A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

As we all sat around our brunch table (Richard, Kenny, Theo, Anthony, Chanel, & Me), we ended up having a conversation about attractive Cleveland women. The list may have only been as brief as Dorothy Dandridge, Ruby Dee, Halle Berry, Jayne Kennedy (and - as I joked - Arsenio Hall). But it conjured up the question from some of the "young'ns" at the table: WHO IS JAYNE KENNEDY? Here was a brilliant moment that gave us "old heads" an opportunity to remember what a BEAUTY ICON she was in our households. From EBONY to JET, she was a source of PRIDE and BEAUTY that never wavered in the '70s and '80s. She was so PRETTY and with her career as an actress, but most pointedly as a broadcaster, she was SMART with CHARISMA. SCANDAL would follow her and her husband -at the time- LEON ISAAC KENNEDY who directed "THE FIRST SEX TAPE" that made its way into people's BETA/VHS machines, making for some XXX, very racy scenes between the two. They also filmed "Body and Soul" together in 1981. Not so much a tour de force, but she had promise with the acting. After that marriage dissolved, she married model Bill Overton and would go on to have babies and stay closer to home. But what THEO reminds me is: she had an uncredited part in "Lady Sings The Blues" as Louis McKay's date (Billy Dee Williams) when a young Billie Holliday (Diana Ross) comes into the club (Jerry's Den) that she would years later take over as its star talent. It's a great scene where Diana sneaks in to observe the show and the action from the stairwell. When Louis McKay walks in (with Jayne Kennedy on his arm), he's dressed in white. Billie is in awe and has to be carried out. GOOD STUFF... THANKS THEO! 

A couple of musings from pop culture.

*** My good buddy Dr. Ian Smith is now the host of "Meet the Faith" on BET (www.bet.com/News/meetthefaith.htm). It premiered on Sunday with Angela Bassett and Courtney P. Vance. He's doing a good job... and tells me that he's looking for a way for me to participate on "Meet The Faith" in the wake of my recent on-camera, "One World with Black Enterprise" appearance and in the spirit of his continued support of my career and me. And of course, he's always working on many things - specials, books, marriage, parenthood, etc. (www.doctoriansmith.com/) which I think is why we get along so well. (I too am a multi-tasker). VH-1's "Celebrity Fit Club" (www.CelebrityFitClub.com) is how we've come to see him most often these days. But he's working on a campaign now that promises to change the world and shift the health of our nation - especially the health of African Americans (http://www.50millionpounds.com/default.aspx). The 50 Million Pound Challenge is an historic opportunity for African Americans to come together against a growing health crisis. The challenge is to collectively lose 50 million pounds and reduce the very real risks that being overweight poses to our community.

Dr. Ian and I are a part of a group of folks who title ourselves "The Pentavaurate". At the turn of this century, the five of us would have dinner once or twice a month and just share our lives with each other. It was a commitment we all held high for three years and change. Since "life" has begun to happen in a forwarding way for us all (marriage, kids, life partners, careers, moves, etc.), we now see each other rarely, but we always support each other.

* And I've had a chance to collaborate with Tyler Perry a time or two over these last couple of years. I want to shout him out as he readies for the Wednesday premiere of "House of Payne" (www.tbs.com/shows/houseofpayne/). It will air on TBS, which bought 100 episodes (40 of which he's completed. He reportedly tapes three shows a week). Additionally, I'd like to shout out that I have also performed with one of the show's stars. I knew Cassi Davis from my days at Morehouse. Yet again, you remember that play "Martin: The Life & Times of Martin Luther King Jr."? I've spoken about it a couple of times in previous entries. Well, Cassi too starred in that production. And for a couple of years, she played my mother. Since those times, she'd move to Los Angeles and be seen in TV and film oftentimes. She too has has worked extensively over the years with Tyler Perry on such projects as the stage play and subsequent DVD Madea Goes to Jail, as well as Perry’s theatrical films, Daddy’s Little Girls and Madea’s Family Reunion. Her television credits include Living Single, Chicago Hope and the voice of Hud Woman in the claymation show The PJs, with Eddie Murphy. She has also made appearances in Woman Thou Art Loosed, School Daze, Silent Children and Big Otis Blues Revue. This, I argue, is her BIG BREAK! CONGRATS!!!!!

