com/video/dont-sleep/highlights/2012/sleep-talkers-don-t-sleep-121-12021.html.
And here’s a behind-the-scenes look at that appearance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrBjpOe854Y. 
CONGRATS GENTLEMEN on all of your success and - as you climb - continuing to lift back and let some of us share the spotlight. You both make me proud to spell my demographic: B-L-A-C-K M-A-N!
DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON
It’s DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON time again this Sunday, May 19th in NYC! This is put on annually by my friend, producer Carl Nelson. I'll introduce the performers/acts on the main stage during the afternoon portion of the day (as I have several times before when DRUMS catches me actually in town:
).
Drums Along The Hudson is a Native American and multi-cultural family oriented festival on May 19th, 2013 at Inwood Hill Park, 218st. & Indian road in Manhattan.
This event is FREE to the public and Co sponsored by lotus Music & Dance & the New York City Parks Department. The festival includes a Native American Pow-Wow, exhibitions of world dance and drumming traditions as well as Native American crafts and international cuisines. It combines a celebration of Native Heritage,culture and art with the diversity of New York City.
We also honor two individuals or organizations for their contribution to humanitarian or environmental services. It is an all day event from 11:00 am to 6;00 pm. AND SO MUCH FUN! I hope you’ll come out and join us!
BIZ BOND
I decided to pop by the launch of my friends Nathan Hale Williams' & Tammy Ford's soon-to-be-weekly networking event at Hudson Bond on 215 W 40th btw 7th & 8th Avs.
PLEASE come and join us the next time!!! Congrats Nathan and Tammie! Fun and POWER NETWORKING to boot!!! WIN WIN!
Among others this most recent time, I saw my friends ENTERTAINER BUTTAFLY SOUL and MISS TONYA GIDDENS the creator and executive producer of the Ms. Full Figured HBCU Pageant™. She is also the Beauty director of Full Figured Fashion Week®. You can access the pageant website here:
.
And for Full Figured Fashion Week:
ww.fffweek.com. BIZ BOND is scheduled to be back in JUNE! Don't miss it!
THE LIFE OF RILEY HASN’T BEEN ALL WORK AND SHOP TALK:
UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT
Enjoyed a fight party at BFFs Mara Schiavocampo and her hubby Tommie Porter’s home!
GREAT FOOD! GREAT FOLKS (including NABJ buddy Nekesa Moody and my boo boo Sidra Smith).
BOBBY ROACHE BDAY
Enjoyed a BDAY PAJAMA PARTY for our friend, model Bobby Roache (at his pad). Dear friend Q (hairstylist guru) and many others were in the house to toast the birthday boy! 
HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOBBY!
ROOFTOP COCKTAILS
Enjoyed rooftop cocktails at The Empire Hotel (overlooking the Lincoln Center Plaza) with our dear friends Jason and Marlynn.
Great to catch up with them! ALWAYS!
RUPAUL DRAG RACE
You know I love "Merrell's LEGENDS ball for some of the Black gay elite of NYC" (and our friends). This year's RuPaul's Drag Race Finale viewing party was no exception as we enjoyed the company ...of cosmetics mogul/make-up artist AJ Crimson; hairstylist superstar Chuckie Amos;
Publisher of DBQ Magazine, Derrick Bridgeforth; Wendy Williams' FAB stylist Memsor; casting director Adrian Wells; and a host of other dear friends.
Merrell is Wendy Williams' makeup artist and cosmetics icon his own right in the industry. He is quite the muse du jour for me as he takes his brand to the next level. Great set (and fried chicken a la Merrell), as always. But we were hoping for Alaska to win.
Some of us got to celebrate Wendy on her new book “Ask Wendy”! Worth noting, my partner Ant is the primary producer of "Ask Wendy", even though the book is a separate, albeit co-branded, effort. Graciously, Wendy autographed the first advance copy of the book to Ant some months ago as a THANK YOU for all he does on the daily for the franchise and the show.
CONGRATS, WENDY! This is my kinda' book! LOL!
“KINKY BOOTS”
Finally saw “Kinky Boots”! You know I’ve been yapping about it and consider Billy Porter one of my FAVORITE SOUL SINGERs! I FINALLY SAW IT AND LOVED IT! “Kinky Boots” which received 13 TONY nods (The Cyndi Lauper-scored "Kinky Boots," which earned a leading 13 Tony nominations. British import "Matilda: The Musical" has 12.
"Kinky Boots" is based on the 2005 British movie about a real-life shoe factory that struggles until it finds new life in fetish footwear. Lauper's songs and a story by Harvey Fierstein have made it a crowd-pleaser. Fierstein; one of my TOTAL FAV SINGERS Billy Porter; and Stark Sands as well as Annaleigh Ashford are nominated for “Kinky Boots”)! IT’S WONDERFUL!
TAHA CLAYTON ART
CONGRATS to dear friend, fine artist Taha Clayton on his latest project: "Round Zero", an Exhibition of Paintings by Tim Okamura, Jerome Lagarrigue, Taha Clayton, & Joseph Adolphe in NY! "Round Zero," a fine art exhibition, featuring four contemporary painters, will be on view May 13–17th* at the Art Director’s Club in Manhattan. Tim Okamura, Jerome Lagarrigue, Taha Clayton and Joseph Adolphe will exhibit their latest work in a boxing-themed collection curated by Dexter Wimberly. 
The exhibition also serves as the culmination of more than two years of documentation of these artists' creative journey by film-maker Jeff Martini, for an upcoming feature entitled "HEAVYWEIGHTPAINT," a segment of which will be shot at the events. A portion of proceeds went to the Brotherhood / Sister Sol, a Harlem-based youth organization. Artworks created by students from "Bro/Sis" were also on display at the event. (http://heavyweightpaint.com/) and (http://www.brotherhood-sistersol.org/) 
COMING UP:
LONETTE MCKEE FILES
Lonette McKee is appearing on an MMC Web Channel near you! Legendary Entertainer Lonette McKee Partners with Midnight Media Capture (MMC) a la my good girlfriend Nicole Franklin (and her fellow Executive Producer Giovanna Aguilar) to Engage Audiences with Her Story, 'The Lonette McKee Files,' and Performers with ‘Actors Empowered.’ Both appearances are Web-based at www.MidnightMediaCapture.com.
It’s ‘The Lonette McKee Files,’ an On Demand podcast series in which she shares her story of growing up, from a child musical prodigy to a distinguished actress, in the entertainment industry. Lonette also joins a stellar line up of media professionals on MMC Presents Summer 2013 Sessions, a series of online professional workshops dedicated to the storytelling process, from writing to directing to performing, launching on MMC’s online channel in June. Her first offering,‘Actors Empowered,’ is a 6-week online webinar enabling talent across the world to learn the tools of the trade from a Hollywood veteran. Lonette is excited about this new venture and says that The Lonette McKee Files will engage her fans and capture new audiences—a global community of storytellers and entertainment aficionados—with personal anecdotes, including the segment “What Happens When,” during which she poses compelling real-life situations to her followers based on her own experiences.
