A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

Other than a handy skull cap to keep my by-choice bald head warm, I can tell you that I’m not a hat guy. My dad wears hats all the time – often the fisherman-type. Anthony wears different types of hats – with and without brims. Moreover, he thinks I could look good in hats, but I’m usually resistant when he’s styling me as such. But I may reconsider, especially after attending my friend Jennifer Ouellette’s store opening in Washington Heights (www.jenniferouellette.com). I mentioned Jennifer in last week’s BLOG entry, but you recall, I met her last year around this time at a cocktail party in the Village. She is an accessory designer for the stars – including Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani and Jessica Simpson. Her creations include hats, pony holders, barrettes, bobby pins and headbands. She also has a collection of handbags. Until this past Monday, her items were sold strictly at upscale stores, such as Barney’s New York (www.barneys.com/) and she’s also been featured in several magazines including Vogue (www.vogue.com).

I didn’t let her know that I was coming to her store opening last Monday – so she was pleasantly surprised. Of course, I couldn’t get out of there without trying on many hats. I didn’t like all of them (on my head), but they are great hats… and I must admit, a few of them worked (even for me).

CONGRATULATIONS JENNIFER! I’ll be bringing Anthony by to check out your hats as he’ll be your #1 client. And I’ll stretch my style to include more hats come 2008.

1. One of my buddies in the industry, Crystal Howard, is the Director of Public Relations for ESPN (www.espn.go.com/). She invited me to a screening of four-hour documentary "Black Magic", which will air commerical free on ESPN over two nights in March (3/16 & 3/17). I wasn't able to go, but wanted to forecast this compelling programming for 2008. It tracks the progression of the civil rights movement through the eyes of black basketball players and coaches who attended historically black colleges and universities during the societal upheaval. Samuel L. Jackson, jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and Hornets point guard Chris Paul provide narration for the project, co-produced by Dan Klores and former New York Knick Earl "the Pearl" Monroe. It will air on ESPN immediately following NCAA selection coverage.  2. There's lots of buzz on my friend Patrik Ian-Polk's 2001 Sundance Film Festival favorite "Punks" ( www.imdb.com/title/tt0130172/ ) in the wake of recent release "Dirty Laundry" ( www.dirtylaundrythemovie.com/ ), which - like "Punks" - also stars Rockmond Dunbar and Loretta Devine.  It too is chockful of "Mahogany" and Janet Jackson references. We're still waiting for it to be on DVD; meanwhile, the pre-"Noah's Arc" phenomenon can be seen - in excerpt - on "You Tube".  See a bit of best friends Marcus, Hill, Dante and Chris represent the kids in this cult classic:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqjTn_UD-fQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUE2JJLtgHk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StQs-9B2xv0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo2j0pgAF9I

This, while we wait for "Noah's Arc" on the big screen in 2008. And Patrik's other upcoming project "Blackbird".  3. I want to shout out another friend Ra Shawn Chisolm who is the publicist for Shorty Roc, an openly Gay rapper from Brooklyn who celebrated his birthday this week. I wasn't able to make it, but wanted to shout him out here and let you know that you can find out more about him via his MY SPACE Page (www.myspace.com/shortyrocdamic). Since 2004, Roc has been performing at many venues and events including Pride In The City, Splash, The Nuyrocian Cafe, the Queer Black Cinema and the Homorevolution tour promoting his current CD "Personal" featuring single "Rappers Delight" as well as his current release "Ain't Ready" and "This One's For You". He was also featured in Advocate Magazine. 4. Then, there's my friend Derrick Briggs (www.derricklbriggs.com/) who is poised to star in a new film come 2008 "Finding Me" (www.thanks4findingme.com). You can check out a clip or two, and some great shots on the website. With his book club and so many other pursuits, Derrick is always busy working on something new and exciting that exposes and elevates the images of black gays in society. CONGRATS DERRICK! And keep doing your thing! 5. And my buddy Dante who originally introduced karaoke to me (as an 'afternoon delight') is working magic at CBS News - on the political trail. He's doing some great work that can actually be seen via the following link. Check him out and let them know how much you appreciate his work. He's making it happen and I'm so proud of him: http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/politics/fromtheroad/main502443.php?author=Andante_Higgins&dir=politics/fromtheroad

