TONIGHT: The Out Music Awards!

Tonight, the LGBT Recording Academy hosts the annual Out Music Awards, honoring achievements by gay and lesbian entertainers and musicians over the past year. Held at NYC's legendary Webster Hall and hosted by Rodney Chester ("Alex" of Noah's Arc fame) and political humorist Kate Clinton. Out Music Executive director Diedra Meredith (Deepa Soul) says, "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!" With LGBT cable network LOGO set to televise the gala ceremony, and a star-studded ensemble of awardees and presenters, the Out Music awards is one of gay New York's not-to-be-missed events. Kicking everything off, super-hot Shirts And Skins star DeMarco Majors and comedienne Julie Goldman are hosting the Pre-Show festivities. Look for a whole galaxy of stars tonight, including Kevin Aviance, R & B singer Nhojj, unforgettable rapper Baron, the incomparable San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus (the oldest and largest in the world), and perennial LGBT favorite Deborah Harry.



Among the many notable presenters are Da Doo-Dirty Show host DJ Baker, actor, singer, and Christopher Street TV creator Dwight O'Neal, World Pridecast host BBOP, performance artist Lee Soulja, and accomplished comedian and actor Reginald L. Barnes.



The OMA's are the way we in the LGBT community recognize the works of our own great musicians, singers, and entertainers. Nothing else in today's entertainment industry is quite like it, and its organizers deserve every praise for pulling this together each year. Following decades of persecution in which LGBT artists could perform publicly but express their sexuality only in private, the day is now here when our stars can not only be out and proud, but our appreciation of their music can be properly shown to the world. In the long history of the gay-rights struggle, these artists have given our journey a soundtrack, and tonight, we can thank them for setting our lives to harmony and rhythm.



Webster Hall is located at 125 E. 11th Street in Manhattan, and can be reached by taking a 4,5,6,L,N,Q,R, or W train to Union Square. The festivities begin with the Red Carpet at 5 PM, a Pre-show at 7, and the Awards at 8. An Afterparty will be held at the RF Lounge, in the Village at 531 Hudson Street, immediately following the show. Tickets may be purchased at the Webster Hall Box Office. See you there!