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 Vivica A. Fox (3)
prove it on me
prove it on me
HI FOLKS! The chance to reconnect with AMEN’s “Thelma”: THE Anna Marie Horsford! 
An opportunity to meet BRAVE from R&B DIVAS-LA! 
SINGING “BEST OF MY LOVE” with MISS MONIFAH!
EXCERPT:
https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley/videos/vb.662073736/10153006964663737/?type=2&theater
WHAT A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF RILEY! 
Please make sure you POP BY and/or MAKE YOUR HIGHLY-RECOMMENDED RESERVATIONS at BILLIE’S BLACK for “BILLIE’S BLACK presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley”: 212.280.2248. We never know who is going to roll through…
ALL STAR KARAOKE – WEEK 4
That’s right! Monifah not only sang with me, she blessed us with an a cappella take on her new song ONE MOMENT... and shut us all down: http://bit.ly/onemoment_plr. BE SURE TO GET IT ON ALL PLATFORMS! ALSO: Monifah is Assistant Directing a TRIBUTE to GERALD LEVERT next month at The Beacon (SOLD OUT) and The New Jersey Symphony Hall (a few tickets left).
MONIFAH also generously joined us to take care our SPONSOR business: Miss Jessie's is our weekly sponsor… and partner Miko Branch had lots of giveaways for everybody – including her AMAZING new book: “Miss Jessie's: Creating a Successful Business from Scratch-Naturally” and the amazing MISS JESSIE’S products! 
AND OF COURSE, our NEW FRIENDS and our ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS sang ALL NIGHT LONG! LOL! Well, folks! We’re up every Tuesday from 7p-10p --- through mid-July. #billiesblack
#allstarkaraoke#iammissjessies #wearemissjessies #motownmay#monifah
COVE – 3RD ANNIVERSARY
Shout out to Michelle Huff Elliott - HUFF Events and PR/Strategic Heights Media (www.HUFFent.com) and Alyah Horsford-Sidberry for Cove Lounge's 3-year anniversary celebration - hosted by Ed Lover and actress Anna Maria Horsford, who is always such a joy!
I asked her for some scoop...and she gave it to me! She's playing the mother of the Transgender character inside a hot plot I'm watching daily on one of my favorite soaps CBS' "Bold and the Beautiful". Was a delight to meet "R and B Diva" Brave Williams who performed a special vintage set for the Harlem Nights theme: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley/videos/vb.662073736/10153008271668737/?type=3&theater. Fun night! 
ARISE 360 – MEMORIAL WEEK
I did a week of guest co-hosting at ARISE 360 this week - filling in for my friend Shannon Lanier and co-hosting with the FABULOUS MISS Lola Ogunnaike.
In the course of the week, we interviewed singer/songwriter Elle Varner; the iconic Antonio Fargas - new brand ambassador for one of my recurring pop culture critic locales Cozi TV; Vivica A. Fox; Darren DeWitt Henson; Robert Ri'chard - all from Chocolate City Movie; superproducer/rapper/writer Rico Love; and more!
