A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

        BROADWAY GIVEAWAY!!!

HI FOLKS! THANKS to ALL OF YOU who SO ENTHUSIASTICALLY put your names in to be considered for a FREE PAIR of TICKETS to see the Broadway production of ROMEO AND JULIET (www.RomeoAndJulietBroadway.com) -  – featuring Orlando Bloom and two-time Tony Award nominee Condola Rashad (STICK FLY, THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL). CONGRATS to THE ABIAHS (Jermiah & MaameYaa Abiah) whose names were drawn to receive a FREE DATE for two on Broadway with the revival of Shakespeare’s ROMEO AND JULIET.  

Well, I promised another giveaway to a Broadway show! PLEASE READ ALL THE WAY THROUGH FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO SEE the forthcoming Broadway production of A TIME TO KILL (www.ATimeToKillOnBroadway.com).

BUT MORE ON THAT AFTER THIS LATEST, SUPER-SIZED EDITION OF “…THE LIFE OF RILEY…” (LOTS GOING ON!):

MY LIFE AFTER DEBUT

SET YOUR DVR, FOLKS! I am EXCITED that K2 Pictures (http://www.k2pictures.com/) invited me to weigh in (as pop culture analyst) on about a half-dozen pop culture subjects for TV ONE’s “LIFE AFTER” (http://www.tvone.tv/shows/life_after.html) i.e. Clifton Davis, Jimmie Walker, LeVar Burton, Maia Campbell, and Shereé Whitfield. I am THRILLED to be featured in the upcoming season with other “LIFE AFTER” regulars – including friends Clay Cane; Flo Anthony; and SouLeO. Here’s the season’s fantastic line-up of Life After: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Life-After/266689690047:

September 11 at 8pm - Sheryl Lee Ralph and also September 11 at 8:30pm - Clifton Davis

September 18 at 8pm - Shirley Murdock

September 25 at 8pm -  Jimmie Walker

October 2 at 8pm - Adina Howard

October 9 at 8pm - LeVar Burton

October 16 at 8pm - Maia Campbell

October 23 at 8pm - Shereé Whitfield

Please tune into this season of Life After and let me know your thoughts!

TWITTER: @patarack @tvonetv

Speaking of TV ONE, MY COUSIN Kea Middleton is cranking up her acting career in The Rickey Smiley Show! A STAR IS BORN! Did you miss Friday's episode of The Rickey Smiley Show? Watch it online now! http://bit.ly/14nIUfr Great job, cuz! I LOVE YOU!!! #therickeysmileyshow

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL

My MOTOWN THE MUSICAL Opening Night Video is still getting lots of mileage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! I’m currently awaiting word on if I’ll be hosting another video that chronicles the NYC-based auditions for MOTOWN THE MUSICAL’s touring company. Now's your chance to see if you have what it takes to join the cast of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL! Auditions will run in New York and Chicago in September. Learn more at http://www.motownthemusical.com/#audition-page Stay tuned for casting announcements and hopefully an upcoming video starring me.

CRAZY, SEXY LIFE.

I say little about my long-standing association with OWN and HARPO – my longest-standing client to-date (since 1998). But this new era of social media has allowed me a shout out or two to that tier of my work-load. With that, I want to shout out my girlfriend Chenoa Maxwell! Her new show #CRAZYSEXYLIFE on #OWNTV is blasting off on the air of my recurring client. BIG CONGRATS! http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/own-orders-new-docu-series-crazysexylife-starring-chenoa-maxwell-kiyah-wright-others SHOULD BE CRAZY. SEXY. And what a LIFE? Proud of you and the ladies! And now LIFE OF RILEY knows where we were the other month? LOL! GO OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/6/9/magic-2-do.html #own #crazysexylife #oprah

SUMMER FUN WRAP-UP

As our LIFE sometimes inter-twines with the FABULOSITY of Miss Chenoa Maxwell, I figured this a good place to digest the last couple of weeks --- FILLED WITH SUMMER FUN:

1. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ISOUL! Great to CELEBRATE the BIG 4-0 of my Morehouse brother and friend ISOUL HARRIS (Editor-in-Chief of UPTOWN MAGAZINE)! Great fun, food, and festivities at Bagatelle in NYC’s meat-packing district! @bagatelleNYC HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, SIR! AM SO PROUD OF YOU! #blackdontcrack
2. OLD FRIENDS: Got to reconnect with another NABJ BFF Brian Henderson recently while he was in town from DC for business. He met up with Ant and me at our friend Bobby Roache's Union Square pad, once the digs of Andy Warhol. And he got in Motown: The Musical! Our girlfriend Patrice got to her BOUNTIFUL on when last she was in town. Ant and I also took her out on the town. And our girlfriend Carla has been visiting us in NYC for years: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/9/19/waiting-in-the-wings-dreaming-along-the-way.html. And of course, we always spend time together during the winter holidays: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/1/3/georgia-holiday-diary-2012-hny.html.  This time in NYC, she brought Cousin Kim (out of Chicago). Derrick joined us too. And we all had a blast! As usual, FUN FUN FUN! They went to MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL and TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL on Broadway! We enjoyed a nice meal at VNYL! We did some karaoke at DUETS’s. Come Sunday, we enjoyed a festive brunch at YOTEL followed by more karaoke - at RADIO STAR this time! HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND, EVERYBODY!

