A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

all star karaoke

 WHERE IS MY ‪#‎THEBOSS CHOIR? LOL!!!! We sing it EVERY WEEK:

https://www.facebook.com/patrick.l.riley/videos/10152301946678737/! This clip features THE AMAZING Gordon Chambers, Darius Booker, AND Husain Mello Deas Williams! SPRING 2015 SERIES of Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley starts next Tuesday, April 28th at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul! Y’ALL COME ON OUT AND JOIN US! NOW THAT I CAN EXHALE from one recent client project: BET's UP FRONT for which I got to contribute to the Creative Services team on its video and art/design that let all the industry and the friendly advertisers know why BET IS ALL WAYS THE NEW BLACK with lots of new programming to ensure it stays at #1! CONGRATS, TEAM! Some of you will join me at ALL STAR KARAOKE - to let some steam off! LOL!  ‪#‎billiesblack ‪#‎allstarkaraoke ‪#‎motownmay #theboss

more arise work

ARISE ENTERTAINMENT 360 had me on again this past week. I filled in for Shannon again. Always fun to chat it out with MISS LOLA!

LAST WEEK:
Among the Believers directors
- Co-Directors Hemal Trivedi & Mohammed Naqvi @manaqvi talk with us about their new Documentary#amongthebelievers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVpdgMGAap0&feature=youtu.be

Kristen Taekman
#BRAVOTV #RHONY Reality Star &creator of#popofcolor @KristenTaekman talk with us about the upcoming season & much more 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPSIGsgkFGY

Kendall Minter
Entertainment Attorney/Author Kendall Minter @askmusiclawyer tells us about his new book "Understanding & Negotiating 360" 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqcU6wlXXzs&feature=youtu.be

YOU can watch (and me from time to time) - now on Time Warner, Verizon Fios, and On Demand...www.YouTube.com/AriseENT360. As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! #arise360 #allstarkaraoke#billiesblack

the more you know

Hi folks! I mentioned Executive Producing a special project inside the Fall/Winter 2014 months last year! But it was kinda’ top secret as I was asked to jump into the project in the 11th hour. Well, the project is complete and can be seen here: http://www.themoreyouknow.com/. It’s NBC Universal’s iconic THE MORE YOU KNOW campaign which had been EP’d for years by the legendary Susan Haspel. But as she was leaving the building, I was asked to come in and oversee production on the shoots with the over 40 NBC Universal talent that we shot in L.A. and New York City. I also worked with the scriptwriters; our content partners; graphic designers; and all the respective crews to complete the 2015-16 installment. FOR MORE on THE LIFE OF RILEY and that project:

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/10/13/jakki-is-back.html.  Since working on that project at the end of 2014, NBC News' African American vertical, NBCBLK, has brought me on as a freelance contributor to its digital platform:

* Miss Aretha Franklin's birthday party:

http://www.nbcnews.com/watch/nbcnews-com/aretha-franklin-puts-on-star-studded-birthday-417968707987.

* MISS FRANKLIN and EMPIRE Co-Creator LEE DANIELS! LOL! -

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1553278574945680&set.  

* My debut contribution was an interview with Lee Daniels on EMPIRE:

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/precious-butler-director-lee-daniels-building-empire-n290416.

#themoreyouknow #comcast #nbcuniversal #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #NBCBLK

blackbird

It was Ant’s birthday... and since it fell in the middle of the week, we will enjoy and toast this weekend (and one thing we’ll be doing is supporting the opening weekend of “BLACKBIRD” [See cities below and let’s make this FIRST WEEKEND count]. Last night, on Ant’s birthday, he and I thought it important to attend and support the New York PREMIERE of our friend Patrik-Ian Polk’s “Blackbird” – Co-Executive Produced and Starring Academy Award winner Mo’Nique – in attendance with her co-stars Isaiah Washington, D. Woods, and introducing Julian Walker. The historic night at the iconic Schomburg included an awesome array of my industry family – including legendary make-up artists Reggie Wells and Roosevelt Cartwright – once-Oprah’s team (Roosevelt now works with Mo’Nique). TRAILER: https://youtu.be/rHe0ukjp0-M. I am TOO EXCITED for Patrik-Ian as I remember in 2006 in Los Angeles as I was out there for business, we had dinner and drinks at The Standard on Sunset. And I remember him sharing the BLACKBIRD script and telling me how he was seeking funds and some star attachments for the project. After that deal fell through, his BLACKBIRD takes flight! YAZZZ! Blackbird opens April 24 in the theaters below. Tell a friend and check www.BlackbirdTheMovie.com for more information.#WeAreBlackbird p.s. Leon was there! Always good to see him!

