A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL IS OPEN!

UPDATE: The video I host on Motown: The Musical's Opening Night Celebration is edited and here. Please feel free to VIEW/FWD/SHARE...and - most of all - to come and see MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL on BROADWAY):

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ

 

 After I did my “Blacks and Broadway” segment on COZI-TV (http://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Pop-Culture-Expert-Patrick-Riley-on-Black-Broadway_New-York.html), the “Motown: The Musical” ad folks hired me as its host for the show's OPENING NIGHT CELEBRATION – including interviewing all the guests as they walked the red carpet! Stay tuned for that clip...  

You see me interviewing my life-time idol Diana Ross and Motown Founder Berry Gordy along with many other greats!!!

The client also serviced my interviews to REUTERS and others.

SEE MISS Diana Ross; Berry Gordy; and a little of me (along with reax from Jane Fonda) also here in this piece: http://www.reuters.com/video/2013/04/16/motown-memorialized-in-new-musical?videoId=242278913&videoChannel=3.

And in this BROADWAY CHANNEL clip, you'll see glimpses of my footage and me as I interview the great Debbie Allen, Cuba Gooding Jr., Vanessa Williams, Sting, his wife Trudie Styler, and more excerpts from my Ross and Gordy chat (not all of the soundbites are mine as Broadway Channel had someone on-site as well): http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=An_r_D2HM5Q. WHAT A MAGICAL NIGHT! 45^th Street shook like an earthquake when Miss Ross arrived in the same limo as Mr. Gordy for the highly

anticipated world premiere at The Lunt Fontanne Theatre, followed by party at Roseland Ballroom.

I reminded Miss Ross and Mr. Gordy that Motown nor Diana were strangers to Broadway (1. Diana Ross & The Supremes and The Temptations' follow-up TV special to their debut TCB was GIT: Getting It Together on Broadway;

2. "Pippin'" with Tony-award-winning Ben Vereen was a Motown soundtrack and Diana and the Jackson 5 both covered the show's hit track "Corner of the Sky";

3. Miss Ross won a Tony for her Broadway-staged one-woman show which broke box office records: "An Evening with Diana Ross").

Diana said to Berry: "He has a great memory! Always!" (Miss Ross referencing my memory of steel on all things Ross & Motown from a three-day set of interviews I got to do with her in 2005 at the "Legends" ball + she's called me on the stage to dance on "Upside Down" a couple of times over the years, too).

Worth also noting that Miss Ross, her original supreme mate Mary Wilson, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, and many of the other Motown LEGENDS joined the cast on stage at the end --- embracing and celebrating the performers who were playing them (I also interviewed them all on the red carpet).

SOMEDAY WE’LL BE TOGETHER, INDEED!

These pictures and video were taken by my friend Brandon Bain – singer/personality/karaoke host – who got to sing with ‘Diana Ross’ [Valisia Lekae (formerly of “The Book of Mormon”)] on “Reach Out & Touch (Somebody’s Hand)” – preview night one. He too attended the opening night after party.

While I was on duty, he shot some of this behind-the-scenes footage of MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL’s after party

(including the great still shot of Diana, Berry, and Mary (and Jesse Jackson)! INDEED, Miss Ross and Mary Wilson BACK TOGETHER AGAIN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lYDMm04esk);

Afterwards, Miss Ross - as promised (with Berry Gordy still in tow) – came to talk to me again.

She exclaimed she LOVED Valisia in the leading role of Diana Ross ("I'm CUTE," Miss Ross shared before giggling, sharp contrast to the many tears of joy and nostalgia she'd expressed from her seat during the show).

She too said that Berry Gordy is a 'great storyteller'!!! MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL features music and lyrics from the legendary Motown catalogue and a book by Berry Gordy. It is directed by Charles Randolph-Wright stars - in addition to 'Diana Ross' - Tony Award® nominee Brandon Victor Dixon (The Color Purple) and and features Charl Brown (Jersey Boys) as Smokey Robinson, Bryan Terrell Clark as Marvin Gaye and an ensemble cast of 40. I spoke to many of them. Others in the house - many of whom I too spoke: THE COMMODORES, BONO, GAYLE KING, STING, JANE FONDA, JULIE CHEN from "The Talk"; LES MOONVES;

CLIVE DAVIS, LA REID, JIMMY IOVINE, VALERIE SIMPSON, SPIKE LEE, JESSE JACKSON, ANTHONY MASON, VANESSA WILLIAMS, CUBA GOODING JR., JUDY CRAYMER, SUZANNE DEPASSE, KATHIE LEE GIFFORD, HODA KOTB, ANDY COHEN, BRUCE RESNIKOFF, BENNY MEDINA, DAVID GEFFEN, TOMMY MOTTOLA, LMFAO's RED FOO, CLAUDETTE ROBINSON, CINDY ADAMS, STAR JONES, BARRY MANILOW, MELBA MOORE, ROSANNA ARQUETTE,