* WHICH ONE OF THESE DOESN'T FIT? READ ON... well, Anthony and I were on the computer one night - playing with YOU TUBE and going where it leads. On this particular night, after we saw some JANET JACKSON appearance from Japan or perhaps it was DIANA ROSS in the '80s, we were led to some selections by MISS LATOYA JACKSON, Michael and Janet's sister. Now, I know she's known as the wacky one who tells all the family business. But there was a time, I told Anthony, were LATOYA held a very special place in my little-boy, 'pop-culture' heart. In fact "HEART DON'T LIE", her duet with Howard Hewitt was one of my favorites. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qjpgm-Nh1U). And remember, the Full-Force-produced "You're Gonna Get Rocked"? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg7ATxVX9hs). Well, maybe most of the music is forgettable. But LATOYA inspired my Anthony to research even further into whether Latoya has a MY SPACE page. And she does...  It's www.myspace.com/latoyaonline.com. And her website is www.latoyaonline.com.  But what's great is that YOU TUBE, which I call my LIQUID CRACK, can take you down a memory lane that stumbles into territory that you (and I) may have forgotten about or blocked out. And in the moment of watching LATOYA in her best "head-band", I SMILE.... a BIG SMILE! And I REMEMBER THE TIME.

The busy part of my work year is wrapping up. Summer is finally knocking on my door. And though there are no promised revenue sources coming my way in the summer, I am claiming only abundance for the months that I'm on pause from my most lucrative work which goes on a summer hiatus. And in the meantime, I'm refusing to sit my butt home and save what is in the bank account. Anthony has been good for me to curtail some of these not-so-effective bookkeeping techniques (READ: HAND TO MOUTH), and we're both working on ways that will keep our ability to go out worry-free, but also make this house that is slowly-but-surely turning into a home something that will invite us to stay inside more often. ONE DAY AT A TIME. We're getting there...

Last Thursday, however, I was on the beat. It had been a minute since I'd been out on Thursday - what some deem pre-cocktail night. And for the African American gays, it's "The Ritz" after work on 46th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues. From there, "Luke & Leroy" was the spot from which I'd cooled my face over these last few months. It was good to be back and to see all of the old familiar faces. I even stumbled into Gordon Chambers, whose latest CD project "Love Stories" is about to be released (even featuring duets with Ledisi and Melonie Daniels). It's a wonderful album and you can see Gordon LIVE up and down the Eastern Seaboard (including New York City) over this summer. Go to www.gordonchambers.com for more information.

Saturday was a big day. It started as Anthony and I bummed a ride from Ern who was escorting Tina to a wedding in Harlem. This gave Anthony and I a chance to hang out a bit before he would have to head down to Brooklyn to spend time with his Denver-based family who were here to bury his grandmother. We enjoyed a soul food brunch at Amy Ruth (amyruthsharlem.com/). I got the smothered chicken livers with grits and collard greens coupled with iced sweet tea. It was more than I thought I wanted for early Saturday afternoon, but I ate every morsel (and the cornbread too). Restaurateur Michael Vann (also of "Soul Cafe" and "Shark Bar" fame) came out to say HI and even sat with us for a while as we caught up. From there, I got my haircut at Brenda Braxton's BBRAXTON (www.BBRAXTON.com) - "exceptional grooming for exceptional men". (thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2006/11/15/tired-of-me-talking-about-dreamgirls.html).

Then, I was ready to get downtown to SOHO and see my ITIKA (from Chicago) who was in town for the weekend. And I felt the pressure to show my TI-TI as good a time in New York City as she always delivers to me when I'm in Chicago. It started with a little post-lunch cocktail at Boom Restaurant (www.BOOMNY.com). I met up with TI-TI and her west coast buddy Norell, who carries a kindred distinction as an "entertainment journalist" (for magazines, including UPTOWN Magazine - www.uptown-magazine.com/). The pop culture we have in common made for cool sharing - including her mom's once-obsession with Diana Ross. To that, Norell admires the DIVA. That made our brunch at Latin bistro "Ideya" (www.IDEYA.net) perfection. From the margaritas to the mojitos to the espresso to the great brunch dishes, we set our evening off splendidly.

