A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

 

 

PRESIDENT OBAMA: MY MOREHOUSE BROTHER

Scheduling wouldn’t have me down in Atlanta at my alma mater as our President of the United States became a Morehouse brother.

Still, I sure felt like I was there as so many of my brethren and friends in attendance gifted me with the best play-by-play. There or not, what a proud day in the Life of Riley… and in THE WORLD! Shout out to BFF Elise Durham, Morehouse College’s Media Relations Manager who served as the primary liaison between my alma mater and The White House in preparing for this historic undertaking! CONGRATS, ELISE! And a SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to mother of my Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts: Dr. Anne Wimbush Watts, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of English at Morehouse who is leaving THE HOUSE (after 43 years) for her own new chapter.  Morehouse College unveiled an oil portrait of Dr. Anne W. Watts at Baccalaureate the day prior to Commencement. CONGRATULATIONS, DR. WATTS! MUCH DESERVED!

 

 

Won't HE do it? HAPPY TO CALL MYSELF MOREHOUSE MAN, hear!? Oh! And MOREHOUSE uncle!

 

SCANDAL

 Obviously, I was well-represented there while my own MOREHOUSE mystique was showing up elsewhere in the world - including THE PHILADELPHIA SUN:  http://www.philasun.com/news/4252/38/The-OMG-Show-Scandal-has-kicked-the-political-soap-opera-up-a-notch.html Shout out to writer/reporter Denise Clay for including some of my pop culture analysis in her The Philadelphia Sunday SUN cover story on the Scandal phenomenon. It reminded me that I shared a sweet moment recently in New York City with the hit show’s star Kerry Washington whose fabulosity went out to 9.1 million viewers for its finale the other night. NABJ brethren Roland Martin is also quoted. The ratings for the season finale hit an all-time high of 9.1 million viewers.

DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON

And while – through the rain - President Obama was speaking words of service, responsibility, and daring to the Universe’s 500 or so NEW MOREHOUSE MEN, I – through the rain – was hosting the main stage (afternoon shift) at Drums Along The Hudson: a Native American Festival and Multicultural Celebration - the afternoon of which I hosted (My friend, news anchor Sandra Bookman with WABC-TV, hosted the earlier part of the day, which included honors to Deborah Harvey-Koenigsberger.

(Deborah is Founder/President of Hearts of Gold charity to which I introduced Remy Martin, a sponsor for one of her recent fundraisers: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/11/19/golden-hearts.html);

Grammy-award-wnining singer/songwriter Joanne Shenandoah (Oneida); and author Doug George (Mohawk). "The rain is for the flowers! It'll only make us GROW," I exclaimed (a la Miss Ross Central Park circa '83) to the many who braved the stormy weather to enjoy live performances on the main stage. I got to introduce some awesome acts - including Kotchenga African Dance Company; Saung Budaya Indonesian Dance Group; and Samuel Le Heananff Quartet. And our girlfriend, artist Cynthia Bergos, and Ant (as his artist name Akhenaten) displayed their art for the attendees. Ant sold one of his Egyptian-inspired pieces: "Radiant Thinker" (2013 Egyptian Pop Series: Acrylic on raw canvas 3 x 2.5) 2013 - SOLD). This transaction turned one art patron's rainy day SUNNY! Congrats Ant! Shout out to my friends Frankie Edozien, Ed Roebuck, Matt Morgan, and many others who came out to support me. But primarily we were ALL there to support the cause and the creator and producer of the 11-year-old brainchild, Carl Nelson.

Good job, Carl!

