A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

I love a party! Sure, GALAs and PREMIERE PARTIES are over the top. Dressing up in couture, sipping on champagne, and nibbling on caviar are exciting ways to spend an evening. And of course, CELEBRITY sightings can be fun too. Moreover, it's nice to be a V.I.P. and interact with those being honored, like Tony-award-winning friend LaChanze at festive party that followed her big win for "The Color Purple" back in the summer of 2006.

But I'm also into the low-maintenance brand of coming together for a house party --- an intimate little set with some food, friends, and fun (maybe cards, music, a TV event, or just good conversation). The fun could be "just because...". Or, in the case of a recent set at the elegantly-decorated, Lakeshore Drive home of my friend Chicago Carl, it was a "let's-get-together-because-Patrick-is-back-in-town" party. So, after the business of my day, my Ti-Ti (Itika) picked me up (as she had just seen "Norbit" by herself because Carl, Jesse, Arlene, and I were to see it with her the night prior, but she came to the wrong theater. SMILE! "How you doin'????" LOL!). Ti-Ti and I ventured up to Carl's pad and he was awaiting us with open arms. Ever the host, we were given a tour and then seated comfortably as he provided fabulous glassware for Itika's two-step 'apple martini' (with Appleton Rum). CHEERS! Soon, Carl's generous and kind friend Vince (who hosted the last affair we all had when I was leaving Chicago from my month-long stint in January) joined us and we let the sounds of Diana's current CD "I Love You" and one of her "greatest hits" (along with a career-long collection by Patti LaBelle) score this portion of the evening. During this time, Vince, Itika, and I chatted intensely and passionately about "The Secret". This movie was created by Australian Rhonda Byrne, who says that if you follow its philosophy, you can create the life you want—whether that means getting out of debt, finding a more fulfilling job or even falling in love. (www.thesecret.tv/).  I haven't seen the movie, but Vince has. And since I'm always attuned to tools that can support my delivering on the results I want to have show up in my life, I sat their OPEN to what he had to say on the subject. It echoed some life work I've done and have written about here on the blog www.momentumeducation.com . (REMEMBER: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2006/10/25/love-is-in-the-air.html ). Itika weighed in with a series that her pastor was teaching on CONFESSIONS. It all looks at - on some level - WHO ARE WE BEING that the results in our lives are showing up or not showing up??? And as "The Secret" goes, the most powerful Law of the Universe: the Law of Attraction should be our guide. Because, according to this work, "Like attracts like,"  or "It is done unto you as you believe" (a belief is only a thought you keep thinking). And most importantly, Law of Attraction is something we are all armored to make work to our advantage. Once I see the film, I'm sure I'll talk more about it. Playing in a conversation around POSSIBILITIES at this inspired party (over pizza and wings) was the perfect way to spend our time.

Once Carl's brother Andre got there, we placed his DJ hat on him and he rewarded us with an awesome, prolific box set from Holland-Dozier-Holland, who wrote many of my Diana's hits with the Supremes. "Heaven Must Have Sent You: The Holland-Dozier-Holland Story" is a 3-CD collection that traces the development of these master music men's craft. From "Where Did Our Love Go?" to "Love Is Like an Itchin' In My Heart", we watched these classics bring joy to our faces.  (http://www.amazon.com/Heaven-Must-Have-Sent-You/dp/B0009S2TIY) Big shout out to Andre for skipping through to all my Diana selects first... before we heard the other magic that Holland- Dozier-Holland created over the years. (Thanks for the ride too!).

I've also told you about hairstylist & weaver extraordinaire Jesse Dean. Carl works with her at the Jesse Dean Hair Salon. She brought her husband Brian. And it was a pleasure to meet him as she's spoken about him so many times. He's a great guy and not so bad on the eyes either. Go Jesse!!! Now that I have seen her husband, I get why she was so quick to acknowledge how handsome my boyfriend Anthony is. (Not too much, Jesse!).

Carl was nothing short of the host with the most - going so far as to replenish our liquor well with a late-night run as we all felt like one more drink would cap off the night. Since Carl himself doesn't drink, I just found that to be so generous and loving. He truly wanted to make sure we all had a good time. And we truly did. THANKS CARL! I'll see you soon!

