OUTMUSIC Announces
OMA DIRECTOR'S AWARDS

March 1, 2001 - New York -- OUTMUSIC has announced recipients of the first OMA DIRECTOR'S AWARDS. The DIRECTOR'S AWARDS recognize inspirational achievement and support by and for OUTMUSICIANS and is the lead-up to the announcement of the 2001 OMA winners on Saturday, March 3, 2001.

The 2001 OMA DIRECTOR'S AWARD recipients are: MATT YEE, Honolulu, Hawaii; LESLIE NUCHOW, New York; ANDREW BAILIS, New York,; and ZONNA, Medford, New York. Their award citations follow:

MATT YEE (http://www.mattyee.com) is recognized for his work as a promoter and performer. Though far from the meccas of New York and San Francisco, Matt has been a powerful force, creating awareness and introducing Hawaiians of all orientations to their inner drag queen. Matt has also been a relentless touring artist, scheduling appearances throughout the US in 2000, including Pride festivals and concerts in major mainland cities. Beyond his own schedule, Matt has frequently reached out to other artists to offer ideas, feedback, contacts and support. He is an inspiration to OUTMUSICIANS for his dedication to his craft, and his energy in promoting his art.

LESLIE NUCHOW (http://www.slammusic.com) is recognized for her work as an performer and activist. Through her non-profit organization, SLAM Productions, Leslie shows us how effective we can be when we apply the passion of art to create political and social change. Leslie's work in raising awareness against tobacco marketing to women and other issues are an inspiration to cultural workers everywhere, including those within the gay community.

ANDREW BAILIS (supporting member) is recognized for his support of LGBT music and the OUTMUSIC community. As a non musician member of OUTMUSIC, Andrew has been a constant feature in the organization. Regardless of changes in administration, Andrew has been a steadfast fixture at every OUTMUSIC event and celebration. Over the years, whenever internal struggles occasionally surfaced, Andrew remained a source of calm reassurance that the work of OUTMUSIC matters to the larger community. His reliability is an inspiration to those whom he has supported; his faithfulness to the performers is a comfort.

ZONNA, Out of the Crowd Music (http://www.zonna.net) is recognized for her communitarianism in nurturing the careers of her fellow OUTMUSICIANS. Many OUTMUSIC members who now record in studios across the country began with early sessions in Zonna's studio at OUT OF THE CROWD on New York's Long Island. Offering below-low-cost, often free, recording and production for OUTMUSICIANS, Zonna made it possible for many demos and CDs to see the light of day, which might have otherwise languished unproduced. She also produced an important concert series, inviting artists to Long Island to present queer music in a variety of local venues. For her consistent support to her fellow OUTMUSICIANS, Zonna is an inspiration for rejecting artistic competition and embracing cooperation.

Congratulations to the OMA DIRECTOR'S AWARD RECIPIENTS!

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