A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

From one of the American Theater's most acclaimed voices and the Obie Award-winning director of Durango comes a new play addressing one of the most crucial issues of our time.

Playwrights Horizons in association with The Play Company and the Culture Project present

a COOL DIP in the BARREN SAHARAN CRICK

The World Premiere of a new play by Kia Corthron (Breath, Boom; Force Continuum)

Featuring
Keith Eric Chappelle • William Jackson Harper (Ruined) • Joshua King
Kianné Muschett (The Brother/Sister Plays) • Myra Lucretia Taylor (Fabulation)

Directed by OBIE Award winner Chay Yew (Durango)

An African preacher-in-training arrives in drought-stricken rural America intending to further his studies in religion and water conservation. Hosted by a family that is haunted by tragedy, he takes an interest in a young orphan starved for guidance—all the while maintaining an infectious optimism in the face of his obstacles. Undaunted, the preacher determines to battle—by any means necessary—the personal and political forces that threaten the ecology of his new home.

MARCH 23 - APRIL 11 ONLY
Perfs. Tues-Fri at 7:30pm, Sat at 2 & 7:30pm, Sun at 2 & 7pm

Act NOW and save 40% on tickets!

Order by March 28 with code CDPP and tix are
$40 (reg. $50) for performances March 23 - April 11

HOW TO ORDER (with code CDPP)*:
•    Click HERE to purchase online at www.TicketCentral.com.
•    Call TICKET CENTRAL at (212) 279-4200 (Noon-8pm daily)
•    Visit the TICKET CENTRAL box office window at 416 West 42nd Street between 9th and 10th Avenues (Noon-8pm daily).

COOL DIP BLOG:
 Read more about the play and the production by clicking HERE or visit www.acooldip.typepad.com.

SPECIAL EVENT APRIL 11: Following the matinee performance, author/journalist Alex Prud'homme reads from and discusses his new book on water issues Clean, Clear, and Cold. Free and open to the public. Call (212) 564-1235 x3152, or e-mail us HERE to reserve.

GROUP SALES (10+):
To inquire, call (212) 564-1235 x3153 or e-mail us by clicking HERE. A free ticket for every ten ordered!
  

EASY, BREEZY, GEORGE AND WEEZY!!!!”

I’m sad to see “Ugly Betty” go in five more episodes, but Willy aka Wilhelmina aka Wanda helped me put it in perspective as she aimed to display her street credibility to an old boyfriend (Brian Stokes Mitchell) who knew her when she was just a regular girl. She assured him she was ‘…easy, breezy, George and Weezy!!!!’ – one of the last gut-wrenching laughs Ant and I will have from one of our favorite little shows.

MORE TODAY THAN YESTERDAY

That said, Miss Ross is hitting the road again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaZOKEDuNd8

And you know Ant & I will be there. She’ll return to her home away from home, the stage, this summer with a 17-city U-S tour titled “MORE TODAY THAN YESTERDAY”. When last she toured in 2007, Ant and I saw her several times between New York City and New Jersey. Then, in 2008, she headlined DIVAS WITH HEART. She closed out a charitable night featuring fellow DIVAS Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Chaka Khan. As many of us fans are excited about a new album, clearly we’re not moping about in the meantime because MISS ROSS LIVE is magical. So, greatest hits will do… and we hear she will be pulling out all the stops with breathtaking costumes and stage designs, along with a live string and horn section. The must see show kicks off in Boston, MA on May 15th, the tour runs thru June 12th. I know I will see her at RADIO CITY on May 19^th… and I may pop back down to Red Bank, NJ or Atlantic City to check her out as well. As her bio reminds us, Diana Ross has had a profound influence on American popular culture and has become an icon in the entertainment industry. She is an Academy Award nominated actress for her unforgettable role as Billie Holiday in Lady Sings The Blues, a Tony and Golden Globe winner, a bestselling author, winner of 8 American Music Awards and a recipient of The Kennedy Center Honors. Her reputation as a woman of great style and beauty has put her on the covers of hundreds of magazines. Ms. Ross has sold over 100 million records and recorded 18 #1 hits. Her music became the sound of young America in the ‘60s soon after she signed with Motown Records in 1961 with The Supremes. She embarked on her extraordinary solo career in 1970, and has not stopped since. Diana Ross sings the soundtrack of our lives, a true music legend. To get breaking news, latest tour information and exclusive content, become a fan of Diana Ross’ official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/dianaross).

ALMIGHTY RECORDS: WE LOVE DIANA ROSS

Though not a new album, it feels fresh. “WE LOVE DIANA ROSS” by Almighty Records is the new digital album featuring brand new remixes of ALL THINGS DANCEABLE… and DIANA! This project has been five years in the making. It was originally planned to be released by Universal. But now, it’s available on-line (http://www.almightyrecords.com/product/ALMYDD071/). This digital collection is overflowing with exclusives, such as the brand new mixes of ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’, 'Love Hangover' and ‘The Boss’, plus first time airings of ‘Remember Me’, ‘Reach Out And Touch’ and ‘I’m Still Waiting’, plus the sensational Almighty 'In The Mix' which includes classic titles: Love Hangover; Upside Down; I'm Coming Out; I'm Still Waiting; Ain't No Mountain High Enough; The Boss; Remember Me; I Thought It Took A Little Time; No-One Gets The Prize; Reach Out And Touch; Touch Me In The Morning; Lovin', Livin' And Givin.

DREAMGIRLS: SOMEDAY WE’LL BE TOGETHER

Meanwhile, YOU HEARD? The original Dreamgirls - Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine, and Jennifer Holliday were in attendance at the L.A. premiere of the staged musical 'Dreamgirls' road tour that launched here in NYC at The Apollo. I hear they had their own special moment during the finale song. Jennifer Holliday reportedly reached out and grabbed the hands of Sheryl and Loretta... and it was one more moment for Deena, Lorrell, and Effie - 29 years later! DREAMGIRLS LIVES! I LIVE! WE ALL LIVE!

CAN WE TALK????????

I co-hosted a pilot "tvQ" a few years back. It was a 'queer eye' meets 'the view'. It had lots of promise and got lots of press, but after a year of being retained, we didn't get picked up. But it gave me the chance to meet Michael Musto who was one of the co-hosts along w/Simon Doonan and others (Go 9:00 in on this link for an excerpt: http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickGeneralReel.wmv and I wrote something about it in a blog entry a couple of years ago: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/8/5/a-black-person.html). Well, my favorite Joan Rivers hosted a FAB fete at the 230 Fifth Avenue penthouse to toast Michael's 25 years at 'The Village Voice".  Ant, Nichole, Aleeka, and I had a ball. We ran into RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Sahara (in blue); Robert Verdi; and a host of others. REALLY GOOD NIGHT!

“RESPECT THE JUX”

Marketing strategist & guru Jacquie Lee invited Ant and me to Phillipe Chow to meet her client, author Frank Matthews. His upcoming Simon & Schuster release is titled "Respect The Jux". This, after meeting a couple of new Aussie friends at Coppersmith's - Sue & Steve - for an aperitif.  Stay tuned for more on Frank as his book readies for the marketplace.

