A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

ritual

Lots going on this season as LIFE OF RILEY looks to unplug a bit over the holidays. I have one big deadline for recurring client BET – a video project for which I had to shoot an impressive crew of millennials who may be hiring me soon! THANKS LADIES and GENTLEMEN! Meanwhile, a couple of other projects I wrapped a couple of months ago will see the light of day. First up is my HOME LENDING episode for recurring client WELLS FARGO PRESENTS THE NEW ADVOCATE MONEY MINUTE: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/12/12/home-lending (See all my other episodes here: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute) ... and on long-standing, recurring client OWN THIS UPCOMING SUNDAY? A very special interview THAT I ACTUALLY CONDUCTED with Sesame Street's Bert and Ernie:
http://www.oprah.com/own-where-are-they-now/Beth-Holloway-Tiffany-and-the-Original-Cast-of-The-Real-World-Video. That’s Sunday, December 21, at 9/8c. Read more:http://www.oprah.com/own-where-are-they-now/Beth-Holloway-Tiffany-and-the-Original-Cast-of-The-Real-World-Video#ixzz3LtLgBV2v #WhereAreTheyNow. And I’m saying yes to as many talent bookings I can before I leave town – including: the chance to host a marriage party for my NABJ BFF Brian Henderson and his beautiful wife Nikita Henderson – The New York Times own. Le Maison d’Art in Harlem was the back-drop… and we had a BLAST – celebrating the newlyweds. This Thursday, my friend Chris Jones booked me to join a fun line-up at “Freddie Wright’s Holiday Talent Show and Review”. And the holiday parties are booked at the craziest pace while Ant and I try to get to our loved ones – respectively! WHEW!

karaoke

I’m hoping to have some voice left-over Thursday after our PRE-HOLIDAY BLAST! That's right! We are about to wrap up our FALL 2014 series of Billie’s Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L Riley! AND YES! WE HOPE TO RETURN IN THE SPRING!

UPDATES:

My ALL STAR KARAOKE producer Bernice Wooden will keep the party going during the two holiday TUESDAYS left in 2014. And if I get back in time for Tuesday, December 30^th… I may pop by to WATCH (and wait in line to sing)! LOL!

Last Tuesday, our usual suspects included our beloved sponsors Miss Jessie’s and Riley Land Gourmet Pantry who ensure our ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULs walk out the door with a smile and some SWAG! LOL! BFF Mara Schiavocampo got in on the phone – giving away two copies of her upcoming book “THINspired”, due December 30th… but you can pre-order on Amazon NOW: http://www.amazon.com/Thinspired-Pounds-Lasting-Weight-Self-Acceptance/dp/1476784051/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417643482&sr=8-1&keywords=thinspired. We sang, laughed, and were TRULY MERRY:https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10204127038514182&set=vb.1172177040&type=2&theater. AND OF COURSE, we talked about THINSPIRED: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10204126885790364&set=vb.1172177040&type=2&theater. Mara also secured copies of the latest edition of ESSENCE inside of which there’s an EXCLUSIVE excerpt from her book. Also, you'll find some FABULOUS PICTURES of Mara through the years AND a couple of the pages features our ALL STAR KARAOKE/CELEBRITY hair stylist SUPREME, Carla Bone! So much fun when Mara comes by: http://bit.ly/ask_mara.#THINspiredbook #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke  

motown

So, imagine my EXCITEMENT when my nephew made sure that his uncle got prime seats to see my icon MISS ROSS February 3rd as she opens the historic, now-newly-renovated theater in Brooklyn! She's still #THEBOSS - never more underscored when my friend - marketing consultant Marcia Pendelton - brought #MOTOWNMAY to #BILLIESBLACK and #ALLSTARKARAOKE. Well, as I have loved MISS ROSS since I came out the womb; and since Marcia made it possible for me to be the Opening Night HOST of MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL's video which allowed me TWO interviews with Miss Ross and Berry Gordy that night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ; and since our #MOTOWNMAY was such a SUCCESS; and since MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL is playing its final performance at Broadway's Lunt Fontanne Theatre on January 18, 2015 (though poised to return to the Nederlander theater July 2016). BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE: In additon to its US THEATER TOUR, a UK production is planned for the summer of 2015. MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL has broken the weekly gross box office record at the Lunt Fontanne with million-dollar grossing weeks. Recoup? Check! This spring, the first National Tour of MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL opened to critical acclaim, grossing an impressive $20 Million dollars during a packet, sixteen-week run. SO GIVEN ALL OF THAT: Marcia is coming THIS WEEK to ALL STAR KARAOKE to - as she put it - "Can I come to karaoke, we do some Motown, and I give away some grand prizes?" The answer is: AIN'T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH! LOL! #getready #motownthemusical #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack #motownmay