3. MC LYTE & PAUL WHARTON: “Real Housewives of DC”s Paul Wharton invited Ant and me to his NYC pad, the Mercedes House, for a gathering of friends – old and new – including MC Lyte, my Sidra, and a pad full of fun folks – enjoying each other and the final days of summer: good food; the best wine and champagne; and Paul’s Janet Jackson “Rhythm Nation” (video to boot) and my Diana’s “The Boss” from Caesar’s Palace (circa 1979 a la You Tube)! #justawednesdayinnyc

SPECIAL SHOUT OUTS

1.  MARGOT B

HBO’s hit show “Boardwalk Empire” is introducing a new character this season: Maitland (played by Margot Bingham)… and you can tune your ears to Daughter Maitland’s voice here – an exclusive preview from the Boardwalk Empire Vol. 2 Soundtrack: http://itsh.bo/1cacYAo To the music connoisseurs out there, you will know this amazing talent as my friend Miles Anthony Williams' client MARGOT B! But the actress inside that same multi-talented diva is Margot Bingham – actress and, again, now-“Boardwalk Empire”s "Daughter Maitland". This season! #hbo #boardwalkempire #margotb #margotbingham CONGRATS, MILES!

1.  RICK BLALOCK

Shout out to my friend (for years): Mr. Rick Blalock! His latest book “THE GOP CIVIL WAR: Inside the Battle for the Soul of the Republican Party” is now available on Amazon.com. It is an e-book about the ongoing infighting in the Republican Party and its impact on all of us. He wrote the book with his Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity brothers Eric Ham and Carl Walton. If you are on Twitter, please send them a tweet right now, with a question about America, and the future, and the upcoming presidential election. Tweet to #THEGOPCIVILWAR. PLEASE BUY THE BOOK BY CLICKING THIS LINK, and help Rick and his team become #1 on Amazon's bestseller list for political books! It's only $3.99! CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE YouTube VIDEO ABOUT THE BOOK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s93pJ8K4fpQ. Follow @theGOPcivilwar today, and tell your friends and colleagues to do the same. For more info go to www.thegopcivilwar.com. CONGRATS RICK!

1.  4 LITTLE GIRLS – PROJECT 1 VOICE

I write here all the time about the good work of PROJECT 1 VOICE (www.project1voice.org) – Founded by my friend Erich McMillan who invited me last year to be a part of the staged reading AMEN CORNER (by James Baldwin): http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/7/30/young-solo-savannah-voice.html.

Well, the movement continues: September 15th, 2013 is the 50th anniversary of the Four Little Girl's Church bombing, 16th Street Baptist Church! Directed by Phylicia Rashad, and performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C..****Tickets will be distributed  at 5 p.m. on September 15 for the 6 p.m. performance.  http://www.kennedy-center.org/events/?event=XNFOU

The Deadly Church Bombing Was the Turning Point in The Civil Rights Movement! FOR MORE INFORMATION on the many ways you can be a part – even from your mobile device, click on PROJECT 1 VOICE (www.project1voice.org).                   

BASKETBALL WIFE – CHARLES REESEShout out to my Morehouse brother Charles Reese and the cast of "BASKETBALL WIFE" – a TV SHOW that is the offspring of a web series. The promotional materials, according to Creator, Emmy-award-winning producer Michael Ajakwe, Jr., state: “A lot of people in the industry don't take web series as serious as they should. My new tv sitcom was adapted from my online sitcom that I wrote-directed-produced in 2009 called ..."Who..." that you can watch full 5-7 minute episodes on www.Ajakwetv.com for as little as $1. Without the web comedy series, there is no tv comedy series. So if you have a web series, you are sitting on gold if you can envision it working in anther medium as I did with mine”. Here is the trailer for "Who...": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ1RPQn00tw.

BROADWAY GIVEWAY!!! 

WITH THAT NEWS COMES NOW ONE PAIR OF COMP TICKETS FOR THE “…LIFE OF RILEY…” READER WHO WANTS TO SEE the forthcoming Broadway production of A TIME TO KILL (www.ATimeToKillOnBroadway.com).

Tony® Award-winning playwright Rupert Holmes’ stage adaptation of the John Grisham bestselling novel holds the distinction of being the first-ever John Grisham property adapted to the stage. The production, directed by Ethan McSweeny, features Sebastian Arcelus, Chike Johnson, Patrick Page, Tony Award® winner Tonya Pinkins, Emmy Award® winner Tom Skerritt, Fred Dalton Thompson, John Douglas Thompson, and Ashley Williams.

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS:

1. SEND AN EMAIL TO: patarack@hotmail.com NO LATER THAN THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12^TH at MIDNIGHT.
2. On FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13^TH (no later than NOON), I’ll choose – RANDOMLY – a name from that batch of emails and will – in turn – send the WINNER a ticket voucher for you to select a performance date that works for you.
3. You will EMAIL that form to the box office which will confirm and hold tickets for you at will call. EASY, RIGHT?
4. Let me hear from you at patarack@hotmail.com. GOOD LUCK… and SEE YOU AT THE THEATER!

A TIME TO KILL begins performances September 28 at The John Golden Theatre.

As always, FOLKS: THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

RIP JEAN STAPLETON

 http://youtu.be/WUoJvhQrbjk Edith Bunker from All in the Family is how we will ALL remember this GENIUS of an ACTRESS. But CIRCA 1991 my Morehouse College Glee Club brothers and I got the chance to share the stage with her on Kennedy Center Honors as we all honored Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus’ Conductor and Composer Robert Shaw. We often speak of the glee club’s performance of our signature work, "Betelehemu" – prior to which I got to give a spoken tribute: http://youtu.be/yZF2iK2VOY8. But the final number in the tribute would have us joined by members of the The Choral Arts Society of Washington, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus, the Singing Sailors of the Navy and special guests Silvia McNair and Jean Stapleton (former member of the Collegiate Chorale under the direction of Robert Shaw)! GOD IS GOOD! THANK YOU FOR INTRODUCING US TO JEAN STAPLETON who my brethren Bobby P-Grew reminds me we were all TOO EXCITED to meet (along with Walter Cronkite; Carol Burnett; and many others!).

