A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

TEA CAKE’S LEGACY

I'll soon be wrapping up a freelance project with recurring producing client; still managing some other projects for which I'm being retained; and will - of course - take any meetings for any other good-fit fare. Meanwhile, PLEASE check out my latest on-cam/on-the-mic hosting duties via this link: http://www.thegreenespace.org/events/thegreenespace/2012/sep/17/their-eyes-were-watching-god-teacakes-legacy/. Over the past year, The Greene Space has produced a series of events to honor the 75th anniversary of Zora Neale Hurston’s seminal novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God.” These events included panels with such luminaries as Sonia Sanchez, Ruby Dee, and Alice Walker, as well as a live radio drama recording featuring Phylicia Rashad, Ruben Santiago Hudson, and Leslie Uggams. I covered much of it – including an awesome panel earlier this year: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/1/27/black-tales.html.  To culminate this series of events, The Greene Space produced a panel discussion that looks at the work through a male lens (as in "Tea Cake"). I moderated the multi-platform discussion for NY Public Radio (with on-line video streaming technology as well) at The Greene Space located in SoHo...and what a great time we had waxing philosophical - from the male perspective - about "Teacake and Janie". My guests included award-winning poet and author Carl Hancock Rux (who doubled as panelist and poet - performing an original work entitled "Windows" commissioned by the Jerome L. Greene Performance Space); Caldecott-award-winning writer Arthur Yorinks (who adapted "Their Eyes Were Watching God" for The Greene Space's radio drama); Brandon Dirden who played Teacake in the radio drama and is currently starring in Topdog/Underdog at Two Rivers Theater. And my namesake and long-time friend Patrik Henry Bass, senior editor of Essence magazine. Was also a pleasure to be stage managed by dear friend Nikki Johnson who is ALWAYS THE BEST!     

WORKIN' OVERTIME 

Another spot ON-CAM gig I did recently is host the red carpet launch of UBC-TV NETWORKS – freshly launched channel out of Harlem.

So far, I've only hosted their launch event: https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=295251087249668. I may continue to do spot personality work for the promising start-up, but will not be hosting any of its first roll-out shows as originally reported. BIGGEST OF CONGRATULATIONS to Peggy Dodson and her team!

ROBBIE & TIM ARE BACK!

We’ve been singing the praises of OWN’s “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s” since before it hit the airwaves – having met Miss Robbie and Tim when they came to NYC to promote it last year: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/11/10/put-me-to-the-test.html.  Now, it’s an undeniable HIT! www.oprah.com/sweetiepies.  A gathering recently at Newark’s Loft 47 Bistro (www.loft47bistro.com)  brought Ant and me back in the company of our favorites, Miss Robbie and Tim – both of whom showed us LOTS OF LOVE when they saw us in the room. Tim even shouted us out to the rest of those in attendance. Also, I stumbled into a childhood role model, Cheryl Washington, whose works on “Showbiz TONIGHT” in the ‘80s/’90s is one of my inspirations for being in the biz. CONGRATS, Miss Robbie and Tim. See you soon! #SWEETIE PIES #NEWARK

TASHA SMITH, NATALIE COLE, VANESSA WILLIAMS, & MORE!

Back in February 2012 during Fashion Week, I'd mentioned that one of my BFFs Carl Nelson invited me to experience designer OMAR SALAM's Four Seasons Hotel presentation. Well, Omar was selected as the top designer to show his Spring Summer 2013 Collection in this year's Harlem Fashion Row (http://www.harlemsfashionrow.com/HFR2012Invite/), which is a true honor.

The show took place at the Jazz and Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall. Inside the packed house of 400 people or so, my many industry friends and fam - from too many walks of my life to mention, but all of whom I've chronicled in my blog.

Was also cool to see my BFF Sidra's identical twin Tasha Smith of Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married?" & & "For Better or For Worse" uber-fame; VH-1's hit "Hollywood Exes"-own Nicole Murphy (who was Omar's star model); the LEGENDARY Natalie Cole; and - OMG! - one of my AB FABs Vanessa Williams!!!  

Worth also noting that my Amazing Grace BFF Mara Schiavocampo (who adds adjunct journalism grad school professor to her already-impressive credential as NBC News Correspondent) invited me to join her for a pre-Fashion-Show cocktail at Stone Rose Lounge AND our girlfriend from Norway Elisabeth Blix was in town to keep the party going - from the event to the Hudson Hotel's courtyard terrance to Club Therapy.

