WWR visits the OMA's

Haven't heard of the OMA's? Well, you're not the only one. I thought I had been living under a rock but it wasn't me. The OMA's (Out Music Awards) were the one's on the shelf for the last few years. Through a lot of hard work, almost exclusively by volunteers, the awards show honoring openly gay musicians was not only revived, but expanded and filmed for television for the first time ever! Look for an edited version of the show to appear on LOGO, air date is unknown.

So Wild Woman Radio was in the house on December 8th at the Webster Hall in NYC. Here are some highlights, including footage from my flip cam.

Our good friend Rachael Sage was the night's only multiple award recipient winning best songwriter and best producer awards.



Best pop song went to Athena Reich for her song "Love is Love"



The awards opened with the theme song for the event "There You Are" performed by Christine Martucci



The evenings highlights included performances by Rachael Sage, Toshi Reagon, Jasper James, a dance performance by the House of Ninja, an acrobatic display by a group called Mantrix (i think that was their name)some fiercely fabulous outfits plus.....

an incredibly moving speech from Kevin Aviance as he accepted his Lifetime Achievement Award



a little Kanye moment as a few boys crashed the stage during Chelley's performance of "I Took the Night'



a segment called Hip Hop Evolution featuring Mack Mistress



To say the night was magical would be stretching it a bit. The event was plagued with disorganization from a faulty will call list (my skills of persuasion seemed more successful than my online ticket purchase lol) to misinformed presenters. BUT at several times the attendance of any previous awards ceremony & the amazing musical performances that will make for a great edited show on LOGO, its easy to see that the 2009 OMA's were just the beginning.

A full listing of winners & future details on the LOGO broadcast can be found at outmusic.com

Musicians & music professionals: please look into becoming a member of OUT Music in order to submit your music and vote in future awards events.