6. My other dear friend and Scorpio-mate Matt Morgan is now the Director of Business Development for Barbara's Flowers Shop (www.barbarasflowershop.net/AboutUs.asp). In his previous positions - doing events for non-profits and arts organizations, he's used them to great effect. The store's owner Tara Simone Powell is one to watch in 2008 as she has taken the 20+-year-old Brookllyn store to the next level. I'll look forward to smelling those flowers in the New Year and highlighting some of their exciting activity. HAPPY NEW YEAR MATT! 7. And where would I be without my TIVO - helping me discreetly watch some TV of which I'm proud (like NBC's "Clash of the Choirs" - www.nbc.com/Clash_of_the_Choirs/) as Patti LaBelle, Nick Lachey, Michael Bolton, Kelly Rowland, and Blake Shelton compete as choir directors for charity. All of the choirs are good, but Patti clearly has the advantage (By the time you read this, she will have WON! I'll correct it... if not! SMILE! P.S. WOW! CHOIR LACHEY - as in Nick - from CINCINATTI took it!!!! Oh well... sorry PATTI and PHILLY!).  Of course, TIVO was also capturing "I Love New York 2" (www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/i_love_new_york_2/series.jhtml). And if you promise not to judge me: "A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila" (www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/tila_tequila/series.jhtml). Not exactly proud, but it's entertaining.

8. And as all roads lead back to "Dreamgirls", there's a staged production scheduled for the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on the eve of the eve this year (www.njpac.org). The proceeds from this production (preceded by a gala) will go towards helping young boys and girls in and around Essex County (New Jersey). And what better way to do it than enjoying "Dreamgirls".  9. And don't forget to watch "the original Dreamgirl" DIANA ROSS be honored inside of a two-hour special "Kennedy Center Honors" (www.kennedy-center.org/programs/specialevents/honors/) on CBS the day after Christmas (Wednesday December 26, 2007).  10. Last night, many friends and I got the chance to sing 'Christmas Carols' (READ: Scenes from "Dreamgirls") at my Morehouse brother Mario's 'holiday set' - actually held at the Harlem home of my other Morehouse brother and Savannah homeboy Jeh. Other than our usual suspects, Mario invited his new buddy, French artist Rafael de Zayas (www.rafaeldezayas.com). Check out his website as his work is quite unique. I also got the chance to hang out with my folks at "N", my favorite boutique (www.nharlemnewyork.com). They hosted a holiday party that set off on the eve of my departure to Georgia for the holidays just lovely.  HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL! And my next entry may chronicle a bit of my time in Atlanta and Savannah with friends and family.

