Cheryl Pepsii Riley, who first burst on the music scene in the late '80's with her torching classic "Thanks for My Child," has been able to steadily build her fan base via several ventures, including an independent CD release "Let Me Be Me." But her inclusion in over ten Tyler Perry productions, including stage plays, DVD releases, film cameos and soundtrack credits, has served to solidify her as one of soul and gospel music's legendary voices. 

The native New Yorker from Brooklyn holds down a solid base on her home front as well. She is also celebrating five successful years at New York's legendary Village Underground with her own homegrown vehicle, the "Back in the Day, Black Velvet Painting, Blue Lights in da Basement, Musicians and Singers Jam" night.

Cheryl Pepsii Riley: Photo Credit Steven Williams

Cheryl Pepsii Riley Comes to Chicago with Tyler Perry's "Madea Gets A Job"  March 24nd - 27th, 2012 Arie Crown Theatre

New York - Madea may have a job - as evidenced by the success of the latest play, "Madea Gets A Job" in Tyler Perry's popular stage play franchise - but Cheryl Pepsii Riley has a career. That's because Riley's role as Carla Montgomery in the latest Madea escapade marks almost ten years that the soulful songstress has performed as a mainstay in Tyler Perry's many endeavors. And with vocals that simmer and soar throughout the theatre, the audiences couldn't be happier about it.

 Cheryl Pepsii Riley in "Madea Gets A Job" Tyler Perry in background Photo: Darius Booker  

Riley, who first burst on the music scene in the late '80's with her torching classic "Thanks for My Child," has been able to steadily build her fan base via several ventures, including an independent CD release "Let Me Be Me." But her inclusion in over ten Tyler Perry productions, including stage plays, DVD releases, film cameos and soundtrack credits, has served to solidify her as one of soul and gospel music's legendary voices. 

The native New Yorker from Brooklyn holds down a solid base on her home front as well. She is also celebrating five successful years at New York's legendary Village Underground with her own homegrown vehicle, the "Back in the Day, Black Velvet Painting, Blue Lights in da Basement, Musicians and Singers Jam" night.

More simply known as "Black Velvet Mondays," the showcase attracts singers, songwriters and musicians from around the world who drop in to grace the stage. The showcase streams live at http://www.TheVillageUnderground.com and bridges the gap between the old school and new school as artists and musicians come to perform, network and inspire.   

Dedicated to regularly making her way to the club between her busy touring schedule,  Riley produces and hosts the event every Monday.   In addition to hosting and producing however, she is known for dropping pearls of wisdom in the midst of her Monday night events for aspiring artists.  

"I originally started 'Black Velvet Mondays' because of the things I had to learn on my own, things no one told or showed me. I just wanted to share information as well as provide a positive and safe atmosphere for the up and coming musicians and singers who are striving to hone their crafts. My vision was to help other artists along the way. I always say God gave me this gift, not just for the entertainment of it all, but to continue to live my purpose here on earth," reveals Riley, who hopes to write a book featuring her advice gems.   

In  "Madea Gets A Job" Riley's character is the chief administrator of a senior citizen home. Single and experiencing man troubles, Madea's motherly advice guides her to her true love. Her show stopping performances of "All I Want is Love" and "Dr. Feelgood" are highlights of the production. 

"I can't begin to express the gratitude I have for Tyler Perry. I have not only seen our audiences grow and grow, but I have watched him literally build an empire, right before our eyes.  He absolutely inspires and motivates all of us around him to do the same for ourselves!

As a performer, there is no greater joy than interacting with the audience. Having consistently worked with Tyler Perry  for almost a decade now  has been a tremendous experience. Top that with my showcase event on Monday's, as well as my own Cheryl Pepsii Riley shows and projects, and all I can say is that I am humbled and thankful for the many blessings," cites Riley.

Check the tour schedule for "Madea Gets A Job" at http://tylerperry.com/stage-plays/madea-gets-job/ and sing along with Cheryl Pepsii Riley athttp://www.CherylPepsiiRiley.com.

Now if this doesn't take the "feel good movie" cliche to an entire new level, I don't know what will.

Tyler Perry's GOOD DEEDS is very happy to announce Good Deeds:Great Needs, an initiative to support Covenant House, a non-profit organization that provides for homeless youth.

Through GiftCardGiver.com, Good Deeds:Great Needs will be collecting unused gift cards and donating all collected to Covenant House.

In addition, Lionsgate will be making a financial donation to Covenant House for every share of the GOOD DEEDS trailer! So make sure to watch and share the video!

This is an effective combination of both giving back and social media marketing wrapped in one. Nice. A donation for every share of the trailer? Good move Mr. Perry.

To learn more and share Good Deeds:Great Needs, visit www.gooddeedsgreatneeds.com

TYLER PERRY'S GOOD DEEDS opens in theaters everywhere on February 24, 2012. The film stars Tyler Perry, Thandie Newton, Brian White, Rebecca Romijn, Jamie Kennedy, Eddie Cibrian, Jordenn Thompson, and Beverly Johnson with Phylicia Rashad and Gabrielle Union.

To learn more, visit:
Covenant House: www.covenanthouse.org
Gift Card Giver: www.giftcardgiver.com

FILM SYNOPSIS:
A successful, wealthy businessman, Wesley Deeds (Tyler Perry) has always done what's expected of him, whether it's assuming the helm of his father's company, tolerating his brother's misbehavior at the office or planning to marry his beautiful but restless fiancée, Natalie (Gabrielle Union). But Wesley is jolted out of his predictable routine when he meets Lindsey (Thandie Newton), a down-on-her-luck single mother who works on the cleaning crew in his office building.

When he offers to help her get back on her feet, the chance encounter with someone so far outside his usual circle ignites something in Wesley. This one good deed may finally spark his courage to exchange the life that's expected of him for the life he's always really wanted.

A moving, uplifting drama about coincidence, courage, and the defining choices we make on our paths to happiness, TYLER PERRY'S GOOD DEEDS is written, produced and directed by Tyler Perry, and stars Perry, Thandie Newton, Brian White, Rebecca Romijn, Jamie Kennedy, Eddie Cibrian, Jordenn Thompson, Beverly Johnson, with Phylicia Rashad, and Gabrielle Union.