Rip

“Billie’s Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley” extends condolences to Miko Branch and the family and friends of Titi Branch of Miss Jessie's, who died last week at the age of 45. http://bit.ly/1yTYVNv

 theater

I am scheduled to do one more MUST-SEE HOLIDAY SHOW segment for ARISE 360 a little later this week – including, if time, word on my friend Stanley Bennett Clay who invited Anthony, Derrick, Dawn Murphy Riley, and me to see his award-winning play “Ritual” – now inside an extended run at the 777 Theatre, 777 8^th Avenue, NY 10036 (between 47^th and 48^th Sts.), with 2 pm Sunday shows. Tickets are currently on sale for performances thru December 28, 2014. BACK-STORY: Set in the 1980’s, this powerful drama explores the dysfunctional dynamics at work beneath an affluent African-American family’s appearance of perfection. The husband & father is in denial about his family crisis, and is equally detached from his ethnic soul. The wife & mother is on the verge of alcoholism and is threatened by her cunning daughter in the home and perhaps the bedroom. The young gay son, at odds with his father, leaves his Ivy League college to come home and save his family…by any devastating means necessary. “Ritual” features Reginald James Albert, Latresa Baker, David M. Raine, and Q as the volatile Becker family. Clay wrote and produced “Armstrong’s Kid” Off-Broadway 3 years ago. Two years ago he wrote and directed the feature-length documentary “You Are Not Alone,” an examination of depression among black gay men, and directed last year’s award-winning production of the stage adaptation of James Earl Hardy’s classic novel “B-Boy Blues.” He received 3 NAACP Theatre Awards and 3 Drama-logue Awards for writing, directing and co-producing the original Los Angeles production of “Ritual.” That production was also an L.A. Times Critics’ Choice and an L.A. Weekly Pick of the Week. Tickets to “Ritual” are available by calling (866) 811-4111 or visiting www.theatermania.com/off-broadway/shows/ritual_305392/. Tickets are also available at the box office one hour before curtain. Tickets are $31.45-$51.45 (which includes a $1.95 service fee). TDF members get discount tickets on the TDF site. All seats reserved. Tickets are on sale now. Group rates/tickets are available. Contact: Stanley Bennett Clay phone: 323-200-4861 email:stanleybennettclay@gmail.com #HIGHLYRECOMMENDED #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

model

After enjoying a night with my Morehouse brother Mario's Harlem Thursday Night at NABE, had a great night with industry buddy Ron Smith AKA The Wiz.  He brought Anthony Harper and several of our colleagues and friends – new and old – together at Chez Josephine for the opportunity to meet and greet and get to know menswear label Polo Ralph Lauren’s latest pluck: model Darius Williams - one of the faces of the brand’s Fall/Winter 2014 men’s campaign. In attendance: David Miller (DMillerPR); Brian Jamie (Photographer); Sonya Magett (Style/Fashion expert); Ken like Barbie (VROGGPR); Terry Donovan (Summer Sizzle BVI); Christopher Kadima (model); Jamie Tonge (Distinct Homene Magazine); Claire Summers (Fashion Bomb Daily); Indashio; Ebony ( model – “MLZ”). We all WELCOMED Darius into what we see as an obvious destiny of SUCCESS: the TRIPLE-THREAT KIND! PER DARIUS’ BIO, Louisiana native Williams caught the eye of one the fashion industry’s leading clothing brands this year. The 6’1.5” fitness model was photographed to appear in the print and online ads for the prestigious company by world-renowned lensman Bruce Weber, one of the industry’s most celebrated photographers. Weber captured the professional model’s good looks both solo and posed with other models for the brand’s print and billboard ads featured in department stores nationwide as well as on the company’s website Polo.com. The photos spark the viewer’s imagination enough to cause a double-take. Williams was raised in a small town in Louisiana with a population of only 18,000 residents. Before he moved to New York, he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Northwestern State University of Louisiana where he also honed his skills as a graphic designer. It was during his last semester in college is when he took up an offer by a model scout to attend castings for Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week. Williams jumped at the chance he felt could be a once in a lifetime opportunity, despite having never visited the Big Apple before. As Williams’ flight landed in a New York airport, he received a phone call stating he had one hour to attend his first meeting at a modeling agency in Manhattan. As fate would have it, he landed a modeling contract with Soul Artist Management. Since that fateful meeting, Williams has worked with many other talented photographers. He has appeared in ad campaigns for Nike, SperryTopsider, and Verizon. The fine art lover has also been snapped by male supermodel David Agbodji (Calvin Klein) for Flaunt magazine. Williams has also walked on the runway for men’s underwear brand 2xist as well as various designers for the fashion week seasons. Williams recently wrapped a shoot to appear in an upcoming ad for Hanes; another one of the nation’s leading the underwear brands for their spring 2015 campaign. His career path, however, lies not only in modeling—he is currently studying acting to prepare his next steps into Hollywood. His model profile and portfolio may be viewed at SoulArtistManagement.com.