PRECIOUS: A DISCUSSION OF HOLLYWOOD’S IMAGE OF THE BLACK WOMAN

The Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists invited me to sit on its "Monitoring Hollywood II - Precious: A Discussion on Hollywood's Image of The Black Woman" panel. It included moderator Patty Jackson; filmmaker Rel Dowdell; radio diva Golden Girl; columnist Annette John-Hall; 'Minority Reporter' Khalid Patterson; and fashion/beauty journalist (and my friend) Cheryl Wadlington. I also got to see my L.A. buddy-by-way-of-Philly Anthony Henderson. Happy to call him new friend (Mr. Jason too!).  We had lots of great times during my L.A. stint. Also, it was great to see so many of my NABJ sisters - including Amy Simmons. At about 5:43, you can see an excerpt of my commentary on the panel: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/video/video.php?v=106339826059527&ref=nf I LOVE PHILLY!

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK

Ant and I saw Sweet Honey In The Rock this evening at The Met. Awesome show. Afterwards, Ant and I ran into the great KiKi Shepard. You should remember her from “Showtime Returns To The Apollo”. It was good to see her again as I got to hang out with her at her Sickle Cell bowling benefit in L.A. where my friends Scott and Tony took me one night. She is a friend – dating back to  their Howard University time – of group member Carol Maillar. KiKi talked Marcia, Ant, and me into going to Carol’s birthday party at Harlem's MOJO (www.mojo-harlem.com). And what a hoot she was - putting Ant up for judging as if at The Apollo. I got the chance to interview Carol when I was producing the BET Black History Month campaign. She said some wonderful things during our sit-down chat. Its owner Mounir Jabrane proved ever the host. You may recognize him from an American Express commercial with Epatha Merkerson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b2_hNNVe88). And also in the house: Also in the house: My Marcia Pendelton. And my own Ki-Ki, Jackie Williams who is looking sexy and slinky these days. She's in production and featured as an actor in a commercial for a tooth pain product.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, OWEN ANGELO

My Godson Owen Angelo's birthday party was SO MUCH FUN! And he had a BLAST! Ant & I enjoyed spending time with him, his parents - our friends Owen & Sandy, and their friends & family! And I karaoke'd all night long! LOL! Happy Birthday, Owen Angelo!!!!

“… AND THE OSCAR GOES TO…”

Ant, Ern, & I attended a couple of Oscar viewing parties (Brooklyn & Harlem).    Word had it LA ROSS was gonna appear on the show, which would have been a welcome return given her many appearances on the Academy Awards. BEFORE B (or HALLE B), THERE WAS D... and after her nomination for Best Actress in "Lady Sings The Blues" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFstpIKW7A4), she became quite the Oscar darling - from her "Theme From Mahogany ('Do You Know...')" performance via satellite from Amsterdam a couple of years later. Then, co-hosting and presenting in '78 and '79 to performing several more times in the '80s and '90s (even co-hosting in '85, the year that she sang Stevie Wonder's "I Just Called To Say I Love You" from "The Woman In Red"). Some selects that are currently on YOU TUBE - including this one where Ross reflects on that heavy and exhilarating time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YA22pXIf1I):

1980/MJ & DR -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORPmEg4MYeI

1982/DIANA ROSS & LIONEL RICHIE on their OSCAR NOM'd "ENDLESS LOVE" -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ewf0TnM4eKo

1985/SINGING STEVIE'S OSCAR NOM'd "I JUST CALLED TO SAY I LOVE YOU" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_aUPf-Rdk0

1992/SINGING "OVER THE RAINBOW" – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N69rO3fRitc

Well, it turns out Miss Ross wasn’t in the Oscar house after all. But that didn’t stop the party.  Ant, Ern, and I did two sets: Jacque Reid's intimate set at Rustik in Brooklyn featured karaoke during commercials (I serenaded the room with Maxwell's "This Woman's Work", dedicating it to Jacque and Mo'Nique who'd just ...snagged her prize in the previous segment). After my performance, the fellas and I high-tailed it to Harlem for an Oscar party hosted by our best girlfriend Mara Schiavocampo and our best girlfriend's hubby Tommie.

 “INDEPENDENT SOURCES”

For those of you who don't have CUNY-TV, here's a link of "Independent Sources" on which I am featured in a Johnson Publishing profile (EBONY/JET money woes). The piece starts at 2:33 and I am excerpted a couple of times between 4:08 & 5:28. This, before it was reported that Ebony Fashion Fair will continue its hiatus (citing the recent death of its founder Eunice Johnson Rice). http://www.cuny.tv/series/sources/listen.lasso?-database=CUNYPROG&-response=detail2.lasso&-table=webprogdetail2&-sortField=TapeDate&-sortOrder=descending&-op=eq&SeriesTitle=Independent%20Sources&-op=neq&Real_av=%3d%3d&-op=lte&TapeDate=12%2f31%2f2010&-op=gte&TapeDate=1%2f1%2f2010&-maxRecords=1&-skipRecords=1&-search

IT’S THE WEEKEND, BABY!!!!!

Ant and I just had a lovely weekend of connection and rejuvenation – in part because it was his pay day and furthermore because a long-standing check from services already rendered FINALLY came, all of this despite the rain. From a Friday night tasting hosted by Ant’s friend Nova ("Saucy Solutions by Nova") - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saucy-Solutions/272235603144?v=info. And what a tasty inventory – from hot to mild to sweet AND savory, Nova offered up cheesy dips; succulent BBQ sauces; and other special recipes including Bad Girl Bolognese and Fabulous Formaggio. Check her out. Afterwards, Ant and I went to have a light meal at Heartland Brewery with Manivone. This, before going to Club 57 to see Kelis perform: http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=k-K_bKQtUsI&feature=player_ embedded#.  We also hung out in Brookllyn and did a round of lite bites from Red Hook/Brooklyn's Sugar Lounge along with more karaoke at One 7 in Chelsea.

“JUST MY IMAGINATION” – A REALITY WITH LACHANZE & GREG GENERET

Ant & I honored our girlfriend LaChanze and friend Gregory Generet's invite to see them perform at Joe's Pub  (SOLD OUT). It was a GREAT show that highlighted these two stellar vocalists’ chemistry when sharing a stage.

Dear friend LaChanze walked her six-inch Valentino pumps off the stage and up to me to sing.

Yes, she did hand me that microphone for the chorus of The Temptations' "Just My Imagination".

I got a roar of approval from the sold-out audience - including Greg's wife Tamara Tunie (HAPPY BDAY!);

Star Jones; Lynn Whitfield; 'The Wiz' Tony-award-winning legend George Faison; and a host of others.

 Several of the folks joined LaChanze's sister Michelle, Ant, and I at Indochine for an after set. And we always have such a good time. This time was no exception.