DEBBIE ALLEN, TRACEE ELLIS ROSS,

MARY HART, BOB MARTIN, GEORGE SCHLATTER, SHELLY BERGER, MICKEY STEVENSON, RHONDA ROSS, COURTNEY B. VANCE,LAMONT DOZIER, EDWARD HOLLAND JR., MICKEY STEVENSON, Songwriting team KENNETH GAMBLE & LEON HUFF, EPIC Records recording artist JADA GRACE, WOLFGANG PUCK, LUCIAN GRAINGE, Congresswoman MAXINE WATERS, EVANDER HOLYFIELD, PRODUCERS KEVIN MCCOLLUM, DOUG MORRIS,NORM LEWIS, BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL,

NONA HENDRYX, etc.

MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL is the real story of the one-of-a-kind sound that hit the airwaves in 1959 and changed our culture forever.

This exhilarating show charts Motown Founder Berry Gordy's incredible journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross,

Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, and many more.

Featuring all the classics you love, MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL tells the story behind the hits as Diana, Smokey, Berry and the whole Motown family fight against the odds to create the soundtrack of change in America.

The music that shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat finally comes to Broadway in the season's most anticipated show.

It's playing at The Lunt Fontanne Theatre - 205 West 46th Street (Btwn Broadway & 8th Ave - North sid Roseland Ballroom 239 West 52nd Street (Between Broadway & 8th Avenue). www.motownthemusical.com. Special shout out to Marcia Pendelton, Marketing Outreach for the Motown: The Muiscal. She was THE key player in ensuring I was a part of this historic night!

THANKS MARCIA! ENDLESS LOVE TO MOTOWN, MR. GORDY, AND DIANA ROSS!

LA CHANZE’S DIANA ROSS HANGOVER

Motown and Diana Ross' collective and respective LEGACIES LIVE alongside their LIVING FABULOUSNESS (a la Broadways’s ‘Motown: The Musical’ and Miss Ross' still-busy-and-impressive itinerary (She hosted 'Christmas in Washington' for The Obamas this past December: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIb3eDIOrMY - cast in tow from injury sustained at a reported $1,000,000 one-nighter to serenade supermodel Naomi Campbell's billionaire boyfriend's birthday party in India): My friend, TONY AWARD WINNING STAR OF 'THE COLOR PURPLE' AND "RAGTIME' LACHANZE's three-date, one-woman-show LOVE HANGOVER, which runs again Thursday, April 18 & Monday, April 22: www.54Below.com. LaChanze presented "Love Hangover" - her mostly re-conceived arrangements of Miss Ross' repertoire (or as she put it "...the soundtrack of my life..."). In attendance, a room full of LaChanze's friends and fans - many our own: our friend, Director Ken Roberson (GREAT JOB!), jazz singer Greg Generet (who performs three sets every Thursday in NYC at SMOKE);   one of my favorite actresses on TV, film, stage, daytime, nighttime, Broadway, off-Broadway, cabaret: Tamara Tunie; Broadway's best Norm Lewis (also in 'Scandal'); all my other favorites: siblings Sapp (and Bree); Rita Wilson (singer, actress, film/TV producer; and wife of Tom Hanks) who was performing a later set at the same venue [I got the chance to shoot a pic with her outside the preview press event 54 Below hosted with LaChanze, Wilson, and some of the other stars performing there in the next month.]; film/TV producer Angelique Francis; my homeboy, Richmond Hill's own Algernon Campbell: dancer (and dance instructor) EXTRAORDINNAIRE: and many more!!!

 Set list: starting from back of the house onto the stage:

Love Hangover

 Them There Eyes (from "Lady Sings the Blues")

 Touch Me in the Morning

 Last Time I Saw Him

 Good Morning Heartache (from "Lady...Blues")

 You Can't Hurry Love

 I Hear A Symphony

 Baby Love

 Reach Out & Touch prelude (featuring LaChanze's first leading man Jerry Dixon - "Once on this Island")

 You're All I Need To Get By (w/Jerry)

 Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing (w/Jerry)

 You Keep Me Hangin' On w/hints of Sting's "If You Love Somebody, Set Them Free" w/two gentlemen background singers

Be A Lion (from 'The Wiz')

 I'm Coming Out (w/two gentlemen background singers)

 Ain't No Mountain High Enough

 The Boss (encore)

BRILLIANT SET!

