A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

“BABY, IT’S ME”

Broadway's new musical "Baby, It's You" (about The Shirelles and its founder Florence Greenburg) brought more than wonderful music and a great new staging of a special moment in pop music. It also brought me a nice chat with Jane Fonda and her man Richard Perry, legendary producer of my Miss Ross' "Baby It's Me" album (1977) - one of my favorite albums ever… and her duet with Julio Iglesias (“All of You” – her lead-off single from her 1984 “Swept Away” album). My nephew, his mom, and other friends joined us. Afterwards, on a rainy Saturday night, friends Nicky, Eric, and Steph joined us for karaoke; cocktails; and Cafeteria. While at “Baby, It’s You”, I ran into my friend Phil Geston whose “Love Is Finally Here” CD is available on iTunes, rhapsody, CD Baby, and Amazon. To follow Phil, go to: www.facebook.com/philgeston 

“BABY, IT’S YOU”

“BABY IT'S YOU” is an original Broadway musical that is based on the inspiring true story of Florence Greenberg, a suburban housewife from New Jersey, who discovered one of the greatest girl groups of all time, The Shirelles, and created Scepter Records, becoming the music industry's first female powerhouse. BABY IT'S YOU! features non-stop doo-wop, pop, and rock 'n' roll classics such as "Dedicated to the One I Love," "Duke of Earl," "He's So Fine," "It's My Party," "Louie Louie," "Mama Said," "Shout," "Sixteen Candles," "Twist and Shout" and many more! Celebrate Florence's incredible journey from housewife to record mogul, and discover the fascinating, untold story behind your favorite songs at BABY IT'S YOU! The production is playing at The Broadhurst Theatre, 235 W. 44th Street between 8th and Broadway. Shout out to my girl Marcia Pendelton from Walk Tall Girl Productions.

DIANA ROSS

The Supremes’ success came in the wake of The Shirelles. Some might attribute Diana, Mary, and Flo as the reason for the commercial demise of The Shirelles. You be the judge when you see it, but Ant and I are clear – from our recent experience of Miss Ross – why she is LEGENDARY and such a SUPERSTAR. Miss Ross was closing out her tour at a Staten Island Theater. Her background singer Fred White – also the writer of “I Love You” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_xc_bJEVYw&feature=related – graciously met us after the amazing show. I hope he and Miss Ross are collaborating on some new music.

JANET JACKSON

Ant’s diva is Janet Jackson and we got to see one of our sold-out performances here in NYC at Radio City Music Hall. These tix surfaced because of our friend Lajuan who came in from Houston, TX for the occasion. Now, we hear Miss Jackson is extending her tour dates. GO JANET! Oh! And Wanda Sykes sat next to us during the show! LOVELY LADY!

ARETHA FRANKLIN

Ant and I got to attend Miss Franklin’s birthday party a couple of years ago in Detroit. This year, she came to NYC to celebrate. My friend Greg Dunmore got to attend along with many other buddies. I hear it was a GREAT PARTY! Take a look at the video version of: Greg Dunmore's Hot Happenings!!! Defining "Fabulous": Aretha Wows 'Em in Manhattan!!! http://jazzjewels.tv/enter/?p=214 And for more info: www.jazzjewels.tv and www.pulsebeat.tv

DIONNE WARWICK

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/2/8/i-kept-the-memories-one-by-one.html THE LEGEND HAS LEFT THE BUILDING – meaning Mr. Trump’s board room. We LOVE YOU, DIONNE! HOLD YOUR HEAD UP! The nerve of those hussies! LOL! Watch your back, Miss LaToya! Betta step it up, boo boo! They are closing in! GO STAR, as always! WHAT A FUN SHOW this season!

DONNA KARAN

Shout out to platonic boo Carl Nelson for invite to Donna Karan's Urban Zen. She hosted the benefit for Women for Women Int'l (Zainab Salbi) & We Advance featuring the photography/art of Elizabeth Jordan. Also in the house: new Norwegian friends Elizabeth & Andre; Mexico’s Next Top Model's Jo Lance; and social buddy George T. Wilson.

WENDY WILLIAMS

How is Wendy Williams doing after getting the boot off of Dancing With The Stars last night? Just fine, children! She’s on the cover of ESSENCE Magazine! GO WENDY! And I went to the party that celebrated it the other night! My good girlfriend Constance White is now the Editor-in-Chief. And it was so good to see so many fab friends and associates – including Miss Sherri Shepherd, Yvette Nicole Brown; and more. Also, my sometimes-editor Patrik Henry Bass was in the house. Also, another NABJ buddy Chemene – producer at “Today”. Also in the mix: Wendy's parents and Lynn Whitfield (here posing with Wendy's dad). Speaking of ESSENCE, my friends Fred T. Jackson & Perri Pebbles Reid sent me notes about www.essence.com/rbstar (THINK: AMERICAN IDOL).