p.p.s. And a special shout out to our girlfriend Alysia Joy Powell - a regular alongside Debra Messing on The Mysteries of Laura - NBC hit in primetime! YOU GO GIRL!

support

The weekend brought out the CHEERS – first for Miss Miko Branch with whom I had the chance to have a conversation at an awesome book event hosted at Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Skylight Gallery – hosted by the Honorable Assemblywoman Annette M. Robinson and my friend Blaine Robinson’s Bainbridge Harrison Partners. BEAUTIFUL to catch up with Miko on her debut tome: “Miss Jessie's: Creating a Successful Business from Scratch---Naturally”. Then, also in Brooklyn – DUMBO to be exact, our girlfriend Charon who I got the chance to meet in St. Croix last year, debuted her GWAN BY CHARON HEAT line of swimwear for the curvy girls out there. The Private Fashion Presentation was fierce and the publicity was handled by Ant’s sis Sabrina who I met December 1, 2005 – the same night I met Ant. Then, we had Mairie and Eric baby shower duty. And the close out? Celebrating Ant’s birthday! Backdrop: Kiabacca bar on 10^th Ave between 45^th and 46^th. BEER. BRICK-OVEN PIZZA. And an ENDLESS STREAM OF LOVE for ANT!  #iammissjessies #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

DL and ESTELLE

I interviewed Debi Mazar for recurring client Oprah: Where Are They Now? recently! Find out more about her later this summer. But this past weekend, my D.L. Hughley and Estelle Parsons finally aired --- culled from a couple of days I got to spend with each of them in New York City last year on assignment for recurring client OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. AS ALWAYS, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Here’s a peek: http://www.oprah.com/own-where-are-they-now/The-Promise-a-Young-Broke-DL-Hughley-Made-to-His-Baby-Girl-Video#ixzz3Y9PpoXUQ. #WhereAreTheyNow

CONGRATS KEKE!

EXCERPT: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152166354908737  - Friends of Billie's Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley, Miss Keke Wyatt and her hubby Michael are expecting Baby #8! She INSTAGRAM'd it! http://www.designntrend.com/articles/19897/20140921/keke-wyatt-expecting-baby-8.htm CONGRATS TO THEM! OH! AND WE TOO HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE SOON! STAY TUNED... #allstarkaraoke #billiesblack

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER

Was fun to see a great mix of my friends at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 2014-15 Season Opening Party – featuring music from The Rodriguez Brothers, signature cocktails and a buffet dinner. Always a good time! Be sure to check out its offerings this season: http://www.jazz.org/.

URBAN WORLD FILM FESTIVAL

After that, Ant and I met up with his sister friend Sabrina – in town for the Urban World Film Festival with her client Michael Jai White (whose #falconrising is out and screening this weekend). We popped by SILVANNA to see friend Victor Wyatt’s group British Dependency before we all went to 67 Orange (www.67orangestreet.com) for a late night bite of some of the best food in Harlem courtesy of 67 Orange owner Karl Franz Williams. Many popped by to say HI! The next day, we all gathered at NYC's Refinery Hotel rooftop. It was Ant, his Denver sister Sabrina, her client Michael Jai White, MJW's son Devin, buddy Bobby Roache, and Bobby's FAB eyewear for a pre-celebration of Michael Jai White’s Urban World Film Festival presentation of his new film #falcolnrising – co-starring Laila Ali. Bruce Leroy AKA Taimak was in the house - #uwff! #lastdragon

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NOOT!