One day later, I found myself scheduled to return home to New Jersey without a Grammy set. It came on Sunday night. Just as I was commuting to Chicago's O'Hare airport to get on my flight, I get a vibrating text from my friends Jason & Marqise who decided to have a few folks over for an intimate, Grammy-viewing party. You'll recall, they were in the mix for my BDAY EXTRAVAGANZA (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2006/11/21/a-birthday-in-the-life-of-riley.html). Also, they threw a New Year's set at their home in Jamaica, NY and my Anthony and I had a brilliant time ringing in 2007 there. (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/1/4/its-a-new-year-and-im-still-dreaming.html). Well, this time it was much more simple. My Marlynn, Troy, Jason, Marquise, and I (along with a girlfriend of theirs who didn't stay too long) were in the mix. Jason, still and always ever the host, prepared our plates of BBQ and baked wings, macaroni and cheese, and salad. Riesling (White wine) was the drink of the night. And he capped off his menu with a delicious yellow cake with chocolate frosting. The GRAMMYs provided our entertainment and we experienced many highlights including:

* The blue-eyed soul of Miss Christina Aguilera shut the kids down as she performed James Brown's "It's a Man's World" as a tribute to the late great. She worked the song to perfection - so much so, I was trying to figure out who preceded her as she entered unannounced from the bottom of the stage. Then, a big picture of James Brown appeared on the background before she lunged into this historic performance. Juxtaposed to Beyonce's luke-warm, tentative "Listen", Christina definitely had one of the top sets of the night. (I hear, however, Beyonce had a stomach flu).

* Overall, it was Mary J. Blige's night. In great voice, she sang "Be Without You" in front of an orchestra before breaking out into Bette Midler's "Stay". She was phenomenal! When she accepted her best R&B album trophy for "The Breakthrough", her thank-you list was so long she was nearly cut off. But isn't GRATITUDE what  you would want to come from an artist on a night where eyes are all clearly on you? And she further rewarded the crowd with her hook on Ludacris' latest which was presented with Earth, Wind, & Fire.

* Stevie Wonder introduced one of the more unusual performances of the night, a collaboration among Corinne Bailey Rae, John Legend and John Mayer. But it was a highlight for me. Rae began with "Like a Star," accompanying herself on acoustic guitar. Mayer joined in on electric guitar, then Legend on piano. Legend then turned his "Coming Home" into a trio in which Mayer and Bailey Rae chimed in before Mayer took over with his bluesy "Gravity".  

* Another inspired medley (that I'm reminded is what preceded Christina): Smokey Robinson, Lionel Richie, and Chris Brown - each who paid tribute to the R&B genre with one of their hit songs. Robinson displayed his sweet, tender falsetto "Tracks of My Tears." Richie craftily sang and tickled the keys of the piano to his huge, but delicate, hit "Hello," and Brown (with a hoodie-wearing dance troupe behind him) gave a performance worthy of MTV VMA Awards credibility as he displayed modern-day R&B through the melody (and accompanying choreography) of "Run It."

 After the GRAMMYs, Jason, Marqise, and Marlynn reminded me why I hold them all so high as friends. In addition to our chats about the GRAMMYs, we each checked in with each other and where thing are with our lives and our careers. And in that moment (and after that moment), I was reminded of how nice it is to have friends who care and about whom I care. And I thought how blessed I am to - from time to time - have people in my life who are as concerned about me as having a PARTY! And YES! There MUST be a PARTY!!!!!

As you all know, Atlanta is a home away from home for me. I went to college there (Morehouse). I lived there for a few years after college - working at WSB and WAGA-TV (FOX 5). And it's still the place I come back to for holidays as my sister (and now nephew) live there. And with Dad and my brother a few hours away in Savannah (our home), Atlanta has become my hub. So, when I was asked to moderate a panel sponsored by the National Association of Black Journalists and Lion's Gate Films to promote Tyler Perry's upcoming film "Daddy's Little Girls" (http://www.daddyslittlegirlsmovie.com), I jumped at the chance. Also, my Anthony, who is - for now - still Denver-based - and I decided this could be our time to come together as we are committed to do monthly.

