A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

 

frank ishman

World-renowned photographer - Frank Ishman – also my Morehouse College brother! He married his GENIUS to the COLLABORATIVE BRANDING GENIUS of Myrdith Leon-Mccormack... to the STYLING GENIUS of Janine Linton... and – VOILA! – you have MAN-HOGANY! LOL! Was FUN to get my MAHOGANY on with FRANK! Frank Ishman is THE BEST! www.frankishman.com #frankishman

mahogany

How is it that I tell a slew of people on social media to go see MAHOGANY at the IFC and – by the time – I got around to securing my own ticket, it was SOLD OUT! Then, when I do an outreach, I get an emailed reply from Rhonda Ross! Yes, my friend! But also: daughter of Miss Diana Ross and Mr. Berry Gordy… and MAHOGANY was their 1975 Blockbuster project for which Miss Ross designed (and/or styled) ALL OF THE COSTUMES! Oh, and wait for it! Rhonda was seeing it ON THE BIG SCREEN for the FIRST TIME! Her escort? Bob Silberstein, the man who raised Rhonda - also father of her sisters Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney Ross. The occasion: "Black Summer Nights", a celebration of queer African American artists and their unique role in shaping American culture and history. Tonight's selection was curated by another industry buddy, Tony-nominated actor for "Passing Strange" Colman Domingo via SKYPE (who - last we hung out - I was helping navigate the red carpet at the World Premiere of Lee Daniel's "The Butler"). As I'd just asked our sponsor at "Billie's Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley", Miko Branch of Miss Jessie's, her favorite film at a recent book signing, LOVE that it was "Mahogany" and she came out to enjoy it as well --- along with other buddies, filmmaker Andre Robert Lee; legendary performer Flotilla Debarge whose next show "FLO-REAL!! Here & Now" goes up Thursday, June 25th at 9p at Kraine Theatre -   www.horsetrade.info - and many others! FAB Monday Night! Next month on July 20th, pick up the series with "James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket". For more info on Queer/Art/Film at the IFC Center...and the awesome folks associated - including filmmaker Stephen Winter, poet Pamela Sneed, Ira Sachs, Adam Baran, please visit www.IFCCENTER.COM/SERIES/QUEERARTFILM.  #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke#mahogany #queerartfilm

invisible life

Week 7 of BILLIE’S BLACK presents ALL STAR KARAOKE was VISIBLY VIBRANT as EVERYBODY ENJOYED their “Miss Jessie’s” grab bags (and Miko Branch’s current book). Highlight of the night was the cast of “Invisible Life: The Musical” coming by to promote their week-long, almost-SOLD-OUT engagement at The Apollo June 25th – 30th. We gave away tickets; sang Miss Ross’ “The Boss” produced by Motown Legends Ashford & Simpson who wrote the music and lyrics for “Invisible Life” (with additional lyrics by my brother friend Stanley Bennett Clay): https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley/videos/vb.662073736/10153063149713737/?type=3&theater.  Based on the novel “Invisible Life” by E. Lynn Harris, the musical’s book is written by Proteus Spann & Javon Johnson who joined us on stage for the fun! They co-direct “Invisible Life: The Musical”. And can we talk about the cast which is full of Broadway star power? Tony Award nominee Brenda Braxton (Smokey Joe’s Cafe) will portray Mama Tyler, the mother of Raymond Tyler Jr., who will be played by Gregory Williams. Raymond’s two closest friends Kyle and JJ, will be Terry Lavell (La Cage aux Folles) and Grammy- nominated Frenchie Davis (RENT). The iconic stage songstress Vivian Reed is also in the cast. Terry and Frenchie came to play – singing with me and solo! Ant’s sister Sabrina does Frenchie’s PR – so these moments were extra special. Purchase Tickets: http://gn-bp.com/invisible-life. ALSO IN THE MIX: One of our All Star Karaoke Journalism DIVAS, NBC4’s own anchor extraordinaire Shiba Russell and her crew were in the house as well as FIT grad Travis and his friends – led by ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFUL Antoinne who brought a fun group to CELEBRATE. And to all my peeps, THANKS! BILLIE’S BLACK presents ALL STAR KARAOKE is going through Tuesday, July 14th. PLEASE COME JOIN US! RESERVATIONS are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:212.280.2248. AND COME TUESDAY, JUNE 23^RD, LET’S LOOK TO ALL STAR KARAOKE plus CELEBRATE BILLIE’S BLACK’S 9^TH ANNIVERSARY – including a “special surprise guest”! #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack #invisiblelife

