WELCOME to "The Life of Riley" which will include periodic chronicles of pop culture and possibilities that flow out of Patrick L. Riley's day. That's me!!! Through blogging (and soon some other technological features on which I'll keep you posted as they launch), I will pull experiences from my busy life to entertain and inspire all of you. Through this site, I will share my observations and insights. Some features to look forward to:
1.) "PATRICK'S POP UP(DATES)" will feature stories from pop culture, music, theater, fashion, and the entertainment industry at large.
2.) "The Life of Riley" will also introduce a "take-a-look-at-your-life" section (READ: sort of an advice column), where I will help readers come up with their own questions and answers around what "ways of being" are working (or not working) to have them acheive their respective goals and live their best lives. This section is called "WHO YOU BE?".
3.) Additonally, there will be a free-flowing, organic section called "TESTIFY" from which I will pull from my own life's journey to share and hopefully inspire. Some of the fare may be new musings and experiences. Other times, I may pull from my journals and past sharings to shed light on some uncomfortable truths that I've experienced and that may perhaps play a role in healing someone else's wounds as the real-life experience did for me. From my experience of covering 9/11 as a freelance journalist to courageously coming out (as gay) to my family, "TESTIFY" promises to move those who choose to read it.
4.) And a section titled "PR" (like my initials, but also like "public relations") will include press clips from any coverage I get.
Entries in Denzel Washington (3)
another night
WHAT A SATURDAY in the LIFE OF RILEY!
It started with work at the NYC headquarters of recurring client BET – prepping video for an upcoming network presentation. 
Then, with a special shout out to Denise Clay and Derrick Hemphill, I participated in my 1st GOOGLE Hangout presented by DJTF - NABJ's Digital Journalism Task Force - as in National Association of Black Journalists: "GETTING STARTED AS AFREELANCER". GREAT CHAT! Here you can here it - PART 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClJ7OOILiDw&list=UUFeGDctt-l14jAlCeHqRh_w.
After that, back to BET to wrap up day.
Then, a wonderful hang at friend Paul Wharton’s NYC pad for food, fun, and fellowship.
After that, Derrick and I attended Broadway must-see play, “Mothers and Sons” starring Tony-award-winning and six-time-Emmy-award-winning Tyne Daly.
From there, to MISS ARETHA FRANKLIN’s NYC birthday party – celebrating 72.
Shout out to publicist with the most, Gwendolyn Quinn, for ensuring I was in the house.
I got to attend and blog about: MISS Aretha Franklin'S DETROIT BDAY PARTY in 2008: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/3/26/people-say-im-the-life-of-the-party.html.
I also got to be an audience with THE QUEEN OF SOUL at her June 2009 "HOLLYWOOD BOWL" performance followed by a posh post-set at the Peninsula: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/9/21/ive-waited-so-long-to-hear-you-say-that-to-me-say-it-again-s.html.
And was good to hang out with her at a MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL preview event here in the city: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ
But this one was special. It took place at The Ritz Carlton (Central Park South). 
I got to see my NABJ BFF Greg Dunmore – in town for the festivities. 
Also in the house: QUITE THE WHO’S WHO – including Denzel Washington (fresh from the RAISIN IN THE SUN Broadway stage);
CLIVE DAVIS; 
CLIFTON DAVIS (subject of one of my LIFE AFTERs on TV ONE: http://tvone.tv/shows/life_after/video/full-episode--life-after-amen--clifton-davis-.html); 
JUDGE GREG MATHIS; Sister 2 Sister’s JAMIE FOSTER BROWN;
Ebony’s MILES MARSHALL LEWIS; J
ET legend Clarence Waldron, who we got to honor via the NABJ A&E Task Force a couple of yeasr ago; 
my fellow NABJ baby ROLAND MARTIN and his awesome wife Jackie; and a host of others! Just ONE SATURDAY in the LIFE OF RILEY!
MARCH is quite the month for DIVAS birthdays. 
MISS CHAKA KHAN's special day is coming up and my MISS ROSS will be celebrating THE BIG 7-0! 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LADIES!