The set list was as follows:

“It Takes Two” – duet

“One Less Bell To Answer” – LaChanze

“Nature Boy” – Greg

“Once I Fall in Love” – Greg

“Route 66” – duet

“To Sir With Love” – LaChanze

“Happy birthday” – duet

“Imagination” – Greg

“Just My Imagination” – duet*

“All of Me” – duet

Encore: BLUES FINALE – duet

LaChanze excited me with the news she’d be returning to her role as Aunt Em and Glenda The Good Witch in the soon-Broadway-run of “The Wiz”. Since I was in L.A. and missed the short run of it last summer, I am EXCITED to see the show again. By the way, check out LaChanze’s new children’s book “Little Diva” which will soon have a companion video with the title song that LaChanze penned. Stay tuned…

… AND SPRING FORWARD!

 Good times
These are the good times 

So Ant and I wanted Ern’s birthday after set to be at Sugar Lounge in Red Hook, Brooklyn (http://lounge.sugarlounge.com/). But on his night, we went to our regular spot instead. Still, Ant and I popped by to see what their karaoke night is like (on Wednesdays). I performed my Maxwell’s “This Woman’s Work” for the new audience. Surely, Ant and I will go back. Join us sometime. Afterwards, we went to SPLASH to toast our friend Nathan Hale Williams for his birthday. Of course, he has more than a birthday to celebrate of late. 2010 is off to a great start for he and his business partner Crystal McCrary Anthony’s respective companies iN-Hale Entertainment & Crystal McCrary Anthony Productions.  First, their television show, LEADING WOMEN (formerly Real Life Divas) has been nominated for the NAACP IMAGE AWARD (The same category in which I had the luxury of being LAST YEAR as part of a team that produced a Martin Luther King documentary). Awesome to be nominated. Better to win. And better luck next time for us all. The episodes profiling DR. MAYA ANGELOU and INDIA.ARIE got the OUTSTANDING TELEVISION SHOW - NEWS/INFORMATION nod. And Ant, Ern, and I enjoyed the show after going to Red Robin to pick up a snack and coming back to Ern's place for a low-maintenance night in the wake of yet another blizzard.  MEANWHILE, Nathan and Crystal are also currently taping a new docu-series that will air on the SUNDANCE CHANNEL in August.  This time, however, they're in front of the camera.  The new show chronicles their relationship as business partners and friends as they prepare to make their next film, HOMECOURT ADVANTAGE – based on Crystal and Rita Ewing’s groundbreaking and best-selling novel of the same name. This book really is the first to begin to explore NBA Players and their wives/girlfriends.

Leave your cares behind
These are the good times 

Ant and I had invites to the INDASHIO fall/winter 2010 “red carpet” collection and were on our way to  NYC hotspot TENJUNE to attend. However, a stop by my girlfriend Sidra’s Harlem place inspired us to spend some quality, down time with her. We decided to pop by our boy Brian Palmer’s restaurant Native for a little bite and we ran into my buddy Patrik-Ian Polk who credits himself a New Yorker now. He’s now a singer for Los-Angeles-based band Fol Chen, which is an art rock/electro-pop band (www.myspace.com/folchen). Plus, he’s writing “Noah’s Arc” spinoff for LOGO right now. Lead characters and couple Noah and Wade move to New York City, prime for new adventures. I love those guys! And they are all so nice!

Good times
These are the good times 

Though Ant and I didn’t make the fashion show, Sidra provided us another awesome opportunity to socialize a week or so later: her birthday extravaganza in Harlem. She gathered a group of her favorite folks to eat, drink, sing, and be merry. Several of the performers – including two of my favorites: Anwar Robinson and Gordon Chambers – shared a stage with me a couple of months ago when we all sang for “Ashford & Simpson”... and they turned it out for Miss Sidra.The backdrop was Indigo Arms (www.indigoarms.com) – cute bed and breakfast on Lenox Avenue. And so much LOVE was in the room for Sidra – including Television Personality/Fashion & Lifestyle Correspondent & Host Paul Wharton, who is poised to be a stimulating source of drama on the upcoming “Real Housewives of DC”. www.evolutionlook.com and
 www.trendctv.com. He was such a breath of fresh air. Sid has wanted us to meet for years and now we finally got the chance. And it was also great to see my George Faison who so graciously participated in one of the BET Black History Month campaign spots I produced at The Faison Firehouse (www.faisonfirehouse.org) – dropping historical science as the first African American man to win a Tony in choreography for “The Wiz” in 1975 (ftp://ftp.bet.net/BHMGEORGEFAISONCUT7.wmv). Also in the house: friend of the blog Charlotte Doreen Small (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/12/16/cat-on-a-hot-tin-roof.html) and stage grand dame Ebony JoAnne. Speaking of birthdays, Ant and I got the chance to celebrate with “The Queen of Soul” last year in Detroit (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/3/26/people-say-im-the-life-of-the-party.html). Well, I must mention her cute SNICKERS commercial with Liza Minnelli. Did you see it? Check it out! A HOOT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLrsCnBvQFo.

 
Our new state of mind
These are the good times 

FIRST WEEKENDS (BLACK MOVIES)! My buddy Nate Parker invited Ant, our mutual friend Ike, and me to join him a couple of Fridays ago to see his movie "Blood Done Sign My Name" (http://www.hulu.com/watch/127642/movie-trailers-blood-done-sign-my-name). I tweeted all of you about it. Of course, I talk about Nate Parker all the time in the blog (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/8/31/i-can-do-good-all-by-myself-and-with-someone.html). Met him through his college buddy Ike who has become a dear friend of Ant and mine.  You know him from "Great Debaters". Also, "Secret Life of Bees". In this film, he plays civil rights activist Benjamin Chavis. BE SURE TO CHECK IT OUT! Afterwards, Nate, Ike, their gang of buddies, Ant, and me enjoyed a little snack and drink at BBQ. This, as we toasted yet another strong performance on film from Nate. PROUD OF YOU, NATE! KEEP DOING IT!

Happy days are here again
The time is right 

Lots to toast of late: my girl Cynthia's new digs in the suburbs of New York City. At this lovely event, Ant and I got the chance to hang out with my Amazing Grace Nichole and friends Michelle & Nelson’s little boy Ferro. The cutest! Another recent celebration: Sam Fine! He’s our friend... and a great guy all his own. But he is known the world over as the legendary Celebrity Makeup Artist for Great Divas – including Iman and Vanessa Williams who are always BEAT! Right? Well, he’s moving into the head-to-toe territory. He launched Sam Fine by Cavage at Dex Studios. The line is comprised of ballet flats for today’s cosmopolitan woman. And live models were on display in the windows to showcase them. I got the chance to hang out with our boy Theo. Also, my stylist friend Deb Ginyard who you recall worked alongside Ant in helping me style the ladies for my 'first lady fashion show' on CN8's "Your Morning" (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/11/2/hey-i-aint-got-no-money-but-im-rich-on-personality.html) or to see it: http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/firstladyfashion.wmv.  Also, known for Kissable Couture, AJ Crimson. Great to finally meet him (www.kissablecouture.com/).  Lawyer friend Londell McMillan came by as well. the way, CAVAGE shoes are made from the highest-quality raw materials, with the use of refined leathers, Swarovski crystals, and imported fabrics and satin. Furthermore, genuine exotic alligator and snake skins are also used. CAVAGE is one of the few Brazilian companies in this field that owns a special license issued by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources – IBAMA, to manufacture, sell, and export shoes made from exotic animal skins. This, before Ant and I rushed home to see RuPaul's Drag Race and the best our TIVO playlist had to offer.

