A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

RED TAILS

Went to "Red Tails" World Premiere in NYC at Ziegfeld Theater. The George-Lucas production tells the story of our beloved Tuskegee Airmen. And it stars Terrence Howard. And Cuba Gooding, Jr. Also: a stellar cast of Hollywood's best, including my friend Nate Parker; the so-nice Tristan Wilds;
Andre Royo; David Oyelowo; and Neyo. Also in the packed house and/or at the star-studded after party at Gotham Hall: George Lucas; "Black Girls Rock" creator Beverly Bond; her husband Azar; Keesha Sharp; BeBe Winans; Khalil Khan; Peter - Cynthia Bailey's husband on ATL Housewives; Kangol from UTFO; Desiree Rogers, Publisher of EBONY; EXTRA's AJ Calloway; my New Ros Michelle Sanchez-Boyce; Erica Munro Kennerly; and others from the crew; Spike Lee; EBONY Editor-in-Chief Amy Dubois Barnett; Miss Cassie Freeman; Samuel L. Jackson; and so many other friends and favorites - including a couple dozen "original" and documented Tuskegee Airmen, including Michelle's Uncle Charles. What a total honor to be in their presence!!! BOTTOM LINE: GO SEE “RED TAILS”!

STICK FLY

TOTAL HONOR to host post-“Stick Fly” talk-back with cast members Tracie Thoms, who plays an entomologist, who, too, is the estranged daughter of a prominent Black intellectual (She’s also known from “Rent” , Broadway & movie; “Cold Case”; and my favorite, “The Devil Wears Prada”). Also: sole White cast mate Rosie Benton whose credits include “All My Children” and “Law & Order, SVU”. They were so generous in their sharing. Then, the panel was rounded out by Marcia A. Cole (Editorial Director, AMBERmag.com) and Chloe Hilliard (Editorial Director, TheLoop21.com…but I’ve known her since she was 15, a student in the New York Association of Black Journalists’ High School Journalism Workshop for which I was an instructor. I always knew she’d be a journalism star, maybe pro B-Ball player. But she’s now ADDITIONALLY working her magic as a stand-up comic). The special event was brought to us by AMBERmag.com and its Beauty & Broadway who sponsors include Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and John Paul Mitchell. AKANYC helped out as well. BOTTOM LINE: GO SEE “STICK FLY”: www.stickflybroadway.com.

KIM COLES

GREAT NIGHT that started with the “Inspired In New York Honors” event which saluted friend Kim Coles for her many great deeds, dids, and TO-Dos (www.kimcolesinc.com). Was also nice to see my BFFs Ed Roebuck and Carl Nelson.

LACHANZE

“…The life of Riley…” is constantly singing the praises of LaChanze, Tony-award-winning actor/singer (“The Color Purple”): http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/lachanze. Of course, I love who she is as a performer and the recent LINCOLN CENTER PRESENTS ‘AMERICAN SONGBOOK’ series reminded me as a sold-out audience enjoyed an awesome repertoire of classics as well as the amazing NYC view that The Allen Room’s Frederick P. Rose Hall gives inside Jazz at Lincoln Center. In addition to her own career songs (The Color Purple’s “I’m Here” and her “Once on This Island” and “Ragtime” fare), she performed Stevie Wonder’s “Summer Soft”; Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides, Now”; Pink’s “Glitter in the Air”; Anita Baker’s “Fairy Tales”; etc. LaChanze also sang Etta James on home (without knowing, of course). At the persuasion of an unidentified friend, she added “At Last” to her set (Shout out to songwriters Mack Gordon and Harry Warren for that classic! R.I.P. ETTA JAMES. Time passes quickly here! LaChanze reminded the audience that her first “American Songbook” performance was 10 years ago. I was there… and about a year into getting to know her. And we've continued to be present at each others' milestones along the way - from the night of her Tony win to her wedding. Ant and I hold the night of "The Color Purple" (for which she won the Tony) as our anniversary. It was December 1, 2005...We were both covering the red carpet. And it was actually the night we met. Fast forward six years (now looking to the 7th): We are STILL STANDING together! Other dear friends – Tony/Broadway darlings their own – in the house: Ken Roberson; Erich McMillan; Brenda Braxton; Tamara Tunie; Gregory Generet; etc. Also in the mix: LaChanze’s family – including “my sister friend” Michelle Sapp; LaChanze's husband/my Morehouse brother Derek Fordjour; and a host of others. And my Ant and BFF Sidra Smith rounded things out. I LOVE NEW YORK! And LACHANZE? You are THE BEST!