I believe it was a Tuesday when ATL buddy Lamoh Hicks poppedinto town! Anthony Harper and I just had to catch up with him and grab a snack at Dallas BBQ! Guess who joins us? REAL HOUSEWIFE to R&BDivasTVOne's Monifah Carter, Terez Mychelle! 
Y'all better tune in for the new season April 23rd! Monifah Carter and the ladies promise to BRING IT! I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO IT! #divas 
LAST TEREZ, MONIFAH, and I happened upon each other, we were an audience with MISS ROSS at NJPAC in Newark where she introduced Newark's own Gloria Gaynor to the stage for an impromptu duet of their mutual hit "I Will Survive"! 
AND WE LIVED!!!
P.S. My Savannah homeboy Maurice Marable is continuing to impress and make us proud! 
Check this out: http://www.fastcompany.com/3027539/whos-next/from-big-love-to-veep-how-maurice-marable-directed-his-way-to-success #savannahpride
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in 70, Aretha Franklin, DIANA ROSS, Denzel Washington, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, R&B Divas Atlanta, Raisin in the Sun, Roland Martin, TV One
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black history 2014
ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 - MORE BROADWAY
WE’RE TALKING MORE BROADWAY 2014!!! A LOT OF GREAT SHOWS ALREADY OUT and/or COMING OUT! Prior appearances on ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 had me predicting winners from the TONY AWARDS nominations:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTd5S1wKUs0. 
ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 has been one of my recurring outlets to talk BROADWAY:http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=RDxfe-hG_aY. In the aforementioned ARISE 360 Broadway segment, I predicted the iconic Cicely Tyson would be nominated for her role in Broadway'sThe Trip to Bountiful Broadway. 
And she was!! YAY! So, they played that clip and referenced my prediction the following day:http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=uuJEs6ruin0. I was again on ARISE recently to talk GATSBY: the book, the film(s), the blueprint on hip hop! HERE'S THE LINK: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=mBT9mSmfmCo. 
A friend took these snapshots from their smart phone. As always, THANKS for your support. #NEWS4AT7Prior to this panel, I did an EMMY RE-CAP panel with TV Guide Magazine's Matt Roush:http://youtu.be/ lKDDhF_6qy4 and that was a call-back that came from the EMMY NOMINATIONSROUND-UP we did in July:http://www.nbcnewyork.com/ video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/ Emmy-Nominations-for-2013/ 216162211. And 
I'd originally done a BROADWAY segment with them a few months ago:http://www.nbcnewyork.com/ on-air/as-seen-on/Pop-Culture-Expert-Patrick-Riley-on-Black-Broadway_New-York.html. I am inside a lot of bookings from NBC-related entities - one from MSNBC's "First Look" to weigh in on Beyonce's Inauguration performance (a phoner). NBC's other platforms have come a calling: NBC News/The Grio has been calling on me - recently to weigh-in on the NAACP's endorsement of gay marriage:http://www.thegrio.com/politics/will-naacp-gay-marriage-resolution-change-black-hearts-and-minds.php;
On New Year's Eve to 2011, I made my "debut" on THE TODAY SHOW (as on-cam 'pop culture analyst') inside a piece that Mara did on the ball drop in New York's Times Square (http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/PatrickDemoSept2011.mov). #NEWS4AT7
Yolanda Adams and Jordin Sparks were in the house. Well, TWO YEARSLATER, Wendy discovers her Disney Side on a recent family vacation to Walt Disney World ® Resort when she tasted food and drinks from around the world at Epcot - Walt Disney World Center! http://youtu.be/76FBGNfZ7vQ. Wendy discovered her Disney Side when she became a Princess for a Day: VIDEO: http://youtu.be/n0nWYUq_3KQ. I had the privilege of producing her down there and working with her show’s team to put these special pieces together. A JOY! Thanks ALL for your support! XO
Beyonce's Grammy dress designer Michael Costello Fashion Week show 2014. 