For makin' friends
Let's get together

Well, I couldn't very well field and story produce 'Monica: Still Standing' (in Atlanta and L.A.) and alert/stalk you to watch on BET each Tuesday of our 12 episode run throughout 2009 and the top of 2K10 and not ALSO share with you the first video off of the upcoming project (my favorite select, i might add). Wearing the late, great Alexander Mcqueen, MISS THANG herself: MONICA with 'EVERYTHING TO ME' (sampling Deniece Williams' 'Silly' and produced by MISSY!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqe93Bct7UU&feature=player_embedded THOUGHTS? On the day this came out, Ant and I – along with his ‘Wendy’ co-worker Tashara – went to Wilhelmina Agency's Hot Body Model Search. Met a cool model Andre Douglas while there. He's as good looking on the outside as he seems on the inside. Some models aren't always the most approachable. But Andre was kind and chatty. One of my NABJ mentors Roy Johnson is Editor-in-Chief at “Men’s Fitness” - one of the editorial sponsors for the contest. I've known him since I was a student in the National Association of Black Journalists and was excited to see him working the room to ensure all clients and partners were having a good time. The next day, I went to see Patti LaBelle at ‘The Wendy Williams Show’. Many called, texted, emailed, tweeted, and FB’d me after they saw me in the audience giving what my Dad called: “...(my) 1-2-3-4 clap... straight from our church The House of Prayer. LOL!  ...” Before the show started, my buddy, Patti's music director John Stanley, came out and said HI. He's always so gracious and calm, even prior to playing for Miss LaBelle before millions. And one of Patti's AWESOME background vocalists Keith Fluitt sang background for me when I did "The Boss" for Ashford & Simpson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbI1qEM_k8k). He assures Nick & Val loved it and that we'll get to do it again really soon (I'll be better prepared). And after the show, Wendy received a special MLK Award from a renowned Jewish organization. And Patti will appreciate this as proof that all that glitters isn’t gold in my world: I went right home to take another stab at being domestic: cleaning bathroom & laundry (hopefully without a flood this time. LOL! Someday my MERRY MAID will return! LMAO!) And also on this night: I was featured in a piece re: Ebony Fashion Fair on CUNY-TV's "Indepedent Sources" that runs on CUNY TV - channel 75 in New York City (8:30 PM).

How 'bout a quarter to ten
Come tomorrow
Let's all do it again 

CONGRATS to my girlfriend Erica Watson in her one-woman show "FAT BITCH" (http://www.spincyclenyc.com). It was AWESOME - funny, insightful, honest, raw, and just plain FABULOUS! LOOK OUT FOR IT! Also, good to hang out with our Charlie T. And it has been a minute since we've had the chance to hang out with our Jamar, but he called and VOILA! He enjoyed the show with us as well! On this particular day, before I met up with Ant, I happened upon the “Meet The Oscars” exhibit on the 2nd level of the Time Warner Center mall on Columbus Circle...  and I got to pose with AN OSCAR! Of course, after all these years, I channeled my DIANA ROSS and how she should have won back in the early ‘70s for “Lady Sings The Blues” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YA22pXIf1I).

Boys will be boys
Better let them have their toys 

Ant and I enjoyed a fun time at BET's taping of "Rip The Runway" where I got to run into many of my BET family – including my hometown best friend Maurice Marable and Creative Director Michaela angela Davis. Here, I channeled MISS ROSS again as each model CATWALK’d on her shoulders http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFB2E8v4MUg. They even had an inspired moment in the show where they VOGUE’d! Miss Bevy Smith was in the house... and it is always a pleasure to see her. She informed me that she and my nephew are TWITTER friends. LOVE IT!

Girls will be girls
Cute pony tails and curls 

After the show, Ant & I ran into Kittie (from 'Let's Talk About Pep') in the subway. Her co-star Jacque Reid is a friend.   Jacque invited us to join them for their Season Finale party. We’ve enjoyed the show and considered it a total honor to be asked to attend. The set was festive. Our friends, publicists Katrina Boswell (with Kat Walk Media) and Theo Perry, made sure we were taken care of in anticipation of Miss Jacque's arrival. Though Ant and I didn't get our Kittie moment on, we did get some time with Jacque. Also, Pepa seemed to remember me from the last time we met at a VIBE party a couple of years ago. We too were reacquainted at her book party which Salt attended. And Pepa's Tom was in the house... and quite gracious with the photo ops. And in the house to support the ladies: Miss Gayle King herself... and Fatman Scoop and his wife Shanda... They both were so nice and quite funny. Also, I was shocked to stumble into my Atlanta buddy Lamoh who works with longtime friend Dwight Eubanks of "Real Housewives of Atlanta" fame. Of course, it's always a blast when Dwight is around... and Pepa seemed to agree. Too, Ern, Ant, and I got to sit with one of Whitney's close-circle handlers Ulysses Carter. He is preparing to join Whitney in Europe as she's on her world tour that has already taken her through Korea and Australia. GO WHITNEY, GO! It was cool to experience the show in a theater setting. Everyone laughs in the same places. CONGRATS, JACQUE and all the girls! By the way, I Chair the NABJ Arts & Entertainment Task Force and we are producing a panel: "REALITY SHOWS: IS THIS WHERE THE JOBS ARE?" As I have had to consider the skills-set applicable genre as a way to maintain my living, others have too… and it can be quite lucrative. The NABJ Convention is in San Diego  on July 28-August 1. (www.nabj.org)... And we are going to explore the changes that have been an inherent part of our members and fellow journalists for the last couple of years. As newsrooms downsize and newspaper circulation/TV viewing habits are on the decline, many of us have replaced our own displaced realities with ‘reality TV’.

From NABJ baby to seasoned publicist (and dear friend) Paula Witt represents many of the reality stars – from Kandi ("Real Housewives of Atlanta") to Tiny & Toya ("Tiny & Toya"). Her simple thought is we can explore the place that REALITY TV currently has in a journalist’s life… and already, Jacque has agreed to sit on the panel along with my buddy Dr. Ian Smith. And my boss from 2009, Evolyn Brooks, who was the show runner on “Monica: Still Standing” and “Frankie & Neffe”.

Must put an end
To this stress and strife
I think I want to live the sporting life 

Ant’s Amazing Grace Manivone invited us to hang out with their Denver crew Chris and Reggie along with some of their other friends for a screening of “Bronson” and some delicious bites as prepared by Manivone's talented hands - including rice pudding for dessert. Quite intense, but loads of FUN! By the way, you all know I love TV One’s UNSUNG! It’s coming back March 22 with four new episodes: Rose Royce. Sylvester. Childhood favorite Stacy Lattisaw. And The Bar-Kays. APPOINTMENT TELEVISION! (www.tvoneonline.com/).