As thorns in the side go, the "event" was canceled a week and change before we were to arrive. Anthony and I decided to do the trip anyway. And I am so glad we did. We arrived on Thursday evening at about the same time. We first checked into our Sheraton Colony Square(www.starwoodhotels.com), which is right in the heart of midtown across from the Woodruff Arts Center where the High and the Alliance Theater are housed. (I have lots of memories there, including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus with which the Morehouse College Glee Club performed every year). (www.woodruffcenter.org/)I)I looked forward to sharing some of that with Anthony. We hit the ground running for a meal at a soul food tappas spot in midtown Atlanta called RARE. It's interior was warm and inviting. Filled with lots of BEDS on which you can lounge or more traditional dining room areas that were dimly lit, our first impressions of RARE were quite favorable. Then, we ordered. The food was generally good, but the "oxymoron" that is SOUL FOOD & TAPPAS (small plates) made for some interesting presentations like the "deviled eggs". We got three halves (featuring different toppings: shrimp, bacon, and regular). Well, where was the fourth half?????? Would it have been considered a BIG PLATE had they included a fourth half?????? What did they do with it, we wondered??? Though we enjoyed the shrimp and grits dish (which has inspired Anthony to put cream cheese in his grits from now on), we wondered as they served "chicken and waffles" as a quarter of a belgian waffle plus two wing/drumsticks, Would it have hurt to include another "quarter" of the belgian wafffle???? We made the best of it by paying our $100 bill (drinks were pricey too) and segue-ing to "Wendy's" and "Krystal" for something that was going to fill us up. From there, we met up with my friend Mashaun (and his friends) at Broadway Diner (just next to the Fox Theater on Peachtree Street). They had just left the Fox, seeing The Alvin Ailey Dance Company. After sitting with Mashaun and a couple of his church members from VISION Church (www.operationrebirth.com/affirmingchurches.html), which they tell us is a "gay affirming" church, Anthony and I  went to the OPENING NIGHT of: Cartoon Network's Design at Play The High Design & Low-Brow Humor exhibit (http://www.museumofdesign.org), which runs through May 19. At this point, however, our focus was the after party at Halo, which featured a set by DJ Dylan. Then, we hit the classic "kids" spot for any night in Atlanta, "Bulldogs", also on Peachtree. A few drinks and some good tunes later, we turned in to get rejuvenated for our next day. (http://members.aol.com/bulldognco/index.htm)

Friday, we got up to have a lovely lunch with dear friend Kelly Welborn who is in marketing at the High Museum (http://www.high.org/) and a woman she wanted Anthony and me to meet, Val Porter, who is the Business Development Director at Brand Atlanta (www.BrandAtlanta.com). Kelly thought there might be some synergy and though we were there for "pleasure" at this point, Anthony and I are always open to "take a meeting" and - in this case - a lunch at "South City Kitchen", where I continued my jones for all things GRITS. I don't get them often. I replaced the rice that my "jambalaya" was to be served with and substituted GRITS for them. DELICIOUS! Also TASTY? Our conversation. We brainstormed about the "new" Atlanta and how much it's changed since I lived there in the mid-'90s. But also, how Atlanta seems to be hungry for a RENAISSANCE of sorts around culture, a movement that should attract all demographics and bring what can sometimes be a segregated Atlanta together as one in the name of art, culture, music, and the many other healing energies that come out of expression. Kelly, too, made sure that Anthony and I were going to be entertained for the rest of the weekend. So, we got tickets to see the Louvre exhibit at THE HIGH as well as tickets to see Dawnn Lewis (of "A Different World" fame) in "Sister Act: The Musical", which is playing at the Alliance Theater. (www.alliancetheatre.org/). You recall, she has a non-speaking part in "DREAMGIRLS" as James Thunder Early's wife (Eddie Murphy). Well, we took my nephew Noot (I call him) and his Spelman sister Rachel and had a great time. We started at SHOUT (http://www.heretoserverestaurants.com/) where Anthony walked them through SUSHI 101. They had never had it. (I only began to eat it after I met him). With chopsticks in tow, they did very well and enjoyed it. From there, we walked over to the musical which we all enjoyed. If it follows the trajectory of "The Color Purple" which got its try-out at the Alliance in Atlanta (back in 2003), it might be coming to Broadway (but will need some tweaking along the way). The NUNS stole the show. They matched the whimsy of the film's nuns to perfection. Afterwards, we went to TROIS for late night supper. (http://www.opentable.com/rest_profile.aspx?rid=6610). Though pricey, I think we all enjoyed our seafood and fixin's. My sister joined us after she completed her night's plans to say HI. But the kids and our night didn't end there. We took them to Cafe Intermezzo for dessert and coffee (cocktails for those who were legal). (www.cafeintermezzo.com). I was able to give my nephew his MTV LAGUNA BEACH sweat shirt which finally came. And Anthony had a great gift for him too. It was a rare pic of BEYONCE performing "Ring The Alarm". BRILLIANT NIGHT all around!