It was also my FAV nephew Noot's BDAY set – at Wined Up - in NYC! He's 26! Lawd! Happy BDAY Herman L. Riley III! AND MY GIFT? www.bobbyroache.com – a pair of the CLUBSTER! AND HOW MUCH DO I LOVE that my friends (AKA family) are as emotionally invested in my nephew as I am, hence coming out to toast him for his birthday (He's like my son! LOL!). THANKS ERN AND PAULA! Y'all are the best! XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

END OF SUMMER COOKOUT!

Great times with Mairie Ame Raxy, Elisabeth Blix Lie, Ivonne Velasquez, Carl Nelson, and more for END OF SUMMER COOKOUT! This, before Beyoncé and Jay Zon HBO with Brian Henderson and Nikita Stewart! FUN SATURDAY!

SOME THINGS TO DO:

• ·         Shout out to Dr. Libby Lewis for hipping me to Gabrielle Denise Pina’s “LETTERS FROM ZORA: In Her Own Words” – Directed by Anita Dashiell-Sparks with Original Music by Ron McCurdy… and STARRING Vanessa Bell Calloway! You can check it out October 9 – 26 at the Tony-award-winning  Crossroads Theatre Company: www.CrossroadsTheatreCompany.org.

• ·         It’s MORE SCANDALOUS THAN 'SCANDAL' and written by MY FRIEND Stanley Bennett Clay! It’s his controversial and award-winning play RITUAL Off-Broadway. And you can get tickets now! (866) 811-4111 www.theatermania.com/off-broadway/shows/ritual_305392/

• ·         SAVE THE DATE and make your reservations for LEON & THE PEOPLES LIVE in HARLEM!! My buddy Leon and his band will be performing at Ginny's Supper Club at The Red Rooster Harlem! ALL THE INFO IS HERE:   https://www.facebook.com/LeonandThePeoples

COME JOIN ME AT:

The Jillian's Peak Premium Web Series Fundraiser this upcoming Tuesday: http://jillianspeak.com/Cast. Jillian’s Peak Fundraiser is a FREE event. Attendees are encouraged to make a contribution toward needed resources. This event is an organized effort to gather funds for the filming of Jillian’s Peak first episode and a trailer. The funds raised will go towards production cost to include but not limited to; equipment rental (lighting, sound, cameras, monitors, computers, clothing, location filming), film crew & actors salary, Pre and Post production, editing, & travel expenses. It is because of your support and help that we can bring quality LGBT programming to mainstream media. Please fill free to ask about our Corporate Sponsorship Packages at info@jillianspeak.com. To find out more about our web series, please go to our website at www.jillianspeak.com. There will be a special live performance by the cast, at 7pm and a “meet and greet” afterwards. Also there will be a silent auction and raffles. All attendees receive a great take away bag from our event. Do help us to reach our GOAL.

Location

Leslie Lohman Museum Prince St. Project Space

127-B Prince Street

New York, NY 10012

(At Prince & Wooster)

Complimentary RSVP tickets here via Eventbrite:

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/jillians-peak-premium-web-series-fundraiser-tickets-12629817123?aff=efbevent

queen

She passed away 20 years ago today! WOW! Still MISS her so! SHOUT OUT to my mom Queen Elizabeth Bellinger Riley! Endless LOVE & LEGACY! XOXOXOXO

wendy fab and 50

Made a lot of field/tape producing impressions for recurring client The Wendy Williams Show:

The VEGAS piece I had a hand in producing – highlighting Wendy’s stand-up comedy debut at The Venetian Las Vegas: http://youtu.be/sYWSgh_7ha8. Was fun to shoot with Wendy recently. She's always SUCH A JOY!

Her birthday show had something I produced in it as well - a birthday tribute from her staff: http://youtu.be/C5VxXjA1L4Q.  

MONSTER TRUCK ran last Tuesday: http://youtu.be/IUpsz80z8oY Shout out to editor Mitch Jacobson and Wendy’s awesome team who see fit outsource these great assignments my way when they have needs the like! #faband50 #wendywilliams #Happy50thWendy 

art of the interview

I love my National Association of Black Journalists' sister friend Katti Gray - so much I got up too early (amidst a double-deadline week) to teach her new, diverse crop of NYC high schoolers participating in the NYU Urban Journalism Workshop "THE ART OF THE INTERVIEW". GREAT KIDS! GREAT TIMES! http://urbanjournalismworkshop.org/ #nyuujw

crystal knows

Making sure to share the following info from my sister-cousin-friend Crystal – a blog featuring the best intel on natural hair. Click or go to the following blog; read article; and win free hair products!

www.Crystal-Knows.blogspot.com.

bobby roache

Special shout out to my little brother in the industry, international model Bobby Roaché, who has been hosting Anthony Harper and me at his NYC pad this past couple of FOURTH-OF-JULY days along with a fun group of folks – including New-Jersey native/L.A.-resident Corey Notes, an esteemed songwriter (and creative director) – credits including twosongs on Chris Brown’s latest CD.

