PATRICKRILEYHEADSHOT2.JPGWELCOME 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. 

5.) And anytime pictures or video can support an entry (in the blog, and perhaps in the subsequent podcasts, my space, and website), those visuals will keep things aesthetically enrolling. That section will be called "MY TUBE".
PLAYING TO THE POP IN POSSIBILITIES!
Patrick L. Riley

 

Entries in Walmart (2)

Titi Branch

Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley sends our sponsor and dear sister friend and client Miss Jessie's MIKO BRANCH our #ENDLESSLOVE as today. #DEC4 is the one year anniversary since her sister and Miss Jessie’s Co-Founder Titi Branch's passing. At the top of this year, Miko asked me to sing Sylvester and Patti LaBelle "You Are My Friend" for the public celebration of her sister Titi Branch's life held at the Brown Memorial Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY:

https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley/videos/10153400518588737/?l=4351585039571061562

. A BEAUTIFUL, UPLIFTING AFTERNOON! We SHARE with all of you in memory of Titi Branch. Her LEGACY LIVES ON! And what a FRIEND and SISTER she was to so many! PLEASE SHARE your memories of #TitiBranch with #MikoBranch #MissJessies #lifeand #legacy #youaremyfriend #miss_jessies #missjessiesbook #titibranch #titigift#TitiBranch #RIPTitiBranch #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #pics #memories #video#remember #PATTILABELLE#PATTIPIES#JAMESWRIGHT#JAMESWRIGHTCHANEL#SWEETPOTATOPIE #WALMART #OWNTV #OPRAHSMASTERCLASS #thebosschoir#mightysylvester #divassimplysinging #worldaidsday


Miss Jessie's is back atop our sponsors for Billie’s Black presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley! I’m also doing some brand ambassador work with#missjessies CEO and CO-FOUNDER MIKO BRANCH who is still promoting her book Miss Jessie's: Creating a Successful Business from Scratch-Naturally (Amistad; Hardcover; $24.99): https://youtu.be/RL-EqYvCAeI. As she is among the EBONY 100 today in Los Angeles, she is doing rounds of press – including “Breaking Into with Miko Branch” via Black Hollywood Live: https://t.co/NH6V0uQssC and a special shout out to my brother friend Derek Lafayette for inviting Miko to appear as a guest on the Rhythm Late Night Show, the prime time, top-rated, interactive program a live televised radio show (think: Dish Nation meets Howard Stern) that is filmed at Dream Magic Studios state of the art facility in Los Angeles, CA. We THANK MISS JESSIE’s for such an AWESOME PARTNERSHIP for Seasons 2, 3, and 4 of Billie’s Black presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley. BY THE WAY: I recently got to interview Shanice Williams for recurring client NBCBLK! That interview is here:  

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/shanice-williams-tonights-wiz-live-debut-n471616

Did you see THE WIZ LIVE? What did you think?

 

We hope the cast will come and sing with us at Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley! We’re always singing songs from THE WIZ:


PLEASE BE SURE TO CATCH US BEFORE WE WRAP SEASON 4: Reservations are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: 212.280.2248. #life and #legacy#youaremyfriend #miss_jessies #missjessiesbook#titibranch #titigift #pattipies #pattilabelle#jameswrightchanel #sylvester #mightysylvester

 

 

 

doctor sister

Doctor Sister

MISS ROSS' sister Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee is SUPREME in the World of Medicine...and you are ALL INVITED TO  join me Tuesday, December 1st for a FREE PUBLIC TALK AND BOOK SIGNING with Author Crystal Emery whose crafted an initiative for us ALL to CELEBRATE and PROMOTE: It is a groundbreaking multimedia documentary project and educational initiative that celebrates the history, status and future of women of color in medicine. It designed to inspire young African American and Latino students across America to set their sights on careers in medicine and allied health fields in spite of stereotypes and obstacles. Changing the Face of Medicine follows the journey of Black women doctors from inequality to excellence. In telling the story of over 100 accomplished African American women in medicine who have achieved top positions and high honors in their fields, this initiative proves that anything is possible and shows youth a path of success in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. COME ONE COME ALL...and bring your FUTURE DOCTORS with you! IT WILL BE INSPIRING AND FUN! And I will make an appearance before I head up to Billie's Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley! WILL BE A FUN NIGHT! #missjesies #changingthefaceofmedicine #allstakaraoke #billisblack

