A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

As I wrap one project with recurring client BET, I’m excited that another is publishing TODAY my latest assignment that I wrote and filed a couple of months ago: http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/07/living/gay-best-friend/.

The editors at CNN.com reached out to me to write this story as I’ve been shopping a book proposal for a few years on the very subject.

I’m currently remixing the game plan for my project (“Big Willies & Amazing Graces: gay men and their best girlfriends”) to include portraits and video (either documentary or on-line viral series [TBD]).

Meanwhile, as I do more on-cam/print pop culture analysis and event hosting, I am EXCITED to celebrate a group of women who – all my life – have been very special to me.

Indeed, my mom and my sister set the sweet tone before I even knew what the melody was. LOL!

But the ladies of whom I am speaking rounded out the metaphorical score of my adolescent and adult years. And through each of them, I HEAR A SYMPHONY.

You’ll meet Natalie and Nichole in this piece, but my AMAZING GRACEs run deep.

I’ll shout out a few of them here (in alphabetical order here, but no order in my heart):

Audrey

Bernie

Carla

Chandra

Elise

Itika

Jakki

Lisa

Mara

Patrice

Sidra

Tata

Tish

….and so many more! I LOVE YOU ALL!

As always, THANKS to each and every one of you for your support.

And a special shout out to CNN.com for assigning me this piece: I filed something for the site back in the fall of 2011 for its Martin Luther King Jr. Monument coverage (on MLK, Morehouse, and the Morehouse College Glee Club): http://edition.cnn.com/2011/10/14/us/mlk-memorial-morehouse-glee-club/index.html.

YOUNG SAVANNAH VOICES

Shout out to on-line health journalism camp “Young Savannah Voices” – directed by my fellow journalist and friend Tina A. Brown who I just ran into a couple of weeks ago at client, The Links, Incorporated’s National Assembly in Orlando. Soon after our reunion, Tina invited me to be a one-time Professional Skype Coach. I presented a workshop about “The Art of a Story” (As a Largo Tibet Elementary School; Derenne Middle School; and Windsor Forest High School alum, I get excited when I speak to folks from home!). Among other sharing, I got to speak on a health-related project on which I’ve worked in the last year with the AMERICAN STROKE ASSOCIATION. In addition to being hired as VO talent for the sponsorship video (http://www.powertoendstroke.org/about-sponsorship-reel.html), I was hired to do the red carpet reporting for the association’s Spring APOLLO benefit 2011. It ran on GMC last summer as well: http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickDemoSept2011.mov. From the 'on-line health journalism' angle, it showed the students the many CELEBS who spoke on the red carpet about STROKE AWARENESS. ADDITIONALLY, the AMERICAN STROKE ASSOCIATION/AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION hired me to blog and testify about STROKE in my life and family: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/4/3/american-heart-association-presents-you-are-the-power-benefi.html -AND- . In addition to being a member of The Links, Tina is an author/lecturer. “Crooked Road Straight: The Awakening of AIDS Activist Linda Jordan” is her first book: http://www.crookedroadstraight.com/. I LOVE YOU, SAVANNAH! THANKS TINA! And to my new friends, THE YOUNG SAVANNAH VOICES: THANK YOU for your enthusiasm, great questions, and spot-on intellect!!!!

FIVE SPOT

It's been a busy week - producing a special project for recurring client BET Creative Services. Glad my 'Amazing Grace' (I call her), Nichole Andrews Shellman, invited me out for a catch-up drink (She and I will soon be featured in a piece I wrote on 'gay men and their best girlfriends' that's due to drop on CNN.com very soon). Ant and his BFF Manivone joined us at Therapy - also for light bites. From there, Manivone and her man, Taha, convinced me to pop down to Clinton Hill, Brooklyn (to the 5 Spot - www.fivespotmenu.com/) to join the Open Mic Wednesday Night. I sang Maxwell's "This Woman's Work" and the FAB band didn't miss a beat. Taha’s brother Adam and Denver buddy Chris were in the mix too. Great Wednesday which had me missing my ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT (but it was REALLY NICE with a HOT BAND! THANKS Y’ALL!). For those new to ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT: We are currently looking to host another karaoke night in Harlem. As you know, we gave birth to ALL-STAR KARAOKE in August 2010 when NATIVE Restaurant asked me to HOST a karaoke night. Hence, ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT was born! And we had a blast until our wrap back in June 2011 (last year). We are exploring new locales now. Our guest singers - on any given night - included: songstress Tichina Arnold; R&B divas Alyson Williams & Monifah (SOON to be seen on TV ONE’s “R&B Divas” - http://tvone.tv/shows/r-and-b-divas); actress Napiera Groves; the artist formerly known as TONEX, B. Slade; Mariah Carey's long-standing background singer Melony Daniels - an artist her own right; Broadway baby Brenda Braxton; singer/author David Nathan; FELA!s Kevin Mambo; Paul Wharton ("Real Housewives of DC"); etc. WOULD LOVE TO CONTINUE that level of evening in addition to our regular karaoke lovers! Of course, the blog “A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities” has chronicled much of the ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/karaoke.