sidra and tasha smith

I was too excited to see my girlfriend Sidra Smith who has been busy as ever of late, but not too busy to bring the cast of “Invisible Life” to see me at All Star Karaoke (with the coordination of my friend Richard Pelzer). Sidra - NAACP Image Award winning producer of “Free Angela” - is Executive Producing "BOXED IN" - a film project her identical twin sister, Hollywood star Tasha Smith wrote and directed in association with producer Kim Ogletree. ABFF – the American Black Film Festival – screened the awesome flick . Shout out to ABFF and Jeff Friday for curating this one! For more information visit: http://www.abff.com/).What a compelling story that anecdotes brilliantly the struggle and stigma of mental illness among our African American brothers and sisters. Beautiful film andawesome cast! Walter Fauntleroy plays a character who suffers with bipolar disorder. His mom is played by the amazing actress Tyra Ferrell who I've missed from the big screen a la the days of Poetic Justice and School Daze! We also loved her from HBO's The Corner (with Tasha Smith)...and - this just in - she told me we'll see her in Season 2 of Empire. BOXED IN also features the lady who cast me in upcoming film Steps- due out later this year: Penwah Phynjuar!! She's THE BEST! Director of STEPS, Eddie Harris
also in attendance tonight - saw an early screening of BOXED IN...and says he had to have Walter Fauntleroy for STEPS! And he and I have a few scenes together. Eddie also says I'm looking good in edit - as Rudy, the character I play, my acting debut in a feature film... Stay tuned..

tony awards

Another of my Broadway predictions on Arise Entertainment 360 has come TRUE! From my last visit, I figured Helen Mirren is so well-decorated in so many platforms for portraying THE QUEEN, the Great White Way would CROWN her accordingly. I was right! CLIP: http://bit.ly/bway_arise360_mirren! Tony Awards Leading Actress in a Play -- Helen Mirren in "The Audience". Mirren played Queen Elizabeth II in the Broadway play, written by Peter Morgan. Mirren also originated the part at the play's original 2013 run in London's West End. #TheAudienceBway #TonyAwards #Arise360 #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke

 

drums

VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/UGOqHhjbZ3k - SHOUT OUT to Carl Nelson - BFF for 20+ YEARS and Producer of Drums Along The Hudson -Inwood Park joined me on stage recently at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul for Billie's Black presents All Star Karaoke to promote #drumsalongthehudson which he produces every years. I host the afternoon stage this Sunday, June 14^th – an event that honors Tichina Arnold and His Holiness the Dalai Lama! #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

 Hosting 2015s Drums Along The Hudson -Inwood Park, 13th annual! Honorees: my friend Tichina Arnold andHis Holiness the Dalai Lama! And George Faison andLotus Music Dance put on quite the FABULOUS presentation! #weareONE #drumsalongthehudson#rhythmnation 

#wearetheworld #thewiz #tony#lotusmusicanddance

  

My nephew Herman Lee Riley III's mom Felecia Roberts was in town just after I submitted my last entry. Her first stop on her trip from Savannah was Broadway's Motown the Musical (of course! LOL!): http://youtu.be/KK1yncqPlOQ. Was cool to see my Broadway CONNECTION Marcia Pendelton who credits Motown the Musical as one of her BIG TICKET clients this season!   

Then, fast forward a couple of weeks to this past weekend…and you have MY sister (my nephew’s aunt) in town - celebrating her Big 5-0!   

AND OF COURSE, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL was on her mind!

She insisted on EXPERIENCING what her baby brother has been yapping about for the last few months: You know, I got the chance to sing 'TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL's praises  on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 - most recently predicting TONY AWARDS nominations: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTd5S1wKUs0.  

A few weeks prior, 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). 

I also got to introduce the Broadway season on WNBC’s COZI-TV: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Pop-Culture-Expert-Patrick-Riley-on-Black-Broadway_New-York.html. But of course, the HIGHLIGHT - of the musical kind - is being hired to do red carpet interviews on MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL's opening night for its cameras. and to host its highlight video! YAY! LOL! Here's the clip I host: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. 

AND THIS VIDEO IS LOOPING ON THE MONITORS OUTSIDE THE THEATER; on the big screen in Times Square sometimes; lots of YOU TUBE traffic; and in cabs; etc! WOW! LOL! 

Other outlets picked up the raw footage of my MOTOWN THE MUSICAL interviews - including REUTERS: http://www.reuters.com/video/2013/04/16/motown-memorialized-in-new-musical?videoId=242278913&videoChannel=3. BROADWAY BUZZ also used my MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=An_r_D2HM5Q.

JANICE got to see my OPENING NIGHT MOTOWN VIDEO that I host – looping outside the theater and in its foyer. FULL CIRCLE moment – especially given all of the MOTOWN we grew up together LOVING… and given we – along with our FAM (mom, dad, the other brother, and us) – enjoyed (from our family room in Savannah, GA) MOTOWN 25 and all of its MAGICAL MOMENTS! 

I asked my sister “Can you believe I’m hosting a video that is running on the monitors of the theater that is hosting “MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL” – the hottest show on Broadway right now and in a long time – an event that has brought me face-to-face with my lifelong icon Diana Ross?”

She said: “NO!” I guess our peeps see our POP CULTURE and POSSIBILITIES (and obsessions for good! LOL!) – even when – on the journey – we’re not convinced a moment the like is possible!  Well, that’s what it’s about, isn’t it? AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH, huh? 

On with Janice’s BDAY EXTRAVAGANZA, she landed and we hit "Melba" in Harlem for a soul-food welcome!   