Shenna Vaughn

ONE MORE MONTH OF TUESDAYS in DECEMBER before our SEASON 4 of BILLIE'S BLACK PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE WITH PATRICK L. RILEY wraps! NEXT WEEK, we celebrate the DECEMBER residency of contemporary artist Shenna Vaughn who I recently commissioned to do a wedding vow gift for my dearest friends, GMA Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo and her husband Tommie Porter! PLEASE coome out and support Shenna, and get in on the FUN! Reservations are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: 212.280.2248.

New York Association of Black Journalists

Last week’s All Star Karaoke had our weekly sponsor MISS JESSIE's providing an array of special MISS JESSIE'S product and T-shirts for our SPECIAL TUESDAY NIGHT GUESTS: Members of the New York Association of Black Journalists - led by my brother friend President Mike Feeney, an awesome feature writer all around New York City! IT WAS QUITE A FAMILY NIGHT: INDUSTRY FAMILY of course! Mike brought his mom REBA! Our ALL STAR KARAOKE DIVA, celebrity hairstylist Carla Bone brought her buddies AND her mom Barbara and sister Cheryl Gentry of Glow Event Planning! Was quite the PACKED HOUSE - perfect for ushering in THANKSGIVING! We also got a surprise, smart phone call from ALL STAR KARAOKE ALUM, my friend Tichina Arnold, who attended when we were at Native Restaurant. She sent co-producers Dawn M. Haynes and Musa Jackson Productions to promote her performances in Harlem during Thanksgiving weekend. ONE MORE giveaway/raffle allows ALL STAR KARAOKE sound-design diva LAURIANNE LUMBSBY to get to see "Invisible Thread", an amazing musical running in pre-views now at Second Stage Theatre (on 43rd and 8th).

Sweetie Pie

THE OTHER WEEK, WELCOME TO SWEETIE PIE’s stars Robbie Montgomery and Tim Norman stopped by – to catch us up on the cookbook! Also, their new season of their OWNTV show: http://dailycommune.com/missrobbie/. So many came out - including my friend Candi Carter, Executive Producer at "The View"! #getready #billiesblack #motownmay #allstarkaraoke#thebosschoir #GRATITUDE #steps #shaquilleoneal#stepsthemovie #billiesblack

BIRTHDAY 45

I’ll never forget BIRTHDAY 45 because I saw my FILM DEBUT for the first time! Ant, my nephew Herman L Riley III, friends Rachelle and Verizon-fios TV reporter Lyndsey Christian, and a robust crowd gathered with the cast of #STEPSTHEMOVIE by Eddie Harris to see our labor of love as it is being pitched to which platform on which the world will be able to see the wonderful film. We gathered in Jersey City (Journal Square) to screen. Afterwards, we all gathered at Porto to celebrate. They even had a cake for “Rudy” (that’s my character…and since it was my birthday and all). And the karaoke set-up at the after-spot would inspire a request for Mr. All Star Karaoke – yours truly – to sing. I did Jennifer Hudson’s “Spotlight” and Miss Ross’ “The Boss”. I’d mentioned before AMERICAN IDOL FINALIST QAASIM MIDDLETON is in it too along with his brother KHALIL MIDDLETON. AND THEY ARE WONDERFUL! And BIGGEST of THANKS to EDDIE HARRIS and PENWAH for casting me in this amazing project – Co-Executive Produced by Shaquille O' Neal! Great BIRTHDAY GIFT - TO ME! For more info, go to www.Stepsthemovie.info. Shout out to#MISSJESSIES for its donation for the screening – also allocated to benefit several homeless shelters in the area. THANKS EVERYBODY for your well wishes and for supporting LIFE OF RILEY! #GRATITUDE #steps #shaquilleoneal #stepsthemovie #billiesblack#allstarkaraoke #MISS_JESSIES #MISSJESSIESBOOK #TITIGIFT #MIKOBRANCH

