New York, NY ( November 18, 2009 ) — The OUTMusic LGBT Recording Academy and its Board of Directors today announced that the 2009 OUTMusic Awards will take center stage at New York City's legendary Grand Ballroom of Webster Hall on Tuesday, December 8th at 8 p.m. The 2009 OUTMusic Awards will be hosted by Kate Clinton and Rodney Chester. This year's milestone celebration will recognize and celebrate musical excellence while featuring performances from some of the hottest names in LGBT music. Nominations for the 2009 OutMusic Awards can be viewed at www.outmusic.com/awards.html .
"We have cultivated new partnerships with some amazing organizations that know of our struggle," said Diedra Meredith, OUTMusic executive director. It is my hope to create an equivalent presence in the music industry for these amazing artists and performers through the OUTMusic Awards. I've been waiting all my life for this moment to arrive! Our community is tenaciously strong, it's been a long tough road, but with the OUTMusic Awards, we will make history during a time when LGBT Equal Rights is gaining momentum! This is our entry into the fight for LGBT Equal Rights."
This special night of celebration for LGBT recording artists will be filled with celebrity presenters to honor openly gay recording artists for their achievements and courage to be OUT and proud through their free expression of music. Throughout the night, special presentations will be made to Kevin Aviance, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award and Toshi Reagon with the Heritage Award. Also, the late Willie Ninja will be named OUTMusic Icon for his worldwide, inspirational, innovative and trendsetting contribution to the artistry of Vogue, fashion and performance. OUTMusic will also honor founders Dan Martin and Michael Biello with the Visionary Award.
The 2009 OUTMusic Awards Pre-Show will be hosted by Julie Goldman of LOGO's Big Gay Sketch Show and DeMarco Majors of LOGO's "Shirts and Skins." DJ Shane Phoenix and the Rickster of Q Nation FM's hit radio show "Q's In The Biz" will broadcast LIVE from the Red Carpet and can be seen on www.qsinthebiz.com . DJ Stacy will broadcast LIVE from the Red Carpet on Girlscenenyc.com her popular show "Listen 2 Me" presented by JAMBOX.
For this year's awards, OUTMusic has partnered with LOGO/MTV Networks to create three new, special award categories for those artists who have befriended the LGBT community and are seen as tastemakers by the LGBT community. The three award categories included NEXT GAY ICON, FIERCELY FASHIONABLE and KEEP BRINGIN SEXY BACK. The winner will be determined by the number of votes received by fans of the artists. To vote for your favorite artist in each category, please log onto www.logo.com .
The evening will be filled with some of the best recording artists in the LGBT entertainment industry including a spectacular opening performance by Christine Martucci, whose song "There You Are" has been chosen as the theme song for the 2009 OMA. Also, performances by Jason Walker, Toshi Reagon, R&B crooner Nhojj, Rachel Sage, Jasper James & She Dick, Levi Kreis, Deepa Soul, Kevin Aviance, with a special performance by new POP sensation CHELLY "I Took Tha Night" with America's Next Best Dance Crew finalist "Vogue Evolution". Also, a Gay Hip-Hop Evolution segment will feature Tori Fixx, J.R., Soce The Elemental Wizard,Mack Mistress and Da Fresh Geex.
Tickets for the 2009 OMAs can be pre-purchased for $25.00. Special Group discounts of 10 or more are available. Please visit www.outmusic.com to purchase tickets. Tickets will also be available at the door for $40.00.
FROM A NEWS RELEASE
About OUTMusic
OUTMusic is a premier 501c3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to honoring, supporting and advocating on behalf of underrepresented openly Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered artists and performers. The organization was founded by life partners Dan Martin and Michael Biello over 18 years ago to provide a safe and supportive environment for LGBT recording artists and performers. Our mission is to ensure that underrepresented OUT artists/entertainers have equal and inclusive presence in the mainstream entertainment industry. We work to put an end to homophobia in the entertainment industry and the world we live in through education, advocating and raising awareness, thus bridging the gaps that exists. We educate, advocate and raise awareness with the goal of bridging the gaps ing the gaps. OUTMusic work with the mindset, Freedom Of Expression IS OUTMusic.
The OUTmusic LGBT Recording Academy
P.O. Box 376 Old Chelsea Station New York, NY 10013 Phone ( 914 ) 595 — 6952 SKYPE outmusicinc
