A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

BET UP FRONT

While heading to see the BET UP FRONT in NYC (the special project that's had yours truly occupied this past couple of months), I hop off the subway on 44th & 8th and begin to walk parallel to Nicole Ari Parker who'd just gotten out of her "...Streetcar" matinee - still in previews until Sunday's opening night (We quickly caught up as she was looking to decompress from her matinee show and to get rejuvenated for her evening performance. A crab cake at Sardi’s is what the doctor ordered. She shared how theater vets Angela Bassett and Courtney Vance came to see ‘Streetcar’ in one of its last previews – afterwards giving her some great notes).  Then, I rushed into the BEST BUY THEATER to see my work (from the last couple of months) on the big screen. I loved that recurring freelance client Wendy Williams (http://www.wendyshow.com/2011/10/24/british-virgin-islands/) was presenting BET's Movies & Acquisitions that I got to produce with the FABULOUS BET Creative Services team. The reel includes 'Wendy Williams Show' which re-airs on BET every day. Then, my 'girlfriend' Mara Brock Akil came out to talk about BET PREMIERE CINEMA, a new franchise which features original programming - in this case first run films, including The Akils' "Being Mary Jane" - an original flick that will spin-off into BET's first original one-hour drama – both starring Gabrielle Union. From there, Ant’s BDAY EXTRAVAGANZA started as his ‘Wendy’ peeps toasted him at “Radio Star” karaoke (35th between 5th and 6th). They timed-out-to-my-arrival a song that I could sing to serenade Happy BDAY to Ant. I walked in and was handed a mic! LOL! VOILA: HAPPY BIRTHDAY…. to all of the many ARIES & TAUREANS for whom I’ve been lifting up a few too many glasses in your honor i.e. MY DAD; Chandra; Elise; Tata; Seitu; Vincent; Eddie; Audra (kinda’); Marqice; Kodjoe; Mamie; Mary Lee; Nicky; Marlynn; Bobby; Tara; Kiwan; and many, many more! MWAH!

WENDY

From the British Virgin Islands to Family Dollar, I’ve had the chance to produce (as a freelancer) some cool Wendy Williams Show segments this season. One of her glam squad members – makeup artist Merrell Hollis (pictured left/below) – has been hosting a Monday night ‘RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE’ party this season. And WENDY shouted us out on her on-line AFTER SHOW segment this week (EVEN SHOWING A PICTURE) – deeming us “New York’s elite gays! LOL!”: http://youtu.be/YjE4r7zBZQY (Well, she’s not far off: among us is Emmy-award winning WIG EXPERT Antwon Jackson (pictured right in green/above), who gets to go for #2 as the Emmy nominations for 2012 have just been announced. CONGRATS, ANTWON who loves MISS ROSS almost as much as me! LOL!). We’ve attended a few of these viewing sets over the season…and they are always a BLAST! I noted in a previous entry of my “…life of Riley…” blog (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/1/27/black-tales.html): “I felt like I was at THE LEGENDS BALL while at the Harlem home of make-up artist extraordinaire Merrell Hollis (@makeupbymerrell). A fun and accomplished group gathered to watch the premiere of Rupaul’s Drag Race, which is in its Cycle 4. It was GLAMOUR-PALOOZA up in there – including Dani Evans – winner of “America’s Next Top Model” (@Only1DaniE);my friends, celebrity make-up artist Sam Fine (@SamFineBeauty); hair master Oscar James (@oscarjameshair); Chuck Amos (@CHUCKIELOVE), who does Tracee Ellis Ross’ tresses (and has done Miss Ross); stylist par excellence Memsor Kamarake (@Memsor); and some of the ‘The Wendy Williams Show’ team – including Monique Taylor (@moekittytweets) and Wendy’s wig expert Antwon Jackson (@antwonljackson) were also on deck as well as some other great friends – including Ian, etc.” (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/1/27/black-tales.html) THANKS FOR THE SHOUT OUT, WENDY!

RLJ

Founder of BET announced recently that his RLJ Acquisition, Inc. has entered into agreements to acquire Image Entertainment, Inc. and Acorn Media Group, Inc., two highly complementary media businesses to create one of the largest independent distributors of digital and video content globally. The new combined company will be named RLJ Entertainment, Inc. All of this should be firm by mid-summer when it will be time to PITCH CONTENT. And what a room full of industry friends – old and new – to hear the announcement at The Chatwal Hotel in the Club Room: Hill Harper; Nelson George, Warrington Hudlin; Maurice Marable; Jacquie Lee; Eddie Harris; Roni Wheeler; Lana Garland; Kevin Liles; Sean Johnson; Alvin Bowles; Priya Scoggins; filmmaker Dui Jarrod (“Lesson Before Love”); and a host of others. (I had the chance to produce Bob Johnson for two closed-circuit video tributes that welcomed his weigh-in. It was cool to compare notes on that project. CONGRATS, MR. JOHNSON!!).

