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 sMOKEY rOBINSON (3)
NATALIE COLE Miss You Like Crazy RIP
Hi folks, 
And on any given Tuesday, I might do "I Live for Your Love" (which opened December 29th's Season 4 Finale); "This Will Be"; "I Got Love on My Mind"; "Jump Start"; and "Unforgettable" sometimes.
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in All Star Karaoke, Funeral, Gladys Knight, Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole, Our Love, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, Stevie Wonder, sMOKEY rOBINSON
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Momz Day Wknd brings ALVIN AILEY, MOM, NJPAC, and a couple of FREE GIVEAWAYS
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS: http://bit.ly/njpacLOR #AILEYLIFE
Hi folks,
I’m CERTAIN my late, great mother is looking down from above and PROUD of a lot of the work that’s been coming my way! 
After all, no one knew of my love of all things POP CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT, and the ARTS better than she as I came out the womb exclaiming “I’M COMING OUT!” LOL!. To have a month in which I was up-front-and-personal with childhood favorites like Diana Ross, Berry Gordy, and all the MOTOWN Legends (but a few with whom I’ve been chatting up of late) has me feeling her SMILE bathing all over me from above!
My life-long friend Jimmy Bethea who hails from a family that paralleled the international journey of my own family via the Air Force (and - like me - was born in Tokyo, Japan) noted something sensitively to me via text that made me choke up re:my mom whose name is Queen Elizabeth Bellinger Riley. Jimmy txt "The QUEEN is smiling down on you, young man! Extremely happy for you!" BEAUTIFUL SENTIMENT from someone I know who LOVES his mom as much as I do and MISSES his mom as much as I miss my own (This, as we - the baby boys - are both dealing with life (in our adulthood) without our SUPER MOMS (R.I.P. Miss Chris Bethea)). 
If my mom was here, I’d take her to NJPAC to see the ALVIN AILEY dancers at NJPAC where they’ll perform REVELATIONS & OTHER GREAT PERFORMANCES MOTHERS DAY WEEKEND. 5/10-5/12. If you are in the area, I’m recommending you take your mom. http://bit.ly/njpacLOR #AILEYLIFE
With that, let me help TWO of you out: I have the opportunity to raffle off two NJPAC Just Imagine Gift Cards -- each of $50 individual value. The gift card is good at the NJPAC on site restaurant and can be used towards buying tickets to any designated performances atNJPAC. The prizes will go ONLY to those that include the following custom #hashtag designated just for me on Facebook or Twitter between now and May 10: http://bit.ly/njpacLOR #AILEYLIFE
MY TWITTER: @patarack
MY FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley
We will screenshot the winner’s post or tweet and pick two winners from our tracking and will then follow up with you to confirm your acceptance of the gift and your contact information for claiming the prize – so we can send it to you.
Again, my designated hashtag for all of my followers and those who want to be considered for these two prizes: #AILEYLIFE
IT’S A PERFECT MOTHER’S DAY GIFT, right?
TONY AWARDS
CHECK THIS OUT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuJEs6ruin0. Shout out to ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 and its hosts Lola Ogunnaike and Shannon Lanier for shouting me out in the wake of my debut the day prior: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDxfe-hG_aY.
In my BROADWAY ROUND-UP segment, I predicted the iconic Cicely Tyson would be nominated for her role in Broadway’s “The Trip to Bountiful”. 
And she was!!!! YAY! 
I appreciate the attribution, ARISE FAM! CALL ME ANYTIME and THANK YOU for trusting and reinforcing my predictions and enthusiasm which translated into other nods – including Condola Rashad (also for “Trip to Bountiful”). 
