A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

MY HEART IS SO FULL for having lived these 41 years. But to have an awesome man and the best friends and family ever show their LOVE in so many ways makes me feel TRULY LOVED! On the eve of my BDAY, with my college BFF Audrey in tow, I danced into my BDAY at the beautiful New Ro home of Angelique and James Francis. And they were gracious to have some BDAY CAKE for my Scorpio mates and me. On the BDAY itself, my girlfriend Sidra hosted a few friends and me at her Harlem pad for barbecue, drinks, and more BDAY CAKE.For sure, we had a BLAST! On Sunday, I had to work (wrapping production on a sizzle reel for a client), and I stumbled into a SURPRISE BDAY PARTY that Ant had organized with 100 or so of my friends and family (at Bob Bar – WWW.BOBBARNYC.COM). I was popping in for a quick drink and to connect with two of our friends, I was met with a BIG SURPRISE! I heard Miss Ross’ “I’m Coming Out” and planned to run into what I thought was a near-empty lounge. As I prepared to enter – singing “I’m Coming Out” (as if Miss Ross’ famous concert starter), the last laugh was on me as the room erupted in “SURPRISE!!!!”

MY AUDREY

My bonus BDAY gift was having my college BFF Audrey in town for business - all week long. And VOILA! We picked up where we left off. Our HISTORY and LOVE run deep (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/2/18/my-funny-and-diverse-valentine.html). We enjoyed a catch-up meal at SUSHI DAMO before sharing the microphone (when I chose to share it. LOL!) at Japas 55 karaoke. AUDREY & PATRICK back together. Can only mean trouble? Fun and benign though… LMAO!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT to NYC buddy Andy Diaz who we got to toast recently at TRAFFIC. It is always good to see Diaz and our many mutual friends. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our friend, Elijah. We got to do a MONDAY NIGHT toast and taste with him in Mount Vernon. Also in the house: Cynthia Burgos; Nelson and Michelle Sanchez Boyce(and Mr. Ferro); Nichole Andrews Shellman; Angelique Francis; Chenoa Maxwell;Keith Kennerly; and many more! FUN NIGHT! HAPPY BDAY TO ALL OF THE SAGITARIUS & CAPRICORN BABIES OUT THERE!

BLOOMFIELD COLLEGE

Shout out to the journalism students at Bloomfield College in New Jersey. They ROCK! So does their professor Karyn Collins, my NABJ sister who invited me to speak to them about my career and tips for their step into our industry. I trust that many from this impressive crop promise to be among our most esteemed media professionals. Another of their professors (and – like Karyn – a fellow freelance AND independent hustler in this industry) Nicole Franklin popped by on the end of my speech (She teaches these students as well). It may be cliché, but I do “...believe the children are the future...” and what a bright and blinding one ahead for my new Bloomfield College friends.

KIM COLES

Nothing could stop me from spending some time with my girlfriend Kim Coles when she called to say she was in town and had a window in which she hoped I could join her for a little chat & chew. She also asked me to bring Ant and our BFF Theo Perry along. We chose Vnyl on 9th Avenue between 51st and 52nd (Chicken Nachos and Margaritas, anyone?). From there: Sushi Damo. Then, a quick visit to the Shea Moisture pop-up store in Bryant Park (http://sheamoisture.com/).

THE LINKS, INCORPORATED

Went to DC recently for the 65th Anniversary GALA – celebrating The Links, Incorporated. It was EXCITING to see the labor of my LOVE for the last few weeks on the big presentation screens at the event (Marriott Wardman Park). I had a great time! The well-appointed evening put me face-to-face with Sherri Blount Gray and the many Links with whom I had the chance to work via BET, media partner for the evening.I produced the video/graphic elements for its evening - featuring friend Lynn Whitfield (and her beautiful voice on each piece I produced); Will Downing (performing); and hosts Tim Reid & his wife Daphne Reid! EBONY was honored and Linda Johnson-Rice was there to accept (along with John son Publishing CEO Desiree Rogers). CONGRATULATIONS ON 65 YEARS! XO

DC

Though time didn’t allow me to check out the MLK National Monument, I did get long-overdue catch-up with my chosen family/dearest friends Latecia Engram (BFFs since 7th grade); my little brother (“nephew”, I call him) Brian Henderson; and Lisa Goodnight, hubby Lex, and their little man Alejandro (HAPPY 1-YEAR BIRTHDAY, YOUNG MAN!). I LOVE Y'ALL!

CUP

Shout out to James & Angelique Francis for inviting me to accompany my BFF/Amazing Grace Nichole Shellman to an event that was put on by the Council of Urban Professionals. It was the 3rd Annual MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT FORUM. The dinner program brought me face-to-face with a most impressive group of pros who – through CUP – connect, empower, and mobilize the next generation of diverse business and civic leaders. After a well-appointed meet-and-greet n the SoHi Room at the SOHO Trump Hotel, we gathered for dinner as we learned from and enjoyed industry leaders Keith Clinkscales; Christina Norman; Sivonne Davis; and Steve Stoute wax philosophical about the changing landscape of the entertainment business and what that means to the consumer. GREAT NETWORKING NIGHT!

OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN

Sans a few of my favorites - like "Heart Attack"; "Twist of Fate"; "Livin' In Desperate Times"; and "Take A Chance", MISS OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN turned out all of her greatest hits for us recently at Westbury Music Fair. In the legendary round, she brought great voice; her PHYSICAL beauty which has held up; and a historic repertoire that includes the UK-imported Country & Western the Aussie initially came to the States singing; her big soundtrack hits (from Xanadu to Grease); her '80s blockbusters; and some of her more recent covers and new age tracks. She chatted the audience up between songs as if she was talking to her old friends. And her old friends - Ernest Maynor, Danielle Andrea Simone Knight, and I - were in the cut - hopelessly devoted to OUR OLIVIA! Ant enjoyed too.

HANNA LEE & CAMPARI

Tribeca’s Silver Lining, was the backdrop for a party that my friend Hanna Lee hosted recently. She invited Ant and me to come by as it was our - GASP! - 6th Anniversary of being together. In the house: Darryl "Mixologist" Robinson; my girlfriend and colleague Janet Lee whose book "Living in a Nutshell: Posh and Portable Decorating Ideas for Small Spaces" will be out in the Spring of 2012 (http://harpercollins.ca/books/Living-Nutshell-Janet-Lee/?isbn=9780062060693).  Janet is the best and throws an AWESOME cocktail set (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/8/15/butterflies-begin-from-having-been-another.html). One of those sets had me modeling in OUT magazine with one of her guests, Food Network host and Semi-homemade diva Miss Sandra Lee whose PR team includes my friend Audra Boltion (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/7/28/im-so-glad-we-had-this-time-together.html).   

NYABJ'S NEW DAY

After the Campari set, we stopped by the New York Association of Black Journalists' Pre-Election Mixer at The Park Restaurant. My friend and fellow NABJ baby Mike Feeney was running for President (http://feeneyfornyabjpres.tumblr.com/) and we wanted to make sure he knows he has our support. GO MIKE or shall I say: MR. PRESIDENT! HE WON!

"STICK FLY"

My ATL friend Kenny Leon (who actually directed me at a CAU Coronation while I was at Morehouse) tapped me on my shoulder as I was walking into The Cort Theatre to see his latest Broadway impression "Stick Fly" - starring Tony-award-winning Ruben Santiago Hudson; Mekhi Phifer; Dule Hill; daughter of Phylicia Rashad, Condola; Tracie Thomas; and more. Alicia Keys is one of the producers. And I enjoyed it. Special nods to Ruben and Condola! POWERFUL PERFORMANCES! Please be sure to check it out!

WILSON CRUZ

At the end of a recent long edit (for The Wendy Williams Show) – a piece that will be seen in mid-December, I grabbed a quick bite at VNYL (chicken nachos). Sitting at the table next to me was a piece of pop culture “dessert”: Wilson Cruz, who I knew from his role on “Noah’s Arc”. He’s also played Angel in “Rent” on Broadway (1998) and earlier this year, we saw him in “Single Ladies” on VH1. And what a nice guy he was/is…

DANISH KRINGLE

After a long day of edit for client The Wendy Williams Show, I popped by Bamboo 52; Club Therapy; Industry; then Japas 55 Karaoke, where my nephew Herman Lee Riley III and his friend Phil popped by for some karaoke. The following morning, I awoke to a sweet Danish Kringle (www.ohdanishbakery.com/Kringles) that came via Fed Ex from my friend Marcie Eanes. She's my NABJ sister and a writer/poet ("Sensual Sounds" - http://www.amazon.com/Sensual-Sounds-collection-Marcie-Eanes/dp/1440192855) from Racine, Wisconsin where this delicious treat is among President Obama's favorite things. I know why. It's DELICIOUS! THANKS MARCIE!

THOROUGHLY MODERN PEOPLE

And our NYC BFF Sidra Smith is always hosting something FABULOUS in Harlem (and all around the world, for that matter). Nectar Wine Bar on 120th and Frederick Douglas Blvd was the back-drop for a recent book-signing she put together. The book? Chima Njoku-Latty's "Thoroughly Modern People: The Long Way Home" (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thoroughly-Modern-People-Long-Home/dp/0956600107).