A rumor has it that
It's getting late 

Remember I met KINDRED last year (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/11/2/desperate-real-times-in-atlanta.html)? Well, check this out: www.vimeo.com/9386223 My friend Tierre Brooks who I met in Indianapolis as he was fill-in managing for neo-soul great Donnie. Well, he asked me to take a look at the first episode of Kindred's web based reality series "Six is It." Soon thereafter, he set up a conference call with Kindred and me – asking for a little consulting. There may be synergies for us down the line. However, the official launch of the husband-and-wife duo is being announced on Tom Joyner this week. Too, they asked me for a quote. Here goes: “I've always loved Kindred's music. And as reports of their steadily-expanding family have unfolded over the years, I often wondered how they manage it all. Well, the first episode of Kindred's web based reality series "Six is It" answers some of those questions and then some. I'm excited to see more of the adventures of this neo-soul Jon & Kate + 6!"

Time marches on
Just can't wait
The clock keeps turning
Why hesitate 

Besides dancing for "Shakira", Ant’s and my hip hop dance isntructor Tweetie aka TweetBoogie has  been performing for myself these days. Below is a piece of which she is very proud. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piikOR4w3zE And of course, we are proud of her. As always. Love you, Tweetie! www.TweetBoogie.com and www.Twitter.com/TweetBoogie and www.FaceBook.com/TweetBoogie and www.Myspace.com/Birddance2

You silly fool
You can't change your fate
Let's cut a rug
A little jive and jitterbug 

My L.A. buddy Herndon Davis’ book “Repackaged Common Sense: A New Age path to career and business” is out and you must check it out! It is a 13 chapter spiritual guide book for those seeking career and business success utilizing spirituality tools and techniques.  It speaks directly to career minded people-of-faith from all beliefs and is written through the lens of universal spirituality and metaphysical thinking.  You can purchase the book today on Amazon.com. (www.herndondavis.com) LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING HIM when his book tour comes to NYC!

We want the best
We won't settle for less

Though not the best occasion - my uncle Bobby's passing, my cousin Bobby, his siblings, and I got to reconnect as we buried their father in Pontiac, MI late last year. More than how much Bobby and my dad Herman's kids are aesthetically family, musical talent runs in our family too. My dad was very much a big Gospel quartet singer in the day. Via my parents, I sing. And Uncle Bobby had some pep in his musical step too. So, I am not surprised that my cousin Bobby is on that path as well. He recently shared the following with us as his upcoming release goes. Bobby Black comes to us from Chop Shop Records. Check him out... and let me know your thoughts: http://apps.facebook.com/reverbnation_fb/artist/bobbyblack?autoPlay=3425530&_fb_fromhash=cb0f82f2f48e664894ba7629be5f8c38. CONGRATS, CUZ! I'm SO PROUD OF YOU!

Don't be a drag
Participate
Clams on the half shell
And roller-skates
Roller-skates

LYRICS from CHIC - Bernard Edwards & Nile Rodgers

Well, I’ve been working non-stop for various clients since the top of the year. The work is coming much faster than the checks. But the checks are coming… and that’s what counts, right? Since last we spoke, much has happened. But mostly good (Will be better when those checks start trickling in… and even better if I keep attracting these rounds of great assignments).

As you know, under my cap as independent producer, personality, writer, I just wrapped getting my feet wet in the skills-set-applicable reality realm as field and story producer on reality shows "Monica: Still Standing" (and prior to that, "Frankie & Neffe" - both of which shot in Atlanta and edited in L.A. throughout 2009). Well, we just found out that “Monica: Still Standing” has been nominated for the 2010 Namic Vision Award. NAMIC is the National Association of Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (www.namic.org). CONGRATS TEAM MONICA! Even after the show has wrapped, our show is BEING THE DIFFERENCE! AWESOME!

Meanwhile, on the on-camera tip, you’ve so far seen my pop culture analysis on MSNBC at the top of the year (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pYKZBjEx40). And with "Princess & The Frog" having come out with a bang, this link got a lot of play (from when I recently hosted a preview event for Disney with Anika Noni-Rose in Tampa for NABJ) (http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/NABJDisneyMagic.wmv). And
 I'm featured in a piece re: Ebony Fashion Fair on CUNY-TV's "Indepedent Sources" that runs later this month on Wednesday, February 24^th. CUNY TV is channel 75 in New York City and runs at 8:30 PM (www.cuny.tv).

And on the freelance producing tip, the BET work on which I spent the lion’s share of January is either on the air or has already been seen by its target audience.
 
BET commissioned me to work on field producing/writing/editing BET's Black History Month campaign. Some samples below, but the final spots are running on BET now.
 
ftp://ftp.bet.net/STUDENTSSEQUENCECUT6.wmv

ftp://ftp.bet.net/BHMVIctoryWon25secCut10.wmv

ftp://ftp.bet.net/BHMGEORGEFAISONCUT7.wmv

ftp://ftp.bet.net/BHM_HSLiftEveryVoice.08.wmv
 
Too, I produced tribute videos for The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies. 

ftp://ftp.bet.net/AFWUIViceChancellorFINAL.wmv

ftp://ftp.bet.net/AFWUILuminaryAwardFINAL.wmv

ftp://ftp.bet.net/AFWUILogoLoopFINAL.wmv

ftp://ftp.bet.net/AFWUILegacyAwardFINAL.wmv

ftp://ftp.bet.net/AFWUIEdisonJacksonFINAL.wmv

ftp://ftp.bet.net/AFWUIAirJamaicaTcwFINAL.wmv

ftp://ftp.bet.net/AFWUAOverviewFINAL.wmv

And also for BET, I did celebrity interviews back-stage for two of BET's recent events: BET HONORS (DC) and was invited to interview celebs backstage at BET's telethon for HAITI relief in Miami. I got to see Monica and Diddy again as well as interview Gloria & Emilio Estefan, Fonzworth Bentley, Common, Rickey Smiley, Chrisette Michelle, Spike Lee, Mike Tyson, Brian McKnight, and many more (www.bet.com/specials/helphaiti/). While in Miami, I got to hang out with my homeboy Maurice and my Morehouse brother Khalid. And also in the mix, all of the awesome BET folks who’ve welcomed me into the fold as family.  A lot of great folks over there. We had a lovely meal at Tarpon Bend Restaurant in Coral Gables, Florida (www.tarponbend.com).

Meanwhile, my main freelance client has been calling and I’ve been churning out work there and also I recently did a project for Ed Gordon Media.
 