MIST HARLEM

I am just overflowing with #gratitude for those who came out to celebrate my 45th birthday at MIST HARLEM:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq1uovrAx0o! We had a BLAST! The pictures show all the love and joy that was in the room --- oozing out of my favorite people in the world – including my Ant (who – with the team at MIST – showed up and showed out for my special day); childhood BFF Ernest Maynor; GMA Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo and hubby Tommie Porter; #bevelations own hostess with the most Bevy Smith; NAACP Image Award winning producer Sidra Smith; celebrity hairstylist Carla Bone; #STEPSthemovie writer and Executive Producer Eddie Harris and fellow producer Michele Baldwin; Drums Along the Hudson producer Carl Nelson; Apprentice alum Stacey J; and a host of other dear friends and a mix of my New York City industry family – all who got in on the #allstarkaraoke and the delectable cuisine that was so lovingly prepared by Celebrity Chef Carlos Brown whose “famous shrimp and grits” were THE BEST! Shout out to #MISSJESSIES for its donation to the festivities.

STREET TALK

I get to work freelance with the team at recurring client ‘Wendy’ this season on the MetroPCS Street Talk segment. Our THANKSGIVING edition airs today on ‘Wendy’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uwBc_wEzTE.

SHANICE WILLIAMS

You know I’m obsessed with ALL THINGS THE WIZ – including TODAY’S NEWS: http://www.playbill.com/news/article/diana-ross-sings-songs-from-the-wiz-released-today-373271.  ALSO STAY TUNED: I recently got to interview Shanice Williams for recurring client NBCBLK! That interview will post soon! LOVE when NBCBLK calls! We hope the cast will come and sing with us at Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley! We’re always singing songs from THE WIZ:

BRAND NEW DAY - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOKtUdgTunQ

HOME - https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley/videos/vb.662073736/10153340104878737/?type=3&theater.  And EASE ON DOWN THE ROAD - https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley/videos/vb.662073736/10153338090793737/?type=3&theater.

THANKSGIVING

FOR THANKSGIVING 2015, New York City fam Brian Henderson and his wife Nikita Stewart Henderson (New York Times) hosted a well-appointed feast – including Brian’s childhood friend Dionne Figgins – performer/choreographer supreme and Motown the Musical’s own (Dionne is one of four sisters – all of whom are professional dancers and performers). Dionne’s current beau is Tony-nominated actor Brandon Victor Dixon who made for THANKSGIVING 2015’s star sighting! Always a pleasure to see him!

TICHINA

Tichina Arnold. Gin Fizz. 11/28/15. Harlem.

THANKS Musa Jackson for the GREAT NIGHT with Tichina Arnold...and your words here: "It was an epic night! My sister from another mister producer Dawn To Dusk Haynes along with host, promoter Musa Jackson debuted the amazing multi talented actress and singer Tichina Arnold new stage show at Gin Fizz in Harlem that brought the packed SOLD OUT audience to their feet! This Queens born native graced the stage and slayed it with an effortless combination of powerful vocals, stage mastery, comedic raw wit, a tight band featuring Romell her killer guitarist. She sang through a barrel full of iconic hits that off times rivaled the originals. Entertainment Industry insiders Ty Hunter, James Germany, R& B group Allure, Mira Gandy, Tammy Ford, Patrick Riley and Anthony Harper were amongst the crowd that cheered her on an hour pass her set. Harlem born r&b legend Freddie Jackson looking fabulous was unexpectedly called onstage, getting huge applause for his mega classic You Are My Lady. But this Harlem night clearly belonged to Tichina. She announced she will be touring big cities with new show. My suggestion get your tickets early, advanced word of mouth could easily have this show sold out on arrival. ‪#‎DawnTichinaMusa ‪#‎epic ‪#‎legendary ‪#‎night ‪#‎MyUptownWorld ‪#‎UptownHarlemAmbassador"

TITI BRANCH

Share your memories of  ‪#‎TitiBranch with #MikoBranch #MissJessies on Dec 4th… and stay tuned for a SPECIAL TRIBUTE to #TitiBranch from Billie’s Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley. ‪#‎life and ‪#‎legacy #youaremyfriend #miss_jessies #missjessiesbook #titibranch #titigift