A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

SUNDAE SERMON

A diverse sea of my people gathered recently for our beloved Summer Sunday pass-time Sundae Sermon. This week, our Bevy Smith hosted with the MOST! And TEAM Sundae Sermon was led by two of my favorites DJ Stormin Norman and Michaela angela Davis. Here’s to more! Save my space under the tree…  http://sundaesermon.com/ #ThisIsSundaeSermon #ThankYou #SundaeSermon 

UPTOWN BOUNCE

A WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN NYC! Great to hang with my friends (and our “All Star Karaoke” team), Derrick and Bernice for – first – UPTOWN BOUNCE, a free summer series event – featuring music, Gallery talks, art workshops, breakdancing, summer drinks, and tasty food. DJ Tony Touch brought Great sounds as we learned about graffiti’s influence on hip hop through the City As Canvas Exhibition. We LOVE El Museo del Barrio.

CARLA-OKE

From there, it was CARLA-OKE TIME! Yep! Our ALL STAR KARAOKE faithful Carla Bone celebrates another birthday and PULSE KARAOKE was the backdrop for our industry fam to serenade her. FASHION QUEENS Bevy Smith was in the house along with a host of fab folks – including Ice T’s main groomer Brian Badie and a host of others. FUN WEDNESDAY!

LOVE FOR PASSION

What an amazing time at my friend Nathan Hale Williams’ fundraiser: Love For Passion - Film at Katra! Ant and I are thrilled that Nathan asked us to be on the Host Committee. CELEBRITY GUEST HOST - Desmond Richardson – is EVERYTHING! Though a Tony Award nominee & dance legend, he is must humble and generous with his talents and his time. THANKS DESMOND! So glad he graced us with his presence and gave us a hint of what’s to come with Evidence Dance Company (https://www.facebook.com/evidencedance). Industry buddies Qwynn Dolmo, Nakia Hicks, Joe Mode, Entertainer Buttaflysoul, and BJ Coleman co-hosted. Music was provided by DjPoison Ivy & DJ Audi Mansell.! https://love4passionfilmeventkatra.eventbrite.com/

FB - facebook.com/loveforpassion

Twitter - @lovepasionfilm

IG - @loveforpassionfilm

PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT: https://www.facebook.com/LoveForPassion

 #loveforpassion#fathersandsons #realmendance

P.S. Did Harlem diva Tammy Ford join Ant and me for karaoke and sushi at Yuki 55 after the party? YEP! Perfect nightcap! XOXOXOXOXO

UPTOWN

LOVE UPTOWN Magazine! Always good to me! http://uptownmagazine.com/2013/12/h-list-patrick-riley-video  AND THE BIGGEST CONGRATS to UPTOWN Editor in Chief and my Morehouse brother and friend Isoul Harris who shares: "The debut of @UptownMagazine's 10th #Anniversary #Music & #Style Issue starring @Common & model @SelitaEbanks on #AccessHollywood. Shot on location in the #penthouse suite of #TheWTimesSquare by famed photographer @CliffWatts & styled by #MicaelaErlanger (stylist for #LupitaNyongo). #Fashion #Luxury #Lifestyle #EditorsEye #Aspiration

ZERO DEGREE ZOMBIE ZONE

Last I shouted out my friend PATRIK HENRY BASS (far right), I was moderating a The Greene Space at WNYC/WQXR panel that followed a radio revisiting of Zora Neale Hurston’s celebrated novel Their Eyes Were Watching God from the point of view of Janie’s love interest, Tea Cake: http://www.thegreenespace.org/events/thegreenespace/2012/sep/17/their-eyes-were-watching-god-teacakes-legacy/. Was AWESOME to wax philosophical – through a male lens - with Patrik and other great minds on Hurston’s iconic narrative: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/9/17/their-eyez.html. Well, a HOT NEW SHOUT OUT TO my friend PATRIK HENRY BASS – Essence magazine and Essence Online's own Books Editor and Director of Editorial Projects - for underscoring, in action and excellence, the increasing need for kid books about African American children. On Tuesday, August 26,Columbia Scholastic Press - Scholastic - is publishing The Zero Degree Zombie Zone. The book, for ages 8-12 and grades 3-7 is one of the first to feature four African-American kids (three boys and a girl) in a fantasy setting replete with zombies. It's also my attempt to encourage more African-American boys to read by presenting relatable characters. I am helping spread the word about#ZeroDegreeZombieZone's publication! Please help me! 