 As my boy Bobby Roaché goes, PLEASE shop now

at www.BobbyRoache.com. You can check out his latest in sizzling eyewear! CONGRATS BOBBY! XO

spelhouse forever

Another FAB FETE took place later that night at friend Rod’s place – what would end up being a Morehouse/Spelman reunion between college BFFs Michael K. Watts, Mario Ephraim, and OUR-FOREVER-Miss Maroon & White Adrianne C. Smith!

LOVE Y’ALL! XO PLR  

Many of my ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS have been requesting my take on “DREAMGIRLS” – THE EFFIE SONGS – since we began! Well, I got in “I AM CHANGING” this week at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul's Black Gourmet Soul! CHECK IT OUT!

http://bit.ly/mm_patrick

See below for FUN EXCERPTS from MOTOWN MAY - TUESDAY NIGHT 1! PLEASE SHARE - using:

#motownmay

#allstarkaraoke

#billiesblack

Though it was #MOTOWNMAY (and a FABULOUS LAUNCH WE HAD), we too had a FABULOUS ALL STAR APPEARANCE: Xosha Roquemore! My ALL STAR KARAOKE producer and friend Derrick is the #1 FAN of "The Mindy Project". So, you must know this was the BIGGEST TREAT FOR HIM! LOL! I hope I get this right, but Xosha (pronounced Zo-sha) Roquemore plays no-nonsense, if not always tactful, Tamra! Xosha made a FAB ALL STAR KARAOKE appearance - enjoying the night from her seat and eventually hitting the stage for Nicky Minaj's superbass! SUPER SWEET LADY: http://bit.ly/mm_xosha! We'd received word that Tank and LaTavia Roberson would TRY to pop by. They didn't make it, but WE'LL KEEP OUR MICS HOT FOR YOU TWO... AND EVERYBODY! THANKS TO EVERYBODY FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

 Our ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS have been COMING OUT and TURNING IT OUT! THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!

Billie's Black presents ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley is TOO EXCITED to be partnering with MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL! We are having a BLAST! MOTOWN REVUE PART 1 of 3 (before 5/27's GRAND FINALE) was AWESOME! "Jules" won THIS WEEK on Teena Marie's "I Need Your Lovin'" - http://bit.ly/mm_jules -  and Hussain ran right up with Stevie Wonder's "Superstition": https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152195389718737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater. TWO MORE WEEKS TO QUALIFY FOR OUR GRAND FINALE;

 meanwhile, EVERYBODY CAN SEE MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL for a discount by using the discount code: ABC123 #billiesblack #allstarkaraoke #motownmay

RULES: Rules and prizes: Sign up is 1st come - 1st serve, starting at 7 pm each night (a maximum of 10 competitors per preliminary round). Competition takes place from 9 – 10 pm each night of prelims. All competitors must sing a song from the MOTOWN record label. 1st and 2nd place winners from the prelim rounds each compete in the GRAND FINALE. The GRAND PRIZE is 1) a pair of tickets to see MOTOWN THE MUSICAL during Black Music Month in June. 2) an opportunity to do an on-stage walk-on for that performance. 3) dinner for two at Billie’s Black. The 2nd PLACE GRAND PRIZE is 1) a MOTOWN THE MUSICAL gift bag with a signed Playbill, a MOTOWN THE MUSICAL CD, poster, coffee table, etc.

Audience members will ALSO have a chance to win Motown the Musical merchandise through MOTOWN Q&A trivia. FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2014/4/23/soul-out-loud.html

 IN OTHER LIFE OF RILEY NEWS….