CANDY SEZ

“A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities” welcomes Candice Harper to the blogosphere! She introduced Candy SEZ - Self-Esteem Zen for the Single City Girl last night (www.candysez.com). She is now LIVE with 'Nistas, Alkaline Recipes, Ex-Con ex Boyfriends, and all kinds of Single City Girl STUFF! Candice’s favorite writing spot Astor Row Café hosted the well-appointed affair at which she read an article live, and auctioned off mini blow-ups of 'Nistas. She also led a fundraiser for Girls Inc. – raising a few hundred dollars for that awesome cause. AND she presented the RED VELVET CANDIECAKES TOWER – comprised of delicious mini-cupcakes that we all enjoyed – including Sidra Smith, my Morehouse brother George Alexander, Ant, and a host of others. CONGRATS MISS CANDICE HARPER! WE LOVE YOU!See More

POOL PARTY

Shout out to my friend Ed Roebuck for inviting us out to his Long Branch, NJ family home for pool-side pleasantries. Ern, Ant, and I went together and joined many friends – including Lemuel Adams; Lamoh Hicks; Dwight Ross; Monroe Shannon; David P. Martin; and several other great folks! Ed’s producing and organizing expertise is often called on by only the greats – including Miss Nancy Wilson and Miss Diana Ross…and many around the pool can drop a name or few from their respective client lists as well.

NINO & NINA

“New Jack City” was recently the selection for movie night at Mara and Tommie’s Harlem pad. Next select: “Boomerang”! On another day at Mara, Tommie, and their newborn Nina’s place, we were supposed to be celebrating Nina's mom Mara Schiavocampo's latest nod as 35 UNDER 35: YOUNG, BLACK, AMAZING in Essence.com: http://photos.essence.com/galleries/35_under_35_young__black___amazing/entry_image/1382653-mara_schiavocampo_32#!1384763. But once propped up by dad Tommie, Nina requested her own celebration in SONG c/o MOI! LOL! To the inspired melody of Lionel Richie’s “Truly”, I served accordingly: https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=4360775780176.

JAMES BALDWIN

James Baldwin’s LEGACY continues beyond the wonderful experience I had to participate --- as narrator --- with the cast of Baldwin’s AMEN CORNER for PROJECT 1 VOICE (www.project1voice.org). My Morehouse brother CHARLES REESE is still out on the road with his unique literary performance book salon experience in honor of James Baldwin’s birthday celebration. Presented by the National James Baldwin Literary Society on this FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012 (STATION NORTH ARTS CAFE & GALLERY. 1816 North Charles Street. Baltimore, Maryland – from 6:30pm – 8:30pm. 410 625 6440. www.jamesbaldwin.org), expect a great time. “JAMES BALDWIN A SOUL ON FIRE,” a book version of the critically-acclaimed Off Broadway short play by the late playwright and Emmy Award Nominee, Howard B. Simon (1962-2000) is now available at Amazon.com. Edited and guided by the original Off-Broadway actor and DC native, Charles Reese with a special foreword by David Leeming (Baldwin’s Biographer and former secretary); and coupled with an afterword by original actor and Tony Award Nominee, Forrest McClendon (Scottsboro Boys). The book was published by Azaan Kamau/Glover Lane Press, an independent publisher. The experience – including a copy of the book – is $20. There will be a lively conversation with some rare archival footage of the Off Broadway play and music. Reception immediately follows the book signing. Charles is also currently a series regular on the hit micro web comedy, "WHO" available only at www.ajakwetv.com. For more information on Charles Reese and Book Salon, please email: soulonfire63@yahoo.com or visit: www.sag.com/iactor.com and www.jamesbaldwinasoulonfire.com.

DR. ANN KIMBROUGH

During my days at Morehouse, I spent lots of time at Clark Atlanta University’s Mass Media Arts Department under the supervision of advisor/mentor/friend Ann Kimbrough. Over the years, we’ve stayed in close touch and – at a point – she became my ‘mother of the industry’ (and holding). She just recently snagged her Ph.D and has been named the Dean of the School of Journalism at FAMU. Though I’m sure we’ll celebrate, Dr. Kimbrough’s message to fellow classmates and AUC alums alike: “…YOU will be coming to Tallahassee to help the students!” And so it is… and will be! LOL!

FRANK ISHMAN

Remember I shared how my friend Myrdith Leon-McCormack booked me to get my “Mahogany” on recently. It was in front of the lens of my Morehouse brother, world-renowned photographer Frank Ishman (www.frankishman.com).  Here are some of the behind-the-scenes shots…and here’s the story from “…the life of Riley…” http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/1/10/staying-together.html. These pics and more will be seen sometime soon…in a gallery space/book/event near you! STAY TUNED! THANKS FRANK & MYRDITH!

NYU URBAN JOURNALISM WORKSHOP

From “Mahogany” to “Professor Ogilvie” (from “The Parkers”) – EVERYTHING IS A POP CULTURE REFERENCE! LOL!: I recently spoke to the students of the NYU Urban Journalism Workshop - @NYU_UrbanJourno  - on “The Art of the Interview”. I testified my own story of having interviewed a whole range of subjects over the years – as on-camera interviewer and behind-the-scenes interviewer (reporter/field producer). I coached the diverse roster of students via taped mock interviews; and I showed them examples of my own body of work. I ALWAYS LOVE it when I’m invited to impart some of my experiences to the youth…and I am even more EXCITED when the invitation comes from folks I admire – like my big sister friend Katti Gray who is the new director of NYU Urban Journalism Workshop: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NYU-Urban-Journalism-Workshop/103601966399839. The site notes that Katti is a prize-winning veteran journalist who, in her words, has "covered hard news and soft: Presidential hopefuls; statehouse lawmakers; hometown heroes; time-honored and pop celebrities; floundering schools in Appalachia; New Feminism’s younger adherents; juveniles on death row; the fight for running water on an outlying Mississippi road."

