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 Xscape Puerto Rico 2017 (2)

one BOOKing at a time

Hi folks,

LIFE OF RILEY has some things brewing and must share a little now --- all TOGETHER here --- so you know all LIFE OF RILEY has going on...but look for DEDICATED OUTREACHES via my blog and via social media as these campaigns heat up!
BUT FOR all of my LIFE OF RILEY supporters, I want to make sure you have a LIST of WHAT'S COMING UP - including: 


AND HOPEFULLY SOON: I can bring you folks a SPECIAL ALL STAR KARAOKE come FALL 2017....and more info on ways you can see my film debut in the Shaquille-O'Neal-Executive-Produced film STEPS! PLEASE READ ON and ENJOY my latest installment of LIFE OF RILEY:

BOOK
Thanks to those of you who have shouted me out on my UPCOMING BOOK PROJECT! Stay tuned for details... and when I can say more. But in a nutshell, I've been presented an opportunity to write a book that is plucked from more than 25 years in the business and 11 years of digesting lots of it in my blog "A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities": http://www.thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/. Part memoir, part entertainment diary of a TV producer and on-air personality who navigates in the world of entertainment and pop culture, I'm EXCITED to be working on this project...and to share it when it's time! Stay tuned...WILL WELCOME SUPPORT, once time to sell book! BLOG:  (Stay tuned)!


SPEAKER
As many of my freelance producing clients are outsourcing less or on summer breaks, I'm blessed to have been attracting budgeted speaking work - from Fortune 500 presentations i.e. OPTUM and PRUDENTIAL to sponsored media play i.e. hosting WELLS FARGO digital content (https://youtu.be/RRv-A-f4zWg) and guest expert for MASS MUTUAL:


THE TBAAL RIVER FRONT JAZZ FESTIVAL

So, when #LIFEOFRILEY was requested to come to the TBAAL RIVER FRONT JAZZ FESTIVAL in DALLAS, I checked in with Ant to see if it was worth us doing a working holiday. This, since the organizers want me to include in my round-up my interactions and enjoyment of its stellar line-up including ORIGINAL SUPREME MARY WILSON --- and a range of many other musical favorites - including: Six Brothers on Sax (Keith Anderson, Tom Braxton, Mark Felton, Art Sherrod, Jr., Joseph Vincelli, Clay Prichard),
 Jeff Lorber, Rahsaan Patterson (Tribute to Donny Hathaway), Divas of Jazz, Pop and Soul (Freda Payne, Eloise Laws), 
Will Downing,Oleta Adams, Najee, Chuck Loeb, Jazz in Pink
 featuring Karen Briggs, Jonathan Butler, Keiko Matsui, 
Rachelle Ferrell, Peter White, Paul Taylor, Euge Groove, R.L. Griffin “The Reverend,” Wanda King,
 Lucky Peterson, Lady Tambourine and the New 
Orleans Soul Band, Yarbrough and Peoples  featuring Benita Arterberry, Martha Wash, 
Pieces of A Dream, Jackie Scott and  the Housewreckers featuring Eddie Shaw, 
Ruben Studdard,Melanie Fiona, Alex Bugnon,
  Jon Secada, Kim  Waters, and Phil Perry. EVERYTHING GOES DOWN SEPTEMBER 1st-3rd, 2017 \\ LABOR DAY WEEKEND!


XSCAPE CAPE TOWN 2017

So, my BIRTHDAY is NOVEMBER 19TH!!! I'm just too excited that I can CELEBRATE it November 9 - 16 at XSCAPE CAPE TOWN 2017 in South Africa. I'M HOPING YOU WILL JOIN US TOO: www.xscapecapetown17.com. This group excursion takes place over 8 days and 7 nights. The host hotel will be the 5-star Pepper Club Hotel and Spa in Cape Town, South Africa. The week-long excursion caters to professional Gay men and women of color and our LGBT community supporters and allies. Travelers will enjoy group excursions, shopping, nightly parties, and cultural experiences throughout Cape Town. New #LIFEOFRILEY client Antoinette White will be delivering a motivational speech based on her touching, self-published memoir WHO'S PROTECTING ME?

SPEAKING OF ANTOINETTE WHITE

Antoinette has secured me for a few months to support her in identifying budgeted speaking/panel opportunities and/or solid book-selling backdrops for her to sell her self-published memoir "Who's Protecting Me?". Also, select press.
Antoinette's MARKET is Women and Young Girls. Her MESSAGE is Resilience --- and can include the following beats:
i.            Sexual Abuse
ii.            Domestic Violence
iii.            Homelessness

So far, so good with the RESPONSES that are coming our way! I'll provide just a few updates here (and you can read on beyond the updates - to find out more about Antoinette and if you have any ideas or interest):

1. Current MADAEMENOIRE feature: http://madamenoire.com/838342/stays-in-this-house/.  Stay tuned for more media impressions...