SOUTHERN CHEFS

Shout out to my Spelman sister Adrianne C. Smith whose budding “Southern Chefs” TV cooking competition shot an array of ordinary self-proclaimed chefs from the South in New York City – living in one 2 bedroom apartment in Harlem for the opportunity of a lifetime by hosting a pop-up dinner for 25 guests including some of NYC’s finest chefs and restaurant owners. I was invited as a tastemaker, but scheduling didn’t allow. But the pix were nothing short of “tasty” and I hope to have a to-go plate the next time (or at the next round of tapings for its inevitable pick-up and re-up). Congrats, my forever-MISS-MAROON-AND-WHITE! FOR MORE INFO,  https://www.facebook.com/southernchefstv.

LIFE AFTER CONTINUES

The new season of TV One's Life After has begun. Did you see my debut on the Clifton Davis episode? Here it is: http://tvone.tv/shows/life_after/video/full-episode--life-after-amen--clifton-davis-.html.

NEXT UP (with me):

October 9 at 8pm - LeVar Burton

October 16 at 8pm - Maia Campbell

October 23 at 8pm - Shereé Whitfield

STAY TUNED… and THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

CLAY CANE LIVE

In fact, what better time than now to hip you that I was a guest on Clay Cane Live on WWRL 1600 AM New York ... and what a TIME WE HAD! Click here to ENJOY: http://claycane.tumblr.com/post/62904421407/clay-cane-live-episode-87-october-1-2013"WWRL 1600 AM is the number one progressive talk radio station in the New York City area. WWRL airs Ed Schultz's radio program and Clay recently took over Rev. Al Sharpton's time slot. Clay Cane Live broadcasts in NJ, NY, CT and live-streamed on the worldwide web from 8pm - 10pm EST every Tuesday. Clay’s show is geared to the LGBT community, but he transcends all of the labels. Previous guests have included Brandy, Clay Aiken, Aubrey O'Day, Rockmond Dunbar, Jackée Harry, Laverne Cox of Orange Is the New Black, Kandi Burruss, Jennifer Holliday, Sheryl Lee Ralph, tons of Broadway stars and many others.  Hear previous shows: http://www.play.fm/radioshow/claycanelive You can also download Clay’s podcasts here: http://www.wwrl1600.com/pages/11672134.php.  I sing Mariah Carey's "Can't Let Go" - plus, we talk Obamacare, government shutdown and more! WAS EXCITING! THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! We broadcast on 1600AM in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.  Also, we're live-streamed on the web at http://tunein.com/radio/WWRL-1600-s23848/ - which can be heard anywhere.  Feel free to promote that link.  #claycanelive #lifeafter #wwrl1600am

COZI-TV AND EMMY AWARDS

I also am a recurring pop culture expert with COZI-TV for its NEWS 4 at 7 newscast. This past Monday, I did a two-segment EMMY RE-CAP with TV Guide Magazine's Matt Roush: http://youtu.be/lKDDhF_6qy4. This call-back came from the EMMY NOMINATIONS ROUND-UP we did in July: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Emmy-Nominations-for-2013/216162211.  And I'd originally done a BROADWAY segment with them a few months ago: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Pop-Culture-Expert-Patrick-Riley-on-Black-Broadway_New-York.html. SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO KERRY WASHINGTON! #nexttime

UPTOWN MAGAZINE HOT LIST

Shout out to Editor in Chief Isoul Harris and his FAB staff at UPTOWN Magazine for including my name on their current HOT LIST nearby my BFF aka Amazing Grace Mara Schiavocampo. I DIDN'T KNOW, ISOUL! And what a GREAT COVER, by the way! THANKS Morehouse College BROTHER! I'm HONORED! Mara and I were placed on the Editor’s page last year – a pic showing us take delight in New Orleans’ Bourbon Street Krystal fast food joint. Angela Bronner Helm placed us in that issue. CONGRATS to her as she’s just announced her new post as Executive Editor at ESSENCE Magazine! CONGRATS ANGELA! #uptownmag #essencemag 