DEATH OF THE DIVA

Shout out to my friend Roger C. Jeffrey who invited us out to a one-woman musical narrative: “DEATH OF THE DIVA” (www.DeathoftheDiva.com) – written, performed, and – in part composed – by Amanda Seales. Ray Angry co-composed the music and Roger directed. I recently had the chance to experience Roger C. Jeffrey’s dance teaching genius at ESOTA in Queens. The Bernice Johnson Cultural Arts Center-trained dancer and choreographer is also a graduate of Performing Arts High School and The Juilliard School. He’s performed in the companies of Bernice Johnson, Martial Roumain, Kevin Iega Jeff, Twyla Tharp, Lar Lubovitch, Zvi Gotheiner and with Mikhail Baryshnikov's White Oak Dance Project. In addition to his many pursuits, he is currently a dancer with The Metropolitan Opera Ballet Company. Also in the house: DEX (www.dexnewyork.com) – make-up artist extraordinaire.

Performances:
March 23, 24 & 25
March 30, 31 & April 1

Where:
Helen Mills Theater
26th between 6th & 7th

Cost: Regular- $30
Seniors & Students- $20
Group rate- $20(10 or more tickets)

Here are a couple of helpful links related to the project:

Who is amanda seales- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6TR5QMPA9k

To purchase tickets – www.deathofthediva.ticketbud.com/deathofthediva

Promotional reel- www.youtube.com/watch?v=9G8WDEFt2sQ

THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD

Shout out to my friend Gilda Squire who invited me to a preview of The Greene Space at WNYC & WQXR’s 75hth Anniversary of Zora Neale Hurston’s THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD: a multiplatform celebration of the classic novel and legacy. The evening featured an intimate, creative conversation with actor and director Ruben Santiago-Hudson (who directs this unprecedented radio drama adaptation); executive producer Indira Etwaroo; WQXR host Terrance McKnight; adaptor Arthur Yorinks; and hosted by Julie Burstein. The cast is to include Phylicia Rashad, Leslie Uggams, and a host of other great performers. The festival (chronicling the 75th Anniversary of the legendary literary work) kicks off on February 24 and will culminate with a national radio broadcast in September 2012. The festival will include an event hosted by Terrance McKnight that explores Zora’s relationship with Langston Hughes. Ruben is currently starring in Stick Fly on Broadway (You’ll recall, I got to interview a few “Stick Fly” cast-members the other night on their Cort Theatre set for an AMBERmag.com BEAUTY & BROADWAY event). http://www.thegreenespace.org/ #Zora75

VALENTINE’S SPIRIT

Our friend Hanna Lee (www.hannaleecommunications.com & www.unwindwithwine.com) invited us to a New Valentine’s Day & Winter Cocktails Tasting and Argentine Tango Event at Michael’s New York. This special event was hosted by Michael McCarty. Mixologist Michael Flannery stirred up new cocktails made with aged Venezuelan Rum, high proof French Cognac, Campari, sparkling Italian prosecco and fine liqueurs to celebrate the most romantic of holidays, Valentine’s Day, and banish winter’s chill. Plus, there were innovative twists on favorites like hot buttered rum and mulled wine, as well as imaginative original libations. Executive Chef Kyung Up Lim served tasty Bar Bites that salute his homeland, including Korean fried chicken and spicy kalbi tacos.To add a sensuous note, a top dance couple performed authentic Argentine Tangos throughout the evening. In the house: my girlfriend and colleague Janet Lee whose book "Living in a Nutshell: Posh and Portable Decorating Ideas for Small Spaces" will be out on March 27, 2012. (http://harpercollins.ca/books/Living-Nutshell-Janet-Lee/?isbn=9780062060693). GO JANET!