TOCCARA

My boy Lamoh Hicks & I went to my friend Jamar Dunn's Hennessy Remixed party. It was hosted by Toccara. And what a good time we had as we took in the well-appointed space; the delicious cocktails; and the video games. And the room was an impressive one - including Nicholas with Pradia bow-ties (www.robertjpradia.com) and a host of other friends.

PAUL WHARTON

ALL-STAR KARAOKE THURSDAY NIGHT is always a BLAST… and will continue to be for the next few weeks (We’ll go on summer hiatus from NATIVE on the 2^nd week of May). This week, however, we’ll celebrate Ant’s birthday – so PLEASE COME OUT! Last week, Paul Wharton (of “Real Housewives of DC” fame) came by to support along with a fun group of friends – including my Sidra and our new ALL-STAR for the night: Timothias! He turned the room upside down… in a good way! And it was nice to see all of my ALL-STARs who come out to support our good time!My dear friend Jamie Foster Brown (Publisher, "Sister to Sister") popped by recently. As for Paul, he is moving to NYC to do his new show "Model Intervention" for MTV 2. He’s back with the team that hired him in 2002! Also, his new book is launching June 1^st:  http://paulwhartonstyle.com/pulling-it-all-together/.

MARA BROCK-AKIL & SALIM AKIL

My friends Mara Brock-Akil and Salim Akil have been busy as ever. “THE GAME” was a big success at BET, which renewed it for a new season. It’s been announced that they are working on a “SPARKLE” remake. And Salim’s directorial genius can be seen in “JUMPING THE BROOM” – out in a few weeks. Y’ALL BETTER WORK! And send me some!!! LOL!

ANTHONY DAVID

NYC's Irving Plaza was the backdrop for a Windsor Forest High School reunion of two KNIGHTS as I enjoyed a performance by my Savannah homeboy and classmate Anthony David who performed his new hit and some of his classics. This BET Music Matters set also included Melanie Fiona & Marsha Ambrosius.  Anthony and I caught up afterwards! Make sure you catch his new CD "As Above So Below" & the new video for "God Said".

PROJECT 1 VOICE

I’ve been working on a project with my friend Erich McMillan-McCall. Well, I’m supporting it. One day, he asked me to stop by and participate in his PROJECT1VOICE (www.project1voice.org) video. Well, here’s one of the videos: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Project1voice/158820437504381 On JUNE 20th, 2011, PROJECT1VOICE will stage a one day play reading of Alice Childress' TROUBLE IN MIND in theatres across the country. PLEASE JOIN OUR MOVEMENT!

JENNIFER HOLLIDAY & RAPHAEL WARNOCK

Y'all know I LOVE ME SOME Jennifer Holliday! http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/6/13/from-black.html  Looks like she and my Savannah homeboy & Morehouse brother Raphael Warnock have a collabo that we must ALL check out! http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/4/16/as-the-sun-has-its-place-up-in-the-sky.html 

VY HIGGINSEN & GOSPEL FOR TEENS

I also LOVE ME SOME Vy Higginsen and have interviewed her myself a time or few. Well, get your kleenex (if u haven't seen it already): This 60 MINUTES piece on her "Gospel for Teens" program will have you swimming in tears <at least, it did me>! BEAUTIFUL WORK, VY!

PART 1: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7361574n

&

PART 2: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7361570n&tag=contentMain%3Bconte

JILL SCOTT

Y'ALL KNOW I LOVE ME SOME JILL SCOTT, right? If you're a fan, too... check out her new viral video of "LOVELY DAY" on www.jillscott.com and you can participate in Phase I of the "HAVE A LOVELY DAY" Campaign or you can link directly here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOmPJeIJd8k LOVE YOU, JILL!

PAULA MADISON

Was just with NABJ mentor Paula Madison at the AFUWI event I helped produce: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/1/27/live-out-louder.html In fact, via NBC, she and I have partnered on some AWESOME A&E programming at NABJ... over the years: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/8/4/i-can-feel-the-warmth-of-love-surrounding-me.html. CONGRATS on JOB WELL DONE, PAULA!

JOHN STANLEY

My friend John Stanley just performed two sold-out shows at The Triad here in NYC! I was not able to make it, but I hear it was AMAZING… as I have experienced him many times (as Patti LaBelle’s Music Director). Plus, he has worked with everyone from VALERIE SIMPSON to LUTHER VANDROSS Download ALRIGHT from: www.johnstanleymusic.com And check this out from that night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYtQrn-S0QU&feature=share. CONGRATS, JOHN!