Everyone is abuzz about the Grammy nominations which were announced last week ( www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/49th_Show/list.aspx ). Our LEDISI ( www.ledisi.com/ ) got the highly esteemed Best New Artist category (acknowledging her overall artistry) and the Best R&B Album category for her album, Lost & Found (on the Verve Forecast record label). Clearly, we are all so proud and got the chance to celebrate with her at our mutual friends Jason & Marqice’s home in Queens. Remember? Though I interviewed Ledisi in December of 2001 as she was a celebrated, independent artist (on the Levi’s Self-Engineered Tour), I didn’t get to know her until Jason & Marqice introduced me. This year, she, Anthony, and I have had a chance to bond. (Anthony has even done some creative collaboration with her on some forthcoming projects). Like “The Color Purple” from the time Anthony and I met; and “Dreamgirls” i.e. Jennifer Hudson & Beyonce, Ledisi has become a part of our journey. After Anthony first moved here, we got to see her perform at B.B. King’s (www. bbkingblues.com/ ). Then, we got to see her a few months later at South Street Seaport. That night, we had dinner with her, Jason, Marqice, Troy, and others from her ‘family’ (as she calls it) and – after she and I sang “Be A Lion” from “The Wiz” together – we became ‘brother’ and ‘sister’. A month or so later, Anthony, Michael K. Watts, and I got the chance to host her in Las Vegas at the National Association of Black Journalists’ convention at which she performed. We also got the chance to enjoy a lovely dinner (with an even bigger posse). A month and change after that, her album launched and we were there at the Highline Ballroom ( www.highlineballroom.com/ ) to celebrate its launch. Because of all my writings on Ledisi, my friend Scott, Sheryl Lee Ralph’s right hand, reached out to find out how he could book Ledisi for Sheryl’s “Divas: Simply Singing” ( www.divassimplysinging.com/ ). Just minutes after his call to me, Ledisi was booked. We didn’t go that night, but hear it was something to behold. SEE! ( www.youtube.com/watch?v=y07hN9cRw3g ). Fast forward to Anthony’s and my anniversary and Ledisi, Jason, and Marqice came up with a special way that Anthony and I could celebrate beyond our existing plans. And what a special surprise it was when they hijacked us to Brooklyn to a mansion for a private party at which Ledisi performed. It was a great night. Then, the Grammy nods were announced and here we are! I’m supporting Ledisi’s publicity team to get the word out and get her the bookings she deserves. Jason and Marqice threw a lovely set at which we all celebrated with a Christmas tree that featured “Lost & Found” as THE STAR!!!! Friends Michael K. Watts, Marlynn, Theo, Trevor, and others were in the house. We enjoyed great food and lots of celebration for this special time in Ledisi’s career. When the nominations were announced, Anthony and I happened upon a Border’s bookstore ( www.bordersstores.com/ ) in the Wall Street area. We were so excited to see placards with the hand-written names of the respective nominees in their respective sections. Though we stumbled into a displaced album cover of LEDISI in the jazz section (between Herbie Hancock and Diana Krall), we wanted to see her official, hand-written GRAMMY placard. It didn’t exist. I asked the clerk what the deal was. She had to first figure out who LEDISI was (I showed her the promo poster). Then, she thought that maybe there would be a handful in a box upstairs. She had someone check and they found ONE! I ask her “Why isn’t LEDISI in her section – whatever section – with her handwritten placard like her fellow nominees with more inventory?” Furthermore, I told her that the BEST NEW ARTIST category is the biggest category for generating a spike in sales as many hear of this category and either want to know more about why these folks were nominated or want to know more about these folks whose work they’ve only just been introduced to. She noted that a headquarters in New Hampshire buys the CDs for all the “Borders” stores and sometimes they aren’t on the pulse of what’s happening. With that, she asks if I want to buy! I say “No!” (I have already bought this CD 4 times and I have two promo copies). But I wanted her to get the principle behind my investigation. She says she got it and would make sure that all that I was requesting – more LEDISI stock; a placard with her name pre-printed in the R&b SECTION (though she throws down on Jazz. Don’t get it twisted); and a GRAMMY placard with her name hand-written like all of her other nominees. The clerk says she is on it. Ant and I may go back and check to see if that’s the case, but this too sounds like something that her record label VERVE needs to get on top of as the awareness of LEDISI is getting ready to BLOW UP… and the stores need to be ready!!!!! SEND YOUR CONGRATS TO LEDISI AT www.myspace.com/ledisi

Remember last year this time? I was all about “DREAMGIRLS” which I – by the way – happened to catch on HBO last night a la its cable premiere. (I just happened upon it. I promise!!!!). But Anthony and I have enjoyed some other films in the mix as well, including “DIRTY LAUNDRY” ( www.dirtylaundrythemovie.com/ ) as it FINALLY released in New York City and Los Angeles. Though I’ve written about “DIRTY LAUNDRY” since before it went into principal photography, I’m still learning more about it. For example, my Morehouse brother Korey Washington was the Art Director for the film. His loving wife Tracey, who says she reads “A Day in the Life of Riley: Pop Culture & Possibilities” all the time, reached out to me with that tidbit. I last saw Korey at our 15-year-reunion from Morehouse in May of this year. CONGRATS KOREY! And though there was some controversy regarding the New York City run of “Dirty Laundry”, the opening night screening we attended featured some of the cast, including friend Ericka Watson. If you haven’t seen “DIRTY LAUNDRY”, please consider viewing it along with the other great films – featuring African Americans – out there. Anthony and I went to a special screening for “The Great Debaters” (Directed by Denzel Washington) - www.thegreatdebatersmovie.com/ . A special screening with the cast is this Wednesday coming up. I will attend and get what pix I can for my next entry. Meanwhile, it’s official! “The Great Debaters” WILL be our family movie on Christmas Day! Last year was - of course - "Dreamgirls"!