I also totally enjoyed The Trip to Bountiful Broadway’s Opening Night after party! FUN ROOM including star Vanessa Williams' daughter Lionbabe; 
my fellow journalist friends Jacque Reid and Karu Daniels; 
my Broadway darlings La Chanze (who'd just wrapped her one-woman-tribute to Miss Ross at 54 Below), Ken Roberson, and Tamara Tune; and the lovely DEBORAH COX whose publicist, my friend Gwendolyn Quinn notes is “the sweetest”! I agree and also note that she’s among the most fierce as she too is starring on Broadway in “Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde”:https://www.facebook.com/JekyllMusical?fref=ts AND I REALLY DO LOVE IT! 
OTHER TONY NOMINEES I REFERENCED YESTERDAY: Pippin’ and its Lead Player Patina Miller ("Pippin" nabbed 10 nominations for MUSICAL REVIVAL against other best musical revival candidates are "Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella," "Annie," and ''The Mystery of Edwin Drood”.
Patina Miller, last on Broadway as the heroine of "Sister Act," stepped into the Ben Vereen role of Leading Player in "Pippin" and earned her second straight nomination); “Kinky Boots” which received 13 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”); and though considered a snub by some: just-four nominations for “Motown: The Musical” – including "Motown: The Musical”s Valisia LeKae who was nominated for best performance by an actress in a leading role for her portrayal of Diana Ross, while Charl Brown earned the nod for best performance by an actor in a featured role for his portrayal of Smokey Robinson. "Motown's" Ethan Popp and Bryan Crook are up for best orchestrations, while Peter Hylenski earned a nomination for best sound design of a musical.
ALSO: CONGRATS to Courtney B. Vance who earned a best featured actor nomination playing an editor in "Lucky Guy" with Tom Hanks, making his Broadway debut and earning a nomination as leading man in a play. Some big snubs, according to Hollywood (and other than more for “Motown”): Al Pacino of "Glengarry Glen Ross," Alec Baldwin in "Orphans," Katie Holmes in "Dead Accounts," Bette Midler in "I'll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers" and Scarlett Johansson from the revival of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." The nominations were announced Tuesday in a televised event co-hosted by Tony winner Sutton Foster and "Modern Family" star Jesse Tyler Ferguson. The awards will be broadcast on CBS from Radio City Music Hall on June 9. 
THANKS to ASPIRE for allowing me a platform to share my intel. In addition to the FAB co-hosts, was also good to see so many of my industry buddies at this promising start-up – including Eugenia Harvey; Paula Witt (my friend who booked me); Keyon Williams (my friend who first told ARISE to book me); and one of my fellow contributors Sean Joelle Johnson, TV exec and entertainment attorney who weighed in on celebrities and their legal issues. BACKGROUND ON THE SHOW (per the producers): The show airs live online and on Sky Cable in London, Monday-Friday at 2pm. The segment lasts 8-10 minutes. These are talk segments only but there will eventually be opportunities for performances. Recent guests included Kevin Liles, Mona Scott, Taiye Sealsi, Big Daddy Kane, Dr. Ian Smith, Kid Capri, Kym Whitley, Michaela Angela Davis and more. 
ARISE is an African owned global network geared primarily to Africans, African-Americans and people interested in the diaspora. The network has hubs in New York, London, Johannesburg and Lagos, and the New York hub just launched on March 11. As part of the US launch, ARISE 360 airs a daily entertainment show featuring hosts Lola Ogunnaike (former NY Times & Daily News feature reporter, current MSNBC & Today Show contributor and freelance reporter) and Shannon LaNier (Black Enterprise TV). ARISE Entertainment 360 airs online in the US and airs on the Sky Cable in London (currently showing in over 35 countries across Europe). The ARISE entity also owns Arise Magazine (www.ariselive.com). Although it is a separate entity, it is under the ARISE brand.
MORE TV STUFF
In the wake of my COZI-TV Blacks/Broadway round-up (http://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Pop-Culture-Expert-Patrick-Riley-on-Black-Broadway_New-York.html) and my MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL opening night moments (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ).
PLUS: the other outlets that ran with that footage (1) http://www.reuters.com/video/2013/04/16/motown-memorialized-in-new-musical?videoId=242278913&videoChannel=3 & (2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=An_r_D2HM5Q, I’m excited that the industry’s real estate has room for ME!
