A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

money minute

I just hosted the 2ND SEASON of WELLS FARGO's NEW ADVOCATE MONEY MINUTE. It runs on-line on www.advocate.com: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute. Those will roll out at the end of August through December 2015.

forest whitaker

My NBCBLK INTERVIEW WITH Forest Whitaker just went HOT! CHECK IT OUT: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/forest-whitaker-knockout-southpaw-n399381. My last NBCBLK assignment was with Miss Aretha Franklin: http://www.nbcnews.com/watch/nbcnews-com/aretha-franklin-puts-on-star-studded-birthday-417968707987. Have had two LEE DANIELS impressions published as well – from Aretha Franklin’s birthday party. https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1553278574945680&set and a Q&A at the beginning of EMPIRE’s first season: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/precious-butler-director-lee-daniels-building-empire-n290416. On the NBC tip, I also recently Executive Produced NBCU's "The More You Know" Campaign for 2015-16 (L.A. and NYC shoots as well as the preps for post): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGYcGYgfrm7AdQUaNaAzK6i3M1dnsPwxD. AS ALWAYS, THANKS FOR YORU SUPPORT! #SOUTHPAW #FORESTWHITAKER #JAKEGYLENHAAL

brandy

Got to CELEBRATE Brandy’s UPTOWN Magazine cover with the DIVA herself and Editor in Chief Isoul Harris. IT and the STORY and the SUBJECT and the EDITOR are nothing short of FABULOUS! Read the cover story at http://bit.ly/brandy_dh.

culture club

Went to the Beacon Theater to meet Morehouse brother Michael K Watts for my belated birthday gift: Culture Club WITH BOY GEORGE! IT’S A MIRACLE!!!! Get the latest concert tour news, tour dates, information, reviews, videos, and more at http://www.facebook.com/LIVEfromFrontRow.

amazing grace

Two of my sentiments and endless praise from others on Amazing Grace Musical: https://www.facebook.com/agmusical/videos/p.869775669759713/869775669759713/?type=2&theater!! #amazinggracemusical

miss harlem shake 2015

I’m missing Billie's Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE already! But the Miss Harlem Shake 2015 pageant gave me a host booking for the second year in a row. Last year’s 1ST ANNUAL was a blast! LINK: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/9/17/harlem-shaking.html .. and THIS YEAR was even more FABULOUS! Special shout out to Musa Jackson whose Musa Jackson Productions booked me then, asked me back this year, and organized this event and a number of other grand fetes in Harlem and throughout NYC. And a SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to the Harlem Shake TEAM plus ALL-of-the behind the scenes team-members – most pointedly, owner of Harlem Shake: Jelena Pasic. One more CONGRATS to Ljeoma: the 2014 Miss Harlem Shake… and we look forward to meeting #MissHarlemShake2015 from #Top6 come September!

frenchie davis

Frenchie Davis came by Billie's Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley TWICE during our SPRING 2015 SERIES. So, Ernest Maynor and I had to support The Frenchie Davis Experience at The Metropolitan Room... She's AMAZING! GIVES VOICE FOR DAYS AND INTO ETERNITY WITH ELEGANCE, VULNERABILITY, AND A SPOT OF RATCHETNESS TO BOOT! LOVE ME SOME Frenchie Davis!!! THAT'S ALL! YOU'RE WELCOME! #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

fellowship and fabulosity

Been great to catch up with friends and NYC family of late:

1. My dear friend Sidra Smith invited an impressive group of tastemakers to her client Janet League-Katzin’s Sphatika – the 100% Natural Sphatika Skincare & Spa on Madison Avenue between 68th and 69th Street: www.sphatika.com. Instagram: @Sphatika_nyc and Twitter: @Sphatika The room included industry friends: GMA Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo; recording artists Gordon Chambers and – from The Voice: THROATRESSES Amanda Brown and Kimberly Nichole; style experts Emil Wilbekin and Tai Beauchamp; Lisa Bonner, Esq.; artist Dianne Smith; and so many more! The Sphatika concept is based on the awareness that the true nature of every individual is divine, radiant, and joyful. We honor and connect with that inner reality by offering the highest quality treatments and products possible. Through a unique combination of deep sleep, sacred elements from the earth and powerful natural healing modalities one experiences the body’s innate ability to repair, renew and rejuvenate itself.

2. Got to spend some long-overdue, quality time with my Mara and her husband Tommie and ALL OF OUR GANG recently for a BLACK MOVIE NIGHT at their home!

3. My people in Mount Vernon are always up for a great time… and we had game night and some karaoke to boot with Derrick, Kiana, Neal, and the gang out there! ALWAYS A PLEASURE!

minneapolis

Though LIFE OF RILEY can be FAB, it only beats one booking and one check at a time, so when folks in my life are the difference to me (as I aim to be for so many), I have to SHOUT it out! SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to MY FRIEND, Miss Jessie's Founder Miko Branch and Miss Jessie's for SPONSORING ME to attend this year’s National Association of Black Journalists’ Convention – a bit of an off-shoot of my “Harlem open mic night” as I’ve been invited to HOST “#NABJ40 Night at the Apollo” (but it’s in MINNEAPOLIS on Opening Night of the Convention in August). Everyone knows NABJ is "my annual therapy". And my "annual therapy" is about to meet my "daily therapy" (karaoke) at the pass. LOL!  The release reads: "Battle it out on stage with your fellow NABJ members as you compete in the ULTIMATE Apollo talent competition hosted by none other than Patrick L. Riley! Bring your costumes, props, and song choice to the convention center after the opening reception. Solos, duets, and group performances are welcome! Become the 2015 #NABJ40 Apollo Night Champion!" If my NABJ fam is registered for the convention, coming, and going to be there and want to get in on the fun, PLEASE FILL THIS OUT and SUBMIT: https://thenabj.wufoo.com/forms/q1dixmwj177j5go/. #NABJ is a FAMILY REUNION and ALWAYS a good time! See LIFE OF RILEY's capture of NABJ over the years: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/nabj. Once-NABJ “Emerging Journalists of the Year” Michael Feeney (NYABJ President); dear friend Mara Schiavocampo (GMA Correspondent); NBC4 Anchor Shiba Russell (and the NBC 4 crew);  and one of Ant's and my favorite couples Nikita Stewart Henderson (New York Times) and consultant Brian Henderson frequent our night! Also, NABJ President Will Sutton and NABJ's own Garry Howard brought their Dow Jones Business Reporting Internship students out. And they came two Tuesdays in a row at this Spring 2015's "Billie's Black presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley". So, I’m excited to bring KARAOKE to NABJ!  And to see what our FABULOUS MEMBERS are going to sing! #WEAREFAMILY