WATCHING IDOL WITH PEPA

Then, my friend Jamar Dunn asked Ant and me to pop by his place for an. 'American Idol' screening party with a fun group including the legendary Pepa of 'Salt & Pepa' fame; her hairdresser Troy Turner (Also Lil' Kim's hair stylist); another celebrity hairstylist Octavio (Mary, Mary; Serena Williams; and more); and a host of others. A-I-wise, we're all Team Candice!!!! But we are also Team Pepa! She engaged us so about the history of hip hop and her place in the landscape. And though I've enjoyed several moments in which I was an audience with Pepa, none quite this intimate and open - Pep and I even uncovering we share an astrological sign in common: Scorpio! What a pop cultural blessing! #moreloot

 BET UP FRONT 2013

What a week! "Motown: The Musical" on Broadway was a blast on Sunday. But Monday had me dotting Is and crossing Ts to ready the video for BET's Up Front, a project on which I have been working with recurring client BET Creative Services for the last few months. Always nice to see my labor of love on an EPIC screen in the front of Jazz at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall where BET pulled out... all the stops in addition to the video programming sizzles I had a hand in producing: performances by Chaka Khan ("Tell Me Something Good" for CENTRIC section); Kierra Sheard and brother John Drew Sheard II (who performed a Gospel tribute to Boston); also, appearances by Boris Kodjoe; Kevin Hart; Nelly; Selita Ebanks; and others from "Real Husbands of Hollywood"; Chris Tucker (just-announced host of the BET Awards which go down during the unprecedented BET Experience at LA LIVE, a three-day music-and-more festival at the end of June); Comedians Sommore and Tony Rock; star of BET's 1st Original Movie & 1st weekly, one-hour drama "Being Mary Jane", Gabrielle Union; Boris' beautiful wife, actress Nicole Ari Parker; legendary Gladys Knight; and a performance by Miguel. Several mingled and posed for pix with the many advertising folks in the audience - there to determine if they will buy into BET. From the feedback and various ovations, it looks good. Great to work with such an AWESOME TEAM at BET. Happy my nephew Herman L. Riley III was in attendance and I got to hang out with him a little - a rare treat.

DIVORCE COUNSELOR

So happy to attend the New York City PREMIERE of SEEIt Film THE DIVORCE COUNSELOR – written, produced, and directed by my friend and often-fellow-collaborator (at recurring client BET): THEMBISA S. MSHAKA. It took place recently at the New York Film Academy. And now you can get in on the session: THE DIVORCE COUNSELOR can be seen on-line --- EXCLUSIVELY on WWW.FREESWORLD.COM (FREE hosted the festivities!). Please feel free to REFER “The Divorce Counselor”. CONGRATS, THEMBISA! BEAUTIFUL NIGHT! Shout out to Chasity, Loren, Kris, Deangelo, Rachel, et al. #TheDivorceCounselor

DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM

You know I love the Dance Theatre of Harlem! You may recall I recently attended DTH's Vision Gala as a guest of friends Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil who weren't able to attend (Vanessa Williams - now in Broadway's "The Trip To Bountiful" - was honored): http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/3/7/mercury-in-retrograde.html.  You may also recall I hosted DTH's Annual Street Fair in Harlem a few years ago: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/8/15/masters-mentors.html. Recently, many of us gathered to see the DTH Company at Jazz at Lincoln Center - a beautiful series of performance in the Rose Theater.In the house: SO MANY FRIENDS - including my 'Amazing Grace' Nichole; friend (and producer of "Drums Along The Hudson") Carl Nelson; BFF Sidra Smith (Producer, "Free Angela" documentary); Stacie J ('Apprentice' star - Season 2); Ed Roebuck (clients including Diana Ross, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Nancy Wilson); Miss Dawn Riley (performer as well as TV production credits that include "Third Watch" and "Lipstick Jungle" among many others); and my SURPRISE BLAST FROM THE PAST (who happened to be seated next to me): CNBC Business News talent Sharon Epperson, my former co-worker (I worked at CNBC with Geraldo Rivera in the mid-'90s) and forever NABJ sister!! It was her birthday but the treat was all mine to chat she and her sister up during scene pauses and intermissions. And to those I'm not listing due to space, GREAT TO SEE YOU AS WELL and as ALWAYS! http://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/company/ny-season Center Charge: 212.721.6500 www.JALC.org. Afterwards, we grabbed a bite in the area (Rosa Mexicana) before turning in. FUN FRIDAY!!!