MEANWHILE, YOU can watch (and me from time to time) - now on Time Warner, Verizon Fios, and On Demand via www.YouTube.com/AriseENT360. As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
LOTS OF CLIPS below:
Elle Varner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgA8AJbz1yc
Tanya Wright & Andrew Davis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXcxThnPYPI&feature=youtu.be
Singer Emin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOviloBERAo&feature=youtu.be
Antonio Fargas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWxCQo7GqO8&feature=youtu.be
Cast of Chocolate City
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIoknC5wYsg&feature=youtu.be
Michele Bohbot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4Teg7XlcL8&feature=youtu.be
Gillian Laub
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4IEyAZbw6M&feature=youtu.be
Phillip Bloch & Emil Wilbekin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22H43h1pqIo&feature=youtu.be
Yandy Smith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oH9jpjc03aI&feature=youtu.be
Tricia Lee
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkYAXYyCj78&feature=youtu.be
Gotham Beauty owner Chris Coffee
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPVwFtjfKb0
Wedding expert Jason Mitchell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddrjhDETpSk
Kate Pierson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfUPRPk9ScM
Rico Love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkiO2PoNFoM
Lance Knowling from Harlem's Bluejeen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUYOAZSJ65w
Dog Trainer Ann Grossman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSRL5TsT19Q
Elijah Bland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEaK_p2ZahM
Pop culture expert Rhonda Ridley and Comedian Adam Wade:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cn5xd77_xY
NBA Star and Coach Craig Speedy Claxton
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi32bkTxMCI
Eden Wexler
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zv2xAZJ0IZE
ALSO did a BILLBOARD recap this week on ARISE AMERICA:
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in Antonio Fargas, COZI TV, Chocolate City, Essence magazine, Independence Day sequel, Memorial Day, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, Rico Love, Vivica A. Fox
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standing next to goddess
miss watley is everything
MISS Jody Watley made it a "Night to Remember" for 'Life of Riley' (and childhood friend Ernest Maynor's BDAY + NJ BFF TATA met her "DIVA" in person).
B.B. King Blues Club's was the place to be as MISS Watley sang from her Shalamar AND solo repertoire.
She was in AWESOME VOICE and her performance gave everything her loyal fans (and the sold-out audience) hunger to experience:
the HITS; the MOVES; the DRAG; the DRAMA; and the DIVA! I was on my feet through most of the highly-charged set... and on my knees -BOWING DOWN - for the rest! LOL! SO WAS THE REST OF HER LOYAL FOLLOWING! 
She did 'Most' of the material but not 'everything'! BACKSTORY: So, I have loved MISS Jody Watley since she was a teenager – dancing on Soul Train before she joined the group Shalamar – at which time I was a footloose and fancy-free Air Force Brat of six-years old in San Bernadino, CA on Norton Air Force Base --- with a blow-out of dusty dark brown and the inevitable bell bottoms! LOL! 
Well, fast forward through many years in which she brought me only the FIERCEST brand of JOY - from the balance of her SHALAMAR years through to the launch and lift-off of her SOLO career... and stop for a moment on July 1995. Philadelphia. And MISS Jody Watley was headlining a concert for the National Association of Black Journalists' annual convention. She called me on stage to dance with her. Talk about A NIGHT TO REMEMBER! 
Though I’d seen her fabulous solo show a couple of years ago at B.B. KINGS, I got another opportunity to be an audience with MISS Jody Watley (album) back in September 2013. 
Her publicist Juanita Stephens is a mutual friend and led MISS JODY WATLEY to my blog A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RILEY as a vehicle to – via phone and an on-line Q&A - update folks on her latest release "PARADISE" – quite the global dance senastion: iTunes Digitally (as well as other select digital outlets) –
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/paradise/id901587446?uo=4 [EXCLUSIVE CD, includes 'Everlasting' not available digital: http://jodywatley.bigcartel.com/]. What a GREAT PHONE CHAT:
http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2013/9/10/a-nightlife-to-remember.html. 