YOUNG SAVANNAH VOICES

Shout out to on-line health journalism camp “Young Savannah Voices” – directed by my fellow journalist and friend Tina A. Brown who I just ran into a couple of weeks ago at client, The Links, Incorporated’s National Assembly in Orlando.In addition to being a member of The Links, Tina is an author/lecturer. “Crooked Road Straight: The Awakening of AIDS Activist Linda Jordan” is her first book: http://www.crookedroadstraight.com. Meanwhile, I’ve been invited to be a one-time Professional Skype Coach. I will present a workshop about “The Art of a Story”.

As a Windsor Forest High School alum, I get excited when I speak to folks from home! I LOVE YOU, SAVANNAH! THANKS TINA!

"HOW DID (I) GET INTO TELEVISION?"

Shout out to my friend, TV/Social Media Producer Debbie Mitchell! FOLLOW HER here: @TVProducerDeb. She's an Emmy-nominated producer who worked at CBS News in most recent years, but was a Senior-Level Producer (and on-cam talent) for Geraldo Rivera's day-time talk show in the '90s when I was a producer for GERALDO's night-time topical show on CNBC. Through synergies between shows, we grew to be fast friends. Currently, DEBBIE is re-inventing in the sphere of social media. In fact, she's launched a summer blog series "How Did You Get Into Television?" - a question she targets to - her words - "only seasoned TV folks". She wants us to share our stories... and last week was my week: http://ready4air.blogspot.com/2012/07/tell-mehow-did-you-get-into-television_11.html?spref=tw. Thanks Debbie! And CONGRATS, BOO!

“IT’S ON”

Shout out to my ATL BFF Lamoh!

(You remember him from my 2009 in Atlanta where I worked on the team that produced reality shows for Monica as well as ‘Frankie & Neffe’: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/10/5/you-keep-praying-saying-there-must-be-a-better-way.html)!

It was also the summer of the 2nd-season taping of "Real Housewives of Atlanta".

So, it was nothing for us to bump into the ladies on one of the many Peachtrees in Atlanta.

Also: Mr. Dwight - a friend of my friend Carl Nelson for many years - was also a gracious host during my summer in Atlanta and L.A.

He recently invited me to see my friend Sheryl Lee Ralph with whom I just enjoyed some quality time in New Orleans at the National Association of Black Journalists’ Convention (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/6/29/impossible-inevitable.html).

Miss Ralph made her New York Musical Theatre Festival debut in a new musical “IT'S ON!” which celebrates your favorite TV show theme songs. This stage reading PREMIERED recently at The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at the Pershing Square Signature Center (480 W. 42nd Street): www.nymf.org/itson ... and it was a HOOT! It features Miss Ralph’s vocal turn on several TV theme song favorites of mine – including “227”; “Love Boat”; “COPS”; “WKRP in Cincinnati”; “Gilligan’s Island”; “Gimme A Break”; “One Day at a Time”; “Maude”; “Wonder Woman”; and more!

Afterwards, Sheryl came out to greet us fellows who love her so – including Ed Roebuck; Lemuel Adam; and several others. FUN NIGHT!

There’s always a night in Harlem. On one recent night – while en route to Harlem’s new Cove Lounge (on invitation from Alyah Horsford and HUFF Events & PR [My Harlem buddy Michelle Huff]) for an intimate event of custom cocktails; great food; and a live taping for The Food Network, I stumbled into my Amazing Grace Nichole Andrews Shellman. She was holding court with her sister Tori Andrews Cole (in town on business from DC); New Ro girlfriend Michelle Sanchez Boyce; Eunice Liriano; and others at Harlem Corner Social.

SUNDAE SERMON 2012 & MORE

Was great to see friends at Sundae Sermon – hosted by Bevy Smith this time. Always great to see friends and fam – including this time: my Spelman sister Adrianne C. Smith; Morehouse brother in song Gregory Caldwell; Marcia Pendelton; Michael K. Watts; Erica Watson; and a host of others. This weekend also allowed quality time with our friend Trevor. And we joined my nephew Noot (Herman L. Riley III) and his mom Fe (Felecia Roberts) for brunch at Lanskys on Columbus between 70th and 71st Streets. Afterwards, Ant & I transitioned via subway to the Williamsburgh section of Brooklyn on invitation from our BFF couple Jason Johnson and Marqice Pressey's beautiful home - including their lovely courtyard. It served as the backdrop for a fellowship of friends - including Trevor; Theo; Alexis; Matthew; and Craig.

AGAINST ALL ODDS

Am excited to have field produced a Black History story back in February. I interviewed Christine Carter for recurring client The Wendy Williams Show. Scroll down to February 1st to see it: http://www.wendyshow.com/MyBlackIsBeautiful/ Now Black Enterprise  has done a story - fleshing out Christine's POWERFUL testimonial where the short TV segment didn't allow: http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/giving-back-against-all-odds/! CONGRATS Christine, Dreena Whitfield, WhitPR, and TEAM WENDY!

DARK KNIGHT RISES

Like Spiderman a couple of weeks ago, “Batman: Dark Knight Rises” (http://www.thedarkknightrises.warnerbros.com/) isn’t exactly my preferred genre of film. But it’s coming out tomorrow and I’ll be screening a 9:20am installment of it with friends and colleagues. GO FIGURE! LOL!