I was seated next to ATL Housewife cast Nene, Greg, and Cynthia (Kenya was there too along with Anthony Harper, Derrick Hemphill, Arise Entertainment 360’s Lola Ogunnaike, E! News Alicia Quarles, 
“The Real” co-host/3LW/Cheetah Girl Adrienne Bailon, Baskteball Wives LA Laura Govan, my friend/model Christopher Kadima, Beyonce’sstylist (who brought her Costello’s dress) Ty Hunter, 
several cast members from “Shahs of Sunset” and many more! Fun night that capped off in Harlem at Park 112 with Ant’s Denver sister friend Sabrina Coleman (in town for business – casting curvy models for the Fashionlinkvi Fashion Weekend); 
“Fashion Queen” Bevy Smith; entertainment attorney and legal analyst of note Lisa Bonner; designer Priya Scoggins; and a host of our other friends!
Big shout out to Morehouse brother Mario Ephriam for the ‘family reunion’!#MBFW #NYFW 
#MBFW #NYFW AND Shout out to Mindy Cohn – Natalie from The Facts of Life! THANK YOU, BOO! She invited me to attend her friends Mark and Estel’s fashion show as Mercedes-Benzs NEW YORK FASHION WEEK kicks off at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts! The SALON TENT was the backdrop.https://www.facebook.com/markandestel.malibuand/or http://markandestel.us.com/ is how you can learn more. But let me tell a little bit about Mark and Estel FW14 RUNWAY from their bio: Mark Tango and Estel Day launched their fashion brand “Mark and Estel” in Los Angeles in 2005. Made in the USA, the Mark and Estel fashion line boasts signature fashion tees, flowing dresses and iconic cutout leggings alongside ready to wear jackets and separates. The duo’s rocker style and love of music signaled the simultaneous launch of their band “Mark and Estel,” and their fashion/music hybrid quickly became their brand signature. Their fashion line emerged in the press early on, when Mary Kate Olsen (the fashion designer of “The Row”) began wearing their designs. 
In 2009, Mark and Estel garnered further recognition when they custommade their ‘Ripped & Holey Leggings’ for Lady Gaga on her Fame Ball Tour. Mark and Estel’s rockerchic yet incredibly comfortable silhouettes continue to count fashionistas and sporty girls as their customers, alongside music and fashion celebrities including Jessica Simpson and Mischa Barton. Over 13 seasons, the line has steadily grown, selling in over 300 retail locations in the USA and internationally, including in Japan, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, France, Spain, Norway, Canada, Singapore, China, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Guatemala, Mexico, and Egypt. Mark and Estel are proud to present their 14th collection on the runway at New York Fashion Week. - See more at: http://www.mbfashionweek.com/designers/mark_and_estel#sthash.yUKHevXv.dpuf BY THE WAY: Did you see Mindy on OPRAH WHERE ARE THEY NOW? from an interview I conducted a couple of months ago: http://www.oprah.com/own-where-are-they-now/How-Mindy-Cohn-Tackled-the-Sex-Talk-on-The-Facts-of-Life-Video The popular '80s sitcom The Facts of Life was known for tackling controversial topics like eating disorders, drug use and peer pressure. Mindy Cohn, the actress who played Natalie Green, told me that when it came time to talk about sex, she thought it was important for one of the characters to lose her virginity on television. Watch as she explains why she volunteered for that role. Tune in Friday night at 9/8c. Read more: http://www.oprah.com/own-where-are-they-now/How-Mindy-Cohn-Tackled-the-Sex-Talk-on-The-Facts-of-Life-Video#ixzz2qNNi64BK HERE’S A LOOK at what was in that whole episode!http://www.oprah.com/own-where-are-they-now/First-Look-Debbie-Allen-Lisa-Whelchel--William-Shatner-Video My ANDRE LEON TALLEY and JILL ZARIN run tomorrow night at 9p! #MBFW#NYFW #OLDWORLDCOLLECTION#MARKANDESTEL #WhereAreTheyNow
Frenchie was wonderful! Still-beautiful voice! She did a mix of the standards - in general and that she's performed before like "Ain't Misbehavin'". But she also did some cool "Gospelizing" (I call it) interpretations of "non-singing pop diva" fare (as she calls it): "We Found Love" - Rihanna and a Britney Spears medley: BRILLIANT re-interps. NO "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" but she closed with "Home" - giving proper homage to Diana Ross and Stephanie Mills' distinctively iconic versions while making "Somewhere Over The Rainbow for Black people" her own (Frenchie joked). This is the first show she's produced on herself - to simply do material she wants and to use her 'head voice' sometimes vs. always belting. Talented woman!!!! And super sweet! The banter was cute - including lots of references to her being a Lesbian inside a committed relationship with a woman named Diana who she affectionately calls "Daddy". 
