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Chicago, IL — Two gay Chicagoans took three of the 12 prestigious 2005 "Outmusic" Awards at a June 12 ceremony honoring the year's best in gay and lesbian music.  (Ceremony Photos)

Queer rock singer-songwriter Scott Free snagged two Outmusic honors including the top award as Outmusician of the Year for his album, "They Call Me Mr. Free." And his song, "Another Day of Cruelty," was named Outsong of the Year. In addition, Windy City folk-rocker Dylan Rice received the Outstanding Debut Recording award in the male category for his album "Wandering Eyes."

Free was also cited for his cultural activism which includes producing Chicago's annual Queer IS Folk Festival as well as Homolatte, a popular Windy City queer performance series.

The awards show, held at Chicago's Cultural Center, was co-hosted by singer/actress/comedian Lea DeLaria and Chicago singer/songwriter Jinx Titanic. Preceding the show were four days of citywide events showcasing GLBT music. More than 70 artists, groups, songwriters and producers were nominated in 12 Outmusic Award categories. The 2005 recipients are:

• Outmusician of the Year: Scott Free for his album They Call Me Mr. Free and for cultural activism
• Outsong on the Year: Another Day of Cruelty by Scott Free
• Songwriter: Rachael Sage for songs from her CD Ballads and Burlesque
• Producer: Rocco Kaiyatos for Katastophe’s Let’s F*ck, Then Talk About My Problems
• Debut Recording (Male): Dylan Rice, Wandering Eyes
• Debut Recording (Female): Kitty Rose, Kitty Rose Greatest Hits!
• New Recording (Instrumental): Jennifer Higdon, City Scape & Concerto for Orchestra
• New Recording (Chorus or Choir): San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, Closer Than Ever
• New Recording (Band): The Bobbleheads, Automatic Fun
• New Recording (Duo or Group): Zrazy, Dream On
• New Recording (Male): Ari Gold, Space Under Sun
• New Recording (Female): Adrianne, 10,000 Stones

Other awards show highlights included the honoring of acclaimed guitarist/producer June Millington with the Outmusic "Heritage" award; singer Randy Jones (the iconic cowboy from music legends The Village People) and singer/songwriter Tim Cain with "Special Recognition" awards; and Pamela Smith (Amazon Radio) with an "Outstanding Support" award recognizing the invaluable contributions of non-musicians to promoting GLBT music.

Outmusic is a worldwide network formed in 1991 that actively works to support and promote the works of gay/lesbian musicians through open mics, showcases, seminars, CD samplers and music festivals as well as sponsoring the Outmusic Awards. For more information visit www.outmusic.com or call 215-923-8009.

Photo: (above) Lea DeLaria and Jinx Titantic (show co-hosts) hamming it up with night's big winner, Scott Free.
Photo Credit: Timmy Samuel/starbellystudios.com
(Ceremony Photos)

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