Birthday GIRL had the 1^st of many slices of cake (We mustn’t compromise her recent weight-loss! LOL!): Red Velvet on deck. And my friend Derrick joined us. Plus, we stumbled into my dear friend Robin D. Stone's son Zachary Boyd! Zach is Ant's and my buddy. 

In fact, we took Zach to see Lady Gaga a year or so ago...

 and we LITTLE MONSTERS had a BLAST!

 

What a pleasant surprise! "Native" Restaurant in Harlem is where I once hosted 'All-Star Karaoke Thursday Night'. We had to pop by and show Janice. Ary was most hospitable, as always! XO

 

 

 

This, after a fun cocktail hour at Fashion 40. I joined my buddy Jamar Dunn.

 

 

 

I got to toast my friend and colleague Shannon Love - also the birthday boy.

 

 

 

ALSO IN THE HOUSE:

 

 

 

 John Cotton, Toyce Francis, Janet Rolle (with whom I first worked when hired to produce tribute videos for the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies), Rick Grant, and a host of fun folks who I was happy to see. DJ ENVY was on the one-twos - working it, as always!  

 

 

THE NEXT DAY: Janice and Noot popped by my recurring client BET where they got to meet my many colleagues from the Creative Services department. Here I do a number of special projects alongside - among many - Miss Micheala angela Davis who was gracious to chat my sister up - woman-to-woman on the threshold-of-50. BEAUTIFUL MOMENT! She got some great shots. And she loved the views! Afterwards, we went and had a snack at Virgil's BBQ. Then, we got in a little karaoke at Yuki 55 (Our repertoire included some of the birthday girl's favorites: "Reasons" by Earth, Wind, & Fire. And I just HAD to do the Whitney Houston medley for her! AND Jan and Noot even got in on the fun that Ant and I do all the time! LOL! This, before A Trip to Bountiful on Broadway – starring Cicely Tyson in her Tony-award-winning role. She works that stage alongside Vanessa Williams, Cuba Gooding Jr., AND Condola Rashad. After Broadway's "Bountiful", which Janice LOVED, she and I met up with Noot at Red Rooster - hot Harlem spot where JR got to meet several of my industry buddies and Harlem friends, including:  Essence’s own Emil Wilbekin and DJ Stomrin Norman. Red Rooster provided a nice toast of champagne in honor of my sister’s birthday + she and my nephew got to enjoy some fried green tomatoes and other lite bites before they called in a night.

 

 THE NEXT DAY:

Ant, my nephew, my sister, and I enjoyed BIRTHDAY brunch at Sotto 13 - tapas, wood fired-pizza, and more! GREAT BRUNCH! And good time for my family (Janice and Noot) to get to know further my family here (Ant). LOTS OF LAUGHS! And some VULNERABLE sharing, too! FOOD FOR THE SOUL! Then, she, Noot, and I rushed to Brooklyn to visit with our dad's big sister Charlie Mae, cousins Pat and Betty Jean in Brooklyn, NY + cousin Gloria called in from VA! It was a FAMILY REUNION! We then headed back uptown --- popping up to Dallas BBQ in Washington Heights (Upper Manhattan) for snack. Enter: Zimmerman trial verdict. HENCE: OUR UPSET EXPRESSIONS. NIGHT WAS A WRAP! But we recovered Sunday with the theme of the whole trip: “Motown: The Musical” on Broadway! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ

After "Motown", we popped by BFF Sidra Smith's twin sister Tasha Smith's actors workshop nearby. Our sisters HAD to meet! And Sid HAD to meet MY SISTER! I was so charmed as Tasha Smith rushed out of her class - exclaiming: "PATRICK!!!!!!" LOL! From there, we wrapped Janice's 50th BDAY Extravaganza with an intimate dinner hosted and prepared by my dear friend Merrell Hollis (celebrity make-up artist and groomer for Wendy Williams, Diddy, Usher, Jessica White, etc.). His mom was in town from Columbus, GA. Ant's cuz Shantay also joined us as well as Noot. NYC FAM! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JANICE! Shout out to ALL who helped Herman Lee Riley III and me CELEBRATE my sister Janice Riley Priester's 5-0 in EXCELLENCE and with SO MUCH JOY & LOVE

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BIG (and only) SIS! I LOVE YOU!

 

HAPPY EASTER

Was great to reconnect with NYC fam, dear friends Mara Schiavocampo and Tommie Porter at their Harlem pad! Great food; Great peeps - including our usual suspects, including the special presence of E! Entertainment News' Alicia Quarles; her husband Mike; and their extended fam! THE FOOD - as always - was AMAZING!    And it would NOT have been a party without me singing something - in this case a duet of Whitney Houston's "My Name Is Not Susan" with Alicia! LOL! FUN! Oh, and how could we ever forget the PRINCESS HOSTESS WITH THE MOST-EST: MISS NINA!