TV ONE’S “LIFE AFTER”

K2 Pictures invited me to weigh in on three of their “LIFE AFTER” subjects for TV ONE. They seemed to have pulled from my vision board of pop culture muses from the ‘70s – so we had a blast taping those. Was also great to stumble into screenwriter/artist/actress and all-around-RENAISSANCE WOMAN Tina Andrews who was taping some reflections of her own for "Life After". Also, I ran into friend Klay Kane who has been in the pop-culture-expert mix of "Life After" since its inception. I consider it a total honor to be folded into the mix. Stay tuned for more info on all of this. The new season of “LIFE AFTER” starts mid-September – including what of my interviews they will excerpt and sprinkle throughout those episodes.

BROADWAY INSPIRATIONAL VOICES

It was ONE NIGHT ONLY but many NIGHTS in the making: Grammy-Award-nominee Michael McElroy and the Broadway Inspirational Voices' EXPECT THE GREAT performance at Harlem's First Corinthian Baptist Church. AND IT WAS BEYOND BEYOND!!!! Worth noting high up that BIV's management is Entertainment Creative Management AKA childhood BFF Ernest Maynor... and dear friend Kimberly JaJuan...and the fine choir's PR is done by my girl Marcia Pendelton. In attendance, many of Broadway's Tony-Award royalty including Class of 2013's nominees Charl Brown ("Smokey Robinson" in MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL ...as well as the "Berry Gordy", Brandon Victor Dixon) and my fav-for-years-now Billy Porter (in the top-nominated production this year "Kinky Boots" - including a nod for him); Marva Hicks led BIV brilliantly with "Jesus Can Work It Out"; the-LEGENDARY Leslie Uggams; another industry buddy Angela Robinson who stars in my recurring client OWN's new hit via Tyler Perry: "The Haves and Have Nots" (which debuted to redefining numbers for network start-up OWN); Tony darling Adrianne Lenox (whose credit in "Double Platinum" with MY MISS ROSS and Brandy I always have to note) and singer extraordinnaire a la "The Color Purple" church ladies Virginia A. Woodruff; Erich McMillan - President and Founder of Project 1 Voice which I had the chance to participate in as a narrator in last year's "Amen Corner" (www.project1voice.org).(And look for "Four Little Girls" on September 15th across America (a commemoration of the 50th years since the bombing of the Birmingham church which killed the four African American girls during the strain of the Civil Rights Movement); Disney superstars Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman - the latter of whom helped me win MILLION DOLLAR PASSWORD a few years ago (WAS GREAT TO RECCONNECT WITH HER since 2009: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/7/9/aint-no-mountain-high-enough.html); and a host of other FAB and FAMILIAR FACES from the repository of BROADWAY and all of the associated industries of which I am a part! Tony-award-winning actress Phylicia Rashad is Chairperson of BIV's Board of Directors. #missedthechoirinchurch P.S. Afterwards, many of us gathered at NYC's Public Authority bowling alley to TOAST Broadway's BEST, my friend Norm Lewis who - just last year - was Tony-nominated for his role in "Porgy and Bess". Visit BIV at www.broadwayinspirationalvoices.org. Special shout out to my brother D'Ambrose Boyd who captured beautiful images from the amazing evening of MUSIC and PRAISE! HALLELUJAH! AMEN! LOVE! LIGHT!

MOTOWN TO DEF JAM: AN ART GALLERY TOUR

Of course, these last few months have been all about MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. Meanwhile, I am super excited that the fabulous diva, Meli'sa Morgan will join the Motown to Def Jam: An Art Gallery Tour (curated by Sou L Eo) on Saturday June 15. Meli'sa Morgan will perform live at the reception! We announced last week that I am joining the tour-guide-team for the special day. During the tour, I am going to weigh in with some good pop culture anecdotes on the ICONIC music and artists of OUR TIME and OUR HISTORY! Purchase your tickets here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/366026 For more information and to purchase tickets please visit: www.artcrawlharlem.com.

RUTHY VALDEZ’S ORANGE 67 “SWALLOW”

Was nice to pop into Harlem for a little “Amy Ruth” (and catch-up chat and chew with Morehouse brother Mario) preceded by the chance to meet fine artist Ruthy Valdez @ruthy_valdez. She showcased and sold her artwork at my friend Carl Nelson’s Drums Along The Hudson event which I had a hand in co-hosting the other week: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/5/20/rain-for-flowers.html. You’ll recall, Ant sold one of his masterpieces. Well, 67 Orange Street (TWITTER - @67OrangeStreet) is the back-drop for Ruthy’s latest show “Swallow” which compliments the speak-easy’s finest signature cocktails (and food menu) to a T. We also got the chance to meet artist Ruben Zambrano whose work can be seen on INSTAGRAM via @rubenz_art. Shout out to 67 Orange owner Karl Franz Williams and one of his mixologists, Garrett Lee Hendricks (friend and actor). His “Color Purple” cocktail is WONDERFUL!

KARAOKE IN METUCHEN

Shout out to Bernard Jablonka and Danielle Andrea Simone Knight on hosting our ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY KARAOKE BLAST! Backdrop: their beautiful home in Metuchen, New Jersey! They - as usual - attract friends and family from FAR & NEAR - including Bernard's cousin (and friend) from The Netherlands! GREAT FOOD (homemade THAI); GREAT DRINKS; and GREAT ENERGY (folks singing and friends coming together ONE MORE TIME)! THANKS FOLKS for the GOOD TIMES! XOXOOXOX

