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.

Arise 360

HI FOLKS! Swan song show for my week of guest co-hosting on ARISE 360 with Lola Ogunnaike (filling in for Shannon Lanier): http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-05-12-9618. It included "Annie" Executive Producer Devon Franklin, whose book "Produced by Faith" is one of my favorites. Also, Chef Gabe Thompson presented "Downtown Italian". Yum! And did I mention that DJ D NICE popped by? Such an awesome hip hop legend, DJ supreme, and renowned photographer. SHOUT OUT TO Arise Entertainment 360 - primarily Lola Ogunnaike with whom I got to be a guest co-host – filling in for my friend Shannon Lanier who is away on special assignment. Earlier in the week, we interviewed BRAVO’s Fashion Queens– including my friend Bevy Smith and Miss Lawrence and Derek J: http://youtu.be/hb6gUFK3vsc. LOVE Bevy Smith!!! Also, culled from my childhood, “THE DUKES OF HAZZARD” themselves: John Schneider (now on Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots) and Tom Wopat (who I mostrecently saw in “The Trip to Bountiful” on Broadway): http://youtu.be/22GqEbrF1OU. They’ve recorded a HOLIDAY ALBUM! And mega-producer Sean Garrett brought Avery Wilson (former The Voice contestant) to hip us to his upcoming album and to sing Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas”: http://youtu.be/TUfq35qKJV4. Plus, we had an Ashley Stewart fashion show! WHEW (because you know we had more than our share of hot topics): http://youtu.be/OsB8Kf2p7ow! FROM EARLIER THIS WEEK: SHOW #2 is here: http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-03-12-9579 - including interviews with actors Tony Denison (http://youtu.be/iIkAm7XmEgc). Also, Christian Kale (http://youtu.be/NFY4gpMivxw). Plus, my highlight: Alan Light whose “Let’s Go Crazy: Prince and the Making of Purple Rain” made for blissful chat (http://youtu.be/TKDXudN2yC0). SHOW #1 from my guest co-host stint on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 is here – featuring interviews with Ben Vereen! Yes, THE Ben Vereen! (http://youtu.be/a12El8-zU_k)! ALSO: Faith Evans (http://youtu.be/LfpHpiQd2pg):http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-02-12-9562. AND MORE! HOLIDAY DECORATING TIPS: http://youtu.be/zDI7_qZqOTU; and MORE HOLIDAY FASHON: http://youtu.be/YrlE0C4nPQg. FULL EPISODE of Show #3 is here: http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-04-12-9595. As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Watch Daily On Time Warner, Verizon Fios, Centric and On Demand... www.YouTube.com/AriseENT360 + you can watch it streaming live on www.arise.tv at 3p/eastern everyday – whether I’m there or not.  #ARISE360 #hiphopchangedus #devotion #endlesslove #popcultureandpossibilities #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #CentricTV

Thinspired

I’ve already congratulated my internet wife, Mara Schiavocampo on her upcoming book “THINspired”, due December 30^th… 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. She came by “Billie’s Black Presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley” once to talk about it (and sing a little): http://youtu.be/JTZt5efrf4c. On this upcoming Tuesday, ALL STAR KARAOKE toasts Mara on this awesome milestone in her life and career. We’ll give some books away to those who participate in our round-robin of fun singing… and she’ll have some 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 - http://bit.ly/ask_mara #THINspired