NABJ REGION ONE

I LOVE NABJ – forever and always! I was SO EXCITED to be able to give more back to my beloved NABJ. My eternal gratitude to NABJ Region 1 Director, Sherlon Christie (Sports Reporter, Asbury Park Press (Neptune, N.J.)) – [TWITTER @sherlonapp] - also the multi-media journalist and published author Stephanie Guerilus who booked me [TWITTER: @qsteph] to moderate the closing panel “MAKING A LIVING OUTSIDE TRADITIONAL MEDIUMS”. There has been a long standing tradition of writers creating their own opportunities. Blogs have become one of the go to mediums of expansion and being from restrictions. How do writers go from being just another scribe on the web to an enterprise? Creative individuals that have become experts at this will discuss how they’ve navigated the world of freelancing and how it can lead to entrepreneurship. My panelists waxed philosophical and instructional on all of the above…and they were great! THANKS TO: Roy Paul, Political commentator & contributor [TWITTER: @RoyPaulReports]; Mark A. Thomas, MIT Sloan Fellow; Former Director, City Limits [TWITTER: @workandprogress]; and Trenae V. McDuffie Nuri, Multimedia Reporter, Philadelphia Tribune and South Jersey Journal [TWITTER: @TrenaeMcDuffie]. All the FUN took place at the Associated Press Headquarters. AND A BIG SHOUT OUT TO another NABJ BFF Brian Henderson, Director of Communications and Marketing at National Bar Association. Was great to catch up with Brian and so many of my FAVORITE NABJ PEEPS! An additional WHAT’S UP to my friend Erich McMillian-McCall – Founder of Project1Voice (http://www.project1voice.org/). GLAD TO HANG with you for a bit as well! #freelance13 #nabjregion1#nabjregionone

WENDY WILLIAMS

Speaking of working outside traditional mediums, I’ve done some freelance work for ‘The Wendy Williams Show’ over the years! HOW YOU DOIN’? LOL! For Black History Month 2012, I did a profile on Christine Carter: http://www.wendyshow.com/MyBlackIsBeautiful/, which got a media hit in Black Enterprise: http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/giving-back-against-all-odds/. Before that, I produced another integration for Proctor & Gamble/FAMILY DOLLAR: http://www.wendyshow.com/2011/12/16/family-dollar-holiday-dash/. And in November 2011, I made my 'WENDY WILLIAMS' debut (as freelance field producer) via a special project in the British Virgin Islands. It's an integration (trip giveaway) that ran throughout November sweeps. I’ve even produced a sizzle for her production company. Well – from the green-light corner - coming up THIS WEDNESDAY AT 8P on the TV Guide Network (TVGN), co-owned by Lionsgate and CBS, be sure to catch new series with popular daytime talker Wendy Williams. Under the working title, "Wendy Williams Project," Wendy gives TVGN's cameras a backstage look at her life. The series goes behind-the-scenes on "The Wendy Williams Show," as well as follow her as she prepares for her Broadway debut in "Chicago" as prison matron Mama Morton. Wendy is executive producing under her company, Wendy Williams Productions, alongside additional EPs Kevin Hunter, Lisa Knapp and Jill Ramsey. BE SURE TO TWEET OUT as it will feature more of the camera on Wendy’s GLAM SQUAD, my friends:  Merrell Hollis (celebrity make-up artist); Antwon Jackson (my fellow ROSS fan and – oh! – Emmy-award-winning ‘wigologist’); and Memsor (fashion stylist with THE MOST). I know – FIRST HAND – they are a hoot! Can’t wait to watch!!! @wendyshow @memsor @merrellhollis @antwonljackson @wendywilliams #howyoudoinbroadway #wendywilliams #wendyshow #makeupbymerrell

ROMEO & JULIET

Shout out to my Spelman sister and Front Row Productions’ own Alia Jones-Harvey, a producer on new Broadway production of ROMEO AND JULIET which is currently in previews. Starring international film star Orlando Bloom (Pirates of the Caribbean, The Lord of the Rings) making his Broadway debut opposite two-time Tony Award nominee Condola Rashad (Stick Fly, The Trip To Bountiful), Ant and I had a great time – especially catching up with friends Alvin and wife Terri (Prettyman) Bowles – my dear friend from our dinner group, “The Pentav”; fellow NABJ fam Chris John Farley and his wife Sharon Epperson, CNBC’s own financial journalist extraordinaire with whom I worked years ago. Directed by five-time Tony Award nominee David Leveaux, ROMEO AND JULIET is open and running at the Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street, NYC).

