I was going through my youtube videos and came across this one, its one of my favorites – one of those magical performances when everything aligns just right. Watch and enjoy…

Remember how we used to touch…
Remember how we used to kiss…
Before we fell this far apart…

As the sounds surround you… I invite you to open the door of gratitude and find the men in your life who have gifted goodness to you. Remember to dance… Remember to give thanks…

A big thank you to the brothers who helped me create My Brother – baron, Jesse O, sean360x, Samuel, Buttafly Soul, Dwayne, Sam, Marcelo, Artie and Jon.

Leave me a comment below and share your thoughts and feelings:)

Earlier, I walked the red carpet, doing interviews, smiling for photos, and hoping nothing was out-of-place, judging from the QTalk and GBM News videos, I did alright – (I’m about 20 minutes in QTalk and 11 minuest in GBM News).

Comedian Tammy Peay hosted this year’s awards and kept us laughing, as she introduced presenters and performers. I loved the variety of acts on stage, I think there was something for everyone – Folk-R&B-Soul-Pop and everything in between. I got a sense that everyone was just as excited as I was – it wasn’t about winning and losing as much as it was about celebrating how far we’ve come.

Celebrating how far we’ve come…

Some of my favorite performances were BSlade‘s space age Disco tribute to Icon Sylvester, Tona Brown and Aida Strings classical piece, Athena Reich nerdy cocoon to sexy butterfly number, Deepa Soul funky rock anthem, American Idol contestant William Scott‘s Uganda tribute, Raye6 grand circus finale, and the Hip Hop segment which featured baron, Infinite, Foxxjazel, Shorty Roc, Last O, Empress Milan, DJ Mary Mac and The 5 Star Music Nation.

Photo by Andrew Werner

The OMA for R&B/Soul song of the year was in the 2nd half of the show. I was sitting with my good friend Bob Schaffer (we filmed Amazing Grace at his NYC apartment) and rapper Bone Intell. Da Doo Dirty Show host DJ Baker and artist Lovari presented the Award. Marck Angel was sitting in the row behind me, Jesse O couldn’t be there, but I’d promised to text him if he won, I’d talked with Kalup Linzy briefly at last year’s Awards, and even though I didn’t get to meet Tyrangem, I follow him on Facebook. Anyone of us could have won.

I remember thinking Wow!

I stared at the floor while they read the nominees and I remember thinking “wow” when I heard my name and all the applause. I got to the stage, gave DJ Baker a big hug, and completely forgot all the people I needed to thank… lol. All I could think of was The Gay Warrior Song and its importance, and why I wrote it. This song has been with me for 7 years, growing and getting stronger, and it is dedicated to all women, men, and transexuals around the world who are fighting for Love – hold on! Truth will prevail.

Thank you to all my friends, fans, followers…

I do want to say a big thank you to my manager Ron for all the love, I’ve said it before, and I will say it again – I would not be here without you. Another big thank you to the bloggers for all your support, independent and internet radio, (especially DJ Baker) for all the spins and mentions, Diedra Merideth and everyone at LARA for working to keep the OUTMusic Awards alive. Finally I want to thank you – my friends, fans, followers, subscribers, and supporters. You’re presence means the world to me… thank you sooooooo much for being in my life and taking this journey with me.

Photo by Andrew Werner

PS
Everything was filmed and when it airs I will let you know:)

I remember thinking, as the announcer read the nominations… what if I win? But I didn’t win – Rufus Wainwright did… it was probably for the best, I was seated all the way in balcony and I would never have made it to the stage in time:)

However, I kept my dream of winning an OMA safe, and in 2009, when I’d practically forgotten about it, I won my first OMA. A big thanks to my friend and House Producer Tomas for suggesting that I submit Love for OUTStanding R&B/Soul Song. As it turns out I was the first black male to win and consequently got lots of love from kewl blogs like BET‘s Centric Soul Sessions and Rod 2.0.

I guess I was lucky that first time around, I escaped the anxiety of sitting through the nominations and “the winner is…” moment. The R&B award was part of the pre-show and took place while I was doing my soundcheck. My mentor sean360x told me later I won and 5th Dimension biographer Robert Allan-Arno handed me my award (how kewl right:)

This year, however as we took our seats – 2nd row:) I realized I would have the full experience, there would be no soundcheck (or balcony:) to shield me from the reality of this moment. Whatever happened I would be present to experience it. I took a breath and relaxed.

Earlier I’d taken the opportunity to wish OUTStanding Hip Hop winner baron a good performance, chat with OUTStanding Jazz winner Avi Wisnia and American Idol contestant William Scott, and ogle at Mike Ruiz on the red carpet:) Now the house lights dimmed and the 7th Annual OUTMusic Awards commenced…

To be continued…