TEVIN CAMPBELL

Ant & I recently enjoyed an inspired and invigorating set of live song from Tevin Campbell who did ALL of his hits and a few of Michael Jackson's tunes inside of a tribute: "Butterflies"; "Human Nature"; and "Remember the Time". This, at BB Kings!  So nice to see Tevin again --- in great form! And even nicer to see my friend Darius Booker singing beautifully in Tevin's background vocal chamber.

FREE ANGELA AND ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS

At Mara and Tommie’s Easter Brunch, BFF Sidra Smith attended. She’s Co-Producer on "Free Angela" (documentary about Angela Davis that’s in theaters this Friday).    AND ANGELA DAVIS WAS IN THE HOUSE! So PROUD of Sidra who invited Ant’s and my favorite couple Mara Schiavocampo and hubby Tommie Porter out to celebrate alongside us the PREMIERE of “Free Angela And All Political Prisoners”.     WHAT A GREAT NIGHT! AND WHAT A GREAT FILM! Sid enrolled Jada Pinkett Smith; Will Smith; and Jay Z to come aboard the project as Executive Producers. Those Smiths attended the special night which took place at The Schomburg Center. And so many of the WHO'S WHO were in the house, I can't name them all: but including Sonia Sanchez, Kathleen Cleaver, Ruby Dee, Harry Belafonte, Micheala angela Davis, Vy Higginsen, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Michael Vann, Stacey J,  Nelson George (who is presenting a screening of WATTSTAX and Panel Discussionthis Friday 4.5. BUY TICKETS! http://www.njpac.org/events/detail/wattstax#NJPAC), friend and publicist BJ Coleman's client Max Tapper ('One Live to Live', etc.); Common, Kevin Powell, BET’s President & CEO Debra Lee, Roland Martin, Omarosa, Paul Wharton, Rhonda Ross (Her next show is at CUTTING ROOM!!! Tickets are already selling fast!!! http://tickets.thecuttingroomnyc.com/event/244163-rhonda-ross-new-york/),  her husband Rodney Kendrick, Jamie Foster Brown, George Faison, T, Melanie Fiona, T.J. Holmes, Terrie Williams, Jacquie Lee, and so many more!!! And of course, it was like a FAMILY REUNION! I saw so many near and dear to me in the mix and in support of ‘Free Angela’. CHECK OUT SIDRA SMITH’s interview on ESSENCE.COM: http://www.essence.com/2013/03/29/essence-exclusive-interview-sidra-smith ‘Free Angela’ is in theaters this FRIDAY, APRIL 5TH! So, please HONOR Sidra; the film’s creative visionary and Director Shola Lynch and the Executive Producers Will Smith; Jada Pinkett Smith; and Jay-Z THIS FRIDAY and BEYOND by seeing “Free Angela And All Political Prisoners” – EXCLUSIVELY IN SELECT AMC THEATRES. And PLEASE get in on the MOVEMENT:

FACEBOOK: /FreeAngelaFilm

TWITTER: @FreeAngelaFilm I #FreeAngela

GET GLUE: www.GetGlue.com

TAKE PART: www.TakePart.com

TUGG: www.Tugg.com

INSTAGRAM: /FreeAngelaMovie

BET UP FRONT

Just got word that the L.A. installment of BET's Up Front was a success - including reaction to the presentation videos I had a hand in helping produce! It's been quite the labor of LOVE for the last couple of months. Next stop: Chicago, then New York City for the last stop on the tour - in mid-April (which I hope to attend)!

BIZ BOND

I am glad I got to pop by the launch of my friends Nathan Hale Williams' & Tammy Ford's soon-to-be-weekly networking event BIZ BOND 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!

CONVERGENCE

My friend Karen Chilton is a mutli-layered threat: actress; author; playwright; voice-over artist; and so much more! I first came to know her through my friend Ken Roberson (ALSO AN EXTRAORDINARY PERFORMER who is directing our girlfriend La Chanze’s upcoming 54 BELOW show that will tribute DIANA ROSS). A few years ago, Karen wrote the critically-acclaimed biography “HAZEL SCOTT: THE PIONEERING JOURNEY OF A JAZZ PIANIST FROM CAFÉ SOCIETY TO HOLLYWOOD TO HUAC” (University of Michigan Press). Her current work CONVERGENCE is being presented as a staged reading at Joe’s Pub (www.joespub.com). The five-character play set on Chicago’s Gold Coast will featureSharon Washington & Reg E. Cathey (Directed by Awoye Timpo with music by Xavier Davis). CONVERGENCE uses the relationship between a prominent psychiatrist and her schizophrenic patient to explore the dynamics of class and community. The play’s rhythmic style uses jazz as a metaphor as the dialogue between the characters flows from melodious and harmonious to discordant and cacophonous.  It all goes down Monday, April 15^th at 6:30 pm. TICKETS ON SALE NOW for $15. Click on www.joespub.com.

KIDS JAZZ CONCERT SERIES

WBGO Jazz 88.3 FM celebrates the 20th anniversary of the award-winning Kids Jazz Concert Series with five, free interactive programs for young people. The celebration features percussionist Bobby Sanabria at Newark Symphony Hall on April 6; bassist/vocalist Mimi Jones, Montclair Art Museum, April 13; drummer Lenny White, Newark Museum, April 20; vocalist Lauren Hooker, Luna Stage, April 27; and pianist Michael Wolff, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, May 4. For more information on the 2013 WBGO Kids Jazz Concert Series, please visit www.wbgo.org/kids.