All Star Karaoke COUNTDOWN

TWO TUESDAYS TO GO on our Fall 2014 Series of Billie’s Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley (though my ALL STAR KARAOKE producer Bernice will be holding down 12/23 and 12/30 for those still in town and in the mood for some Holiday CAROL-ing on Tuesday night!!!!). Come January, ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley goes on hiatus (looking to APRIL to re-launch). But my girlfriend MIKA deHarlem will be hosting a fun karaoke experience on Tuesday’s – starting in mid-January. Look out for that… and CONGRATS, MIKA! WE LOVE YOU… and will come out and sing with you too! BUT my FINAL BLOW-OUT will be Tuesday, December 16th (and – yes – we’ll be in the house December 9th as well with Mara Schiavocampo from Good Morning America). MEANWHILE, to recap LAST TUESDAY: I was barely over the high of interviewing Broadway royalty: the TONY-AWARD-WINNING actor Ben Vereen on guest-co-host duty at recurring client ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 - http://www.arise.tv/entertainment/arise-360-02-12-9562. AND THEN another LEGENDARY TONY AWARD WINNER decided to grace us: MR. GEORGE FAISON who won the Tony for choreographing the THE WIZ on Broadway... and over my years in New York, he has become a friend. TOTAL HONOR! George let everybody know about the classic "Ain't Misbehavin'" (The Fats Waller Musical Show) that is running at his wonderful Faison Firehouse throughout December (For tickets and information, call Smart Tix at 212.868.4444 or log on to www.SmartTix.com). The shows run on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The house was filled with a round robin of our ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS and goodies from our sponsors Riley Land Gourmet Pantry - on board with us since the beginning; and our Fall 2014 Series title sponsor at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul: Miss Jessie's which always brings such enthusiasm from our ALL STAR KARAOKE audience. THANK YOU, MIKO and MISS JESSIE'S! WE LOVE YOU!
 SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to: NEW ALL STAR Phillip Evelyn II who stars in a film that Ant and I stumbled into on Net Flix: “Leave it on the Floor” and my Morehouse (little) brother Tony Moultry who hipped us all to his Chicer Collegiate clothing line: http://www.chicerc.com/.  We’ll be back next Tuesday at 7p for "Billie's Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley". WITH TWO MORE TO GO, we want to have the chance to SEE and HEAR you all before the year is up! As always, THANKS TO MY TEAM: Derrick Hemphill and Bernice Wooden as well as my partner Anthony Harper, who came up with the concept for ALL STAR KARAOKE and is always in the cut to support our little night that DOES (AND THEN SOME! LOL!). AND THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT. #ARISE360 #hiphopchangedus #devotion #endlesslove #popcultureandpossibilities #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #CentricTV #‎THINspired ‪#‎Dec30

alyson williams

Tuesday 5 inside the Fall 2014 Series of Billie's Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley felt like a continuation of my birthday fete last week - especially when my friend - the legendary Alyson Williams surprised me! The awesome diva of jazz & r&b was making good on a promise she made to me a few weeks ago that she would come by and bless our stage (as she did a few years ago our inaugural All Star Karaoke at now-closed Native). And let me tell you: she SANG her face off: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10205391950740804&set=vb.1310382033&type=2&theater. And what a way to kick off THANKSGIVING (and Lady Phyll's birthday dinner) as our packed house was largely comprised of our ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS for whom I am MOST GRATEFUL this season and year. Also, GARGANTUAN THANKS to our sponsors Riley Land Gourmet Pantry - on board with us since the beginning, and our Fall 2014 Series title sponsor at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul: Miss Jessie's. And a special shout out to artist Vanessa Bonaparte Design (https://www.facebook.com/vanessabonapartedesign). Her collection of Harlem-inspired platters is on display at Billie's Black Bar Lounge & Restaurant. Via raffle, she generously donated a beautiful, framed print of her work "Church Lady". All of our sponsors provided great giveaways for all in attendance plus special take-aways for select participants - inspiring quality Holiday gifting ideas at a reasonable price point. Please support them all where applicable. And SPECIAL THANKS to friend, TheGrio and msnbc's own Chris Witherspoon for coming by to support our night during which we sought his assistance to help present our prizes. Thanks Chris! #Ferguson remained on our song selection - from theater great - most recently from Billy Porter's WHILE I YET LIVE - Larry Powell's "What's Going On?" to my first-time stab at "Stand Up For Love" by Destiny's Child: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152624319488737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater. With shaking heads, we still called joy forth - excited to hear news that we're still able to win dancing contests: Congrats to Alfonso Ribeiro who had BETTER won Dancing with the Stars this season. He did. Meanwhile, there's #Ferguson. I thought Selma Movie #selmafilm - was a period piece and the overcoming was well over this ilk of scene in the movie of Black people and justice. Thanks to Ava DuVernay for letting us know this is not new and the work continues on some strong shoulders and tired feet. #smh Please be safe out there and take care of each other. Hold your families close. In this healing time for humanity, remember to laugh, count those blessings, and connect to your loved ones with light and kindness. Happy Thanksgiving, everybody! And we'll be back next Tuesday at 7p for "Billie's Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley" - and every Tuesday through December 2014. As always, THANKS TO MY TEAM: Derrick Hemphill, Bernice Wooden, my partner Anthony Harper, Michael K. Watts, EPHRIAM, GENEVA, Husain Mello Deas Williams, our #motownmay Motown the Musical winner; and more! #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #motownmay