RHONDA ROSS AT CUTTING ROOM
After enjoying the inaugural event for my friend Nathan's Renaissance Brunch Series, I met up with my 'Amazing Grace' Nichole, my date for Miss Rhonda Ross' performance at The Cutting Room (www.thecuttingroomnyc.com). 
As always, she was amazing. In addition to her fan favorites - original and covers, she included some new experiences - including "Cabaret" (which she first performed at the Hearts of Gold event to which I introduced recurring client Remy Martin as a liquor sponsor and partner back in November 2012); 
her mom's "Home" (from "The Wiz"); and super-encore "I'm Every Woman". 
All my favorite Ross fans were in the house - including Andreas, Judy, Jim, Dustin, et al as well as friend Tamara Tunie (accompanied by her lovely mother). 
Also in the house: one of my All-Star Karaoke SUPERSTARS, actress Pernell Walker who has been filming Lee Daniels' "The Butler" - also starring Oprah, Terrence Howard; Lenny Kravitz; Jane Fonda; etc.
SAVANNAH ROCKS VIA TERRY SARTOR, DUANE HARDEN, ET AL
I also recently got to celebrate one of my Savannah homeboys Terry Sartor who hosted a launch party for his new music label Valiant Horizon at the lavish Trump International Hotel & Tower Central Park.
It’s a celebration of Valiant Horizon’s triumphant start and its first six official releases as well as remix work – which include music from Lorchee (Poland), Terry Sartor (USA), Milosz-B (UK), Kyle Brylin (USA), Thought Leaders (USA) and Dream Attackers (USA) with more to come including the hot up-and-coming U.S.-based dance music crew Automatic Recreation! Congrats to Terry who started his own music label and production with a focus on dance music: http://www.facebook.com/valianthorizon and www.soundcloud.com/terrysartor. 
Was also great to meet another two Savannah homeboys – one of whome, Duane Harden, I’d never met. He’s a songwriter/recording artist whose “You Don’t Know Me” – WITH Armand van Helden - was a #1 dance hit in the U.K.: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkXTbHebcQs. Another recent project “Love Will” with Ferry Corsten can be heard here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmojYngSy-w. Like Terry, Duane is a Beach High grad. I graduated from often their rival school: Windsor Forest High School. But these many years later, being from Savannah makes us all ONE!
RENAISSANCE BRUNCH SERIES
Shout out to my friend Nathan Hale Williams and Artie Thompson (http://www.bravotv.com/chef-roble-and-co) for inviting us to be their guest at the Renaissance Brunch Series today at the Hudson Bond. 
Special guest host was the one and only Ms. Bevy Smith (Bravo's Fashion Queens & Dining with Bevy): http://www.bravotv.com/fashion-queens. 
There were even give-aways including the award-winning work, "For Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Still Is Not Enough," written by New York Times Best Selling Author, Keith Boykin. 
The book recently won the American Library Association's Stonewall Award for Non-Ficition Book of the Year and is nominated for a Lambda Literary Award. From cocktail hour to delicious brunch to great dancing afterword, Nathan truly designed an exceptional afternoon of fun, fellowship and networking. 
Music was provided by DJ Poison Ivy. AND WHAT A BLAST to see so many great friends! CONGRATS, NATHAN!
GET OMERGED SWEEPTSTAKES
Beginning TODAY - Friday, 5/31, IMAN Cosmetics, Skullcandy, TIGI/Catwalk, Me & The Girls and Republic Records are offering free products in the Get Omerged Sweepstakes. Point of entry is www.getomerged.com, which is LIVE! 
Republic Records has chosen to feature Adrian Marcel, protege of Raphael Saadiq, in this promotion. Adrian has a brand new mix tape out called "7 Days of Weak" (featuring Saadiq, Wale and others), and his music is AMAZING. And, people can win the CD through this promo: https://soundcloud.com/adrian-marcel510 For more details, read the embedded art in this segment.