nyabj

Derrick Hemphill and I did a drive by the New York Association of Black Journalists’ pre-convention mixer to find out who is going to be participating in #NABJ40 AT THE APOLLO. Great to see NABJ and NYABJ fam… as always!

RIP Bobbi Kristina and Michael Masser and Whitney Houston 

"Didn't We Almost Have It All"

https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley/videos/vb.662073736/10153136593663737/?type=2&theater&notif_t=video_comment

almost

 Anthony Harper and I are here watching Xscape Unsung. Talk about the soundtrack of OUR LIVES (and - for me - my young adult years right as my pie-in-the-sky ambitions were about to meet crippling-despair at the pass... and life would never be the same... and yet I'm here to tell the story)...GOD IS GOOD!See the time stamp: July 8, 1994. And the frame is footage from some behind the scenes footage of that Xscape music video shoot for the song "Tonight". As I was an associate producer and the entertainment guy for FOX 5 Atlanta's Good Day Atlanta, I took my little cousin DeeDee Manor with me to the set as she was visiting Atlanta from Savannah for the summer and had just come up with my mom #queenelizabethbellingerriley for my sister Janice Riley Priester's July 4 work cookout. That week, we also saw Whitney Houston at The Omni. At 23, I was readying for the wrap of "Options: Image of the Future" summer camp which I co-directed with Reginald Parker (our banquet was approaching) and I was Co-Chair of the first Unity Journalists of Color / (NABJ) National Association of Black Journalists Convention (as VP-Broadcast of Atlanta Association of Black Journalists - AABJ). A week later, I'd wreck my car on Georgia Tech's campus. That's where we held our camp. Then 7/20 happened: my mom had a heart attack and instantly passed away. When this frame of video flashed across the screen, I got goosebumps. It all came pouring back! It was 21 years ago this month...time flies... and pop culture is here to remind us. XO RIP #queenriley #72094

grand finale

THE GRAND FINALE of Billie's Black PRESENTS#ALLSTARKARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley: our SPRING 2015 SERIES went out with a BANG! Broadway DIVOs Ryan Shaw (Stevie Wonder from “Motown the Musical”). Also, my friend Charles Wallace (Broadway’s “Amazing Grace” which OPENS this Thursday) came by and SANG Aretha and Teddy. The passing of songwriter/producer Michael Masser hit me like a ton of bricks as I was first introduced to him via Miss Ross' liner notes. He wrote "Touch Me In The Morning"; "Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To?"; "Last Time I Saw Him"; "It's My Turn"; "To Love Again", "In Your Arms", "One More Chance", "Stay With Me" --- many of my FAVORITES! Then, when Miss Ross exited stage left from his works in the '80s, Miss Whitney Houston inherited his genius on "Greatest Love of All", "Didn't We Almost Have It All", "All At Once", "After We Make Love", and so much more - for these ladies and George Benson and Natalie Cole, etc! I would have me choose two favorites from his Diana Ross/Whitney Houston repertoires: “It’s My Turn” and “Didn’t We Almost Have it All”: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley/videos/vb.662073736/10153136593663737/?type=2&theater&notif_t=video_comment. And we celebrated two birthday girls: Rachelle and Tracey as well as the CUNY Journalism Fellows who my friend Nikita Stewart Henderson (from “The New York Times”) brought to hang out with us. AND WE DID THE ‪#‎THEBOSSCHOIR at#BILLIESBLACK ONE MORE TIME! LOL! https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley/videos/vb.662073736/10153136580498737/?type=2&theater THANKS TO EVERYBODY who has been such a STEADY SUPPORT of our LITTLE NIGHT that COULD - including our TITLE SPONSOR Miss Jessie's... and Riley/Land Gourmet Pantry XOXOXOHope to see y'all in the FALL... if we don't pop up somewhere in the meantime! Endless Love for Billie's Black! Love you, Adriane and Marian! XOXOXOXO

nyuujw

I love my National Association of Black Journalists' sister friend Katti Gray - so much I got up too early (after the GRAND FINALE of our Spring 2015 Series of “Billie’s Black presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley”) to teach her new, diverse crop of NYC high schoolers participating in the NYU Urban Journalism Workshop "THE ART OF THE INTERVIEW". Plus, I had a young CAU-bound intern Blake shadowing me for the day on an ask from my friend Marcia Cole. GREAT KIDS! GREAT TIMES! http://urbanjournalismworkshop.org/ My recap from last year: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/7/21/time.html #nyuujw

rosenwald

Thanks to my "nephew" and NABJ BFF Brian Henderson for hipping me to filmmaker Aviva Kempner's latest work: Rosenwald, a documentary describing how businessman and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald joined with African-American communities in the South to build schools for them during the early 20th century. Rosenwald will be released in theaters in August 2015. And there's a screening next week in L.A. MUST SEE! Thanks Brian!

ella

Brian and his wife, dear friend Nikita Stewart Henderson - New York Times' own - invited me to experience Nikita's daughter Ella for what is being dubbed "the greatest showcase of the summer"! This weekend, at the lengendary Bitter End, talented teenage musicians took over the stage at "ROCK IN BLEECKER"! Proceeds benefitted the charity Music Unites, which is dedicated to spreading music programs throughout public schools for at-risk youth. GO ELLA who also graced our Grand Finale of Billie's Black presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley. She's also working in several fabulous arts programs - including a Clive Davis one at NYU and another at Harlem School of the Arts. And she's interning at Sounds of Brazil: SOBs this summer - booking acts for the famous live venue.