Well, with the holidays here, there’s lots to CELEBRATE. And Anthony and I are doing what we can to be in that spirit. My “Amazing Grace” Nichole held a lovely Christmas party at her New Rochelle home. Her good girlfriend Dee Dee McGuire (of “Doug Banks and Dee Dee McGuire” show fame - www.dougbanksshow.com/ ) flew in from Dallas for the occasion. Dee Dee's sister Resa popped up from Atlantic City. The usual suspects from New Rochelle were in the house – from Michelle to Monica to Cynthia. Then, those of us who don’t mind taking the schlep i.e. Dawn, Melony, Ern, Ant, CJ, and me joined in the fun. Etc… and we ate from her delicious menu. She made sure to have chambord for my champagne. All in all, Nichole was the most gracious host. Dee Dee brought a book that allowed us to bond more closely. It’s titled Ever Wonder: Ask Questions and Live into the Answers (Hardcover) by Kobi Yamade (http://www.amazon.com/Ever-Wonder-Questions-Live-Answers/dp/1888387556). It challenged us all to look at our lives and what we really think at the beginning and end of the day. It inspired some vulnerable and awesome sharing. THANKS DEE DEE!

My boy DIAZ just celebrated his birthday (He recently thanked me for hipping him to LATINO ROYALTY on the BLOG - www.latinoroyalty.com/ - though it was really Anthony who bought me the gift that I referenced. Here I am sporting it at Maroon's [www.maroonsnyc.com], my friend Mitchell's Caribbean and Soul Food Restaurant.). Location? OF COURSE, the DREAM HOTEL ( www.dreamny.com/ ), Anthony’s and my favorite. Most specifically, the rooftop, AVA LOUNGE, housed his celebration. DIAZ was dressed in "latino royalty" down. We spent most of our time chatting up hair-and-make-up artist for the stars (currently on “The Color Purple”) Sabrena Armstrong. She’s worked with some of the greats in dance music – from CeCe Penniston to Robin S. And Sabrina, herself, is quite the character and a hoot. We uncovered that we have several friends and associates in common, including my Carl Nelson. We had a good time with her.

MEANWHILE, one of the production crews with which I work include two of my favorites in the business Keith Walker and Alan Chow ( www.mediaprocess.com/ ). Anthony and I took them to grab a bite at one of Harlem’s soul food staples “Spoonbread” which also does catering and event planning (www.spoonbreadinc.com). President Norma Jean Darden came out and extended her hospitality to us. But the food – as always – ensured we would be coming back for more – from the spoonbread to the fried catfish to the chicken to the collard greens, etc. OH MY!!!!

ALSO CELEBRATING: My friend Nikoa – one-third of the owners at my favorite boutique N HARLEM (www. nharlemnewyork.com/ ) and her fiancé Garrett. They are soon to marry and brought us all together to celebrate that fact at Zanzibar ( www.zanzibarnyc.com ). Their families and friends and co-workers were present and ready to party! We had a lovely time and look forward to more good news from them in 2008.

CELEBRATING EVEN MORE (over lunch), I got the chance to hang out with my good, Chicago-based girlfriend Ki-Ki who was in town for the holidays. I met her at the showroom and design space for LAFAYETTE 148 (www.lafayette148.com). Chief designer Edward Wilkerson gave us a sneak peek at Fall 2008, which he’ll go on the road to present to his clients all over the nation (while most designers will be presenting shows under the white tents during Fashion Week). After Ki-Ki tried on a few pieces (all stunning), we traipsed through SOHO by foot to our lunch destination. Before we could get there, I ran into my buddy Ryan who is an actor/improv guy who too works in the fashion world. ALWAYS GOOD TO SEE RYAN! Then, Ki-Ki, Edward, King Yap Chong (public relations/events manager for LAFAYETTE 148), and I went to the former-Canteen which is now LURE (www.LUREFISHBAR.com). We enjoyed some great seafood. I got the fried seafood platter and it was so good! But the company was even better as Edward and I realized we had the SCORPIO sign in common. We had a blast!