A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

My friend Kevin-Anthony has been producing Black 2: Broadway

(www.b2productions.xbuild.com) for years now. I’ve even had the chance to script some of his special evenings that are designed to celebrate, lift up, and expose the many un-or-under-heralded Broadway performers of color. It’s always a good time! The eve of Election Day was no exception as 'Black 2: Broadway Lending a Helping Hand' served as a theme for a spirited, all-star tribute to Broadway veterans B.J. Crosby and Adrian Bailey- both of whom have had health challenges that require rehabilitation for which each could use financial support (Earlier this year,Tony Award nominee Crosby ['Smokey Joe's Café'] suffered a stroke. And, actor ( 'The Lion King' and 'Kiss of the Spider Woman') Bailey suffered a near-fatal accident at a prestiguious Broadway theatre.). Here I pose with Adrian who is always so kind and sweet. Next to him: Mr. T.C. Carson (of “Living Single” fame), I got to share with him that I recently met his former co-star Kim Coles who shared with me that he, his other co-star Erika Alexander, and I share a birthday (NOVEMBER 19^TH). He was so gracious and kind... and what a VOICE!We had such a good time at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (www.nypl.org/research/sc). Firstly, good girlfriend/Spelman sister Bridget Bland was there with a forthcoming BET reality show cast (www.bet.net) of which she’s a part. She says Ant and I are her favorite 'gay' (she whispers) couple. SMILE! THANKS BRIDGET! We think you are, er..., 'fierce' too! LOL!    Also, my Morehouse brother Aden Seraile, a Harlem native/event promoter, was present and a part of this BET show that is chronicling 20-something, Harlemites who are doing the thang and being the difference. And so many good friends were in the house - from legend George Faison... and Miss Sidra Smith - dear friend (actress, casting director, producer, acting coach) and twin sister of Miss Tasha Smith. Tasha and I had the chance to meet at a private, New York City screening for Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married?" Also in the house: my buddy Dwayne Grayman... Mr. Diaz and a pair of his fab friends... Ern and Miss Kimberly Jajuan who we haven't seen in a minute... my D'Ambrose Boyd - actor, singer, photog, designer, artist... with the MOST... I sat next to my friend Karu Daniels (http://www.blackvoicesblogs.com/category/entertainment-newswire). He forwarded these clips – some of which feature me humming from my seat. LOL:

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkJff-reyfg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_qpwyCMOe4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swDI21aXRAk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wah8WFC_G18

The line-up was awesome – from Chestor Gregory... to Marva Hicks... to Alyson Wiliiams... to gospel music newcomer Ton3x (pronounced Tonex) who did a stunning rendition of "What Would I Do If I Could Feel?" - the Tin Man's song from "The Wiz". And MISS LEDISI (in her two-time GRAMMY-nominated splendor) turned it out followed by a jam-session-of-a-finale. For more information on Black 2: Broadway, log on at www.b2productions.xbuild.com.

Speaking of New York and all of its culture: While traveling to and fro, I made sure to bring books as my usual pastime of buying all the magazines on the shelves is not quite a budgetary option these days. With that, I made sure to take my friend Karen Chilton’s book (www.karen-chilton.com) on Hazel Scott. Once I wrapped, I sent her this note:

Hi Karen,

I just finished YOUR 'HAZEL' and I LOVED IT! As I've mentioned to you, celebrity bios are my favorite literary genre. Thanks to your awesomely descriptive way with words, I feel like I've been on a fantastic journey through infinite possibilities and the pitfalls that come with them (especially during that time). But what HIGHs and LOWs - all at once. Sounds like my own life sometimes and yet I know the core to Hazel's essence is RESILLIENCE... and you tangibly outlined the depths of her FIERCENESS to perfection.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Keep me posted on your on-going blitz around this project that deserves more than a promotions period. It should have a long-shelf-life to ensure that the millions who are into DIVAS know on whose shoulders they stand in large order.