"What seems impossible seems inevitable in retrospect..."  - CONDOLEEZZA RICE, Ph.D (Keynote Speaker at The Links, Incorporated's 38th National Assembly Civic Luncheon)

MEMORIAL DAY

After I got back from my Morehouse 20 REUNION, we got some fun down time with our friends Danielle and Bernard who threw the annual karaoke Memorial Day bash! As always, it was a BLAST!

REGULAR DAY IN HARLEM

On a rare, aimless day in Harlem, I met up with my girlfriend Sidra Smith at Red Rooster for a quick drink. She was accompanied by my buddy Tichina Arnold (Currently starring in TV LAND’s “Happily Divorced”, though she’s engaged to be married later this year) and her cute dog Kharma. After our cocktails, we went to Astor Row Café where I ran into writer Keith Josef Adkins (“Girlfriends”; etc.). Shout out to owner Manny to whom Sidra introduced me. Also got to hang out with Chrystale Wilson (“Players Club”) who I haven’t seen since my 2009 in L.A.

THE SKINNY

My friend George Faison’s Firehouse was the home of the NYC Premiere of my industry brother Patrik-Ian Polk’s “The Skinny”, which is WONDERFUL.

You must check it out! GO SEE IT THIS WEEK, if you're here in NYC!  MEANWHILE, as 'The Skinny' chronicles a PRIDE weekend in NYC, it's worth noting that we got to celebrate PRIDE last week as well. Bumped into two brothers in pop culture, music, and ALL THINGS DIVAS: Ra Shawn and Donald Peebles – both of whom have recently written blogs on our beloved DONNA SUMMER, one of our favorite divas whose LEGACY must not be forgotten. Here’s Ra Shawn’s: http://www.mywritingzone.blogspot.com/?zx=bcedce988f932c9d. Here’s Donald’s: http://authordonaldpeebles.blogspot.com/2012/06/black-people-hate-donna-summer.html. Also was good to toast PRIDE with friends Robert West and his husband John Bradley! And see some of my little Morehouse brothers.

NYABJ

Afterwards, I connected with Ant and his cousin Taricq at Harlem Tavern where we wanted to support our beloved NYABJ and NYABJ President Mike Feeney. It was a Mardi Gras/New Orleans kick-off (NABJ is in New Orleans June 20-24 – www.nabj.org). Shout out to my BET buddy Gary who was in the house along with many friends in the business i.e. Nina Flowers (Apollo) and Simone Smalls. MORE ON NABJ in a minute…

FOR THE LOVE OF NINA

Only OUR LOVE FOR NINA ISABELLA would have all of us up at the crack of dawn to attend a “baby blessing” at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church. My Morehouse brother, Reverend Dr. Calvin Butts, oversaw the beautiful ceremony. But of course, we LOVE Nina’s parents Mara Schiavocampo and Tommie Porter…and wouldn’t have missed it. I even ran into dear friends who are members there i.e. performer/choreography Ken Roberson; artist Dianne Smith; and one of my Morehouse BFFs Mike Bryant. After the dedication, the Porters hosted a well-appointed, Amy-Ruth-catered brunch of fried chicken, waffles (with Mara’s special praline syrup), scrambled eggs, grits, and a stunningly sweet, red velvet cake. Mara’s mom asked where my nephew Herman L. Riley III was. I called him to check. In a half hour, he joined us (IN TOW: a thoughtful card, gift, and guest [his Morehouse brother Jerrod Etian Hill, an assistant producer for NBC News/Dateline, which makes him Mara’s colleague]).

BLACK-2-BROADWAY

Ant and I went to Billie’s Black to join our friend Kevin-Anthony for his ‘Black 2 Broadway’ Tony-Awards viewing party as we all cheered on Best Musical Revival “Porgy & Bess” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XDnTV-TMoA).  Also, Audra Macdonald won her prize while co-star Norm Lewis, a friend, was nominated as well. While enjoying some light bites, I also ran into performer April Nixon who is currently starring in off-Broadway’s “SISTAS :the Musical” – a musical celebration of African American women from Bessie Smith to Mary J. Blige (www.sistasthemusical.com).  April and I acted alongside each other for a film reading last year (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/1/27/live-out-louder.html).  And it’s always a pleasure to see my industry family – including Kevin Reed; Natalie Clarke; Morehouse brother Jason; singer extraordinaire Darius Booker; and many others.

BABY NEWS & NEW JOB NEWS

Shout out to Monique – former fill-in producer for ‘Wendy Williams’, now in Chi-town to produce for “The Steve Harvey Show”. We got to toast her on Friday at CAVA wine lounge on the upper west side of Manhattan. 

ALSO I recently popped by baby shower for Phillana Williams, friend of my many NEW RO baby loves – including – of course – my Amazing Grace, Nichole Shellman; Michelle Sanchez-Boyce; Erika Munro Kennerly; Pamela Watson; Angelique Miles; Cynthia Burgos; Chenoa Maxwell; and many of other FAB friends!

My friend Carl Nelson invited me to join him at Urban Latino Magazine’s big music issue party last night at Rooftop 760. BET's Master of the Mix DJ MELL STARR kept us dancing. SI*SE performed – including tracks from their new single EP "GO"! And my highlight: running into and catching up with old friend Ray Rosario who is doing some awesome things with his art and the film industry. Stay tuned. https://www.facebook.com/UrbanLatinoMag. I was out of town for the unveiling of one of Ray’s projects. It’s the NIMBY EXPERIENCE: A pledge by celebrities, committed to MAKING A DIFFERENCE, to go undercover to shed light on causes they are passionate about. Actor Luis Guzman is attached as are Producer Ed Martin and Director Jacquelyn Aluotto. http://www.rbrw.org/rbrw-tv CONGRATS, RAY!