2. On August 21, 2017, Antoinette will be inducted into the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Prince William County Chapter: https://www.ncbwpwcc.org/  

3. Antoinette White's "Minute of Motivation" every Tuesday: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxr0VMWU-BR9DFydUbRmerw    

4. Upcoming opportunities to meet ANTOINETTE WHITE & buy her memoir "WHO'S PROTECTING ME?":    
Maryland Commision for Women Events-Baltimore- Oct. 23rd
Dream Girls Conference-Fifth Annual -March 24, 2018
Celebration of Women Expo: Hilton Grand Inn Waldord MD- March 24-25, 2018
Brown Girls Power Day -2018

5. Special Presenter, XSCAPE Cape Town 2017 (November 9 - 16, 2017)

6. Antoinette donated a few books to participants at the post-#NABJ17 #TooTrillTrivia event at @AceHotelNOLA - including New Orleans Association of Black Journalists' President Rachel D. Graham and #LifeofRiley media partner Derrick Hemphill with Daily Commune. 

7. LIFE OF RILEY blast: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2017/7/23/introducing-motivational-speaker-antoinette-white.html  

8. Scheduled to appear on James Lott's L.A.-based Life Coaching Podcast A LOTT OF HELP

More press and bookings to announce very soon! Stay tuned!

Please let me know if you'd like to book Antoinette White or have any ideas. For more information: www.AntoinetteWhite.com  

#AntoinetteWhite #Mission2Motivate

Thanks for considering....


MISS JESSIE'S A BIG HIT AT NABJ

While I'm feeling so energized from a wonderful convention, my 26th IN A ROW, I want to make sure I relay that:

Miss Jessie's CEO Miko Branch truly enjoyed #NABJ17 in New Orleans! And as we've been doing this last few years, Miss Jessie's is happy to continue to service and connect with #NABJ all year around i.e. Chapter Meetings/Events; Regionals; special events; budgeted speeches/panel opportunities for Miko; press opportunities for Miko; etc. Miss Jessie's is looking ahead to the next few months:

a. More MIAMI from August - September (TBD)
b.ATLANTA in September (TBD)
c. CHICAGO in October (TBD)
d. L.A. (TBD)
e. ETC.

Miss Jessie's was a BIG HIT at #NABJ17 - including these synergies:

a. OWN-TV-sponsored event for NABJ's beloved Arts and Entertainment Task Force reception --- with select cast-members from#QueenSugarOWN and #GreenleafOWN
b.  NABJ Founder Paul Brock's panels - including "DO I HAVE A SCRIPT IN ME? panel. I presented on that one.
c. Plus, I hosted the @derekjhair #GayLikeMe Documentary and @nathanhalewilliams and @jenniafredrique directed @90daysthefilm screenings for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation . BOTH MUST SEES!
d. "Beyond the Limits" NEW ORLEANS TOURISM BOARD "Jazz & Food Crawl"
e. super popular Miss Jessie's vendor booth
Miko appreciated being able to meet and see many of the #NABJ journalists who've done stories on her over the last year - including:

a. MAHILIA POSEY for the NEW YORK TIMES: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/04/us/embracing-whats-natural.html 

b. MAKEDA EASTER for the LOS ANGELES TIMES: 
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-natural-hair-industry-20170809-htmlstory.html 

c. ALLISON KEYES for THE ROOT:
http://www.theroot.com/hair-care-pioneer-miko-branch-is-teaching-millennials-d-1791134211

2018 LGBT ARTS AND CULTURE MUSIC FESTIVAL
You folks know where I have been the last two MEMORIAL DAYS: Puerto Rico! You want to get started planning your trip to join me Memorial Day Weekend 2018? WELL, NOW IS THE TIME: THE LGBT ARTS AND CULTURE MUSIC FESTIVAL converges again in Puerto Rico - this time at the luxurious EL Conquistador Waldorf Astoria Resort. Book now at www.xscapelgbtfestival.com  & follow us on our new social media: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter@xscapelgbtfest. Meet LGBT professionals from around the country. #THEBOSSCHOIR will be in FULL EFFECT like this year for #ALLSTARKARAOKE: https://www.instagram.com/p/BWc_JmGDIll/?taken-by=gregdouglas1972 and I'm excited to HOST the VANGUARD AWARDS again. We honored BRANDY, Angela Robinson, Raven-Symone, and a host of others were honored this year. Look forward to telling you which STARS are coming out in 2018!