Best and LOVE,

Patrick

She did hip me to her upcoming event: COME JOIN HERat Barnes & Noble for the Monday Night Jazz Series.

MONDAY, JANUARY 19TH @ 7:00pm

BARNES & NOBLE - Lincoln Center

66th & Broadway, New York, NY

BOOK SIGNING & DISCUSSION along with a SCREENING of vintage film footageof Hazel Scott in performance.

SPECIAL FEATURE: To set the tone for the evening, there will be a live concert performance by the brilliant, youngjazz pianist, Courtney Bryan. Her CD "Quest for Freedom" will also be available for purchase.

Pre-BLOG, I had a crew of friends who would have lit this blog up with our respective shenanigans as we spent lots of time together from 1995 – 2000 (or so). We met these folks through Chandra and Tata – the bridge being they worked with a young lady named Troy who was friends with some awesome, ambitious, single, successful, African American professionals – including Linda, Laura, Tatia, Curtis, Royce, Danielle, etc. And to Ern and me, they became big brothers and sisters with whom we would do Thanksgiving dinners; fight parties; networking socials; etc. Then, one-by-one, these ladies got married (We attended most of the weddings and I sang in a couple of them). And from there, those couplings would go on to have children. After that, some divorced. Some moved away. And though we’ve all stayed in touch electronically, we rarely get to see each other inside of our busy, respective schedules. But one of the gang Tracy (through whom Ern and I met our Dallas couple Patrice and Keron) who recently married and had a kid in Detroit (She used to live in Jersey) came back to town with Tate and Reed in tow and she inspired a reunion. We all gathered at Linda’s place and had a GREAT TIME! It was so good to introduce them all to Ant for the first time. And he enjoyed meeting them. Plus, Miss Danielle and her beau Bernard had news of nuptials come Fall 2009 (in Barbados. Hopefully Destination: Abundant Checking Account will be able to accommodate this Destination wedding which Danielle has asked me to participate in some way. Maybe a song... some reception hosting... something. We'll see what shapes up. CONGRATS DANIELLE and BERNARD. We ALL will do better to stay in touch.

Several other friends (and even family members) are working on cool projects. Let me do a quick round robin of shout outs:

• My cousin Sonya Riley (out of Flint, Michigan) informed me that film work is picking up in Michigan due to tax incentives. As a result, she – a fab hairstylist – has been working on a film project “GIFTED HANDS”. She worked on the set for a week and change and worked with top hairstylist Julia Walker (www.imdb.com/name/nm0907909/).  Too, my Sonya got to meet and work with Cuba Gooding Jr.; Kimberly Elise; and Aunjanue Ellis. The movie is based on Dr. Ben Carson’s life (www.drbencarson.com/) and is scheduled to air on TNT (www.tnt.tv). CONGRATS CUZ!!!
• My girlfriend Dynelle Skinner who I met years ago when she worked at one of my favorite boutiques in Brooklyn MOSHOOD (www.afrikanspirit.com) now has a BLOG as she is an entertainment publicist in New York City. Check it out: - http://mylifeonandofftheguestlist.blogspot.com/.
• Stephen Beasley is a consultant of my friend Marcia Pendleton (www.blacktheatreonline.com) is working on a new online project. It’s the music of The sbP-The Stephen Beasley Project. He’s been able to keep these guys and the rent paid over the last couple years and the album comes out soon. The sbP4 man soul, rock, blues and funk experience explores the issues we all have in living through life... in the world we've come to live in. But he says it manages to be entertaining as well. Hear for yourself. These songs were mostly recorded live for an audience here in NYC:
  
  Here's where the masses can find The sbP:
• Click to play Songs from The Music of Transition:
• http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/862275
• Click to become a fan of The sbP:
• http://www.reverbnation.com/thesbp (They can buy the album here later this month!!)
• http://www.myspace.com/thesbp