COMING UP: BROADWAY INSPIRATIONAL VOICES – Sunday, June 2nd

I have several friends who are in and/or associated with the Broadway Inspirational Voices – including Miss Kimberly Jajuan who introduced me to the dynamic group! I’m so excited they’ve given me permission to share with you word on their upcoming  concert: Sunday June 2nd at First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem. THAT’S RIGHT! YOU HEARD IT HEAR (from the group’s fab press release): The Grammy-Nominated Broadway Inspirational Voices “Expect the Great” June 2^nd: Creator Michael McElroy (TONY nomination, BIG RIVER) will lead The Broadway Inspirational Voices in their 3rd Annual Spring concert to create an evening of hope, joy, and inspiration.  With members representing such shows as Motown: The Musical, The Lion King, Wicked, Spiderman, The Book of Mormon, Annie, Kinky Boots, and many more, “Expect the Great” will include a wide array of inspirational repertoire, including a few original pieces by McElroy. The one-night-only concert will be held on June 2nd at 7pm st at 8pm at the First Corinthian Baptist Church, located at 1912 7th Ave at 116th St.  Tickets are priced from $10-$100 and can be purchased by visiting: www.smarttix.com. A portion of the proceeds from this concert will go to BIV’s Educational Outreach Program.  BIV members participate in these outreach programs to provide music to children in need.  Through their music and community driven work, BIV is committed to providing children access to high quality and engaging music arts programs and resources. Broadway Inspirational Voices was originally founded by McElroy in 1994 as the Broadway Gospel Choir and in 1999 was reincarnated to its current form. In addition to numerous concerts, the group has performed on “The Rosie O’Donnell Christmas Special,” Broadway Sings Elton John, The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation Benefit, and The 2000 Tony Awards. The Broadway Inspirational Voices second album Great Joy: A Gospel Christmas was released on Sh-K-Boom Records in 2003 and received a Grammy Award nomination.”

BLACK GIRLS ROCK AND BURY THE RATCHET  – Tuesday, June 4th

International DJ and Black Girls Rock Founder and Executive Director, Beverly Bond  will present the Brooklyn community services human spirit award to Michaela angela Davis on Tuesday, June 4, 2013. You should come out and bear witness to two dynamic women and then some. The Brooklyn Community Services will host its annual BCS Human Spirit Awards at the Grand Hyatt-Manhattan Ballroom this year. 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. In addition to Michaela, BCS will honor another cultural leader who too calls Brooklyn his home: 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: http://bit.ly/ZVFgLS. #humanspirit2013

FRIENDS

CONGRATS to dear friend, fine artist Taha Clayton on his latest project: "Round Zero", an Exhibition of Paintings by Tim Okamura, Jerome Lagarrigue, Taha Clayton, & Joseph Adolphe in NY! We got to check out "Round Zero," a fine art exhibition, featuring Taha and crew at the Art Director’s Club in Manhattan.

Tim Okamura, Jerome Lagarrigue, Taha Clayton and Joseph Adolphe exhibited their latest work in a boxing-themed collection curated by Dexter Wimberly. The exhibition also served as the culmination of more than two years of documentation of these artists' creative journey by film-maker Jeff Martini, for an upcoming feature entitled "HEAVYWEIGHTPAINT," a segment of which was shot at the events. A portion of proceeds went to the Brotherhood / Sister Sol, a Harlem-based youth organization.  Artworks created by students from "Bro/Sis" were also on display at the event. (http://heavyweightpaint.com/)  and (http://www.brotherhood-sistersol.org)

Afterwards, we all gathered to toast my Nichole who is getting ready to embark on a fun journey of reinvention and relocation. Stay tuned! WE LOVE YOU, NICHOLE…

and of course, you and I are together forever – no matter where we are geographically.

Happy birthday to BFF Tommie Porter – husband of Mara Schiavocampo.

We all gathered in Harlem to toast Tommie;

enjoy cake and champagne; and – as always – to have a good time!

Shout out to my NABJ buddy Alicia Quarles – E! Entertainment News’ own!

She was standing next to me the opening night of "Motown: The Musical" - covering for E! News (as chronicled by my lens when I wasn't otherwise occupied).

She did the same when she wasn't busy and forwarded me some of the good ones while we awaited Tommie's arrival.

In addition to the highlight video of my work which you can check out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ, Alicia got some shots that were coming in from a whole other angle of which I wasn't aware.

Great shots, Alicia! 

EVEN MISS ROSS walking away...

THANK YOU!

Hi folks,

Shout out to ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 and its hosts Lola Ogunnaike and Shannon Lanier for having me on FRIDAY to talk GATSBY: the book, the film(s), the blueprint on hip hop!

HERE’S THE LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBT9mSmfmCo

GREAT TALK!

Last week, I was on to talk BROADWAY:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDxfe-hG_aY. In that segment, I predicted the iconic Cicely Tyson would be nominated for her role in Broadway's "The Trip to Bountiful". And she was!! YAY!

So, they played that clip and referenced my prediction the following day:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuJEs6ruin0.