SO LAST NIGHT: MISS JODY WATLEY was back at B.B. King Blues Club accompanied by her new and reloaded Shalamar… and we ENJOYED THE SHOW; CELEBRATED BFF (since 7th grade), Ernest Maynor’s birthday; and – afterwards – got some LIFE OF RILEY & JODY WATLEY time and - FINALLY - my posed photo op (though LOVE NABJ bestie and Morehouse brother Michael K. Watts captured MISS WATLEY and me on stage in Philly). Was great to catch with MISS JODY WATLEY on all she's got going: her upcoming shows - including one in NYC this summer (TBA; Stay tuned...); 
how she came to re-incorporate the SHALAMAR legacy into her SOLO shows - now that she OWNS THE NAME & BRAND! YOU GO, MISS JODY!; and – because #itsinthemusic – she shared that her upcoming music release plans, which include forthcoming single “DANCER”: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/paradise/id901587446?uo=4. AND we're excited to hear some of what we didn't hear this go around THE NEXT TIME - including: "Most of All"; "Everything";
"All Begins With You" (MY REQUEST FOR NEXT! LOL!); "When A Man Loves A Woman"; "Off The Hook"; and WHAT ELSE? Shalamar’s “I Don’t Wanna Be The Last” and the MOTOWN REVUE song! LOL! OH, WE JUST LOVE YOU, JODY WATLEY! And could listen to you and DANCE WITH YOU ALL NIGHT LONG! SHOUT OUT to MR. WALLACE who works with JODY... and Editor in Chief of UPTOWN MAGAZINE, my brother friend Isoul Harris! XOXOXOXO 
#JodyWatley#itsinthemusic #dancer #paradise #nightlife#lifeofriley#allstarkaraoke #billiesblack #motownmay#ARISETV360 #NBCBLK#COZITV #OWNTV #TVONE#CENTRICTV #BET
more arise
In the wake of doing a freelance interview with Lee Daniels for recurring client NBCBLK:
YOU can watch them (and me from time to time) - now on Time Warner, Verizon Fios, and On Demand... www.YouTube.com/AriseENT360. As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Here are a few of the segments we did this week:
Author of "The Work" Wes Moore!
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghEXbewLspY
The Authors of "Single Man Married Man!"
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hbvDBYlCJs
Author of "MelloYello" Walker Smith!
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHd0HBPTpQ4
T.S. MONK (Thelonious Monk III)
BRIAN WATKINS (jeweler)
Zaraah Abrahams (from Spike Lee's "Da Sweet Blood of Jesus")
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOIm5qqeIdE
#arise360 #ariseTV360 #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack #wesmoore #thework #singlemanmarriedman #pervistaylor #melloyello #jacktherapper #walkersmith #brianwatkins #ritani #theloniousmonkIII
vivica a. fox
Shout out to my friends from SavvyMarketing Entertainment Group LLc for inviting us out to the Unsung HOLLYWOOD premiere of Vivica A. Fox which is airing on TV One! IT'S GOOD!!!!!!
And was good to see my peeps Savoy Walker; Mark A Forrest; Cynna Gorham; Tasha Lynch; Jamar Dunn; Deborah Gregory; and MISS Vivica A Fox herself!
3 the hard way comedy
Shout out to my BET colleague and sister in CREATIVITY, Thembisa Mshaka, for hipping me to some work she's doing with an amazing comic named Jabari Baraka Davis, whose definitely on the rise in standup. He produces an event called 3 The Hard Way Comedy--the goal being to diversify comedy in NYC with talented women and people of color taking the often segregated stages of Manhattan.
He considers himself a product of both philosophy and hip hop, and his comedy reflects this in unexpected ways. He's also a former substitute teacher, so the jokes are smart and street.The BHM edition has 3 Black comedians: Seaton C. Smith and Janelle James join Jabari Davis on 2/24 at 8pm at Stand Up NY LabsY. There will also be shows March 6 and 31 - so look for my updated accordingly and know that I'll likely be at one of the shows. SO, PLEASE SAY HI, if you come. Here's a link to Jabari's bio: http://jabaridavis.site.socxs.com/home CONGRATS!
get focused on reading
Shout out to my brother friend Goldin Martinez, Founder of Get Focused - www.getfocused.org - introducing its newest initiative called Get Focused On Reading, which will be the focus of an event on Saturday, March 21st, 2015 at Inwood Academy to commemorate National Reading Month.
They want to increase their impact with Get Focused On Reading… and to give you a chance to help:
1. Organize a book collection with your network. They accept all books from poetry, biographies, children books, and more, and can arrange a pick-up. This will help us reach our goal of 1,000 books.