Lonette states she values MMC because they are a cutting-edge, forward-thinking company that is able to reach audiences around the world through their Web platform, and with highly defined content that mixes storytelling and marketing. She is confident that this synergy serves as an opportunity for her generation of entertainment professionals to couple their experience with technology into new ventures for empowering new generations of performers—storytellers. “It would serve us to get on the new wave of technology so we can share the stories, knowledge and wisdom that only come with veteran years of experience,” Lonette states.
‘The Lonette McKee Files’ has rolled out as podcasts for purchase at $2.99 on MMC’s online channe.
‘Actors Empowered’ course begins June 3, 2013. For more information, visit http://midnightmediacapture.com/. You can sign up right now by clicking this link:
http://midnightmediacapture.com/mmc-presents/the-lonette-mckee-files/
RAMSEY LEWIS AND HIS ELECTRIC BAND
Shout out to my friend Ed Roebuck who hipped me to this event he’s been working on: Composer, pianist and jazz legend Ramsey Lewis and his Electric Band will perform at The City College of New York’s Aaron Davis Hall for the first time in a special Father’s Day Weekend Celebration 7 p.m. Friday, June 14. Jazz greats Henry Johnson (guitar), Joshua Ramos (bass) and Charles Heath (drums) will join Ramsey in this extraordinary concert. “A Father’s Day Weekend Celebration with Ramsey Lewis” will take place at Aaron Davis Hall, West 135th Street and Convent Avenue on The City College campus. Tickets are: $30 and $40 (reserved seating).
For more information and ticket sales visit: www.adhatccny.org or call Aaron Davis Hall Box office at 212.650.6900. “We all know Harlem is so important to the world of jazz and to perform in Harlem at Aaron Davis Hall is a true delight,” states Mr. Lewis. “Just in time for the first days of summer and Father’s Day.” “Ramsey Lewis is a class act and I’m so happy he will perform at Aaron Davis Hall,” states Aaron Davis Hall Managing Director Gregory Shanck. “We’ve had world legends on our stage and this is one more creative giant I’m so proud to have perform at Aaron Davis Hall.”
A Father’s Day Weekend Celebration with Ramsey Lewis
Featuring: Ramsey Lewis & The Electric Band
With Henry Johnson (guitar), Joshua Ramos (bass) and Charles Heath (drums)
Friday, June 14, 2013
7 p.m.∙ Showtime
6:30 p.m. ∙ Doors Open
Tickets
Price: $30 and $40 (reserved seating)
Visit: www.adhatccny.org
Call: 212.650.6900
Aaron Davis Hall
West 135th Street & Convent Avenue
On the campus of The City College of New York
New York, NY 10031
Directions:
Bus: M11, M18, M100 or M101 to 135th Street
Subway: 1 to 137th Street; A, B, C or D to 145th Street
Driving: Free parking at West 133rd Street & Convent Avenue or parking on the street
MINORITEES
Y’all know “…THE LIFE OF RILEY…” LOVES MINORITEES: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/5/22/girlfriends-and-minoritees-are-doing-it-and-well.html. 
Born from the streets of New York City, Minoritees represents the voice of a generation that is as multi-cultural and unique as The Big Apple herself. Worn by the likes of Janet Jackson, Denzel Washington, P!nk, RuPaul, and Shakira to name a few, the Minoritees brand started by reclaiming the iconic image of an afro-pick to symbolize freedom and strength no matter what race, gender or religion you identify with.
Like any road worth travelling, Minoritees has seen its ups and downs. We’ve grown from street fairs to Macy’s stores and beyond, always representing the strength, individuality and pride that make up our fan base. Minoritees braved some super-storms, barely surviving an economic meltdown which resulting in the loss of jobs, substantial revenue due to the closing of stores and vendors which financially crippled the company and its operations.
And so, after much soul searching by it’s founder and encouragement from it’s loyal fan base; In 2013, we’re renewing our commitment to you by going back to basics with clothing, products and a lifestyle that is as loud, proud and fearless as you are. We ask for your participation and support by spreading the word about our re-birth and by participating in our incentive-driven Kickstarter campaign that will help with our re-launch.
We promise you with utmost certainty a renewal of focus and commitment to customer service and appreciation and a quality product. Expect a brand new website launch in Memorial Day 2013, new designs, a streamlined quality line of apparel and lifestyle products, sleek new packaging, limited editions re-issues of classic Minoritees collections and a robust integration of multi-format social networking.
TWITTER @MINORITEES
FACEBOOK.COM/MINORITEES
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in Ask Wendy, Broadway, Chicacgo, Drums Along The Hudson, NABJ, NYABJ, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, Rupaul's Drag Race, WENDY WILLIAMS
|
Post a Comment
|
10 References
HOPE THERE'S SOMEONE
THE GAME - 1/11/11
So EVERYONE is ABUZZ about the PREMIERE of "The Game" on BET.
This entry was to be more of a P.S. But before its 1/11/11 DEBUT on BET, I stumbled into the opportunity to CONGRATULATE BET's President and CEO Debra Lee with tidings of high-ratings and quality entertainment.
This, while I was on a quick shoot at BET's NYC headquarters in Times Square... and she just happened to be in the office.
But also, I have to shout out creator of "The Game" (and "Girlfriends") - my friend Mara Brock-Akil and her husband and professional partner Salim (who is running this show which shot in Atlanta). They are actually in NYC for the big 1/11/11 PREMIERE... and I got to SHOUT THEM OUT in person as well.
More acurately, Mara and Salim are friends of two dear friends (Nichole & Carl), but we all are quite fond of each other.
In fact, Nichole was gracious to ensure my face was in the place to watch "THE GAME" with everybody at Butter in Downtown Manhattan (just as the snow storm began).
Nichole truly understands that this story is a GREAT EXAMPLE of where "POP CULTURE" and "POSSIBILITIES" meet at the pass in "... THE LIFE OF RILEY...".
It's always a further pleasure to be able to communicate NOT INTO THIN AIR, but often to MARA and SALIM DIRECTLY, my praise and criticques of their AWESOME WORK.
First things first, I got to meet all of the cast members. Each of them was so nice. And all of them are so happy that BET has picked up the show.
At one point, Salim (whose Uncle Rick is a dear friend of mine) gave a speech that celebrated the "powerful women" in his professional world (and - of course - his personal world: MARA).
Then, Mara took everybody to church as she "testified" on how she felt - as show-runner for the "The Game" that was canceled by CW - that she had let 'the team' down.