MC DECA

The Bowery Poetry Club attracts cool people like Independent Hip-Hop artists, poets, artists, singers, etc. in the mix. Last night, Ant and Manivone invited Carl and me to the Bowery Poetry Club for a hip hop showcase – featuring their Denver friend, MC Deca! http://www.bowerypoetry.com/

BREAKING BREAD & TOASTING BDAYS

With work (and snow) sprinkled all up and through, the weekend also included a lovely dinner with my dear friend Ed Roebuck – accompanied by two FAB dates: Jacqueline Cholmondeley (www.alwaysaccolades.com). And also in the mix: the mom/manager of Malcolm Jamal Warner, Pam. Restaurant: Hillstone (AKA Houston’s). I had the chance to meet her through Ed a few years ago when I spent lots of time in L.A. working on "Monica: Still Standing" and Frankie & Neffe". What an AWESOME woman... and of course, a GREAT MOTHER! Not to be confused with his TV MOM with whom he had the chance to recently reunite along with the rest of The Huxtables (except for Denise AKA Lisa Bonet, of course).There were also two birthdays in “…the life of Riley…”: Candice Harper (at BOHO karaoke). And Jason Johsnon (at Cubana Social in Williamsburgh – www.cubanasocial.com). HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you babies...and the many LOVED ONES in "...the life of Riley..." who have January birthdays i.e. Tori, DeDe, Lisa Goodnight, TJ, Reinaldo, Evolyn, Natalie, Maurice, Jamar, and many, many more! GO CAPRICORN & AQUARIUS!

HUEY’S

Cute Cajun-style restaurant Huey’s (www.hueys247diner.com) is CLOSED. At least, it looks to be. Its window interiors are aligned with garbage bags outstretched to hide the view of the inside YET the menu and its GRADE A are still displayed outside (Maybe it’s coming back?). I’ve grown to love it for its proximity to my work of late (8th Avenue between 55th and 56th Streets) PLUS it’s menu is great i.e. cornbread casserole, jambalaya, chili, etc….and cheap drinks). The challenge (though not for me) is it was always empty. Still, the food was so good and fresh (cornbread was prepared and served in a skillet).

RUPAUL

I felt like I was at THE LEGENDS BALL while at the Harlem home of make-up artist extraordinaire Merrell Hollis (@makeupbymerrell). A fun and accomplished group gathered to watch the premiere of Rupaul’s Drag Race, which is in its Cycle 4. It was GLAMOUR-PALOOZA up in there – including Dani Evans – winner of “America’s Next Top Model” (@Only1DaniE); my friends, celebrity make-up artist Sam Fine (@SamFineBeauty); hair master Oscar James (@oscarjameshair); Chuck Amos (@CHUCKIELOVE), who does Tracee Ellis Ross’ tresses (and has done Miss Ross); stylist par excellence Memsor Kamarake (@Memsor); and some of the ‘The Wendy Williams Show’ team – including Monique Taylor (@moekittytweets) and Wendy’s wig expert Antwon Jackson (@antwonljackson) were also on deck as well as some other great friends – including Ian, etc. Of course, I’ve met a few of the drag race ladies over the years – including Cycle 1 winner BeBe Zahara Benet; Sahara Davenport; and Shangela (HALLELU!!!). And as we all witnessed last night, this new crop is BRINGING IT!

READY FOR YOUR CLOSE UP, MISS ROSS

As Miss Ross wraps a sold-out tour of one-nighters across the U.S., I’m thrilled that one of those nights was in New York City at The Waldorf – now the backdrop of my first PHOTO OP with Miss Ross. We didn’t pose. Just stared into each others' eyes admiringly. And we danced. But THANKS TO ANT, I can – for now – check that one off of my bucket list. With the draw of Miss Ross to help, a total sum of $10 Million Dollars was raised at the 26^th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner for the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis. And in addition to Miss Ross, the sold-out celebration featured many greats – including Olympic track legend Carl Lewis; Jerry Rice; Nancy Kerrigan; and Andre Dawson.  Even Wayne Newton was in the house. The proceeds go to support the ground-breaking spinal cord injury research being done by The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.  This is a historic year for the organization as tremendous scientific advances continue, including the recent submission to the FDA for a first-in-man Phase 1 Schwann cell transplantation clinical trial. For more information on The Buoniconti Fund visit: www.thebuonicontifund.com And on top of all of that, Miss Ross called me on stage to dance with her as she performed “Upside Down” (another out-of-body moment!). I LOVE YOU, MISS ROSS!