2. Make a personal monetary donation to our cause. This will help us with transportation, storage, t-shirts, marketing material, etc. Our goal is to raise $2,000 to help pay for expenses.
Go to www.getfocused.org for more information.
standing next to God
He's much like a nephew!
Mr. Myles and his mom Tracey Moore are producing his documentary "Standing Next to God" about his recovery from traumatic brain injury. Please make a Love Donation and share this link in your network. Thank you!
This is the fundraising campaign for Standing Next to God -Myles Marable: http://de.gofund.me/StandingNextToGod #StandingNextToGod
precious queen
MY LATE, GREAT MOM QUEEN ELIZABETH BELLINGER RILEY - a social media SENSATION! LOL! With all the controversy over Beyonce and Ledisi and "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" and the Grammys, I'd been having an internal dialogue with myself about MY LATE, GREAT MOM QUEEN ELIZABETH BELLINGER RILEY.
My self-chat goes something like this: "Thank you, Thomas Dorsey for the song! Thank you, Mahalia for sharing it with the world! Thank you, Ledisi for your recording on SELMA! Thank you, Beyonce for your performance on the THE GRAMMYS! But NO ONE SANG "TAKE MY HAND, PRECIOUS LORD" LIKE MY MOTHER!!!!!!!!"
Well, I'd told many of you my mother could sing and did often in The House of Prayer (our family church) as well as in all our travels - from Germany to Japan to California to Valdosta, GA, etc.
I've even compared her to Mahalia Jackson with a little Tamala Mann to boot! LOL! Well, via FACEBOOK, it seems we're not the only ones thinking this. A FACEBOOK note from my sister's childhood friend from our mid-to-late-'70s days in San Bernadino, Califonia on Norton Air Force Base underscored what we always knew (How’d she remember, after all these years?):
February 10 at 7:05am · Edited ·
Janice, I don't care what anyone says "Queen" is still my winner when it comes to singing "Take my hand". Everytime I hear it I remember her singing it at Norton! — feeling blessed.
MY FIRST DIVA! LOL! #RIP #QUEENELIZABETHBELLINGERRILEY
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in Arise Entertainment 360, Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, Empire, JODY WATLEY, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, SPIKE LEE, TVOne, Vivica A. Fox, shalamar
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"WORDS THAT PEOPLE SAY..."
"Words that people say are just that: Words that people say. They are not reality!" Alosondra de la Parra. Founder/Conductor, Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas (from NBC 4 special NYC WOMEN for "Women's History Month" on CMT Taxi Programming - www.cmtnyc.com) I LOVE THAT QUOTE!
MISS ROSS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKHlhkcoLxs Miss Ross sang “It’s Hard for Me to Say”.
Luther Vandross wrote & produced it for her 1987 “Red Hot Rhythm & Blues” album (her final RCA project which was a companion piece for her Emmy-award-winning TV special of the same name: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBg022fBO_8). To her fans, like me, it’s a long-overdue acknowledgement of a cult classic that she is currently singing in her current concert repertoire.
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgMipf9KFfQ&feature=related 
I’m reminded that Miss Ross’ Emmy-award-winning TV special “Red Hot Rhythm & Blues” produced more than an album with a Luther Vandross song on it (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKHlhkcoLxs).
The 1987 May sweeps event also included yet another reunion with Billy Dee and Miss Ross.
3. 
And as we were given the chance to see Miss Ross & Lionel Richie perform the most successful duet of all time “Endless Love” on the Academy Awards: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnfwnOp6uek, we know that since her Oscar nomination for Best Actress in “Lady Sings The Blues” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFstpIKW7A4) that she’s been quite the Academy Awards darling.
Other appearances follow:
4. "The Motown Sound: In Performance at the White House" was missing Miss Ross. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2knTjxQkec&feature=player_embedded I think she was inside existing scheduling conflicts when the planning of this one came to be.