 ISOUL HARRIS’ NICKI MINAJ

Shout out to my Morehouse brother Isoul Harris – Editor in Chief of UPTOWN MAGAZINE! His book “NICKI MINAJ: HIP POP MOMENTS 4 LIFE” is out in the U.S. this week!!! It's the first mass market biography of the superstar (Omnibus Press). Isoul calls it a smart & fun exploration & analysis of her meteoric rise to superstardom. Those who wish to support, check it out in Barnes & Noble or order here: http://amzn.to/QnW9Yn #NickiMinaj #Minaj #minajhippop #books #author #writer #hiphop #femalerappers #AmericanIdol YOUR BIG BROTHER IS SO PROUD!

FASHION QUEENS

My girl Bevy Smith deserves a STANDING OVATION! Her limited series on Bravo “Fashion Queens” – co-starring Miss Lawrence and Derek  J reached 1.1 MILLION viewers last week! JOB WELL DONE, LADIES! And BRAVO and Mr. Cohen: ORDER UP! LOL! CONGRATS ALL!

WATTSTAX

In closing, and as I mentioned last week, pop culture icon Nelson George and WATTSTAX at NJPAC I Friday April 5 CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO: http://www.njpac.org/events/detail/wattstax  #NJPAC

SO SO DEF TURNS 20!

Thanks to my Savannah homegirl and Spelman sister Tandi Reddick for sending me this REMINDER! YES, THAT'S KRISS KROSS and YES, that's me behind them at a listening party for XSCAPE (I think) in 1993 or 1994! Shout out to @Mr_Dupri & @sosodef on 20 YEARS! Before I was blogging and chronicling “…The Life of Riley…” (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog) and before the world was tweeting and facebooking, I was a recent graduate of Morehouse College. First gig was reporter trainee at WSB-TV! Then, competing station WAGA came a calling to hire me as one of its first producer hires for its new morning show “Good Day Atlanta” hosted by my friend Amanda Davis and Paul Ossman. More than the “LOCAL NEWS 101” of writing and stacking a newscast, I got my first entertainment clips for my reel and the privilege of interviewing, booking, and introducing many of the now-household-name players in the A-T-L MUSIC BOOM to the ‘local TV airwaves’ (including pre-Janet JD and Babyface & L.A. Reid’s LA FACE RECORDS; Dallas Austin’s ROWDY RECORDS; Keith Sweat’s crew; etc.) ---- all fertilizer on my overall brand as producer/talent/writer with a concentration in pop culture and entertainment. Jermaine Dupri’s SO SO DEF IMPRINT broke acts like Bow Wow, Da Brat, Kriss Kross, R&B group Xscape, and the list goes on. This weekend (Saturday), he plans to celebrate the occasion with a star-studded concert: http://www.ticketmaster.com/So-So-Def-20th-Anniversary-All-Star-Concert-tickets/artist/1823487.

FUNK JAZZ KAFE

Congrats to my Savannah homeboy Jason Orr who brought his documentary “Funk Jazz Kafe: Diary of a Decade” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u_QKXAn-gE) to New York by way of the 3rd annual “New Voices In Black Cinema” Festival housed at BAM Rose Cinemas (www.ActNowproduction.org). The film’s timeline is a soundtrack to my life and career – highlighting the beginnings of the ‘Funk Jazz Kafe’ (when I actually lived in Atlanta); the window in which my mother passed away (July 1994); the many magical moments for which I returned to Atlanta, once I moved to NYC in 1995. It turns out that Jason and I were in the same place for the same event 9/11 – a moment that not only changed the world, but changed the ‘‘Funk Jazz Kafe’ forever (I was hired by my dear friends Chandra Jones and Lamar Johnson to host the red carpet at its ROOTS tour in promotion of  Levi’s Engineered Jeans line – including acts like Musiq; Ledisi; and a host of other SOUL greats!). And yet, ‘Funk Jazz Kafe’ remains as a legacy and a forthcoming, new frontier of cultural landscape. Stay tuned! www.funkjazzkafe.com We made it a double date with one of my high school BFFs (and fellow industry mates) Maurice Marable and his lovely wife – fellow journalist – Karen Good Marable. We also continued childhood BFF Ernest Maynor’s birthday celebration while also joined by Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts; my once-ATL social concierge and friend Lamoh Hicks; singer/songwriter extraordinaire Gordon Chambers; UPTOWN Mag EIC  (and Morehouse brother) Isoul Harris; former co-worker at CNBC and music manager Miles Anthony Williams; filmmaker Dominga Martin; and many more! CONGRATS, JASON!