RED ROOSTER & ROSS

On this same night, we all gathered at "Red Rooster" for food & more toasts. In the house: Gordon Chambers (whose new album "SINCERE" is out and - like all of his material - FABULOUS (http://gordonchambers.com/). His gig last week had him on the same bill as Miss Ross at Reginald Van Lee's wedding last week in DC (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a-vgZePSww&feature=related). COOL, right? You'll recall my ROSS encounter a few weeks back in NYC: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/10/5/miss-ross-called-me.html.  http://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/wedding-of-the-year/2d426db42cd8d6d3.html  CONGRATS to Mr. Reginald Van Lee and his now-husband Corey L. McCathern.

VH1 DIVAS

 http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2011-12-19/vh1-divas-celebrates-soul-keep-me-hanging-on/?xrs=synd_google Did you see VH1 DIVAS 2011? A pair of tickets evaded me. But I’ve touched shoulder pads with most of the line-up anyway: Mary J. Blige. Jennifer Hudson (who sang – among many tunes – “Night of Your Life”, the David Guetta on which she’s featured and on which my Morehouse brother and friend Anthony Welborn Preston co-wrote).  Jill Scott.  Chaka Khan.  Erykah Badu. Ledisi. Estelle. Marsha Ambrosius. Martha Reeves. Though Miss Ross was missing, her legacy was not. Kelly Clarkson, Mary J., and J-Hud did “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” off the top… and there were other references throughout. And Miss Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah were in the house along with quite an impressive roster of performers – old and new. I - of course - will NEVER forget VH1 DIVAS 2000: A TRIBUTE TO DIANA ROSS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aVOI3SFpH4 And now the GRAMMYS have gotten it right as it has just been announced that MISS ROSS will receive her long-overdue LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT GRAMMY in February (www.grammy.com). CONGRATS, MISS ROSS!!!!

BVI

Last month, I got the chance to field produce Wendy Williams in the British Virgin Islands. Part 1: http://www.wendyshow.com/2011/10/24/british-virgin-islands/  Part 2: http://www.wendyshow.com/2011/10/26/british-virgin-islands-food/  Keeping the BDAY spirit going, I accepted an invitation from my friends at the BVI TOURIST BOARD to attend a NYC-based set at Tian at The Riverbank State Park here in NYC. Sidra Smith accompanied me. Ran into girlfriend Africa while there. And my BVI BFFs Lynette Harrigan and Kevis Hughes were in the house. Meanwhile, I have another piece I've produced for 'Wendy' - an integration marketing segment with "Family Dollar": http://www.wendyshow.com/2011/12/16/family-dollar-holiday-dash/.

CASSIE FREEMAN

So many friends doing wonderful things! And I'm trying to patronize all of it - because I LOVE them AND I am 'pop culture & possibilities'. Cassie Freeman? 2011 Sundance Film Festival audience award-winning KINYARWANDA came to town. Cassie invited us out to see it. To watch the trailer go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PeqaDYK8NbY  I'll send folks to click this link - so they can view her CNN Interview http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2011/11/26/new-rwandan-movie-out.cnn  AND to FB to Like the film on www.Facebook.com/kinywarwandamovie  AND to stay updated www.kinyarwandamovie.com & www.affrm.com  AND to Follow it on twitter: kinyarwandamov.

NATIVE

Hi folks! You know I LOVE Nathan Hale Williams; Brian Washington-Palmer; and our once-home for ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT, NATIVE RESTAURANT (www.HarlemNativeNYC.com  at 118th & Lenox. Well, these FAB fellows have kicked off A NATIVE HOLIDAY CONCERT SERIES with a series of awesome performances – from the acoustic soul of the very talented RUSSELL TAYLOR; Canadian-bred vocals of Belinda Munro; and Charlie Vox. It's an intimate night of exceptional music, food and fun! $10. For Table Reservations, 212-665-2525.

BROOKLYN

The next day, we went to Skylight Gallery in Brooklyn (right across from one of my family church’s Brooklyn locations, The United House of Prayer for All People). SUNDAY BRUNCH was inspired by our friend Theo Perry who coordinated an afternoon of great food at OLEA; then afternoon cocktails and wings at MO’s; then our friend Danny Simmons starred in a reading (with other presenters) from his new book of poetry “deep in your best reflection”. The program took place inside the exhibition “HER WORD AS WITNESS: portraits of women writers of the African Diaspora” (Photography by Laylah Amatullah Barrayn who assembled a diverse group of women writers – many of whom I call my friends – including: Tomika Anderson; Karen Good Marable; Dominga Martin; Kierna Mayo; Nekesa Moody; Susan L. Taylor; Terrie Williams;Danyel Smith; and many more! Please be sure to check it out (www.restorationplaza.org).

NAPIERA GROVES

I first became acquainted with Napiera Groves via "As The World Turns" (She played daughter to my now-friend Tamara Tunie's character Jessica Griffin & nemesis to her TV mom's boo (for a minute as played by Lamman Rucker, Marshall Travers). Then, we met socially and hit it off. Then, she came and sang at my ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT late last year. Now, she has a new single on I-TUNES (and her music video has dropped: http://youtu.be/D9Dcbi-IIKo). Please check it out (and listen to those lyrics). Napiera Groves is a FORCE: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/force/id487948881?i=487948885.  CONGRATS!!!

KENNY CARR

I want to make sure I tell you about something that one of my friends Kenneth Carr has done...in case you're a music lover and/or shopping around for stocking stuffers. He wrote, produced, and is featured on "The Seal Breakers" (which recorded in NJ at the studio home of THE LEGENDARY Tony Bennett). This anointed project is available on I-Tunes; CD Baby; and AMAZON. Kenny is my dear girlfriend Shareen King's boo (She is my co-hort on all things "Monica: Still Standing" & "Frankie & Neffe"). Kenny and I have grown close since that time...and I'm SO PROUD OF HIM! He's such a talent and - take my word - this project is one you will enjoy from start to finish! CONTINUED BLESSINGS, MY FRIEND! And I'll be sure to keep "...the life of Riley..." readers abreast of your GREAT WORK! PLEASE KEEP ME POSTED!

STANLEY BENNETT CLAY

Shout out to my friend Stanley Bennett Clay! We got the chance to see his play (which he wrote and in which he stars) "ARMSTRONG'S KID"! The premise? THE GAY SCHOOL TEACHER! THE FALSE ACCUSATION! THE FINAL SHOWDOWN! According to award-winning actress Loretta Devine, "THIS SHOULD BE ON BROADWAY!" I AGREE! If you are in NYC, please don't miss it...and if you are not in NYC, look for it in a city near you (before it heads back to Broadway)! http://www.smarttix.com/show.aspx?showcode=ARM2

ED ROEBUCK

My dear friend Edward Roebuck produced a special concert this past Friday in NYC! “My Mother and Me,” starring mother-and-daughter team Melba Joyce and Carmen Bradford. They wperformed for the first time in New York in Aaron Davis Hall on the campus of The City College of New York. http://www.prlog.org/11742633-mother-daughter-jazz-singers-melba-joyce-and-carmen-bradford-perform-in-ny-for-1st-time-together.html BRAVO, ED and ladies! XO

DAWN BAKER

GREAT GIFT IDEA for a young lady finding her way: "Dawn's Daughter", according to my Savannah homegirl Dawn Baker! http://www.dawnbakeronline.com/  HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

JC AUTOMOTIVE SPECIALIST

TO MY ATL PEEPS (et al), my Savannah homeboy Rick Barnes (pictured center) is doing his thing with this booming business that promises to service many of your automotive needs! GOOD DEALS & GREAT WORK!https://www.facebook.com/pages/JC-Automotive-Specialist/227552287282288 And he's building new enterprises everyday - including a barber shop in the A-T-L, and I'm going to have to stop by and get my dome buzzed during the holidays.

WELCOME TO SWEETIE PIE

 I'm glad "Welcome to Sweetie Pie" is a BIG HIT! 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 are baking and will be WELL DONE by MARCH 2012! Our TIVO's Season Pass is SET! And CONGRATS to recurring client OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network!

THANKSGIVING

Speaking of tasty food and quality TV, we spent Thanksgiving at our girlfriend Mara Schiavocampo's Harlem home.  She shares the beautiful space with her husband Tommie; and Sasha and Kirby - their two fur children.  They are our favorite couple and we get to enjoy a lovely meal with their parents and a few other orphans who didn't go to the homes of their blood families. My nephew and his Morehouse buddy Phil joined us as well. WE ARE FAMILY! We did an encore meal with Mara and Tommie (sans the parents this time) that Thanksgiving weekend  - enjoying my favorite Houston's/Hillstone's. Also on Thanksgiving, we did an after-set at the home of hostess-with-the-most Cy Lauz!!