• You know how much Ant and I love hairstylist-of-the-stars Ted Gibson and his partner Jason Backe, who too is a hair colorist. Well, he is now adding blogger to his busy schedule. It’s on a great beauty site called www.DailyMaker.com. And he is writing about his adventure in his beauty universe: http://www.dailymakeover.com/blogs/in-his-beauty-universe/2008/10/love-the-way-you-look-or-change-it.html; meanwhile, Ant and I were not able to join Jason Backe for his latest accomplishment (as we were busy working on respective shoots).  But Mr. Backe is currently celebrating his new role as Color Director of Perfect 10: Nice ‘n Easy (www.perfectcolorin10.com/). CONGRATULATIONS! Too, last night, Ant received an invite for us. Since he worked on one of the creative teams at new talk-show hit 'The Wendy Williams Show', he had a big hand in booking Rihanna and Michelle Williams’ stylist Ursula Stephen. We were invited to her birthday set at L’Oreal Professional Products Institute in SOHO (www.megamanagementinc.com).
• My friend April just told me about www.hulu.com. You can see many of your favorite episodes on this site.
• He’s not a friend of mine per se, but I LOVE NEYO’s MUSIC and I LOVE his spin on the classic “Big Red” jingle: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZeajvtqunI.
• My Chicago friend Kevin’s wife Jaci Coy Gist is working on a project that promises to take off. Her site is in progress: http://whatareyoufabat.com, but I assure you her campaign is going to take off. Already, she’s designed these fabulous Obama-inspired T-shirts, blinged out with Swarovski crystal. STAY TUNED!
• I just got word from my buddy Chico DeBarge that he is now investing in THE 9s Magazine (www.the9smag.com/) and that he has chosen my blog to be in its November feature story: "The Top 9 Blogs On The Web"! Stay tuned... and THANKS TO YOU, CHICO. I will look forward to our hang in the studio (I’m working on my falsetto as I write this. LOL!).
• And a final shout out of sympathy to Jennifer Hudson and her family. As you know, I’m most fond of her and heartbroken over the tragedy of losing her mother, brother, and nephew. Ironically, her mom Darnell Donerson (and most of her family) attended the event at which I interviewed her a couple of years ago in Indianapolis, IN for NABJ (www.nabj.org) - captured here by Jason Miccolo Johnson.

Last night, Ant and I got the chance to experience a full concert with his diva Janet Jackson (www.janet-xone.com/) at The Madison Square Garden (www.thegarden.com/). This was a milestone for us as he's accompanied me to see Miss Ross a handful of times. And he and I have been an audience with Janet Jackson inside a couple of parties and TV appearances she's done. But this is the first Janet concert as she has not toured in a bit. Though oddly-paced-and-conceived in some spots, it still proved to be a GREAT SHOW. And I was SO EXCITED to see Miss Jackson perform a pre-"Control" medley of "Young Love"; "Say You Do"; and "Don't Stand Another Chance" - excerpts from the repertoire that first made me fall in love with Miss Jackson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96AsdVThjXY). And Janet's career challenges-of-late have made her no less popular in the eyes and hearts of her fans - many of whom are our friends. It was Labelle last week, but this week Nathan Hale Williams (www.nathanhalewilliams.com/); "Noah's Arc" creator Patrik-Ian Polk (www.logoonline.com/shows/dyn/noahs_arc_jumping_broom/series.jhtml); and I were in place for Miss Jackson. My friend from MTV Luther Burke was there as well as good buddy Quincy Ballon (www.galleryqb.com). We got to enjoy listening to Janet's "Discipline" when it first came out earlier this year. Also, there was my "Theo" Perry; Mr. Diaz; Kareem; etc. --- all in the arena to see Miss Jackson. She brought BIG SMILES to our faces!!! As I've shared excerpts from my best friend Michael K. Watts' "LIVE! FROM FRONT ROW" e-newsletter (soon to be a full-fledged website that is currently under construction), I send you to the following link to see his review of Janet's show via my MYSPACE: http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=122389377.