 
Posted on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at 01:54PM by Registered CommenterTHE LIFE OF RILEY in , , , , , | CommentsPost a Comment

Life of Riley talks and pops

Hi folks!
In the world of #LifeofRiley, I always say "One [Booking] at a time, sweet Jesus!". 


1. This next, well-timed one is FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC: I am giving a KEYNOTE TALK (Think: Ted Talk) on how I have navigated my decades-long career as a gay Black man; the LGBT community I faced in the 90’s versus the present; the changing face of the LGBT household; and more. It all goes down Tuesday, June 13, 2017 | 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Kiyo Hall – Prudential Tower 655 Broad Street Newark, NJ RSVP: www.PruLGBT.splashthat.com.  ALSO on program: FIRESIDE CHAT with the DEBT FREE GUYS David Auten and John Schneider and MODERATOR/GMA Journalist T.J. Holmes steers a panel that will discuss findings from the 2016 LGBT Financial Experience study and tour, and will review the concerns regarding wealth, legacy, society, and protection within the LGBT community. Stay tuned as things develop in the #LifeofRiley and I am vetting new opportunities (to further book up my Summer 2017 Calendar), so let me know. #PruLGBT #splashthat

2. I just hosted CUTTING FOR A CURE'S CELEBRITY FUNDRAISING DINNER at CHERI RESTAURANT in Harlem....and Humanitarian Award Honoree John Quinones who said "You are GREAT at hosting events! Wow!" I retorted "You are GREAT at ABC News' "What Would You Do?" (which is why you must get into the new season's launch in June 2017. For more information about the show, visit www.abcnews.go.com/WhatWouldYouDo).

 Plus, my friend, the amazing Monifah and Jessica Betts and Diamond V serenaded the generous crowd with Supreme Vocals...and Miss Jessie’s helped power the goody bags AND the Auction! Whew! And we were all their to support Marsha Bonner and Denny Moe's movement to which you can all support: www.cuttingforacure.mydagsite.com. 
 
3.Memorial Day Weekend is coming up and I'll be on HOSTING duties for LGBT music fest XSCAPE Puerto Rico 2017 (I'm hosting the VANGUARD AWARDS and co-hosting CELEBRITY KARAOKE --- with Miss Jessie’s Goody Bags).

4.  Sun June 4th, HOSTING afternoon stage for Drums Along The Hudson (Honorees including Rhonda Ross).

5. Mon June 5th, Gala Host Committee member for Brooklyn Community Services' 150 Anniversary Finale. The evening is hosted by actress and activist, Debi Mazar who I got the chance to interview recently for recurring client OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network's "Where Are They Now?": http://wearebcs.org/bcs-150-anniversary-finale/. 

6. So my dear friend and colleague Derrick Hemphill is Artist Representative for Jessica Strahan (no relation to Mr. GMA Michael Strahan). She's one of three artists represented in Mirrored Migrations which hosted a discussion on its closing day at Brooklyn's Corridor Gallery with a talk between one-third of the women artist troika LaToya M. Hobbs (Arkansas) and the curator, New Orleans' own Sharbreon Plummer who brings together these artists - Lovie Olivia (Texas) also featured - reflecting stories of survival and preservation often lost in the folds of history. Sharbreon Plummer is an administrator whose research centers on Black Visual Culture. She currently serves as Program Associate for Community Engagement at the Joan Mitchell Center. For further information about where this exhibition is going, please contact charlotte@rushartsgallery.org or via phone 845-480-1258. Mirrored Migrations confronts a conversation of the national and global influences of the South on contemporary Black Womanhood. Featured artists LaToya M. Hobbs (Arkansas), Lovie Olivia (Texas), Jessica Strahan (Louisiana) study their personal multifaceted journeys of womanhood and perspectives of the world while reflecting on the traditions, communities and magic that exists. Subscribe to Jessica Strahan's newsletter: www.bit.ly/jHand-SignUp.  #MirroredMigrations #LifeofRiley — at Corridor Gallery.
7. Happy #SilverCelebration #Classof1992 #Morehouse And #Spelman #LifeofRiley

8. Have you been keeping up with Miss Jessie's Co-Founder, CEO, and Creative Director Miko Branch? She's been on the road promoting her national best seller "Miss Jessie's: Creating a Successful Business from Scratch - Naturally" (Harper Collins/Amistad)...and she's booking up press; product donation synergies; budgeted speeches; hosted book signings; etc. I'm on Brand Ambassador duty to vet anything. Please let me know!

As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

 

Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 08:24PM by Registered CommenterTHE LIFE OF RILEY in , , , , , , , , | CommentsPost a Comment