VESTA R.I.P.

MISS ROSS isn’t the only DAZZLING DIVA who has requested my dancing moves on the stage. Thanks to one of my Morehouse BFFs Michael K. Watts, I’m reminded of a NIGHT OF DAZZLING DIVAS at the NABJ Convention in Philadelphia CIRCA 1995 when MISS JODY WATLEY asked me up. Then, VESTA who we just lost since I last wrote to you. R.I.P. VESTA!

MOREHOUSE: BROTHERS IN SONG!

As an alumnus of Morehouse and the Morehouse College Glee Club, it was great to celebrate the Centennial Anniversary of the world-renowned glee club. I had the pleasure of being a member for all four of my years at “The House” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZF2iK2VOY). So many of my fellow Morehouse brothers; our friends; and many patrons and supporters gathered at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (Avery Fisher Hall) for the Concert of a Lifetime. This, to culminate an awesome weekend which included: on Friday, the Glee Club and Morehouse ringing the closing bell at NASDAQ. Saturday night, history was made again when Glee Club alumni were featured in concert at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. It was simply incredible. And this alum - me - got TO HOST! WOW! And my dear friend LaChanze (Tony-award-winning actress for "The Color Purple") attended with her Morehouse Man husband Derek Fordjour. We saluted the 100 year legacy of our national treasure, the Morehouse College Glee Club – performing songs that were inspired by Morehouse and/or composed by our many musical icons. And Spelman alum Cassie Davis (of Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne” fame) and Morehouse alum Spike Lee introduced Spelman and Morehouse, respectively. In the Spirit of Georgia Starr, Kemper Harreld, Wendell Whalum, Morehouse brothers continue to sing on!

MORE MOREHOUSE

After Hurricane Irene swept through DC and postponed the dedication of the MLK Monument (as well as the CNN.COM piece I wrote on Morehouse/MLK/Morehouse College Glee Club, the Morehouse Benefit Concert) has been rescheduled for the now-rescheduled dedication weekend. Morehouse College hosts a Memorial Concert and Tribute in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. The event will now take place on Friday, October 14, 2011 at 8 p.m. at the beautiful Music Center at Strathmore. The concert will be the first event of a long list of activities planned for the national dedication of the MLK monument. As originally planned, the Memorial Concert and Tribute, sponsored by Northwestern Mutual Foundation, with Timeless Voices featuring Eddie Levert, Dennis Edwards and Johnny Gill. The evening will be hosted by accomplished stage, film and television actor Avery Brooks and will include special presentations to music icon Stevie Wonder and Congressman John Conyers Jr.,(D-Mich.), who will both receive the Morehouse Presidential Renaissance Medallion of Merit for their roles in spearheading the effort to recognizeKing¹s birthday as a national holiday. To get tickets, click here:  http://www.strathmore.org/eventstickets/calendar/syos.asp?id=7902.

AMERICAN STROKE ASSOCIATION W/HEART!

Shout out to Pamela Garmon Johnson who invited me to an American Heart Association and "Go Red for Women" event at Abe & Arthur's Restaurant hosted by Star Jones. A "little" film by Elizabeth Banks "just a "LITTLE" heart attack" premiered (www.GoRedForWomen.org). Pamela (and my friend/producer Sidra Smith) hired me as the red carpet reporter (and VO talent: http://www.powertoendstroke.org/about-sponsorship-reel.html) for the AHA and American Stroke Association's stroke awareness benefit back in May at The Apollo (http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickDemoSept2011.mov). As the grandson of three stroke victims (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/4/3/american-heart-association-presents-you-are-the-power-benefi.html), I too am the son of a mom who died in 1994 from congestive heart failure. Heart disease is the #1 killer of women. AHA & GO RED say "Make It Your Mission to care for your heart and Tell 5 women you love to do the same".