YWADA

Shout out to Ywada (pronounced Yah-da) - client of my dear friends: publicist Juanita Stephens (also Jody Watley rep: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/9/10/a-nightlife-to-remember.html) and Ywada manager Andrew Prince, husband of childhood BFF Tonja Denmark: www.YWADAMUSIC.com.  Small world and what a wonderful one that had my buddy Derrick Hemphill and I an audience of two at The Village Underground for a live performance. YWADA threw down on Stevie Wonder classic "All I Do" and Ywada's current single "End of the Road" at the venue's legendary open-mic night hosted by the iconic Ron Grant. Great to see friend Bariek Robinson and his peeps in the mix as well as friends Laverne Perry and Kenneth Reynolds' client Ju-Taun who also performed. #ywada #endoftheroad #rongrant #villageunderground

CHRIS KADIMA

Speaking of HOT! SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to model Chris Kadima who has been mentored by many mutual friends – including Ron Smith and Carl Nelson – since arriving here in NYC from France. We got to hang out and sit together at my friend and fashion designer Edwing D’Angelo’s presentation during New York Fashion Week. He walked in his first NYFW show for M4M and he’s getting some press – including an upcoming moment in THE LIFE OF RILEY (next week…). Meanwhile, check out his pix! WHAT A GREAT GUY! ONE TO WATCH, my friends! TWITTER: @chriskadima AND A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO MISS TOCARA and K MICHELLE!

MY LADIES

RACHEL

WE STILL TOGETHER! LOL! Rachel Allen in NYC w/her fiance Lawrence for a wedding. My Anthony hooked them up with The Wendy Williams Showl tix. I met up with them at Cafeteria Restaurant for our AWESOME REUNION ---- between FRIENDS for LIFE! XO

CASSIE

ANOTHER “RILEY” ON IMPROMPTU ASSIGNMENT A LA “LIFE OF RILEY”: My sister JANICE RAN INTO OUR CASSIE DAVIS - my Spelman sister who the world first got to know in the Spike Lee Joint School Daze but over the last twenty years from the Tyler Perry camp – from plays to the hit comedy “House of Payne”!!! Just after her film debut, I got the chance to perform alongside her in a musical produced at Morehouse College, “MARTIN: The Life and Times of Martin Luther King, Jr.” Janice reports: "Look who I ran into this evening!! She told me to tell you that she loves her some Patrick!!!" AND AS I’VE CHRONICALED on “A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities” before, I LOVE ME SOME CASSIE! http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/11/26/accept-me-flaws-and-all-and-thats-why-i-love-all-of-you.html

SIDRA

We had a GREAT Sunday Brunch recently at Paul Wharton's place (@paulwharton) - catered brilliantly by @baileysthechef (TWITTER)/(INSTAGRAM: @chefmarkbailey) + Zach's bar: #L649 #chefbailey Look for Paul Wharton's new line: www.conquerbeauty.com! Just a great time c/o Sidra et al!!! #somuchfun #whatgoodfood We also got the chance to hang out in Long Branch, NJ for a nice pool set at the home of my dear friend Ed Roebuck! FUN into FALL 2013!