Counting down to the annual holiday commute home. (In my case, to Georgia: Atlanta and Savannah). I hadn’t gotten my Christmas spirit on yet, but trust it to come. The other night, my girlfriend Tata’s tree-trimming started to thaw me out when I was surprised with my other BFF Chandra Jones and my little buddy Gavin, her son. Also in the house: A host of our friends and family in common. GREAT WAY TO TOAST THE HOLIDAY!

JOB WELL DONE, REGIS!

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/7/9/aint-no-mountain-high-enough.html  28 MINUTES WITH Regis Philbin IN 2008 viaMillion Dollar Password: WORTH $25K. 28 YEARS OF REGIS ON THE AIR (and ever the role model for me as a personality a la Live With Regis and Kelly ): PRICELESS! Watching his FAREWELL show! See one of our 2 moments together at 6:42 on this link: http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickGeneralReel.wmv.  GREAT JOB, REGIS! And a PERSONAL THANKS from ME! <kleenex, please...>

It’s been busy y’all… but I’m blessed for it. Gonna crank out a quick entry for you as “…the life of Riley…” is moving at warp speed! LOL! Let’s go!

THE LINKS, INCORPORATED

CONGRATS to THE LINKS, INCORPORATED! I got the chance produce (via BET) all of the video and design elements that will be presented at the 65^th Anniversary GALA of The Links. Ant and I are going. It’s this weekend. Big THANKS to my BET fam and to Miss Lynn Whitfield who graciously allowed me to book her as the narrator of all the videos. SHE'S GREAT!

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 

From recurring client in Chi-town to 'Anderson Cooper' to THE VIEW: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYcbwpTXbWU, the talk world (and often integrated marketing content) has - among other clientele - kept this freelancer afloat in 2011. With that, shout out to “The Wendy Williams Show”. The execs there brought me on board to field produce Wendy in the British Virgin Islands. We had a BLAST! And there’s a big trip giveaway. You better go check it out right now: www.wendyshow.com.

Part 1: http://www.wendyshow.com/2011/10/24/british-virgin-islands/

Part 2: http://www.wendyshow.com/2011/10/26/british-virgin-islands-food/

SWEETIE PIE

As my old Chicago client uses me anew for some of her new fare, I also got an invitation to celebrate “Welcome to Sweetie Pies” which is my favorite new OWN show. In fact, I accepted my Spelman sister Tosha Whitten-Griggs' invite to STK Downtown in NYC’s Meatpacking district to meet Miss Robbie Montgomery and her son Tim Norman. Before Robbie opened their popular St. Louis soul food dynasty, she was once an Ikette (as in Tina Turner with whom she chanted. Remember Vanessa Bell Calloway in the bio-pic?). Among others, Mary Wilson & Cindy Birdsong lip sync’d sometimes to Robbie’s actual recording vocals. She sang behind Miss Ross’ lead vocal on “Someday We’ll Be Together”, their last #1 as Diana Ross & The Supremes. AWESOME MOTHER & SON!

DOUBLE 7

Afterwards, we ran into publicist friend Michelle Huff and her friends Kiki; Neil; and Chris. They convinced us to join them at The Double 7 for some fun cocktails and rosemary fries. They served me a strawberry pepper fix with Bianco tequila, lemon, strawberries, black pepper...and a little chocolate. COOL SPOT! Michelle is the publicist for one of my favorite singers Tamia!

THURGOOD MARSHALL FOUNDATION

Shout out to Hallema Sharif and Sidra Smith for inviting me to The Thurgood Marshall College Fund's 24th Anniversary Dinner (www.tmcfund.org) at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers. Many friends were in the house - including Nathan Hale Williams. Also: Melyssa Ford; Jamie Foster Brown; Rebecca Crews; Blair Underwood; Russell Simmons; Cuba Gooding Jr.; my Morehouse brother Rockmond Dunbar; and Lamman Rucker (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/lamman-rucker). Ant and I got to see his Off-Broadway play "Black Angels over Tuskegee". GREAT SHOW that you should - for sure - check out. It's Broadway bound, too! This, as the New York Association of Black Journalists hosted a big Schomburg event in Harlem where companion to the upcoming “Red Tails” film, “Double Victory” was screened. And a few Tuskegee Airmen were in the house – interviewed by Ed Gordon. We first introduced this project to the National Association of Black Journalists in Philadelphia at our annual convention.

REED BETWEEN THE LINES

Speaking of NABJ: CONGRATS to Tracee Ellis Ross; Malcolm-Jamal Warner; & BET Networks on a strong debut with "REED BETWEEN THE LINES"! http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/bet-hip-hop-awards-ratings-247427 We had the chance to introduce the cast at NABJ in Philly back in August as well.

DANNY SIMMONS

I went to Rush Arts Gallery recently to toast artist/philanthropist Danny Simmons. Co-founder of Def Poetry Jam (along with brothers Russell and Joey [Rev. Run]), his book “Deep in Your Best Reflection: Poems” brought many out to celebrate. My girl Loren Lillian (now L.A. actress) performed. It’s a book of erotic poetry.

NECTAR

I was so excited to support my friends Ivonne & Matt’s special event at Nectar Wine Bar. Nectar turned over the kitchen to Chef Joseph “JJ” Johnson. We experienced why he won Rocco’s Dinner Party with his flair at turning the ordinary into extraordinary. We were delighted with four pairs of food & wine from Napa’s handcrafted Joseph Carr Winery. Chef Joseph “JJ” Johnson & Joseph Carr engaged guests with their insights on the autumnal menu of culinary delights. DJ Amanda Diva rocked the after party.

MOREHOUSE COLLEGE GLEE CLUB

Thanks to my CAU sister Audrey Irvine for assigning me my debut piece for CNN.com on Morehouse College Glee Club & King's LEGACY! It published the weekend of the Martin Luther King monument unveiling. If you missed it, please check it out here: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/10/14/us/mlk-memorial-morehouse-glee-club/index.html.

THE CONTRACT

My friend Carl Nelson invited us to the reading for a play he’s poised to produce for Broadway or somewhere near. The National Black Theater tonight. The amazing play is called "The Contract". It was written by James Webb (pictured here with Carl). His play won the 2010 Lorraine Hansberry Playwriting Award. LOOK OUT FOR IT! IT’S GOOD!

WEBSTAR PRESENTS

My Morehouse brother Kenyatta Lyles hipped me to a project on which he’s working. WebStar Presents provides a central location for talent, becoming the premier venue for talent scouts to find the stars of tomorrow. These global citizens will become the WebStar Presents family by creating memberships on our website. Members will be allowed to win cash prizes each week by uploading their videos for FREE! PLEASE CHECK IT OUT: www.webstarpresents.com. It’s the WHAT’S NEXT & WHAT’S NOW!

FROM FATHERLESS TO FATHERHOOD

Shout out to my Morehouse brother Kobie Brown who is making things happen via his ground-breaking documentary "From Fatherless to Fatherhood": http://www.fromfatherlesstofatherhood.com/ecards/fundraiser/  It explores the importance of Fatherhood and will begin to screen in NYC and nationwide soon. For more information: http://youtu.be/5AUuE25hpyM 

PROJECT SET

“…the life of Riley…” is always singing the praises of my Savannah homeboy Maurice Marable – literally and in the blogosphere (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/3/4/-weve-come-a-long-way-baby.html). Non-profit media arts organization “Project SET” honored Mo. Also honored: several other friends – including Erika Munro Kennerly (TRUTV). And Rashad Robinson (COLOROFCHANGE.ORG). And MTV icon Sway also got a nod. Each provided words of acceptance that moved not only the young people, but all of us. TESTIMONY is POWER! The well-appointed evening (c/o Hershelle Burton’s Velvet Rope Ink event management) featured the fabulous DJ Illah (my BET buddy Keyon Williams). And Plum Photography’s Kelli Malcolm (project manager on my current BET project for The Links, Incorporated’s 65th Anniversary). And MANY of my favorites were in the house – from filmmaker Andre Wilkins to Mo’s wife Karen Good Marable to my favorite lady Bevy Smith to diva songstress KJ Rose and so many more – including my BET fam. As a mentor of many via the National Association of Black Journalists and Live Out Loud (LGBT-youth mentoring organization), I LOVE that Project SET is doing what it does (and EXCITED to have gotten an invitation to speak to the kids someday soon). CONGRATS TO ALL! www.projectset.org

ELEW

Go ELEW, GO! Shout out to my friend and his team (Nancy Hirsch) on his world take-over! The ROCKJAZZ pianist is conquering stage, screen, & stadium this month - including a tour he's been on with Josh Groban that wraps at the Garden here in NYC November 14th: Tickets available at: http://bit.ly/qSjqEb. FOLLOW ELEW ON TWITTER: @ELEWROCKJAZZ. VISIT THE OFFICIAL ELEW HOMEPAGE AT www.ELEWROCKJAZZ.com.  See his 'America's Got Talent' audition as reminder of his GENIUS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwnVgOJE3dk. He had to drop once Josh's invite to join him on tour came to be.