As you folks know, I am excited to be doing more on-camera work as a TV personality and pop culture analyst. CN8's "Your Morning" (www.cn8.tv) has called on me before to share my take on satirical comedy "Tropic Thunder" (http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/CN8YourMorning.wmv) via satellite from CNN's studios in New York City. My NABJ friend and CN8 "Your Morning" anchor Greg Coy originally asked me to do the show back in August when we attended UNITY '08 in Chicago. The next request that came my way from the show's producers was for me to put together a FIRST LADY FASHION SHOW SEGMENT that we shot LIVE! last Wednesday morning out of CN8's Philadelphia studio, which runs out of the Loew's Philadelphia hotel lobby (www.LoewsHotels.com/Philadelphia).

THE GOAL: I was to pull together looks inspired by: Michelle Obama, Sarah Palin, Cindy McCain, Hillary Clinton, and a moment (during Michelle Obama's style segment) in which 'the first First lady of style' Jackie Kennedy was homaged.

THE CHALLENGES: There was NO PAY but assured exposure (as CN8's 'Your Morning' reaches upwards of 9 million COMCAST subscribers up the Eastern seaboard from Virginia to Maine). With that, I had to identify designers, models, style consultants, etc. --- all of whom I needed to agree to this effort FOR FREE! And one-day-at-a-time, it all came together. My good friends at MB and Associates Public Relations out of Haddonfield, NJ (www.mbandassociatespr.com) hooked me up with their clients Leehe Fai (www.leehefai.com/) and Knit Wit (www.knitwitonline.com), both stellar boutiques in the heart of Downtown Philly. Then, to achieve my eyewear look for Sarah Palin, Omega Optical (www.omegaoptical.net) stepped in and not only provided that look, but a pair of Jackie Kennedy-inspired eyewear. And of course, we need fab footwear. Enter my brother friend Ron Donovan and his great heels (www.rondonfoot.com/).

THE SUPPORT: I sent out a query far-and-wide for models who would be willing to work with us on this segment. It would require that they not only be available bright-and-early on the morning of the segment, but that they meet us the day prior for their fittings. And for no pay or per diem, that's a bit of a huge commitment to make. But I apparently sent my requests to the right people. My Philadelphia friends like Cheryl Wadlington, who is the exemplar of all things fashion and style, made sure all of her folks knew about my project and so many of them responded on the strength of her endorsement (www.evoleurconsultants.com). She not only led me to some great models who were willing to work with me for free, but she led me to other style consultants who supported this project. Also, my NABJ sister Elizabeth Wellington, fashion writer at "The Philadelphia Inquirer" (www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/elizabeth_wellington/), hipped many folks to me - several of whom I outreached to work with Ant and me. (I knew I wasn't doing this without Ant who you recall worked with me as style consultant on "The Hugh Thompson Show" from AT&T's Technical Station - http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickHughThompsonShow.wmv): Celebrity Fashion Stylist Debra Ginyard called and said she wanted to work with us. She boasts Robin Givens as a client. We were happy to have her on-board. She and Ant's advisement made the process run smoothly (and kept my sanity in place).  Also, Carla Clarkson brought her brilliant hair expertise to the table (www.markistarr.com). And though she got a paid gig that I insisted she take, we almost had our own make-up sponsor Ursula Augustine with whom I'm sure I'll work sometime soon. "Ursula's About Phace Rittenhouse Makeup Studio" is in Philly and for said services, you should check her out: www.aboutphace201.com.

THE MODELS & THE SEGMENT:

Under the supervision of Emmy-award-winning CN8 "Your Morning" producer Traci Benjamin, we pulled it off. As everyone is abuzz about the Presidential election, we too have been talking about fashion and style as it relates to this women newsmakers.

CINDY MCCAIN

Cindy McCain is known for her couture by the likes of Oscar De La Renta, Carolina Herrera, and Escada. Here well-tailored power suits fit her in true-first-lady style. We styled our model Cathy with a great look (By the way, Ant found Cathy during his summer with ‘The Wendy Williams Show'. He booked and produced her for one of the show's opens. He thought she'd be perfect for this segment... and she was!).

