WELCOME to "The Life of Riley" which will include periodic chronicles of pop culture and possibilities that flow out of Patrick L. Riley's day. That's me!!! Through blogging (and soon some other technological features on which I'll keep you posted as they launch), I will pull experiences from my busy life to entertain and inspire all of you. Through this site, I will share my observations and insights. Some features to look forward to:
1.) "PATRICK'S POP UP(DATES)" will feature stories from pop culture, music, theater, fashion, and the entertainment industry at large.
2.) "The Life of Riley" will also introduce a "take-a-look-at-your-life" section (READ: sort of an advice column), where I will help readers come up with their own questions and answers around what "ways of being" are working (or not working) to have them acheive their respective goals and live their best lives. This section is called "WHO YOU BE?".
3.) Additonally, there will be a free-flowing, organic section called "TESTIFY" from which I will pull from my own life's journey to share and hopefully inspire. Some of the fare may be new musings and experiences. Other times, I may pull from my journals and past sharings to shed light on some uncomfortable truths that I've experienced and that may perhaps play a role in healing someone else's wounds as the real-life experience did for me. From my experience of covering 9/11 as a freelance journalist to courageously coming out (as gay) to my family, "TESTIFY" promises to move those who choose to read it.
4.) And a section titled "PR" (like my initials, but also like "public relations") will include press clips from any coverage I get.
Entries in undefined (1)
GET INTO IT
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. 
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...>
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in BET, CHRISTMAS, DIANA ROSS, KIM COLES, OWN, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, TV One, WELCOME TO SWEETIE PIE'S, undefined
|
1 Comment
|
119 References