DEBORAH COX IN “JEKYLL & HYDE”

Date DAY & NIGHT: Ant & I got a quality-time Saturday in, compliments of friend, publicist Gwendolyn Quinn. We saw one of my TOTAL FAVs, GRAMMY® nominated recording artist Deborah Cox (as Lucy) in JEKYLL & HYDE THE MUSICAL alongside another American Idol FAV, Constantine Maroulis (Dr. Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde). Deborah's return to Broadway is a 13-week limited engagement at Broadway's Marquis Theatre in New York City. It's a great show-Deborah is AMAZING!!! The review I text some close friends: "Deborah Cox (AND Constantine) are singing for the gODZ in "Jekyll & Hyde" on Broadway! Sexy! Sultry! Beautiful, BELTING & nuanced vocals!!!" JEKYLL & HYDE is based on the acclaimed novella The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, about a London doctor who accidentally unleashes an evil alternate personality in his quest to cure his father's mental illness.

HUMAN SPIRIT AWARDS

On June 4, 2013, Brooklyn Community Services will host its annual BCS Human Spirit Awards at the Grand Hyatt-Manhattan Ballroom. I’ve been asked to join its host committee and to invite as many of you to get in on this wonderful cause as possible. This year BCS will honor two cultural leaders who call Brooklyn their home. My friend, National image activist, Michaela angela Davis, and award-winning artist, Danny Simmons, will join other honorees in a ceremony that celebrates individuals who through their vision, leadership, service and generosity have built a lasting impression on both culture and community. The Human Spirit Awards is the annual fundraising dinner for BCS that highlights individuals, groups and programs that have made lifting up the lives of Brooklynites their call to action.  Last year's gala raised $500,000 and provided vital resources to support BCS's mission to strengthen families, help children and youth reach their full potential, and support adults in leading productive, fulfilling lives.  Proceeds from this year's online and silent auction will support efforts to provide continued relief to victims of Hurricane Sandy in Coney Island. This year's gala is already shaping up as a Who's Who of local and national notables, including international DJ and Black Girls Rock Founder and Executive Director, Beverly Bond, who will present the award to Ms. Davis.  Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz, who has long been a strong supporter of BCS, will present the award to Danny Simmons.  Other confirmed guests to date include:  filmmaker and hip hop journalist, dream hampton; writer, musician and producer, Greg Tate; R&B recording artist and model, Maiysha Kai and playwright, radio host and political commentator, Esther Armah. I just recently had a chance to work with Michaela angela Davis on one of my last freelance projects (the aforementioned BET Up Front 2013). She has already made an indelible mark on culture, style and image activism.  As the former fashion, beauty, and culture executive editor for Essence magazine and founding fashion director of Vibe, Ms. Davis helped expand the narrow narratives of what is considered beautiful for millions of readers.  As a leading image/style maven, she has worked with the likes of Oprah, Beyoncé, and Prince.  Currently she leads MAD Free, a multi-platform, multi-generational critical community conversation project focusing on image. Danny Simmons has been a leading figure in the New York art scene for over 30 years.  Danny is a noted abstract expressionist painter and the older brother of hip hop impresario Russell Simmons and rapper Joseph Simmons ("Reverend Run" of Run–D.M.C.).  He is the co-founder and Chairman of Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation (since 1995), which provides disadvantaged urban youth with arts access and education.   As a former social worker, Danny understands the impact early intervention can have on a child's life, believing that arts and creativity are a way out of a particular circumstance through the power of imagination. Through their courage, determination and creative drive, Ms. Davis and Mr. Simmons have inspired and uplifted the many young people, struggling families and adults with challenges, who are served by BCS. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW YOU CAN BUY TICKETS FOR THIS AWESOME GALA OR MAKE A DONATION: Click on http://www.wearebcs.org/.

KENYA MOORE

Though the night got a little long in the tooth, glad we got to support our friend Nathan Hale Williams’ Ocean Thursdays party at Splash recently! Special guest Kenya Moore performed “Gone With The Wind” fabulous! and was most gracious to show the kids how to pose – on stage and at the step & repeat. Was also EXTRA special to see some dear friends – including face-beater-par-excellence (makeup artist to the stars) Sam Fine; Editor-in-Chief at Uptown Magazine, Isoul Harris (my Morehouse brother whose book “NICKI MINAJ: HIP POP MOMENTS 4 LIFE” just came out this week) ------ ALL OF THIS after enjoying a nice family meal with my nephew and his mom (visiting from our hometown Savannah) at Billie’s Black. #GoneWithTheWindFabulous!!!!