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

It's not everyday you get to sit in a theater (The Ziegfeld, to be exact) with Dame Judy Dench (www.foxsearchlight.com/thebestexoticmarigoldhotel/) at the NYC US Premiere of "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" - a fun and heartfelt film that I think everyone will enjoy. You MUST check it out!!

ALWAYS KARAOKE

As we (and our ALL-STAR KARAOKE REGULARS) channel where next we’ll pop up, we’re still getting our karaoke on! Recently, I capped off Monday night with karaoke – a new Monday night sing-fest at Tenth Rail (on 33rd Street and 10th Avenue: www.tenthrail.com). My friend Mario who hosts No Parking Karaoke Tuesday Night has now launched this fun night for Monday for which karaoke buddy Dayne and others joined me. Lots of fun! Shout out to my karaoke buddy (and all things Motown and MUSIC) Brandon Bain. He knows his way around the mic…and not just the karaoke mic. I look forward to you hearing his original music one day soon! CONGRATS, BRANDON! Recently, in a holding pattern, we were able to get a couple of songs in.

AUGUST WILSON

Shout out to Carl Nelson for inviting me to accompany him to the “August Wilson National Monologue Competition FINALS” hosted by mentor and friend Kenny Leon on the Broadway stage (at The August Wilson Theater).The event was free and open to the public and featured high school students from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh and Seattle performing monologues by the late, legendary American playwright. Judges for the 2012 Annual August Wilson Monologue Competition included Pauletta Washington (actress), Lynn Nottage (playwright), Jasmine Guy (actress, singer, and dancer), James A. Williams (actor), and David Gallo (scenic designer). The featured a performance from Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean by Phylicia and daughter/Tony-nominee Condola Rashad. Founded in 2007, the Annual August Wilson Monologue Competition aims to expose a new generation of creative minds to the life’s work and artistic legacy of this seminal American playwright. Program participants in cities across the country encounter Wilson’s ten-play cycle and receive coaching from teaching artists as they prepare their monologues for local, city-wide and national competitions. For more information, visit www.truecolorstheatre.org/august-wilson-monologue-competition.

DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON

Speaking of Carl Nelson, PLEASE be sure to join him at DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON on Sunday, May 20^th (www.drumsalongthehudson.org/). He produces it every year, and has often booked me to host portions of the program in years gone by (I’ll be in Atlanta at my 20-YEAR REUNION from Morehouse this year). The over-riding host is my Atlanta TV biz buddy Sandra Bookman. Always a JOY! Please be sure to check it out!

UPTOWN, MISS JESSIE’S, AND RICARDO

My Morehouse brothers, UPTOWN magazine's Executive Editor Isoul Harris and Trevor (www.TheJulienManagementgroup.com), FAB publicist asked us to pop by RICARDO OCEAN GRILL (www.ricardooceangrill.com) to celebrate the new, intimate hot spot's Grand Opening (It's open from 5p-3a and is poised to attract a sophisticated and select client and guests - perhaps as an after-set crew). We enjoyed a sampling of the amazing ocean grill menu of delicious seafood - including some great crab cakes. REMY V provided a wonderful array of cocktails (Shout out to REMY MARTIN Brand Ambassador Marty Tennant); Miss Jessie's (www.missjessies.com) sponsored a gift bag of hair 'magic' for the curls, kinks, and waves out there (Shout out to Miss Jessie's Winston Benoms). And of course, it wouldn't have been a party without my Bevy Smith and Ashunta Sheriff, make-up artist extraordinnaire with whom I got the chance to reconnect. Alicia Keys is one of her clients (www.ashuntasheriffonline.com), and she and I have collaborated on several assignments where I've interviewed Alicia while she was making sure Alicia was camera ready. We last saw each other while on respective assignments in London a few years back. And a SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to the UPTOWN Magazine (www.uptownmagazine.com) TEAM - Angela Bronner Helm, Chrystal Parker, Deena Campbell, and of course, my friend Isoul! New York Times' Charles M. Blow popped by (He's been writing a number of opinion pieces and doing lots of commentary on Trayvon Martin: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/07/opinion/blow-from-oj-to-trayvon.html).

CHEF ROBLE AND MORE

After a week of producing a spot promoting “Michael Jackson: Life of an Icon” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtOcePhdb10) which will run on TV soon (STAY TUNED), Ant and I accepted the invitation from our BFFs Mara Schiavocampo and hubby Tommie Porter to join them and a few friends for good eats and drinks. In the house: BRAVO’s Chef Roble; friend/founder/executive editor of www.TheGrio.com; our buddy Ray Young (visiting from the left coast); Rakia Clark; Mara’s lifelong BFF Apryl; and many others.