queen

She passed away 20 years ago today! WOW! Still MISS her so! SHOUT OUT to my mom Queen Elizabeth Bellinger Riley! Endless LOVE & LEGACY! XOXOXOXO

wendy fab and 50

Made a lot of field/tape producing impressions for recurring client The Wendy Williams Show:

The VEGAS piece I had a hand in producing – highlighting Wendy’s stand-up comedy debut at The Venetian Las Vegas: http://youtu.be/sYWSgh_7ha8. Was fun to shoot with Wendy recently. She's always SUCH A JOY!

Her birthday show had something I produced in it as well - a birthday tribute from her staff: http://youtu.be/C5VxXjA1L4Q.  

MONSTER TRUCK ran last Tuesday: http://youtu.be/IUpsz80z8oY Shout out to editor Mitch Jacobson and Wendy’s awesome team who see fit outsource these great assignments my way when they have needs the like! #faband50 #wendywilliams #Happy50thWendy 

art of the interview

I love my National Association of Black Journalists' sister friend Katti Gray - so much I got up too early (amidst a double-deadline week) to teach her new, diverse crop of NYC high schoolers participating in the NYU Urban Journalism Workshop "THE ART OF THE INTERVIEW". GREAT KIDS! GREAT TIMES! http://urbanjournalismworkshop.org/ #nyuujw

crystal knows

Making sure to share the following info from my sister-cousin-friend Crystal – a blog featuring the best intel on natural hair. Click or go to the following blog; read article; and win free hair products!

www.Crystal-Knows.blogspot.com.

bobby roache

Special shout out to my little brother in the industry, international model Bobby Roaché, who has been hosting Anthony Harper and me at his NYC pad this past couple of FOURTH-OF-JULY days along with a fun group of folks – including New-Jersey native/L.A.-resident Corey Notes, an esteemed songwriter (and creative director) – credits including twosongs on Chris Brown’s latest CD.

 As my boy Bobby Roaché goes, PLEASE shop now

at www.BobbyRoache.com. You can check out his latest in sizzling eyewear! CONGRATS BOBBY! XO

spelhouse forever

Another FAB FETE took place later that night at friend Rod’s place – what would end up being a Morehouse/Spelman reunion between college BFFs Michael K. Watts, Mario Ephraim, and OUR-FOREVER-Miss Maroon & White Adrianne C. Smith!

LOVE Y’ALL! XO PLR  

more arise

Hi folks

CLICK HERE: http://youtu.be/7fKVy6x5NmI - Looks like the interview from when I filled in as co-host on Arise Entertainment 360 with Kofi Siriboe re-aired this week! HEY! FUN! Kofi Siriboe is the COOLEST! HOT too! As always, folks, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! To see some more of my ARISE work, check out THE LIFE OF RILEY: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/5/27/bow.html As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! #ARISE360

fvifw

 MEANWHILE....  

So, it started here at the after party for Oprah Winfrey Presents The Color Purple. The New York Public Library. December 1, 2005. I'd just covered the red carpet for the premiere and Anthony Harper and Bri Cole did similar for STARZ! It was the night Ant and I met. He and Bri are childhood friends who call each other "brother" and "sister". So, with no rings yet on Ant's or my finger, we'll call her "sister in common law". Fast-forward almost nine years, Ant and I are still together. And publicist/entertainment diva Bri Cole invites me down to an event she's hosting in St. Croix from where Virgin Islands recording artist Delyno “Pressure Busspipe” Brown hails. His hit song “Virgin Islands Nice” is steaming up the charts:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54aP. It was that kind of party – hosted at The Palms at Pelican Cove - a fun time that can be described as nothing short of spectacular! And what a FAB gathering of GOOD ENERGY!!

