Windy City Media Group Frontpage News

THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

home search facebook twitter join
Gay News Sponsor Windy City Times 2023-12-13
DOWNLOAD ISSUE
Donate

Sponsor
Sponsor
Sponsor

  WINDY CITY TIMES

Out Music Awards June 13 in NYC
2004-06-09

This article shared 3692 times since Wed Jun 9, 2004
facebook twitter pin it google +1 reddit email


Pictured Rufus Wainwright is up for an award—he's also at Ravinia later this month. by Jason Victor Serinus

The fourth annual OutMusic Awards take place in New York City's The Knitting Factory on June 13. The ceremony celebrates excellence in lgbt recording, songwriting, and cultural activism. Thanks to Ed Mannix and Dan Martin for holding OutMusic together as a true volunteer labor of love and devotion.

In their short history the OMAs have mainly spotlighted groundbreaking, independent artists who have proudly proclaimed their deviant identity. This year's nominees, however, also include such high-profile, major label artists as Janis Ian, Rufus Wainright, and Danish duo Junior Senior. In all, 100 artists from the U.S., Canada, Australia and Europe submitted more than 500 songs for consideration.

The importance of the OMAs cannot be overstated. Residents of major U.S. metropolitan areas and those with internet savvy may have increasing access to mainstream and alternative LGBT media and content, but those in rural areas or under the influence of repressive religious institutions, governments, and (in the case of youth) parents and school boards do not. Suicide rates among LGBT youth remain alarmingly high, and homosexual humiliation seems acceptable and perhaps officially promoted by U.S. invaders of Iraq. The more attention given to LGBT-affirming artists, especially those whose music challenges gender, racial, and sexual stereotypes, the better.

2003's OMAs were dominated by singer/songwriter Mark Weigle, who received an unprecedented five nominations and three awards. Though Weigle is absent from this year's nominees, perhaps because his latest CD features superbly crafted cover songs rather than his own creations, 22-year-old soul singer and Berklee College of Music graduate Adam Joseph takes Weigle's place with three nominations for his CD How I Seem To Be: OUTSTANDING NEW RECORDING in both the MALE and DEBUT MALE categories plus an OUT SONG nomination for 'Flow With My Soul.'

Other male multiple nominees include Minneapolis-based hip-hop artist Johnny Dangerous, whose Dangerous Liasons is nominated for both MALE and DEBUT MALE; DreamWorks recording artist Rufus Wainwright, whose Want One is eligible in both MALE and OUTSTANDING SONGWRITER categories; and Miami-based Steven Franz, who receives a DEBUT MALE nomination for The One You Choose plus an OUT SONG nomination for 'Double My Wardrobe.'

Female double nominees include Arizona-based Namoli Brennet, whose Welcome to the Afterglow may receive OUTSTANDING NEW RECORDING—FEMALE. Brennet's 'We Belong' is also up for Out Song of the Year, Boston-based Catie Curtis has double hopes for NEW RECORDING—FEMALE (Acoustic Valentine) and OUT SONG ('Honest World').

Musical diversity abounds with Chicago punk rockers Super 8 Cum Shot, who may score OUTSTANDING NEW RECORDING—BAND (Super 8 Cum Shot Volume II) plus OUTSTANDING PRODUCER (Jinx Titanic). San Francisco's all-transgender Transcendence Gospel Choir gets the double nod for OUTSTANDING CHOIR RECORDING (Whoever Believes) and OUTSTANDING PRODUCER (Ashley Moore).

There are several returning nominees. Kentucky-based folk-duo Wishing Chair, double winners in 2003, team up with Kara Barnard to vie for OUTSTANDING NEW RECORDING—DUO or GROUP (Dishpan Brigade). New York jazz composer Drew Paralic, a 2002 winner, could receive OUTSTANDING NEW RECORDING—INSTRUMENTAL (Midnight At a Time). Ari Gold, last nominated in 2001, is up for OUTSONG OF THE YEAR for his joint creation 'He's on My Team.' Alix Olson, last nominated in 2001, is up for OUT MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR.