On Saturday morning, Anthony and I got up to meet my sister and her husband Vincent, who had yet to meet Anthony. One of my "Amazing Graces" Chandra had yet to meet Anthony as well. And given she has roots in Denver, I really wanted them to meet. "Thumbs Up" (www.thumbsupdiner.com) was the location.  Fortunately, in addition to an awesome southern breakfast (Yes! I had grits!), everyone got along. Chandra loved Anthony. Anthony loved Chandra. Vincent seemed to like Anthony. Anthony says he liked Vincent. And inside of all the authentic, loving, and vulnerable conversations around "gay relationships" and people being in "the closet", my sister managed to stay in the conversation without having to regurgitate her food. Though much of the conversation centered around levity and fun, some of the content was serious. And somehow, we all were able to stay with the LOVE.

Afterwards, Chandra, Anthony, and I had a post-breakfast cocktail at Cafe Tu Tu Tango, where I had a chance twelve or so years ago, to attend its opening. (www.cafetututango.com/atlanta/) We had frozen drinks, which loosened us up to experience THE KING PAPERS at the Atlanta History Center. (www.morehouse.edu/events/kingpapers/index.html). My alma mater is now the host of a 10,000 piece collection of handwritten notes and unpublished sermons of Martin Luther King Jr., Morehouse '48. The deal was spearheaded by Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin who raised $32 million to purchase the collection, so it would reside permanently in the city where King was born and the Civil rights Movement was anchored. More specifically, the papers will be owned by Morehouse, where they will be made available for research, public access, and exhibits. My friend Mashaun and my friend/author/ man of all trades (and master at many) Gil Robertson joined us along with one of his clients Dr. Rani Whitfield, who is one of the top African American physicians and health advocates in the South. He has been using hip hop in an innovative way to introduce young people on how to maintain good health. (www.h2doc.com). So, our time with the papers and networking up and through the exhibit made for good vibrations in line with Dr. King's legacy.

After taking some down time at Chandra's place in Decatur, she, Anthony, and I met some friends at Atlantic Station's Mexican Restaurant "Rosa Mexicano" (www.rosamexicano.com). Anthony wanted me to meet a friend of his, Janene, who is a law student at Emory.  She introduced us to her boyfriend. I wanted him to meet my college friend Audrey and close Atlanta friends Carla and Cristal. And Chandra wanted us to meet her boyfriend Carlos. So, it was a night of meetings and first impressions. But after their specialty margaritas kicked in, it was ALL LOVE! We had a great time. So great, we opted to do an encore post-set at Buckhead's "Cafe Intermezzo" (www.cafeintermezzo.com).

Sunday was "easy" as we did a second day at "Thumbs Up" for breakfast (More "Grits", but with catfish this time!.  Chandra was hosting (on this day).  (www.thumbsupdiner.com) We reflected on our Saturday night and got our final good-bye in to her. Then, we went to the High Museum to enjoy the exhibits there before briefly meeting up with my friend Chris (who I shared "Dreamgirls" #11 with over Christmas) at The Georgian Terrace (across from the Fox). (www.thegeorgianterrace.com) I introduced him to Anthony, we caught up, had a quick drink before we had to head on to the airport and pat ourselves on the back --- one more time --- for staying in our commitment to see each other monthly. We too are now looking forward to our WHAT'S NEXT?, which is pointing east... to New York City! It's a new chapter and the page is about to turn... STAY TUNED!  

On the heels of my return to New York City from Chicago, I hit the ground running (as my last entry reflects). The rest of my week in New York was pretty eventful in personal and intimate ways. My Morehouse brother Khalid and I hung out for the first part of the week. After meeting at his uncle George Faison's home, we reconnected the following day. He called to tell me he was really enjoying "A Day In The Life of Riley: Pop Culture & Possibilities" and he asked if I wanted to help him finish the delicious brunch fare from the day prior. Ever the comprehensive reader, he was ready with my favorites - from cranberry and Tanquery to only the best champagne. We bonded off of our respective Morehouse years (We're both going back in May for reunions. His five year. My 15 year.). We talked about some show-business synergy that could perhaps show up for us both down the line. We had a bit of a listening party with Miss Ross' latest "I Love You" and I shared a few Diana DVDs with him, including her 1981 special featuring Michael Jackson.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6hBN39Xijc