ANT’S ART

Amidst Urbanworld Film Festival festivities, Ant got more of his ART on. Our girlfriend C. Burgos hosted “Artist Loft Sunday’s” at her Mt. Vernon studio. Under his artist name Akhenaten, Ant presented new pieces along with artists Estos (www.ESTOSINC.com) and our friend Dawn Murphy (jewelry designer). They did it under a HOLIDAY SALE last December (and Ant SOLD OUT: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.484938008736.255891.662073736&l=83aa705506&type=1. And another is coming up at the top of December – so I’ll make sure you all get invited! GREAT ART! GREAT PRICES! And just an ALL-AROUND AWESOME experience – from lovely catering provided by Secret Catering Company (www.SecretCateringCompany.com)... to Miss Ross and her fellow legends playing on the record player in vinyl splendor (a la DJ Elijah)...  to a political visit from Councilman Richard Thomas for whom Cynthia and Ant painted a mural and other bold signage at his campaign headquarters! CONGRATS Councilman Thomas (www.thomas4council.com).

RED ROOSTER & MOZO

One recent night, my friend Sidra Smith invited us to accompany her to Red Rooster in Harlem. The night helped launch Marcus Samuelsson’s MOZO shoe line that provides chefs with the ultimate stylish, comfort shoe in the kitchen. The MOZO Chef Signature Collection is a collection of chef shoes created by various chefs such as Chef Chris Cosentino and Chef Aaron Sanchez that are currently available on www.MozoShoes.com.  These shoes are not only uniquely designed chef shoes, but provide anyone who has to stand on their feet all day long with a sense of comfort in mind. After a well-appointed buffet – and a spirited array of cocktails, now-Harlem’s own performed. Belinda Munro is one of our All-Star Karaoke Thursday night regulars. She is now recording new music and just won at The Apollo. And as always, great to see Derek Fleming and the rest of the Red Rooster team. Also, Fab 5 Freddy was in the house!

KJ ROSE

Through many busy work days of late – including freelance for ‘Anderson Cooper’; ‘Wendy Williams’; BET; and more, I have tried to keep my “…life of Riley…” itinerary in-tact. The Royalton Hotel was the recent backdrop for the James-Kinney-produced (www.kinneygroupcreative.com) set. It featured recording artist and one of our friends at ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT, KJ ROSE. You'll recall, I initially met her last Fall in New Rochelle where her singing talents were one of the LIVE auction items for a Boys & Girls Club event I hosted. So many familiar faces and friends were in the house - including the FABULOUS Lynn Whitfield; my New RO-Mt Vernons Michelle, Erika, stylist Pamela Watson, etc; my buddy Kevin Freeman for whom you should look out on the upcoming season of "Real Housewives of Atlanta"; my friend Darius Booker who co-produced (with friend Kevin-Anthony) the tribute to Ashford & Simpson in which I got to sing Miss Ross' "The Boss" December 2009; and a host of others. KJ Rose was AWESOME - singing so many classics and special songs from her repertoire. Check out her debut album "All Heart, No Regrets". She was named one of the Top 100 Artists on the Verge by The New Music Seminar - a feature on BET's "Music Matters" campaign, the feature in the music issue of ELLE Magazine, and countless other break-through moments! GO KJ!

JEFFREY WILLIAMS

Remember when my Amazing Grace Nichole’s cousin/our dear friend Jeffrey Williams won “The Fashion Show 2011” on BRAVO earlier this year (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/1/27/live-out-louder.html)? Well, he invited us out to experience the presentation of his Spring/Summer 2012 Collection (ANU.): http://jeffreycwilliams.com/. Of course, our usual suspects were in the house: Danielle; Michelle Sanchez-Boyce; Shareen King; Kenny; and Dawn. Songstress and reality star (“La La’s Full Court”), Po Johnson, was in the house. And THE BIRTHDAY BOY, my nephew Herman Riley who continued his celebration this evening – attending the presentation with his Spelman sister Tanisha and allowing his uncle to put some food and drink in his belly at L’Oubli Gourmet Bar. We also recently got some more NEW RO time in at “Alvin & Friends”. Our friend Resa was in town as well.