HOLLYWOOD, HERE I COME (AGAIN)

Wish I could be in A-T-L to reminisce, but will instead be in L.A. this weekend. I enrolled the folks at Rémy Martin (www.remymartin.com/) - now one of my new, recurring clients - to partner with my friend Gil Robertson (pictured RIGHT from our time in New Orleans together at the National Association of Black Journalists). Gil presides over the African American Film Critics Association and his hosting its Oscar Viewing Party this Sunday: http://aafca.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Oscars.pdf. We’ll be rooting on our Hollywood favs and I’ll pour a little onto the red carpet for JD, SO SO DEF, and my A-T-L peeps!

‘FREE’ SIDRA

Actress Tasha Smith’s Twin Sister, Sidra Smith, produces groundbreaking documentary film, Free Angela And All Political Prisoners

 

Smith enlists Jada Pinkett Smith as Executive Producer and Codeblack/Lionsgate as distributor for theatrical release

 

LOS ANGELES, February 18, 2013 – Producer Sidra Smith is beginning the New Year with a bang. She is riding high on the success of her latest project, the powerful documentary film, FREE ANGELA AND ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS, which premiered at the 2012 Toronto Film Festival.  As such, she is employing her creativity and strategic thinking to help launch the film’s April 5, 2013 national release.

 

 

Sidra Smith is the identical twin sister of acclaimed television and film actress, Tasha Smith (“Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse”).  She is responsible for bringing aboard her longtime friend, Jada Pinkett Smith, as Executive Producer of the well-received documentary. In turn, Jada brought along her partners at Overbrook Entertainment: Will Smith, James Lassiter, and Ken Stovitz, as well Roc Nation CEO Jay Z, as Co-Executive Producers.  After Sidra screened FREE ANGELA for Codeblack Films CEO Jeff Clanagan, he felt the project was a viable property for Codeblack/Lionsgate for distribution.

As part of her strategic plan, Smith will enhance the youth appeal of FREE ANGELA.  She states, “Angela Davis is an important American hero and icon. She’s a living history lesson whose life is dramatic and compelling. It’s a film everyone needs to see.”

 

Codeblack Films, a Lionsgate company, has acquired the theatrical rights to the political crime drama documentary about social activist icon Angela Davis.  Through Codeblack Films’ partnership with AMC Theatres^®, FREE ANGELA AND ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS presented by BET Networks, will release exclusively at AMC locations in select markets on April 5, 2013.

 Producer Sidra Smith is a force to be reckoned with.  With more than 15 years of international and domestic experience in various aspects of film, documentary, television, stage, corporate production and advertising, she has become the go-to person for those companies and organizations in search of efficient, creative, and cost-effective services.  She is the Founder and President of Gate Pass Entertainment (www.gatepassentertainment.com), a full-service production company with offices in New York and Los Angeles.

For Sidra Smith interview requests, contact Joseph Babineaux of Perspective PR at (323) 389-6130 or joseph@perspective-pr.com.

 MR. GAINES

R.I.P. LOU MYERS! We LOVE YOU! And WE'LL MISS YOU! But we'll always tune into "Different World" and the DEN!

TO SEE MORE PIX FROM RECENT "...LIFE OF RILEY..." ENTRIES, CLICK HERE: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151233407708737.458629.662073736&type=3&l=e4904390ed

PICTURES

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=235558&id=662073736&l=3af5ecf1c3

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=238525&id=662073736&l=fdf9c66ef5

 

ALL-STAR KARAOKE

ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHTS at NATIVE RESTAURANT in HARLEM continues to bring FUN TIMES and GREAT SINGING! And in addition to my many friends who are coming out to listen and support, several are getting on the mic.  My friend Charles Wallace – singer/actor/dancer/producer/director/writer extraordinaire - ‘turned off the lights’ (a la Teddy P) and serenaded the house with ‘love ballad’ (a la LTD). Tony nominee Brenda Braxton popped by to help us with our give-aways including her show "Travelin'" which is running in the city. On that week,  we also gave away tix to FELA! w/Patti LaBelle and Daniel Beaty's "Through The Night" as well as two gift cards to N, my favorite boutique. And our regional/city members of the National Association of Black Journalists came out – including NABJ Region 1 Director Katina. And another week, my NABJ sisters – poet Marcie Eanes (whose current collection, “Sensual Sounds”, is available at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com) and playwright Amy Simmons – came from Racine, Wisconsin and Philadelphia, respectively JUST to get in on the fun and support our new karaoke adventure! THANKS LADIES! And a special shout out to the Bay-area’s own Troy for popping in and our Dawn, who sang really pretty on the night she came! And my birthday-sake Robin Stone Boyd brought a large party of her girlfriends – including Miss Lisa and Carol. And our ALL-STAR regular Darius Booker (who has substitute hosted at No Parking’s Monday night Karaoke); and sbP’s vocalist extraordinaire Stephen Beasley brought their A-game. And Dr. Mixologist Darryl Robinson (who came out to celebrate his birthday and the week thereafter). He asked me to sing “Theme from Mahogany” for his celebration, and – of course – I did. CHEERS, DR. MIXOLOGIST! And THANKS TO ALL for supporting ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHTS at NATIVE RESTAURANT in Harlem.