MEMORIAL DAY WITH MERRELL

Shout out to Merrell for getting those of us who were still in NYC (or back in NYC by Memorial Day Monday) together for delicious food (shrimp, chicken, burgers, rips, and more);great entertainment (or enjoyable fare for a room full of ‘opinionated’ folks! LOL!): HBO Film “Behind the Candelabra” – the story of LIBERACE (which I call the “Mommie Dearest” of our time! NO SHADE! It’s really good… and what an AWESOME cast); and a FUN ROOM of our usual suspects and some FUN surprise guests! ALWAYS A GOOD TIME with Merrell about whom I’m ALWAYS yapping because I’m so PROUD of my Georgia homebody! @makeupbymerrell is Wendy Williams' makeup artist and cosmetics icon his own right in the industry. He is quite the muse du jour for me as he takes his brand to the next level. #makeupbymerrell

VISIT OAKLAND

My friend from the National Association of Black Journalists Kim Bardakian is Director of PR & Partnerships for "Visit Oakland" (visitoakland.org) and while in town to discuss various story angles about Oakland (cuisine, arts, citywide renaissance), she met up with some of us Lounge 48. WSJ's Lee Hawkins; fellow NYABJ Trailblazer Bob Anthony, and dear NABJ friend Neal Scarbrough. I also met a host of new journalists I'd not met before.

BOBBY ROACHE AND ANDY WARHOL

Was great to hang out with my friend and brother from another mother Bobby Roache at his boo Dolshe’s exclusive sample sale for her clothing and shoe business Olcay Gulsen www.olcaygulsen.com in The Decker Building in Union Square West – sacred pop culture ground: Andy Warhol had his Factory inside this building from 1968 through 1973. It is also where Valerie Solanas shot Warhol and art critic and curator Mario Amaya in 1968. IF POP CULTURE IS AROUND, I’LL SNIFF IT OUT! LOL!

ENDLESS LOVE

Congrats to Ant’s BFF Manivone and her new husband, our friend Taha! SO HAPPY FOR YOUR GUYS on marriage and a NEW CHAPTER in your collective life of LOVE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

MY HEART IS SO FULL for having lived these 41 years. But to have an awesome man and the best friends and family ever show their LOVE in so many ways makes me feel TRULY LOVED! On the eve of my BDAY, with my college BFF Audrey in tow, I danced into my BDAY at the beautiful New Ro home of Angelique and James Francis. And they were gracious to have some BDAY CAKE for my Scorpio mates and me. On the BDAY itself, my girlfriend Sidra hosted a few friends and me at her Harlem pad for barbecue, drinks, and more BDAY CAKE.For sure, we had a BLAST! On Sunday, I had to work (wrapping production on a sizzle reel for a client), and I stumbled into a SURPRISE BDAY PARTY that Ant had organized with 100 or so of my friends and family (at Bob Bar – WWW.BOBBARNYC.COM). I was popping in for a quick drink and to connect with two of our friends, I was met with a BIG SURPRISE! I heard Miss Ross’ “I’m Coming Out” and planned to run into what I thought was a near-empty lounge. As I prepared to enter – singing “I’m Coming Out” (as if Miss Ross’ famous concert starter), the last laugh was on me as the room erupted in “SURPRISE!!!!”

MY AUDREY

My bonus BDAY gift was having my college BFF Audrey in town for business - all week long. And VOILA! We picked up where we left off. Our HISTORY and LOVE run deep (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/2/18/my-funny-and-diverse-valentine.html). We enjoyed a catch-up meal at SUSHI DAMO before sharing the microphone (when I chose to share it. LOL!) at Japas 55 karaoke. AUDREY & PATRICK back together. Can only mean trouble? Fun and benign though… LMAO!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT to NYC buddy Andy Diaz who we got to toast recently at TRAFFIC. It is always good to see Diaz and our many mutual friends. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our friend, Elijah. We got to do a MONDAY NIGHT toast and taste with him in Mount Vernon. Also in the house: Cynthia Burgos; Nelson and Michelle Sanchez Boyce(and Mr. Ferro); Nichole Andrews Shellman; Angelique Francis; Chenoa Maxwell;Keith Kennerly; and many more! FUN NIGHT! HAPPY BDAY TO ALL OF THE SAGITARIUS & CAPRICORN BABIES OUT THERE!

BLOOMFIELD COLLEGE

Shout out to the journalism students at Bloomfield College in New Jersey. They ROCK! So does their professor Karyn Collins, my NABJ sister who invited me to speak to them about my career and tips for their step into our industry. I trust that many from this impressive crop promise to be among our most esteemed media professionals. Another of their professors (and – like Karyn – a fellow freelance AND independent hustler in this industry) Nicole Franklin popped by on the end of my speech (She teaches these students as well). It may be cliché, but I do “...believe the children are the future...” and what a bright and blinding one ahead for my new Bloomfield College friends.

KIM COLES

Nothing could stop me from spending some time with my girlfriend Kim Coles when she called to say she was in town and had a window in which she hoped I could join her for a little chat & chew. She also asked me to bring Ant and our BFF Theo Perry along. We chose Vnyl on 9th Avenue between 51st and 52nd (Chicken Nachos and Margaritas, anyone?). From there: Sushi Damo. Then, a quick visit to the Shea Moisture pop-up store in Bryant Park (http://sheamoisture.com/).

THE LINKS, INCORPORATED

Went to DC recently for the 65th Anniversary GALA – celebrating The Links, Incorporated. It was EXCITING to see the labor of my LOVE for the last few weeks on the big presentation screens at the event (Marriott Wardman Park). I had a great time! The well-appointed evening put me face-to-face with Sherri Blount Gray and the many Links with whom I had the chance to work via BET, media partner for the evening.I produced the video/graphic elements for its evening - featuring friend Lynn Whitfield (and her beautiful voice on each piece I produced); Will Downing (performing); and hosts Tim Reid & his wife Daphne Reid! EBONY was honored and Linda Johnson-Rice was there to accept (along with John son Publishing CEO Desiree Rogers). CONGRATULATIONS ON 65 YEARS! XO

DC

Though time didn’t allow me to check out the MLK National Monument, I did get long-overdue catch-up with my chosen family/dearest friends Latecia Engram (BFFs since 7th grade); my little brother (“nephew”, I call him) Brian Henderson; and Lisa Goodnight, hubby Lex, and their little man Alejandro (HAPPY 1-YEAR BIRTHDAY, YOUNG MAN!). I LOVE Y'ALL!