The soon-to-be-finally-Howard-U-graduate sprinkled references to that crowning achievement throughout the show (including reference to the mentorship of Debbie Allen's dance school in L.A. providing the course-load for Frenchie to fulfill her dancing credits to get her musical theater degree from Howard. Allen - and her sister Phylicia Rashad - also referenced - are Howard U alums)! This is the first show she's produced on herself - to simply do material she wants and to use her 'head voice' sometimes vs. always belting. This, en route to a desired return to Broadway - including a call-back on the table now for "Book of Mormon" and she says Carol Channing has endorsed her reprising "Hello Dolly".
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in A Raising in the Sun, Arise Entertainment 360, Broadway, Denzel Washington, Frenchie Davis, KENYA MOORE, Nene Leakes, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, Real Housewives of Atlanta
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2 References
"LIP SYNC FOR YOUR LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
So, there’s nothing like six weeks of steady work in my industry. Twelve weeks is good too. And when creativity and good vibrations are folded in, it’s ON! With all of that in place, I too felt good to be able to take a few days to leave the aforementioned circumstances to return home – just for the weekend – to celebrate my Ant’s birthday. 
And though I had homework, it was so cool to be able to oversee my long-standing plans to celebrate all things Ant. 
There was a karaoke party that he requested for he, his friends, fam, co-workers, and I to enjoy… and that we did.
It was his fellow co-worker Joi's birthday too - so she shared in the celebration (She is in the audience department for 'The Wendy Williams Show' and Wendy's warm-up).
We chose a different spot: KARAOKE TOP TUNES (www.karaoketoptunes.com) and even with some spring fever, I managed to serenade him his favorite tunes – including “This Woman’s Work” (http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/video/video.php?v=390384328736&ref=mf). And he and I did our favorites. 
Plus, Joe and I did some TV theme songs. But mostly, our guests enjoyed singing all of their songs… and keeping the energy in the room alive. It was so much FUN! See the many pix (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=166054&id=662073736&l=15c9dcddcf).
On Friday, Ern & I took Ant to one of his favorite dining experiences Houston’s in Hackenack, NJ (www.hillstone.com) – some local flavor.
And wherever we would go, the servers were happy to provide a little celebratory sweet.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 
But Saturday, we went international – EGYPT to be exact to the KING TUT Exhibit which opened that weekend at the Discovery Time Square Exposition (www.discoverytsx.com/exhibitions/kingtut).
Our girlfriends Manivone and Cy joined us for the audio tour and 3-D movie. 
ANT loves all things EGYPT!
In fact, his alter ego is AKHENATEN – King Tut and Nefertiti’s son.
Given Ant took me to Manila to see Beyonce for my birthday, I figured I'd do a little something - if just virtual. LOL!
Someday soon, we'll get there. 
After that exploration, we went to Cafeteria (www.cafeteriagroup.com).
Our girlfriend Cristal was in town from Atlanta.
So, she and Ern joined us in the city.
Then, we went to our main karaoke spot One 7 (www.karaoke17.com).
And Sunday capped us off on Broadway – where we met – to see Denzel Washington in “August Wilson’s Fences” (www.fencesonbroadway.com).
We stumbled into some of our dear friends – including Tracey Moore (http://www.thespiritedactor.com/biography.cfm) from whom Ant recently took some acting lessons. 