MY POSITIVE INNERGY

Was GREAT to celebrate the launch of Positive InnerTees by My Positive Innergy – friend Nathan Hale Williams’ new venture (http://mypositiveinnergy.com/). Once-home of All-Star Karaoke Thursday Night, our beloved – now-newly remodeled - Native was the backdrop for a love fest of infinite possibilities – hosted by Nathan’s BFFs FLO Anthony, MARJA Vongerichten and Dr. DORIAN Warren.  LIKE them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MyPositiveInnergy) and Follow them on Twitter (@MyPositiveInner). So many great friends were in the house to TOAST Nathan and this AWESOME NEW MOVEMENT! Many of my buddies were in the house – including my All-Star Karaoke regulars and so many BFFs (Jamar; Brian; Turquoise; etc.): TV personality/stylist (‘Cause Celeb’ on ABC World News Now) Phillip Bloch (www.phillipbloch.com); publicist extraordinaire BJ Coleman (Burgers and Bourbon’s own: http://www.burgersandbourbon.com/); sister friend/Z-100 radio personality Shelley Wade; Kevin “Moochie” Freeman (“Real Housewives of ATL” – Host of ‘the smalls’ in South Africa this past season); Priya Tara (www.fx4boutique.com); publicist-friend Theo Perry; ‘Cheetah-Girls’-own Deborah Gregory; Harlem’s own soul songstress (by way of Toronto), Belinda Munro, who inspired our transition to the Grand Opening of HARLEM HABERDASHERY (www.HARLEMHABERDASHERY.COM – TWITTER: @HABERDASHERYNYC). It's a men and women’s high-end clothing boutique. Was really excited to run into dear friend Tony Shellman  (clothing line mogul: Mecca; Enyce; Parish; and something coming up!); Bevy Smith; and a host of others. GREAT THURSDAY NIGHT IN HARLEM!

LOTS OF APRIL BIRTHDAYS

In our world, Birthday extravaganzas go well beyond the BDAY itself. We continued Ant’s celebration as friends Ashley Fettig and Mike Pierre-Louis who graciously took us to Ristorante Il Melograno (www.ilmelogranonyc.com) for some delicious Italian cuisine. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

But not before toasting our BFF Tata’s life-long BFF Tara who just turned 40! We all toasted her at TAJ! We then got to gather and celebrate TATA – family-style – at Carmine’s on the Upper West Side (DELICIOUS!).

Did a birthday bus ride for our Marqice’s birthday (We also spent some more time with he and Jason at their Brooklyn home – for Cinco de Mayo and THE FIGHT!).

I got to send a birthday toast to buddy/my little brother Bobby Roache who is making big things happen with his modeling career (He’s also an artist). He says I look like his brother. And he actually looks like my people – from brother to uncles to nephew - on the Riley side. Bobby's breakout moment came when he was cast as Grammy-Award-winning singer BEYONCE’S no-good boyfriend for her #1 HIT single “IRREPLACEABLE" music video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EwViQxSJJQ.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EVERYBODY!

SUNDAE SERMON

A recent SUNDAY brought a great afternoon of dancing to soulful deep house, disco and afro beats with a family friendly feel good vibe including exhibits, speaking series and performances. On loan from its owner, Ant joined the BASQUIAT TRIBUTE – comprised of artists’ work that participated in the BASQUIAT TRIBUTE in Harlem last August (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/8/20/art-and-annual-therapy.html).  His art name is Akhenaten. He shared one-half of a diptych in this particular series which represents the history of Graffiti as told through ancient Egyptian imagery which includes hieroglyphics and other symbols from ancient Egypt, particularly the 18th Dynasty under the rule of Pharaoh Akhenaten and his Queen Nefertiti. He explores the history of Graffiti art which predates the work of Graffiti artist Jean Michel Basquiat. The piece: "Sun Pharaoh" 47" x 36" Acrylic and Oil stick on hand stretched canvass by artist. Akhenaten has previously shown his conceptual body of work “Manufacturism” in his hometown of Denver, CO at the 910 Arts Gallery.His background also includes studies in Journalism, Native American Art and Art History at the University of Colorado-Boulder. Sundae Sermon Winter Indoor Series also included: OF COURSE, DJ Stormin Norman; my friend Michaela angela Davis' Mad Free Conversation Series with ISABEL TOLEDO (“Roots of Style”).The renowned El Museo Del Barrio was the venue…and our girl Cynthia Burgos also showed her Basquiat-inspired work. Many friends came out to support – including buddies Carl; Sidra Smith; Monique; Dianne Smith; Patrick; Chris; Mario; Manivone Nonthaveth; Shantay Wilson; Rod; Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Uptown Magazine Leonard Burnett (and his beautiful family); and many more (including hat designer Jennifer Ouelette: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/12/20/pat-in-a-hat.html)! For more information, check out www.elmuseo.org or go to www.sundaesermon.com. Pre-art-show, Ant, Cynthia, Elijah Brumfield, and I enjoyed some BBQ! Afterwards, many of us went to Harlem’s Corner Social Club Restaurant for a little food and fellowship! ALL of Harlem seemed to be in the house!