WENDY WILLIAMS

 HOW YOU DOIN’? Was COOL to work on a quick turnaround project for recurring client The Wendy Williams Show with organizing expert Julie Morgenstern via Julie Morgenstern Enterprises for the My Healthy campaign. Check it out HERE: VIDEO: http://youtu.be/RgCMC_6UjAA  and visit www.MyHealthy.com for more info. THANKS for all the LIFE OF RILEY LOVE! FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/.  I’ll be with recurring client BET this week (I just wrapped BET UPFRONT 2014).  p.s. I got to produce recurring client Wendy Williams as she discovered 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; There was the Thrill Ride piece from Disney's Hollywood Studios: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNMeClGC828#t=0;   and our FINALE: Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRc0POz-C10#t=0.  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 Though I've produced several integrations for the show, this DISNEY project WAS A GREAT ENCORE to our British Virgin Islands integration a couple of years ago: PART 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZJZDNu3ztM  and PART 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sm2Z1CqJr0

TANIKA RAY

P. FRANK WILLIAMS

My Spelman sister Tanika Ray's NYC baby shower just took place at 44 1/2.Fun, well appointed room of Spelman sisters with whom I went to school, associates from the business, and the dad of Tanika's bundle of joy, my industry brother P. Frank Williams whose production company produces a lot of hit shows like "Unsung", "Unsung Hollywood", and Centric's "BEING". CONGRATS TO THE BEAUTIFUL NEW FAMILY! Ant and I may consider some babysitting - next time you all are east!

 MARA SCHIAVOCAMPO

After Tanika and Frank’s event, it was CINQO DE MARA time! BFF Mara Schiavocampo and hubby Tommie Porter hosted a fight party that kept us all in a joyous mood. P. Frank joined us. Sidra was in the house as well as Derrick, buddies Will and Joe, and a host of the FAB usual suspects that make CASA PORTER the place to be! Then to BOBBY ROACHE's birthday set in Union Square. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOBBY!

MAURICE MARABLE

 I continue to be proud and thrilled for high school BFF/brother for life, Maurice Marable. This, for his latest milestone. Mo directed the short film that introduced the President this past Saturday at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The spot follows Julia Louis-Dreyfus (of HBO's VEEP) and VP Joe Biden as they skip the dinner and hang out for the day, featuring cameos by FLOTUS Michelle Obama, Nancy Pelosi and John Boehner. Mo shot the top-secret project (written by VEEP writers) in a day and a half. #savannahintheWHITEhouse http://youtu.be/da5tjfpKyac

STEPHANIE GUERILUS

SHOUT OUT to NABJ little sister, Stephanie Guerilus, who booked me for one of NABJ’s fabulous panels – this particular one held in NYC! She’s been between project and harnessing her energy in the direction of a self-published novel, “By Any Means Necessary”. It centers on a teenage girl who wants to be the next big superstar. However, she encounters some issues on her way to greatness:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/1497442672/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_ClCytb0D96HRVFYN I told her I would tell you folks to check it out! SUMMER READING TIME! CONGRATS, STEPHANIE!

AND ONE REMINDER ABOUT "BILLIE'S BLACK PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE" WITH "MOTOWN THE MUSICAL" THIS MAY!