PROJECT 1 VOICE

TOTAL HONOR to share the stage with Tony-award ROYALTY – including Lillias White; Adriane Lenox (Also from my Miss Ross’ “Double Platinum”); Chuck Cooper; and from this year’s winner for Broadway revival, “Porgy & Bess”, my buddy Norm Lewis. It was Erich McMillan-McCall’s brainchild PROJECT1VOICE (www.project1voice.org) and this year, the black-theater initiative doled out 24 productions of JAMES BALDWIN’s “The Amen Corner” in 18 cities – including NYC’s The Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College. I was cast as STAGE NARRATOR for ACT 2. WHAT A BLAST! And as always, there were so many friends who were either a part of the production and/or just in the house that the names are too many, but let me list a few: Kimberly JaJuan; Michelle Robinson; and more! PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT PROJECT 1 VOICE beyond Monday, June 18th – whether in NYC or the other 18 locations throughout the USA: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Project1voice/158820437504381 And a SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to my Morehouse brother Walter Dallas, who DIRECTED this special staged reading of JAMES BALDWIN's "The AMEN CORNER" for PROJECT 1 VOICE (www.project1voice.org).

NABJ NEW ORLEANS

You all know my time at NABJ is precious to me. This time was no exception. I can’t tell it all as it was just too much for a shared blog entry, but you can see a lot of it via these photo albums:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150902253333737.413639.662073736&type=3&l=5a83ec4c7d

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150911444378737.414581.662073736&type=3&l=57335d26d6

A few things I must point out:

1)      Shout out to my Amazing Graces Mara Schiavocampo and Audrey Irvine who took care of me while I was in NOLA… on a budget! I LOVE YOU, MY LADIES! And another POUND for my Morehouse brother Khalid Gross who too was in the cut to ensure I had a great time in New Orleans.

2)      My friend Ava DuVernay screened her upcoming film, Middle of Nowhere, which has been winning festival prize after festival prize… and receiving praise over praise over praise. It’s really a GREAT FILM!  Middle of Nowhere stars Emayatzy Corinealdi, David Oyelowo, Omari Hardwick, Lorraine Touissaint, and Edwina Findley. The film was acquired jointly by Participant Media and AFFRM, and will be released on October 12. CONGRATS, AVA!  www.facebook.com/MiddleofNowhereMovie

3)      Another shout out to Jackie Bazan who brought GMC TELEVISION NETWORK to NABJ with buddy Vanessa Williams and Morehouse brother Rockmond Dunbar in tow. They shared and talked about their latest project for GMC. Former Executive Vice President of Tyler Perry Studios, Roger Bobb, who left the company earlier last year to start his own film production company called Bobcat Films, makes his feature film directorial debut with a project titled “Raising Izzie” - a film that's based on the grand-prize winning script of the 1st annual GMC Faith & Family Screenplay Competition last year, and that will premiere on the GMC (Gospel Music Channel) this July. ALWAYS GREAT TO SEE THEM!

4)      Shout out to my NABJ colleagues, Miss Kelley Carter and Miss Adrienne Samuels Gibbs for their inaugural A&E Task Force programming for NABJ. It was stellar. We celebrated this year’s LEGACY Award honoree Kevin Frazier, founder of HipHollywood.com and host of the entertainment news program The Insider. Pioneering filmmaker Reginald Hudlin, producer of Quentin Tarantino’s highly anticipated Django Unchained, presented the award and further highlighted the evening by debuting an exclusive sneak peak of the film. Kerry Washington attended as well. “Django Unchained” is an action packed project starring Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, Samuel L. Jackson and produced by Reginald Hudlin for a Christmas release.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC8VJ9aeB_g

5)  Shout out to my friend, Fox Searchlight Picture's Cassandra Butcher who invited a small group of us out to dinner at the French Quarter's Ritz Carlton to discuss her latest account: "BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD" - winner of the Sundance 2012 Grand Jury Prize as well as the Excellence in Cinematography Award. The compelling flick is set in a forgotten but defiant bayou community cut off from the rest of the world by a sprawling levee where a six-year-old girl exists on the brink of orphanhood. It will keep you on the edge of your seat (as it kept me on the edge of mine): www.beastsofthesouthernwild.com.

6) Congrats to Monica Pearson, recipient of this year’s NABJ Legacy Award. She is the longest-running anchor in the Atlanta marketing and the first African American  women ever named as a primary evening co-anchor (circa 1975). She’s also a long-standing mentor for whom Audrey Irvine and I were interns (at WBS) while at Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse, respectively (Last I saw Monica, we were together, we were celebrating a boss I would have later in my career and her goodbye to the airwaves: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/5/15/nothing-ventured-nothing-gained.html).

7)      ALSO: Pat Tobin Media Professional Award recipient to another boss-of sorts: Janet Rolle under whom I produced several special projects during her tenure at BET (including an opportunity she gave me to produce video tributes and art/design for the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies gala for which she has been the Chair and a recipient: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/1/27/live-out-louder.html). Last year, AFUWI honored Suzanne de Passe. Pat Tobin was a mentor and friend – so I loved the synergies here.

8)      And a special SHOUT OUT to Gerrick Kennedy who joins a short list of friends who – over the last eight years are so – have been named “EMERGING JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR”. This honor makes Gerrick the first full-time A&E journalist to receive this special honor.

 I LOVE NABJ!!!!! And Krystal! LOL!