And speaking through the emotions, the suddenly tear-filled cast (and me) assured her she did the best she could. 
And as Mara put it, inside the stillness and the crossroad, BET stepped up to the plate and reminded them all that they are loved and worthy.
But it wasn't all crying. When we all sat down to watch the premiere of "The Game", it was like watching a movie in the theater.
Our mouths dropped and our eyes were wide open during various parts. 
It was fun to see the cast-members watch themselves... and shout out to my friends Mara and Salim for their stellar script-writing.
And it was so cute to see Wendy Raquel Robinson (Tasha Mack) trying on "The View"s Sherri Shephard's Donatella Versace heels.
Also, a shout out to my friend Ron Donovan - shoe designer with the most. Coincidentally, the episode of "Mo'Nique" that came on after "The Game"s follow-up "Let's Stay Together" featured its host in Ron's shoes. GO RON!
Afterwards, we all shared a car back to our respective snow digs. Mara and Salim - who say they respect my opinion about their shows in particular - asked what I really thought... no chaser! And in addition to celebrating them for how well they light "Black folks", I told them I was sick to my stomach as if I had been on a treacherous rollercoaster ride. "... and I loved it and want to go on the ride again!" LOL! I also "begged" Mara and Salim to consider a "Girlfriends" finale on "The Game" (perhaps if there's an additonal season on BET?). To remind you, "Joan" - Tracee Ellis Ross' character on "Girlfriends" - is Melanie Barnett's first cousin (as played by Tia Mowry-Hardrict).
So, my thought is Melanie could leave San Diego for a weekend to attend and participate in her cousin Joan's wedding in L.A. During the wedding, Toni and Joan reunite. VOILA, right? BUT FOR NOW, we'll all just bask in the UNPRECEDENTED EXCITEMENT of a show we LOVE getting resuscitated on an iconic network that will take care of it! WIN-WIN!!!
20-11 IS HERE!!!!!
PRE-NEW YEAR’S
Upon my return from Savannah and Atlanta, I stumbled into enough to keep me entertained – including a welcome reunion with my Chicago-based Morehouse brother Eddie.
We went to Nectar Wine Bar in Harlem.
Then, my buddies Jamar, Ryan, Mario (also a Morehouse brother), and I hung out.
Ultimately, we all ended up at friend Nathan’s Wednesday SPLASH set.
TODAY SHOW
The next night – as in the eve of the eve – was to simply be ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT. But as soon as I scooped Ant up from his Denver travels, I received a call from NBC’s TODAY SHOW – asking me to participate in a brief interview – excerpt of which would be included in a piece my friend Mara Schiavocampo, NBC News’ Digital Correspondent was filing for New Year’s Eve day on the ball drop in New York Times Square. Though a link (to share with you) has still evaded me, it ran all day – between two hours inside TODAY and several rounds on MSNBC.
Though a brief sound-bite of my pop culture analysis was used, it counts as my "debut" on THE TODAY SHOW! I've been a recurring presence on NBC's air for a couple of years now - including:
* "NBC Nightly News w/Brian Williams" (on-line) - OBAMA'S POUND: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXc6x5JlJuw
* "NBC Nightly News w/Brian Williams" (on-line) - THE LAST DECADE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pYKZBjEx40
And I'm hoping to do more with MSNBC and NBC-owned WWW.THEGRIO.COM - which has expressed interest in re-purposing some of my content - here in 2011! STAY TUNED! The plan is to build on my TV personality work this year! http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickGeneralReel.wmv
ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT
Please be sure to come by and join us this Thursday January 13th for ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT at NATIVE Restaurant (LENOX AVENUE & 118th Street).
On the eve of the eve, we had such a GREAT TIME! I mentioned my Morehouse BFF Eddie was in town. So, after my TODAY taping, I rushed up to Harlem’s new restaurant THE RED ROOSTER to join him and his friends.
Then, our ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT was the place to be – including many friends… and even family… in the house – including my Marcia Pendelton (Walk Tall Girl Productions);
Marva Hill (Hue-Man Bookstore in Harlem);
my nephew; his Spelman sister Evelyn;
Sidra; 
Ern; Tata; and others.
This past Thursday was also a great FIRST ALL-STAR KARAOKE for 2011.
In fact, we even had a surprise guest, but I have to wait to tell you who. STAY TUNED. I'll hip you after she gives me permission to say... HOPE TO SEE YOU NEXT THURSDAY! 
We never know who will drop by...!!!!! WILL IT BE YOU?????
Can anybody bring MISS HILSON by...? 
Keri Hilson's latest muse (a la ROSS) is proving a distraction these days. I CAN'T KEEP MY EYES OFF OF HER! GO KERI! LOL! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAuBulJ1bTk 
Ant, Ern, Kimberly, and I came into 2011 together by way of Cindy and her fiance John’s NEW YEAR'S BASH… on the Jersey side!
The event was well-appointed w/good people; food; and - of course - a cocktail or two!
NO HANGOVERS though! There's work to do in 20-11!!!! ALRIGHT!!!!!!!?
And Kimberly hosted a lovely dinner to set the year off right! 
In fact, Leonard Joseph who I've known for years (through Kim) hipped me to something I never knew about him. He plays the piano in Whitney Houston's "I'm Your Baby Tonight" video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H-jLOoz-YY.
So while at Kimberly's place, she led me to an article that was inside a beautifully-bound family history book that Kimberly's family put together. Since some of her family members are/were members of the United House of Prayer for All People - the church in which both of my parents' families reared them, she thought I'd get a kick out of one particular article.
It was from 'The Washington Afro American" (a Black paper during the day). The dateline was May 22, 1962. And what I would go onto read kinda' spooked me out. 
In bold, my mother's name: QUEEN B. RILEY and also in the article, the names of man
So recurring client BET has asked me back to produce tribute videos for the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies. Suzanne DePasse is one of honorees. You’ll recall, my Savannah homeboy Maurice Marable – a VP of Creative Services at BET (and an AWESOME film/TV director in his own right) - hooked me up with this relationship which has had me in BET’s mix several times last year. I co-produced BET’s Black History Month campaign in 2010. I was booked to conduct backstage celeb interviews at BET Honors and SOS: Haiti telethon. And via DUBOSE ENTERTAINMENT (in 2009), I was field and story producer on two of BET’s big hits: “Monica: Still Standing” and “Frankie & Neffe”. And as developments go, it seems each of those journeys was worth the trip as ‘Frankie’ is focusing on getting clean and sober via "Dr. Drew's Celebrity Rehab" on VH-1 – a steady prayer of mine while working on the show. And Monica – after all the work she put into her comeback as chronicled by our team – deserves CONGRATULATIONS as the recipient of two GRAMMY NOMINATIONS!!!!! GO MO!!!!! And THANKS MO (as in Maurice)!