SENIOR DATE NIGHT in HARLEM
On Friday, May 10th from 6pm - 10pm at National Black Theatre, in Harlem (125th Street & 5th Ave), my friend Sharon Nelson is launching her first event SENIOR DATE NIGHT which soon will have a multi-format presences on-line and on the airwaves. 
For those who have paid the price of admission to be a part of the 50+ club (AKA Senior Date Night), this program provides enrichment of personal fulfillment of social expression for those who are 50 and above. Through music, food and like minded people -- a good time and fun is the order of the day. First up: a fun night with lots of food, fun, drinks, and entertainment. DON’T MISS IT!
BCS HUMAN SPIRIT AWARDS
Brooklyn Community Services (BCS) is one of the largest and oldest nonprofit organizations in New York. These amazing folks have been serving people in Brooklyn for 147 years. On June 4th, I am excited to be among the Benefit Committee members who are leading the charge to honor my friend Michaela angela Davis and Danny Simmons at the Human Spirit Awards, which will be held at the Grand Hyatt-Manhattan Ballroom. BLACK GIRLS ROCK’s Beverly Bond has agreed to present the award to Michaela. Marty Markowitz will present the award to Danny. 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANT!
WE ALL GATHERED TO TOAST Anthony Harper but the guests at the birthday hang last night read like a WHO'S WHO! THANKS TO ALL!: 
* Tony-award-winning actress La Chanze (also in film - including "The Help") *
Emmy-award-winning NBC "Today" correspondent and MSNBC anchor Mara Schiavocampo 
* World-famous model Bobby Roache (Beyonce's "Irreplaceable" video) * Senior exec at Ogilvy Jeff Bowman * Brian Badie (Ice T personal hairstylist and co-star on "Ice T loves Coco") * NYU Journalism Professor (NY Post) Frankie Edozien 
* Senior Producer "Bill Cunningham Show" Shareen King * BET's "Don't Sleep w/TJ Holmes" producer Nichole Shellman * Wall Street Journal reporter (also BET) Taj Tsonga * Stlylist of the stars and TV personality Phillip Bloch 
* Karen Good Marable (Writer/Editor - EBONY) * Nathan Hale Williams (producer/writer/personality) * Tony-award-nominee/Broadway choreographer and director Ken Roberson 
* 'Wendy Williams' make-up artist (also for Diddy and many more) Merrell Hollis * COZI-TV/NBC 4 producer Tiffany Zeno * a host of "Wendy Williams" producers
* several out of town guests who drove in from Durham, NC and Philly * and a host more. 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BABE!
BLAST FROM THE PAST
THROWBACK: Morehouse grew my childhood interests in pop culture and entertainment in two fell swoops: 
(1) Kennedy Center Honors 1991 when the Morehouse College Glee Club paid tribute to Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus Conductor/Composer Robert Shaw (circa early December 1991) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZF2iK2VOY8); (2) When I was selected by everybody’s favorite Morehouse icon, Dr. Anne Watts, to present an award to Louis Gossett, Jr. at the “Candle in the Dark Awards” during Founders Day Weekend [circa February 1992] – a moment captured on BET’s Screen Scene. 
And all the stuff in between that would lead me to MOTOWN’s Opening Night Celebration on Broadway:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. #throwbackthursday
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in Arise Entertainment 360, Broadway, CICELY TYSON, DIANA ROSS, Motown: The Musical, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, The Trip to Bountiful, Tony Awards, sMOKEY rOBINSON
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ARMS OPEN WIDE
i
MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL
Enjoyed an EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK at "MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL" (www.MotownTheMusical.com) #GetReadyBroadway #ChryslerMotown WHAT WONDERFUL EXCERPTS! THEY WERE DREAMY AND TRULY SPARKLED! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE WHOLE SHOW!
Of course, I love all things MOTOWN: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/3/26/people-say-im-the-life-of-the-party.html & MISS ROSS: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/diana-ross. 