HURRICANE SANDY

Thanks to all of you for your WELL-WISHES & concern. Hopefully by the time you read this, I will have power. But for now, I am among the 2.6 milliion New Jersey households without it. And our town of Ridgefield Park flooded something terrible, though there's no damage to the interior of our home. Cabin fever is getting the best (or worst) of me, but neighbor BFF Ernest Maynor, Ant, and I are joining forces to stay fed and as comfy as possible. Dear friends Mara Schiavocampo & Tommie Porter opened up their home to us - so we got our hot food & water; cocktails; great chat; and Nina on! Just a few days prior, The Porters were The Carters (with Blue Ivy AKA Nina in tow) for a Halloween Party! Another day had me hanging out at a friend's office - for recharging; computer use (hence this note); etc. To all who have lost - property or loved ones, I'm CLEAR my situation could be a lot worse and I extend my PRAYERS of comfort and speedy recovery your way! One friend, publicist Rachel Noerdlinger, tweeted while we were at CAMP PORTER (@Mara Schiavocampo & Tommie Porter): “I'm in a house full of serious journalists stranded from #Sandy. Are we watching the news? Nope. @patarack wants to watch the Voice. SMH (NOTE FROM @PATARACK: I'M MISSING ALL MY SHOWS! "The Voice", "RuPaul", "X Factor", "Life After", Marvin Gaye's crime file on TV One, Toni Braxton's "Behind The Music", and SO MUCH MORE as the days go on I.E. “GLEE (GREASE episode)”; etc.! LOL! I'll catch it on demand or whenever... but IJS! LOL!)

SUE SIMMONS

The New York Association of Black Journalists, Essence Magazine and Black Employees @ Time Inc. came together to honor former WNBC anchor Sue Simmons in a special award ceremony. The spirited evening took place at the Time-Life Building and felt like a family reunion - between my best buddies from the current Board of the New York Association of Black Journalists - including NYABJ Prez Mike Feeney, Dwight Oestricher, and the evening's host Cheryl Wills (NY-1); my NYABJ friends-for-life - including Essence Editor-in-Chief Constance White; WABC 7's Sandra Bookman (Anchor/Reporter/Host, "Here & Now"); fashion writers Robin Givhan and Walter Greene; another NBC legend Al Roker who (like Sue) I produced in the late '90s via NBC 4's special projects division; and a couple of my friends and icons from the arts: well-known writer/producer/NYC socialite Susan Fales Hill (known for "A Different World"); writer/producer/NYC socialite Susan Fales Hill (known for "A Different World"); Tony-award-winning choreographer George Faison (Owner, Faison Firehouse Theater in Harlem) and Miss Valerie Simpson who serenaded Sue with a beautiful, self-accompanied rendition of one of the classics co-written by Valerie and her late, great husband and songwriting partner Nickolas Ashford, "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing". Sue was as happy to see me as I was to see her. In the words of the invite, she 'truly left an unforgettable mark during her more than 30 years on the New York City station," A host of other NABJ family members were in the house - including NABJ Executive Director Maurice Foster.

JUDGE LYNN TOLER

Before heading home from the Sue Simmons event, I went by M Bar in Mansfield hotel to catch up with another NABJ sister friend Nicole Childers. Her client, Divorce Court's Judge Lynn Toler is in town to promote her new book, "Making Marriage Work."  http://www.agatepublishing.com/book/?GCOI=93284100848410. You may know that she's been the Divorce Court judge since 2006 and in the course of the past month has appeared on Dr. Drew's HLN show and MSNBC's "The Cycle." And while here, she was on some fun and familiar airwaves here in the city - including 'Wendy Williams' and her weekly HOT TALK panel. My Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts, Ant, and others were in the mix - holding court with the very lovely, engaging, and funny Judge Lynn. Great night in NYC! (Good to see my Morehouse brother Mario Ephraim’s aunt back on the tube via an installment of “Life After” (Divorce Court) on TV One: www.tvone.tv/content/tvone_site1/en/shows/life_after.html! We ALSO LOVE Judge Mablean… and Judge Lynn Toler does too! I asked her!).

BRANDY

BRANDY was in town recently for a $32.00 concert at Best Buy Theater in Times Square (right across the street from my recurring client BET). Ant, BFF since 7th grade Ern, and I attended along with a sold-out crowd that included many of our friends - including Morehouse BFFs Mario and Michael K. Watts, who covered the event for his concert review and highlights site "LIVE! From Front Row" which shot Brandy's Whitney Tribute: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQiQk6nOPdc and so much more that you can enjoy here: www.youtube.com/livefromfrontrow.  