From there, we joined Ti-Ti's friend Tiffany, who I've written about before. You recall, The Garment Room (www.garmentroom.com) is Chicago-based and a repository of vintage couture from the turn of the century to the '80s. When I first wrote about it, I said (back in January of this year): "I'm certain fashionista Tracee Ellis Ross and her mom would eat this collection of drag up!!!!!".  (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/1/15/-but-i-need-a-friend.html)  Well, I'm happy to report that not only did Heidi Klum (Mrs. Seal) come in and buy a bunch of vintage belts, but MISS TRACEE ELLIS ROSS was reportedly pulled from the streets of SOHO into The Garment Room's temporary location and proceeded to buy a number of pieces. I knew she'd love it! And I'm glad the universe led her there. I missed her by the hair of my skinny chin-chin. Tiffany and gang rushed up to tell me that I missed her by seconds. Check out THE GARMENT ROOM when it comes to your town (or if you're in Chicago, make sure you go by). See http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/1/15/-but-i-need-a-friend.html for my most recent reference to THE GARMENT ROOM (www.garmentroom.com).

For the evening, Ern and Tina joined me in SOHO before we went back uptown for a series of sets. My good friend Terry Wynn II hosted a cocktail party at his place in Harlem. His party was filled with an eclectic group of "fun people" from all walks of life. My highlight was meeting Daniel Freeman, a friend of Terry and inspiring fine artist. We hit it off immediately and found ourselves on a similar path in our respective lives --- as he put it --- both understanding the importance of growth and change for the better. With that, there are exciting things ahead for this Harlem-based wonder, who just started painting about five years ago (after he went through a painful breakup). What that darkness created is nothing short of "light". His gallery is in Harlem and you can find out more about him and his work via: Myspace.com/DanielFreeman13. Also, signature drinks and tasty light bites were being passed around. And lots of good conversation held us all inside this good energy which Terry designed for us all as a pre-party for whatever our evenings entailed. A night of GOOD PEOPLE...

We went to my friend Brian's bistro "Native" to meet up with THE 'Amazing Grace' Nichole and our dear friend C.J. (They had just come from a baby shower in Brooklyn where they 'karaoke'd without me. SMILE!). After we said our good-byes from this spot, we hooked back up with Itika (Ti-Ti) and our good girlfriend Mara from last week's Chicago outing (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/one-summer-night-in-chitown.html). Remember? She's the one who is a multi-media journalist to be honored in August by the National Association of Black Journalists as its "Emerging Journalist of the Year". (www.marasonline.net). She and her husband (and their cat and dog) have a spacious and elegant Brownstone in Harlem. They were both so gracious as hosts, but also humbled by my mention of Mara in last week's "A Day in the Life of Riley". And to shout Mara out further, she will be teaching an encore presentation of the Media Bistro career seminar
"Becoming A Video Journalist", to be held Thurs June 14, 6:30p-9:30p. It covers the basics of shooting, editing, providing video for the web and more. Information can be found by clicking on the link below: http://www.mediabistro.com/courses/cache/crs2665.asp

From there, we went to a house party further in the 'hood of Harlem... and it gave us hot and sweaty. But Tiffany and her friend Jason joined us and as long as we were all together, it was all good. Once this phase of the night was over, I headed up to meet Anthony in Washington Heights at NO PARKING before our return home to Jersey.