REUNIONS & MEETINGS ANEW

The same weekend that we were celebrating Ant, I got to have a lovely reunion with dear friend Paula Witt (and my NABJ sister Nekesa Moody – Music Editor EXTRAORDINAIRE from the Associated Press with whom we enjoyed a bite at Thai Select). Plus, my “Amazing Grace” Elise was in town. Coupled with now-NYC-based Denise Hendricks – another life-long friend and Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts, we were some “cackling NABJ babies” – happy to be in each others presence again! LOL! My NABJ buddy Taj Tsonga threw a casual set this weekend. This, after he's been traveling the globe as an international journalist. It was a fun room of fun folks. And a great way to do one recent weekend. Shout out to Ant’s BFF Manivone Monthaveth who invited us out to GALLERY BAR on the Lower East Side to experience “SILENTNOISE: an art auction” (HTTP://SILENTNOISENYC.TUMBLR.COM/). Fun times with Taha, Vilay, and many more!

Don't forget DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON!

STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

My industry buddy Jacquie Lee (www.jacquieleeinternational.com) made sure “A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities” was in the house for the first preview of “A Streetcar Named Desire”. She’s one of the associate producers on the project who has been instrumental in building some wonderful corporate marketing synergies between many vendors and the show (Jacquie choreographed an AMAZING sweepstakes with the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation – a giveaway that promises free trips - including a 7-day cruise, a weekend at the ESSENCE Music Festival, a trip to NYC to see 'Streetcar', etc.). You recall, we told you about this much-anticipated, multi-cultural revival a few weeks ago when it was announced. (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/3/15/dreams-and-desire.html). Well, it’s on… and happening in a BEAUTIFUL & BRILLIANT way! The stellar cast includes: Blair Underwood who takes “mean and dysfunctional” to a whole new level with his dark and effective interpretation of “Stanley” (His L.A.-based wife Desiree, who was in the house, agreed!); stellar actress Nicole Ari Parker DOES THE DARN THING as “Blanche”. I’ve always loved her work – from “Soul Food” to “Remember the Titans”, but BABY!!!!!! (a la with my New Orleans accent), she truly delivers one over-the-top-yet-spot-on moment at a time with style, grace, and DELUSION! LOL! Her fine husband Boris Kodjoe was – of course – there to support. You recall, he is the first cousin of my beloved Kodjoe who – coincidentally – passed away seven years ago this week (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2006/10/25/love-is-in-the-air.html). Though life and love continue in my life inside a whole new and wonderful adventure, I must say it’s been a rough week for me (in my memory mind). But the places that Tennessee Williams takes us, according to this AWESOME cast, healed me on many fronts. I got to share that with dear friends Jason and Marqice (Ant’s and my favorite couple); my social-networking doppelganger Bevy Smith who proved an awesome escort for the night; my BFF Sidra who I hadn’t seen in a minute (so it was good to catch up). Moreover, having the chance to chat with Boris and Nicole who I only met at Kodjoes’ home-going service back in 2005 proved a salve for me. And the rest of the cast is just a delight – on and off the stage: Daphne Rubin-Vega; Wood Harris; the LEGEND-ary Carmen De Lavallade; Jacinto Taras Riddick; Count Stovall; etc. Jacquie Lee hosted a lovely after-set at Bourbon Street (www.bourbonny.com/) on Restaurant Row (right across from a cabaret spot at which I used to perform “An Intimate Evening with Patrick Riley” from 1996-2005. It felt good to be back on that block for something). And as play synergies go, after-party sponsor “Southern Comfort” provided the goods. BIG CONGRATS to Lead Producers Stephen Byrd and my Spelman sister Alia Jones (ALSO producers of Broadway's All-Black Revival of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" from a few years ago: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/1/9/pat-on-a-hot-tin-roof.html); director Emily Mann; and a few of my buddies who – in addition to Jacquie Lee – round out the FAB list of associate producers (Randolph Sturrup; Paulette Martin-Carter; George Williams; Socrates Marquez; etc.). ALSO IN THE HOUSE: Broadway and day-time soap LEGEND Tonya Pinkins, who was such a joy at the after-party as we compared notes on the play and the wings. LOL!  NOW, HERE’S THE GOOD PART: Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire" is in PRE-VIEWS now and it opens April 22, 2012 at The Broadhurst Theatre (235 W 44th Street). Here’s a discount code. Go to www.broadwayoffers.com and use code ASJKB215. For more info on the show: http://www.streetcaronbroadway.com/. 