Special shout out to Keyon Williams; my Amazing Grace Nichole Andrews; one of my NABJ BFFs Paula Witt; Eugenia Harvey; Gary Anthony Ramsay – just a few of the VILLAGE PEOPLE it has taken to get me on! And WOW! A CALL-BACK! Thanks ALL! @ARISETV360 #AE360

I’VE BEEN YAPPING A BIT OF LATE ON-AIR! LOL!: 

THIS JUST IN: Steampunk is invading popular culture. What exactly is steampunk? Well, 26 minutes into the show, please see my on-cam, pop culture weigh-in on the rise of steampunk in popular culture. Shout out to Nadja Thomas – producer/reporter of CUNY’s 219 West TV news magazine show that airs five times a month on channel 75. You can see it here: http://219tvmagazine.journalism.cuny.edu/2013/05/12/219-west-may-2013/. The show will live online and be promoted until our next show airs in another month. As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Please feel free to FWD/SHARE/BLAST OUT! XOXOXO 

SOME OF MY LATEST ON-CAM POP CULTURE:

 

1) I got an invite to do red carpet interviews on MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL's opening night for its cameras! YAY! LOL! Here’s the clip I host: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. AND THIS VIDEO IS LOOPING ON THE MONITORS OUTSIDE THE THEATER! WOW! LOL!

 

2) Other outlets picked up the raw footage:

http://www.reuters.com/video/2013/04/16/motown-memorialized-in-new-musical?videoId=242278913&videoChannel=3.

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=An_r_D2HM5Q.

3) My debut media impression on COZI-TV and NBC 4 a couple of weeks ago received raves as I weighed in - as pop culture expert - on BLACKS/BROADWAY:

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Pop-Culture-Expert-Patrick-Riley-on-Black-Broadway_New-York.html

COMING UP:

I just had a blast interviewing my friend Kenneth Carr this afternoon at his place. His new CD "Amazing Love" is coming out next month… and his management invited me to interview him for a promo video they will be using to promote its release. He recently released the video for his lead-off single “Brassing My Opinion” – shot and directed by my girlfriend Shareen King! It’s a huge hit – having already attracted upwards of 200,000 clicks on Kenny’s YOU TUBE channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNmTiAvVZW0. Follow @kennycarrmusic and www.facebookcom/kennethcarr. Purchase the single at Amazon, iTunes, Spotify,Google Play For Bookings contact thekingsdaughtersk@gmail.com. Stay tuned for the edited interview in the coming weeks! As Kenny knows singing is a sidelight for me, we not only reviewed his music-in-progress and music-completed, he let me play around with a track or few – one for which he wants me to write some lyrics – so we can record a track! Great SATURDAY!

As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Best & LOVE,

Patrick L. Riley

“A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities”

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog

          

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.  The gala is going to be an wonderful evening that begins with a cocktail reception at 6:30 PM; and the dinner and awards presentation at 7:30 PM. If you would like to join the Benefit Committee to support the BCS Human Spirit Awards, please call 718.310.5617 or email sshields@wearebcs.org.  The Human Spirit Awards is the biggest fundraiser to support the critical work of Brooklyn Community Services.  Proceeds from the Human Spirit Awards will support BCS's key programmatic areas, including: Early Childhood Development, Youth Education, Family Counseling, Job Training, Health and Wellness and Services for the Developmentally Disabled.  For more information about our work, please go to www.WeAreBCS.org.  

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

Well, I’m taking more and more meetings. So, something is bound to pop up as my WHAT'S NEXT goes. Meanwhile, I'm treading lightly in the spending department but no less enjoying what life has to offer.            

Sometimes spot work pops up that’s less about revenue and more about using my talents (as gifts) or building and/or maintaining relationships.

I am contributing my gift for writing the scripted word to the “6th Annual Black 2: Broadway Celebrates the Tony Awards”. My boy Kevin-Anthony puts it on every year and I’ve scripted it before (in years gone by): http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/6/13/from-black.html. This is an EXCITING year in which many folks of color are nominated for The Tony Award– including Denzel Washington and Viola Davis (for “Fences”); Lillias White, one of 11 nominations for “Fela”; and David Alan Grier for “RACE”. Along with these nominations for the 64th Annual Tony Awards, this year’s special Black 2: Broadway event is co-hosted by Adrian Bailey & Coleman Domingo who Ant and I got to know during his run in Broadway’s “Passing Strange”.

The event I’m working on with Kevin-Anthony is honoring the Broadway Production of “Sophisticated Ladies” along with my friend, Choreographer Kenneth Roberson & “The AUDELCO Organization”. Both will be receiving our Vanguard Award for their contributions & excellence in uplifting & supporting our theater community of color and beyond. The night will round out with the outstanding talents of Ty Stephens, Alyson Williams, Kimberly Nicole just to name a few.