Courtesy of "LIVE! From Front Row":

 FINAL Brandy set list;

 9:13

 What about

 Full moon

 Top of the world

 Sitting up in my room

 Medley: Best friend/Baby/I wanna be down

 ------------------

 Whitney Houston Medley: I'm your baby tonight/How Will I Know/I wanna dance with somebody

 Have you ever

 Almost Doesn't count

 Wildest Dreams

 Put It Down

 10:00

 FOR MORE INFO on BRANDY's NEW RELEASE: http://www.rcarecords.com/news/brandy-release-highly-anticipated-album-two-eleven-october-16thEarlier that day, it’s worth noting that one of my colleagues from Chicago-based Harpo, Caroline Ziv, popped into town on business. She’s one of the BEST producers I know in the business! Of course, between her meetings, she dedicated some time to catch-up and break-bread with me at Serafina! Great to see you, ZIV!

WILD WITH HAPPY

Shout out to Marcia Pendelton and Lauren Tobin - both of whom have been asking me to come out to see "WILD WITH HAPPY", a world premiere written by and featuring Colman Domingo ( http://www.newstimes.com/entertainment/article/Who-s-a-busy-boy-Actor-playwright-Colman-Domingo-3915439.php). I've sung his praises from his tour de force performance in Broadway's "Passing Strange" (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/3/15/twas-passing-strange.html). Then, I penned his hosting words at one of Black 2 Broadway's Tony Awards events (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/6/19/postcards-from-the-edge.html). Now, Colman is in previews at the Public Theater and what a wonderful piece. And this time, it's a work that also features my Morehouse brother Maurice McRae in a BRILLIANT performance. Maurice is my MOREHOUSE BIG BROTHER; he directed me in several staged productions at Morehouse; we were in the glee club together; etc. GREAT FRIEND!!!

 Here is a description of the work:

World Premiere

 WILD WITH HAPPY

 By Colman Domingo

 Directed by Robert O'Hara

 Featuring Colman Domingo, Korey Jackson, Maurice McRae,

and Sharon Washington

 October 9 - November 11

From Colman Domingo (a Tony Award® nominee for The Scottsboro Boys and an Obie Award winner for Passing Strange) comes a deeply imaginative and utterly outrageous new work that explores the bizarre comedy that lies within death and healing. Gil, an actor who's struggling to carve out his own new life, finds his worlds colliding when his mother dies and he decides to have her cremated. But where should he scatter the ashes? And can he make a fairytale ending for her in the one place that made her WILD WITH HAPPY? Domingo leads a cast of four. And directing is Obie winner Robert O'Hara.

BIRTHDAY SEASON

Our friend Michelle Sanchez Boyce inspired an ENERGY OF LOVE – ALL FOR HER – at a birthday party she and her husband, our buddy Nelson Boyce hosted. It was a fun set at their New Rochelle home which features a back-deck patio – ripe for poet Mums and Grammy-award winning Anthony Hamilton to wax poetical; philosophical; political; psychological (and everything else). And also, a house full of GREAT FOOD and our New Rochelle (and Bergen County) favorites – including my Amazing Grace Nichole and a host of other festive folks!

Shout out to Ant’s cousin Taricq! We celebrated his birthday last night at ReCoup and Fat Buddha Bar! Taricq and his Multi Vision team performed at the first set (www.multivisionent.com)  and what a FAMILY REUNION it was!

Ant’s Denver BFF and art soul-mate Manivone’s birthday was yesterday. We toasted my Scorpio sister at Clinton Hill’s Speedy Romeo. Then, we continued our hang in Brooklyn. Always good to be in the BK with our peeps!

KARAOKE RULES

We’ve still been getting some casual karaoke in when we can. Popped over to Astoria to join Ant’s cuz Shantay for some fun! While at One 7 Karaoke recently, I stumbled into one of my karaoke buddies Javier Millan. He excited me with the news that he is a contestant on "IDOLOS de la cancion" - an "American Idol" for the Latin audience in which participants impersonate a Latin music icon or current superstar (http://tv.univision.com/sabado-gigante/article/2007-08-03/idolos-de-la-cancion). Check him out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=necxEyG6p9s. Congrats, Javier!

NEW MUSIC: TAVARES STEPHENS & KENNY CARR

You all read about my ‘Amazing Grace’ Natalie in my CNN piece a few months ago (http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/07/living/gay-best-friend/index.html). Well, she’s family! Her brother-in-law Tavares is family too…and I’m excited to tell you about something this Atlanta-based artist is doing. It’s all here on his webite: www.tavaresstephens.com. But let me wax proud for a moment. He’s been working on a praise and worship music project/CD titled “The Ascension Project”... and it is something to behold. Again, you can find it at www.tavaresstephens.com.

It is a five track EP that is a fusion of contemporary praise and worship and spoken word poetry. Tavares wrote, executive produced, and co-produced the CD. He says it's truly a unique offering that can make a difference in the way it will minister to people's hearts. The project is an independent project; so, please check it out; buy it; share it; spread the word! In addition to being able to hear the music on his site, you can also watch video clips of live performances (like this one: http://youtu.be/vq9qqwMJ1eI). MEANWHILE, a pop into Hillstone to use the restroom and to then have a glass of iced tea turned into a quick bite with my friend Shareen (Uber-Producer at “The Bill Cunningham Show”) and her husband, the most awesome musician Kenny Carr who has some new music coming out soon. I can’t wait to share! (You’ll recall, Shareen and I worked alongside each other in 2009 while producing reality shows “Monica: Still Standing” and “Frankie & Neffe”. LOVE THAT COUPLE & THOSE TWO INDIVIDUALS!). But back to Kenny: He is a Composer, Producer, Singer, and Musician. I know his trombone playing from the United House of Prayer for All People - my family church. He and I still have many mutual peeps from that common ground. But Kenny is now internationally renowned as one of the world’s premier soulful jazz trombonists and shout band recording artists. He's apepared on Grammy nominated recordings, Dove award winning projects, and has been named the Best of North Carolina Music Artist. The Charlotte native has performed with and shared the stage with the likes of Ramsey Lewis, Wycliffe Gordon, Jonathan Butler, Al Green, Gladys Knight, and the late Ray Charles. His talents extend across genres, allowing Kenny to share his talents with gospel greats Vickie Winans, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Bishop Ronald Brown, and John P Kee. Kenny has toured and shared his musical expertise internationally with his solo project “Sound the Alarm” (2003). He has also broadened his repertoire to include Executive Producer of the amazing masterpiece, “The Seal Breakers” (2011). And Kenny’s latest gift, “Amazing Love” (2012) will certainly secure him as one of the best musicians of all times. That's the one I'm excited to share with you when it's time! CONGRATS, TAVARES & KENNY: pop culture and possibilities at their BEST!