CUP

Shout out to James & Angelique Francis for inviting me to accompany my BFF/Amazing Grace Nichole Shellman to an event that was put on by the Council of Urban Professionals. It was the 3rd Annual MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT FORUM. The dinner program brought me face-to-face with a most impressive group of pros who – through CUP – connect, empower, and mobilize the next generation of diverse business and civic leaders. After a well-appointed meet-and-greet n the SoHi Room at the SOHO Trump Hotel, we gathered for dinner as we learned from and enjoyed industry leaders Keith Clinkscales; Christina Norman; Sivonne Davis; and Steve Stoute wax philosophical about the changing landscape of the entertainment business and what that means to the consumer. GREAT NETWORKING NIGHT!

OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN

Sans a few of my favorites - like "Heart Attack"; "Twist of Fate"; "Livin' In Desperate Times"; and "Take A Chance", MISS OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN turned out all of her greatest hits for us recently at Westbury Music Fair. In the legendary round, she brought great voice; her PHYSICAL beauty which has held up; and a historic repertoire that includes the UK-imported Country & Western the Aussie initially came to the States singing; her big soundtrack hits (from Xanadu to Grease); her '80s blockbusters; and some of her more recent covers and new age tracks. She chatted the audience up between songs as if she was talking to her old friends. And her old friends - Ernest Maynor, Danielle Andrea Simone Knight, and I - were in the cut - hopelessly devoted to OUR OLIVIA! Ant enjoyed too.

HANNA LEE & CAMPARI

Tribeca’s Silver Lining, was the backdrop for a party that my friend Hanna Lee hosted recently. She invited Ant and me to come by as it was our - GASP! - 6th Anniversary of being together. In the house: Darryl "Mixologist" Robinson; my girlfriend and colleague Janet Lee whose book "Living in a Nutshell: Posh and Portable Decorating Ideas for Small Spaces" will be out in the Spring of 2012 (http://harpercollins.ca/books/Living-Nutshell-Janet-Lee/?isbn=9780062060693).  Janet is the best and throws an AWESOME cocktail set (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/8/15/butterflies-begin-from-having-been-another.html). One of those sets had me modeling in OUT magazine with one of her guests, Food Network host and Semi-homemade diva Miss Sandra Lee whose PR team includes my friend Audra Boltion (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/7/28/im-so-glad-we-had-this-time-together.html).   

NYABJ'S NEW DAY

After the Campari set, we stopped by the New York Association of Black Journalists' Pre-Election Mixer at The Park Restaurant. My friend and fellow NABJ baby Mike Feeney was running for President (http://feeneyfornyabjpres.tumblr.com/) and we wanted to make sure he knows he has our support. GO MIKE or shall I say: MR. PRESIDENT! HE WON!

"STICK FLY"

My ATL friend Kenny Leon (who actually directed me at a CAU Coronation while I was at Morehouse) tapped me on my shoulder as I was walking into The Cort Theatre to see his latest Broadway impression "Stick Fly" - starring Tony-award-winning Ruben Santiago Hudson; Mekhi Phifer; Dule Hill; daughter of Phylicia Rashad, Condola; Tracie Thomas; and more. Alicia Keys is one of the producers. And I enjoyed it. Special nods to Ruben and Condola! POWERFUL PERFORMANCES! Please be sure to check it out!

WILSON CRUZ

At the end of a recent long edit (for The Wendy Williams Show) – a piece that will be seen in mid-December, I grabbed a quick bite at VNYL (chicken nachos). Sitting at the table next to me was a piece of pop culture “dessert”: Wilson Cruz, who I knew from his role on “Noah’s Arc”. He’s also played Angel in “Rent” on Broadway (1998) and earlier this year, we saw him in “Single Ladies” on VH1. And what a nice guy he was/is…

DANISH KRINGLE

After a long day of edit for client The Wendy Williams Show, I popped by Bamboo 52; Club Therapy; Industry; then Japas 55 Karaoke, where my nephew Herman Lee Riley III and his friend Phil popped by for some karaoke. The following morning, I awoke to a sweet Danish Kringle (www.ohdanishbakery.com/Kringles) that came via Fed Ex from my friend Marcie Eanes. She's my NABJ sister and a writer/poet ("Sensual Sounds" - http://www.amazon.com/Sensual-Sounds-collection-Marcie-Eanes/dp/1440192855) from Racine, Wisconsin where this delicious treat is among President Obama's favorite things. I know why. It's DELICIOUS! THANKS MARCIE!

THOROUGHLY MODERN PEOPLE

And our NYC BFF Sidra Smith is always hosting something FABULOUS in Harlem (and all around the world, for that matter). Nectar Wine Bar on 120th and Frederick Douglas Blvd was the back-drop for a recent book-signing she put together. The book? Chima Njoku-Latty's "Thoroughly Modern People: The Long Way Home" (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thoroughly-Modern-People-Long-Home/dp/0956600107).

RED ROOSTER & ROSS

On this same night, we all gathered at "Red Rooster" for food & more toasts. In the house: Gordon Chambers (whose new album "SINCERE" is out and - like all of his material - FABULOUS (http://gordonchambers.com/). His gig last week had him on the same bill as Miss Ross at Reginald Van Lee's wedding last week in DC (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a-vgZePSww&feature=related). COOL, right? You'll recall my ROSS encounter a few weeks back in NYC: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/10/5/miss-ross-called-me.html.  http://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/wedding-of-the-year/2d426db42cd8d6d3.html  CONGRATS to Mr. Reginald Van Lee and his now-husband Corey L. McCathern.