BERLINDA

Shout out to my FRIEND Berlinda Garnett (former co-worker at CNBC circa 1995-1996)!!! She and former colleague Mike Jerrick won an EMMY!!!!!! That’s right! For the 2013 MID-ATLANTIC EMMY® AWARDS in the PUBLIC/CURRENT/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS PROGRAM/SPECIAL category, they won for "Black On Black: The Conversation Continues" which ran at FOX29. I AM SO PROUD OF MY FRIEND! Berlinda is the Producer for FOX 29's new, Enterprise Unit which includes Investigations and Special Projects. Previously, she served as Planning Editor and an Emmy award-winning producer for Good Day Philadelphia. Berlinda has been with the station since the 1996 inception of the program. She has produced hundreds of segments ranging from health to entertainment, fashion to money, food to pets, as well as numerous profile pieces and more controversial subjects such as, "Race in America."  Her diverse library of work also includes the highly regarded prime time special, “Black on Black”, which explores the recent causes and ramifications of the uptick in violence in the African-American community among young black males.  The series was recently nominated for a second Emmy, of which Berlinda was recently awarded. She has been nominated for a total of 7 over the span of her 22 years in broadcasting. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Ms. Garnett considers journalism her calling, and is driven by her belief that her work should foster a stronger sense of community amongst Philadelphians. She is the 2001 winner of the prestigious Wilbur Award for a story she produced about a local Gospel Rap pioneer.  The Wilbur Award is a national honor presented by The Religion Communicators Council, which recognizes excellence in the communication of religious issues, values and themes in the secular media. Ms. Garnett is a 1991 graduate of Temple University’s School of Communications and Theater.  She has also studied for her Masters of Theology degree at Palmer’s Theological Seminary. An avid reader and writer of poetry, Ms. Garnett also likes to cook in her spare time. She currently resides in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia…but she’ll always be MY SISTER FRIEND with whom I’ve experienced SO MUCH JOY – from our long chats to our fun days in NYC at Moshood; Sylvia’s SOUL FOOD; and all the great stops in between! CONGRATS, BERLINDA!

ELISABETH

Our girlfriend Elisabeth from Norway has come to NYC and returned back to Norway ONE MORE TIME! We LOVE spending time with you, Elisabeth! And WHAT A VIEW!!!! #nycfam2013

JODY WATLEY

See the FAB MISS JODY WATLEY in a FAB new pic by the FABULOUS Mike Ruiz with whom I’ve had the chance to meet as we were both booked to speak on a GMAD panel: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/1/27/live-out-louder.html. You recall that I had the chance to interview Miss Watley a couple of weeks ago about her current song NIGHTLIFE, her upcoming project PARADISE, and MUCH MORE: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/9/10/a-nightlife-to-remember.html READ ON:

“As quiet as it's sometimes kept, Grammy award winning artist, songwriter, producer, Jody Watley one of  Pop/R&B and  Dance Music's most enduring pioneers has been at the forefront of some of the most groundbreaking, trendsetting sensations in modern pop culture. Known as one of the most innovative and stylish trailblazers in entertainment, Ms. Watley stays true to her legacy on the shimmering dance floor classic, her new single, "Nightlife." Jody continues to put genuine artistry and quality into everything she does, making each musical moment into a wonderful experience.  There is no better way to wait for Paradise, (her upcoming album) than to dance and enjoy the "Nightlife."

FINAL NOTES:

·        JODY WATLEY says “NIGHTLIFE” can be mixed straight into Phyllis Hyman’s "You Know How to Love Me" - one of her inspirational, soulful dance classics. 

·        JODY WATLEY says “NIGHTLIFE” is a great tune for working out or even walking.

·        The NEW single “NIGHTLIFE” from the forthcoming new EP “Paradise” due early 2014. Available now at digital outlets worldwide, including the “Classic Glamour Extended” EP. BUY “NIGHTLIFE” –  Limited edition vinyl coming mid September!

·        The NEW Single "NIGHTLIFE" - 'It's In The Music!" http://youtu.be/4j64kkLwerI

·        Official Artist Site / Style Blog: http://www.jodywatley.net

·        Follow on Twitter! http://www.twitter.com/jodywatley

·        Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jodywatleyofficial

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 

THIS IS A BIG BIRTHDAY SEASON – from my nephew turning 25 (WOW!) to his father – my brother – celebrating his BIG DAY to our New York Association of Black Journalists’ President Mike Feeney, my dear friend. There’s our BELOVED COOKIE – Momentum BFF Ruben’s mom! I got the chance to serenade for her BIG 5-7 [WE LOVE YOU, COOKIE!]. AND THEN, THERE’S MISS MARA SCHIAVOCAMPO. Our respective lives are moving at quite the frantic and high-frequency pace of late (Less time for two BFFs to giggle and gossip, like we “sometimes” can do! LOL!) How EXCITING that her birthday has come around again and we all got to gather to wish her THE BEST YEAR EVER… and MANY MORE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY MARA!!!! We had a BLAST – nibbling on Victor’s Cuban cuisine; sipping on delicious MOJITOS; and enjoying the company of our NYC FAM! ALWAYS A BLAST! XOXOXOXO