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT

I shared with you how a scout from NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” came up to me after I sang at a karaoke bar in NYC and scheduled an appointment for me to audition for the show (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/12/1/i-recall-the-scenes-that-never-die.html). Though the audition went well, I didn’t hear from them for what would have been last season. Well, read on. I didn't get the following email (from a senior casting director at "America's Got Talent") until I got back from the BVI... and it was too late (for now... at least). I was away when the call-back of sorts came: "Hi Patrick, You auditioned with us in New York last season with an amazing singing talent. We are holding auditions for season 7 in New York this weekend. I'd like you to meet us again. Can you audition today? I can set you up for an appointment so you don't have to wait in line. If so, let me know what time you can come in." Next time...

ALL STAR KARAOKE

As I continue to miss ALL-STAR KARAOKE (and am looking at ways to bring it back to you), shout out to my friend Brandon Bain who hosts LIVE BAND KARAOKE at Rock 'n Rose (formerly Top Tunes). After a long day of edit, I got the chance recently to pop by and do a few songs with the band. We ROCKED on Pat Benatar's "Love Is A Battlefield"!!!! GOOD TIMES! I'm missing karaoke. Have yet to firm up the return of ALL-STAR KARAOKE, but it's still on my list of TO-DOs!

CONSUMED

Always great to support friend (Ant’s BFF) Manivone Nonthaveth – THE ARTIST! Her exhibition CONSUMED is up and running at bOb bar (www.bobbarnyc.com).  All of Ant’s Denver peeps were in the house. I got my BFF Carl Nelson and Luigi to pop by as well. We too celebrated my fellow Scorpio Manivone’s birthday. And she got the best BIRTHDAY gift of all: SHE SOLD OUT! CONGRATS, MANIVONE (www.elleFANTart.com)!

“SISTER ACT”

While our friend Ashley’s mom Rita and cousin Christine were in town, we got to take them to see Broadway’s “Sister Act”.

Whoopi has a hit on her hands (she's a producer). This spectacular co-stars our buddy Chester Gregory.

It was GREAT.

While out, we ran into La La (of “La La’s Full Court” fame).

She was with her son and our girlfriend Po Johnson who too is featured on the show.

PO 

Just before Halloween, we went out for TRICK OR TREAT. We got both! LOL! Actually, it was ALL TREAT: a LIVE musical performance by our friend PO JOHNSON who is a new, up-and-coming recording artist represented by our friend Michelle Sanchez-Boyce and Phillana Williams. You can purchase her latest single "Super Kinda Psycho Sexy Love" on itunes at: http://itun.es/iBp3LG#iTunes. This was another James-Kinney-produced set (www.kinneygroupcreative.com), which also featured the song stylings of TESS (@TheNameIsTess). The Stone Rose Lounge was the intimate backdrop – overlooking Central Park and Columbus Circle which sparkled as the residue of Saturday’s wintry mix met with the moonlight. Michelle, of course, brought many of our favorite New Ro’s & Mount Vernon’s into the mix – including my ‘Amazing Grace’ Nichole and artist Cynthia Burgos. And we invited our girlfriend Ashley to join in on the fun of seeing Po rock it out. Also in the house: singer extraordinaire KJ Rose; BRAVO's "Fashion Show" winner Jeffrey Williams; and Kevin "Moochie" Freeman ("Real Housewives of Atlanta"). Shout out to www.AE3Sixty.com

COLE

Speaking of FASHION check out my dear friend Cole McDonagh on the front page of www.barneys.com. As today's model's go, he is one to watch! CONGRATS, COLE!

SPARKLE

Nippy in "Sparkle" - collaborating with my friends Mara Brock Akil & Salim Akil! GIVE US SOMETHING WE CAN FEEL, Y'ALL! XO I’m excited…and can’t wait to see WHITNEY HOUSTON return to the big screen in the remake of the 1976 film classic (www.whitneyhouston.com). The movie began principal photography a couple of weeks ago in Detroit, Michigan. It’s the story of the title character Sparkle (Jordin Sparks), the youngest of three sisters and a music prodigy who struggles to become a star.

WARRINGTON HUDLIN

I just ran into my buddy Warrington Hudlin recently. In addition to always shouting out and acknowledging how he reads my blog "A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities" (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/7/22/in-a-world-of-fading-treasures-love-is-the-greatest-pleasure.html),  he invited me (and NOW YOU) to join him for the 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE NEW WAVE OF BLACK CINEMA! WOW! And we talked about more than his event on Saturday: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=172397769516886. I told him I myself have been thinking of his AWESOME legacy in pop culture via my Spelman sister AJ Johnson’s “Life After” episode that ran on TV ONE this past week: http://tvoneonline.com/about-life-after/episodes/season-3/aj-johnson.  As a Morehouse Man, I knew her story…but what a LIFE CLASS she brought me. INSPIRING and TOUCHING testimonial of AMBITION, LOSS, & PURPOSE! Warrington and I then spoke of losing HEAVY D and how he and his brother Reginald produced/directed the first video for HEAVY D & THE BOYZ! ALL OF THIS IN MY LIFETIME…and the aforementioned: just today!

R.I.P.

HEAVY D - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMlULg8jKmc

RAY AGHAYAN - Oscar-nominated costume designer ("Lady Sings The Blues")/partner of Bob Mackie

SID MELTON - Miss Ross co-star in "Lady Sings The Blues"

ANDY ROONEY

JOE FRAZIER

STEVE JOBS

READY FOR YOUR CLOSE UP, MISS ROSS

As Miss Ross wraps a sold-out tour of one-nighters across the U.S., I’m thrilled that one of those nights was in New York City at The Waldorf – now the backdrop of my first PHOTO OP with Miss Ross. We didn’t pose. Just stared into each others' eyes admiringly. And we danced. But THANKS TO ANT, I can – for now – check that one off of my bucket list. With the draw of Miss Ross to help, a total sum of $10 Million Dollars was raised at the 26^th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner for the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis. And in addition to Miss Ross, the sold-out celebration featured many greats – including Olympic track legend Carl Lewis; Jerry Rice; Nancy Kerrigan; and Andre Dawson.  Even Wayne Newton was in the house. The proceeds go to support the ground-breaking spinal cord injury research being done by The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.  This is a historic year for the organization as tremendous scientific advances continue, including the recent submission to the FDA for a first-in-man Phase 1 Schwann cell transplantation clinical trial. For more information on The Buoniconti Fund visit: www.thebuonicontifund.com And on top of all of that, Miss Ross called me on stage to dance with her as she performed “Upside Down” (another out-of-body moment!). I LOVE YOU, MISS ROSS!

VESTA R.I.P.

MISS ROSS isn’t the only DAZZLING DIVA who has requested my dancing moves on the stage. Thanks to one of my Morehouse BFFs Michael K. Watts, I’m reminded of a NIGHT OF DAZZLING DIVAS at the NABJ Convention in Philadelphia CIRCA 1995 when MISS JODY WATLEY asked me up. Then, VESTA who we just lost since I last wrote to you. R.I.P. VESTA!

MOREHOUSE: BROTHERS IN SONG!

As an alumnus of Morehouse and the Morehouse College Glee Club, it was great to celebrate the Centennial Anniversary of the world-renowned glee club. I had the pleasure of being a member for all four of my years at “The House” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZF2iK2VOY). So many of my fellow Morehouse brothers; our friends; and many patrons and supporters gathered at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (Avery Fisher Hall) for the Concert of a Lifetime. This, to culminate an awesome weekend which included: on Friday, the Glee Club and Morehouse ringing the closing bell at NASDAQ. Saturday night, history was made again when Glee Club alumni were featured in concert at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. It was simply incredible. And this alum - me - got TO HOST! WOW! And my dear friend LaChanze (Tony-award-winning actress for "The Color Purple") attended with her Morehouse Man husband Derek Fordjour. We saluted the 100 year legacy of our national treasure, the Morehouse College Glee Club – performing songs that were inspired by Morehouse and/or composed by our many musical icons. And Spelman alum Cassie Davis (of Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne” fame) and Morehouse alum Spike Lee introduced Spelman and Morehouse, respectively. In the Spirit of Georgia Starr, Kemper Harreld, Wendell Whalum, Morehouse brothers continue to sing on!

MORE MOREHOUSE

After Hurricane Irene swept through DC and postponed the dedication of the MLK Monument (as well as the CNN.COM piece I wrote on Morehouse/MLK/Morehouse College Glee Club, the Morehouse Benefit Concert) has been rescheduled for the now-rescheduled dedication weekend. Morehouse College hosts a Memorial Concert and Tribute in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. The event will now take place on Friday, October 14, 2011 at 8 p.m. at the beautiful Music Center at Strathmore. The concert will be the first event of a long list of activities planned for the national dedication of the MLK monument. As originally planned, the Memorial Concert and Tribute, sponsored by Northwestern Mutual Foundation, with Timeless Voices featuring Eddie Levert, Dennis Edwards and Johnny Gill. The evening will be hosted by accomplished stage, film and television actor Avery Brooks and will include special presentations to music icon Stevie Wonder and Congressman John Conyers Jr.,(D-Mich.), who will both receive the Morehouse Presidential Renaissance Medallion of Merit for their roles in spearheading the effort to recognizeKing¹s birthday as a national holiday. To get tickets, click here:  http://www.strathmore.org/eventstickets/calendar/syos.asp?id=7902.