THE PORTERS + 1

After recently field producing a shoot for my ChicagO client in Wayne, NJ, I pulled it together to celebrate my dear friends Mara Schiavocampo and Tommie Porter. It was a baby shower/birthday party (for Mara). And friends from far and near came to TOAST them: Itika Oldwine; Kendra G; Sidra Smith; Jamar Dunn; Cole McDonough; Ernest Maynor; Anthony Harper; and more. Of course, Itika wasn’t going to be in the house without making a fashion statement. Sporting a black, full-length Halston number with a long, thigh-revealing split. She calls it her homage to Sarah Jessica Parker’s short white Halston doppelganger which she sported in the “Sex & the City” promo and spots. GO TI-TI!

SUNDAE SERMON

Sundae Sermon's FINALE was a BLAST! It included 80s synth-duo The System’s Mic Murphy performing “You Are in My System” and “Don’t Disturb This Groove”. Great to see so many friends this go around: Ernest Maynor; Michael K. Watts; Sidra Smith; Kiwan Michael Anderson; Jamar Dunn; Bevy Smith; Michaela angela Davis; and MORE! See u NEXT SUMMER…and look for certain SUNDAE-SERMON franchises throughout the FALL & WINTER! GREAT JOB, STORMIN NORMAN!

BASKTEBALL WIVES OF L.A. AND MORE

Shout out to my friend Joy Doss, Executive Producer of The Style Salon (www.thestylesalonnyc.com)  which debuted FIVE new designers for the 4th year in a row – including women’s wear from Kachi Designs and Maria Michele to millinery from Ikasho and handbags from Sukari New York and Nailah’s. Gloria Govan and her sister Laura (Basketball Wives L.A.) were in the house. I also got re-acquainted with designer Jedda Kahn (Joe Zee’s All on the Line) who was re-introduced to me by my dear friend Yvette Hayward with whom I recently worked on the Power to End Stroke benefit at The Apollo. She just produced the African American Literary Awards (http://www.literaryawardshow.com/) which took place at the Adam Clayton Powell State Building/Melba’s event space (3rd Floor – one flight above Ant’s two pieces, which are showcasing in the Basquiat community artist tribute)]. Atlanta’s own Derek J (www.thejspotsalon.tumblr.com) was also working his sparkly pumps. And of course, it’s never Fashion Week – officially – without a hug and catch-up from my industry buddies, model and talent manager for 2M, Mica Huges; Harriette Cole (http://harriettecole.com/); and 2R’s Entertainment & Media owner & publicist Ra-Fael Blanco whose current client of note is B. SLADE whose new, sensual video “SEQUEL” is the latest release from the critically-acclaimed album “DIESEL”. The video was directed by Bruce Wayne and the song was produced by T. Boy and written by Anthony C. Williams II. DOWNLOADBLE LINK – “SEQUEL” – VIDEO - http://youtu.be/dS1OzhW_z4U. PURCHASE LINK to "DIESEL" album by B. SLADE http://bslade.bandcamp.com/album/diesel VIEW B. SLADE's EPK here - http://www.sonicbids.com/BSlade 

ETIQUETTE FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS

Look at what my homegirl from Savannah, Tatia Adams Fox is doing inside her passion & purpose! In April of 2011, she launched The New School of Etiquette: www.newschoolofetiquette.com. See their blog too: www.newschoolofetiquette.tumblr.com She is truly being a DIFFERENCE for our children... and THE WORLD - from teaching etiquette and social protocol to children and for adults too (She is a certified business etiquette and international protocol consultant): www.boopamarketing.com & www.careerandcupcakes.boopamarketing.com GO TATIA, GO!

ANTHONY MORGAN

ALWAYS so exciting when our New Yorker Trevor visits us in New York from Atlanta. This last time, he introduced us to Harlem’s own Anthony Morgan, who is a multi-talented artist. He is renowned as the head of the spectacular Gospel Voices of Harlem. And he loves singing and performing Gospel Music to the world. Anthony’s mission is to spread the Good News of the gospel message worldwide!  Mr. Morgan’s love of singing gospel and his vision of spreading the gospel through song has inspired him to found what is now known as Anthony Morgan’s Inspirational Choir of Harlem. We even tried a ditty via this Grand piano.