count

Hi folks! I’m the host for THE ADVOCATE MONEY MINUTE – episodes of which run on-line. A little over 5 minutes into this clip, see my PROMO for NEXT WEEK’S SHOW: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/11/26/small-business MEANWHILE, as my archive for MONEY MINUTE goes, here’s the promo for the season: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/10/10/introducing-new-advocate-money-minute and here’s the first show on CONVERSATIONS: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/10/16/federal-vs-state and another episode on RETIREMENT: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/11/13/retirement. ALSO: LOOK FOR ME ON Arise Entertainment 360 in the coming days - for guest co-hosting and another of my signature Broadway segments. AS ALWAYS, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! #OUT100 #moneyminute #wellsfargo #advocate #thenewadvocatemoneyminute #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack #ARISE360 #CENTRICTV

family

Shout out to my dear friends Nikita Stewart and Brian Henderson for inviting Anthony Harper and me to Thanksgiving Dinner – including the chance for me to hang with Nikita’s daughter, singer/songwriter Ella… and to meet (and clown around) with Brian’s amazing kids. We had a BLAST – eating, drinking, and laughing as we enjoyed a YOUTUBE party. Once my ITIS kicked in (after the delicious meal), I fell asleep on the couch…and the FUN REALLY BEGAN! LOL! HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE! XOXOXOXOXO

fellowship

I always say Darius Booker is one of my FAVORITE SINGERS… and it’s true! (EXHIBIT A: http://youtu.be/q2Hn3y22FSk plus he’s a PRO who collaborates vocally LIVE with many of our R&B greats – including Tevin Campbell and Syleena Johnson. And whenever he can get us in, he blesses Billie's Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley). But what I didn’t know is he can prepare an entire THANKSGIVING MEAL on the Saturday after the holiday for many of his fellow singers (and Ant and me). And he’s now left me – on this Sunday – saying Darius Booker is one of my FAVORITE CHEFS! THANK YOU, DARIUS! XOXOXOXOXOXO #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke

love

12.1.05 - Anthony Harper and Patrick L. Riley. 9 years.... #endlesslove

THEATRE

If you missed my latest pop culture segment on CENTRIC via ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 – chronicling BROADWAY and OFF BROADWAY this time – please check it out here: : http://bit.ly/arisesegment_lor.Shows I cover are Cinderella - including a reference to the "Evil Stepmothers" - Sherri Shepherd and Nene Leakes; The Last Ship (featuring story and music by STING who hipped me to this play at the Opening Night of "Motown: The Musical" - http://youtu.be/KK1yncqPlOQ?list=PL1TUj2SKo8nvZ9A3Ah0NKuFI3BWM5aqru);Les Miserables; You Can't Take it with You; Disgraced; Father Comes Home from the Wars;  While I Yet Live;  and Side Show. Always great to be on with my FAVORITE HOSTS Lola Ogunnaike and Shannon Lanier! YOU can watch them (and me from time to time) - now on Time Warner, Verizon Fios, and On Demand... www.YouTube.com/AriseENT360. I’ll be back on in a couple of weeks to talk about MUST SEE HOLIDAY SHOWS here in NYC! As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! #arise360 #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack #CENTRICTV