AMAZING GRACEs

Thanks to ALL OF YOU who had such kind things to say about my CNN.com article in which I explore the relationship between gay men and their best girlfriends: http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/07/living/gay-best-friend/index.html... and the companion blog entry: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/8/7/my-girls.html. Coincidentally, I got to see a few of them I don’t get to see often this week. I got to toast one of the muses for the ‘gay men/best female friend’ project this past Friday at The Empire Hotel (www.empirehotelnyc.com). A host of us of who LOVE us some Nichole were in the house… and to make it even more special, two of my additional BFF LADY FRIENDS Mara Schiavocampo and Itika Oldwine joined me to toast their ‘fellow Amazing Grace’ as well. I also got the chance to see two of my lady friends last weekend in DC: Latecia Engram invited BFF-since-7th-grade Ern and me to her Baptism which took place this morning at Shiloh Baptist Church. Her brother Bill with whom we got to enjoy a great dinner at Cheesecake Factory. Then, after the beautiful service today, Tish and her many guests (including several of our Spelman sisters) went to Woodmont Grill (AKA Houston’s) in Bethesda, MD. Another BFF of the “Amazing Grace” kind, Lisa Goodnight, came to join us for our repast. I’ve missed her so since leaving NJ/NYC in 2004. So, being able to catch up with her was a special treat and quite a BLESSING!

EAGLE ROCK RESORT

This past weekend, childhood BFF Ernest Maynor joined Ant & me for an overnight stay at The Eagle Rock Resort in the Blue Mountains of Pennsylvania (www.eaglerockresort.com). This was a gift from my Godchild Owen Angelo’s parents, my friends Owen and Sandy! There was lots of home-cooking (a lot of GREAT FILIPINO FARE); ping pong; karaoke; spa treatments;  the beach; AND SO MUCH MORE, The Eagle Rock Resort may be an investment in our near future. Just the getaway we all needed before a new work week. Plus, so good to spend FUN TIME with Owen Angelo who I got the chance to serenade. After my first viral serenade to MISS NINA went over so well (She's the daughter of my BFFs Mara Schiavocampo and Tommie Porter: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=4360775780176), Ant captured this performance - more of a lullaby - as Ern picked Taylor Dayne's "Love Will Lead You Back" for us to sing: https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=10151031254953737; Owen climbed up near me for a front-row seat; then he began to fall asleep (LOL!). Ant captured it all. And with a little help from the karaoke machine and Ern on when-to-come-in support, we knew clearly that WE ARE A FAMILY...and LOVE LEADS US BACK EVERYTIME! XO

UBC-TV NETWORKS

Shout out to Peggy Dodson and her UBCTV NETWORKS! She recently booked me to host her red carpet which had me interviewing America’s Next Top Model ALL-STARs ISIS (Remember her?); and Prince Malik Records’ Prince Malik (His new single “So Bad” is now available for fans on iTunes following an overwhelming response from listeners on radio favorites KTUs iHeartRadio and Z100 (executive produced by Tony Dofat, the GRAMMY-award-winning producer for The Notorious B.I.G.; Heavy D; Mary J. Blige; and Soul For Real). The pointed occasion (beyond the launch of this new, multi-cultural, inclusive, and diverse network) was a media event taping, introducing one of its new shows THE UBC MIX (THINK: multi-cultural American Bandstand or Soul Train. Stay tuned for more details on UBC-TV; its programming; and where I may be popping up! UBC-TV will begin its national roll-out this fall, so check out www.UBCTVNETWORK.com  or UBCTV Networks Facebook page and Twitter page @UBCTV Networks for more information about UBC-TV programs, cities, and platform updates and channel listings. AND THANKS to my many FAB FRIENDS who came out to support! Special shout out to Seven Christopher and Ra-Fael Blanco – two key parts of the UBC-TV TEAM!

BLACKATLAS.COM

American Airlines, through BlackAtlas.com, announced actor Laz Alonso as the new travel ambassador of BlackAtlas.com…and what an announcement it was. The private launch party and press conference took place at the Studio Museum in Harlem. My nephew Herman Riley joined me as Alonso introduced several travel videos in which he is (and will be) featured on BlackAtlas.com, representing American Airlines and BlackAtlas.com at select events. The Rakiem Walker Band performed; celebrity mixer DJ Cosi waxed great tracks; and – the highlight of the evening – a live musical performance featuring Melanie Fiona. Celebrity chef and Harlem staple Marcus Samuelsson catered by way of his hot-spot restaurant, Red Rooster Harlem. And so many of my friends were in the house: publicists extraordinaire BJ Coleman and Katrina Boswell; stylist with the most Phillip Bloch; JET’s S. Tia Brown; my Spelman sister/TV personality Tanika Ray; the award-winning “UNSUNG” producer and more, P. Frank Williams; designer Harriette Cole (www.108STICHES.BIZ) [CONGRATS on your new line of awesome jewelry, Harriette!]; UPTOWN Magazine’s dream-team Angela Bronner Helm and my Morehouse brother Isoul Harris; other THE-HOUSE brothers Brook Stephenson; and Sekou; ABFFs Jeff Friday and Ghana Wilson; Chastity Saunders; Carlton Jarrett Lockett; Amanda DIVA; NYABJ’s President Mike Feeney; ESSENCE’s Wendy Wilson; “Rolling Out” Publisher (and Morehouse big brother) Munson Steed; multi-platform producer and artist SOULEO; journalist/stand-up comic Chloe Hilliard; and many more. Also in the mix: “Basketball Wives” Jennifer Williams; Al Reynolds; Robert Townsend; and a host of many more. BlackAtlas.com is the first-of-its-kind social travel networking site combining the best features of a travel site with the power of an online social network for travelers to share experiences unique to the black community. Through video, commentary, photos and blogs, BlackAtlas.com registered users can share content across social networks, save content to Favorites, gain access to BlackAtlas.com specials, and link to promotional fares on AA.com. Content is categorized into destination-, city- and category-specific information, including travel tips, restaurants, nightlife, culture, arts and museums, and historic sites (www.BlackAtlas.com).