BYE NATIVE

WTF! While holed up away from the city last Sunday, I find out that my beloved watering hole, place-where-everybody-knows-my-name, and HOME of the OH-SO-FUN ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT, Native Restaurant, closed!!!!!!!! Indeed, it is the end of an era! But I know owner Brian must have something up his sleeve! I gave birth to in August 2010 when NATIVE Restaurant asked me to HOST a karaoke night. Hence, ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT was born! And we have had a blast with this special night. Our guest singers - on any given night - included: songstress Tichina Arnold; R&B divas Alyson Williams & Monifah; actress Napiera Groves; the artist formerly known as TONEX, B. Slade; Mariah Carey's long-standing background singer Melony Daniels - an artist her own right; Broadway baby Brenda Braxton; singer/author David Nathan; FELA!s Kevin Mambo; Paul Wharton ("Real Housewives of DC"); etc. Of course, the blog "A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities" has chronicled much of the ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT at NATIVE:http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/karaoke. WE LOVE YOU, NATIVE! And BRIAN, ARY, and TEAM NATIVE? WE LOVE YOU!!! See y’all soon! Can’t wait! MEANWHILE, THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!

KEYSHIA COLE TO BEVY SMITH

Y'all know in 2009 when a lot less was happening for us journalists out here (READ: down-sizings; lay-offs; etc.), I checked in with some of my fellow journalists on whether I should accept a summer, freelance gig from Dubose Entertainment to field and story produce "Monica: Still Standing" (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/monica) & "Frankie & Neffe" (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/frankie-neffe). They all said "YES! DO IT!" And I did. As a result, my 2009 had me living out of suitcases and - in large doses - living in ATL & L.A. for upwards of a year. Though often I was put up and pampered accordingly at the TWELVE Atlantic Station/ATL and/or the Crescent Beverly Hills/LA, I also was working harder than I've ever worked in my career, even as a local TV reporter - chasing fires, homicides, etc. [TRY CHASING FRANKIE and hear my cry! LOL!]. Once it all wrapped, I landed back into my life in NYC, but always wondered how Frankie, my Dubose fam, and Keyshia were doing. Coincidentally, one of my BFFs since high school Maurice Marable, who has been most instrumental in my freelance work load here in NYC, brought me into BET Creative Services division to consult and work on the show-open for "Keyshia & Daniel: Family First", she and her husband's new BET reality show. Full circle moment presents itself that on the week I'm assigned that project, my friend Bevy Smith invites me to "Geffen/Interscope Presents "Cocktails W/Bevy" in honor of KEYSHIA COLE: WOMAN TO WOMAN". I get the chance to catch up with Keyshia (She says Frankie is doing well.); I meet her husband Daniel, who is a cool and responsible cat (interested in talking to young brothers about responsibility); and I get the chance to reconnect with my boss in 2009, James Dubose, who was such a great boss when we worked together to create two of BET's top 3 reality debuts for the network. In addition to Keyshia and Daniel's show, he's got new music coming out - including TWEET's comeback CD. Also, it was great to see so many of my FAB journalism and society friends - poolside at Jimmy's at The James Hotel in SOHO (including: Angela Bronner Helm; Michaela Angela Davis; Marcia Cole; Cori Murray; Mimi Valdes; NYABJ Prez Mike Feeney; etc. Beautiful EVENING!

UPTOWN MAGAZINE

Shout out to Angela Bronner Helm for my shout out in UPTOWN Magazine!  Caption: "NABJ-ing it on the late night with media rock stars Mara Schiavocampo and Patrick Riley!" LOVE ME SOME KRYSTAL! LOL!

STEVIE J

Look who I ran into the other day in NYC: Stevie J from Love & HipHop Atlanta. Contrary to the televised antics with Mimi and Joseline, he was really cool, nice, and present during our brief exchange.