 

My buddy Greg Dunmore sent me this tid-bit from fellow NABJ member Richard Prince’s column (http://www.mije.org/richardprince/tapestry-modern-america-praises-kennedy). It chronicles how the Diana Ross-led trio, biggest American musical act of the ‘60s, faced a color barrier few today would imagine: getting on the cover of Detroit’s Sunday magazine of TV listings. This, while their fans were at home on their linoleum kitchen floors exclaiming to anyone within the sound of their voices: “…. COLORED PEOPLE ON!!!!!” How far we’ve come… and yet some things are poised for improvement. STILL! THANKS GREG!

 

Meanwhile, I’m STILL in L.A. – home of many things TELEVISION and I’m still working in the business. Ant and I are brainstorming ideas to have my own show and some other projects green light --- one day at a time, sweet Jesus. This, as we contribute at high frequencies to our respective clients – from ‘Monica’ to ‘Frankie & Neffe’ to “The Wendy Williams Show” and beyond…

Until I need to be camera ready, I’ve been sporting a new look that kinda' happened from a space of laziness and depression: a goatee (of sorts). As I manage the latter (and took in the positive feedback), I decided to play around with it a little bit more.

Work is going fine here in L.A. as we post-produce Monica's episodes for BET. Admittedly, I'm a little down and isolated from being so far from home for so long... and I'm having a hard time shaking that blues. But the checks are catching us up... but not completely just yet as I manage East Coast expenses and have to put myself up here on the West Coast (hotel & car rental, EH!). But one day at a time, I'm somehow doing it (with lots of support).

Now, on to some of the social snapshots that have kept me entertained here in L.A.:

This past Sunday, I got an invite to see a cool play with music "Naked Boys Singing!" featuring new friend Eric B. Anthony. Also featured is my NYC friend-of-friend Tony Melson.  I met Tony five or so years ago in New York City through my actor/singer/dancer friends Erich McMillan and Kimberly Jajuan. I really enjoyed the piece which has a production in New York City that I never got to see – in part because I found the cast a bit homogenized. With this company, I’m happy to say that there is diversity… and Eric B. and Tony rise to the top in their roles. I was even more excited to see that the writers (in addition to DIVA wordsmith Bruce Vilanch) are also diverse, including songwriter/arranger (and performer in his own right) Trance Thompson, who did the big ‘The Entertainer’ number that brings the crowd to its feet – especially the way Eric B. Anthony performs it.

 

After the play, Eric, his friend Andre (another new-to-L.A. actor), and I decided to grab a bite at Bossa Nova. We hooked up with our mutual friend Delandis there. Then, we did a roll by The Abbey where many folks were out including my buddy Jensen Atwood of "Noah's Arc" fame. I had the chance to interview him four or so years ago in Indianapolis. He told me that he loved my interviewing style and found it to be one of his most enjoyable. Imagine my surprise when – after all these years – he came up to me, remembered me, and agreed to another photo op. My buddy Tony who hosts a fun dance contest every Tuesday night at Micky's in West Hollywood was also there. Our heads didn’t get cut off this time. SMILE!

It’s been bittersweet of late as my girlfriend Sidra has packed up her L.A. bags and headed back to New York City. Though I’ll see her upon completion of my work, she’s been such the saving grace for me here in L.A. We made the best of it by hanging  out every single day until her departure. On one night, though, she was to take me to R&B LIVE in Hollywood (I hear it's great entertainment). But her schedule didn't allow. It freed me to hang with my college mate Danni. She took me to Mani's Bakery (Hearty, organic cuisine!). Sid made up for it another night when - after I woke up on the wrong side of the bed (and subsequently got back in - fetal position - for what getting up created), she came to the rescue: Her friend Marilyn invited us to the birthday party of her cousin, L.A. Anchor Marc Brown. His place in The Valley is absolutely gorgeous and chockfull of details that made for a fun night. Perfect backdrop for uplift.

Another highlight from the week came with a PART 1 and a PART 2. My Morehouse brother Redic asked me to host his art gallery opening at his Eclectic Order Gallery Manchester (www.eclecticorder.com). Its proceeds partially benefited our alma mater Morehouse College’s Scholarship Fund.  Eclectic Order Gallery Manchester is located at 1514 W. Manchester Blvd., L.A. And Redic opened up shop with an awesome combo of spoken word, jazz, neo-soul music, rock, etc. And I just anchored the night as I do because so much of it was organic and divine. My buddy Ed Roebuck came out to support along with a number of fellows from MOCITI: MEN OF COLOR IN THE INDUSTRY. On this night, Redic - an artist; singer; songwriter; fashion designer; etc. gave the audience a sneak-peek of what was to come the following night.