FETE

TUESDAY NIGHT FOUR of our FALL 2014 SERIES of Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley celebrated MY BIRTHDAY! THANKS TO EVERYONE! I FEEL SO BLESSED!AND WHAT A BIRTHDAY IT WAS! New sponsor Miss Jessie's and our weekly partner (since the beginning) Riley/Land Gourmet Pantry gave away lots of goodies. OUR ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS did their thing - including friend of our special Tuesday night, Mica Hughes - co-star of BRAVO's Blood, Sweat & Heels; Darius Booker; and many more. From my ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS to many of my INDUSTRY FAM – old and new, I felt so much LOVE! PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO COME OUT AND JOIN US at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul every Tuesday - from 7p-10p! WE ARE TRULY HAVING A BLAST! As always, THANKS for your support! WE LOVE Billie's Black Bar Lounge & Restaurant! THANKS to my team: Bernice Wooden and Derrick Hemphill! AND A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to my friend of 20 years, Carl Nelson – my platonic boo – for bringing saxophonist Kim Waters to serenade me HAPPY BIRTHDAY - http://bit.ly/hbdpatrick_lor. XO #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #meoclock #amor #luxecolore #globalchic #bravotv #bloodsweatheels

OUT

Was nice to celebrate 20 years of LGBT people who have shaped our culture at the OUT 100: 20TH ANNIVERSARY – and with my NYC FAM: my partner Anthony Harper; GMA Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo - author of new book “Thinspired: How I lost 90 Pounds – My Plan for Lasting Weight Loss and Self-Acceptance” (http://books.simonandschuster.com/Thinspired/Mara-Schiavocampo/9781476784052#sthash.uaE3Dryv.dpuf); Derrick Hemphill (ALL STAR KARAOKE consultant and producer of my pop culture segments on Arise Entertainment 360: http://bit.ly/arisesegment_lor) and his date, college friend Katrina Pete Dunn. ALSO GREAT TO SEE: Anthony Wayne and Kendrell Bowman whose Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical is coming back to NYC for ONE NIGHT ONLY January 18, 2015. For tickets, go to www.FabulousSylvester.com. IT’S  A MUST SEE! AND A SPECIAL Shout out to Amanda Johnson who always makes sure DIVERSITY is in the house. She’s booked me as talent on many projects – from the IT GETS BETTER campaign last year:http://www.advocate.com/youth/no-more-bullying/2014/01/24/healing-one-truth-time to inspiring Wells Fargo to hire me as its host for THE ADVOCATE MONEY MINUTE – episodes of which run on-line. Here’s the promo: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/10/10/introducing%E2%80%A6-new-advocate-money-minute and here are a couple of episodes: CONVERSATIONS: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/10/16/federal-vs-state  and RETIREMENT: http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/11/13/retirement. #OUT100  #moneyminute #wellsfargo #advocate #thenewadvocatemoneyminute #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack #ARISE360 #CENTRICTV

SELMA

An early birthday gift from friend Bernice Wooden - a multi-platform producer her own right, including Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley: SELMA – an ADVANCED screening for the first New York City audience. Well, CONGRATS to Director Ava DuVernay - also a friend from when she was high-powered Hollywood publicist Ava DuVernay! NOW, I SMELL OSCAR on her! WOW! Check out BERNICE's write-up on our Monday evening date - proof that RAINY DAYS AND MONDAYS (don't) ALWAYS BRING ME DOWN! LOL! http://www.bernicewooden.com/2014/11/17/selma-a-special-advance-screening/ #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #selmafilm

ENGAGEMENT

Great to attend engagement fete in celebration of our friend Dr. Shirley Madhere MD PC and Mr. Michael Weil took place at The New York Public Library – where Ant and I first met December 1, 2005. What an elegant and well-appointed affair. So happy for Dr. Shirley Madhere! Was also nice to see industry fam Michaela angela Davis and Crystal McCrary as well as b michael America "Advanced American Style" who dressed Dr. Shirley Madhere for the dancing portion of the evening. Great job, B Michael America.