AMERICAN STROKE ASSOCIATION W/HEART!

Shout out to Pamela Garmon Johnson who invited me to an American Heart Association and "Go Red for Women" event at Abe & Arthur's Restaurant hosted by Star Jones. A "little" film by Elizabeth Banks "just a "LITTLE" heart attack" premiered (www.GoRedForWomen.org). Pamela (and my friend/producer Sidra Smith) hired me as the red carpet reporter (and VO talent: http://www.powertoendstroke.org/about-sponsorship-reel.html) for the AHA and American Stroke Association's stroke awareness benefit back in May at The Apollo (http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickDemoSept2011.mov). As the grandson of three stroke victims (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/4/3/american-heart-association-presents-you-are-the-power-benefi.html), I too am the son of a mom who died in 1994 from congestive heart failure. Heart disease is the #1 killer of women. AHA & GO RED say "Make It Your Mission to care for your heart and Tell 5 women you love to do the same".

ANT’S ART

Amidst Urbanworld Film Festival festivities, Ant got more of his ART on. Our girlfriend C. Burgos hosted “Artist Loft Sunday’s” at her Mt. Vernon studio. Under his artist name Akhenaten, Ant presented new pieces along with artists Estos (www.ESTOSINC.com) and our friend Dawn Murphy (jewelry designer). They did it under a HOLIDAY SALE last December (and Ant SOLD OUT: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.484938008736.255891.662073736&l=83aa705506&type=1. And another is coming up at the top of December – so I’ll make sure you all get invited! GREAT ART! GREAT PRICES! And just an ALL-AROUND AWESOME experience – from lovely catering provided by Secret Catering Company (www.SecretCateringCompany.com)... to Miss Ross and her fellow legends playing on the record player in vinyl splendor (a la DJ Elijah)...  to a political visit from Councilman Richard Thomas for whom Cynthia and Ant painted a mural and other bold signage at his campaign headquarters! CONGRATS Councilman Thomas (www.thomas4council.com).

RED ROOSTER & MOZO

One recent night, my friend Sidra Smith invited us to accompany her to Red Rooster in Harlem. The night helped launch Marcus Samuelsson’s MOZO shoe line that provides chefs with the ultimate stylish, comfort shoe in the kitchen. The MOZO Chef Signature Collection is a collection of chef shoes created by various chefs such as Chef Chris Cosentino and Chef Aaron Sanchez that are currently available on www.MozoShoes.com.  These shoes are not only uniquely designed chef shoes, but provide anyone who has to stand on their feet all day long with a sense of comfort in mind. After a well-appointed buffet – and a spirited array of cocktails, now-Harlem’s own performed. Belinda Munro is one of our All-Star Karaoke Thursday night regulars. She is now recording new music and just won at The Apollo. And as always, great to see Derek Fleming and the rest of the Red Rooster team. Also, Fab 5 Freddy was in the house!

KJ ROSE

Through many busy work days of late – including freelance for ‘Anderson Cooper’; ‘Wendy Williams’; BET; and more, I have tried to keep my “…life of Riley…” itinerary in-tact. The Royalton Hotel was the recent backdrop for the James-Kinney-produced (www.kinneygroupcreative.com) set. It featured recording artist and one of our friends at ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT, KJ ROSE. You'll recall, I initially met her last Fall in New Rochelle where her singing talents were one of the LIVE auction items for a Boys & Girls Club event I hosted. So many familiar faces and friends were in the house - including the FABULOUS Lynn Whitfield; my New RO-Mt Vernons Michelle, Erika, stylist Pamela Watson, etc; my buddy Kevin Freeman for whom you should look out on the upcoming season of "Real Housewives of Atlanta"; my friend Darius Booker who co-produced (with friend Kevin-Anthony) the tribute to Ashford & Simpson in which I got to sing Miss Ross' "The Boss" December 2009; and a host of others. KJ Rose was AWESOME - singing so many classics and special songs from her repertoire. Check out her debut album "All Heart, No Regrets". She was named one of the Top 100 Artists on the Verge by The New Music Seminar - a feature on BET's "Music Matters" campaign, the feature in the music issue of ELLE Magazine, and countless other break-through moments! GO KJ!

JEFFREY WILLIAMS

Remember when my Amazing Grace Nichole’s cousin/our dear friend Jeffrey Williams won “The Fashion Show 2011” on BRAVO earlier this year (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/1/27/live-out-louder.html)? Well, he invited us out to experience the presentation of his Spring/Summer 2012 Collection (ANU.): http://jeffreycwilliams.com/. Of course, our usual suspects were in the house: Danielle; Michelle Sanchez-Boyce; Shareen King; Kenny; and Dawn. Songstress and reality star (“La La’s Full Court”), Po Johnson, was in the house. And THE BIRTHDAY BOY, my nephew Herman Riley who continued his celebration this evening – attending the presentation with his Spelman sister Tanisha and allowing his uncle to put some food and drink in his belly at L’Oubli Gourmet Bar. We also recently got some more NEW RO time in at “Alvin & Friends”. Our friend Resa was in town as well.

THE PORTERS + 1

After recently field producing a shoot for my ChicagO client in Wayne, NJ, I pulled it together to celebrate my dear friends Mara Schiavocampo and Tommie Porter. It was a baby shower/birthday party (for Mara). And friends from far and near came to TOAST them: Itika Oldwine; Kendra G; Sidra Smith; Jamar Dunn; Cole McDonough; Ernest Maynor; Anthony Harper; and more. Of course, Itika wasn’t going to be in the house without making a fashion statement. Sporting a black, full-length Halston number with a long, thigh-revealing split. She calls it her homage to Sarah Jessica Parker’s short white Halston doppelganger which she sported in the “Sex & the City” promo and spots. GO TI-TI!

SUNDAE SERMON

Sundae Sermon's FINALE was a BLAST! It included 80s synth-duo The System’s Mic Murphy performing “You Are in My System” and “Don’t Disturb This Groove”. Great to see so many friends this go around: Ernest Maynor; Michael K. Watts; Sidra Smith; Kiwan Michael Anderson; Jamar Dunn; Bevy Smith; Michaela angela Davis; and MORE! See u NEXT SUMMER…and look for certain SUNDAE-SERMON franchises throughout the FALL & WINTER! GREAT JOB, STORMIN NORMAN!

BASKTEBALL WIVES OF L.A. AND MORE

Shout out to my friend Joy Doss, Executive Producer of The Style Salon (www.thestylesalonnyc.com)  which debuted FIVE new designers for the 4th year in a row – including women’s wear from Kachi Designs and Maria Michele to millinery from Ikasho and handbags from Sukari New York and Nailah’s. Gloria Govan and her sister Laura (Basketball Wives L.A.) were in the house. I also got re-acquainted with designer Jedda Kahn (Joe Zee’s All on the Line) who was re-introduced to me by my dear friend Yvette Hayward with whom I recently worked on the Power to End Stroke benefit at The Apollo. She just produced the African American Literary Awards (http://www.literaryawardshow.com/) which took place at the Adam Clayton Powell State Building/Melba’s event space (3rd Floor – one flight above Ant’s two pieces, which are showcasing in the Basquiat community artist tribute)]. Atlanta’s own Derek J (www.thejspotsalon.tumblr.com) was also working his sparkly pumps. And of course, it’s never Fashion Week – officially – without a hug and catch-up from my industry buddies, model and talent manager for 2M, Mica Huges; Harriette Cole (http://harriettecole.com/); and 2R’s Entertainment & Media owner & publicist Ra-Fael Blanco whose current client of note is B. SLADE whose new, sensual video “SEQUEL” is the latest release from the critically-acclaimed album “DIESEL”. The video was directed by Bruce Wayne and the song was produced by T. Boy and written by Anthony C. Williams II. DOWNLOADBLE LINK – “SEQUEL” – VIDEO - http://youtu.be/dS1OzhW_z4U. PURCHASE LINK to "DIESEL" album by B. SLADE http://bslade.bandcamp.com/album/diesel VIEW B. SLADE's EPK here - http://www.sonicbids.com/BSlade 

ETIQUETTE FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS

Look at what my homegirl from Savannah, Tatia Adams Fox is doing inside her passion & purpose! In April of 2011, she launched The New School of Etiquette: www.newschoolofetiquette.com. See their blog too: www.newschoolofetiquette.tumblr.com She is truly being a DIFFERENCE for our children... and THE WORLD - from teaching etiquette and social protocol to children and for adults too (She is a certified business etiquette and international protocol consultant): www.boopamarketing.com & www.careerandcupcakes.boopamarketing.com GO TATIA, GO!