TYRONE BEVERLY: YOGA TODAY?

Ant’s fellow high school football team buddy Tyrone Beverly came to town, his first time in New York City. He is now a Master Yoga Instructor. His base is Denver but he came to NYC for a few days to spread his YOGA magic all over the island. I had to work through most of it on a special project for BET, but they popped by to say HI as his Central Park session was a stone’s throw from me in Times Square. On and on, I could go about Tyrone. But he is an incredibly spiritual teacher and an overall amazing and inspiring person. Last summer in Denver, he gave Ant, Manivone, Taha, and me a private class on the rooftop of a friend’s condo. It was amazing! (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/7/13/best-thing.html). Much like Russell Simmons, Tyrone is aiming to have yoga appeal and be accessible to a younger and more urban community. During class, Tyrone plays a mix of meditation music and neo soul. He is also a master yogi in the since that he can hold some pretty amazing and difficult poses. He jokingly reminds us of a modern Bruce LeRoy (Taimak from “The Last Dragon”). Fortunately, several friends have partaken of this awesome experience – including Carl Nelson; Manivone; and several others. We also made time for fun. We all met in Brooklyn as Tyrone led an intimate session with Ant’s cousin Shantay Wilson and friend Sky. We enjoyed Thai cuisine at TEEDA before heading to Astoria to share our love of karaoke with Tyrone. Stay tuned as Tyrone will be back to teach as many FREE classes as possible while he is in town. So, those of you who practice and/or may be interested in hosting a free class for a small group of your friends, say HI to Tyrone Beverly on FACEBOOK… and LIKE HIM! BTW: 9 News KUSA out of Denver has been featuring Tyrone’s FREE yoga tour. He’s considered the NEW FACE OF YOGA: http://www.9news.com/news/article/273025/222/Yoga-Tour-aims-to-set-record.

FORTRESS OF EVIL

Shout out to friend and one of my favorite editors MICHAEL KARDIS who invited me out to his post-production shop FORTRESS OF EVIL’s rooftop mixer at Tavern 29 in NYC (www.fortressofevil.tv).  We hit it off last year as he was assigned to work with me – in edit - on a few pieces I field produced and wrote for "THE VIEW" - http://theview.abc.go.com/video/sherri-visits-chevy-auto-show. Also, he produced this piece for which I was featured in a behind-the-scenes companion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYcbwpTXbWU --- all of this after I was assigned to co-field-produce the behind-the-scenes of "THE VIEW" for 'OPRAH': http://abc.go.com/watch/the-view/SH559080/VD55109414/the-view-22 (Whoopi acknowledged our being there that day - around 2:27 - 2:38 on the clip... if it's still hot).

HARLEM REDs

As I wrapped working on a project that gives me a giggle because it’s kinda’ full circle – pop culturally – as it links me to my “Frankie & Neffe” roots (But more on that another time…. LOL!), I popped by Yuki 55 for some karaoke with Ant, Carl Nelson, and a buddy Larry. From there, we popped by Red Rooster in Harlem 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!

SPARKLE

Ant & I saw a midnight “Sparkle” the day it came out! Congrats to our friends Mara & Salim Akil on a beautiful career bow for Miss Whitney Houston, the singer and actress (To my “DREAMGIRLS” peeps, I’ll be doing a screen-a-thon on this one as well: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/1/15/-but-i-need-a-friend.html; well, maybe I won’t see it as many times as “DREAMGIRLS”! LOL!). SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO: My friend and former co-worker, FOX 5’s Amanda Davis whose daughter  Melora Rivera is featured in the film. She also is the assistant of Salim Akil, the film’s director. Seems like just yesterday ('95-ish), I was working for Amanda and after we wrapped "Good Day ...Atlanta", I was sometimes driving you to school (but not before stopping at the nearby - GASP! - Chick-fil-A [BEFORE WE KNEW! LOL!]). After your hearty breakfast-to-go, I dropped you off...and went back to work! LMAO! Now, you are a WOMAN! So glad you reintroduced yourself to me at the red carpet 2nd-season premiere of THE GAME, also created by your bosses The Akils. I'M SO PROUD OF YOU: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/1/10/staying-together.html.