MAGIC/BIRD

When my Broadway marketing BFF Marcia Pendelton invited Ant and me to check out “MAGIC/BIRD” (www.magicbirdbroadway.com/), I reconnected to my youth. I was the youngest boy of two (And FYI: an oldest sibling – a sister – was in the mix too). Whereas my father and I may have always had ‘reading’ and ALL THINGS INTELLECTUAL in common (library visits, books, newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, etc.), LOVE OF SPORTS belonged to he and my brother. They tried to get me into it, but it never took (even though it’s worth noting that I played all the little-league options…and I did just fine on the respective teams, THANK YOU! LOL! I am quite agile and strong [even though I wanted to express it in a dance class, but I digress… LMAO!]). So, coincidentally, Ant had to work late. Not wanting to waist the chance to experience this much-buzzed-about production (and to put my 2 cents in via the blogosphere), I end up taking my sports-enthusiast brother’s son (my FAVORITE and only nephew), Herman L. Riley, who is much more of a B-BALL fan than his Uncle Patrick (a la my brother/his perhaps more persuasive dad). That said, he AND I enjoyed it! Though it was good to see the dots connected in this LEGENDARY rivalry, I actually remembered a lot of the story-line via maybe osmosis and acknowledged comprehension of what I perhaps was pretending not to understand. Leave it to BROADWAY to get ME into SPORTS. LOL! SO…if you are a BIG NBA FAN, you MUST see this Broadway play (And you won’t be alone: So many men and sports fans were in the house – from B-ball players, coaches, Lakers fans, Celtics fans, etc.). If you are NOT A BIG SPORTS FAN, you MUST see this Broadway play. The cast’s performances are strong and the multi-media effects are stunning! Plus, it’s a quick 90 minutes (NO INTERMISSION). So to the ADDs out there (like me), it flies by! LOL!I loved it so much, Ant finally got to go with his co-worker Stephanie. And my friend and former co-worker from Chicago, Kevin Gist, came with his beautiful family in tow for Spring Break... and I arranged for them to enjoy the show as well.

Here are some details on the show:

A World Premiere

A New Play by Eric Simonson

Directed by Thomas Kail

Now in playing

Longacre Theatre

220 West 48th Street, NYC

From the producers and creators of Lombardi comes a new Broadway play that "tells the INSPIRING STORY of two rivals whose SHARED LOVE FOR THE GAME turned their animosity into FRIENDSHIP." --Sports Illustrated

Academy Award® winner and writer of Lombardi, Eric Simonson, reunites with Tony Award®-nominated director Thomas Kail (Lombardi, In the Heights) on MAGIC/BIRD, an unprecedented Broadway event about basketball greats Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird. Featuring an all-star cast of theater's best, including Kevin Daniels (Twelfth Night), Tug Coker (ART's A Midsummer Night's Dream), Deirdre O'Connell (Circle Mirror Transformation), Peter Scolari (Hairspray), Robert Manning, Jr ("Southland") and Francois Baptiste (Prelude to a Kiss), this moving and thrilling new play, created in collaboration with Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, is an eye-opening chronicle of two incredible figures, fatefully intertwined.

Save over 35% off regular ticket prices when you use code MBBTO79*

Selected Orch/Front Mezz $79

(reg $121.50-$126.50)

Selected Rear/Side Mezz $61.50

(reg $86.50-$91.50)

Balcony (Rows E-F) $36.50

(reg. $36.50)

THREE EASY WAYS TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Online: Click here or visit www.broadwayoffers.com

and enter code MBBTO79.

Call: 212.947.8844 and mention code MBBTO79.

In person: Present a print out of this offer at the Longacre Theatre

Box Office, 220 W. 48th Street.

FOR GROUPS 10+ Contact

Marcia Pendelton | Walk Tall Girl Productions

646.467.7393 | marcia@walktallgirlproductions.com  

Ask about our student and youth group rates!

For performance schedules, additional information about the show,

and to watch the promotional video featuring

EARVIN "MAGIC" JOHNSON, visit

www.MAGICBIRDBROADWAY.COM

*Offer based on availability and can be withdrawn at anytime.

Good for performances 3/21/12-5/27/12. Limit 8 tickets per purchase.

BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL & LACHANZE

Tony Award Winner Actor/Singer Brian Stokes Mitchell performed at Westport Country Playhouse Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County. Its Spring Gala was organized - in large part - by my good girlfriend Michelle Sapp (sister of Tony-award-winning songstress LaChanze, who too was in attendance, and is a dear friend). Brian - also a Tony-Award winner - has credits that cover the range of the Broad...way stage ("Kiss Me Kate"); film ("Jumping the Broom"); TV ("Frasier"; "Ugly Betty"; and opposite my Diana Ross & Brandy, "Double Platinum"; and who remembers Trapper John MD. Just sayin'. LOL!). What an AWESOME singer and performer he is - even calling his former co-star from "Ragtime", LaChanze on the stage to join him on their big duet from that hit Broadway show! By the way: Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County provides arts education to children at risk and those with special needs. The goals are to improve academic performance, increase graduation rates and serve as a catalyst for lifelong success. Neighborhood Studios is based in Bridgeport, CT and serves the greater Fairfield County community. For more information and how you can support: www.westportplayhouse.org  and www.nstudios.org CONGRATS, MICHELLE!

BEVERLY JOHNSON & OWN

Got to hang out recently with Beverly Johnson whose OWN show "Beverly's Full House" premieres Saturday night at 10p. Hosted by Harlem's Fashion Row (HFR), Brandis Henderson and Jenna Bond hosted a wonderful breakfast/conversation at Opia about the show and Miss Johnson's product line (www.beverlyjohnson.com). Also in the house: BFF Carl Nelson, Harriette Cole, Michaela angela Davis, icon Audrey Smaltz, BRAVO's Chef Roble; Deborah Gregory; actor Justin Davis, Bevy Smith Phillip Bloch & many more! CONGRATS to the LEGENDARY Beverly Johnson!  #BFH #BevConvo #HFRConversation  

SWEETIE PIE is BACK!