THE LINKS, INCORPORATED

Didn’t get much room to breathe after NABJ. Had to high-tail it to ORLANDO’s Rosen Shingle Creek Resort where client THE LINKS, INCORPORATED was hosting its 38th National Assembly of the now-65-year old friendship-and-service organization for which I produced tribute videos (at their gala in D.C.: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/12/14/get-into-it.html). I produced tributes for 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, Dr. Condoleezza Rice and all of the 2012 Co-Founders Awards recipients. The Co-Founders Award honorees are individuals who are widely recognized nationally or internationally for service rendered and have made significant contributions to the African American, African and Caribbean communities. Awards are given in the service areas: Services to Youth, Dr. Freeman Hrawboski, President, University of Maryland, Baltimore County; The Arts, Judith Jamison, Artistic Director Emerita, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; National Trends and Services, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, U.S. House of Representatives; International Trends and Services, Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, Director, Smithsonian Museum of African Art; and Health and Human Services, Dr. Vivian Pinn, former Director, Office of Research on Women’s Health, National Institutes of Health. Each honoree received an Elizabeth Catlett bronze sculpture commissioned especially for this occasion. And so many familiar faces! At NABJ, I saw so many of my ATLANTA TV FAMILY – from FOX 5 – including Sidmel Estes-Sumpter; Darius Walker; Elise Durham; Michael K. Watts; etc. Here I saw a few more – including Lisa Rayam and Angelique Proctor (who are members of THE LINKS, INC.). ALSO: My NABJ baby buddy Dee Griffin was in the house along with other NABJ sisters Nina Henderson-Moore; Tiffany Greene; Tina A. Brown; Michelle Stepney; etc. And my Spelman sisters Dr. Juvonda Hodge; Sharmell Sullivan; and others were in the mix as THE LINKS, INC. they are as well. SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to President Margot James Copeland; Eris Sims; Sherri Blount-Gray; Eleanor Hayes (the STELLAR NARRATOR of all the tribute pieces); and HEIR-O-LINK Lynn Whitfield who narrated the re-purposed LINKS, INC. HISTORY I produced for the 65th Anniversary GALA in DC. WHEW! ALL IN A FEW MONTHS of asset gathering; scripting; editing; tweaking; and schlepping to Orlando! WELL WORTH THE TRIP!

PROMAX GOLD!

Shout out to my Savannah homeboy and sometimes-boss Maurice Marable for taking home the TOP PRIZE at the 2012 Promax awards for DIRECTING HBO's Boardwalk Empire campaign last year (www.believemedia.com). Below are the categories that that it topped: 1) GOLD:  Directing - Boardwalk Empire Shoot Spot; 2) GOLD:  Best Dramatic Program Spot - Boardwalk Empire Shoot spot; 3) GOLD:  Best Dramatic Program Campaign. CONGRATS, MO! You are MOST DESERVING and have always been the MOST CREATIVE and TALENTED DIRECTOR I know. Worth noting, Mo is responsible for the PROMAX nods of which I've had the luxury of contributing (as field producer): 2010 Black History Month campaign (under Mr. Marable's DIRECTORIAL GENIUS) and I too had SENIOR PRODUCING credit on this year's PROMAX finalist (as well): - having produced - again under MO's let-him-fly LEADERSHIP - TWO Civil Rights-themed projects for BET that ran in DC during MLK Monument events October 2011 (pre-Irene cancellation). They were quite well-received...and now FINALISTs: a. Civil Rights: http://csftp.bet.net/FileView/2569_Reel1_WhenYouBelieve_CUT23_FINALMIXED.mov b. Women Civil Rights: http://csftp.bet.net/fileview/2569_Reel2_IWasHere_CUT5_FINAL_Mix.zip.

HOME AGAIN

WHEW! Made it back from Orlando and New Orleans to NYC to exhale! Parents and niece Taylor of BFF since 7^th grade Ern were in town – so was great to see them over low-country boil! Ern's parents have been like my own parents or my bonus parents since childhood. So, this reunion was MANDATORY and filled with fun, food, and re-flections!

JULY 4^TH WEEKEND: SPIDER MAN & JOSEPHINE BAKER

Before you get too caught up in your holiday plans, don’t forget to factor in a GOOD FLICK or SOME GOOD THEATER in NYC!

I just saw two wonderful projects:

The Amazing Spider-Man opens nationwide Tuesday, July 3

The release reads: “One of the world's most popular charters is back on the big screen as a new chapter in the Spider-Man legacy is revealed in THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN. Focusing on an untold story that tells a different side of the Peter Parker story, the new films stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, with Martin Sheen and Sally Field. The film is directed by Marc Webb. The screenplay is by James Vanderbilt and Alvin Sargent and Steve Kloves from a story by James Vanderbilt, based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.  Lauren Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach are producing the film in association with Marvel Entertainment for Columbia Pictures, which will open in theaters everywhere in 3D on July 3.”

To view the trailer for THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, please go to the following link:

http://www.theamazingspiderman.com/site/

Off-Broadway’s The Sensational Josephine Baker

Described as a rich, comedic, moving musical portrait of the unique iconic Jazz Age legend, written and performed by Cheryl Howard, directed by Ian Streicher and presented by the award-winning Emerging Artists Theatre. The unforgettable story of Josephine Baker springs to life in this tightly woven play featuring several of Baker’s signature songs.  The story goes from little girl to showgirl as we follow Josephine on her journey from conservative St. Louis, Missouri to the risqué cabarets of the Rue Pigalle, France. The show opened this week and will continue through September 8.