ANTHONY MORGAN

ALWAYS so exciting when our New Yorker Trevor visits us in New York from Atlanta. This last time, he introduced us to Harlem’s own Anthony Morgan, who is a multi-talented artist. He is renowned as the head of the spectacular Gospel Voices of Harlem. And he loves singing and performing Gospel Music to the world. Anthony’s mission is to spread the Good News of the gospel message worldwide!  Mr. Morgan’s love of singing gospel and his vision of spreading the gospel through song has inspired him to found what is now known as Anthony Morgan’s Inspirational Choir of Harlem. We even tried a ditty via this Grand piano.

NICK ASHFORD

The world cries a tear for NICK ASHFORD!

But what a LEGACY he’s left behind – including many of my DIANA ROSS’ greatest hits – from “Reach Out & Touch (Somebody’s Hand) to “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to “The Boss” to “Remember Me” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMc_B7ey5l0) … and SO MANY MORE!

THANK GOD, I even got the chance to sing “The Boss” to the song’s composers in December 2009:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbI1qEM_k8k&feature=related. It was a

Harlem tribute that my friends Kevin-Anthony and Darius Booker co-produced. It wasn't my best version, but was the MOST HONORED I've ever felt singing it. On the day his death was announced, I sang a better version of it at "No Parking" KARAOKE for HIM!

Sending LOVE & PRAYERFL THOUGHTS to Valerie & the girls. ALL FOR ONE...and ONE FOR ALL!

I write of Nick & Val often here on the blog:

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/11/30/entertainment-exclusive-2-get-your-tickets-to-see-pieces-of.html

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/11/24/entertainment-exclusive-get-your-tickets-to-see-roy-ayers-an.html

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/11/17/la-proved-too-much-for-the-man.html

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/3/24/nothing.html

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/7/6/love-american-style.html

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/5/2/visible-life.html

Is always EXCITING to see Nick & Val out on the town! In fact, my dad stumbled into Nick & Val in Detroit's airport Fall 2009! He was so excited (AND KNEW I WOULD BE), he submitted his picture to me for consideration in the blog. LOL

ALSO: http://www.pulsebeat.tv/enter/#1 Please check out the following video on the now late/great Nick Ashford by my friend Greg Dunmore!!! pulsebeat.tv & jazzjewels.tv & http://jazzjewels.tv/enter/#1

BASKETBALL WIVES L.A.

Demands of my current project prevented me from attending his home-going services (re-scheduled after Hurricane Irene swept into town). But I did get to join friends Kevin Anthony, Carl Nelson, Tichina Arnold, and others who invited me to join them at The Sugar Bar for the repast (Valerie Simpson is such a special & strong woman!). This, after my buddy Andy Diaz invited us to join he, his client Tanya Young Williams at her NYC Premiere Party of VH1's hit reality show "Basketball Wives of L.A." at "Tian at the Riverbank". www.vh1.com/shows/basketball_wives_la/series.jhtml My AUC/NABJ sister and friend Jacque Reid was in the house along with a number of other great friends - all singing the praises of Nick Ashford (even singing along at one point) and happy that 'Irene' had passed over. Also in the house: Norwood Young; Marva Hicks; Deborah Gregory; Penwah Phynjuar; and a host of others who came together – for LOVE & LIFE!

ESTHER GORDY EDWARDS R.I.P.

 http://www.freep.com/article/20110825/NEWS01/110825040/Motown-remembers-Esther-Gordy-Edwards R.I.P. Esther Gordy Edwards - MOTOWN FOUNDER! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqTGZcoiOPE THIS HOUSE IS BUILT ON A FOUNDATION OF LOVE! Sending LOVE & SYMPATHY to Berry Gordy and family.

PO JOHNSON

Shout out to my new friend PO JOHNSON! Many friends and I got to toast her at a special viewing of LA LA'S FULL COURT LIFE season premiere on VH-1. Café Mezcal was the spot (where we celebrated Jeffrey Williams’ BIG WIN on BRAVO’s “Fashion Show” w/Iman & Isaac Mizrahi; He was in the house too!!). Shout out to her manager, our friend Michelle Sanchez Boyce, and my nephew Herman Riley for joining his old uncle. And as always, good to see the peeps – from KJ Rose to Nelson Boyce to Tracey Smith to Pamela Watson to Cynthia Burgos to Jina Johnson… and many, many more! www.vh1.com/shows/la_las_full_court_life/series.jhtml GO PO!

MINDFILE MULTIMEDIA, INC. 

Amidst another grueling deadline on a special project at BET, I did manage a return to PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT featuring artwork by Lawrence Joyner; Tyson Hall; and Dean Richards. They did a talk about their pieces at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Labor Center. I also got to squeeze in a trek down to my friends James & Lisa Curry’s new business Mindfile Multimedia, Inc. He too is one of my favorite Directors of Photography – having shot many pieces for me. The open house & cocktail social reconnected me to many of my favorite production people – including Dennis and Adam. And I got to meet some cool new friends as well.

DIVAS: SIMPLY SINGING

Anthony Harper & I got to attend DIVAS: SIMPLY SINGING a couple of years ago in L.A. We were personal guests of our friend V Scott Hamilton & Miss Sheryl Lee Ralph herself. Well, it's coming up again & TIX GO ON SALE TODAY: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/190321 SO MANY DIVAS...ALL ON ONE STAGE! TO MY L.A. PEEPS & BEYOND: Let's GO!

HAIR DUES: A NEW MUSICAL

My Morehouse brother Christopher McDonald and I LOVE a good musical. And now he's writing the next great musical. He's currently raising funds for a reading of his new musical! Even a $5 donation helps!!! Even spreading the link helps where others can donate!! http://mim.io/1eb961 GO CHRIS, GO!

SUPERSTAR K3

Remember I auditioned for Superstar K 3!? Just got a viewer note via FB. As it shows in Korea, I have to figure out how to get a link of the episode or my segment. The Korean viewer wrote: "Hi...Yesterday I saw you on SUPERSTAR K3. You're an amazing person! Many Korean people were fascinated by how lovely your voice is...and the couple. Please appear on the next year SUPERSTAR K4 again :) You are amazing!" http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/7/13/best-thing.html ALSO GOT TWEETS from Korea – including: "...Lizontheparade Liz Kim TWEETED: Lizontheparade Liz Kim @patarack I am watching you on SuperStarK3 right now!!
26 Aug THEN TWEETED: @patarack I seriously want to see you once more in season4 UNLESS you get the record deal at the US lol :)..." I'm still trying to get a copy of it! It airs in KOREA! LOL!

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Though in Labor Day Weekend edit bliss, I did manage to squeeze in a little karaoke in and some late supper and cocktails with BFFs – old & new - Tata; Ernest Maynor; Ashley; Cole McDonough; Mike; and Ant. BBQ on 72nd was the spot followed by a pop cultural walk by The Dakota, once-John Lennon’s home in front of which he was shot and killed.

DANIEL

Had a lovely dinner at Daniel on NYC's Tony east side. Haute cuisine and stellar fellowship, courtesy of friends Darryl "Mixologist"...and Hannah Lee (who -
via her company Hanna Lee Communications (www.hannaleecommunications.com and
www.unwindwithwine.com) markets and publicizes for luxury spirits; wines; champagnes; and prosecco). GREAT NIGHT!

MARA SCHIAVOCAMPO

Everyone knows I LIVE for Mara Schiavocampo. Well, she LIVES for my pop culture analysis in many of her pieces at NBC News/TODAY. At the top of this clip, see a couple of recent impressions from this year & last year: http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickDemoSept2011.mov And my GREATEST HIT: Obama's POUND! Right here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXc6x5JlJuw  http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/1/10/hope-theres-someone.html THANKS MARA!

ANIKA NONI ROSE

LOVE ME SOME Anika Noni Rose! And I got to introduce her in Tampa a couple of years ago when I hosted a big DISNEY event. See an excerpt of it on this link (the final piece): http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickDemoSept2011.mov. She was wonderful! AS ALWAYS... XO http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/8/12/this-dream-is-for-all-of-us-this-one-can-be-real.html

 EARTHQUAKE

Who felt the earthquake or its tremors? My folks at BET did. And we filed out - along with the rest of the building - onto 57th Street. This, as my HARPO buddy Nate Berkus and his staff and audience too filed out of his show's studio which tapes right across the street. Though the moment passed and our fears subsided, this evacuation did give me the chance to CONGRATULATE NATE on being an Executive Producer on "The Help", which is performing BRILIANTLY at the BOX OFFICE...and which I had the chance to introduce to the National Association of Black Journalists at its annual convention in Philly a few weeks ago! Members of the cast joined us. GO NATE & HAPPY NEW SEASON!

YOTEL

Before Irene blew us all home, we popped by Yotel rooftop. It was a Friday night for artist Jimmy Black’s GOODBYE SET! Ran into ATL reporter and NABJ sister Michelle Marsh and a host of other friends.