Plus, aren’t we all still trying to recover from the magic of MISS ROSS in February?: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrzpYEE27a4
5. My Morehouse brother JONATHAN ROPER – filmmaker out of NYC – sent me this link of him at Miss Ross’ Central Park Concert – Day 2.
He’s peeped around 2:08 on the this clip of her singing “You Can’t Hurry Love”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMC9s0jWO-A&feature=related.
6.
I should have told American Idol's Ashthon Jones that as much as the song is a favorite, America didn't get Miss Ross' "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" when she first recorded it.
But the rest of the world did: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu0IvWwTN2U - including Manila where Ant took me for my BDAY a few years ago.
I did it at karaoke... OF COURSE! LOL! http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/11/12/manifest-destiny-destination-manila.html 
Though we’re taking this Thursday, March 17th off from ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT, we are back up and running on Thursday, March 24th in Harlem at Native Restaurant (Lenox Avenue & 118th Street).
We’ve been having great times over the last few weeks. 
So many of our favorites popped by. And even more sang. My Morehouse brothers Mario and Jamahl King (of STEPS Event Planning Firm - www.stepsevents.com) came out to support. Also, my NABJ buddies Mara Schiavocampo and Mike Feeney (who is a writer and reporter at The New York Daily News - including the paper's UPTOWN section).
And some old karaoke buddies came and graced us all with their talents.
We got visits from my karaoke buddies Caliaf St. Aubyn, who I first met at Pulse Karaoke.
And Brandon Bain. 
He's really one of my favorite karaoke peers. 
So good... and smooth as he croons to us all! 
He invited us recently to perform at his LIVE BAND KARAOKE set.
It takes place at PROHIBITION on Columbus Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets.
I got to do Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got To Do With It?”. By the way, we have been doing a lot of karaoke of late.
I ran into Josh Groban at another of our karaoke spots - just casually. He was walking out as I was doing Beyonce's "Listen" from "Dreamgirls". After his thumbs up to me, I got a picture! 
Shout out to Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle who hired me to host its BE GREAT fundraiser.
What an INSPIRING night!
When New Rochelle's own Ray Rice popped in, I convinced $8,000 out of two attendees who - through Ray's generosity - get a Baltimore Ravens’ helmut & jersey – each – signed by Ray himself!
One cool way to kick off raising $$$ to help our kids. I feel GREAT! FYI: Ray Rice is an All-Pro Running Back for the Baltimore Ravens. 
He's an '05 New Rochelle High School grad and a member - as a youth - of The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle! Thanks Ray! CLASS ACT!!!
And thanks to Quay, Michelle, Nichole, Oscar, Jill, Jamie, Robin, and a host of the others who supported my participation in this special program.
We also saluted the 25th Anniversary of the Remington Flyers Track Team (led by coach Walter Brown - pictured). 
Wynton Marsalis Jr. and his bandmates (Vassal States) performed for the cocktail hour. Wynton Sr. is speaking at my Nichole’s upcoming Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle event: Passport to Manhood Mentorship Dinner later this month.
Oh! My girl Cynthia's art was one of the silent auction items that helped raise money for the kids.
And friends (of "Alvin & Friends" fame) were in the house - including The Frances family (Angelique & my Morehouse brother James).
You'll recall, I recently hosted their daughter Arianna's 16th birthday party.
Great to moderate the Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD) panel recently. THEME: "The Black Church and her Other Sheep: Where is our room at the inn?" LOCATION: The LGBT Center. I learned a lot from these folks who not only brought their expertise but their open hearts. Powerful program!
Esteemed panel – including soon-to-be systematic theologian Nixon Cleophat; Gay Men Health Crisis’ Krishna Stone; ministerial sexual health training expert (for Pastors, Ministers, and church staff personnel) Michael Elam (DSA Ministerial Development, Inc.);
and Rev. Dr. Paulette M. Zimmerman, advocate for the infected and affected HIV/AIDS population inside and outside of the faith-based community in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
I learned a lot from these folks who not only brought their expertise but their open hearts.