BURGERS & BOURBON

HAPPY BIRTHDAY and CONGRATS to Burgers & Bourbon with BJ Coleman! http://burgersandbourbon.com/bb-celebrates-our-one-year-anniversary/  Fun times CELEBRATING with the hilarious, MISS LUENELL; Dentist for many DIVAS, Dr. Catrise L. Austin; PR GURU Theo Perry; “Jones”-mag’s social-nisto Carlton Jared Lockett; Mr. Fashion, Walter Greene; Deeon; Ant; MR. NV Kyle Donovan; etc.

JASON LEE

Popped by No Parking Bar en route home last night! Spanish-Language Media Strategist for GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) Brian Pacheco presented a preview of his documentary on being gay in L.A. Then, stumbled into Jason Lee whose http://www.iamjasonlee.com/ is all the rage. Jason produced the Kelly Price event Whitney attended just before she passed away. As Jason just celebrated a birthday, NO PARKING's karaoke came in handy!

DJ ILLAH

My friend from BET Keyon Williams AKA DJ ILLAH is hosting a FUN 2-FOR-1 THURSDAYS event at RED MOON AT NIGHT HOTEL – TIMES SQUARE. NO COVER CHARGE. HAPPY HOUR AFTER WORK SPECIAL INCLUDES 2 DRINKS FOR THE PRICE OF 1 & 5 DOLLAR BEERS W/ WORK ID OR BUSINESS CARD! IT GOES FROM 6:30PM-10:30PM. And proved the perfect spot for my colleagues from BET’s Creative Services division and me to unwind as our busy week’s come to an end. We toasted Miss Hershelle’s birthday this week! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOO!

HARLEM HANG

There's always something popping in Harlem. Recently, I popped by Red Rooster for reggae and to say HI to my girlfriend Sidra Smith (ALOHA!) and my favorite journalist friend Jamie Foster Brown of “Sister 2 Sister” fame.

Also in the house: my boy Jamar Dunn; my girl Marva Hicks; her beau; one of her BFFs Jackee; and friend Dianne Smith, Harlem artist who just got her MFA (Congrats, Dianne!); Miss Beverly and Mr. Matt Morgan, a pair of BFFs who – after my CNN.com piece ran last week: http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/07/living/gay-best-friend – say they were reminded they missed the deadline for my initial book proposal (circa 2006), but now have re-committed to be in the mix as I explore the next phase of that effort.

CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR & SHARE THEIR STORY! I promised myself a helping of Sylvia’s banana pudding…and after the optional fried chicken, collard greens, and potato salad, I made good on that promise. RIP SYLVIA!

MOOCHIE

My boy Kevin "Moochie" Freeman (about whom I've written for his cameos in "Real Housewives of Atlanta") recently made his “stand-up” debut at Gotham Comedy! He was wonderful! Many of us came out to support and toast him afterwards at BBQ. CONGRATS, KEVIN! YOU ARE WONDERFUL!

AYERS IT OUT!

Teresa Horne Ayers is one of my sister's BFFs from her mid-'80s college days at Clark College (before CAU). She is now a Personal & Professional Life Coach and offers these special words of encouragement which I'm excited to share with you: "There are times when the burden of doubt and fear comes with fame… Who do you trust, are you good enough, attractive enough, do you leap too soon, will your fans like you this time… Also, sometimes in the entertainment industry you can feel like you don’t belong and you are In this life alone… even with the noise of the crowd, at times life can be so lonely… even though you know people depend on you for their joy, happiness and encouragement… and this part
Of you is scary… in your relationships and real life fulfillment.  At the next challenge level these same questions of fear and doubt can arise whenever you step Into your next level of greatness. I help by liberating you from a life dictated by fear, doubt and anxiety back to your greatness, goodness and bravery that’s always there to see you through the rough spots, to get back to your sweet spot of happy success. Simply put I give you a private, confidential space to “Ayers It Out” by venting whatever the heck is bothering you, so you don’t take it with you the rest of your day. If you or someone you know can benefit from my service, please refer them for a free consultation to see if we’re a good fit http://www.itsallaboutnow.com/schedule. INSPIRATION & ANGELS EVERYWHERE!

SUNDAE SERMON

SUNDAE SERMON - as always - was a BLAST!

— AND THERE’S ONE MORE!!!