Care of Knit Wit (www.knitwitonline.com), we styled Cathy in:

• a beige, short cardigan with jeweled décor along the neckline by Schumacher (www.fschumacher.com/collections/designer.aspx) - $400
• black dress with a cowl neck by Piazza Sempione (www.piazzasempione.com/)- $800
• shoes by Ron Donovan (www.rondonfoot.com/) - $580

This may read pricy but you can find versions of Cindy McCain's looks at Ann Taylor.

MICHELLE OBAMA

Now Michelle Obama's style is best defined by its fit and - from time-to-time - she likes color if not just bold touches. To capture the essence of Michelle Obama's style, we have beautiful model Charisse.

• We chose a fitted, two-tone, black & gray Mandalay dress with bejeweled waist line. (http://www.zenysboutique.com/Mandalay_Dresses_Corsets_s/8.htm) - $1,000.

• Too, Michelle Obama is often compared to the epitome of first lady fashion, Jackie Kennedy. We let Charisse sport a pair of Chanel 2008 sunglasses (www.chanel.com/) - $375.

Leehe Fai (www.leehefai.com/) provided these looks.

HILLARY CLINTON

Though Hillary Clinton is not a style exemplar per se, she does have a style. "The sisterhood of pant suits" must not be ignored. We found our model Valerie at Temple University (www.temple.edu/) where she is the director of Development and Alumni Affairs at the College of Education.

• Back to Knit Wit (www.knitwitonline.com), "Only Hearts" (www.ABriefAffair.com/OnlyHearts) honored the pant suit but with a softer silhouette and rayon/polyester blend that has stretch. The pants are high-waisted and have a wide leg. $289 (for two-piece) and the black jacket that has some fringed-detailing along the lower back.
• A pale pink, silk Diane Von Furstenburg blouse with an asymmetrical neckline (www.dvf.com/dvf) - $155

SARAH PALIN:

We booked the stunning Marie Antoinette to represent this look. And though non-traditionally cast, Marie Antoinette shares something in common with Sarah Palin: 5 kids.

We went back to Leehe Fai (www.leehefai.com/) to pull Sarah Palin's reported six-figure look which some describe as "sexy librarian" or "hot for teacher".

There's:

• the dressy, black and bejeweled, short, wool-mix jacket by Nanette Lepore

(www.nanettelepore.com/) - $460.

• a fitted black skirt by Robert Rodriguez (www.robertrodriguezcollection.com/) - $227

• a sheer pink top by Rebecca Taylor (www.rebeccataylor.com/) - $218

• shoes by Jessica Simpson (www.jessicasimpsoncollection.com/) - $89

• signature Palin frames by Kazuo Kawasaki (www.italee.com/kawa/main.htm) - $375

The LIVE segment went VERY WELL as feedback goes. Connie, the co-host, was really into the looks. (My buddy Greg was in DC on assignment). When I get a copy of the segment, I'll be sure to share it with you in an upcoming blog entry! Thanks to each and everyone of the amazing folks who believed in me and this idea to see it come to fruition.

During these economically challenged times, I - myself - have been focused on solutions, a way to push out of debt and into the zone of prosperity and abundance. The aforementioned shoot with CN8 required many a stretch on Ant's and my part to make it work. Since this particular client didn't have a budget to send for me or put me up, I had to get creative - even foregoing a good night's sleep in Philly to return home from our busy day of fittings; get dressed (Ant styling me and cutting my hair to save money); and back on the road to Philly (with little to no sleep). It was quite a chore, but one I stood inside of powerfully as I know this is a part of what I need to be doing towards taking my brand to the next level.

Last year this time, I seemed to have all my ducks in a row: a bit of a savings (not an optimum amount but enough for a rainy day); a regular freelance gig on which I was assured from where my next check was coming; and freedom to look into the next chapter of my career - doing more on-camera personality work in the realm of pop culture and entertainment... and that had begun to pick-up - even at that time.