Shout out to my Morehouse brother Kevin Rusty who attended and waxed philosophical as well.
Shout out to Tika Sumpter who has been on "The Game" inside a recurring role opposite the "Malik" character.
Have you been watching her? http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=261254&id=662073736&l=7f9c75696c I met her at the NYC Premiere party for the hit BET show!
And here's hoping for a NEW SEASON on BET as "The Game": REINCARNATED has brought ratings GOLD to the cable network!
Shout out to my friend Erich McMillan-McCall for inviting me out to a playreading for "Trouble in Mind" by Alice Childress and directed by Charles Randolph-Wright.
Cast includes: the legendary Leslie Uggams & my Tony-award-winning friend La Chanze.
Esteemed actress Mary Alice was in the audience!!! That's "Stevie" - the dorm director - from "A Different World" and Fred Sanford's sister in "Sanford & Son".
My friends Marcia Pendelton, Charles Wallace, and several others were also in the house. Inside this reading, Erich’s PROJECT1VOICE officially launched yesterday (at the American Airlines theater): www.project1voice.org. 
The inaugural event JUNE 20, 2011 will be a one-day, staged reading of Alice Childress' TROUBLE IN MIND. This reading, in theatres across the country, will promote the legacies of African-American theatre organizations and celebrate the rich catalogue of literary works by African-American playwrights and authors.
So EXCITED that my friend Kenneth L. Roberson is about to unveil his “Middle Aged Passage Crisis” at The Triad on Monday, April 4 at 7pm (www.Triadnyc.com and www.brownpapertickets.com). It’s a benefit for YOUTH REPRESENT – a legal services organization dedicated to young people age 24 and under (www.YOUTHREPRESENT.org). Ken is such a GREAT FRIEND… and an AWESOME, INTERNATIONALLY-RENOWNED TALENT!
Got to celebrate my dear friend Sid's 40th birthday recently!
Always good to show Sid how much she means to all of us!
Her guests included our Mara and Tommie, of course. 
But also in the mix: model and artist Bobby Roache’.
Bobby's breakout moment came when he was cast as Grammy-Award-winning singer BEYONCE’S no-good boyfriend for her #1 HIT single “IRREPLACEABLE" music video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EwViQxSJJQ. 
But he is doing his thing: on the runway;
in the fashion world;
and in popular publications like ESSENCE Magazine.
Additionally, his art has already captured the attention of many, including our First Lady Michelle Obama who has acquired and hung one of his pieces on a wall in The White House.
He too has a mural on the side of the Reformer building (Corner of 12th and U Street).
The DC-native/Duke Ellington School of the Arts alum is one to watch.
I got lots of texts & FB messages from folks. They are saying they saw me on www.centrictv.com at the party for and live performance of Marsha Ambrosius. Ant and our friend Jermaine went as well. He was shooting some shots as well for his own blog. Also, my buddy Jamar was in the house. She shared tunes from her highly-anticipated debut solo album, “Late Nights & Early Mornings“. It is in stores now! The location: Time Warner Center’s Samsung. I didn’t realize this while at Marsha Ambrosius’ CD release party, but someone just told me that the liner notes of the solo debut of the former-Floetry-diva’s debut album includes a dedication to MY MISS ROSS. To quote: “...to Diana Ross in Concert!” Here is one of the virals from that night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y2kV__gX4s Then, by the time we re-connected with her – a week later – at our friend Nathan’s SPLASH party, Marsha had the #1 & #2 albums on Billboard's R&B and pop charts… and the kids CELEBRATED with her! 
Oh! I almost forgot: My dear friend Brian Henderson (www.brianhenderson.carbonmade.com). You recall, he is my NABJ brother and 'play nephew' with whom I've grown close over the last few years.
When he saw that I went to see Marsha, he sent me this historical image of Floetry - the duo from which Marsha hails. When they first hit the scene, they had a concert in Washington D.C. in 2003 and Brian was able to have a shoot with them at Logan Circle near the hotel at which they were staying. THANK YOU, BRIAN!