And the SHOUT OUTS BEGIN for what was the BEST time at Fashion Link V.I. FASHION WEEKEND – MORE THAN A CURVY PLUS FASHION SHOW INDEED!

Anastasia Rivers – Producer and Executive Director of FVIFW and her amazing team - including: M’WATHIA HECTOR (Asst Director); OLIVER D. CONNOR SR (Website Developer & Booklet Editor); and CLIFFORD SMITH (Graphic Designer).

So good to meet fellow blogger Lady Influence. ALSO: CURVY FASHIONISTA Marie Denee…

…and what a GENEROUS round-robin of photographers – from Cliff Franklin to Jovan Augustin (Winner of Fashionlinkvi Competition and the coolest host we could have for after-hours, even though I dozed a lot in the midnight hour! LOL!) to Chalaine Barry – some of whom have pix sprinkled throughout this entry. THANKS ALL!

“Pose: The Plus Lifestyle Magazine” editor Tiffany Jones Keaton.

And we can't forget to shout out her amazingly talented and spirited husband ELIAH who sang his face off! An amazing talent!

THE FAB DESIGNERS – incuding Charon Richardson; Ranoi Parris, and Rheba Turnbull.

ALL THE AMAZING MODELS – including Candice Kelly, Andrea Jackson, Audrey Malone, Cara Scott, Leshia Mussington, Carisma Rojas, Lisa Lucien, Sasha Carr, Kim Jones, Janine Greenaway, Lavern March, Silva Gibbs, and – double dipping as an amazing performer – Giselle Grayson.

THE GLAM SQUAD OF LIFE – led by my friend Ed Gillespie, Celebrity Hairstylist and Celebrity Makeup Artist Patricia Cameron.

SUPERSTAR ACTOR and Reggae artist LEON was a showstopper this weekend! And even when not performing, was generous and kind with his time. LEON was a wonderful presence this week. Shout out to his team – including Bri and Victor.

Was also fun to tour the BEAUTIFUL island – including the CRUZAN RUM distillery! To my ATLANTANS, THINK “WORLD OF COCA COLA”! BUT RUM!!!!! LOL!

At the closing Beach Party swimwear/t-shirt event, I got my SOCA on with “Jadine” The Soca Diva. And I must shout out special guest and fast-friend Mikael Padilla who has two salons - one in Denver; the other in L.A. And he's put his famous touches on the tresses of some fabulous divas including Beyonce and Fergie (with whom he toured to get her hair just right). We had a lot of fun on the tour and hanging out at the resort. Plus, Bri Cole stepped back into her “model” shoes (She’s one of those too) and shut the show down in a stunning white one-piece plus HAT! YOU GO GIRL!

Now, what could make this weekend better? If Ant had been able to come. But having the chance to do all of this with MY Audrey Irvine, who also hails from St. Croix, was a special treat. Rewind 25 years, Audrey was a Mass Communications major at Clark Atlanta University as I benefited appreciatively from the department's resources as a neighboring Morehouse Man. From the first internship we did together at WSB in ATL; the many jobs since that cover a lot of ground - domestic and international; through love found, lost, and the laughter and tears in between, we have maintained a steady and solid BFF-ship that is standing the test of time (By the way, our first boss/the iconic Monica Kaufman tweeted Audrey "Tell Patrick Hi!" - a sign that even after she's vacated her legendary anchor seat at WSB that we are - as she's said over the years - "forever her interns"! LOL!). Audrey's and my bond has been further nourished as Audrey credits me her oldest friend who now goes down as the first friend to go home with her. Though there for the event, the local press considered it big news that its island girl was back home. Audrey has gone on to great industry heights - now in a senior role at media giant CNN. Great times, my Audrey! One more for the books! – www.fashionlinkvi.com - #FVIFW