The next day, Khalid joined my friend Dante and me for karaoke. This time, Dante took me to Karoke One 7 (www.karaoke17.com). It's on 17th Street just on the threshold of the Grammercy Park/Flatiron Districts in Manhattan. As always, Dante and I have a great time and this is what inspired my Anthony to recommend we do Karaoke for my birthday back in November. At this new location with Khalid in for the fun, we again had a great time. Khalid -- all of 26 years old -- went for old school from the '60s and '70s i.e. Marvin Gaye's "Ain't That Peculiar"; anything from Gamble and Huff's Philadelphia Sound; etc. He's old school. Dante ventured into '80s & '90s R&B with vigor - like Boyz to Men's "End of the Road" and some Patti LaBelle ("I'm In Love Again"). And of course, I was all over the map with my favorites from "Dreamgirls" along with Maxwell's "This Woman's Work", a select my Anthony chose for me during my birthday extravaganza. It went over so well, it's in my repertoire now. SMILE! After closing our karaoke spot down, we had lovely and sometimes racy diner chat... and called it a night.

Wednesday allowed Khalid to join me at Ginger to shout out my personal shopper and stylist extraordinaire Jamar, who headquarters his talents out of my favorite boutique N, which sets in Harlem on 116th Street. Our healthy asian treasure chest Ginger was the location and lots of love was flowing up and through the place for him. (I thought I was his only client. SMILE!). But that parenthetical is a testament to how effective Jamar is at making every client feel like they are his only, if only in that moment. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAMAR! (pictured with me below... at his BDAY set).

In all of those hangings, I never got a picture of Khalid. But I did have my camera. Maybe next time, which came just after my Atlanta trip, though I didn't take any pictures at that time either. Khalid and I went to "The Style Salon", which is an event my friend Joy Doss puts on every year alongside Fashion Week, which is going on right now. (I was invited to Baby Phat, but  was in Atlanta, which I'll write about in another entry). Joy is always so kind to include me in her projects. Last September, she invited me to be a presenter at the "2nd Annual African American Literary Awards" in Harlem. The award recognize, honors, and celebrates African American's contributions to the genre and entertainment at large. "Inside Edition" correspondent April Woodard was a presenter at that event and a host of this event. I shout her out because she has agreed to participate in a roundtable that I'm producing for the National Association of Black Journalists' convention in Las Vegas this year (www.nabj.org). It will feature all of our top African American personalities and broadcasters from the main entertainment shows out there i.e. ET, EXTRA, "ACCESS HOLLYWOOD", "THE INSIDER", and "INSIDE EDITION". Should be good. Meanwhile, Dani from "America's Next Top Model" and actress (formerly of "As The World Turns") Napiera Groves were also posing and pouting in the fashion show, featuring the designs of cutting-edge couturiers Jedda Kahn, Mira Kelis, and Zonkiri. Afterwards, Khalid and I enjoyed a great meal at "Serafina", an Italian restaurant that is connected to Anthony's and my favorite hotel "Dream". (themajesticny.com). After some great caesar salad, pasta and baby shrimp, champagne, espresso, and hot, focaccio bread, we segued to the penthouse level of "Dream" to enjoy "Ava Lounge" where we met a lovely woman who hails from "Jersey". Not the one over the George Washington Bridge bordering Manhattan, but the island of "Jersey" that sits on the English Channel between the U-K and France (closer to France actually). And according to her, it's those folks who came over to America and landed on the land that they named "New" Jersey. It was all "New" to me, reinforcing how little I know about the history of the state in which I live. But what a great connection as she joined Khalid and me for drinks and cultural connection. That's why I LOVE NEW YORK!

And right now, since I'm in Chicago, I'm missing New York and all the fun that comes with Fashion Week. One event, in particular, I really wanted to attend tonight. It's the launch of UNeQ magazine to which I've had the honor of contributing. You recall, I interviewed director/writer/producer J. Maurice Jamal (www.dirtylaundry.com) back in December for a magazine called "Rockstar". Well, the publishers have changed its name to "UNeQ" and that is the issue in which my interview is featured. It was a lot of fun to do and should read as enjoyably. (www.UNeQmagazine.com) And as for the magazine's transition, they feel it better represents the broader spectrum of the urban gay market and its tremendous impact in the world as a whole. I'm proud to be a part of it and working on another piece for the next issue of UNeQ. http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2006/12/29/the-12-days-of-life-of-riley-at-christmas.html STAY TUNED...: Meanwhile, NEW YORK CITY... I'll be clicking my heels three times to get back to that energy that keeps me stimulated and inspired to continue to do what I do and be who I be.  