MOREHOUSE COLLEGE GLEE CLUB: 100

It was Dec. '91. The Morehouse College Glee Club was performing on Kennedy Center Honors: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZF2iK2VOY8. Fast forward to Sept. 30th - Oct. 2nd & join us for a "Celebration of the Glee Club's 100th Year in Song" here in NEW YORK CITY! For more info: http://themwf.org/

MLK DEDICATION

So the TWO reels I produced for MLK Dedication Weekend along with an AMAZING DREAM TEAM were presented in DC. And though I wasn't there, FEEDBACK says: THUMBS UP; GOOSEBUMPS; & BRAVO! We used Whitney and Mariah's "When You Believe" to score our CIVIL RIGHTS OVERVIEW and Beyonce’s “I Was Here” for the WOMEN. The dedication is now scheduled for October 16th.

INSPIRED WORD

I got to see two of my NABJ BFFs Amy Simmons and Marcie Eanes – both poets with the most. Marcie’s book “Sensual Sounds” is taking the nation by storm – including NYC where Marcie (and Amy) recited their poetry at “Inspired Word”  http://inspiredwordnyc.blogspot.com/ (at the Nexus Lounge at the 1 and 1 Bar in the East Village). Amy read from her upcoming chat book “High Tea”. We all connected for hugs and coffee. ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO SEE MY LADIES!

NINA SIMONE & MICHAEL A. GONZALES

Please check out my friend Michael A. Gonzales' cover story on Nina Simone that just came out this week in Wax Poetics. It's a 6,000 word piece on how Nina went from being a regular lounge act to the fiery personality we know today.
http://www.waxpoetics.com/wax-poetics-magazine/issue-48 IT'S REALLY GOOD!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATS, MICHAEL!

MOREHOUSE BROTHER: RIP JON ROPER

I just found out my Morehouse brother Jon Roper passed away. I'm BLOWN AWAY! We took many classes together - often at CAU media relations dept. He always would say "Pat! I got a part for you in my next movie!" We did get the chance to do a little work together. In this blog, he shared that he was at Miss Ross' historic Central Park Concert. http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/3/14/words-that-people-say.html & http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/ctpost/obituary.aspx?n=jonathan-roper&pid=153270332&fhid=5197

KENT STATE ‘90

A final round of edit on my current project (delivering tomorrow) detoured my quick catch-up reunion with friend Victor Parada. We did a minority journalism program at Kent State/Ohio (Karen Paritee; W Russell Robinson) the summer of '90 and - 21 years later - were to have a big drink while he's here in NYC on business from TX. He's back in two weeks. For sure, next time...

 WELCOME BACK, CUZ!

Welcome home, CUZ! I LOVE YOU! Elliott Buddah Gray Jr. Happy the GRAY boyz: Christopher Gray; Ernest; et al are BACK TOGETHER AGAIN! And TRUST: someday we'll ALL be together (GLAD we got XMAS in though...). SEE Y'ALL SOON! LUV U Harriet L. Gray!

FASHION WEEK & MIGUEL

Fashion Week begins in NYC with Fashions Night Out. In the wake of a hectic deadline, I used what energy I had left to support my girl Michelle Sanchez Boyce. She works on the management team of singer Miguel. He performed tonight in SOHO to an audience including Nichole Andrews Shellman; Kiwan Michael Anderson, Michael J. Feeney, Traceye Smith, Erika Munro Kennerly, Angelique Francis, & many more. On another day amidst Fashion Week, Ern, Ant, & I joined my Amazing Grace, Nichole, and friends Resa, Laura, Michelle, Danielle, Erika, & Michelle at "Alvin & Friends". Fun Saturday Night!

MORE ART

Artist Loft Sunday’s is about to pop off for Ant and our girl Cynthia who is leading a movement called “ARTIST LOFT SUNDAY’S” where in Mt. Vernon, you can see and buy the work of Ant – or Akhenaten, his artist name; Estos; and of course, C. Burgos! It’s this Sunday, September 18^th at 115 South Fourth Avenue/2^nd Floor/Mt. Vernon, NY 10550 from 2pm to 8pm. Come and support the Arts of Mt. Vernon! Their Basquiat tribute is still up in Harlem at the Adam Clayton Powell State Building. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150273229038737.334123.662073736

9/11

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/a-letter-from-ground-zero-91101.html REMEMBERING 9/11/01...NEVER FORGOTTEN!

      MY WORK    

    Been working faster than the checks can come in (NOT GOOD) & at such a pace, I haven't had a chance to excerpt, demo, & share some of it. This link includes a bit of my red carpet reporting at Power to End Stroke awareness benefit which ran on GMC this summer: http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickDemoSept2011.mov. It's the 2nd clip on the reel. ALSO: Shout out to Sekou Writes who interviewed me on the night I interviewed many at the Power to End Stroke Concert. I delve into my personal testimonial around STROKE. Big UP to Pamela Garmon Johnson; Toiya Lewis Honore; & Sidra Smith for the outlet - including now-VOICE-OVER work on their marketing video. http://simplyrides.com/driveby-interview-patrick-l-riley/

NABJ IN PHILLY: A JOURNAL

The NABJ Convention is my 'annual therapy'. Philly's gathering was no exception. Of course, there are always awesome workshops. And as I stepped down from being Chair of the NABJ Arts & Entertainment Task Force, I was happy to have good programming for our members. The reunion started at the Convention Center; We experienced some beautiful art at a gallery; We checked in at friend Caleb Wilkerson's place; Had a reunion with our Aci Nae girlfriends. They hosted our pilot project last year: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/6/19/postcards-from-the-edge.html;  and dinner at Del Frisco's (PRIME RIB! YUM!); and PURE EXCITEMENT to see my NABJ FAMILY! Much of it can be seen in these pix:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150265238803737.331588.662073736&type=1

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150268048688737.332501.662073736&type=1

I'll share the rest here:

KEVIN ANDRE DICKENS

While here in Philly, I primarily wore the bespoke designs & tailoring of my friend Kevin Andre Dickens. He does AWESOME work out of his Manhattan-based KD Studio. Holla if you want to reach him! THANK YOU, KEVIN!

‘REED BETWEEN THE LINES’

NABJ Thursday was a good one! Lunch at El Vez for delicious, nouveau Mexican cuisine with Ant & Caleb Wilkerson; sometimes client BET brought in my fav Tracee Ellis Ross; Malcolm Jamal Warner; Anna Marie Horsford (a "..life of Riley..." fan! WHO KNEW? LOL!); & Melissa DeSousa - co-stars of BET's new scripted sitcom "Reed Between The Lines" (Premiering in October 2011).

ESSENCE & TRACEE ELLIS ROSS

http://www.essence.com/2011/08/03/tracee-ellis-ross-graces-the-september-issue-of-essence/  So speaking of Tracee Ellis Ross and NABJ, I must shout out some of my sisters I know through NABJ and associated circles of Black journalists: Kierna Mayo (pictured left) penned the Tracee Ellis Ross cover story in the current issue of ESSENCE. This month’s issues has even more for me to LOVE inside: Karen Good Marable – wife of one of my BFFs Maurice (the wedding Ant & I attended in Jamaica earlier this summer); Bevy Smith; Tai Beauchamp; & Robin D. Stone (who writes of a mutual girlfriend Celeste Victoria who was plucked from our lives 10 yrs ago on 9/11 & the miracle legacy she left behind who we all have known and loved as she is Celeste’s daughter Jasmine – now a full-fledged woman who continues to be BE A DIFFERENCE in our world, despite the huge loss of her doting mother. (Here’s my reflection of 9/11:  http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/a-letter-from-ground-zero-91101.html). WORK, SISTAHS... and keep booking them, my friend CONSTANCE WHITE - Editor-in-Chief!

TARGET, STEVE STOUTE, & SOLANGE

TARGET also pulled out the stops with its "A Conversation with Steve Stoute" (profiling his book project "The Tanning of America"). The session was moderated by Soledad O'Brien. I had a hand in producing her at Ogilvy a couple of weeks ago. DJ Solange Knowles was in the re-mix on this spectacular...and even helped me find my lost Blackberry!

Now, there's buzz of her portraying Miss Ross in the not-yet-official-but-perhaps-closing-in bio-pic, "Blondie" about original Supreme Florence Ballard. http://www.mlive.com/movies/index.ssf/2011/08/rumors_of_florence_ballard_bio.html

ERIC BENET & GMC

ERIC BENÉT brought NABJ a screening of TRINITY GOODHEART - his TV movie on GMC on which I had a chance to get some shine from my red carpet reporter duties at the Power to End Stroke Concert at The Apollo a few months ago. In fact, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association has hired me again to do some voice-over work for their sales & marketing materials. After the screening, Eric was joined by my friend (and NABJ baby) Rhonda Baraka and GMC’s Paul Butler for a Q&A with CNN’s T.J. Holmes.

NABJ BABIES

My mentor and mother of all things NABJ-TV (the student project - circa 1991 for me): Sheila Brooks hosted a REUNION of the NABJ BABIES in the lobby of our host hotel! ALWAYS GREAT TO RECONNECT with EVERYBODY! And CONGRATULATIONS to Sheila for receiving a special honor in the name of our beloved Pat Tobin whose daughter Lauren – a friend – presented it.

PHILLY AT NIGHT

FUN times with the fellows in Downtown Philly! Woody's ended up being a night-cap spot on one night along with a number of other fun spots.