See The Global Africa Project @ The Museum of Arts & Design in NYC!
100 Artists From Around the World! Open Late Thursdays, Special Admission http://bit.ly/9uFXjN
Shout out to Bridgit Evans (pictured left) for inviting me to participate in LOVE/YOUTH - a charitable theater project that explores the roots of bullying and harassment of LGBT youth. Stay tuned for an April performance of LOVE/YOUTH. She plucked me from ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT and invited me (along with Pernell, pictured above right - another ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT SUPERSTAR) and a number of performing artists together to workshop the content that will make up this charity benefit event. Bridgit assigned me to sing Antony & The Johnsons' "Hope There's Someone": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loNU4fVpO8E.
Other great exploratory included: Keith Josef Adkins' play 'The Cycle of Infliction'. STAY TUNED for more on that, but I consider it a TOTAL HONOR to be using my singing (and a bit of my acting) talents alongside some AWESOME folks – including Bridgit; Keith Josef Adkins; Chandra Thomas; Daniel Carlton; director Tyrone Brown; and more! Bridgit wrote:”…The Lab day for the LOVE/YOUTH charity benefit event exploring LGBT bullying brought me to tears a number of times. Too much beauty to name everyone. But let's just say that Patrick L. Riley's rendition of Antony And The Johnsons 'Hope There's Someone' had the entire room sniffling. Thank you thank you to everyone who lent your time. I love you….” Just so you know (per Bridgit's words), this project arose out of the concern and heartbreak expressed by a group of high-profile and emerging theater and music artists who desired to leverage the incredible resources of the arts community to address bullying in our schools and to help build a world where all children and youth are free to be who they are without fear of persecution. 
Earlier this week, the LOVE/YOUTH planning team had the amazing opportunity to review the dozens of 'creative artifacts' contributed by writers ranging from Grammy-winner Sinead O'Connor to OBIE winners David Henry Hwang and Kia Corthron. Grammy nominated reggae artist Matisyahu contributed a powerful rally cry of a song, while playwright Keith Josef Adkins contributed a breathtaking monologue about a man who discovers his capacity to inflict harm at the very moment he realizes his overwhelming capacity to love another person (My song is inside this scene). 
From 16 year old poet Elaina Crockett came a poem offering comfort and home to teen who took his life, while Olivier Award nominee Tarell Alvin McCraney offered up a harrowing tale of a family unable to act in the wake of a son's brutal beating. The pieces are complex, gorgeous and extremely exciting, and we cannot thank the writers enough for sharing them with us. STAY TUNED! 
Oh! And how about that Marsha Ambrosius' "Far Away" which is a cry out to the world. It's STUNNING: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofsib2eu02o. The song and accompanying video are for the second release from her debut solo album, Late Nights & Early Mornings, due out in February 2011 (J Records). It truly makes a bold social commentary by tackling issues surrounding homosexuality and suicide. Near the close of the piece, Ambrosius discloses that she recently lost a friend to suicide, personalizing the emotion in the song. 
Well, compliments of my friend Ike, Ant and I got to see their latest tour de force “A Free Man of Color” which is running at the Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater.
Ike is our theater buddy. We always go to great shows together or - in this case - not together, but when we connect, we have lots to talk about. (Afterwards, we enjoyed a nice bite with Sidra and Murphy at another new Harlem spot “Chocolat”).
Another piece that Ike, the gang, and I recently enjoyed was Daniel Beaty's "THROUGH THE NIGHT". Well THIS JUST IN: "Through The Night" is going to be at the Westside Theatre for a Monday night run beginning January 24, 2011. Please be sure to check it out inside this limited run: http://www.darylrothproductions.com/throughthenight2011/full/.
“CONSIDER IT DONE”
You folks know how much MOMENTUM (www.momentumeducation.com) means to me. It’s some awesome work! Well, one of my friends from Momentum has just written a New York Times’ Best Seller (or – at least – with your help, it will be). Her tome: “CONSIDER IT DONE” – a how-to on accomplishing 228 of life’s trickiest tasks. February 1st is when it comes out! Please check it out. http://consideritdonebook.com and http://consideritdone.com and http://facebook.com/consideritdonebook and http://twitter.com/juliesubotky 
JUST AS WE ARE
So, I write all the time about our good friend Charlie T and all of her amazing photography. She and her partner Danielle often host us for special occasions i.e. Thanksgiving; The Grammys; The Oscars; etc. 
I've also told you about her "Just As We Are" Project - a traveling photo exhibit and campaign that highlights the positivity and diversity inside LGBT culture.
She shot Ant and me for it (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/12/3/i-have-a-dream-today.html). Well, Just As We Are is on fire in 2011.
They've launched a new and improved website that is more interactive and user-friendly. Also, it showcases the subjects (www.justaswearetour.org).
And Charlie T is hosting the first fundraiser for "Just As We Are" 2011 in conjunction with the first out NBA former player John Amaechi. Please come, if you can. We'll be at The National Arts Club, January 18, 2011.... and SPREAD THE WORD! It's gonna be FUN & FULFILLING! 
TEENA MARIE REMEMBERED FOREVER
My girlfriend Sidra knew Teena Marie well. She's personally heartbroken from her passing. She generously shared this with me... for you: "...Teena was the sweetest, most gentle, sensitive, loving, caring soul I've ever encountered. Everything about her was so sincere. I’m so happy to have called her my friend and I’m gonna miss her dearly...."
BEBE
My friend Terrance Russ was to set up a dinner with RuPaul Drag Race winner BeBe Zahara Benet this week. This, as RUPAUL's DRAG RACE: CYCLE 3 is getting ready to take off (later this month - featuring guest judges like Vanessa L. Williams and Latoya Jackson)
. Due to the weather, we had to postpone. But in the words of MISS ROSS, I'M STILL WAITING... What a treat BeBe was when we met last summer. I will look forward to learning more... STAY TUNED!
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in Antony & The Johnsons, DIANA ROSS, KERI HILSON, MARA SCHIAVOCAMPO, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, Rupaul's Drag Race, TEENA MARIE, Today Show, WWhitney Houston
|
1 Comment
|
3 References
"... JUST LIKE A CIRCUS..."
Ant’s and my weekend in Detroit was a hard act to follow, but follow it we have.
From an early celebration of Ant’s BIG 3-0... 
to the affordable escape of the Universoul Circus (www.universoulcircus.com/)... 
to a “RuPaul’s Drag Race” sighting (www.logoonline.com/shows/dyn/rupauls_drag_race/videos.jhtml), it’s been a time. A good time, actually (butt-kicking economy notwithstanding).
“There's only two types of people in the world
The ones that entertain and the ones that observe...”