While most OutMusic nominees and recipients are chosen by music critics, producers, and other industry professionals, OUT MUSICIAN and OUT SONG are chosen by OutMusic members. Since OM's membership is dominated by New Yorkers, it will be interesting to discover how artists from other parts of the globe fare.

OUT MUSICIAN Skott Freedman receives recognition for years of bisexual activism and contributions to LGBT centers. Likewise, Freddy Freeman earns accolades for fundraising efforts and such LGBT music events as Bearapalooza. Kris Landherr gets the nod for promoting queer-friendly music events in NYC, fundraising, and AIDS-prevention work; Robert Urban for active promotion of LGBT musicians, community fundraising and lobbying; and Alix Olson for her progressive queer activism that serves as a role-model for 'independent queer voice, spirit, and courage.'

Skipping a whopping nine OUT SONG nominations plus the equally worthy remaining single nominees, attention turns to the highlights of the awards ceremony. Venerable British rocker Tom Robinson hosts the event and graces transgendered punk-rock diva Jayne Country with the OUTMUSIC HERITAGE AWARD. Music journalist Larry Flick receives kudos for OUTSTANDING SUPPORT, and women's music pioneer Maxine Feldman (who wrote the first openly lesbian song) and LGBT Christian music activist Marsha Stevens earn Special Recognition awards.

For tickets to OMA 2004, including the June 12 nominee performance and June 13's award ceremonies and special benefit performances, see www.outmusic.org .


This article shared 3692 times since Wed Jun 9, 2004
facebook twitter pin it google +1 reddit email

Out and Aging
Presented By

  ARTICLES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Gay News

SHOWBIZ Dionne Warwick, OUTshine, Ariana DeBose, 'Showgirls,' 'Harlem' 2024-03-29
Video below - Iconic singer Dionne Warwick was honored for her decades-long advocacy work for people living with HIV/AIDS at a star-studded amfAR fundraising gala in Palm Beach, per the Palm Beach Daily News. Warwick received the "Award of ...


Gay News

'Rumors' performers create alternative drag playground 2024-03-24
- At first glance, Dorian's Through The Record Shop (1939 W. North Ave.) looks like a brightly-lit shop with a handful of records on the wall, but there's a secret world behind those unassuming shelves. Visitors are ...


Gay News

SHOWBIZ Queer musicians, Marvel situation, Elliot Page, Nicole Kidman 2024-03-21
- Queer musician Joy Oladokun released the single "I Wished on the Moon," from Jack Antonoff's official soundtrack for the new Apple TV+ series The New Look, per a press release. The soundtrack, ...


Gay News

THEATER Chicago's City Lit has anxiety on tap with 'Two Hours in a Bar' 2024-03-21
- Two Hours in a Bar Waiting for Tina Meyer by Kristine Thatcher with material by Larry Shue Text Me by Kingsley Day (Book, Music and Lyrics). At: City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.. Tickets: ...


Gay News

Lollapalooza announces lineup; SZA, Skrillex among headliners 2024-03-19
- Lollapalooza has released its line-up for the event that's taking place Aug. 1-4 at Grant Park. Headliners include SZA, Blink-182, Skrillex, The Killers, Hozier, Melanie Martinez and Stray Kids, among others. Some of the other acts ...


Gay News

Jamie Barton brings nuances of identity to her Lyric Opera 'Aida' performance 2024-03-18
- Chicago's Lyric Opera is currently featuring a production of Giuseppe Verdi's Aida starring Michelle Bradley as Aida, Jamie Barton as Amneris and Russell Thomas as Radamès. The opera runs through April 7, 2024, with Francesca Zambello ...


Gay News

SHOWBIZ Lady Gaga, 'P-Valley,' Wendy Williams, Luke Evans, 'Queer Eye,' 'Transition' 2024-03-15
- Lady Gaga came to the defense of Dylan Mulvaney after a post with the trans influencer/activist for International Women's Day received hateful responses, People Magazine noted. On Instagram, Gaga stated, "It's appalling to me that a ...