WHITNEY

Most people who know me know that MISS ROSS is MY BOSS… and a week in which she received her LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT GRAMMY AWARD is among the BIGGEST WEEKS for a fan like me (and the many hundreds of thousands and thousands of fans with whom I have the honor to share in this excitement). This, after Miss Ross has been nominated 12 times (Sang/recorded 3 songs that are in the Grammy Hall of Fame), but had yet to win one. Picture this: It’s Saturday, February 11, 2011. A wonderful group of friends were invited to an intimate, pre-Fashion-Week gathering.                                                                                                                         Everyone agreed to join me in watching Miss Ross accept her Lifetime Achievement Grammy on the academy’s website (http://www.grammy.com/videos/diana-ross-accepting-lifetime-achivement-award-at-special-merit-awards) – a highlight in the day (and this fan’s life). Just moments before her segment was to take place, the first texts, tweets, and emails started to come in. I felt like Miss Ross in the rain at her Central Park Concert: “It took me a lifetime to get here. I’m not going anywhere!”  And as each text, tweet, and email came in, I chalked it up as a hoax… and kept it to myself. But alas, the news would be true: WHITNEY HOUSTON: DEAD AT 48. Miss Ross accepted her award (and announced she’d be going back into the studio to record and - FYI! - she's going back on the road - starting this week). We were all left to wrap our heads around one other SPECIAL woman with whom Miss Ross had to share the spotlight in “…the life of Riley…” (circa 1984-1998).

This is the hardest blog I’ve ever had to write. I’ve been a range of in shock; bed-ridden sick; depressed; unable to get through the day’s deeds without a tear or many; inconsolable; and nostalgic and joyful for one moment in time when Whitney Houston brought us such comfort and joy with THAT VOICE!

The loss of Whitney Houston also brings me back in touch with blasts from my past. One Morehouse brother felt he needed to reach out – in part because he too is touched by the loss. Also, he remembers how much I LOVE WHITNEY...and wanted to make sure I was O.K. An excerpt of my reply to him:

“...This loss is HUGE for many reasons - some of which you've outlined. In the '90s, I had lots of connects from the Whitney world - including those domains you outline i.e. publicists/managers/Arista folks/fellow churchmembers of her/Cissy who were/are friends of mine, etc. And YES! As a singer myself, I have long been shouting fromt the rafters - often to those aforementioned people - to correct THAT VOICE before it's 'wrecked'. Though it wasn't exactly wrecked in 1998, it depreciated from 'dreamy' to a 'nightmare' by 2001. That said, the short window she was able to give us THE VOICE is LEGACY enough (more than enough). Still, we're all left with this bad feeling. Though I've shared commentary on Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and Rev. Sharpton's shows, I'm left now to say SOMETHING via my blog by week's end. And though I don't know if I'll go comprehensive in this entry (as I'm still wrapping my brain and heart around the LIFE, the LOSS, and all that I'm truly feeling right now where I can feel), so much of me is numb. I called Whitney "the Billie Holliday" of our time in that by the time you and I were born, she was dead. We then were introduced to her - on some level - by Diana Ross' portrayal of her in "Lady Sings The Blues" (and not even when that came out). So, there was a disconnect, though the history was duly noted and well-received. With WHITNEY, like the contemporaries of Billie Holliday, we met her, we knew her pedigree, we watched her rise to the top, we watched her fall, we watched her attempt a comeback, we watched her die ------ ONE MOMENT IN TIME! And yet, again, we know her LEGACY lives on...through her music (and hopefully she and Bobby's daughter.... and - as irony goes - through the very women on whose shoulders she stands - including her mom, Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, etc. - all of whom are STILL STANDING & SINGING, which furthermore makes this passing harder to swallow. Like most anything, Whitney sang it best when she added this BeBe Winans composition to some of her early '90s shows…”

It was first recorded by CeCe Winans who sang it at the funeral:

Verse 1:

Here we are again,

that old familiar place,

where the wind will blow,

no one ever knows the time or space.

Chorus:

Don't cry for me,

don't shed a tear;

the time I've shared with you will always be.

And when I'm gone,

still carry on,

don't cry for me.

Verse 2:

No one is the blame,

my death was meant to be.

Don't carry guilt or shame,

the reason why I came,

soon you'll see.

Chorus:

Bridge:

Don't cry when life is not

the joy it should be,

with life comes pain.

Soon time will end its course appointed,

then you will be rewarded,

and all the world will see.

THIS, OF COURSE, AS I CRY!

EDWING D’ANGELO

In attendance at this Fashion-Week kick-off was designer EDWING D'ANGELO (whose Fall 2012 NYFW Collection presented this past Sunday at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel: www.edwingdangelo.com. Excellent new line, I might add. Basketball Wives’ Royce and Mob Wives’ Carla agree). On that night of AMAZING HIGHS and BOTTOMLESS LOWS, it was also great to see friend/jeweler Trevor Hartman. I consider it a blessing to have so many friends and loved ones around me at the time. And afterwards,  I made it my business to get down to Japas 55 Karaoke to homage Miss Houston in song (via the Whitney Houston medley its catalog has). My friend Carl Nelson was on-hand to hold me up (just in case) as well as ATL Housewives’ Dwight Eubanks. And as my love of karaoke goes, I’ve continued to sing more and more Whitney wherever I go – to ensure that the MUSIC LIVES ON! That – in addition to many things – is a BIG LEGACY! We sang after the Edwing show. Also, on another night with another awesome designer/my friend Jeffrey Williams (www.jeffreycwilliams.com), we all gathered at a new spot: baby grand (www.babygrandnyc.com) – a cute discovery for us. My girl Dawn sang pretty too!

GRAMMY TELECAST

Since I wasn’t in L.A. And given the developments du jour, the invitation to watch THE GRAMMYS with my friends Mara Schiavocampo and Tommie Porter while dining on declicious chili and cornbread (a la Rakia) was – for sure – the move. Ant , Ernest Maynor, and MISS NINA agreed. In fact, NINA was the BEST example of the CIRCLE OF LIFE! CONGRATS, MISS ROSS! WE LOVE YOU, WHITNEY! Great job, Jennifer Hudson!

MY BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL

I spent the top of the month producing a Black History Month segment for ‘Wendy Williams’ and ‘My Black is Beautiful’. If you didn’t get to see it, here goes: http://www.wendyshow.com/MyBlackIsBeautiful/.