"Redic Unveiled" popped off the next night… and I just had to see what he had in store. I also enrolled Morehouse brother Steven Foley, a filmmaker his own, to come and check it out.Great to see Steven and catch up on all he's working on. Stay tuned for those updates. And new buddy Derrick Garcia, dancer and choreographer, also came. And I bumped into Morehouse brother Charles Reese who is still starring in an "WHO...", an original web comedy series (WWW.AJAKWETV.COM). On this night, Redic let it all show. And the audience and the community of folks in attendance just loved it! And I love Redic and am so PROUD of him! Stay encouraged, my friend!

And one of my new L.A. ride-or-dies Javier was supposed to come on the opening night. However, he stumbled into a gig with KTLA: http://www.ktla.com/news/local/alliemackay/ 

It’s Christmas in September (at least for a good cause: TOYS FOR TOTS). And Javier was SANTA – making many of the folks in attendance at this benefit – held at THE ABBEY – happy to share their Christmas wish list with SANTA! He’s been in town just a few months and in addition to acting courses and auditions, he’s booking a lot of modeling work. KEEP DOIN’ IT, J!

OF COURSE, I’m missing Ant as I try to keep my days in L.A. interesting without him. But like me, he too is getting the chance to be out and about – including Serena Williams’ book launch party. There, he got to strike a pose with Kelly Rowland and others (By the way, have you heard her new song "When Love Takes Over"? I like it: YouTube - David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland - When Love Takes Over ...
).

And on “Wendy”, he got the chance to hang out with and support our girl Sheryl Lee Ralph whose ‘right hand’ Scott (not in attendance) is a dear friend of ours. In fact, Ant is coming to L.A. next week to see me and Sheryl’s DIVAS: SIMPLY SINGING (www.divassimplysinging.com) which she promoted on the show along with some fab new wig looks.

And our good girlfriend Mara (as Schiavocampo from NBC) just celebrated her 30^th BDAY at a New York City space I recommended to her, Taj (www.tajlounge.com). My Itika even flew in from Chicago for the occasion… and Ern and NABJ girlfriend Sia also attended along with Mara's handsome hubby Tommie. The only thing missing - I'm told - was me! LOL! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARA!

Ant’s and my buddies Troy and Darryl founded Bangin’ Ass Artists (www.banginassartists.com). I’ve blogged about them before. Well, they have a show coming up on October 10^th that you don’t want to miss: TRINA BROUSSARD/RA-RE VALVERDE/RUSSELL TAYLOR. Check out the website for more info. These brothers are doing the thing to promote unheralded, independent artists with HUGE talent.

I’m always so proud of my friends when they are doing amazing things. On top of an already demanding career and family of husband and two-in-tow, my dear girlfriend (from way back in the day) Candi Carter is the creator of “It’s Hip Hop, Baby!” (www.itshiphopbaby.com/). I had the privilege of introducing her kid-focused, educational DVDs to star of my current project, Monica and her two sons. Lil Rocko and Romelo LOVED them, Monica says – so much so – that she’s agreed to say so. As Christmas nears, you may want to follow suit with Miss Monica… and pick up one or all in the special series which keeps the kids grooving while they learn their ABCs and 123s and more. Meanwhile (and I'm not saying this because I'm working on her reality project), I am SO EXCITED for Monica's new music to hit the airwaves and to see her fans (and perhaps even her doubters) FALL BACK IN LOVE with her!!! GO MONICA, GO!

As my return to NYC is still to be determined (October? November? December? Even January?): NYC CULTURE rules. Daughter of my late, great friend Pat Tobin, Lauren, continues to operate inside the excellence and professionalism of her mother (and the standard she had already begun to incorporate into her own PR brand). She reached out to me regarding her client Colman Domingo’s new stage piece “A Boy and His Soul” – which happens to be choreographed by dear friend of Ant’s and mine, Ken Roberson. Colman starred in Ant’s and my favorite Broadway musical last year, “Passing Strange”. Ant will check it out soon. I’ll hopefully get to catch it when I get back (if it’s still running). But if you are in NYC or going, make sure you check it out at the Vineyard Theater (www.vineyardtheatre.org/show-a-boy-and-his-soul.html).