I'm glad "Welcome to Sweetie Pie" is a BIG HIT! And it’s now ushering in the aforementioned Beverly Johnson show into a couplet of success. We felt it would be when we had the chance to break bread with Tim Norman and his AWESOME mom MISS Robbie Montgomery in NYC before their season started. http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/11/10/put-me-to-the-test.html CONGRATS! <Now, I'm craving that peach cobbler! LOL!> NEW EPISODES have baked and are ready to go! CONGRATS to recurring client OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network!

MARY MARY on WE

As new TV fare goes: We saw sneak-peek of Mary Mary's new WE show. AND I LOVE IT! Perfect blend of behind-the-scenes and seeing them do what they do best: SING HIS PRAISES...BRILLIANTLY!!!! LOVE ME SOME Mary Mary http://ilovemarymary.com/ And since I've had the chance to hang out with them for their last two CD releases http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/2/23/nothing-can-keep-me-from-you.html and http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/10/22/one-idea-can-last-forever.html, it only made sense that I would be with them for the debut of WE tv’s newest reality show “MARY MARY” (http://www.wetv.com/shows/mary-mary) featuring the Grammy-winning gospel duo. CONGRATS & PRAISE THE LORD! Big UP to Erica and Tina! Your show will - for sure - be my NEW, NOT-GUILTY PLEASURE! LOL! I also ran into many dear friends – including Z (college buddies from CAU/Morehouse), Marcia Cole, Shante Bacon, Miss "singing" KJ Rose, alongside enjoying time with BFF Tata.

JANET LEE’S “LIVING IN A NUTSHELL”

My girlfriend and colleague Janet Lee’s book "Living in a Nutshell: Posh and Portable Decorating Ideas for Small Spaces" is out!!! (http://harpercollins.ca/books/Living-Nutshell-Janet-Lee/?isbn=9780062060693) And she wants the world to know! MEANWHILE, she hosted a lovely launch in her downtown Manhattan digs. Many of her fellow colleagues and buddies from ‘OPRAH’, ‘Anderson Cooper’, ‘The Wendy Williams Show’, FOX News (and beyond) were in the house. I even enjoyed seeing some great friends – including our friend Hanna Lee (www.hannaleecommunications.com & www.unwindwithwine.com). CONGRATS, JANET!

FolieM

Shout out to my girl Bri Cole who I actually met the same night I met Ant the opening night of “The Color Purple”. His Denver work-wife is continuing to make things happen - most recently in LA handling her PR handle for the launch of folieM https://www.facebook.com/FoliemLLC. Robert Townsend; Kendra; Leon; of course, Christian Siriano; and a host of others were in the house! CONGRATS, BOO! FolieM, LLC is a female operated company based in Denver, CO. FolieM, which is the latin word for leaf, is launching its eM line of four female perfumes this month! As part of its Five for Femme program, FolieM will give 5% of profits to charities that support the betterment of women. The charities are: Dress for Success Denver, Polaris Project, Center for Women's Education and Employment (CWEE), and Alternatives to Domestic Violence. FolieM has created four scents that are distinct, exciting and rare! They use a special extraction from a plant which has never been fully explored in this capacity. The plant holds our secret ingredient which produces extremely individual scents which can only be found in Colorado at this time.Twitter: @eMperfumes

DON REED’S “THE KIPLING HOTEL”

Shout out to Don Reed! I met him in NYC a few years back when he was running Off Broadway in an AWESOME show. He is now at the The Tonight Show with Jay Leno every day for almost 3 years now as the first African American Opening Act/Warm-up... Comedian in the 60 year history of the show. Now, that's POP CULTURE & POSSIBILITIES, okay!!!? This, after he left Off Broadway with East 14th to have it run for 2 1/2 years in San Francisco and Oakland every single weekend. He has a new show now covering the 80's window of his life - which runs in the Bay Area now - every weekend. Next time I'm WEST, I'm heading to check him out in "Don Reed's THE KIPLING HOTEL: True Misadventures of the Electric Pink 80s!" http://www.themarsh.org/don_reed.html MORE INFO: https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/401696286507380/ 

"THE SKINNY” EXCLUSIVE

“A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities” is a big fan of PATRIK-IAN POLK and his great work for TV and film – including PUNKS & NOAH’S ARC: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/jensen-atwood. Next up: THE SKINNY! For more info on how you can see the film (FIRST UP: WASHINGTON, DC & ATLANTA)… and more, PLEASE READ ON! THE SKINNY opens Friday, April 6th for an exclusive one-week engagement in Atlanta at the Midtown Art Cinema (931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30308) and Washington D.C. at the E Street Cinema (555 11th Street NW, Washington DC 20004) with more cities to follow. We will be having a "Meet and Greet" with the director and the cast on Friday, April 6th at E Street Cinema at 7:30pm and 9:45pm. In Atlanta, we will be having a "Meet and Greet" with Polk and the cast at the Midtown Art Cinema on April 7th at 7:30 and 9:45pm.