It seems that after everyone else has taken creative license on Berry Gordy's story (including his romance with Miss Ross), that he and Miss Ross will finally OWN their story in this MUST-SEE MUSICAL!
PREVIEWS begin March 11, 2013 and Opening Night is April 14, 2013. The Book is by Berry Gordy, Jr. based on the book "To Be Loved" and features songs from the Legendary Motown Catalogue.
In the house: Rhonda Ross Kendrick (who will be doing her part for the Gordy/Ross legacy as she performs a show of her beautiful songs at The Triad on November 5th. Come out and join us! www.triadnyc.com/);
Gordon Chambers (who reminded me of his birthday show - Midnight - at the Blue Note on October 13th: http://www.bluenote.net/newyork/schedule/moreinfo.cgi?id=10431);
My girl Jacquie Lee who worked her integrating marketing magic on Broadway’s recent “Streetcar Named Desire” (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/streetcar-named-desire) introduced me to Chrystler executive Justin Byrd, who is the brains behind a synergy that will entertain and promote the show and the music’s legacy over the next few months. With Chrysler lending its branding and integrated marketing power to "Motown: The Musical", we're all promised a ride as magical as the one Berry Gordy and TEAM MOTOWN continue to take us on today. Stay tuned. 
Marcus Canty from X Factor (will release his debut EP aptly titled, This…Is Marcus Canty on October 30th. For more info: http://www.MarcusCantyOfficial.com, http://www.twitter.com/IAmMarcusCanty.com, and http://www.facebook.com/OfficialMarcusCanty.com).
Suzanne DePasse;
my girl Marcia Pendelton who is on Team "Motown: The Musical", working her marketing/audience development magic. - audience;
my girl Jacque Reid;
Hoda Kofi from TODAY (The 10am hour); Gayle King;
my friend Caliaf St-Aubyn who is in the cast; 
Marva Hicks who is in the show; 
L.A. Reid (X Factor) and wife Erika; Claudette Robinson, former Miracle and first wife of Smokey Robinson who was also in the house;
famous former manager of Diana Ross; Supremes; Temptations: Shelly Berger;
The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin;
Emilio Sosa, costume designer of "Motown: The Musical". 
I had the chance to interview on the stage of one of his last projects, "By The Way, Meet Vera Stark" starring Sanaa Lathan;
the Legendary Valerie Simpson; and a host of my nearest and dearest friends. I'M SO EXCITED FOR THIS SHOW! GET READY BROADWAY!
DON’T SLEEP WITH T.J. HOLMES
I’m hoping for a call back now that I’ve done a test taping of “DON’T SLEEP! Hosted by T.J. Holmes”
(as an on-cam “pop culture analyst” on his round-table – also adorned with fellow talking heads: Comedian Sherrod Small; Tiffany Shorter; and Issa Rae. We talked all things pop culture & politics – including: Ann Romney on LENO; “Gay Marriage: Will Blacks sit out the election?”; Celebrity Endorsements: Helpful? Hurtful?; Brooklyn Nets Cheerleaders New Uniforms; etc.
WHAT A GREAT SHOW & A GREAT PRODUCTION TEAM! 
Everyone felt like family and some are – including producer Nichole Andrews Shellman, muse for my recent CNN.com piece (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/8/7/my-girls.html).
And one of my BFFs Q (on tresses).
And Unique (on make-up).
“DON’T SLEEP!” premieres October 1st and will run Monday-Thursday at 11pm. For more info on BET and “Don’t Sleep!” check out http://www.bet.com/ and http://www.bet.com/shows/new-shows/dont-sleep-tj-holmes.html. 
CONGRATS to TJ who I’ve had the pleasure of knowing through the National Association of Black Journalists (www.NABJ.org). GREAT GUY! CLASS ACT! AND FUNNY!!!!! It’s going to be MUST-SEE and a great way for us to be informed and entertained – at once! I look forward to return visit(s)!