Gay News

House-music festival on Aug. 30-Sept. 1; icons, Idris Elba to be part of it 2024-03-13
- The ARC Music Festival—an event celebrating house music—will take place Aug. 30-Sept. 1 at Chicago's Union Park, per WGN-TV. This will mark the fourth year that the festival will celebrate the genre at Union Park—less than ...


Gay News

COBRAH slithers into Chicago and brings Feminine Energy 2024-03-08
- COBRAH snaked her way into Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., for two nights March 7 and 8 for her Succubus Tour. This Swedish-born talent has a way with naughty words and ...


Gay News

SHOWBIZ Jinkx Monsoon, Xavier Dolan, 'Frida,' Lena Waithe, out singer 2024-03-08
- Two-time RuPaul's Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon is headed back to the New York stage, joining off-Broadway's Little Shop of Horrors as Audrey beginning April 2, according to Playbill. The casting makes Monsoon the first drag ...


Gay News

Queer Eye's Jai Rodriguez is set to slay at The Big Gay Cabaret 2024-03-05
- Out and proud performer Jai Rodriguez is set to play at The Big Gay Cabaret this March for three days. Presented by RuPaul Drag Racer Ginger Minj, this monthly series highlights the wide world of cabaret ...


Gay News

THEATER 'R & J' puts a female, queer spin on Shakespeare 2024-03-05
- Romeo and Juliet is the theatrical gift that keeps on giving. It's been reworked for the masses numerous times, whether in direct adaptations or musicals such as West Side Story. Shakespeare's plotline points have even inspired ...


Gay News

THEATER When growth is paramount: Jim Corti helps fuel Aurora theater expansion 2024-03-01
- Out actor/director/choreographer Jim Corti made his Broadway debut in 1974, in the ensemble of Leonard Bernstein's musical Candide. Director Harold Prince's acclaimed Tony Award-winning revival is often cited as a ...


Gay News

SHOWBIZ Queer actors, icons duet, Hunter Schafer, Oscars, Elizabeth Taylor 2024-03-01
- Queer actor Kal Penn is set to star in Trust Me, I'm a Doctor—a film that chronicles the final days of actress/model Anna Nicole Smith, whose overdose death in 2007 at age 39 sparked a tabloid ...


Gay News

'Always Olivia' celebrates Olivia Newton-John at Raue Center 2024-02-26
- From a press release: Always Olivia, a tribute to one of the most celebrated and beloved pop culture icons of all time, the late Olivia Newton-John comes to Raue Center in Crystal Lake on Saturday, May ...


 


Copyright © 2024 Windy City Media Group. All rights reserved.
Reprint by permission only. PDFs for back issues are downloadable from
our online archives.

Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, and
photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no
responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials.

All rights to letters, art and photos sent to Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago
Gay and Lesbian News and Feature Publication) will be treated
as unconditionally assigned for publication purposes and as such,
subject to editing and comment. The opinions expressed by the
columnists, cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are
their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature Publication).

The appearance of a name, image or photo of a person or group in
Nightspots (Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times
(a Chicago Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature
Publication) does not indicate the sexual orientation of such
individuals or groups. While we encourage readers to support the
advertisers who make this newspaper possible, Nightspots (Chicago
GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay, Lesbian
News and Feature Publication) cannot accept responsibility for
any advertising claims or promotions.

 
 

TRENDINGBREAKINGPHOTOS







Sponsor


 



Donate


About WCMG      Contact Us      Online Front  Page      Windy City  Times      Nightspots
Identity      BLACKlines      En La Vida      Archives      Advanced Search     
Windy City Queercast      Queercast Archives     
Press  Releases      Join WCMG  Email List      Email Blast      Blogs     
Upcoming Events      Todays Events      Ongoing Events      Bar Guide      Community Groups      In Memoriam     
Privacy Policy     

Windy City Media Group publishes Windy City Times,
The Bi-Weekly Voice of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans Community.
5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640-2113 • PH (773) 871-7610 • FAX (773) 871-7609.