VH1 DIVAS

 http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2011-12-19/vh1-divas-celebrates-soul-keep-me-hanging-on/?xrs=synd_google Did you see VH1 DIVAS 2011? A pair of tickets evaded me. But I’ve touched shoulder pads with most of the line-up anyway: Mary J. Blige. Jennifer Hudson (who sang – among many tunes – “Night of Your Life”, the David Guetta on which she’s featured and on which my Morehouse brother and friend Anthony Welborn Preston co-wrote).  Jill Scott.  Chaka Khan.  Erykah Badu. Ledisi. Estelle. Marsha Ambrosius. Martha Reeves. Though Miss Ross was missing, her legacy was not. Kelly Clarkson, Mary J., and J-Hud did “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” off the top… and there were other references throughout. And Miss Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah were in the house along with quite an impressive roster of performers – old and new. I - of course - will NEVER forget VH1 DIVAS 2000: A TRIBUTE TO DIANA ROSS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aVOI3SFpH4 And now the GRAMMYS have gotten it right as it has just been announced that MISS ROSS will receive her long-overdue LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT GRAMMY in February (www.grammy.com). CONGRATS, MISS ROSS!!!!

BVI

Last month, I got the chance to field produce Wendy Williams in the British Virgin Islands. Part 1: http://www.wendyshow.com/2011/10/24/british-virgin-islands/  Part 2: http://www.wendyshow.com/2011/10/26/british-virgin-islands-food/  Keeping the BDAY spirit going, I accepted an invitation from my friends at the BVI TOURIST BOARD to attend a NYC-based set at Tian at The Riverbank State Park here in NYC. Sidra Smith accompanied me. Ran into girlfriend Africa while there. And my BVI BFFs Lynette Harrigan and Kevis Hughes were in the house. Meanwhile, I have another piece I've produced for 'Wendy' - an integration marketing segment with "Family Dollar": http://www.wendyshow.com/2011/12/16/family-dollar-holiday-dash/.

CASSIE FREEMAN

So many friends doing wonderful things! And I'm trying to patronize all of it - because I LOVE them AND I am 'pop culture & possibilities'. Cassie Freeman? 2011 Sundance Film Festival audience award-winning KINYARWANDA came to town. Cassie invited us out to see it. To watch the trailer go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PeqaDYK8NbY  I'll send folks to click this link - so they can view her CNN Interview http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2011/11/26/new-rwandan-movie-out.cnn  AND to FB to Like the film on www.Facebook.com/kinywarwandamovie  AND to stay updated www.kinyarwandamovie.com & www.affrm.com  AND to Follow it on twitter: kinyarwandamov.

NATIVE

Hi folks! You know I LOVE Nathan Hale Williams; Brian Washington-Palmer; and our once-home for ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT, NATIVE RESTAURANT (www.HarlemNativeNYC.com  at 118th & Lenox. Well, these FAB fellows have kicked off A NATIVE HOLIDAY CONCERT SERIES with a series of awesome performances – from the acoustic soul of the very talented RUSSELL TAYLOR; Canadian-bred vocals of Belinda Munro; and Charlie Vox. It's an intimate night of exceptional music, food and fun! $10. For Table Reservations, 212-665-2525.

BROOKLYN

The next day, we went to Skylight Gallery in Brooklyn (right across from one of my family church’s Brooklyn locations, The United House of Prayer for All People). SUNDAY BRUNCH was inspired by our friend Theo Perry who coordinated an afternoon of great food at OLEA; then afternoon cocktails and wings at MO’s; then our friend Danny Simmons starred in a reading (with other presenters) from his new book of poetry “deep in your best reflection”. The program took place inside the exhibition “HER WORD AS WITNESS: portraits of women writers of the African Diaspora” (Photography by Laylah Amatullah Barrayn who assembled a diverse group of women writers – many of whom I call my friends – including: Tomika Anderson; Karen Good Marable; Dominga Martin; Kierna Mayo; Nekesa Moody; Susan L. Taylor; Terrie Williams;Danyel Smith; and many more! Please be sure to check it out (www.restorationplaza.org).

NAPIERA GROVES

I first became acquainted with Napiera Groves via "As The World Turns" (She played daughter to my now-friend Tamara Tunie's character Jessica Griffin & nemesis to her TV mom's boo (for a minute as played by Lamman Rucker, Marshall Travers). Then, we met socially and hit it off. Then, she came and sang at my ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT late last year. Now, she has a new single on I-TUNES (and her music video has dropped: http://youtu.be/D9Dcbi-IIKo). Please check it out (and listen to those lyrics). Napiera Groves is a FORCE: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/force/id487948881?i=487948885.  CONGRATS!!!

KENNY CARR

I want to make sure I tell you about something that one of my friends Kenneth Carr has done...in case you're a music lover and/or shopping around for stocking stuffers. He wrote, produced, and is featured on "The Seal Breakers" (which recorded in NJ at the studio home of THE LEGENDARY Tony Bennett). This anointed project is available on I-Tunes; CD Baby; and AMAZON. Kenny is my dear girlfriend Shareen King's boo (She is my co-hort on all things "Monica: Still Standing" & "Frankie & Neffe"). Kenny and I have grown close since that time...and I'm SO PROUD OF HIM! He's such a talent and - take my word - this project is one you will enjoy from start to finish! CONTINUED BLESSINGS, MY FRIEND! And I'll be sure to keep "...the life of Riley..." readers abreast of your GREAT WORK! PLEASE KEEP ME POSTED!