From the director of cult classics PUNKS and NOAH'S ARC, comes the much-anticipated third feature film from Patrik-Ian Polk THE SKINNY, a sharply scripted comedy about a group of four young, black, gay men Magnus, Sebastian, Kyle, Joey and their lesbian best friend, Langston. They arrange to meet up in New York City one year after their graduation from Brown University. Their plans for a weekend of fun start off well, relaxed in each other's company as only old friends can be. But old tensions quickly resurface.

Drinking, drugs, hidden desire and the demands of promiscuity put friendship, trust and even lives at risk. In between sharp one-liners and a great soundtrack there's a few important lessons that these pleasure-seekers must learn for themselves. Written with a real sense of the demands of urban living, these bright and believable characters will remind you of someone you know. Remaining true to his past work, Polk addresses issues in THE SKINNY that face the LGBT community such as date-rape, infidelity, and HIV/AIDS awareness.

The film stars Jussie Smolett, Blake Young-Fountain, Anthony Burrell, Shanika Warren-Markland and Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman. Supporting cast includes alumnus of Polk's past features such as Darryl Stephens ("Noah's Arc"), Jennia Fredrique ("Noah's Arc"), Wilson Cruz ("Noah's Arc") and Seth Gilliam ("Punks"). Also, the film introduces new actors Dustin Ross and internet sensation B. Scott.

In an exciting partnership, the film has teamed up with the Black AIDS Institute to promote the importance of health in the LGBT Community, especially in the Black and Latino communities.  The Institute will sponsor appearances, receptions and panel discussions in Washington D.C. and Atlanta featuring producer/director Polk and cast members Jussie Smollett, Blake Young-Fountain and Jennia Fredrique (who all appear in the Black AIDS Institute's latest PSA campaign "Greater Than AIDS"). The Skinny director and cast will be on hand to discuss the HIV awareness story-lines in the movie and other sexual health issues of importance to the LGBT population.

"I've been involved with the Black AIDS Institute since the early days of my NOAH'S ARC television series, and I've been addressing issues of HIV and AIDS in my work since my first film PUNKS," Polk explains. "So it makes perfect sense to partner with them to promote their great cause and highlight the HIV awareness issues raised in my new film THE SKINNY."

The film also features music written and performed by Patrik-Ian Polk. With tunes that illustrate the highs and lows of the film, Polk sings with his heart and soul to capture the essence of it all. Polk was inspired by artists such as Grammy-Award winning Adele to "who had created a very personal album based on her romantic experiences," he says. Polk continues to share coyly that, "...most of the songs I wrote, although they fit very nicely in THE SKINNY, are actually about some very personal experiences with...someone very specific."

For more information, see http://www.skinnythemovie.com.

Advance Movie Ticket Information

Atlanta, GA - Purchase Tickets HERE: https://tickets.landmarktheatres.com/Ticketing.aspx?TheatreID=265&ShowDate=4/6/2012&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

Washington, DC - Purchase Tickets HERE:

https://tickets.landmarktheatres.com/Ticketing.aspx?TheatreID=264&ShowDate=4%2F6%2F2012&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 

HARLEM JAZZ SHRINES FESTIVAL

My friend Melvin Taylor just hipped me to this wonderful collaboration between The Apollo Theater, Harlem Stage and Jazzmobile Renew Partnership: It’s the Second Annual Harlem Jazz Shrines Festival which is scheduled to run from May 7 – 13, 2012. Partners Celebrate Legacy of Jazz in Harlem FeaturingConcerts by Emerging and Established Artists, Panel Discussions, Films and More. Bringing both established and emerging artists to famed Harlem venues, the festival will pay tribute to Club Harlem, Clark Monroe’s Uptown House, Havana San Juan Club, Small’s Paradise, Minton’s Playhouse, Showman’s Café, Park Palace, Lenox Lounge and the Apollo Theater. In addition to concerts at jazz shrines, other festival events will take place at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, Columbia University and a variety of locations throughout the Harlem area.  Designed to draw a diverse audience of neighborhood residents, New Yorkers and tourists, all events are offered at the affordable price of $10.  Concerts are scheduled to allow people the option of attending several events each day, continuing the tradition of non-stop jazz throughout Harlem.  Tickets for many of the Harlem Jazz Shrines Festival events are available now.  For tickets and more information on the Festival and its partners, visit the Harlem Jazz Shrines’ website at www.Harlemjazzshrines.org and/or the organizations’ websites at www.apollotheater.org,  www.harlemstage.org and www.jazzmobile.org.