I’ve told you ladies about my good girlfriend from Dallas, Mrs. Patrice (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/9/27/is-that-me-i-dont-recognize.html). And through Patrice, we met Delecia, who has visited with us here in New York City a time or two (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/9/11/i-look-back-on-all-those-good-times.html). She came down from D.C. where she now lives. Patrice, Ern, and I always have such a great time together – from our travels to Martha’s Vineyard to their ski trips to our visits to each others’ respective homes. Delecia, who we met at Patrice’s wedding, continues to be a part of the fun as well.
Ern was delayed with appointments – so I picked Patrice up from the airport before we snatched Delecia up from NYC Penn Station. The ladies and I hooked up with Ant and Ern for a day of cocktails and a rare visit to our favorite restaurant Houston’s (www.hillstone.com/). Then, we did a quick drive by Bergen County’s newly renovated pride-and-joy Century 21 (www.bergenmallonline.com). This, before the girls needed a cat nap.
Ant and I – however – had to hightail it to Brooklyn for our good girlfriend Jonna’s birthday party which used the naturally-lit loft space of her friends John and Jared to unveil her new paintings (www.jonnatwigg.com/). HAPPY BIRTHDAY JONNA! Then, after our guests received their beauty rest, Ant and I joined them at The Empire Hotel’s Rooftop Lounge (www.empirehotelnyc.com/) across from Lincoln Center where last I attended a party for Miss Sandra Lee (www.semihomemade.com/).
Then, a late night bite at one of our favorite diners The Red Oak (www.redoakdiner.com/) in Fort Lee, NJ across from what was once my place of employment CNBC (www.cnbc.com/).
”...Well baby, I'm a put-on-a-show kind of girl
Don't like the backseat, gotta be first...”
The next day, the girls, guys, and I did bottomless mimosas at HK – just catty-corner from NYC’s Port Authority (www.hkhellskitchen.com). We ate some delicious meals as well. From there, we made sure Delecia (with whom I would have another chance to hang later in the week) got to her train to get back to D.C. 
Then, we walked to The Playwright Horizons Theater (www.playwrighthorizons.org) to see our girlfriend LaChanze in “Inked Baby”.
A group of 30+ joined Ant and me for this special evening of NYC culture that was followed by a meet-and-greet with the show’s star.
LaChanze agreed to join us at West Bank Café (www.westbankcafe.com/). She generously posed for pictures and shared ‘tales of LaChanze’ (post-Tony-Award for her life-changing role in Broadway’s “The Color Purple”).
One of those tales is an announcement she’s given me permission to share with all of you: She will be playing “Glenda the Good Witch” in Broadway’s revival of “The Wiz” this summer (www.broadway.com/Encores-Plans-Summer-Run-of-The-Wiz/broadway_news/5021972). Of course, I will be all up and through several of those performances. So excited to see LaChanze in this role that Lena Horne brought to the big screen in the film.
CONGRATS LACHANZE! It too was great to see LaChanze’s sister Michelle Sapp who shares a light similar to her sister, but on a different stage.
Michelle is CEO of MP & Associates which provides professional event management & marketing services (www.mpandassociates.net). She is currently working with the United Way of New Jersey for a Women's Conference (www.uwnj.org/) that will focus on female youths between the ages of 14 - 17. The event will take place later this month at Kean University (www.kean.edu/). The conference will target a minimum of 250 girls from diverse backgrounds including "at risk" female teenagers. Michelle was looking to book the "perfect" keynote speaker to motivate these young women. Well, Michelle came to me for a referral (or two).
She went with one of my top referrals: Miss Tracey Moore Marable, dear friend/director/acting coach extraordinaire/all-around spiritual force (www.thespiritedactor.com/) who is making quite a name for herself in the media’s eye these days (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uo-ckgXdkU0 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnjxKdIAYt4). Anyone who knows me how much I LOVE SYNERGY! So, I’m thrilled that two of my favorite people are collaborating on a project that is for such a good cause.
”...I'm a like the ringleader, I call the shots
(Call the shots)
I'm like a firecracker I make it hot
When I put on a show...”
Though I didn’t get the chance to celebrate the birthday of my dear friend Kevin-Anthony (www.b2productions.xbuild.com/) who performed at The Triad (www.triadnyc.com/) earlier this week, friend and VP of Media Relations for 2Rs Entertainment & Media’s Ra-Fael Blanco (www.myspace.com/2rsentertainmentandmedia and www.2RSENTANDMEDIA.com) made it possible for me to give Kevin-Anthony (left) some sugar as he and another favorite Karu Daniels (www.blackvoices.com/blogs/bloggers/karu-f-daniels) attended party for multi-award-winning Broadway star and now-R&B recording artist Chester Gregory (www.ChesterGregory.com).
He was celebrating the release of his debut album "In Search of High Love" at BAR 41 @ Times Square.
Too, his music video was unveiled to the masses. Chester is such a talented man.
I came with Ant and his “Amazing Grace” Manivone (who was hot off a plane from Puerto Rico).
Our buddy Theo – publicist with the most – sponsored the rounds that weren’t built into our V-I-P status that Ra-Fael always makes sure is present for me.
(Theo even bought a post-party round of frozen drinks at our BBQ - www.bbqnyc.com/). 
Too, it was good to hear the news from our buddies’ Troy and Darryl (www.BanginAssArtists.com) who are beginning to present intimate evenings of song with unheralded, underground artists who are – what they deem – Bangin’ Ass Artists.
Their first: Abby Dobson (www.abbydobson.com/) who will share her soulful mix of jazz and R&B in an acoustic set at AJA (www.aja-asianbistro.com/) where we celebrated Ant’s birthday – in part - last year.
And it’s always great to see my favorite usual suspects including pop/R&B Group THA HEIGHTS (www.thaheights.com/);
male supermodel MIGUEL PERDOMO – always the sweetest (and the cutest); model CHRISTINA MENDEZ; actresses MEAH PACE and NICOLE ALLEN;
Publisher of Bleu Magazine DE'VON CHRISTOPHER; etc. For more access to Chester Gregory’s work, you can download "I ONLY HAVE EYES 4 U" via http://www.zshare.net/audio/557184312fa21965/ and you can download “SEARCH IN" via http://www.zshare.net/audio/55718637b190188f/ and 2R's Artist Page is at http://www.2rsentandmedia.com/artists/chester2/chester.html.
”...I feel the adrenaline moving through my veins
Spotlight on me and I'm ready to break...”
I mentioned my good girlfriend Shaun Robinson (www.shaunrobinson.com) and her new book "Exactly As I Am". 
Well, Shaun’s cousin happens to be a dear friend of mine Robin Stone who shares a birthday with me and shared her beautiful Harlem home with Shaun and a wonderful group of NYC tastemakers.
Shaun’s Detroit native father even flew in from Motown for the occasion - waxing his brand of progressive wisdom and history to Ant and me.
The book is about 'Girls and Self-Esteem' and features the diverse voices of many dynamic women including Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, Eva Mendes, Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys, Sharon Stone, Queen Latifah, and so many more. 
The party brought out some movers and shakers in the their own right – including a blast from my past Sana Butler with whom I used to work at CNBC years ago. 
Sana is now an author in her own right of “Sugar of the Crop: My Journey To Find The Children Of Slaves”, which is a collection of narratives that stems out of Sana’s search for the last surviving children of slaves.
It’s so well written and way compelling. 
I’m thrilled that my friend Ike brought her back to me.
Also in attendance: Co-host of the night (with Robin), my fellow and favorite journalists Patrik Henry Bass – Senior Editor at ESSENCE Magazine (www.essence.com) and his ESSENCE colleague Jenisha Watts attended as well. 
She's at the on-line companion to the magazine;
Jacque Reid (www.jacquereid.com/); Constance White (www.ebay.com/personalstyle);
and a host of my other buddies – from Miss Katti Gray (www.kattigray.com) to Lisa Herndon and on and on and on...CONGRATS TO SHAUN on her inspiring new tome: (http://www.amazon.com/Exactly-As-Am-Celebrated-Yourself/dp/0345511956/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234764505&sr=1-1). She is an example of a class and presence that can sometimes be missing from our industry. Though she is promoting a book, I was taken by how present she was to ensure that all her people were in attendance at these book sets (including herself going the extra mile to email her close folks and make sure they got the information they needed to attend.) Even I - with the blog (for example) - can sometimes be so busy that my blasts don't go out comprehensively (and those readers I have will wonder what happened - even taking it personally). I - of course - ask that they charge it to overwhelm and not my heart. Some folks, on the other hand, can be interestingly available when they need something from you and curiously missing-in-action when they reach a certain level. It is what it is as our industry goes, but I want to make sure I celebrate those who - by results - show up connected and approachable at all times (even when it's clearly a busy time). We all have them.
”...I'm like a performer, the dancefloor is my stage
Better be ready, hope that you feel the same...”
Shaun invited me to a party that L.A. Reid and his wife Erica were throwing the next night.
This posh set was attended by – I understand – some great NYC folks I'm used to seeing socially here in The Big Apple like Al Roker and his wife Deborah Roberts;
Shaun's fellow Detroiters - from Veronica Webb and Crystal McCrary Anthony...
to Mr. Ed Gordon;
however, I had a prior commitment that prevented me from attending.
LIVE OUT LOUD – an awesome mentoring organization for LGBTQ youth – is an organization for which I’ve been a patron and active participant for several years now (www.liveoutloud.info). 
You’ll recall, a speech I did last year in Brooklyn (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/5/20/a-reversal-of-mendacity.html).
Well, this go around, I was asked to moderate “Out In The Arts” at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn (www.pratt.edu/). The panelists were most esteemed: Lola Flash, Fine Art Photographer (www.lolaflash.com/); Renaldo Barnette, Creative Consultant, Lauren Dresses (www.ralphlauren.com/); Michael Cooper, President, Point C Studios (www.pointcstudios.com/); Robert Farrell, Interior Designer (www.rbf-ltdc.ipower.com/); Sam McConnell, Filmmaker, owner of McConnell/Hauser Productions (www.manta.com/coms2/dnbcompany_j66l90).
After we all waxed philosophical about how we’ve managed to navigate in our respective disciplines with a firm sense of self and who we are (as gay men and women), I had to get on a train to D.C. for some business. (By the way LIVE OUT LOUD is hosting its annual scholarship/fundraising gala on April 27th. If you're in NYC, check out www.liveoutloud.info. It's always a good time and they have the best silent auction items).
I got the chance to meet with some of my colleagues in The National Association of Black Journalists (www.nabj.org) which is always a good mix of working hard and playing hard.
My lovely Angela Robinson was among a group of folks I hold near and dear. As I am working hard to hold my career afloat, it was great to bounce ideas and emotions off of folks like Angela, Lecia;
Bonnie, Russell; 
Brian; 
and Ryan and Irving – folks I consider family, my industry family who too are on their respective surfboards - wading through these tempestuous waters known as our careers or our industry. Angela – by the way - got dubbed “Mary Wilson” for the weekend to my “Diana Ross”. Long inside story... but it provided levity to a busy weekend of duty and focus.
Angela is truly a force with which to be reckoned in our TV business and a hoot of a good time - www.aabj.org/In_Contact_Intro.html).
Kim Betton proved a delight as we shared all things social networking – including her fab site on jazz music – www.crescendojazz.com 
(We even had a “Cindy” – as in Birdsong. Her real name was Jackie. And there was "(Marcus) & the Vandellas".
Too, "Patti Labelle & The Bluebelles" in the house too.
Yes, we were all in character. But what fun!)
Also, my dear Delecia resurfaced (with her Denver-based buddy Leslie). The ladies picked me up from my fab, boutique hotel Rouge (which boasted all things RED – from pens to wall treatments to the complimentary wine in the lobby for happy hour) - www.rougehotel.com. 
This too is where I also got the chance to catch up with one of my dearest “Amazing Graces” Lisa Goodnight who I have missed desperately since she left New Jersey some five years ago. 
Delecia and Leslie took me to Banana Leaves (www.mybananaleaves.com) and a cool Greek tapas spot Zaytinya (www.zaytinya.com/) that boasts a cocktail called “The Immortal” featuring honey vodka and a slew of other undetectables. Fortunately, I didn’t have a hangover the next morning as that night, I had the luxury of reconnecting to all the girls again. They joined my colleagues and me at Alero Restaurant (www.alerorestaurant.com/) where we partook of contemporary Mexican cuisine.
After that, we popped by night spot Jin (www.jindc.com) for bottle service and dancing.
My Lisa Goodnight continued to hang into the night with me – even securing me a chili half-smoke (or two) at world-famous Ben’s Chili Bowl (www.benschilibowl.com/). Great stuff. This, after NABJ buddy Brentin Mock (www.prospect.org) – a brilliant writer - took us to a house party with some folks who write for “The Root” (www.theroot.com). 
On Sunday, one of my best friends and “Amazing Graces” since 1982, Tish, came and picked me up from the hotel to take me to her place. Then, she sponsored dinner at the elegantly-appointed B. Smith Restaurant (www.bsmith.com/). Though not in attendance on this day, I took a picture with a picture of B. Smith and ‘original Supreme’ Mary Wilson – for kicks.
(Hi Angela Robinson! SMILE!).
Also, Tish and I happened upon a small world.
As she and I were dining, in walks her dear family friend Davida who is the oldest sister of a Savannah classmate of ours Lori (who provided all the karaoke at our 20-year high school reunion last year - http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/6/17/someday-well-be-together-we-still-together-kinda.html). We were excited to be running into our Savannah folks in a place removed from where they currently live (I think they are in North Carolina) and where I currently live - that Tish and I just - in the 11th hour - made the decision at which to eat. No coincidences, huh? And hey! We're all from Savannah - so it's clear we wanted to get our fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread dressing ON for Palm Sunday. 
Tish capped off my special weekend in D.C. with just the right dosage of love power that I needed to keep going. THANKS TISH AND ALL MY SINGLE LADIES!
”...All eyes on me in the center of the ring just like a circus
When I crack that whip, everybody gon' trip just like a circus...”
The other night, my dear friend Renea with whom I did all of my MOMENTUM EDUCATION (www.momentumeducation.com) trainings (along with many others) introduced me to John Castagnini (www.johncastagnini.com/) – publisher of a compelling series of books “THANK GOD I...: Stories of Inspiration for Every Situation” (Limited Edition). It explores being grateful for the worst that life has to offer towards moving through the negativity to a brighter, loving, more inspired life. My kind of content (Favorite genre of book next to celebrity bio). Well, after a delectable dinner of roasted Portabello mushrooms and a shockingly tasty shredded artichoke/crab dish at Bianca’s in the East Village with Renea, John, and John’s wife Dina Dillon Castagnini, I joined my Morehouse brother Mario (per his nudging) at Chelsea spot 'g'... and who walks in? MISS REBECCA - 3rd place drag on Rupaul's weekly race won ultimately by MISS BEBE (www.logoonline.com/shows/dyn/rupauls_drag_race/videos.jhtml). And "he" was cute as a button - sporting the most kempt and curliest of silky, dark brown locks that would make Shirley Temple proud. The children at large weren't checking for ‘her’ but I approached for blog photo-op. She graciously agreed. To ensure she wouldn't punctuate our exchange with any "oh-no-more-autographs-please" shade, I spoke her name and lifted her up with words of pride and encouragement. It inspired her to give me some sugah before I returned to my "margarita on the rocks, cuervo, no salt". But props to BEBE for being the FIERCEST OF THEM ALL!!!!!
All in a NEW YORK CITY evening: EXTRAVAGANZA! ELEGANZA! Also in attendance, my dear friend Derrick Briggs whose new movie "FINDING ME" is finally premiering next week in New York City for one night only before coming out on DVD.Atlanta. Details to come at a later date.). I’ve mentioned the project before: WWW.THANKS4FINDINGME.COM.
Ant and I were invited (He may attend in my absence as I prepare to leave for a five-week stint in
I even posed with the cast last summer at an event.
From first-time Haitian-American filmmaker Roger Omeus, Jr., comes this inspiring story self-acceptance and self-love. It poses the question, "What am I doing with my life?" Faybien Allen (Ray Martell Moore) begins his journey with this question and it defines every decision he makes. This young gay man world is defined by a homophobic father and a colorful cast of friends who he realizes are as flawed as he feels.
However, when Faybien meets a man that proves there is life after 'coming out' it is revealed to him that he is worthy of love, respect, and happiness. His self-hate, love and relationships collide in a dramatic resolution that will leave him forever changed and reborn. CONGRATS DERRICK BRIGGS! (www.youtube.com/dlbbco) Keep doing your thing, my brother!
”... Don't stand there watching me, follow me, show me what you can do
Everybody let go, we can make a dancefloor just like a circus...”
From Miss BeBe (as in ‘Cameroon’ from Rupaul’s Drag Race) to Jill Scott’s new HBO show “The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency” (www.hbo.com/no1ladiesdetectiveagency/), Ant and I have been surrounded by contemporary-yet-historical-and-often-irreverent interpretations of African culture.
Our Marcia Pendelton (www.walktallgirlproductions.com/) who keeps us in the seats of Broadway’s greatest works introduced a side of Africa we’ve not seen explored so candidly yet pivotally. 
Nationally acclaimed Brooklyn-based playwright LYNN NOTTAGE’s current project “RUINED” (www.NYCityCenter.org/Ruined) is the story of Mama Nadi who runs a whorehouse in today's raging and restless Democratic Republic of the Congo. The plot underscores some horrific realities of the men and the women who spend much of their time inside of a seemingly senseless conflict. Still, there were laughs and many-a-heartbreak. 
We shared an audience with Mr. Big-Brother-Almighty himself Giancarlo Esposito. Also, sitting next to us, my friend Kevin Powell (www.kevinpowell.net/). 
”...There's only two types of guys out there
Ones that can hang with me and ones that are scared...”
I got an invitation from friend/marketing/networking guru Pam Pickens (www.blackdiamondsnyc.com/about_faces.htm). She is working on a campaign to promote Universoul Circus here in NYC (www.universoulcircus.com/). She invited me to come and attend the show towards a blog entry. Well, here goes.
Firstly, I was first introduced to the Universoul Circus about a decade ago when I sat on the Board for NABJ (www.nabj.org). My good girlfriend Paula Witt – communications director for the circus at the time – enrolled Universoul in co-sponsoring our Brooklyn-based regional conference in addition to providing an enjoyable evening of entertainment for my registrants. Since that time, Paula left Universoul for Shore Fire Media and a now-independent career that brings her back into the Universoul-Circus fold from time to time. Imagine her excitement when she saw me on the list of bloggers to attend tonight. Imagine my elation when I got the chance to reconnect with “my old friend” from back in the day. I LOVE PAULA SO MUCH! 
And I LOVE THE UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS! You must get out and catch it!
Ant and I secured an extra pair of tickets for his cousin Shantay and her lovely daughter Makayla who seemed to really enjoy the Chinese Foot Juggles from Shandoong, China.
The publicity folks and staff arranged for us to take a tour "back stage". 
We also got to interview a variety of performers pre-show. 
Then obviously, we got to enjoy the show. The circus boasted its first woman ringmaster Patrice Lovely (as “Maggie Shirley Lillie Mae Frances Upshaw Jenkins”).
Fode Sylla (from Conakry, Guinea. West Africa.) did a James Brown with Atlanta-based go-go dancers Monica Nobles and Jessica Brundidge as his bookends.
They performed an old-school-style number with hip hop appeal.
Also from Conakry, we got to meet Maria Soumah who is a 'rough rider'.
She is the only woman to hang from the horse as her head lies beneath the animal’s belly.
And then there were my favorite moments: The Soul Train Line and Platinum Couples – a scene in which two couples (one ‘new school’; one ‘old school’) ‘LIPSYNC FOR THEIR LIVES’! The audience really loved the old schoolers who did their thing!
Throw in some well-salted-and-buttered popcorn, a funnel cake, and a Pepsi (oh, a lion, tiger, and bear along with my friend Nekesa Moody from the Associated Press and the NABJ A&E Task Force), you have what amounted to the most light-hearted, childlike fun I’ve had in a long time (maybe since my last trip to Six Flags Great Adventure minus a 1/10 of the overcharges). During these economically challenging times, the Universoul Circus is - for sure - something the whole family can do without breaking the bank (which is already broken for the many fiscal woes in our society today).
Check out the UniverSoul Circus blog: http://www.usoulblog.com. For deeper access to stats, go to: http://usoulblog.com/blogger-resource-page/ And check out the FaceBook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/UniverSoul-Circus/64835034103
”...So baby, I hope that you came prepared..."
Another film “American Violet” (www.americanviolet.com) is coming out. 
I wasn’t able to attend a private screening of it earlier this week, but my friend Jackie Bazan (www.bazanpr.com) is working the publicity on it. She always brings us the great films to NABJ. 
We're in Tampa this year and working on something that will hopefully bring Jill Scott's HBO star Anika Noni-Rose to our convention for me to interview her and her to tell us all about her animated Disney debut "The Princess and The Frog" (www.disney.go.com/disneypictures/princessandthefrog/) - a clip of which follows:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0j7EactM9s.
We've met a time or many - so I think we'd have lots of fun. Planners want to create some magic similar to when I interviewed Jennifer Hudson a few years back before "Dreamgirls".
Also, the Disney folks are aiming for similar energy as we achieved when I interviewed Steve Harvey and several 'dream'-makers in Vegas.
Hopefully it will all come together and make everyone happy (We'll have to make sure it's recorded this time). Meanwhile, one synopsis for "American Violet" reads as follows: Based on true events in the midst of the 2000 election, AMERICAN VIOLET tells the astonishing story of Dee Roberts (itically hailed newcomer Nicole Beharie), a 24 year-old African American single mother of four young girls living in a small Texas town who is barely making ends meet on a waitress' salary and government subsidies. On an early November morning while Dee works a shift at the local diner, the powerful local district attorney (Academy Award nominee Michael O'Keefe) leads an extensive drug bust, sweeping her Arlington Springs housing project with military precision. 
Police drag Dee from work in handcuffs, dumping her in the squalor of the women's county prison. Indicted based on the uncorroborated word of a single and dubious police informant facing his own drug charges, Dee soon discovers she has been charged as a drug dealer. Even though Dee has no prior drug record and no drugs were found on her in the raid or any subsequent searches, she is offered a hellish choice: plead guilty and go home as a convicted felon or remain in prison and fight the charges thus, jeopardizing her custody and risking a long prison sentence. 
Despite the urgings of her mother (Academy Award nominee Are Woodard), and with her freedom and the custody of her children at stake, she chooses to fight the district attorney and the unyielding iminal justice system he represents. Joined in an unlikely alliance with an ACLU attorney (Tim Blake Nelson) and former local narcotics officer (Will Patton), Dee risks everything in a battle that forever changes her life and the Texas justice system. AMERICAN VIOLET also stars Emmy Award winner Charles S. Dutton and Xzibit.
"...I run a tight ship so beware...”
Ant and I have done four years of his birthday (and four of mine). Nothing tops him taking me to Manila to see Beyonce for my birthday in November 2008.
But I've done my share to make sure he knows ceremoniously how much he is loved. 
Last year, Ant's friend Chris joined us from North Carolina.
We enjoyed a casual round-up of saki and brownies and museum visits.
But now, my baby Ant is turning the BIG 3-0 on April 22nd.
Since I’m leaving town for a month, he wanted to have his birthday celebration precede my departure.
This, so we can share in the landmark celebration together.
(We’re hoping to uncover a day or few that he can come to Atlanta and we celebrate his birthday further. But we'll see.
He’s got work projects and freelance field shoots that are popping in as we both aim to stay afloat amidst this here economy. That said, I’m looking at some busy days ahead myself.). 
But our thoughts were all on Ant as Brooklyn was the backdrop of his party.
Inside of our fiscal snapshot, Ant’s aunt Linda generously provided the lovely venue in the Red Hook area. My Morehouse brother (responsible for Ant and my meeting three years ago) prepared a lovely melange of food - from shrimp potstickers to spring rolls to succulently seasoned chicken on skewers, etc. Ern managed the bar. 
My buddy Lamar with whom we worked last year on a Remy Martin campaign (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/2/2/beautiful-struggle.html) provided some solid spirits to keep the night going (www.remy-cointreau.com/). Last year, I interviewed a number of 'maverick tastemakers' on their thoughts of the limited edition bottle that David LaChappelle designed for the brand. 
And for those who don’t drink VSOP, there was one of REMY's champagne products.
Moreover, Ant cleverly themed the night out as a B.Y.O.B. – inspiring a speakeasy and an assortment of liquor bottles to use as props for a creative project. 
Think of it as a liquor potluck with lots of great friends and energy in the room. 
He gathered a unique collection of bottles that will be used as art (after they're emptied out). 
But the ART is really MY ANT who – three years – ago took my blank, boring canvas-of-a-life (in the wake of unbearable grief) and he has been painting vibrant color on it ever since. We are the work-in-progress towards a masterpiece. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BABY!
And a shout out to all of our friends who came out to play... and play they did - especially on that dancefloor.
Our superstar journalist friend Mara Schiavocampo (recently got some hot press: http://ajr.org/Article.asp?id=4735) and her husband Tommie - both busy folks in their own right - took time out of their crazed work schedules to be with us.
I was so excited to see my Savannah homeboy Maurice Marable and his friend Karen in the mix - especially on the dancefloor. And everyone - from Tata to Jules to Carl to Wilson to Valente to Ern to Kimberly to Manivone to Dustin to Chris to Cy to Sana to Ike to Chante to Stacey ('Chauncey' - SMILE!) to Cynthia to Lisa to the many others whose names are escaping me now. THANKS for showing ANT the LOVE! 
”...Let's go
Let me see what you can do
I'm runnin' this like-like-like a circus...”
Well, I fly out to ATL first thing tomorrow morning. Sad to leave Ant. Happy to be moving into a new, creative space where a steady stream of revenue can catch me up on mounting debts. I’m back in a month for a month. Then, back again to ATL for another five-week stretch followed by a five-week stint in L.A. There’s a few days of Tampa on my calendar at the top of August as well for the annual NABJ convention for which I have longstanding contract commitments. No Amsterdam on our itinerary yet, though we want to go back (and maybe catch one of Diana Ross' classic Netherlands shows). No Tokyo on our docket just yet as I want to return to my birthplace and experience Japan as an adult. And Ant and I want to see Janet Jackson over there, when she performs again. (Just putting it out there.) But we’ll soon get there... ONE DAY AT A TIME!
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in "Exactly As I Am", DIANA ROSS, Lachanze, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, Remy Cointreau, Rupaul's Drag Race, Shaun Robinson, The Wiz, Universoul Circus
|
Post a Comment
|
11 References