Sunday was an emotional day as Anthony introduced me to his sister Chanel with whom he's very close... for the first time. Many nuances and heft are attached to this meeting (that I'll let Anthony detail in "A Day in the life of Anthony..." one day), but suffice to say, it was a GREAT DAY! Anthony and I met up with our friends Theo, Richard, and Kenny at COOKSHOP (www.cookshopny.com) in Chelsea. His sister Chanel joined us and from minute one, we hit it off. The menu at COOKSHOP was filled with tasty treats, but I simply wanted eggs, bacon (extra crispy), and white cheese grits. I had to create my meal, which is something Chanel often does. She smiled at my a-la-carte selection while Anthony rolled his eyes (at the building synergy). From there, we all went up to The Cort Theater to enjoy - Chanel and me for the first time: "Radio Golf". I FINALLY SAW IT... and TRULY ENJOYED IT! YOU MUST CHECK IT OUT!!!! (www.radiogolfonbroadway.com)) TI-TI joined us for this afternoon of theater as well as Anthony and Chanel's cousins, who filled in for the rest of Anthony's clan (parents and brothers) who opted out for a family picnic that had been postponed concurrent to our planned day at the theater. Still, it was perfection, including our pre-theater Margaritas from CHIPOTLE (www.chipotle.com/). We then did a round of post-theater cocktails in the lounge of 60 THOMPSON, a luxury boutique hotel in SOHO (www.60thompson.com/). There, we met two of TI-TI's good girlfriends Natalie and "Muffin" both of whom work in TV here in New York City ("The View" and HBO). They were sweet as pie. We also ran into Nikoa - co-owner of N, my favorite boutique [www.nharlemnewyork.com/] and her fiancee Garrett. At this point, Anthony thought we should share one of our favorite eateries with Chanel. So, we headed back to Harlem to close out the night at Ginger (www.gingerexpress.com/press.html), which is poised to host yet another N NIGHT on this Wednesday. Over dinner, we three bonded over this new meeting of Chanel and me... and we are all looking forward to the possibilities that are ahead for Anthony's world and my world to converge as one... a day at a time.

Oh! And TI-TI!!!!????? I hope you had a good time. LOVE YOU!

I was so excited this weekend when Ern's and my friend Latecia (Tish) who I've known since 7th grade (from our days in Savannah, Georgia) was coming to town. She and Ern go back to 4th grade. With that, we three were a part of a clicque that included Natalie, Cres, Bernadette, Lanette, Tonja, Reggie, Kevin, and others. And we stayed in touch over these years, Natalie, Tish, and I attending college together - Spelman and Morehouse respectively. Tish now lives in DC and decided to pop up and spend some time with us. Moreover, she wanted the chance to meet Anthony and not only meet him, but in all of our years of exchanging stories across the miles, she was excited to even see what a man looks like on me. She had not met any of the others, though she did come up here to be with me after Kodjoe's passing in early 2005. With that, we chose Cafeteria as our brunch spot (www.cafeteriagroup.com). Also, Tata's new man Jewels was getting his opportunity to meet my Anthony for the first time. We had a lot of fun over eggs, bacon, a number of other goodies (including the "liquid lunch" portion of the afternoon).

While dining, I was excited to see my friend Lola Ogunnaike who I had just read is joining CNN' American Morning. I know Lola through my work in the New York Association of Black Journalists and the National association as well. She and I are somewhat kindred in that she is an Entertainment, Pop Culture Correspondent who has represented some awesome brands in her career - namely as culture reporter for "The New York Times". She started Tuesday and - like her fill-in time on "The View" - she should compliment the chemistry while giving it some edge and style. She's also written for VIBE, Rolling Stone, New York, Glamour, Details, Nylon, The New York Observer, and V Magazines. She's also made regular guest appearances on CNN as well as "Today" Show, MTV, and VH-1. Lola received her  master's in fine arts degree in journalism from NYU and a bachelor's degree in English literature from the University of Virginia.

As I look to be a presence on someone's air --- in this way --- I celebrate Lola for opening yet another door for us journalists of color in the entertainment/pop culture realm.

After brunch, Tish, Ern, Anthony, and I did another round of karaoke (I'd forgotten how lovely Tish and her singing tones are. We blend to perfection. Just wish they had Diana's "Stranger in Paradise" from her "Red Hot Rhythm & Blues" Album (from 1987/RCA) - so we could really walk down memory lane. From there, Tish and Ern dropped Anthony and I off to Anthony's best bud Lonni's home for a lovely dinner in Inwood. At one point, we sat on the roof and were an audience with the stars. It was a great day!