mighty

THREE MORE TUESDAYS IN JUNE before we take a summer break with the vision we’ll return in some way FALL 2014! I could have used a break after my nick-of-time schlep back from St. Croix, but “Billie's Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley” lifted my energy right on up! In fact, it made me FEEL MIGHTY REAL! LOL! ALL STAR KARAOKE is GRATEFUL for attracting GREATNESS at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul: our FABULOUS ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS - like celebrity hairstylist Carla Bone; legal TV analyst Lisa Bonner, Esq; Joseph Riley Land from Riley/Land Gourmet Pantry (ASK sponsor); WNBC anchor Shiba Russell (return visit); magazine editor diva and friend Angela Bronner Helm - among those in the house to toast and serenade our beloved All Star Karaoke producer Derrick Hemphill. But it doesn't stop there: My friend Carol Maillard brought a fun group - including Louise Robinson. These iconic women are members of the legendary a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock. Carol Lynn Maillard rocked it with me on "Yah Mo Be There" by Michael McDonald and James Ingram. Both singers joined me on Stevie Wonder's "Happy Birthday" for Derrick's Make My Cake moment (red velvet! Yum!): https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152256973388737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater. And from Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical - a staged production I've praised a time or few in "Life of Riley", I got the privilege of sharing the stage with surprise guest, Broadway's Anthony Wayne (as in Pippin the Musical). He - with his partner Kendrell Bowman and Sheryl Lee Ralph - is preparing a September-October run of this amazing show in which Anthony Wayne IS disco divo Sylvester! He performed "AIN'T NO WAY" - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152256929153737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater - and joined me on Miss Ross' "UPSIDE DOWN" - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152256951438737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater - before we closed with "YOU MAKE ME FEEL MIGHTY REAL" - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152256942133737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater. Was MAGICAL! And what a TREAT for us ALL! For tickets to the show and for more information on this awe-inspiring couple - creative and life partners, please go to http://www.fabuloussylvester.com/. I chatted him up about it here - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152256906708737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater   

NEXT WEEK, one of ALL STAR KARAOKE's favorites Penwah will be in the house to celebrate her birthday! Please be sure to come and sing to and with her! We LOVE Penwah!!! Hear us on OUR LOVE a couple of weeks ago:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152135753883737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater

As always, folks, THANKS for your support. Please keep up with LIFE OF RILEY via http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/.

#WhereAreTheyNow

As you know, OPRAH has been a longstanding freelance client for me since 1998. My first "OPRAH: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?" assignment for the upcoming season was GERALDO RIVERA (It will air July 6th); however, I've been doing dozens of these interviews/shoots for OWN. The NEW SEASON of "Oprah: Where Are They Now?" PREMIERES THIS Sunday, June 8th on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. That first episode will feature Love Boat reunion, Charo and Dave Coulier. Plus, several of my assignments will air as the season progresses - from The Nanny, Fran Drescher to Mel B to ex-Real Housewives of New Jersey cast-member Danielle Angelina Staub: http://youtu.be/-4ZHqpYxtzw. In prior seasons, I've interviewed Mayor Giuliani to Mindy Cohn to Ralph Macchio to Emme to Susan Lucci to Andre Leon Talley to Snooki to Pat Benatar to Kenny Loggins to Peter Scolari to Ivana Trump to the "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" 5; etc. http://www.oprah.com/own-where-are-they-now/First-Look-Rick-Springfield-Jill-Zarin--The-Village-People-Video As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! ‪#‎WhereAreTheyNow

luther

Many don’t know. I was assigned to work with “The Oprah Winfrey Show” team that produced Luther Vandross in a New-Jersey-based, assisted-living facility after he’d had his stroke. As one of his biggest fans, it’s a moment I won’t ever forget: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/2/25/we-are-luther-please-reply-by-march-12.html. Well, someone who too won’t forget LUTHER: Kevin Owens aka Kevin Ray Owens – a member of Ray, Goodman, and Brown. But perhaps more popularly as Luther Vandross’ male background singer of note for 25 years. He was with Luther on the rise and at the top. And he’s written the book that got me through my plane rides and beach time on this recent trip to St. Croix: “So Amazing: Through The Eyes of Kevin Owens”: www.soamazingthebook.com.  Including the reference to the aforementioned “OPRAH” shoot, Kevin takes the reader on an amazing journey of what life was like on the road and on the stage with the legendary Luther Vandross. Most of you know that celebrity bio is my favorite book genre. This one does not disappoint.

pervis taylor

You folks know my blog is all about “pop culture” and “possibilities”. And in addition to “celebrity bio”, I love “self-help/affirming” tomes. With that, I want to shout out author Pervis Taylor who sent me a couple of feel-good, uplifting gems that I want to share with you: “Pervis Principles: Volume 1” and “Pervis Principles: Volume 2” – both daily meditation mini-books that inspire readers to live a better quality of life. For more information, click here: www.PervisTaylor.com. SOLID YOUNG MAN! Keep representing, PERVIS!