Also, my fellow NABJ (www.nabj.org) buddies Harriette Cole (EBONY’s own – www.johnsonpublishing.com) and Ms. Karyn Collins – founder of the NABJ Arts & Entertainment Task Force (www.karyncollins.com).
And Ant and I adore our girlfriend CJ. 
Well, we too love her husband Herman who brought his sister to the show.
And we even got some photo ops with a couple of the cast members Russell Hornsby who I recognized from “Lincoln Heights” and a couple of “Girlfriends” episodes (Toni’s little brother).
Also, Stephen McKinley Henderson stopped to greet us; He plays opposite Denzel through most of the production. 
After Denzel and company did their thing, we joined Charlie T and Danielle who treated us to Ant’s birthday Sunday dinner at Room Service (www.roomservicerestaurant.com). 
The food is thai. 
The company was great.
And of course, there was another sweet to celebrate it all. We capped the night off with a night cap at El Morocco (www.elmorocconyc.com) before turning in for what was an early Monday morning both ways.
I had to hop on a plane back to Chicago to wrap up this six-week project. And of course, with the work days, I got to continue my taste through Chicago each night:
On Monday, Rockit Bar & Grill was our backdrop for dinner and drinks (www.rockitbarandgrill.com). This, for Itika’s SCENE blog on www.cheekychicago.com. Though out of salmon (due to the Island volcano eruption, we're told), we enjoyed the company with several of her friends – including my Morehouse brothers, Dell & Corey. 
Afterwards, Carl & I did an encore appearance at REPUBLIC for the drag show. This, while missing the season finale of RUPAUL's DRAG RACE! But now I know that TYRA – the other TYRA - SANCHEZ won… and I got to see it on a VH-1 re-airing! JOB WELL DONE!
On Tuesday: After a busy day of work on Tuesday in Chicago, Chicago Carl took me to Adobo Grill (www.adobogrill.com/) for some delicious Mexican cuisine. 
We were joined by Vince who joined me in an impromptu concert culled from our "favorite" Jennifer Holliday.
We sang a cappella.
And we mostly pulled from her repertoire - the early years: songs from her Maurice-White produced debut album "Feel My Soul": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6g_rf73TpU and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgO6hte-wqw.
On Wednesday, my Morehouse BFF Eddie joined me for dinner. We did prime rib and jazz at BANDERA restaurant (www.hillstone.com) – our take two in as many weeks. But they were out of prime rib last week.
And last night, on the eve of my Chicago departure, my Itika orchestrated a little agenda for us.
She took me to an independent film premiere Black Butterfly (www.blackbutterflymovie.com). 
There were elements to this film that were truly endearing.
Other parts uneven. But overall, we really enjoyed the evening. 
And Itika and I love to experience the triumph of independent filmmakers - bringing their labor of love to life. 
Afterwards, we met up with Chi Carl at Market (www.marketbarchicago.com) to toast our great time in Chi.
Then, my NABJ mentee Danyella (who worked with me on "Monica: Still Standing" & "Frankie & Neffe") and her beau Jason - also an emerging journalist and member of NABJ - joined us. And we had a GREAT NIGHT!
TODAY… I’m wrapping up the project… and getting ready to head back to NYC… and I’m poised for WHAT’S NEXT? No answers yet. But I have a little window to breathe as these next few checks trickle out over the next month or so. Will work for FOOD! SMILE! And I am TRUSTING my next rung of ABUNDANCE to be right around the BEND as I manage this current revenue stream delicately.
By the way: Not my happiest holiday (if not my least happiest), but MOTHER’S DAY is upon us… and there’s a SPECIAL MOTHER’S DAY EVENT WITH ALVIN AILEY AT NJPAC that you should check out: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/4/29/special-mothers-day-event-with-alvin-ailey-at-njpac.html Tell them I sent you!
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in ALVIN AILEY, Denzel Washington, Ebony, Fences, Karaoke, King Tut, NJPAC, New York City, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR
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