http://bit.ly/mm_darius

http://bit.ly/mm_jules

http://bit.ly/mm_geneva

http://bit.ly/mm_carla

http://bit.ly/mm_xosha

http://bit.ly/mm_jeremy

http://bit.ly/mm_patrick

http://bit.ly/mm_ephraim

http://bit.ly/mm_larry

http://bit.ly/mm_ariana

http://bit.ly/mm_kevin

bday

Okay! So, since Anthony Harper and I hooked up December 1, 2005, he's thrown me some awesome BIRTHDAY parties! In 2006, he was still in Denver, but flew in as my birthday gift: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2006/11/21/a-birthday-in-the-life-of-riley.html.  In 2007, he outdid himself! He came into a windfall and spent it all on me: a romantic trip for two to Manila where we saw - in concert - Beyonce who we met and who - at the end of the show - serenaded me "Happy Birthday". A TRUE HIGHLIGHT! http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/11/12/manifest-destiny-destination-manila.html. And that year, he further outdid himself stateside: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/11/20/keeping-the-music-playing-on-my-p-day.html.  In 2008, it was a karaoke set! What a blast: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/11/26/accept-me-flaws-and-all-and-thats-why-i-love-all-of-you.html.  In 2009, I'd just returned from a year away in L.A. and Atlanta - producing "Monica: Still Standing" and "Frankie & Neffe" - so this party was a WELCOME HOME party after a rough year away from home and apart from the one I love: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/11/17/la-proved-too-much-for-the-man.html.  2010 was quite the extravaganza. Many beats to this year. All great onces - including a set at the tony Griffin in the meatpacking district: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2010/12/1/i-recall-the-scenes-that-never-die.html.  In 2011, it was karaoke. But there were also other locales for celebrating - including New Rochelle. Also, Sid's Harlem pad served as the backdrop for one of the nights: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/12/14/get-into-it.html. In 2012, there was more karaoke: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/11/19/golden-hearts.html. And this year's "chicken and champagne" set was a low-key hang of just a few buddies on the block - all of whom came out to play on a school night. Shout out to childhood BFF Ernest Maynor; Derrick Hemphill; Isoul Harris; Kevin Freeman; Monique Taylor; Nathan Hale Williams; Jamar Dunn; Mr. Eric (One of the glam squad for the Fashion Queens); and - GASP! - is that "internet wifey" and "Amazing Grace", BFF Mara Schiavocampo in the house? YAZZZZZZZ! LOL! The intimate set was hosted by my buddy Merrell, celebrity makeup artist to Wendy Williams, Diddy, Usher, and many more. His fried chicken is the best! And how GRATEFUL am I for Ant and everybody who LIFTED ME UP on my birthday this year! THANKS TO EVERYBODY! And a special shout out for my nephew who put his special touch on my birthday extravaganza: a great meal at our favorite Hillstone. And I got to hang with my buddy Bobby Roache before that meal. Always good to chill with my brother from another mother. Though my birthday was Tuesday, November 19th, I want to SHOUT OUT ALL who came out to KARAOKE with me at Karaoke Duet 53 last night! WHAT A BLAST! So many of my friends from my many walks of life were in the house: Friends from Savannah Ernest Maynor and Maurice Marable were in the house; Maurice brought our friend, sometimes-boss, and fellow “creative” in common: Kendrick Reid, Senior Vice President and Executive Creative Director, Brand Strategy for BET Networks (who is my fellow Scorpio along with my fellow “karaoke” BFF Dante Higgins and our girlfriend Ashley Fettig – both of whom attended with extended fam in tow. Thanks Brandon, Mike, et al!). Was great to see my young NABJ buddy and my former Harpo colleagues (now-fellow-freelance-writer/producers here in NYC): Blair Youngerr and Suzanne. Of course, my usual suspects were in the house: Jamar Dunn, Derrick Hemphill, Dayne Brett, etc. And I was UBER-EXCITED to have in the house: Mr.Justiin A Davis of HBO’s Boardwalk Empire fame:https://www.facebook.com/JustiinDavis. TOTAL HONOR! BIGGEST SHOUT OUT to my partner Ant for ensuring I felt the LOVE from the night and my birthday overall! THANKS, BABE! GREAT NIGHT!