And on the writing tip, in the wake of being a contributing reporter for ESSENCE Magazine's OBAMA editorial section in the November issue, I just filed work for a new assignment that will be featured in the June 2010 issue of ESSENCE on FATHERHOOD. And The Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists has invited me to sit on its panel (just before The Oscars): Monitoring Hollywood ll Precious: A Discussion On Hollywood’s Image of The Black Woman. It’s scheduled for Thursday, March 4, 2010 from 7pm to 9pm in the Philadelphia Inquirer/Daily News Public Room, 400 North Broad Street. Since Philly’s own Lee Daniels’ gripping film “Precious” - based on the novel “Push” by Sapphire is winning acclaim for its tale of a young Black girl’s heartache and struggle living in the inner city, PABJ’s Media Watch Committee think it fitting to delve into the progress and failures of Hollywood’s portrayal of Black women. Just in time for Women’s History Month! www.pabjwatch.blogspot.com

AND WINTER’S COLD --- and many BLIZZARDS --- COULDN’T STOP Ant, the gang, and me from enjoying our New York City!

“CHICAGO”

From Destiny’s Child, Michelle Williams made her debut in Broadway’s “Chicago” recently. As all of her stage impressions – from “AIDA” to “The Color Purple” (as Shug Avery) – she proved a delight. AMEN’s Roz Ryan is ‘Mama’ in the cast. And these two bring some freshness to a long-in-the-tooth show on The Great White Way. My buddies Damone Roberts (‘eyebrow king’) and star hairstylist Oscar James were in the house along with Star Jones and her beau. Also, it was great to see Michelle, Kelly, and Beyonce’s label publicist (for many years) Yvette Noel-Schure. I love Yvette!!!! She made it possible for Ant to take me to Manila a couple of years ago and see in concert: Beyonce, who serenaded me Happy Birthday after her show. And since B was in Brazil (hot off snagging her record-breaking six Grammy Awards), her husband Jay Z came by the after party (at Time Hotel, just across the street from the Ambassador Theatre) to celebrate Michelle on behalf of Mrs. Carter.  Also in attendance at the after-party: my friends Devon Christopher (BLEU Magazine Publisher); Ra-Fael deBlanco; and Katrina Boswell (two of my favorite publicists); and THE Karu Daniels (of AOL Black Voices fame).

“BLACK LIST 3”

I've had the chance to host THE BLACK LIST Volume One premiere in Atlanta in August 2008 at The High Museum: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/8/26/its-good-to-be-black.html This, in addition to attending the NYC Premiere for VOLUME ONE: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/8/15/masters-mentors.html ... And VOLUME TWO: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/3/4/like-march-weather-when-hell-change-nobody-knows.html  Was great to experience the continuing saga VOLUME 3 in New York City with players from all three: Faye Wattleton, Lee Daniels, Latonya Richardson, Dr. Michael Lomax, Rev. Al Sharpton, and others. (www.hbo.com)

“POST BLACK”

On that same night, Ant and I joined my AUC/CAU sister Ytasha Womack who left her Windy City of Chicago to promote her new book in New York City. Hip business features magazine NV presented the “Post Black” party. And imagine my excitement when I found out that in this collection of essays on ‘how a new generation is redefining African American Identity’, Ytasha includes a memory of ME at the top of her Chapter 4 (page 82 – 83)  which is titled “BLACK, GAY, LESBIAN, AND PROUD: GLBT IN BLACK AMERICA” – an excerpt in which some social time she and I spent in Chicago was perhaps tainted by a comic that – after tanking with his stand-up act – chose to go for the ‘homophobic gay joke’ to which he received even less enthusiasm from the mixed crowed. I consider the moment a development in my own comforts around sexuality because – like other moments – this one didn’t hold in my heart as a ‘traumatic’ one. But the compassion and insight of Ytasha underscores the sociological aspects of that particular moment brilliantly. CONGRATS YTASHA! Please pick up her book: www.postblackthebook.blogspot.com and http://lit.newcity.com/tag/ytosha-womack/ and http://www.booklistonline.com/default.aspx?page=show_product&pid=3968773 and http://www.wgntv.com/search/dispatcher.front?Query=ytasha+womack&target=article  Several of my L.A. peeps are still staying in touch. Look out for:  My Sheryl Lee Ralph’s 1^st Annual DIVA AWARDS (www.divaawards.org) in L.A. on February 27^th. She honors Oscar nominees Lee Daniels and Mo’Nique. 

NYC FASHION WEEK

New York Fashion Week is in high gear… and Ant and I are usually in the mix. In the throes of managing multiple projects to stay afloat, I’ve neglected the many invites that have popped in my email box – usual inspiration for what I will RSVP to attend a la the white tent shows; off-sight extravaganzas; and the many ‘open bar’ parties. Though Ant too has been overwhelmed with long days – cranking out segments for ‘The Wendy Williams Show’, fashion and style are his business. So, he invited me to join him for ‘Wendy’ celebrity guest make-up artist D'Angelo Thompson's launch party in SOHO along with his partner Andrea Fairweather who I've had a chance to meet over the years when I've done on-camera pop culture analysis. Beauty Techniques To Go (www.BeautyTechniquesToGo.com) is a comprehensive DIY beauty education series for the beauty-conscious and aspiring/emerging artists. It teaches beauty techniques, trends, kit revamp, and more. Several of his ‘Wendy’ colleagues were in the house – from Aleeka to Talia… and it was the perfect start to an evening that wrapped further downtown. It was BET’s a-little-older-and-sexier cable network CENTRIC's party launching MODEL CITY – an original series that takes a look at the world of Black male models. I have several friends connected to the project – from Sean Joell Johnson and Senior VP of Original Programming Essie Chambers. In the house, I ran into several of my BET bosses and peers of late as well as some dear friends – like Toyce Francis and Nina Flowers (from The Apollo). Toyce has just launched www.ClubVIPlister.com, a national gay nightlife directory that features much for its demo to comb through around the New York City scene and beyond. I’ve bumped into her a time or two during Fashion Weeks gone by and this past couple of months (at BET Honors and BET’s Haiti Telethon), Chrisette Michelle – as always – was most gracious and sweet. I even ran into my friend Tracey Moore’s little girl Radiance – now a woman and continuing to make us proud as she delves into video producing! GO RADIANCE!

“ERN’S EXTRAVAGANZA”

February has been celebration time. It’s Ern’s birthday month (February 14^th to be exact). But we didn’t start partying on that day. A couple of weeks prior, he, Ant, and I hung out with Ant’s work sister Candice at her place for a YOU TUBE party. We enjoyed The Grammys at Ern’s place. Then, to honor the BIG 28^TH BIRTHDAY of ERN, we did several things. We’re still celebrating. (But I’ve known Ern since ‘his birth’ [EXHIBIT A], I’m not sure how all of this works… but since Black doesn’t crack, I’ll play along. LOL!). On the eve of his big Birthday set that Kimberly put together, Ant and I took Ern out for margaritas and wings. Come Saturday night, we joined Kim and a gang of Ern’s friends for bowling. And of course, karaoke couldn't be too far behind. Our Mara and Tommie came. Tata & Jules were in the house. All of his real estate compadres. And my Morehouse brothers Michael and Mario were there as they’ve known Ern since our college years when he’d visit me in school. FUN ALL AROUND punctuated by a birthday/Valentine’s Day nibble at “On The Border” with his best buddy Tina. And for his special occasion, he even got a hand-written card and video BDAY message from his favorite diva Vanessa Williams. GO ERN! ALL FOR YOUR 28^TH! YAYYYY!