Anthony and I had another great day recently as we enjoyed a meal at our favorite healthy Asian cuisine spot Ginger (www.gingerexpress.com). While dining, we were joined by my friend and stylist from N, Jamar and a surprise of all surprises: my dear friend and Georgia homeboy Ken Roberson who is the choreographer of the Tony-award-winning "Avenue Q" (www.avenueq.com), which is getting ready to start its road tour on the West Coast. Ken and I hung a little a few years back and he - from the day we met to now - is just always joyful, fun, and a hoot. What can I say? On the night we met, we were at an open-mic in the King Kong room at "The Supper Club". We soon found out we had Georgia in common (He Athens; Me Savannah). From there, he learned singing was a sidelight of mine and put me on the bill to sing in front of a room of impressive recording artists and R&B singers. I threw caution to the wind and did a - let them tell it - "winning" rendition of "Wind Beneath My Wings". Also, I've been invited and have escorted Ken to some great events including one gala a couple of years ago when he was honored by the  New Professional Theatre - NPT - www.newprofessionaltheatre.org/ . NPT is a 501c3 non-profit organization that survives on pledges from foundations, corporations, and individual giving. Some foundations that have funded them include The Rockefeller Brothers Fund, The Carnival Cruise Foundation, and Bloomberg, etc. But there are always needs for the ARTS to stay alive... and they really are doing great work in launching new plays for the stage. (In fact, I just ran into Sheila Kay Davis - Founder/Artistic Director of New Professional Theatre. As I celebrated my 15 years since Morehouse, she was right across the street celebrating her 30 years since Spelman. (NO BLACK IS NOT CRACKING!!! With that, she shared some of the NPT plans for the future... and you don't want to miss being a part!)

ALL OF THAT SAID, Ken joined us. He had not met Anthony and has been quite busy since we were last together at his 50th Birthday party - also a couple of years ago. He looks amazing and would go on to invite Anthony and me to his place. We even took pix. And I have pix of us from his big party a couple of years back. After dinner, he hosted Anthony and me at his new Harlem apartment which is nothing short of gorgeous and inspiring to Anthony and me as we look at improving on our New Jersey space towards buying a New York City place. As Ken sat with us and inspired us - as he called us "his nephews" - we got the chance to be inspired by his journey, which continues to take an impressive course. He's choreographing "Women of Brewster Place", the stage play debuting in Atlanta's Alliance Theater (www.alliancetheatre.org/), where we recently saw Dawnn Lewis in "Sister Act". Also, he's choreographing "Ray Charles Live!" at the Pasadena Playhouse (www.pasadenaplayhouse.org/). Ken, too, choreographed the 'fish fry' scene in this much-celebrated HBO Film (www.hbo.com/films/lackawannablues/).

In the spirit of what Ken's work is and in anticipation of the "Tony Awards" (www.tonyawards.com/), my friends Sean Hollingsworth and Kevin-Anthony are introducing yet another great (www.b2productions.xbuild.com/) "Tony Awards" Viewing Party. My favorite "Jackie Washington" Jennifer Lewis (from "Jackie's Back" and many other great films and TV appearances) is co-hosting the affair. (Last year, the "original" Dreamgirl Jennifer Holliday hosted as they honored "Dreamgirls'" 25th Anniversary and I scripted the event). The "3rd Annual Black 2: Broadway Celebrates the Tony Awards" is scheduled to take place Sunday, June 10th, 2007 at B.B. King Blues Club in Times Square and MTV News Correspondent "SWAY" is co-hosting. Also, Freddie Jackson will sing.

Honorees for the evening are; the original Broadway Cast of "THE WIZ". Scheduled to be on hand are; "ANDRE DESHIELDS, CLARICE TAYLOR, HOWARD PORTER, BEN HARNEY" and our 2007 Living Legend recipient, "GEORGE FAISON". Broadway Publicist/Producer "MS. IRENE GANDY" will receive the Vanguard Award. Ms. Gandy's body of work is amazing, with 11 Tony Nominations for "Spring Awakening", and 4 Nominations for "Radio Golf" this year alone, she has been at the forefront of theater.

And MISS "Tamara Tunie" is making Broadway history by being the first African American Female Producer to have not only two Broadway Shows on The Great White Way, but two Multiple Tony Nominated shows on Broadway at the same time (Spring Awakening & Radio Golf). I had the chance to talk to her about this during Black History Month (at MTV) before both shows opened. () Clearly, we will be rooting her on...  Tickets may be purchased at The B.B. King Blues Club box office or at (www.theatermania.com).

$75.00 in advance
$85.00 at the door day of event.

Admission includes: Live entertainment, big screen viewing, hors d'oeuvres, buffett, dessert, coffee & more!

A portion of our proceeds will benefit "The Black Aids Institute". (www.blackaids.org/)