So, it’s no secret that I love Tony Award winning actress Anika Noni Rose, who recently made history by being cast as the first-ever African-American princess in Disney's The Princess and the Frog. And can we say DREAMGIRLS?????? Well, she takes another dimension of step in the direction of TV as she has signed on to host the new season of AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange. It’s an innovative documentary series on contemporary life, art and pop culture in the African Diaspora, AfroPoP’s second season comes to public television in October 2009. The series is produced by the National Black Programming Consortium (NBPC) with which I have a little link through one of my National Association of Black Journalists Arts & Entertainment Task Force members (one of the dedicated, hard-working ones) Jacqualine Williams. She introduced them to NABJ – so NBPC could participate in our Tampa convention. Turns out that one of its programming execs Christian is an old “student” of mine from the days when I taught the New York Association of Black Journalists’ High School Journalism Workshop. So, the synergies here are really good. As the series host, Anika will introduce audiences to powerful stories about African boxers who journey across the Atlantic to match their skills against the best in global contests; a teenage girl who travels to Ghana and a Sierra Leone ex-patriate who returns to his homeland, each hoping to dispel prevailing myths about the two continents; and, Hurricane Katrina victims who find themselves refugees in their own country. CONGRATS ANIKA!

 

And though I’ve been behind the mic in the medium of radio before, I'm putting on a new pair of headphones as a guest on The Dr. Mario Show this week. (You’ll recall, an impression I made on XM Satellite Radio after I appeared on MILLION DOLLAR PASSWORD last year ("AIN'T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH!!!"): http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/GayleKingInterview.mp3  Well, I’m as excited to have been invited to be a guest on The Dr. Mario Show (“Your Prescription to a Better Life!”)). As I’ve blogged before, Mario is a student at Cal State Fullerton. We’ll be on the Titan Radio Station’s airwaves at 7pm on Thursday and you can find out more (including how you can listen in) via www.calldrmario.com and Dr. Mario says the show will be about me and my journey from Tokyo to Savannah and beyond – underscoring my insights that are applicable to upcoming college students and college students getting ready to step into the rest of their lives. Plus, he's got questions around networking and convention programming much like he got to witness as we met at the National Association  of Black Journalists Convention where Mario saw me in super-active pose. I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences and reminding myself some of the tips that I may have taken for granted along the way. This, towards getting my CENTER back. My CHI is still off, though I'm carrying on... 

Well, as my former colleague Frankie offers: “… the morale of the story is…” (just that part. The rest attributes Donnie McClurkin…): "...After you've done all you can, you just STAND..."

And GOD continues to work it out via his many earth angels like Ant, Mario, Audrey, Paul, Sidra, Jav, etc. AMEN! <not out of the woods but breathing better, hear?>

I'm missing home something terrible but looking at these pix means I'm making the best of it!

Still, 'success is nothing without someone you love to share it with'! LOL! Though just a text or quick call away, the time zones between Ant and me - coupled with our respective attachment to keeping our individual selves entertained without the other in tow (sometimes at the expense of what's sensible) - have made it a challenge (at best). I'm not a fan of being without Ant. And I'm not a fan of being alone. That said, being alone has allowed me to put things in perspective and work through some of the feelings that lie beneath the loneliness.

But back to making the best of it: My L.A. friends say 'only you would come to town and have us at the Egyptian Theatre to see 'Mahogany'. Most of them had never set foot in the Hollywood landmark'. THANKS GUYS (and GALS) - including my Tanika Ray of EXTRA fame.My Theo was in town from New York - so he had to be there given when we first met at now-closed Day-O, our mutual friend Erich told him I was a big Diana Ross fan... and Theo asked me to recite lines from "Mahogany" that he wrote on the paper table tops, tore off, and took home. LOL! Talk about a full-circle moment.

There was also my Ed who has worked with the diva and many divas over the years.

And Curtis who is "the other" #1 Diana Ross fan. And Walter - Curtis' brother - who I'd never met before but he told me he was a fan of the blog. As his brother Curtis introduced us, he assured he already knew who I was and always wanted to meet me. Well, now we've met. And thank you, Walter, for reading "A Day in the Life of Riley: Pop Culture & Possibilities". Curtis will be hosting a Diana Ross-themed party (in my honor) during Labor Day weekend when Ant comes to town. We'll party alongside rare Ross footage. ALL ABOUT LOVE! 

Theo brought his good girlfriend Victoria who brought her good girlfriends - including Ms. Lana. I even won the "Mahogany" prize as the promoters had some folks come up and answer some trivia and work the runway.

Though the bag said GUCCI, its contents were not. But there was "Mahogany" cake. Still, fun... and of course, I took the time to buy a toothbrush and spruce up my Diana's Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame - right in front of the Egyptian Theatre. Afterwards, "Eyebrow King" Damone Roberts - another Ross fan -  and his partner Ramon - joined us at The Abbey for some nourishment ----- all of this juxtaposed to me --- three hours prior --- crying in my L.A. hotel room  as Oxygen rolled out "Bodyguard" for the 500th time. Surely my tears were from loneliness and homesickness ("Bodyguard" isn't one of my fav films like "Mahogany" but I'd always wished Ross had taken the part when it was offered to her after "The Wiz").