FULL FORCE

My girl Flo Anthony invited us out to dear friend Marva Allen’s Hue-Man Bookstore (www.huemanbookstore.com) for a cool event: A book signing with The Full Force Brothers (www.fullforceworld.com). Their new book “Not Just a House Party” takes us deeper and beyond what is now the highest-rated “Unsung” in which they were recently featured. Bowlegged Lou (who I’d met years ago through my Atlanta buddy Denyse Parks); Paul Anthony; and B-Fine were in the house. They are so gracious, nice, and generous in sharing their history in the industry. From there, another dear publicist friend Juanita Stephens invited us to Maria Davis’ special event at Shrine World Venue in Harlem. I got a quick meet-and-greet at W’s A-Loft Hotel with the Jamaican virtuoso David M (He’s a singer/songwriter/classical musician/etc.). You – for sure – will be hearing more from this conscious artist who credits Marvin Gaye as an influence.

KEVIN FREEMAN & “REAL HOUSE-FRIEND OF ATLANTA”

Our dear friend Kevin Freeman’s birthday was last week (Same week that he was featured in an episode of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” in which he hosted Sheree and some of the ladies in South Africa). Priya Scroggins threw a set of all sets at her Manhattan pad. Tasty cocktails; hors’douevres; delicious bites of cauliflower pakoras; jerk chicken wings; vegetable curry; shrimp vindaloo; chicken chettinad; dal; rice; Indian bread; and WHITNEY! We all gathered around and either sang Whitney at the top of our lungs and/or danced with a roo...m full of SOMEDBODIES who love Kevin! Quite healing! Joyous! FAMILY! In the house: Ant, Gwendolyn Niles, Keanna KJ Rose Henson, Kiwan Michael Anderson, Dawanna Williams, Nathan Hale Williams, Tracey Kemble, Stephanie Horton, Lisa Bonner, Angelique Miles, Mark Buquoi, Chris Gentry, Chantis Parks, Michelle Sanchez Boyce, Erika Munro Kennerly, Nichole Shellman, her beau Troy, Tamayu Takayama, Wardell Malloy, Bevy Smith and more! A TOTAL LOVE FEST!

HARLEM FINE ARTS SHOW 2012

 I wrapped the week up with two art invitations from my friends Tata and Carl Nelson. First up: We went to The New York Times Building to kick-off the Third Annual 2012 Harlem Fine Arts Show (www.hfas.org) – featuring among many, the artwork of AFUWI 2011 recipient of the American Foundation of the University of the West Indies award (the tributes of which I got to produce: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/1/27/live-out-louder.html). Also in the house: NYC icons B. Smith and Susan Taylor. The open-to-the-public exhibition will take place from Friday, February 10th through Sunday, February 12th at Riverside Church of New York (490 Riverside Drive at 120th Street). Then, we went to a GRAFFITI photography and art exhibit (that benefitted a pediatric oncology ward on Long Island, NY. At the helm of the brainchild: Elizabeth Jordan (WWW.EJORDANPHOTOGRAPHY.COM), who invited guests to St. Peter’s Church to participate in an evening celebrating the power of the pen (and positive thought) through graffiti. A light bite at Hillstone rounded out the evening just lovely.

TARGET FIRST SATURDAY

 The Brooklyn Museum’s TARGET FIRST SATURDAY was a fun time: http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/visit/first_saturdays.php.  Lots of exhibits, people, music, and dancing. Saw lots of fun faces – including my Savannah homegirl Rae Mack, Theo Perry, Shantay Wilson, and many others.

SUPERBOWL

Our friends Irma Clement and Gisele Pemberton threw yet another FAB SUPERBOWL EXTRAVAGANZA! GREAT FOOD, FOLKS, & MADONNA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4VbChGJ8nw&feature=youtu.be.

NEW YORK ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS

Was GREAT to confab with my fellow New York Association of Black Journalists recently at B.Smith’s restaurant. Our new President Mike Feeney led a festive networking event. This, before sleeves are pulled up to the elbows – so NYABJ can get started on its good work. If you are a member of NYABJ (and/or want to me), don’t worry! You can join up (and start working) NOW! Is always good to see my friends – old and new – including Philana Patterson, Dwight Oestricher, Jenisha Watts, Brandon Bain (my fellow karaoke host AND TV personality his own), etc. SHOUT OUT to NOVAHCAINE PHOTOGRAPHY (www.novahcaine.com). Afterwards, I returned to our beloved NATIVE in Harlem (where we gave life to ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT). Our friends Brian Washington-Palmer & Jamar Dunn pulled out all of the stops for us to TOAST our Harlem buddies Nikoa & Garrett Hendricks at a baby shower to celebrate the pending arrival of their little diva Zuri.

EBONY.COM

A great group of friends recently gathered to toast Kierna Mayo and the launch of www.ebony.com.  Katra in SOHO(217 Bowery btwn Prince & Spring) is where we partied. The Legendary Chris Washington provided AWESOME music.

JESSICA BETTS

Friend Dennis Decker hosted a well-appointed set at his Harlem brownstone to introduce Jessica Betts (https://www.twitter.com/JessicaBetts). It gave BFFs Itika Oldwine, Mara Schiavocampo, Carl Nelson, Kimberly Nichole, Darius Booker, and a host of other friends a chance to catch up and share lovingly and reflectively about Miss Whitney Houston whose home-going services took place earlier on this day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ERN

Happy Birthday, Ernest Maynor – BFF since 7th grade! Had a great BDAY GAMES PARTY at our friend Kimberly Jajuan’s home. Many old friends were in the house – including Dwayne Grayman and Erich McMillan-McCall. Also: Angela Robinson (“Shug” from Broadway and road-tour’s “The Color Purple”); and many more!