BEING MARY JANE & URBAN WORLD FILM FESTIVAL
The 16th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival presented by BET Networks opened last week at AMC 34th Street with the BET Premiere Cinema film 'Being Mary Jane,' an original made for television movie and pilot.
On hand to celebrate this world premiere was the film's lead star Gabrielle Union along with cast members Tika Sumpter and Richard Brooks and my friends AKA writer/director powerhouse couple Salim and Mara Brock Akil. 
BET top execs Debra Lee (Chairman and CEO), Loretha Jones (President of Original Programming), Jeanine Liburd (Exec Pres. of Corporate Communications) and Connie Orlando (VP, Original Programming) were also in the house to present the film, which my date, buddy Carl Nelson, and I loved. It seemed the packed house love it too! ESSENCE entertainment director Cori Murray moderated the cast Q&A afterward.
Then, we all went to the Gaansevort Hotel in NYC’s Meatpacking district for an after-set on its rooftop. Others in the mix: Jacque Reid, Harriette Cole, Twinkie Byrd (casting director, "Being Mary Jane"), Susan Fales-Hill, Jennifer Williams (VH1, "Basketball Wives"), Karen Gravano (VH1, "Mobb Wives"),
Taimak (actor, The Last Dragon), Stacy Spikes (founder, Urbanworld), and Gabrielle Glore (executive producer, Urbanworld).
SHAGGY & SHELLY ANN FRASER-PRYCE
Shout out to Ant's and my sister friend Sabrina Coleman who - with her Pansophy PR FIRM - brought a wonderful group of people together at Private East Side Manhattan home of Ambassador Brenda Johnson. 
The occasion was to unveil plans for The American Friends of Jamaica (and Executive Director Caron S. Chung) - a foundation close to my heart for the work I've done producing tribute videos for The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies over the last two years: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/1/27/live-out-louder.html.
AFJ's 2012 Hummingbird Gala is scheduled for October 25, 2012. Here to help signal the occasion: Jamaica's 2012 Gold Medalist Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce (who signed a pair of NIKEs that will be auctioned off for the awesome charity event);
MR. LOVAH-LOVAH HIMSELF, the BOMBASTIC Shaggy; 
my girlfriends (circa our GERALDO days), Debbie Mitchell (www.thebloggerconnection.com) and Lora Wiley (www.citizenbrooklyn.com), 
and my NABJ/BET sister Deborah Skinner. 
For more information on how you can be a part of this amazing effort which benefits so many Jamaicans in need, please kindly go to www.theafj.org. Afterwards, we reunited Sabrina briefly with her Mario who is responsible for introducing us all.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Shout out to my favorite nephew! He’s 24! YIKES! I LOVE YOU, Herman L. Riley III.
And we got a recent birthday toast (and bite) in with our friend, birthday boy Mike! Tao was our celebration spot, which doubled as a long-overdue delight! Hadn’t been to Tao in a minute!
TRENDING PIC OF THE WEEK (CIRCA 1984)
A BLAST FROM THE PAST sent this to my FACEBOOK and many had lots to say! LOL! YES, I PLAYED TROMBONE from 5th grade to Freshman year (first semester) in college. This picture is from Freshman Year in high school. 
I not only played trombone (first chair typically), but I went on to be the Band Captain my Senior Year at Windsor Forest High School (when all of our bands were voted SUPERIOR on the STATE LEVEL(s) i.e. marching & symphony). And i even brought my trombone to Morehouse and actually joined the Marching Maroon Tigers alongside the Morehouse College Glee Club. Clearly, we know which won out as I chose not to do both. From there, I even kept my trombone in tact and with me, but - at some point - my brother 'borrowed' it to play in our 'church shout band'... and - let's just say - I never saw MY TROMBONE again! LOL!
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in Aretha Franklin, BERRY GORDY, BET, Broadway, DIANA ROSS, Don't Sleep with TJ Holmes, Motown: The Musical, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, sMOKEY rOBINSON
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