It gets better

Shout out to Amanda Johnson with Here Media (www.heremedia.com). She brought me to the attention of Wells Fargo which is producing a video campaign titled “It Gets Better” in conjunction with Out Magazine (in which I was once featured as a, ahem, model: Was my MAHOGANY MOMENT! LOL! http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/7/28/im-so-glad-we-had-this-time-together.html  And some more intel on it: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/2/2/we-will-find-a-way.html. And a piece on when I stumbled into the opportunity before the issue came out. Thanks Sandra Lee and OUT!: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2008/8/15/butterflies-begin-from-having-been-another.html)! The OUT 100 gala took place recently…and what a BLAST it was! Was great to hang out with my buddies – including Morehouse brother and UPTOWN Magazine Editor-in-Chief Isoul Harris and my dear friend DeMarco Majors. DeMarco introduced me to Gerald McCullouch (Best known for playing Bobby Dawson on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation... but currently DIRECTOR on a new film project DADDY: A Film Written By Dan Via (www.daddythemovie.com and www.facebook.com/daddythemovie and TWITTER: @daddythemovie). ALSO IN THE HOUSE: My boy Derrick; American actress, reality star, and transgender activist Laverne Cox; and RUPAUL DRAG RACE winner Sharon Needles. I also considered it a total honor to chat with Gail Marquis and the legendary Audrey Smaltz – a married couple that is featured inside the sixth installment of a series of short films by Antony Osso: “THE DEVOTION PROJECT”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBjdokpUQpM. This series of films documenting LGBTQ couples and the love they share. It premiered online on February 14, 2013. The first five films, "More Than Ever", "Say Only Yes", "Listen from the Heart", "My Person" and "Build Your Wings" are also available on the channel. The purpose of the “IT GETS BETTER” video is to inspire teenagers who may have been bullied and offer them inspiration – perhaps that may have been lacking when I was coming up. We worked the red carpet and enjoyed the VIP benefit of this event and soon, a nice video package will be readied for global viewing. And I’ll be sure to blast it your way, once it’s done. For more information, please go to www.Out.com/Out100  #OUT100

ebony

Thanks to Linda Johnson Rice, Desiree Rogers, and Amy Dubois Barnett for inviting Ant and me to EBONY's POWER 100! What an awesome evening inside of which we honored the 100 most influential African Americans in the country - including Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Berry Gordy - Motown Founder and Music Impresario. You know I got the chance to work as the Opening Night host of Broadway's "Motown: The Musical": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. Shout out to Director Charles Randolph Wright for reminding Mr. Gordy. Also honored: President Barack Obama; Kerry Washington; Earvin "Magic" Johnson; Nick Cannon; and Marian Wright Edelman. The gala celebration took place in New York City at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall in the Time Warner Center. The EBONY editorial team selected the 100 most influential African Americans in the country. The 2013 Power 100 list will appear in the December/January issue of EBONY on newsstands. AND P.S. ALWAYS GOOD TO SEE MY FRIENDS! XOXOXOXOXOX

Uptown Unplugged

ALL ON A LUNCH BREAK! LOL! Hi folks! I’ll have more to say on this when it actually launches VERY SOON this month! But let me now SHOUT OUT my Morehouse brother Isoul Harris for introducing me to the awesome team behind UPTOWN Unplugged, which UPTOWN is launching as an extension to its brand. As I’ve been featured in the FAB mag’s H List a time or few (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/uptown-magazine),  the H List (and a little of my story) come to LIFE via this segment which focuses on individuals the editors and producers feel are tastemakers and scene stealers! SCENE STEALERS???????! LOL!

I guess that’s me! LOL! As an independent producer/personality/writer and veteran pop culture expert (their words! LOL! AM I THAT OLD? LOL!), the amazing team of Executive  Producer Lynne McDaniel and talent booker extraordinaire Tyese Carmichael –Styles invited me to chat and be one of their first short-form episodes (3-5 minutes) on UPTOWN Unplugged, which will live on YouTube among other platforms. My friend, Co-Founder and Group Publisher of Uptown Magazine, Len Burnett, says the new channel will offer a mix of original and curated content.  Marriott International is the presenting sponsor for “The H List” and two other original series: “Uptown Studio” (for which the AMAZING HOST WITH THE MOST, MISS ASHLEI, interviewed  me on its comfy, intimate, lounge-type set inside one of Ren 57 Hotel’s midtown suites) and “Uptown ProFiles” – all of which are interview-style series (primarily being shot at the Uptown Studio located in the Renaissance New York Hotel). Uptown Unplugged will also look to produce and distribute original and curated branded content.  UPTOWN Magazine celebrates the luxury lifestyle of professional and influential urban consumers across the country with city-specific editions in New York, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. Its editorial content, promotion, and brand extensions communicate the appeal of a luxury lifestyle with an authoritative voice and sophisticated design. Editorial content highlights the best in home décor, automotive, technology, fashion and jewelry, fitness, health and beauty, travel and leisure, food and wine, sports and entertainment, and arts and culture. It also includes provocative profiles of the tastemakers who represent this audience. AND TO RECAP: “UPTOWN Unplugged” creates and distributes celebrity and lifestyle video programming for that young and happening demo that aspires and inspires (my words).  As a premier digital entertainment destination, UPTOWN Unplugged is a fully-integrated channel extension of the Uptown Magazine brand.  All shows featured on the Uptown Unplugged Channel are distributed across all relevant media platform extensions and through our exclusive partnerships.  The channel will be promoted and leveraged via all forms of social media. #uptownunplugged #uptownstudio #uptownmag