SHOUT OUTS

MOREHOUSE, MY NEPHEW, AND ME

My friend and Spelman sister Adrianne C. Smith sent these pix the other day of us in college. We – THE KING PLAYERS – were a musical theatre troop that traveled a bit with a musical “Martin”. At closer inspection, you’ll see our other Spelman sister Cassie Davis who has gone on to have huge success with Tyler Perry – including the hit TV show “House of Payne”. We all started together. I owe so much of my success to Morehouse – from the classroom to the networking to the exposure to the training for life and art. But my biggest THANKS to Morehouse is keeping her arms open long enough for my nephew Herman Lee Riley III to matriculate through those halls and create an even-more amazing life for himself from the place that did alright by me. He graduates in May. He’s already landed his first gig post-college (here in New York City as a marketing analyst for a household, Fortune 500 company). But even before all of that, he is one of 18 of the College’s best students selected to go on the 2010 Annual Spring Tour which – this year – travels to London, England, Edinburgh, Scotland, and Dublin, Ireland from March 4, 2010-March 12, 2010. He and his fellow Morehouse brothers will have the opportunity to interact with senior level management of major international corporations, such as Google and Goldman Sachs, and to examine their domestic and foreign operations.  After being nominated by faculty members, the students wrote research papers describing the British Isles economies and their reaction to the “Great Recession”.  From this pool of qualified students, selection was based on grade point average, scholastic honor, distinction, and extracurricular involvement.  The eighteen students who were ultimately chosen are only a sample of the high caliber of students that Morehouse produces. The Spring Tour was developed and implemented in 1982.  It was taken international in 1985. One of my fellow King Players, the late, great Benjamin P. McLaurin, Director of Career Counseling & Placement, took it to its current level of excellence.  It was originally designed to allow accounting students to visit banking and accounting firms as well as graduate schools.  The purpose of the tour has evolved to exposing Morehouse students to business customs and practices and to assist them in paralleling foreign customs and practices with domestic ones. Speaking of Morehouse, check out my Morehouse brother Kobie Brown’s project on FATHERS: The Kobie Chronicles Presents “From Fatherless To Fatherhood:
A video interview of Kevin Mason about fatherhood” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7dI8my_1KE.  STRONG MEN KEEP A COMIN’!

I figured I better download you on my 2010 so far as it has been on and popping. THANKS MARCIA for my TIMELY 2010 AFFIRMATIONS (as author'd - I understand - by Florence Scovel-Schin's "The Game of Life"): "GOD IS MY UNFAILING SUPPLY. I RECEIVE LARGE SUMS OF MONEY QUICKLY AND IN PERFECT WAYS!"..."I HAVE A WONDERFUL SERVICE IN A WONDERFUL WAY. I GIVE A WONDERFUL SERVICE FOR A WONDERFUL PAY"..."THY WILL BE DONE. THIS IS A DAY OF COMPLETION. MIRACLE SHALL FOLLOW MIRACLE AND WONDERS WILL NEVER CEASE!" It's ON!

Came into the New Year without Ant as he was still in Denver while I was back home from Savannah in Jersey. But my ride-or-die Ern was free. We hung out at the home of Queenie - a friend of he and Kimberly. Also, Ern and I got another set in at his real estate compadre Cindy's lovely place. Food, fun, and fellowship! What better way to come into 2010!

The next day, Ern, Kim, and I trekked up to The Poconos. We spent quality New-Year's-Day time with our girlfriend Cristal and her mom Sheila. They were hosting a special outing of dinner and cards. Awesome time! I got some sad news that one of our classic, soul food restaurants The Pink Tea Cup (in the Village) was closing... and it is now gone. My cousin-by-marriage Vincent was the longstanding manager there. I will miss The Pink Tea Cup.

At the top of January, I got two, month-long assignments from BET to field produce/write/edit BET's Black History Month campaign and to produce tribute videos for The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies. Working under the Creative Direction of Michaela angela Davis and my Savannah homeboy Maurice Marable (Director), it was a great opportunity. I interviewed a number of celebs at BET Honors which taped in D.C. I chatted up Tischina Arnold, Trey Songz, Ryan Leslie, Jasmyne Sullivan, Gabrielle Union, and a host of others. Ran into my Morehouse brother Khari Simmons, long-standing bass player for India.Arie and son of BET Honors recipient Dr. Ruth Simmons (Brown University President). Ran into dear friends Terri and Alvin Bowles. Always good to see them! Here I pose with one of our First Lady Michelle Obama's hairstylists Johnny Wright.

Also in D.C., we shot with the Howard University band and many of its students and some Duke Ellington School of the Arts students. My Savannah homeboy James Davis (with whom I also went to high school) came by to say HI... and provide me more laughter than a little bit with our reflections of the way life used to be (Oh, life was so simple and funny then! LOL!). I LOVE JAY! He's a Howard grad and teacher in D.C. After the shoot, we tried to eat at The World Famous Florida Ave Grill (but it was closed). Instead, my Brian and Kelli came and took me to dinner before my train back to NJ. We ate at Union Station.

While in New York City, we shot some awesome folks - including Tony-award-winning George Faison, Vy Higginsen (of "Mama I Want to Sing" fame), and Spoonbread's Norma Jean Darden.Also, we captured the talents of "Precious" Gabby's mother Alice who sings gospel-tinged soul in the subways of NYC. Too, I've done some spot assignments from main clients and new clients (including a recent shoot in D.C.). And in the wake of the BET project, I'm going to Miami to interview folks on the red carpet at its telethon for Haiti this weekend.

And I am still pushing the spot on-camera work. Most recently, my pop culture analysis was included in a piece that ran on MSNBC at the top of the year (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pYKZBjEx40). Also, I am featured in an Ebony Fashion Fair profile on CUNY-TVs "Independent Sources" in February. And recently got to host a "The Frog & The Princess" preview with Anika Noni-Rose in Tampa for NABJ (http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/NABJDisneyMagic.wmv). Also, I was asked to weigh in on the use of the term "Negro" in the census (www.thegrio.com). My full reply: Wilona from "Good Times" would check "negro" (circa 1978). LOL! Well, if the census form authors are going to go so far as to include an the archaic term "negro", why not put "colored" on there... just in case someone hadn't graduated from that word usage. I'm just saying... LOL! (I didn't know. Not sure I care. But thinking more thoughtfully about it, it seems that perhaps the census folks want to be as comprehensive and inclusive as possible, hence my joke above about the "coloreds"). The piece that ran: http://www.thegrio.com/2010/01/the-word-negro-in-2010-census-form-offends-some-blacks.php.