There will be hors d’oeuvres, great dinner buffet, dessert, amazing musical selections and whole lot of fun. For more information, www.black2broadway.com and www.b2productins.xbuild.com. The last time Kevin-Anthony reached out to me, it was November last year… and the request was for me to sing Diana Ross’ “The Boss” to its composers Ashford & Simpson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbI1qEM_k8k). Though not my shining moment (as a singer: http://216.117.188.141/rileyshowforkodjoe.wmv and http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/video/video.php?v=390384328736&ref=mf, it was a lot of FUN to sing for them at GOSPEL UPTOWN where this special Tony-viewing event is held as well.  

Speaking of MISS ROSS, she performed this past week at a SOLD OUT Radio City Music Hall. And as you know, I’d been COUNTING DOWN to the moment. And what a MAGICAL MOMENT it was. The day started at Bard High School Early College where I spoke at an assembly that LIVE OUT LOUD organized (www.liveoutloud.info). You recall, I speak to kids all over the New York City area for LIVE OUT LOUD which mentors, provides scholarships, and promotes awareness around LGBT issues for all students. This auditorium - filled with spirited students - had great comments and questions. After I shared one particular anecdote re: one of my late, great mentors Tom Morgan (for whom I got to sing "Wind Beneath My Wings" before his passing), a student asked me to sing it to them (They gave me a standing ovation). I dedicated it not only to the memory of Tom but to these teenagers who seem to really have a grasp on what they are (more courageously than me...at their age). And I mean the gay teens AND the straight teens. GREAT GROUP OF YOUNG FOLKS!

Then, I had a quick, pre-show drink at THERAPY.

Mario and Derrick invited Ant and me to pop by as Mario was preparing to see 'RACE' on Broadway.

 RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL for MISS ROSS' SOLD-OUT show is where we were going!

She was FABULOUS!

Two of her three daughters Rhonda & Chudney were in the house along with one of her two sons Ross.

I got a pic with Chudney.

Of course, I've gotten shots with Rhonda before.

And Tracee.

I’ve known Ern since 7^th grade (1982) and he’s known my Miss Ross-jones since that time. But of my 25 times seeing Miss Ross, he’s never been. So, for his February birthday, I promised him a ticket (This, before I even knew Ross was – for sure – going on tour).

Then, Ant – of course – had to be there. And so many other friends I know through our collective love of DIANA - including my Frankie. Scott.

 And Dustin.

And Bernard.

 Just too many to name here.

 

 

But I must acknowledge my Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts accompanied me (also my birthday gift to him). He reviewed the show VIA his new Facebook page for his concert reviews... “LIVE! from Front Row”!!!  Please join his Facebook page... and you don't have to be ON Facebook to see the Diana Ross review!!!   

To read the review of Diana Ross' Radio City Music Hall show:  http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=393390688541

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

And of course, YOU TUBE (www.youtube.com) can show you an excerpt here or there. But MISS ROSS has proven again that there’s nothing like seeing her LIVE. She TRULY REIGNS SUPREME!

Have you picked up your JUNE issue of ESSENCE Magazine (www.essence.com) with Taraji P. Henson on the cover? I’d mentioned this before, but a friend just called to say they saw the resource guide for Black fathers I wrote and compiled for ESSENCE, my 2^nd by-line since November (when I did a series of interviews with top thinkers on the shifting image of African American men in the era of Obama). It’s on p. 160...just below an awesome piece my NABJ sister Katti Gray wrote.

This past weekend, I put on my media consulting hat. I supervised a session to help a friend navigate some new career decisions. Then, my friend Ron Smith invited me to meet fab Chicago-based designer Borris Powell (www.borrispowell.com) at The Bryant Park Hotel. He does amazing dresses and coats/jackets. And in the house - at his suite - were many old industry friends like Dynelle as well as a round of new buddies - including model Cole who Ant and I remembered seeing in a few shows - including Miquel Antoinne and R. Scott French. Also, not intentionally, there was a host of SCORPIOS in the house (go figure). And that number included fashion photographer Antonio Anobile. Ant and his 'Wendy' co-worker Jaz came by too.

Later in the weekend, Ant and I accepted an invite to New Rochelle from my Amazing Grace Nichole and her New Ro buddies. They were throwing a garage sale. FUN TIMES! Afterwards, we went to Chat 19 American Grill for some delicious cuisine before turning in.