Beckett Theater at Theater Row

410 West 42nd Street, NYC

Show times are: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7pm; Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm; and Sunday at 3pm.

THE EMERGING ARTISTS’ THEATRE PRESENTS

The Off-Broadway Premiere of

The Sensational Josephine Baker

Written and performed by Cheryl Howard

Running now through September 8, 2012

at The Beckett Theatre - Theatre Row

(New York, NY) – The award-winning Emerging Artists Theatre proudly presents the Off-Broadway premiere of The Sensational Josephine Baker, a rich, comedic, moving musical portrait of the unique iconic Jazz Age legend, Josephine Baker.  Preview performances begin Tuesday, June 19th, opening night will be Tuesday, June 26th and the play enjoys a 12-week run through Saturday, September 8, 2012 at The Beckett Theatre – Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd Street (www.theatrerow.org).  Show times are: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7pm; Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm; and Sunday at 3pm.  Tickets are $69.25 and can be purchased by calling Telecharge at 212-239-6200 or online at www.Telecharge.com.  For all discount offers visit www.broadwayoffers.com or call 212-947-8844.  Special $20 Rush Tickets are offered for every show to any ticket buyer for available seats 20 minutes before show time.

Written and performed by Cheryl Howard and directed by Ian Streicher, the unforgettable story of Josephine Baker springs to life in this tightly woven play featuring several of Baker’s signature songs.  The story goes from little girl to showgirl as we follow Josephine on her journey from conservative St. Louis, Missouri to the risqué cabarets of the Rue Pigalle, France.  Howard delivers this tale through an array of fascinating female characters: Josephine’s domineering mother, Carrie McDonald; fellow chorus girl Lydia Jones; Ada “Bricktop” Smith, owner of the infamous nightclub “Bricktop’s in Montmarte…” And a raw, fearless portrayal of Ms. Baker herself in a series of defining moments: from the hilarious antics which rescued her from the obscurity of the chorus, to the humiliation of being shunned by a narrow-minded American public, to her life-long search for unconditional love.  Cheryl Howard has toured and performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe. She has starred as Deena Jones in Dreamgirls in Berlin, Germany, and as Josephne Baker in Josephine: The Musical, which toured throughout Europe, winning her a Golden Heart Award for Best Actress in a Musical and Best Musical.

For more information visit www.emergingartiststheatre.org.

For more information on the show visit www.thesensationaljosepinebaker.com.

GOING TO THE CHAPEL?

Not yet. But ‘the law’ and ‘public opinion’ seem to be getting us closer to my choosing to have that option everyday. Whenever I'm approached to speak on something personally controversial, I get a butterfly in my belly (at risk of hurting someone's feelings or not wanting to rock the boat), but shout out to NBC News Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo for asking... and the many who have validated my thoughts and heart! As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! http://thegrio.com/2012/05/21/does-the-naacp-gay-marriage-resolution-matter-to-black-america/ I’m looking forward to sharing more published works (inside my brand: ‘pop culture’ & ‘possibilities’) that explore even more aspects of this ever-evolving topic in America.

WENDY 500

Also: shout out to Mara Schiavocampo on her Wendy Williams' profile which ran recently on WEEKEND TODAY: http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/47486415! A BFF and a recurring client make beautiful TV together! HOW YOU DOIN'? XO And as small worlds get smaller, we all were under one roof for WENDY’s celebration of 500 SHOWS! The ELEMENT was the back-drop for the celebration that toasted shows done and the many more to come. Was great to attend with Mara given she’d just profiled Wendy and had justquoted me in a Grio (www.grio.com) piece. I considered it a double honor to have contributed (as freelance field producer) to some of those shows: (1) http://www.wendyshow.com/2011/10/24/british-virgin-islands/
(2) http://www.wendyshow.com/2011/10/26/british-virgin-islands-food (3) http://www.wendyshow.com/2011/12/16/family-dollar-holiday-dash/ (4) Black History Month with "My Black Is Beautiful" (Proctor & Gamble): http://www.wendyshow.com/MyBlackIsBeautiful/. Many friends, colleagues, and society associates were in the house – including: NABJ brother (recently SNL’d) Stephen A. Smith; Mecca Moore (Publicist and Associate Publisher of Pynk Magazine) [who I saw just the night prior with friend Devon Johnson (Publisher of Bleu and Pynk Magazine) at the NYC Premiere of L.A. Hair); Priya Scoggins (designer and producer/personality); Musa Jackson; Tonya Lee (Writer and wife of Spike Lee); Spencer Means (NYC realtor for the stars); Carlton Jared Lockett (Jones Magazine); Chastity Saunders (Avenue Pink); etc. Before we came to the party, Ant and I got to FINALLY give Mara and her husband Tommie’s Nina her “1st Magic Kingdom swag”: a Minnie Mouse bib! She instantly LOVED it! After the ‘Wendy’ set, we got in a little karaoke for kicks at BOHO KARAOKE on the Lower East Side, and look who we ran into? Our NABJ sister and fellow journalist extraordinaire Lola Ogunnaike who was getting her karaoke on, she says, for the first time! I LOVE KARAOKE (and NYC even more)! CONGRATS WENDY WILLIAMS & TEAM! Hardest working team I've seen of late... in the BIZ-NESS!