STANLEY BENNETT CLAY

Shout out to my friend Stanley Bennett Clay! We got the chance to see his play (which he wrote and in which he stars) "ARMSTRONG'S KID"! The premise? THE GAY SCHOOL TEACHER! THE FALSE ACCUSATION! THE FINAL SHOWDOWN! According to award-winning actress Loretta Devine, "THIS SHOULD BE ON BROADWAY!" I AGREE! If you are in NYC, please don't miss it...and if you are not in NYC, look for it in a city near you (before it heads back to Broadway)! http://www.smarttix.com/show.aspx?showcode=ARM2

ED ROEBUCK

My dear friend Edward Roebuck produced a special concert this past Friday in NYC! “My Mother and Me,” starring mother-and-daughter team Melba Joyce and Carmen Bradford. They wperformed for the first time in New York in Aaron Davis Hall on the campus of The City College of New York. http://www.prlog.org/11742633-mother-daughter-jazz-singers-melba-joyce-and-carmen-bradford-perform-in-ny-for-1st-time-together.html BRAVO, ED and ladies! XO

DAWN BAKER

GREAT GIFT IDEA for a young lady finding her way: "Dawn's Daughter", according to my Savannah homegirl Dawn Baker! http://www.dawnbakeronline.com/  HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

JC AUTOMOTIVE SPECIALIST

TO MY ATL PEEPS (et al), my Savannah homeboy Rick Barnes (pictured center) is doing his thing with this booming business that promises to service many of your automotive needs! GOOD DEALS & GREAT WORK!https://www.facebook.com/pages/JC-Automotive-Specialist/227552287282288 And he's building new enterprises everyday - including a barber shop in the A-T-L, and I'm going to have to stop by and get my dome buzzed during the holidays.

WELCOME TO SWEETIE PIE

 I'm glad "Welcome to Sweetie Pie" is a BIG HIT! We felt it would be when we had the chance to break bread with Tim Norman and his AWESOME mom MISS Robbie Montgomery in NYC before their season started. http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/11/10/put-me-to-the-test.html  CONGRATS! <Now, I'm craving that peach cobbler! LOL!> NEW EPISODES are baking and will be WELL DONE by MARCH 2012! Our TIVO's Season Pass is SET! And CONGRATS to recurring client OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network!

THANKSGIVING

Speaking of tasty food and quality TV, we spent Thanksgiving at our girlfriend Mara Schiavocampo's Harlem home.  She shares the beautiful space with her husband Tommie; and Sasha and Kirby - their two fur children.  They are our favorite couple and we get to enjoy a lovely meal with their parents and a few other orphans who didn't go to the homes of their blood families. My nephew and his Morehouse buddy Phil joined us as well. WE ARE FAMILY! We did an encore meal with Mara and Tommie (sans the parents this time) that Thanksgiving weekend  - enjoying my favorite Houston's/Hillstone's. Also on Thanksgiving, we did an after-set at the home of hostess-with-the-most Cy Lauz!!

Counting down to the annual holiday commute home. (In my case, to Georgia: Atlanta and Savannah). I hadn’t gotten my Christmas spirit on yet, but trust it to come. The other night, my girlfriend Tata’s tree-trimming started to thaw me out when I was surprised with my other BFF Chandra Jones and my little buddy Gavin, her son. Also in the house: A host of our friends and family in common. GREAT WAY TO TOAST THE HOLIDAY!

JOB WELL DONE, REGIS!

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/7/9/aint-no-mountain-high-enough.html  28 MINUTES WITH Regis Philbin IN 2008 viaMillion Dollar Password: WORTH $25K. 28 YEARS OF REGIS ON THE AIR (and ever the role model for me as a personality a la Live With Regis and Kelly ): PRICELESS! Watching his FAREWELL show! See one of our 2 moments together at 6:42 on this link: http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickGeneralReel.wmv.  GREAT JOB, REGIS! And a PERSONAL THANKS from ME! <kleenex, please...>

 Great moments over the last couple of weeks…

I met Chandra in 1992. We hit it off instantly and grew quite close. She introduced me to Tata at the top of 1995. Not exactly a love fest off the top, but soon thereafter, Tata became my total BFF and sister. In those days, we spoke our dreams - including love, family, and fortune. Fast forward to 2009 and Chandra's baby boy Gavin comes into our lives, and she brought him up from Atlanta to spend time with us. We did Thai at Pongsri in NYC. And Gavin enjoyed his Uncles Ern, Ant, and me before they went their way and we headed back to NJ by way of The Path to Hoboken, then home. LOVELY REUNION!

Speaking of reunions: I recently sent a note to "Girlfriends" creator Mara Brock Akil - a friend of mine. I told her to do a "Girlfriends" finale/reunion on "The Game". Melanie and Joan are first cousins after all. All Melanie needs to do on one episode is leave San Diego and go to her cousin Joan's wedding in L.A. VOILA, right? Oh, by the way, I love the STYLE-network special on Tia and Tamera. I love them anyway! Seeing them in their 'reality' proves that much more compelling for me.

Speaking of girlfriends: I finally went to my girlfriend Georgia Scott's coffee shop and book store GLOBETRIPPIN' for a brunch of blueberry pancakes, extra crispy bacon, and signature breakfast potatoes and eggs. It's been many years since I've seen my Georgia! Thrilled for her newfound, entrepreneurial success. GLOBETRIPPIN' is... in Harlem on Amsterdam between 143rd and 144th.

Was great to see karaoke buddies Sharleen, Mari, and Marco at our karaoke spot.

We always have a sanging good time!

 Also, recently had lunch at Native with Earth Angel Management’s Nicolle McGuire and her client Gustavo, an awesome graphic artist from Argentina. (Maybe synergies for the pilot project).

Then, an impromptu afternoon in Harlem – including the Harlem Street Book Fair;

wine & laughs at our girlfriend Sidra’s place (along with my LEGENDS: “Visible Lives” author, actor, and screen/playwright Stanley Bennett Clay and Tina Andrews, screenwriter of “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” and the ‘Sally Hemmings’ story).