MY SIDRA & ANGELA DAVIS

CONGRATS to my BFF Sidra Smith - one of the producers on "Free Angela & All Political Prisoners", which premiered at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival at Toy Thompson Hall in Toronto. Will Smith; Jada Pinkett Smith, and Jay Z are Executive Producers on the compelling project directed by Shola Lynch. <I smell OSCAR! LOL!> http://movies.yahoo.com/photos/2012-toronto-film-festival-premieres-slideshow/free-angela-political-prisoners-premiere-20120909-235628-706.html

TYRA BANKS, THE HAMPTONS, AND MORE

Sure, Tyra Banks was among the guests...but we all felt like Superstars as a chariot took 50 or so of us from NYC to The Hamptons one recent weekend to celebrate Red-Rooster's own Derek Fleming who has been a friend for over ten years now - from Brooklyn to Chicago and now-Harlem, we've shared some fun and thoughtful times. I'm honored to have been invited to participate in this fete alongside many Harlem friends, Red Rooster owner Marcus Samuelson, and a host of others. GREAT NIGHT - chockful of new and old friends!

DR. RONA ALLEN, HERVE AIMABLE, AND MORE!

Shout out to our friend Trevor Hartmon and MR. Kofi Bannerman for inviting us to a private jazz party with lots of great networking energy in the midst. The organic night was held at the beautiful Englewood, NJ home of Michael J. Torres and Dr. Rona Allen whose stage name includes the name of the ensemble she leads “Rona Allen’s In the Light Band” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6S1xSOtpOLg).  And other special musicians performed as well. What a special evening with a house full of FABULOUS people – including my friend Herve Aimable (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/3/28/love-is-in-control-finger-on-the-trigger.html)! Thanks Trevor and Kofi… and our neighbors Michael and Dr. Rona!

ALICIA IN NYC

A friend and actual co-worker since 2000 until just –last year by way of my recurring client in ChicagO, I was so excited to dine alfresco with friend-for-life Alicia Bailey who is currently a diva-promo-producer at HGTV in Knoxville, TN. In town for business, she popped by my current, recurring client (this week) in NYC to say HI (to two more former Harpo pros with whom I’m currently enjoying some professional Summer/Fall 2012 days at our mutual client BET, Ramona & Blair). To punctuate our reunion: crab cakes and Caesar salad at The Bryant Park Grill where we ran into what some say is Mr. Obama’s doppelganger, but I know him as “brother”: my Morehouse brother Imar Hutchins who happens to also be a “Son of Oprah” who I had a hand (and many feet) in producing at one of her big SURPRISE FAREWELL shows: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150194744863737&set=a.10150194744438737.310643.662073736&type=3&theater.

CELESTE RIP

As I readied for a project I am working on in the city, THE READING OF THE NAMES was - of course - on! My friend; editor; and fellow NYABJ/NABY member Celeste Victora was in the number in 2001. This cut-away of her BEAUTIFUL FACE this morning stilled me! Here are my thoughts from that week in 2001: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/a-letter-from-ground-zero-91101.html  RIP to Celeste and ALL OF THOSE WE LOST!

LABOR DAY FUN!

SUNDAE SERMON!

KARAOKE!

Summer's done but KARAOKE FUN is still going down - in a new location TenthRail Lounge - hosted by my former-fellow-NO-PARKING host (while I was doing ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY at NATIVE): MARIO!!!! Every MONDAY, you should pop by from 7p-12am! Happy Hour! Food! Drink specials of the FROZEN kind! AND MORE! GO MARIO! GO!

CARLOS KING & JAMIE FOSTER BROWN

My FAB friend Jamie Foster Brown features our beloved Carlos King in this month's Sister 2 Sister Magazine! AWESOME PROFILE! Proud to call him friend and happy his lens has even captured me a time or two when he was producing on the team that chronicled the behind-the-scenes of my Chicago client's last season. CONGRATS CARLOS KING! XO

CHRIS TUCKER & THE APOLLO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Announcement:
AEG Live Presents:
Guess Who’s Back Tour
Chris Tucker
Live at the
Apollo Theater

Thursday, December 13 and Friday, December 14 Both Shows at 8pm

Tickets Go on Sale Friday, September 21st at 10AM


(New York NY, September 17, 2012) – Comedian and actor Chris Tucker will make a triumphant return to stand up comedy with his Guess Who’s Back Tour presented by AEG Live. As part of the tour, Tucker will take the Apollo Theater stage for two nights on Thursday, December 13 and Friday, December 14 at 8pm. Tickets will go on sale Friday, September 21st at 10am.

Hailed as one of the funniest comics in the industry, Tucker is no stranger to the Apollo stage. At the beginning of his career, Tucker performed at Apollo’s legendary Amateur Night and would come back o the Theater several times throughout his career including as host of the Apollo’s Annual Spring Gala in 2007. This performance will mark the comedian/actor’s first time headlining a show at the legendary Theater.

Tickets are $49.50 and $69.50 and are available at www.apollotheater.org; in person at the Apollo Theater Box Office, 125th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues; over the phone at 212/531-5305 or (800) 745-3000; and on www.ticketmaster.com.

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!