BREAD

After toasting and singing into my birthday at Billie’s Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley (with saxophonist Kim Waters serenading me HAPPY BIRTHDAY - http://bit.ly/hbdpatrick_lor) and receiving Whtiney Houston LIVE as one of my gifts (plus the pop cultural gift announcement that Miss Ross will be mentoring with Team Pharrell on The Voice), what else could there be for me? The most amazing dinner that my nephew Herman L Riley III organized at my favorite restaurant Houston’s AKA Hillstone with my partner Anthony Harper and a perfect sampling of my BFFs: Ernest Maynor [childhood friend], Michael K. Watts [Morehouse brother], Mara; and Derrick. We even had a pre-dinner cameo: Miss Lola Ogunnaike with whom I get the chance to guest co-host often on Arise Entertainment 360 and girlfriend Priya Scroggins – designer/lifestyle expert - who baked lovely sweet treats for my birthday party Tuesday: https://www.facebook.com/BelovedStarResort. #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack #arise360 #thinspired #thevoice #teampharrell #dianaross #nabj #gma retirement #moneyminute #wellsfargo #advocate #thenewadvocatemoneyminute

SCORPIO

Shout out to my other SCORPIOS – including Robin Stone with whom we got to bowl to ring in her 5-0! ALSO: Miss Ashley Fettig with whom we got to have BDAY Brunch at Mother's Ruin in NOLITA! Scorpio season. Happy Birthday, Ash! LUV U!

friends

Interviewed Sesame Street's Bert and Ernie today to find out how to get there. Will tell you more about when you can see MY NEW BFFs - just before Christmas! STAY TUNED! XOXOXOXO

retirement

I wish! But on the new episode of Wells Fargo PRESENTS THE NEW ADVOCATE MONEY MINUTE, I learn about it:

http://www.advocate.com/business/advocate-money-minute/2014/11/13/retirement #moneyminute #wellsfargo #advocate #thenewadvocatemoneyminute

birthday

MORE FUN on NIGHT THREE of our FALL 2014 SERIES of Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley. Miss Jessie's and our weekly partner Riley/Land Gourmet Pantry gave away lots of goodies. OUR ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS did their thing - including friend of our special Tuesday night, Mica Hughes - co-star of BRAVO's Blood, Sweat & Heels; Darius Booker; and many more. Plus, some newbies came into the mix – including a client of friend CJ, the amazing Matthew Gagnon. ALSO, dear friend and Wendy Williams' makeup artist Merrell Hollis from MAKEUP by MERRELL was in the house and a host of our FAVS! NEXT TUESDAY, November 18, 2014, we celebrate MY BIRTHDAY! PLEASE COME OUT AND SERENADE ME! We're at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul every Tuesday - from 7p-10p! As always, THANKS for your support! WE LOVE Billie's Black Bar Lounge & Restaurant! THANKS to my team: Bernice Wooden and Derrick Hemphill! XO #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #meoclock #amor #luxecolore #globalchic #bravotv #bloodsweatheels

SOME FUN CLIPS:

http://bit.ly/darius_lor

http://bit.ly/atmin_lor

http://bit.ly/cbone_lor

http://bit.ly/jrl_lor

giving

THX & GIVING, a GMHC fundraiser - for meals, nutrition, and food pantry programs + stumbled into NABJ mentor Sheila Stainback! - https://www.facebook.com/GMHC446 

art

Supporting our beloved Turquoise Young, Esq.'s new venture - representing fine artists. It was her first art show at the Hamilton Landmark Gallery- Harlem. The Ayeyoarts Preview Show features work from three emerging artists, Yonas Shiferaw, Paul Chinnery and Richard J Carroll Jr Through painting and photography, the Ayeyoarts Preview Show offered a commentary on the Black experience in America from the distinct perspectives of the artists. Turquoise has been exploring new areas outside the law which includes artist management. This is one of the first events that she planned on behalf of her growing clientele. Check out www.ayeyoarts.weebly.com for updates to her events page. CONGRATS, TURQUOISE! #ayeyoarts #hamiltonlandmarkgalleries

baby

Lola Ogunnaike's baby shower at Bar Americano! BFF Nichole even came up from DC to attend as she books for ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 where Lola and Shannon Lanier are co-hosts with the most. CONGRATS to my sometimes-work-wife when I guest co-host alongside her at ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360. I’m going on next week to talk Broadway. Stunning mom-to-be! XO #arise360