NYABJ

Mara and I also recently attended the New York Association of Black Journalists' 24th Annual Scholarship & Awards Ceremony together. The event was held at The Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center (and the competition which had a finalist prize for Beyonce and Essence) was SOLD OUT! While minding my business on projects with recurring clients BET and The Links, Incorporated (in casual, but kinda' transitional rags), my NABJ BFF Mara Schiavocampo called with an 11th hour invitation to escort her (and as a result, I got to wish her hubby and my dear friend Tommie Porter a Happy Birthday when I went to pick her up [One of his gifts: Babysitting Nina while mom handled her NABJ Regional Director duties]). We sat at the NBC table, but this precursor to the NABJ Annual Convention (which is next month in New Orleans) gave me the chance to see so many of my NABJ family - including: NYABJ President Mike Feeney; Dwight Oestricher; Associated Press' Sonya Ross; GSABJ sister Henrietta Parker; PSABJ's Sarah Glover; former NYABJ Prez (under whom I served two terms at VP-Broadcast before serving as Region 1 Director some years back) Robin Stone; APOLLO's Nina Flowers; NBC/The Grio's David Wilson; PR icon Terrie Williams; Newscorp's Manny Smith; NYABJ budy Lynette Vallasco; my sometimes co-host for "Drums Along The Hudson", Tetiana Anderson; co-hosts for the night, Pat Battle and Shannon Lanier; my ESSENCE friends Constance White (Editor-in-Chief); Emil Wilbekin; and so many others friends - old and new. NYABJ's Eric Tait also saluted the life and career of our recently departed Gil Noble. GREAT NIGHT!

LA HAIR

Shout out to @WEtvPr @WEtv @135stagency @KimbleHairCare @pynkmag & @bleumagazine @devonisbleu Great times at the NYC Dinner Premiere of WE TV’s new L.A. HAIR (http://www.wetv.com/shows/la-hair) – starring Kim Kimble who I had the chance to produce a few years back (100 HAIRCUTS in 48 HOURS). She was quite a JOY…and so is her show. 135th Street Agency invited me out to PRANNA (www.prannarestaurant.com) to dine on a wonderful array of Modern Southeast Asian Cooking + Cocktails. And we got a sneak-peek of the very entertaining new addition to WE’s line-up of new, WOMEN-centric reality fare – including ‘The Braxtons: Family Values’ & ‘Mary Mary’. Also, check out video from Kimble’s recent press events in New York and Atlanta:

·         “L.A. Hair” at NY Press Dinner – http://youtu.be/pIK7D9Qdd3c

·         “L.A. Hair” in ATL - http://youtu.be/hM7RjDE32xU

‘L.A. Hair’ premieres TOMORROW (Thurs, May 31st) at 10pm ET/PT on WE tv. Visit the show online at http://www.wetv.com/shows/la-hair. #LAHair

ASK CHLOE

I recently shouted out Chloe Hilliard (Editorial Director, www.TheLoop21.com) who I’ve known since she was 15, a student in the New York Association of Black Journalists’ High School Journalism Workshop for which I was an instructor (and co-director). I always knew she’d be a journalism star, maybe pro B-Ball player (And when last we were together, she was a panelist on a Q&A talk back I moderated with the cast of "Stick Fly"). But she’s now ADDITIONALLY working her magic as a stand-up comic. And she is now sharing her expert advice with the masses via her new web series. Here’s a sample:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhOm65kW1y0 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8mk7yy_GGw. If you have a question that needs expert advice submit them here: www.www.Blog.ChloeHilliard.com/ASK.

DEAR OLD MOREHOUSE! 20 YEARS!

 https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150827567113737.405858.662073736&type=1&l=53e2228d5c Just back from my 20-YEAR REUNION at Morehouse College! What an AWESOME weekend with my Savannah BFFs Natalie Palmer & Latecia Engram! My friends since childhood! While in ATL, I got to see my sister Janice; dear friend Carla Jackson; and so many others – from Michael K. Watts to Elise Durham to Jamahl L. King to Darian Trotter and a host of others. See so many of the pix that I could not include here:https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150827567113737.405858.662073736&type=3&l=53e2228d5c

PROJECT 1 VOICE 2012

I’ve been asked to read stage direction in one act of a historic NYC reading – featuring an impressive cast that includes: Tony royalty Lillias White; Adriane Lennox; and many more! IT'S YEAR TWO OF: PROJECT 1 VOICE! http://www.project1voice.org/ Shout out to Erich McMillan-McCall, visionary and founder of Project 1 Voice (http://youtu.be/Je-I7sGHKvA).  I’ve blogged about it: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/project-1-voice.  Was in last year’s SAVE-THE-DATE campaign: http://youtu.be/3hCSTtQNsyQ. It’s a day where you can take part in ensuring that funding keeps our black theaters open and vital. This initiative was created last year to bring attention to black theater companies. On June 18, theater companies and groups across the country will stage readings of “The Amen Corner,” James Baldwin’s 1954 work that looks at the role of the church in black communities. Last year’s reading of Alice Childress’ “Trouble in Mind” featured performances by Andre De Shields, Leslie Uggams, Peter Coyote, La Chanze, John Mahoney and many others across the country. PLEASE BE SURE TO COME OUT! http://www.project1voice.org/. Special shout out to Marcia Pendelton and Morehouse brother Charles Reese! How many of our Tri State area Alumni of Morehouse/Spelman along with other HBCUers on board will join us. Also: please don't forget to pick up your copy of the book version of James Baldwin A Soul On Fire. Available at Amazon. Visit www.jamesbaldwinasoulonfire.com. That’s Mr. Reese’s labor of love. SYNERGIES ABOUND!