MARSHA, LATOYA, ARETHA, & WENDY...DANCING!!???
Ern and I got to attend “The Wendy Williams Show” on which Marsha Ambrosius appeared.
But we were there to see “Celebrity Apprentice”s own Latoya Jackson.
Also, to enjoy Wendy’s toss to Part 2 of her Aretha Franklin interview (which she conducted in Detroit over high tea).
You know, Ant & I have held court with THE QUEEN in Detroit... and she's a most gracious, elegant, yet whimsical lady.
All of those sides showed up in her Wendy interview. I'm thrilled that she is feeling better.
By the way, please check out my Detroit BFF Greg Dunmore's piece on Miss Franklin: http://jazzjewels.tv/enter/?p=166. 
MEANWHILE, Wendy’s fans are asking “HOW YOU DANCIN’?” as she’s been announced to the new cast of “Dancing With The Stars”! 
GO, WENDY GO!
Was walking to Columbus Circle subway station near Time Warner Center. Happened upon the papparrazzi - snapping a tall blond & beautiful woman in full-length fur. Cajoled to join in, I pulled my cam out of my pocket and started shooting. I even got in one. After the surge of excitement ended, she went in. I "then" asked my fellow "paps" 'WHO IS THAT?' Of the group, only one person knew it was <drumroll> Deborah Norville from "Inside Edition"!!! I know who she is and what she looks like but usually inside the TV box. She looked good though!
Also, just ran into my girl RENE SYLER here in the CITY! Always a pleasure! Had a chance to recently hang with some cool folks from the world of television.
My dear friend Mara Schiavocampo (NBC News Correspondent) invited me to hang out with some of her colleagues from The Grio (www.thegrio.com) - including the NBC-owned website's fearless leaders David Wilson and Goldie Taylor.
I happened upon some fun industry friends - old and new, including Miss Bevy Smith. Also on hand: Fox News Channel's anchor/reporter/attorney Jamie Colby.
And a recent hang at the Downtown Manhattan STANDARD (in the Meatpacking District) gave us the chance to see our Itika for a quick spell before she and her fiance Datari Turner embark on a voyage of sorts. 
Many CONGRATS are in order Mr. Datari Turner.
And Mr. Datari's upcoming 2nd season of LISA RAYE's TV ONE reality show for which he is the Creator and Executive Producer.
In this file pic, see Miss Lisa Raye and Miss Star Jones, who is making her splash in the realm of reality a la CELEBRITY APPRENTICE!
Congrats to my NABJ friend Constance White (pictured right with Jacque Reid [Have you seen Jacque on LXTV a la NBC of late? CONGRATS!] and me). 
One NABJ mentor Jackie Jones asked me for a quote about another NABJ mentor Sheila Brooks and I consider it a blessing to SPEAK THE NAME of one of my personal living LEGENDS! Take a look: http://www.blackamericaweb.com/?q=articles%2Fnews%2Fmoving_america_news%2F26228%2F1
“CHEAPER TO KEEP HER”
We got to laugh; walk down memory lane; and cry (just a little) at "Cheaper To Keep Her" matinee at Beacon Theatre. 
Vivica A. Fox; Brian McKnight; my ATL buddy Jonathan Slocumb; Karen Malina White ("Cosby Show"; "Different World"), and a talented cast (www.imreadyproductions.com/).
Shout out to show's creator Je’Caryous Johnson.
He could be likened to Tyler Perry with all he's building with his empire.
Oh! Miss J of "America's Next Top Model" fame was in the house too.
Ant and I got a pic with Vivica. As soon as I can get it properly scanned, I'll put it up.
Here's a pic she and I took (kinda') a couple of years ago during Fashion Week at a Kimora Lee Simmons' set. And finally, here's the pic we took that night.