Then, Sunday, we did DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON. This is an event my Carl Nelson produces every year (www.drumsalongthehudson.org/). He even booking me to host portions of the program in years gone by. This year, Ant – who has worked for the event before – and I were simply guests. Refreshing! The over-riding host is Sandra Bookman. Always a JOY! And my co-host from last year is Tetiana Anderson and she held down the fort brilliantly – including her tribute to Melky Jean, Wyclef's sister (www.carmafoundation.org). BFF Brian's girl Kelli and her son Jonathan joined us - after which we grabbed a lovely bite with her homegirl Emily at El Paso Restaurante Mexicano in Harlem. Then, an early evening back at home... getting ready for the week which includes my nephew coming up to NYC to find his permanent digs (The recent graduate from Morehouse College has a 1^st gig awaiting him here in Manhattan). Last week, Ant and I enjoyed a marathon-of-a-weekend in Atlanta – all centered around my nephew’s graduation. It was so great to see the family. And many of us were in the house. But before Ant and I got around to family time, we got to hang out with our friend Lamoh. He's the buddy with whom I hung out all last summer. Many of his friends were shooting "Real Housewives of Atlanta". I was field and story producing "Monica: Still Standing". And he and I actually met while I was shooting "Frankie & Neffe". He works alongside Dwight Eubanks... and manages all of his appearances. 

He took Ant & me to "Blakes on the Park" (Piedmont) where we stumbled into Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty's older sister on the now-canceled show). She is shooting a movie in ATL and was so SWEET - even remembering a recent story she read in The Huffington Post that named Morehouse one of the most grueling (academically challenging) colleges in the nation (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/12/the-most-grueling-college_n_574120.html); ALSO, Lamoh - my first call when I hit ATL - took Ant and me out later... to MIXX (in Ansley Mall).Then, we had to get our Taco Cabana on.

This is Latisha, who served us l-l-l-lovely cocktails during our drive by Blakes.

Ant and I also got some down-time at my sister Janice’s place with her husband Vincent, my cousin Felecia, and her husband Skip. My "original Amazing Grace" (BFF) Natalie stopped by my sister Janice's place to say HI with her gorgeous and smart girls Hannah and Lydia in tow. Though I'd left their Christmas presents with my sister, she and Nat hadn't connected yet. So, they got CHRISTMAS IN MAY! LOL! Since I hosted a "The Princess & The Frog" event for NABJ back in August (http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/NABJDisneyMagic.wmv), I received a lot of SWAG from Disney that I just knew the girls would enjoy! "Uncle" Ant threw in some stuff as well. His paternal energies were shining through. We also had to make time to meet BABY GAVIN, another of my BFF Chandra's 'baby love'! Everyone thought Ant was the father! FUTURE MOREHOUSE MAN? So, GREAT to spend time with our Chandra.

Ant and I also got to hang out with our friend Aaron and a buddy of his at my once-Atlanta-home-away-from-home "The TWELVE Hotel - Atlantic Station". We enjoyed some BBQ Pizza and special cocktails - including my kir royale which the servers knew to prepare for me from my time there last summer while shooting "Monica: Still Standing" and "Frankie & Neffe".

My nephew Herman L. Riley III (Noot, I call him) is now a MOREHOUSE MAN (c/o 2010). And since MOREHOUSE, too, is my ALMA MATER, I saw many ‘brothers’ - including Mike Bryant and Kevin Ross. I even got the chance to sing along with the rest of the Morehouse College Glee Club (on our annual tradition:  "Prayer" from Lohengrin and "Dear Old Morehouse"). And to that, I saw many of my professors – including Dr. David Morrow who directs The Morehouse College Glee Club of which I was a member.

Pappadeux was the backdrop for our post-graduation brunch. There, I actually got to see my Dad and reflect a little on 1992 when I became a Morehouse Man... and many of these same players were in attendance for me. And Ant and I got to talk to the many who came to celebrate my nephew - including my cousins Felecia and Sylathea who've known me since I was a baby. They shared all the tid-bits with him. The food was great! The cake was awesome (my sister's brainchild)! And what a blessing to all be together again... for such an OPTIMISTIC gathering! I LOVE YOU ALL!

MEANWHILE, CONRATS to aforementioned Morehouse brother Michael K. Watts on raising $7,000 (of $5.7 million overall) for AIDS Walk. WHAT A HUGE SUCCESS! He reports that over 45,000 people walked the 6.2 mile route which began in Central Park then circled around the Upper West Side and back into the park. Thanks to the funds raised, the Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) and over 30 other tri-state area AIDS service organizations can continue helping thousands of people living with HIV and AIDS and their families year after year.  GO, MIKE GO!