BLACK BUTTERFLY

My Itika T. Oldwine took me to the premiere of this film "Black Butterfly" last year while on an extended special project in Chicago: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/4/30/lip-sync-for-your-life.html. Looks like more people will be able to see it in cities across the U-S. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=93122939113.

DARRYL STEPHENS

Just stumbled into this tid-bit about Darryl Stephens, Noah of "Noah's Arc" fame. He has a debut novel! CONGRATS DARRYL (who I met during my 2009 stint in L.A. See attached blog entry which also includes another QUEEN OF SOUL set I attended in Beverly Hills after her "Hollywood Bowl" concert & lots more!) http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/shortcomings/15235929 CONGRATS, DARRYL!

DARIEL PULLIAM

To my Frankie & Neffe family - Evolyn Brooks, Nichole Andrews Shellman, Shareen King, Maia, Elizabeth, et al. Wasn't Dariel Pulliam a calm inside of a storm? May he rest in peace! www.DarielPulliam.com

SIDNEY LUMET

R.I.P. Sidney Lumet - DIRECTOR of "THE WIZ" and many more! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnrP-4LVhgU

Hi folks,

Actor/comedian Anthony Anderson is hosting the American Heart Association’s presentation of the "YOU ARE THE POWER" BENEFIT CONCERT - featuring Chrisette Michele - on Friday, May 6 at 8:00 p.m. The Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY is the venue.

From our first E-BLAST last week (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/4/3/american-heart-association-presents-you-are-the-power-benefi.html), we are getting wonderful feedback from many of our “A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RILEY: pop culture & possibilities” readers.

Please make sure we hear from you via our “Power to End Stroke” page on FACEBOOK.  Please LIKE us, after clicking here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=191844067524282#!/pages/Power-To-End-Stroke-You-Have-The-Power/139556840907 

I have been hired to be the roving reporter on the star-studded red carpet on that evening. The show’s line-up includes performers Brian Courtney Wilson and Trin-i-tee 5:7.  Plus, special appearances by Mathew Knowles; Tamron Hall; Malinda Williams; Ruben Santiago Hudson; Tamara Tunie; Jacque Reid; and Kevin Mambo. The honorary chair for the event is Cissy Houston.

Additionally, my blog "A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities" has been commissioned to send out FOUR dedicated E-BLASTs - the first of which includes a special testimonial from me and how STROKE has impacted my life.

As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

FOR MORE TICKET INFORMATION

on "YOU ARE THE POWER" BENEFIT CONCERT,

see options below:

1.  By phone call Ticketmaster 1-800-745-3000

2.  Online at www.Ticketmaster.com

3.  Ticketmaster Outlet (search for Chrisette Michele)

      www.ticketmaster.com/event/00004651D154A2C1

4.  http://powertoendstroke.org/power-awards-2011.html

Sincerely,

Patrick Riley

A Day in The Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/4/3/american-heart-association-presents-you-are-the-power-benefi.html

Hi folks,

The American Heart Association is presenting “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT – featuring Chrisette Michele – on Friday, May 6 at 8:00 p.m. The Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY is the venue.

I have been hired to be the roving reporter on the star-studded red carpet on that evening. 

Also performing on the bill: Brian Courtney Wilson; and Trin-i-tee 5:7.  Plus, special appearances by Mathew Knowles; Tamron Hall; Malinda Williams; Ruben Santiago Hudson; Tamara Tunie; Jacque Reid; and FELA!s Kevin Mambo. The honorary chair for the event is Cissy Houston.

The concert celebrates the American Heart Association’s “Power to End Stroke” campaign and its many worthy ambassadors. For information about the “Power to End Stroke” campaign, visit www.powertoendstroke.org.

Additionally, my blog “A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities” has been commissioned to send out FOUR dedicated E-BLASTs this month in preparation and promotion of the big benefit concert. And in this inaugural entry, I will share my own special testimonial around STROKE awareness. Please read on.

As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Best,

Patrick L. Riley

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

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/

I watched "strokes" do a 1-2-3 punch on three near-and-dear pillars in my family.  At 65 years of age, my grandmother Saphronia Haynes Bellinger had a stroke in 1974. 72 hours later, she was dead. In 1978, stroke threw a near-fatal blow to her husband Leroy. He survived the stroke for four years --- suffering through an uphill battle of rehabilitation therapy that would eventually have him speaking again (but slowly) and walking again (with assistance). But a second stroke in 1982 would take my middle-namesake down for good. And in the early ‘90s, “Papa” – my Dad’s dad – suffered a stroke and soon thereafter, he passed away.