Black nativity

So on my “birthday eve”, I attended the BLACK NATIVITY premiere at THE APOLLO! Shout out to my Spelman and NABJ sister Tosha Whitten Griggs with Front Page Media PR for the LOVE! Afterwards, the cast and guests gathered at Red Rooster for the after party. As the day grew long in the tooth from having had many juggling balls yesterday, I instead tried out the new “Red Lobster” (don’t judge! LOL!) and headed home. But before, fellow BLACK NATIVITY attendees and my BFFs/MOREHOUSE brothers Michael K. Watts, Mario Ephriam, and Herman L. Riley III – also my “favorite” nephew joined Ant and me to wish me an EARLY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! LOVE MY BROTHERS, NEPHEW, MAN, FRIENDS, and FAM! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! Black Nativity, starring Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson, Jacob Latimore, Tyrese Gibson, Luke James, NAS and Mary J. Blige.

Flo Anthony

Special shout  out to my friend/fellow LIFE AFTER pundit/Celebrity Gossip Reporter/NOVELIST Flo Anthony who has a new book out! “Deadly Stuff Players” is Flo's second novel and is filled with juicy tid-bits from Hollywood's hottest nightclubs; boardrooms, steamy bedrooms; and behind ALL the scenes. A Howard University Graduate, Flo was the first Black woman in the nation to work on a gossip page: NY Post's highly-revered Page Six. LOVE YOU, FLO! CONGRATULATIONS on your GREAT READ! Perfect for the HOLIDAYS! http://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Stuff-Players-Flo-Anthony/dp/1593095074 #deadlystuffplayers

blood sweat heels

We are ALL celebrating the “platinum” success of my friend BEVY SMITH and her “FASHION QUEENS” – including Miss Lawrence Washington and Derek J – the latter of whom I had the chance to meet during my “reality” days in 2009 – producing “Monica: Still Standing” and “Frankie & Neffe” (in Atlanta while the 2^nd season of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” was taping and the sequel of “Why Did I Get Married?” was filming): http://www.bravotv.com/fashion-queens. Meanwhile, another friend and a couple of associates I’ve had the chance to get to know inside New York’s elite circle of high-style media socialites and tastemakers have been announced as the stars of a NEW Bravo venture that is scheduled to launch at the top of 2014. Former video vixen turned realtor Melyssa Ford is starring alongside two women I know: modeling agency owner Mica Hughes (dear friend I met years ago through one of my BFFs Lisa Goodnight) and a style and pop culture journalist with whom I recently had the chance to work on a project with mutual client BET (under the supervision of Michaela angela Davis), Geneva S. Thomas – Detroit’s own. Affordable-style expert Daisy Lewellyn and “A Belle in Brooklyn” blogger and author Demetria Lucas round out the cast of “Blood, Sweat & Heels,” which premieres Sunday, Jan. 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The premise: a group of up-and-coming movers and shakers in New York’s elite circles of real estate, fashion, and media are chronicled...and it the trailer demos lots of drama: http://www.bravotv.com/blood-sweat-and-heels. GO MICA! http://www.bravotv.com/people/mica-hughes/bio.

Where Are They Now?

I've been workin' overtime these days! And I'm grateful for work coming my way ---- on so many platforms and from an array of clients - old and new. I don't typically promote in my blog space assignments I do for recurring client OWN as so much of what I'm assigned is confidential. But I will ask you to tune into "Oprah: Where Are They Now?" as an interview I conducted with Mayor Rudy Giuliani has been excerpted and is ready for air this Sunday at 10/9c. As always, I appreciate your support! http://www.oprah.com/WhereAreTheyNow
Subscribe to OWN: http://bit.ly/18Lz0rV #WhereAreTheyNow