SIDRA, KIM COLES, AND NATE BERKUS

After my Sidra supported me at my ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT, Ant & I returned the favor. For her Friday, in-studio taping at “The Nate Berkus Show”, Sid asked Ant to style her and she asked me to accompany her to the studio where she, our buddy Kim Coles, and Sid’s friend/interior designer Lisa did their segment, which aired recently: http://www.thenateshow.com/episodes/detail/the-house-that-nate-built  She’s already been invited back. Afterwards, Sidra sponsored a fabulous lunch at Tao Restaurant where our server Kevin Sweeney served up salmon, steak, crispy vegetable rolls, banana pudding, and info about the web series “Keeping Up with the Cardassians” (www.keepingupwiththecardassians.net) in which he stars. Then, we took a bus back to Harlem – something new for me. Ristoranti Settepani provided us some wine, sidewalk fellowship, and a host of characters as only Harlem can provide. Then, we segued to New Rochelle. Girlfriend Chenoa and her husband Carlyle invited us out for an elegant, well-appointed dinner party. Many of our favorites were in the house – including my “Amazing Grace” Nichole; Michelle; Nelson; Tracey; Adair; Jason; and others.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARA!

Tillman’s supper club in New York City was the spot to celebrate the birthday of our ‘Amazing Grace’ Mara Schiavocampo, NBC Digital Correspondent. As always, so much fun with Mara’s cast of characters in the mix: her husband Tommie; CNN’s David Puente; and Mara’s protégée Sia Nyorkor who has left NYC to start reporting in Florida. Afterwards: Karaoke Cave for a night cap! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARA!

FELA & PATTI LABELLE

Ant, our friends Robert & Sidra, and I got to join my Morehouse BFFs Michael and Mario for another run of Broadway’s Tony-award-winning FELA! (but this time featuring Patti Labelle). SHE WAS WONDERFUL, but Lillias White was nominated for a Tony for originating the role. This particular day started with brunch at VYNL with friend Theo – another birthday boy (VYNL Scramble! YUM!); then, after a few errands, we enjoyed the show after which we did a little after-set of Ruby Foo’s Times Square sushi and cocktails. SPEAKING OF FELA! My girl Marcia Pendelton booked me to interview lead producer Steve Hendel on Broadway musical FELA! along with two cast members Onika and Farai – all of whom shed light on the life FELA! will have after it closes at the top of 2011 (including a run in London in The West End; filmed version available in DC; filmed version available in Europe; a state-side road tour; and preps for a feature film adaptation). My boys Rod and Marlynn came out. The legendary Melvin Van Peebles was in the house. Marva Hicks and my girl Sidra were also in the house. And a host of others.

LEBLON

After my FELA! duties, I joined Ant for an exclusive seated dinner event at the brand-new SOHO destination LANI KAI cocktail bar – including producers from “The View”; DR. Mixologist Darryl Robinson; and Founder & President of LEBLON (natural cane cachaca-brasil). Our girlfriend Donna Torrence put all of this together. Then, we joined Travis & company at NO PARKING for Monday night karaoke – including two performers from “Naked Boys Singing” and a clothed boy, ME. LOL!

THE BROOKS BUSINESS REPORT

TAKE A LOOK at THE BROOKS BUSINESS REPORT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7EljxSYSSM  The Go To Resource for Women Business Owners. One of my NABJ mentors Sheila Brooks hired me to work on it a year and change ago. I interviewed all of the subjects she didn't (including my girlfriend Dr. Shirley Madhere) and I produced those interviews that Sheila conducted. Excerpts from all are in this clip. GOOD STUFF COMING UP w/THE BROOKS BUSINESS REPORT.

DINNER WITH NOOT

My nephew invited me to dinner (on him) one night. The old Houston’s (now Hillstone) was his choice. SO SWEET OF HIM, RIGHT? And for all of my goings and comings, this – its own – was truly a highlight. We got to catch up on his new job and new digs. And as he navigates through this thing called “adult”-hood, I’m excited to be a listening ear for him (as I – knocking on 40 – am still trying to figure “adult”-hood out). The journey continues… and it’s WONDERFUL! Then, Ant and I popped by Nathan Hale Williams’ “Classic” night at our NATIVE (where we do ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHTS).

CHICAGO QUICKIE

So, I wasn’t in Chicago long enough to get homesick, but I did have to go there for business. On Night 2 of 4, after a full day of a writing/editing session, my Ti-Ti insisted I join her at The House of Blues for Michigan Avenue magazine's cover of Jennifer Hudson who brilliantly performed "And I Am Telling You" and "I Will Always Love You" bombastic-like (yet inside her new-Naomi-Campbell body). Also ran into NYC buddy Waddie. And one of my work buddies Joe was there too. Always an adventure with Ti-Ti, even though I didn't get my photo op with J-Hud (There's always a file photo. LOL!!!! Thanks boo! Then, on Night 3 of 4, my best Chicago buddies Eddie and Chicago Carl insisted I give them some fun time. They wanted to get in on my karaoke jones. So, they took me to Blue Frog Bar & Grill - so they could see what the hype is all about. Not only were they sold with my performances, but they jumped up and joined in on Hall & Oates' "Sara Smile" which Eddie led brilliantly (GO EDDIE!). Unfortunately, after a late-night bite at Dublin's Restaurant, Eddie's towed car left a bad taste in our night. STILL, we'll always have memories of our fun-filled, musical night in Chicago.