As evidenced by my own family history, stroke hits close to home – especially in the African American community. Studies show that African Americans are at a greater risk for cardiovascular disease, including stroke, than any other ethnic group. And that’s why the American Heart Association created the “Power to End Stroke” Awards. These folks are leading a new charge to get the word out to the community about stroke awareness, stroke survival, and stroke prevention. And they are encouraging ALL OF US to learn what we can do to stop the cycle.

I checked in with my Auntee Mary Lee (the older sister and only sibling of my mom Queen Elizabeth Riley, who passed away in 1994 to congestive heart failure). At 74, Mary Lee is still alive, alert, and kicking. But she points out to me that she is not here to tell the story without the aid of high-blood pressure medicine and a strict diet regimen. Mary Lee’s two kids – my first cousins; and my two siblings – are in their mid-40s-to-early-50s. Though vibrant and generally healthy, they too are inside pre-emptive efforts to avoid our genetic leaning for stroke by maintaining good blood pressure levels via certain prescriptions; diet awareness; and an exercise plan. Many of the Rileys – including my father – are managing another predictor of stroke crisis: diabetes. 

As for me, I maintain a 29-inch waist that I’ve had since high school and a very active lifestyle. One might think I have little about which to be concerned. That said, I’m not fooling myself into thinking that – at 40 years of age and with the medical family history that I have – that I don’t have to begin my own mission for optimum health – including working out and eating healthier. In fact, on this morning, as tempting and easy as it would be for me to snag a high-calorie breakfast that echoes that best of what Gran Gran used to make, I will substitute turkey bacon for fat back; and wheat toast w/veggie spread in lieu of hot, uber-buttered biscuits.

And the morale of the story for me that I share with my extended family – my clan with whom I share a blood line… and the many sisters and brothers from other mothers – is we all have the POWER to make choices that can support us all to reverse the effects of - and the crisis that is - STROKE.  As we stand on the strong shoulders of our forefathers and foremothers who perhaps didn’t know better, the American Heart Association’s “Power to End Stroke” campaign armors us all to know better and, subsequently, to do better. And be better.

SEE BELOW… FOR MORE TICKET INFORMATION on “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT (featuring Chrisette Michele – on Friday, May 6 at 8:00 p.m.  - at The Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY):

1. By phone call Ticketmaster 1-800-745-3000

2. Online at www.Ticketmaster.com

3. Ticketmaster Outlet (search for Chrisette Michele)

www.ticketmaster.com/event/00004651D154A2C1

4. http://powertoendstroke.org/power-awards-2011.html

Hi folks,

You know I'm an independent producer/personality/writer here in the

NYC-area. And every day is a new day... in my world!

I often share that FREELANCE is feast or famine! The 14 years I've

been freelancing (by choice), it's mostly been a smooth ride. But there

can be some bumps in the road in the way of keeping revenue flowing

via cool projects.

Well, I recently got the chance to produce a fun spot for "THE VIEW"

 and CHEVY that actually ran last Friday. From game plan to field

execution to script to edit supervision, I oversaw an ambush during which

we surprised a deserving wife & working mother of two with a brand-new

CHEVROLET EQUINOX. Here's a behind-the-scenes peek of our operation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYcbwpTXbWU

If you missed "THE VIEW", CLICK HERE:

http://www.kxxv.com/global/category.asp?c=163320&clipId=&topVideoCatNo=116555&topVideoCatNoB=169583&topVideoCatNoC=116838&topVideoCatNoD=117582&topVideoCatNoE=138849&clipId=5693664&topVideoCatNo=116555&autoStart=true

-OR-

CLICK PART 1 & PART 2 BELOW:

PART 1 - http://abc.go.com/watch/clip/the-view/SH002253950000/PL5554876/VD55119295/wheres-my-car-contest-winner/moments

PART 2 - http://abc.go.com/watch/clip/the-view/SH002253950000/PL5554876/VD55119298/new-car-surprise-for-the-phillips-family/moments

ALSO: ABC's local affiliate KXXV did a behind-the-scenes piece (in which I'm interviewed) for its newscast:

http://www.kxxv.com/global/category.asp?c=163320&clipId=5699848&topVideoCatNo=116555&topVideoCatNoB=169583&topVideoCatNoC=116838&topVideoCatNoD=117582&topVideoCatNoE=138849&autoStart=true

- AND/OR (like the first link) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYcbwpTXbWU

And I LOVE "THE VIEW"! Always have. I recently got to do a behind-the-scenes of "The View", but here's a chronicle from 2008 that I dedicated to the ladies:

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/6/3/take-a-little-time-to-enjoy-your-view.html

As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Patrick L. Riley

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

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/