If I did an end-of-the-year review, I can favorably check off my list of successes:

* CN8's 'Your Morning' (for which I did a recent live shot on 'Tropic Thunder'- http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/CN8YourMorning.wmv);

* BET's "The Truth" w/Jeff Johnson - http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/TheTruth.wmv

* 'NBC Nightly News w/Brian Williams' -http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#24974371(or via YOU TUBE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXc6x5JlJuw

*'The Hugh Thompson Show' (AT&T's Technical Station) -http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickHughThompsonShow.wmv

A host of other work, including a money-winning appearance on "Million Dollar Password" with Regis Philbin:

* GENERAL TALENT REEL:http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickGeneralReel.wmv

And as evidenced in my blog, there has been an endless stream of blessings and opportunities that have come my way.

That said, I too got phased out of that lucrative contract that allowed me to make ends meet, though work continues to come my way from that client... and more. It just requires a bit more of a song-and-dance with creditors and my modest lifestyle. Bottom line: There's less work and piling bills. And both Ant and I are pursuing any applicable work we can attract our way to manage it all. (This, as his work with "The Wendy Williams Show" doesn't pick up until Summer 2009 - so he is applying a slew of places from production companies to part-time work. For me, it's freelance field producing work; voice work; auditions for some holiday singing gigs; etc.) One friend recommended I look into waiting tables or bartending to make ends meet. I have never done such, but maybe this is the reality now. Not sure. I do know something has to change quickly as things are tighter than ever right now.

And I know it's not just me nor just Ant and me. We are clear that we are not alone in our respective plights. Sharing with friends has proven to be healing and has made a heavy situation lighter. This, as we all represent a range of socio-economic levels and professions. But we are ALL impacted and HUMBLED by the LESSONS we are all continuing to learn through our ONE-DAY-AT-A-TIME struggle that we are optimistic will soon pass. But boy! Howthis ECONOMIC CRUNCH has taken a bite out of our lifestyles that only in America we are all privileged to have(and will hopefully have again).

*There's a good girlfriend of mine who just called me. She's inside of a new pattern of chasing checks as she aims to put pennies together to pay rent, etc. One client alerted her they would put the check in the mail to her. She said 'No!!!! I'll come and get it!' This, as she needed the money NOW! She picked up the check and went straight to the bank to deposit it - begging the teller to put the money in as cash instead of waiting to approve the funds. The teller declined her request. She spent the rest of that weekend trying to figure out how she was going to make it through as those funds weren't available until the following Monday.

* Another girlfriend called us recently to be consoled. She is an accountant at a luxury condo (and everybody knows real estate is an industry not immune to these current economic straits). Well, this particular buddy is well-known in our circles as a fashionista. It's probably a bit of a sickness that she has so many great designer shoes and bags, etc. And up to the point where the market took a downturn, she could afford them at a price point of $600-a-pair (though there may be an argument as to why she didn't put some away). With that, she had to return a pair of Gucci stilettoes. She says she was crying as she approached the clerk who wondered 'What is wrong?' She said 'I have never returned a pair of shoes in my life. But I need the money!' Sad, but - like the friends we are (in part because we so understand her plight) - we laughed. In fact, we howled!!!

* In my own household, suddenly a dime is like 'gold' for us. Once scoffed at snottily, the 'change bucket' in the kitchen has proven to be a saving grace on many fronts as we sometimes find ourselves waiting on the next check for freelance work we've done (with no reserves to boot right now). When the food delivery guy comes, we end up going to that 'change bucket' for his tip (That used to be a few dollar bills that these days we sometimes can't access). The other day, a clerk at our neighborhood store must have thought that my partner Ant was'crazed' as he paid for a handful of groceries with 'dimes'. This, because he needed the quarters from the 'change bucket' for laundry (which we normally would send out to the wash/dry/fold but can't afford these days). Oh! How the mighty have fallen... SMILE!

DESPERATE? YES... and DESPERATE TIMES CALL FOR DESPERATE MEASURES! But through it all, there is LAUGHTER!