EL DEBARGE

Well, you know I am close friends with the first cousins of the Debarges: my Sherry & Shelly. Yes! They're twins! As a result, Chico has accepted me as family. And since Sherry and Shelly introduced us, we hit it off. Plus, I've volunteered my 'falsetto' services to the background of any of his dates. And we've bumped into each other a time or two right here in New York City. The ladies vouch for me. And recently in San Diego, El did the like. I was invited to an intimate set that El performed at SOBs last week, but wasn’t able to make it for my business in Chicago (I will see him on Monday when he opens for Mary J. Blige at Radio City Music Hall). With that, my Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts was in the house by way of LIVE! FROM FRONT ROW and he’s letting me share his review and clips with you here. ENJOY!

 

The LIVE! Review: 

El DeBarge's 'Second Chance' With Fans on Memory Lane

 

By Michael K. Watts 

El DeBarge danced to the salsa-infused beat of "Rhythm of the Night" at the close of his S.O.B.'s show in New York last night.  A sea of fans cheered him on as his hip-shaking salsa morphed into an almost holy dance.  If the playful bounce in his swift steps were any indication, he had reason to let loose and celebrate. 

It was just under two years ago that the soulful singer, an R&B mainstay in the 1980's as front man to his group of singing siblings as DeBarge, finished a prison sentence for drug possession.  A lengthy battle with drugs and the law sidelined his career for well over a decade. 

DeBarge says he's been clean for two years and wants a chance to prove himself again.  With a new record deal and a forthcoming album, Second Chance, the singer is restarting his career. 

Last night's intimate show, one of a handful of spot dates this fall, was a chance to reconnect with his fans, whose loyalty showed in their incessant screams.  When he entered the stage, DeBarge seemed to freeze with distraction as he sat at the keyboard and grinned through the thunderous cheers.  He fumbled through the first verse of "Stay With Me," but nobody seemed to mind.  

Cameras flashed about the stage as DeBarge took fans down memory lane with number one hits like "All This Love" and "Time Will Reveal."  It was like 1983 all over again as he worked the crowd and led them in nostalgic sing-along's. 

"Can I reach out and touch you just like that," he sang melodically.  And fans his screamed some more.  "It's all about love," he crooned. 

His signature falsetto remains in virtually the same condition as in his younger years.  So does his boyish smile.  Perspiration glistened on the youthful skin of his forehead, but he was just warming up. 

To read the rest of the El DeBarge review, click here. 

 

To watch video clips from El DeBarge’s show, click here. 

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

To watch past video clips, check out our Youtube page:  http://www.youtube.com/LIVEfromFrontRow. 

JAMES EARL JONES

http://www.daisyonbroadway.com/

James Earl Jones can read the phone book and I’m there. I was front and center when he did “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” a couple of years ago. Well, he is back on Broadway in “Driving Miss Daisy” and I plan to be there. Hopefully you will come out as well!

BUY TICKETS

http://www.telecharge.com/behindTheCurtain.aspx

WATCH VIDEO

http://www.daisyonbroadway.com/media.html

VISIT WEBSITE

http://www.daisyonbroadway.com/ 

NABJ A&E TASK FORCE LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT CLARENCE WALDRON

SHOUT OUT TO NABJ A&E Task Force Legacy Award Recipient Clarence Waldron. We had the chance to present him a video when the task force, which I Chair, honored him at our Y&R-sponsored reception in San Diego at NABJ. See the tribute video here: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/video/video.php?v=1585721932503

ALBERTINA WALKER

You know, I grew up on Gospel music and still consider it one of my favorite genres. Well, we lost one of our pioneers this week: ALBERTINA WALKER. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard her voice blasting throughout my childhood homes. A TRUE LIVING LEGEND! R.I.P.

FAITH AS FLORENCE BALLARD

SHOUT OUT TO BRILLIANT CASTING! I didn’t know that a bio-pic was being worked on about original Supreme Florence Ballard (left). She is the inspiration for all-things-Effie-White from ‘Dreamgirls’. Unfortunately, Florence died on welfare in the mid-‘70s and would never have the chance to re-claim the spotlight as Effie White did. Well, one of my favorite r&b/hip-hop divas Faith Evans says she has landed the role of Florence Ballard in this project. This news comes while Faith is out promoting her  new CD “Something About Faith”.  GO FAITH! (I had the chance to play a cop in her debut video “You Used To Love Me” – quite the exciting opportunity made possible by my friend Tracey Moore, a casting director at the time who has now added director/producer/writer to her multi-hyphenated brand in addition to acting teacher/coach a la “The Spirited Actor” acting courses). And I LOVE Faith's new song!