DISNEY DREAMER’S ACADEMY

I jumped on the NABJ stage one night to HOST the big DISNEY event. And one of my all-time favorites performed, vocal greats Yolanda Adams; a taped appearance from Steve Harvey who updated us on his Disney Dreamer's Academy. This is the 4th year I've hosted the like for recurring client DISNEY… and during the show, DISNEY surprised me with a DISNEY trip and a special salute for being HOST of their event since the beginning.We introduced Disney Dreamer’s Academy back in Vegas a few years back. THANK YOU, DISNEY!

“THE HELP”

Based on one of the most talked about books in years and a #1 New York Times best-selling phenomenon, “The Help” came to NABJ. And Academy Award®–nominated Viola Davis (“Doubt”) and Octavia Spencer in tow. The author Kathryn Stockett and director/screenwriter Tate Taylor were also in attendance. MSNBC’s Tamron Hall moderated – my second time working with her at NABJ. Michael K. Watts and I produced a Hall of Fame Luncheon she hosted a few years back in Tampa.

“RED TAILS”

Lucasfilm Ltd. brought a special sneak peek of RED TAILS – a high-flying WWII epic inspired by the heroism of the first all African-American aerial combat unit. Showcasing the inspiring story of the Tuskegee Airmen to the screen, the film celebrates the intrepid young airmen who took to the skies to fight for their country – and the fate of the free world. In attendance: Charles Floyd Johnson, Producer; Terrence Howard; and Cuba Gooding Jr. who also joined NABJ for the “Salute to Excellence” Awards where my dear friend and NABJ sister Mara Schiavocampo brought home two awards for her work at NBC News. Also in the mix for NABJ, my ITIKA - or Ti-Ti - as I call her. As you know, she's one of my Chicago BFFs. Radio personality Kendra Gee also hung out with us. Always a good time with ITIKA!

POST-NABJ, BET, MLK

NABJ in Philly brought MY ANNUAL THERAPY & a GREAT TIME! Though it was EXHAUSTING (with all of my commitments), it was - as always - WORTH THE TRIP! After NABJ, I jumped right into working with an awesome team on producing a special project at BET in NYC (for related MLK Monument Dedication festivities). Total honor to be a stand for King’s legacy in this way.

MOREHOUSE COLLEGE GLEE CLUB CELEBRATES ‘100’

The Maroon & White Fund will host a national tribute to the Morehouse College Glee Club's "100 Years in Song" during a special weekend from September 30th to October 2nd, 2011 here in New York City – including a Lincoln Center appearance. For the entirety of the Morehouse College Glee Club's 100 years in existence, it has represented the best of Morehouse College and America. During my four years at Morehouse, I got to travel all over with the glee club and in 1991, I got to speak on the stage of the Kennedy Center in front of the glee club as we honored recipient Robert Shaw, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus Conductor and Composer during Kennedy Center Honors (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZF2iK2VOY8). For more information, see the flier below:

BEYONCE “4” NEW YORK CITY

I've still been able to squeeze in some friend time: my NABJ brother Bruce Reynolds joined me for a quick drink at Hudson Eatery; we got in nephew Herman time (with his mom Fe in town) at Melba's; and also in Harlem, Orange 67 was the backdrop for a nightcap with friends Jamar; Garrett; and company. But most excitedly, my nephew invited me to accompany he and his friends to see Beyonce perform. It was a fun group of Morehouse brothers; Spelman sisters; and a Howard alum in the mix for the HBCU love of it all. She was doing one of her “4” NYC shows. And word has it, the first of those shows sold out 22 seconds after going on sale. She did "4" shows of her "4" material over "4" days at Roseland Ballroom. And she - of course - gave us a sampling of her greatest hits. The crowd - including us - were singing along to every word. And we were dancing to every groove. For our show, Jay Z, Diddy, Mary Mary, Neyo, The Dream, and Adrienne (of 3LW/"Cheetah Girls" fame) were in t he house. As always, GO BEY! And of course, I ran into many friends - including my karaoke pusher men Dante and Marcus; and fashion editor extraordinaire Walter Greene.

MY AMAZING GRACE NICHOLE

Happy Birthday, my Amazing Grace Nichole's BDAY set at Chez Lucienne in Harlem was a BLAST! In attendance: Nichole's New Ro crew Michelle who came with her client, singer Po Johnson (& Diche) in tow - both of whom are on "LaLa's Full Court" (Michelle too!); Tanya (attorney - now at ESPN); Angelique Frances (producer who hired me to do red carpet at her daughter's Sweet 16); Nic's cuz Jeffrey Williams ("Fashion Show" winner); our Dawn; Will (on his way to Haiti for an international assignment); and others (I missed Sid & Danielle...but HEY Y'all!). Then, after set at Red Rooster.... Oh! And most excitedly, my friend Janet (Hill)Talbert (www.onthisrocknyc.com) was in the house. She's a former book editor turned FAB jewelry designer whose line is Christian-and-Inspiration-themed! And one of our ALL-STAR KARAOKE REGULARS Belinda Munro just won THE APOLLO the other night! She is advancing to the next round on Aug 24: http://www.apollotheater.org/recap-winners-and-losers/494-amateur-night-81011.

Congrats BELINDA!

CATFISH & CALEB

One week after Caleb showed us such a good time in Philly, I got to hang out at the nearby-Hudson Hotel to join he, Monica, Ern, and Ant. Afterwards, we popped by Moca Lounge in Harlem for catfish fingers and fries.

AKHENATEN & BASQUIAT

See how AWESOME Ant’s art show was: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150273229038737.334123.662073736 He and our girlfriend Cynthia are a part of a collective of artists who did pieces inspired by Basquiat. The community exhibit is up until January 2012. Ant’s artist name is Akhenaten. He’s showing two of his pieces, “Sun Pharaoh” & “Queen Mother in the Sky”. His 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. Afterwards, our girlfriend Mara Schiavocampo and her husband Tommie opened up their Harlem home to all of our friends and family for an after-set that toasted and celebrated Ant and Cynthia, the amazing artists that they are.

MORE ART IN NYC

Shout out to Ant's BFF Manivone Nonthaveth who presented her 1st solo art exhibition "PAPER STATUS: Paper Sculptures" at VELVET in Williamsburgh (Brooklyn, NY). This is the spot where Ant used to bartend and host theme Sunday nights. FAB NIGHT - even after a double shift of editing on this special project at BET! GO MAX! And I went to opening of PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT as well with my inner circle artist soul-mates Anthony Harper & Manivone Nonthaveth. We got to see the works of Lawrence Joyner; Tyson Hall; & Dean Richards. Also ran into my friend Jennifer Ouellette – AWESOME maker of hats and other designer accents: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/12/20/pat-in-a-hat.html.

PAUL WHARTON

My friend Paul Wharton (from "The Real Housewives of DC") first came to my ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT in Harlem a few months ago (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/4/18/baby-its-you-me.html). Now, he's a FABULOUS recording artist - including collaborations with Ginuwine & Sole. GO PAUL!

CARL NELSON

Shout out to my friend Carl Nelson who took a play “Incognito” to the National Black Theater Festival in Winston Salem,NC. Several of my friends were there as well - including Lamman Rucker - one of the event's hosts. Also, LaChanze Fordjour and so many others were there!

TYREE GUYTON

Shout out to Detroit's Tyree Guyton whose Heidelberg Project Ant and I got to experience while in Detroit a couple of years ago. He's released a new children’s book, Magic Trash, the story of a young Tyree and his beloved grandfather Sam Mackey. The official release date is September 2011, copies are for sale at $16. Go on line http://www.heidelberg.org/index.php?option=com_rokquickcart&view=rokquickcart&Itemid=155 

JENNIFER HOLLIDAY

Did you see my favorite DREAMGIRL Jennifer Holliday on the season finale of Fran Drescher's TV Land series "Happilly Ever After"? Tichina Arnold got to show her chops in this episode as well: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/7/31/crazy-stupid-love.html.

MAMA JUGGS

The New York Mama Juggs Show Tour is up and running at the 15th Annual Fringe NYC! It is billed as “… a trip to Grandma's House You'll never forget!” Check out FringeNYC - The New York International Fringe Festival: http://mamajuggs.com/?tag=the-new-york-international-fringe-festival

WILL HILL

A sad circumstance brought many of my favorite BET people – past and present – back together again - including Quan Lateef; Loren Lillian; Kelli Malcolm; Hershelle Burton; and a host of others. Special shout out to Will Hill who too has brought his talents to ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT in Harlem. Now, he's got new music that is available on Amazon, Rhapsody, and I-Tunes. Check it out! http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/future-fresh-single/id448858048

R.I.P.

Sending love home to Savannah and my cousin Rosa M Brown! I LOVE YOU! And we'll all miss STEVE (R.I.P.)! So many GOOD MEMORIES!

TYLER

My cousin his here! His name is Tyler Maxwell Middleton. WELCOME TYLER & CONGRATS Roc Middleton & Cousin Kea! I LOVE Y'ALL... and can't wait to meet Tyler! XO