* And singing has always been a sidelight (http://216.117.188.141/rileyshowforkodjoe.wmv).
You'll recall, I recently got thrown into a stretch to sing Diana Ross' "The Boss" for its composers Ashford & Simpson at Gospel Uptown. Didn't quite land in the wake of the spontaneity but I still consider it an AWESOME highlight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbI1qEM_k8k. Ashford & Simpson's enthusiasm (along with crowd) kept me going. SMILE! Stay tuned for more intimate evenings of song... from me. I'm booking some dates for the Spring now.

OUT AND ABOUT * Ant and I always enjoy our karaoke. On this night, we hung out with our friend Cathy on her birthday. She and her crew of 'real housewives of NJ' brought the FUN!

* Far left is Goodman from the legendary Ray, Goodman, and Brown. Next to him is legendary Vaughan Harper of 'Quiet Storm' fame. This too was at Harlem's Gospel Uptown on the day I interviewed several folks for the BET Black History Month campaign!

* Ant and I have spent some fun nights with his 'Wendy' co-workers - from Candice to Merrell to D'Angelo. Candice's birthday just passed and we toasted her accordingly. Merrell had us over to watch "RuPaul's Drag Race".

* Ant and I recently got to see my Spelman sister Bridget Bland ("Harlem Heights") at her cousin and castmate Brianna's purse party at the Maritime Hotel in NYC. This is the line's one year anniversary: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/2/2/we-will-find-a-way.html. Also in attendance: Ant's buddy Mike (Aaron Blaze) and Derrick Briggs along with another of Ant's 'Wendy' co-workers Talia. And a host of other beautiful people were in the house. Also there: my dear friend Kevin-Anthony who booked me to sing for Ashford & Simpson (We're supposed to do another for Haiti soon). After Brianna's purse party, we went to BBQ and I ran into my little Spelman sister (now Columbia U masters candidate) Janelle. So good to see her: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/8/12/this-dream-is-for-all-of-us-this-one-can-be-real.html.

* My friend and Morehouse brother Michael K. Watts surprised me with two of my fav Morehouse brothers Mario and Devon at Tyler Perry's "Madea's Big Happy Family". We had a blast! As I've written, Devon is an actor/singer in his own right. He and I (and Michael) did our own take of 'Gospel play' stage work in "Martin" - a show that used to run annually out of Morehouse's King Chapel. In the piece, I was Martin Luther King Jones and got to sing a wonderful song at the end of the play with music: "Walking In Strange And New Places". In recent years, Devon and I uncovered that we are kindred in the ways of music, divas, and the 70s. Miss Ross and DREAMGIRLS reign SUPREME as our collective muses go. Also, it was fun to see my Spelman sister Bridget Bland and one of Carl Nelson's Associates from his event planning firm Diante... and with Tyler Perry's success in TV and film, it's interesting to see the cross section of demographics in attendance at his staged plays - the first genre he tackled.

* Our theatre marketing diva Marcia Pendelton (Next up: FENCES w/Denzel) invited Ant and me out for an awesome dinner at Gospel Uptown in Harlem. First time eating at the restaurant in the wake of having performed and attended a show or two. Yum!

RANDOMS: I stumbled into some shows I hadn't seen in a minute. On-line, I found myself catching up on some shows I hadn't seen - including Oscar nominee Mo'Nique's show along with new web-i-sode "Buppies" by Tatyana Ali, who is also co-starring in a Martin Lawrence-produced sitcom on TV One's first orginal, scripted program: "Love That Girl".

Also, I stumbled into a marathon of "South Central" (remember that?) with Larenz Tate and Jennifer Lopez. Had never seen it in the '90s. I enjoyed it. Even saw some stars I got to know since - including Marva Hicks; Tasha Scott; and Shar Jackson (who would go on to do "Moesha").

REMAKES: So, an expanded re-release of Diana Ross' hit album "Touch Me In The Morning" is out along with a 25th anniversary edition of Whtiney Houston's debut album. Also, some new folks got together to re-record "We Are The World" (for Haiti). Moreover, there's a cool book I read over the holiday: "Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Story behind the Song - The Exclusive Personal Stories behind 101 of Your Favorite Songs".

COMING UP:

* My dear friend Robin Stone is steering the legacy of her late, great husband Gerald Boyd - also a friend. He passed away a couple of years ago after an amazing career in journalism (making it to the heights of being the highest-ranking African American man at The New York Times). Well, his remarkable American tale "MY TIMES in Black & Whote: Race and Power at The New York Times" is done. Other upcoming events:  http://www.booktour.com/author/robin_d_stone Become a Facebook fan: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1435626294#/pages/GeraldMBoydMyTimes/146984572566?ref=ts and www.mytimesinblackandwhite.com

* My CAU sister Ytasha Womack has a new book "Post Black: How A New Generation is Redefining African American Identity" and Booklist has picked it as a To 10 Black History Reader for the Year! She's coming to town for a book party. Hope to see her.

SHOUT OUTS:

* My girl Danni Conner's new blog: www.graffititomboy.blogspot.com

* My girl Renea's new gig: www.mobilematters.org

* My girl Tomika who is publicizing DORIS products, which were developed as part of a small home-run business over 35 years ago, but went public last January. DORIS NEW YORK is a hair care company owned and operated by Doris and Marlene Duperley, who are women of color and a mother-and-daughter team based in Queens, New York. Doris, who's the mom, is a long-time hairstylist and salon owner as well as a first generation Jamaican American. Her products are her dream come true.

*WHO IS GARTH VOISIN? Well, my girl Audrey hipped me to who he is. He's an Atlanta-based personal trainer and fitness model. He was recently named the 2009 cover model winner for KRAVE Magazine in Dallas, Texas. The contest featured models from across the country who sought after votes to win the cover. He is a native of Trinidad and Tobago and has been a resident in Atlanta for the past two years. He says he has always had a passion for working out and exercising so he naturally fell into the role of fitness professional. Voisin hopes to continue on the path of modeling, training and teaching youth today that exercise and fitness can be fun. Voisin will be featured on the September edition of KRAVE Magazine. For more information on Garth Voisin, log on to his website at www.gavjourney.com or check out www.kravemagazine.net. You can also see him in Angie Stone's new video: "I Ain't Hearin' You" among others.

REST IN PEACE:

Robin Diane Lynn

I am an AUTHENTIC, LOVING, and VULNERABLE MAN! Robin helped me access those ways of being which made way for BEING THE DIFFERENCE - even in the eye of the storm. R.I.P. Robin Lynn! http://216.117.188.141/rileyshowforkodjoe.wmv

Eunice Johnson

Roxanna Floyd

I've always been told that makeup artist for the stars - including Miss Ross at LEGENDS - Roxanna Floyd was my cousin some kind of way. She was always such a love and light when we'd run into each other at industry functions. R.I.P.

John Cater

 He used to log my field tapes in Chicago and went on to become an Emmy-award-winning reporter. Then, suddenly, he died at just-over 30. SUCH A GREAT GUY! GONE TOO SOON! But what a DIFFERENCE he was while he was here. RIP JOHN!