With my feet firmly planted on the ground, my "Amazing Grace" Nichole asked me if I would attend church with her on Sunday morning. Reluctantly, I agreed. Not that I don't enjoy church, but it wasn't my church she was asking me to go to. It was her church, which she joined a few months ago, but had forgotten the name. (Another story for another day. SMILE!). But more than that, this was my first morning in a long time when I could sleep late. Inside that 'selfish thought', I got grounded in the reality that "God" has been so good to me, why shouldn't I get on up and be it differently this time. I stand firmly inside a one-on-one conversation that I'm always having with my God, but I thought maybe I should embrace the fellowship brand of spirituality: the church.

Nichole and I met, acknowledging that the name of "her church" is Corinthian Baptist on 116th and Adam Clayton Powell. We were too late to sit on the ground level. Instead, we were escorted up to the balcony of the theater-style church. Perhaps from this vantage point, we were closer to God? Though an aerial view of the guest preacher, the loud, punitive tones from his sermon reminded me why sometimes I prefer to shape my own 'conversation with God' in my head. I come from as much 'brim and firestone' as the next black person, but sometimes these preachers can be so "preachy" that the message gets lost in the judgment, the shame, and the finger-pointing. Still, in defense of his almost- lost-me sermon, he did take a moment to speak about HIV/AIDS awareness and how important it is to be compassionate about this plight in the community and - like Jesus - to be all that we can be towards helping those in need and coming up with solutions.

$20 later (offering), Nichole and I walked out of church hand-in-hand, heading towards "Native" for some coffee and mimosas. My platonic boo Carl Nelson (not to be confused with my Chicago Carl) came to join us before taking us to the home of George Faison, Tony-award winning choreographer for "The Wiz", a first for a black in that category. I've met Mr. Faison many times over the years. We have people in common, including Carl. In fact, I referenced Mr. Faison in a previous "A Day in the Life of Riley" entry where I mentioned seeing him at one of my "!2 Days of Dreamgirls" screenings at the Ziegfeld Theater: ("WAKE UP.... AND DREAM" ). It was there he mentioned I should come by the "Firehouse" where he teaches dance and workshops productions alongside hosting fabulous parties. I've yet to atttend one, but their reputation precedes them. (I also thought I saw a George Faison cameo in "Dreamgirls" - the Cadillac Car scene - I and referenced that. He insists it was not him). Oh well...

But what I know for sure is he and his partner T were such gracious hosts to a brunch that I won't soon forget. As we set foot into Mr. Faison's beautiful home on the upper westside, we were greeted with the brownstone of life: six stories of lovely art (Romare Bearden, etc.); books; and antique furniture. Though pleasant on the eye, it was lived in, warm, and approachable - providing my imagination with images of the many places Mr. Faison has been in his life of traveling as a performer and choreographer. There were hints of his recent trip to South Africa (in pictures and pieces). There were touches of celebrity in the framed pictures - from Miles Davis to Ashford & Simpson. There was the aroma of the south (He's from D.C., which is the South - below the mason dixon line. SMILE!). This, as a delicious ham, macaroni & cheese, apple pie, and many other delicacies were brought up to the parlor for our consumption. Also, George's cousin Khalid was in the mix and being a gracious co-host, refilling mimosas and champagne flutes; engaging each of us in good conversation; and offering an eye contact that assured each of us that our stories were being heard. Before days end, we'd find out we have something in common (ten years removed): Morehouse. "You can always tell a Morehouse Man...." Not really, but there is a breeding there that translates - through the years and beyond the many differences that of course exist from those of us who attended the school. Another great small world!

And then, there were Mr. Faison's special guests (other than us): THE ANGELS, a group of 50-something and older women who travel somewhere different every year. This year, New York City was their destination. And they came from as far as Tulsa, Oklahoma and Montgomery, Alabama to participate. They are girlfriends of girlfriends of girlfriends (expanding every year) - started through just one lady. One of the older ladies in the group used to sing with jazz great Lionel Hampton and his band before she got married, teaching in Chicago. Then, after fifteen years, she moved to Winter Park, Florida with her husband who needed to be somewhere warm. Now, she's in Tulsa. But yesterday, at 80-something, she was sporting a red, skin-tight, leather two-piece and heels. Cute, right? One woman is shopping her debut novel as another woman uncovered that Mr. Faison was already the owner of six copies of her latest work on Mary Mcleod Bethune. On and on, these women shared their stories and experiences and adventures. And so did we. They are as amused at our stories as we were their stories. It was the best kind of sharing - vulnerable, invigorating, and real!