It hasn't all been lonely and blue. From the pool party that Javier and I attended when I first got into town, I met a cool dude named Delandis (www.delandisworld.com). He happened to have a business meeting in the studio where I'm working. We stumbled into each other and decided to have lunch. Aroma on Sunset was our spot... and we caught up on all the great things he's doing - including pitching a kids show starring HIM.Ant and I saw him a couple of years ago (but didn't know it) as he was in the Chicago company of "Wicked". Delandis - who is celebrating a birthday in a few days - also got me out my hotel room last night. The Abbey - again - was the spot. It was good to be out but I'm really missing NYC and Ant (who says he just bought me a new digitial camera [DISPOSABLES no more! LOL!] and can come to L.A. Labor Day Weekend. Ern is coming too). And Theo kept me entertained while he was here in town. He hosted a night of Mexican at El Coyote where he reconnected me to his Victoria (Ant and I got to meet her when we were last in L. A.). Then, she brought Lana and others into the mix. 

 

Plus, my PMAMA  (Marlene), who I know from a listserv of which she and I are members, came and we got to meet in person for the first time.

My other dear friend Zabrina came by and we enjoyed a cocktail before she took me to meet up with our girl Tosha Whitten-Griggs (and her sister) for a party at The Roxy. Zabrina is doing publicity for BET which is the home of a couple of my latest projects "Frankie & Neffe" and "Monica: Still Standing".On one night, my buddy Javier scooped me up for a quick drink. A few more cocktails later (coupled with karaoke in WeHo), I'm excited to report that - after shutting them down in NYC, Burbank, Manila, Chicago, Atlanta, and some other locales I may be forgetting - my Maxwell's "This Woman's Work" is now a hit in West Hollywood. LOL! Next stop: a karaoke dive bar near you! LMAO!

And Sid - always a joy - has been giving of her time generously - to 'babysit' me when I am over being in my hotel room alone... and can't remix the four walls around me any other kind of way. One night, we went to the home of a friend of hers. I stumbled into some actors whose work I admire - including Terrell Tilford (http://www.terrelltilford.yuku.com/) and Noah's Arc's Chase, Doug Spearman. It was such the intimate affair, I got shy to ask for photo ops but did get to chat each of them up a little. And they are both the nicest guys! Very warm! My L.A. buddy Javier popped by after his fashion show. The following day, Sidra and I enjoyed a bite at L.A. LIVEs "The Farm" as we needed to debrief all the fun we had the night prior. Thanks Sid - for a great time! (I considered going to the Sunset Junction Street Fair - featuring performances by Supremes' Mary Wilson, Motown artist/"Lady Sings The Blues" co-screen writer Chris Clark, and others). The L.A. Times did a story on Clark that reminded me what a compelling way she managed to weave her talents throughout Motown (as a white woman) during some of the label/movie company's integral moments  (www.chrisclarkinc.com).

Meanwhile, work is good. Post-production on the "Monica" project is going well.

My other long-standing clients have even been calling and though I've not been able to squeeze in any of their requests for my services (due to demands of my current schedule), it's good to know the calls are coming and will hopefully be coming when this current project wraps (or whenever I can squeeze a day or two into the mix. I'm all about a WIN-WIN!).

And I've also taken on a couple of quick turn-around assignments for 'ESSENCE' and 'Spelman College'. Stay tuned on those particulars when closer to roll-out. Though my project for 'ESSENCE' is for the November 2009 issue (details later), I - unrelated to this assignment - 'heard' (on the street. SMILE!) that my Miss Ross, her oldest daughter (with Berry Gordy) Rhonda, Rhonda's new baby boy (Miss Ross' first grandchild), and others in the Ross clan are supposed to pose for 'ESSENCE' cameras sometime soon. Will be great to see those shots as it was to see cover models, Miss Ross and Tracee Ellis Ross, a few years ago, on the iconic magazine's cover and inside the issue.
So, deadlines, premieres, and post-production... OH MY!... are on the horizon. There is still the uphill battle of managing the economics (especially as I have to pay for room/transportation in order to work out here on the West Coast). But things are improving... and it's all par for the course. Even when things show up a challenge, I continue to acknowledge that I AM BLESSED... and in the words of Langston Hughes, "Life is fine... Fine as wine... life is fine...".