Shout out to Harlem-based artist Dianne Smith whose work is international. She invited us to The Korean Art Show 2011 & Red Dot Art Fair in SOHO located at 82 Mercer between Spring & Broome: www.koreanartshow.com & www.reddotsale.com. 
And PS: Shout out to Sophia Loren Coffee who - in addition to being a fine artist - is a fine vocalist. She sometimes gigs at St. Nick's Pub. And it's usually FREE...and a lovely slice of Harlem!
My boy Norm Lewis starred in "Les Miz" on Broadway(and I got to hang out with him a time or few during his run). He was part of PBS' LES MISÉRABLES 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT AT THE O2 that premiered recently on PBS, but you know you must check your local listings to see when it will run again. CONGRATS NORM! Here's a peek: http://video.pbs.org/video/1825866897/. CONGRATS NORM! XO
The fried catfish fingers at Moca Bar & Lounge in Harlem are so GOOD! Almond crusted chicken fingers are a delight as well. Price point good, too! www.mocalounge.com 
And I want to shout out my boy Matt Morgan for the social work he's doing in Harlem.
"Music Mondays" at Nectar (www.nectarwinenyc.com) w/guest vocalist Sonia Rogers (pictured).
You must check it out!
Also, in Harlem, we went to the new home of Mr. John Castro. It was housewarming time... and - while there - we got to host dear friends – including Denver-based recording artist and compadre Aaron Blaze (www.aaronblaze.com).
Miss Jackson blew through Chicago and - per the picture - stopped by The Baton Show Lounge's drag show. The Baton is a world renowned establishment in Chicago celebrating over 40 years, and the longest running female impersonation show in the country. Mimi Marks, standing on Janet's left in the photo below, has been friends with Janet.
This, as Ant & I are excited to see Miss Jackson when she blows through town this week and next week.
I hear - by all accounts - that my friend Marcia Pendelton's preview presentation of Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Notage's work "By The Way, Meet Vera Stark" went very well. Lynn, the director, and the cast - including Sanaa Lathan - were in the house. It runs at Second Stage Theatre & co-stars Sanaa Lathan. I was to be standby host (and still attend regardless).
But I was then reminded of another commitment:
my Pulitizer-prize-winning photojournalist friend Michelle Agins ("New York Times") had a set.
It was an intimate Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras set - the reputation of which precedes itself.
So, I had to go!
And what a TREAT! Great New Orleans cuisine, Hurricanes, and an ecclectic mix of folks from far and near.
Shout out to my friend Richelle who hipped me to this group GRADDAi which performed Live in NYC @ The Nuyorican Poets Café last week.
They are ones to watch: www.facebook.com/graddai.
Shout out to my girl Nina Flowers at The Apollo. She invited me to experience my friend Michaela angela Davis' brilliance as moderator of panel "Women in Film: Breaking the Barriers" - scheduled for Monday, March 28th at 6pm. 
It's FREE! For more information, click on www.apolloeducation.org. These women - inlcuding film producers Lisa Cortes; Dana Offenbach; and Friday Torresblanco; will join Managing Director of Tribeca Film Institude Eileen Newman to explore the accomplishments made by women in the film industry.
She too is a friend. 
Her fabulous men's designs take up a lot of room in my closet... and her many talents have been seen even on "Real Housewives of Atlanta" and beyond. 
Her women's wear collection comes to us in April. 
Inspired by Myriam's Caribbean culture, you will see elegant silhouettes,inspiring textiles, vibrant colors and prints, in 100% silk, silk blends with some Lycra, and soft Pima Cotton. CONGRATS MYRIAM! 
LOLA FALANA
Shout out to my friend Terry for walking me down memory lane to LOLA FALANA!
A LEGEND! I LOVE HER!
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in "Late Nights, DIANA ROSS, Early Mornings", JANET JACKSON, Karaoke, MARSHA AMBROSIUS, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, Ray Rice, Vivica A. Fox
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