Our host, Mr. Faison shared that he is a part of a unique production that BET is currently airing called "One Night Only". This inspiring reality docu-soap follows eight high school kids and their drama teacher from New Orleans' McDonogh 35, as they race to mount the "Dreamgirls" play.
Within the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, the series profiles eight enterprising students -- Josh, Chrishira, Deri'Andra, Brandon, Tracci, Michael, Jasmine and Keith -- who join their families and peers in rebuilding their homes, school, and community while also trying to enjoy their teenage years. The half-hour, six episode series takes on dramatic twists and turns as these New Orleans students try to keep pace with the demands of preparing themselves for a successful "Dreamgirls" performance, while balancing academics, social activities and their lives in the aftermath of Hurricane
Katrina. PROVOCATIVE! And given my jones for all things "DREAMGIRLS", it is now on my TIVO's season's pass!!!!

We didn't want brunch, which bled into the dinner hour, to end. At a point, my Nichole says to me: "Only in New York City can you have a Sunday like this one...???". To that, I said "...AMEN".

While in Chicago, I ran into a fellow Atlanta University Center sister, Ytasha Womack. We were both at Sonotech ( www.chicago-scene.com/2003photohtm/06-14-03-sonotech-a.htm ), a hot spot in the West Loop of Chi-town. Whenever I run into Ytasha, she is always making things happen in the entertainment and pop culture realm. She just directed The Engagement: My Phamily BBQ 2 starring Bernadette Stanis and Clifton Davis. It was her directorial debut! The film is a romantic comedy about about an African American woman and her Jewish fiance and the family calamities at their engagement party. The project has already been nominated for Best Film and Best Actress at the American Black Film Festival in Miami last July and she's had a successful run at the International Black Harvest Film Festival in Chicago as well. It will be on DVD this spring. Plus, her first book Beats, Rhymes and Life: What We Love and Hate About Hip Hop will be on bookshelves in May. She co edited the anthology with Kenji Jasper and it includes a foreward by Michael Eric Dyson. For more information: www.myspace.com/ytasha or www.loveshorts.com .

Speaking of HIP HOP, I want to shout out another Chicago-based venture that stems from a dear friend Candice Carter, who I met in college when she and I were student scholarship and internship recipients for the National Association of Black Journalists. This project is a ground-breaking, new preschool video called: “IT’S HIP HOP, BABY!” In essence, it's an education tool for children that teaches with classic toddler tunes that play to kid-friendly, hip hop beats, tracks, and melodies. This cutting-edge concept in children’s videos has arrived and hip parents everywhere will want in on this jam session. “It’s Hip Hop, Baby!” encourages children to explore music, language and sounds. Created especially for children ages 2 and older, the catchy music of “It’s Hip Hop, Baby!” can be enjoyed by the whole family. We're talking original songs, as well as the classics we all know and love – “ABCs,” “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” and “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” – but on this video the music has a trendy, dance-worthy beat with a fun, positive message. It promotes the joys of learning ABC’s, animals, body parts, colors and numbers through captivating musical performances that sound like today’s hottest hip hop tracks.  “It’s Hip Hop, Baby!” also features real children, not actors, showing kid-friendly movements that help develop listening skills and the ability to follow simple directions. Dr. Lisa Thornton, MD-- pediatrician and host of “Health Corner” on Lifetime Television says, “It’s Hip Hop, Baby!” is 22 minutes of programming I would recommend for any child.”

Through the “It’s Hip Hop, Baby!” interactive website, parents across the country are giving this video an A+ rating. Grace Harris, mother of three children in Chicago , IL says, “My kids are obsessed with “It’s Hip Hop, Baby!” my youngest said “Hip Hop Baby” a least a hundred times yesterday.” Domenica Catelli from Houston Texas writes, “My niece, Emma, who is 2 ½ got her copy and she LOVES IT! The first day she watched the video 4 times in a row! She spins and dances while she’s watching it.” The “It’s Hip Hop, Baby !” DVD is now available exclusively online at www.itshiphopbaby.com .