We all segued to our favorite couple Mara and Tommie’s place to meet Mara’s cousins from Sicily, Laura and beau Sebastiano.

They enrolled us into an afternoon at The Met (for the ‘American Woman’ gown/costume exhibit. HEY MISS ROSS! and cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at The Balcony Bar). Then, I serenaded the troops with one of our talented NYC musicians. From there, a quick drink at Vig 27 before a hearty meal of barbecue at Blue Smoke; and karaoke spot, anyone? (Mara’s buddy David Puente joined us) – all before heading back up to Harlem for a night cap. FUN IN NYC!

Morningside Park is the backdrop for Uptown Sundae Sermon: Harlem NYC. DJ Louie Vega + DJ Kevin Hedge +THE MINISTER: DJ Stormin' Norman played soulful house music, classics + afrobeats and we all danced under the sun - including my Bevy Smith; Michaela angela Davis (whose beau is Stormin' Norman); and my Jackie Williams.

Did you see Walter Hawkins’ funeral? Quite the tear-jerker, but ever-the-TESTIMONIAL of LOVE, LIFE, and LEGACY! Donnie McClurkin sang “You just STAND!!!” He is scheduled to perform for next week’s San Diego NABJ Convention Opening which I am co-producing with Michael K. Watts. Dr. Oz, Rene Syler, and others are also presenting. LOVE ONE ANOTHER!

Also, recently saw my fav comic, the legendary Joan Rivers’ documentary “Piece of Work” – another TESTIMONIAL of LOVE, LIFE, LEGACY, LAUGHTER, and LIGHT! It’s AWESOME – as is Joan, who I met a couple of months ago.

Via TV, I stumbled onto Chaka Khan, guest on Mo’Nique. While watching, I peep BET’s SOS: Saving Ourselves PSA which uses excerpts from interviews I conducted with Common, Gloria Estefan, and Spike Lee at the network’s Haiti.

Recently caught TV ONE's "Life After" (Janet Hubert & Ruben Studdard). I LOVE this bio format ("Unsung", too!). I'd like the chance to weigh-in on these types of shows with my on-camera pop culture analysis. Too, would be cool to field/story produce on similar installments as well. JUST PUTTING IT OUT THERE! Gotta land some AUGUST work!

Ant and I did a recent quick trip to Philly for buddy Caleb's birthday set at Lucky Strike. My other BFF Brian came. And Kim and Monica - a couple of our creative partners on the pilot project - popped by as well. I hoped to see my homegirl from Savannah, Krysten, but we've committed to see each other the next time.

Made it to 4th Annual Harlem International Street Fair as thrown by George Faison and our friends at the Faison Firehouse. So good to see my friends Dwayne, Charles, Chad, Carl, et al. Marva Hicks wrapped the day up with a fabulous rendition of “Home” from “The Wiz” – the 1975, Tony-award-winning musical for which George Faison was the first African American to snag a Tony for choreography – some history he recently dropped on BET’s airwaves when I interviewed him for BET’s Black History Month campaign 2010 (on which I conducted interviews and field produced). Afterwards, we stumbled into our friend Hal. Then, we got to spend some quality time with Carl, jewelry designer Trevor, and others at Covo Trattoria – Harlem’s own Italian restaurant. Also dining in: Tamara Tunie and husband Gregory Generet, who will be performing a jazz set at the Metropolitan Ballroom next Thursday.

We finally got Tamra Davis’ film “Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child” in. It’s playing at The Film Forum. Afterwards, we enjoyed a post-movie cocktail and an appetizer or two at 10Downing Restaurant in The Village. In addition to our usual suspects, I was an audience with entertainment attorney Louise West and Barbara J. Harris, current Weichert realtor and former director of artist relations and special markets for Atlantic Records and ABC Records. Her clients included Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack, and Donny Hathaway (about whom she reflects in TV One’s Donny-installment of “Unsung”).

As I close this blog entry, I am managing more NABJ preps (including a call from Disney – asking me to participate in their NABJ event and this-just-in panelist for the NABJ A&E Task Force’s “In Living Color: Our Hollywood” panel, Actor LaVan Davis, “Tyler Perry’s House of Pain”, now joining ET’s Kevin Frazier and others on one of our NABJ A&E Task Force panels. And was that a THIS JUST IN that just came in from Interscope Records? EL DEBARGE may still pop by? EXCITING!). I came up for air long enough to ask: “WHAT WILL I WEAR?” Not an economy in which I’m shopping much, I called my friend R. Scott French who is the signature couturier for the new Richard Harris line and my favorite American Chang. He is dressing me in their Fall pre-view line. Thanks, Sara! Additionally, my MOSHOOD – who is celebrating 16 years of success – insisted I continue to include his special pieces in my wardrobe for NABJ. And so it will be. I LOVE MOSHOOD!

So, why has “Donald J. Trump Presents the Ultimate Merger” caught my eye? Twelve bachelors vie for the affections of Apprentice star Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth. She dated two of them before: Charles, a foreign currency trader, and Al B. Sure!, — an R&B singer people of a certain age remember.

My dear friend and NABJ brother, Greg Dunmore, is the son and manager of jazz vocalist and pianist Jo Thompson who has an upcoming show at the Metropolitan Room (www.metropolitanroom.com).  It’s scheduled to take place Saturday August 7 from 7:00 until 8:30 pm. It’s called the “Lena Horne Salute  - THANK YOU LENA!!!” (Conceived by Greg himself). And it’s Jo Thompson with the JC Heard Orchestra. The elegant set is directed by Walt Szymanski. Additionally,  this special event will mark the official CD Release of “Jo Thompson: Forever Fabulous!!!” (with the JC Heard Orchestra directed by Walt Szymanski) on the Jazz Jewels Digital Label (www.jazzjewels.tv/jothompsonepk.html).

See you when I get back from San Diego!