KIMBERLA LAWSON ROBY

My friend Shandra Hill Smith, with whom I recently reconnected while in Orlando at the Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine hipped me to her client Kimberla Lawson Roby’s news (www.kimroby.com). The ninth installment of her acclaimed Reverend Curtis Black series,  THE REVEREND’S WIFE (Grand Central Publishing; May 1, 2012; $24.99; ISBN 978-0446572477), is scheduled to hit stores May 1, 2012. The New York Times bestselling author tells the story of Reverend Black who discovers his wife, Charlotte, has had not one but two affairs.  “I am incredibly grateful to have experienced such an amazing journey," Roby says. "And to have created a character like the Reverend Curtis Black — one that thousands of readers continue to ask for year after year — this is even more of a blessing. What I hear regularly, too, from readers nationwide is that there is a ‘Reverend Curtis Black’ in every single city in the country, so it feels good writing stories that people can relate to." Roby’s novels — which address true-to-life social issues — have frequented bestseller lists, including The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post, ESSENCE and Upscale magazines, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Walmart and many others. Her 13th book and second novella, A DEEP DARK SECRET, was the Essence Book Club Recommended Read by ESSENCE magazine for November 2009. She received the Female Author of the Year award from the African-American Literary Award Show in 2011, 2010, 2009, 2007 and 2006. Among other honors, she also received the 1998 First-Time Author Award from Chicago's Black History Month Book Fair and Conference. 

LOUNGIN WITH TONY

Check out my friend Tony Moore’s new website for LOUNGIN WITH TONY (www.lounginwithtony.com). I met him Summer 2009 and just knew he was going to continue to sparkle for us all to see. CONGRATS TONY!

CLASSIC BLACK CINEMA & CAKE

My BFFs, the Porters (Mara Schiavocampo and Tommie Porter AKA Nina’s parents) had us over recently for an impromptu ‘classic Black movie night’ with popcorn, candy, THE BEST CAKE A LA MARA (see picture), and “COMING TO AMERICA”. LAUGHTER IS GREAT MEDICINE. FRIENDS & JUNK FOOD are too! XO PLR— with Tommie Porter, Rakia Clark, Ernest Maynor and Mara Schiavocampo. Maybe now that the SPARKLE trailer is out: http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/46925044, they’ll let us screen the 1976 original. LOL! CONGRATS to my friends Salim Akil and Mara Brock-Akil. As I work with BET's Creative Services team on the network's UP FRONT, I continue to be PROUD and IN AWE of what you both are creating in the way of your LEGACIES for TV and FILM! (For those who don't know, they are the creators of "Girlfriends", "The Game", "Jumping The Broom" (the film), and so much more, including the much-anticipated "Sparkle" remake, which is Whitney Houston's cinematic swan song!

NASHA RASHA

On one free night in New York City, my “Amazing Grace” Nichole Andrews Shellman invited me to join she and our friend Michelle Sanchez Boyce for a CELEBRATORY TOAST & TASTE at Nasha Rasha (http://www.nasharashanyc.com/) – a new concept in authentic Russian dining. It offers authentic Russian small plates meant for sharing and pairing with authentic Russian Vodka and Russian wines. Among its many signatures: bacon-infused vodka and ...horseradish vodka. As Vodka doesn’t agree with me, I still had to try it! INTERESTING!

But hear me: For the vodka lover in you, you can do shots of a selection of over 200 different vodkas. Most of them originals from Russia. And word has it, Nasha Rasha has karaoke on Mondays and Tuesdays. And coincidentally, it’s near one of my favorite karaoke spots in the Flatiron District – so I’m going to have to make sure I pop back by… and check that scene out as well!

MOREHOUSE 20

Ready or not? REUNION 20 from Morehouse College is here! CALLING ALL BRETHREN! www.morehouse1992.com (It seems like our 15 was just yesterday: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/5/22/walking-in-strange-and-new-places.html) Kinda’ started it early with Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts and Spelman sister Tiffanie R. Spearman (visiting NYC from Texas to experience Oprah’s Life Class with Deepak Chopra at Radio City). We had a nourishing chat and chew at Havana Central Times Square: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Havana-Central-Times-Square/106062046112971. DELICIOUS BEEF EMPANADAS and POMEGRANITE MOJITOS!

THINK LIKE A MAN

Everyone’s abuzz about “THINK LIKE A MAN” which hits theaters April 20^th (www.thinklikeaman-movie.com). From the stage to the streets, I’ve had the chance to mingle with many of its leads – from Steve Harvey with whom I’ve collaborated on DISNEY'S DREAMERS ACADEMY WITH STEVE HARVEY & ESSENCE MAGAZINE (just down in Orlando a couple of weeks ago: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/steve-harvey); Taraji P. Henson (at Mary J. Blige’s FFAWN gala – an evening I had the luxury of on-site producing/scripting: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/ffawn); Terrence J (at “The Game” premiere party last year: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/1/10/hope-theres-someone.html); and La La Anthony (friend of my friend Po Johnson). These folks and a number of others comprise the cast of “THINK LIKE A MAN” – including Michael Ealy, Regina hall, Jerry Ferrara, Kevin Hart, Romany Malco, Gabrielle Union, Meagan Good, etc. “THINK LIKE A MAN” opens nationwide April 20. Visit the movie online at www.thinklikeaman-movie.com.

Hi folks!

NJPAC is featuring the amazing Soweto Gospel Choir from South Africa. Be sure to check it out on Saturday, March 3rd.

That's TOMORROW!

Tickets here: http://bit.ly/zU5UKV

ENJOY!

"A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities"