Happy Halloween! Boo!

Clockwise: Mike Furey, Casey Stratton, Sir Ari Gold, and Kendall Kelly.

Today is October 31, 2014. That makes it officially Halloween, a day that was first celebrated in the mid-1700s. It was also known as All Hallow's Eve and All Saint's Eve, marking the evening before All Saint's Day.It is thought to have Celtic roots, and is based on some forms of Christianity. Today, it is mostly known as a chance to dress up in costumes of every variety, no matter your age. Whether you are trying to scare people, or making them laugh, it is a day celebrated by many. To get us in the mood a bit, I thought I would post some Halloween-themed music, or at least some that could be. The first song is a remake of a 1984 single from Ministry, an American Industrial Metal band. It was covered in 2006 by the Electronic Rock project based in New York City. Vocalist Mike Furey is the man behind the artistic direction of the band. This is Dangerous Muse with "Everyday Is Halloween".

You can find "Everyday Is Halloween" on iTunes and Amazon. My next song isn't really a Halloween song, but it works, at least for me. There is something hot, and sexy about "Blood" a great song off Casey's first album, 'Standing on the Edge'. It was the first song by Casey I really fell for, and I have been hooked ever since. This is Casey Stratton performing "Blood" on morning television, and managing to look and sound pretty damn great!

You can find "Blood" on 'Blood EP (Junior Vasquez Mix)', available on iTunes and Amazon. The gloriously bearish Kendall Kelly has been making music for a while now, and garnering quite the fanbase. It seems many respond well to his mixture of humorous songs with romantic ballads. The driving Electro-Dance beat keeps me moving, while the sexy images of Kendall keeps the attention of anyone who hits play. And before I delay you too much longer, perhaps you should be hitting the play button for Kendall Kelly's "Don't Even Know You're A Vampire".

You can find "Don't Know You're A Vampire" off the album 'Manifest Destiny', available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon. And speaking of vampires, I don't know if there is anyone I'd rather have nibbling my neck, and wherever else they'd like, than the gorgeous and talented Sir Ari Gold. That was certainly much on my mind in October of 2010, when he released the music video for "Make My Body Rock", on of the several great songs off his album 'Between the Spirit & the Flesh'. OF course, I must admit I have been a fan of Gold's music since I first heard "Wave of You" several years ago, and that was even before I'd see how sexy he is! Fast forward several years, and Ari is still looking as good, if not better than ever. Check out the music video for Sir Ari Gold's "Make My Body Rock".

You can find "Make My Body Rock" on Gold's 2012 album, 'Between the Spirit & the Flesh', available on iTunes and Amazon. And have a wonderful and scary Halloween!

Kristine W • Love Come Home

The brilliant Kristine W has a new music video out, and I am quite excited to share it with you all. The video features the song "Love Come Home", originally found on the album 'New & Number Ones'. Actually, the song was chosen by Kristine's fans in a Facebook poll, and many are very excited to finally see it. The video also features Kristine's pre-teen daughter, Elizabeth, adding that much more love to the equation. It was directed by Adan Van Dam, and also features a cameo by artist Scott Cohen, one of the forces behind the Burning Man event. And the song is pure Kristine W, fro the writing to the singing, with strength and love in the forefront. This is the music video for "Love Come Home".

I love this song, and couldn't wait to see the video. I hope you feel the same way. To learn more about Kristine W, visit her official website. You can also 'like' her on Facebook, and 'follow' her on Twitter. You can purchase the album 'New & Number Ones', available on iTunes and Amazon. You can also purchase 'Love Come Home (Part 1)', a collection of remixes, on iTunes and Amazon.

Throw Back Thursday • Sylvester's "I (Who Have Nothing)"

For my second Throw Back Thursday post, I thought I would take a look back in history at some great performers from the LGBT community. And if I was going there, I wanted to start with the brilliant Sylvester. The performer, born Sylvester James, Jr., in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. As a youngster, Sylvester was a part of the church choir, until the persecution began as the congregation became increasingly aware of homosexuality. Sylvester soon left the area, and settled in San Fransisco. There he became involved with The Disquotays, a group of cross dressing men of color. As that group faded, he became a part of The Cockettes, a group that often played with the gender roles and traditional clothing.

In the early 1970s, Sylvester focused on his music career, and was soon recording with his band, Sylvester and his Hot Band. In 1977, he released his first truly solo effort, an eponymous album that was a mild success. That was followed up by 'Step II', which had the hit song, "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)". In 1979, he released the album 'Stars', which featured the single "I (Who Have Nothing)". The song had music by Carlo Donida and lyrics by Giulio "Mogol" Rapetti, who wrote it in 1961. Since it was written in Italian, American writers Mike Stoller and Jerry Lieber adapted the song for the American audience, and offered it to Ben E. King, who released it in 1963. That same year, it was recorded by Shirley Bassey, who had the best known version of the song. This is Sylvester's Dance version of the song, "I (Who Have Nothing)".

It was unfortunate that Sylvester spent so little time recording, as he fell ill in the 1980s, before passing in 1988 from complications due to AIDS. I do wish Sylvester had more time to record, and leave us with an even greater library. You can find the album 'Stars', which featured "I (Who Have Nothing)", on iTunes and Amazon.

Throw Back Thursday • Led Zeppelin's "Stairway"

For Throw Back Thursday, I thought I would start with one of my all-time favorite bands, Led Zeppelin. They were part of the dichotomy of my youth, when I fell in love with all kinds of music. In my early teens, it was the music of Barbra Streisand that spoke directly to my heart. Later, I found I was enamored with the Rock of Led Zeppelin. In between, I found the great music of James Taylor, Carole King, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Joni Mitchell, The Band, and so many others. I decided to go with the music of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham. In 1973, the band was filmed at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The film, 'The Song Remains The Same', was released in 1976. This is a clip from the film, of the band playing their big hit, "Stairway To Heaven".

"Stairway to Heaven" was first recorded for Led Zeppelin's untitled fourth album, usually referred to as 'Led Zeppelin IV'. The album was released almost 43 years ago on November 8, 1971. You can purchase the remastered version of album on iTunes and Amazon.

Dark Monday • Bernadette Sings "Not A Day Goes By"

When it comes to some of the amazing women I have managed to see performing on Broadway, I think Bernadette Peters ranks among the top. Now, I've seen some incredible talents, but her work in 'Sunday in the Park with George' still resonates with me, and that was a few decades ago. She was incredible live, sounding great, and acting the role of Dot to perfection. I was already a fan, but this still blew me away. It was said she has been a muse for Sondheim, and it was easy to understand why with this performance.

She went on to star in 'Into the Woods', as well as revivals of 'A Little Night Music' and 'Follies'. She also performed live at Carnegie Hall in 1996, as part of a fundraiser for Gay Men's Health Crisis. The show featured song from several shows Peters had starred in, and she dedicated the second half of the performance to the works of Sondheim. The recording was later released as a live album, entitled 'Sondheim, Etc.' I must admit, I do love the album, and it inspired me to do this post. One of the songs Bernadette sang was the amazing "Not A Day Goes By", a song from the 1981 Broadway musical, 'Merrily We Roll Along'. The show was directed by Harold Prince, with a book by George Furth and music and lyrics by Sondheim. The show as not a success, running on Broadway for only 52 previews and 16 performances. It marked the end of the Harold Prince-Sondheim collaborations for 22 years, which had been fruitful for both. But the score was wonderful, and Bernadette had picked this song well. This is Peters singing "Not A Day Goes By".

To learn more about Bernadette Peters, visit her official website. You can also 'like' her on Facebook, and 'follow' her on Twitter. You can find "Not A Day Goes By" on 'Sondheim, Etc.', which can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon. If you like what you heard above, you should think about buying the album - available for just $5.99 at both online stores.

Robin Williams Remembered

I have no problem admitting to the fact I was a big fan of the comedy of Robin Williams, having purchased the album "Reality...What A Concept", the live recording of a 1979 performance in New York. I would listen to it time and time again, marveling at his energy, and the way his amazing mind worked. That led me to purchase his next live album, 'Throbbing Python of Love', his 1983 release. My admiration grew as I saw him grow into the actor that could take us on journeys like he did in 'Dead Poets Society', 'Good Morning Vietnam' and 'Mrs. Doubtfire'. So when I heard he left us on August 11, 2014, I was truly saddened, and wanted to remember him fondly. This is a wonderful clip of Robin Williams, Live at the Roxy.

Rest in peace, Robin Williams.

Marshall Titus • Send A Little Love

From the first time I heard his cover of George Michael's "Father Figure", I was hooked on Marshal Titus' voice. There is such a seductive texture to his voice, I cannot help myself. So when I discovered he had a new single out, I was very excited. The song, "Send A Little Love", was written by Marshall and Keith Stewart, and produced by Marshall and Fritz Darjes. I love the uplifting feel to the song, and it just raises my spirits to a wonderful place. The video was shot in Hamburg, Germany, and directed by Herb Santos. This is Marshall Titus singing "Send A Little Love".

I knew the minute I heard it, I needed to have "Send A Little Love" in my music collection. You can purchase "Send A Little Love" from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Marshall Titus, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Lauren Bacall • But Alive

I have been a fan of Lauren Bacall for as long as I remember. When I was just a young kid, I remember sitting in front of the television, watching the black and white movies, often starring Humphrey Bogart and Bacall. I hadn't realized it then, but they were a couple, which certain helped with their stunning chemistry. So when I heard of Bacall's passing not long ago, I was truly sad. I had long believed Bacall was truly underrated, having never been nominated for an Academy Award for a performance until 1997, when she was nominated for 'The Mirror Has Two Faces'. After all, her work in the 1944 film 'To Have and To Have Not' opposite Bogart is just so darned impressive, I was hooked on her from the first time I watched it. This is Bacall with her famous 'whistle' scene.

I was so much a fan, I couldn't wait to purchase her autobiography, 'Lauren Bacall By Myself', with amazing stories and insights into her life. For me, there was an incredible honesty on the pages, and I couldn't put it down. I loved the fact she was born in The Bronx, and raised in Brooklyn, and went on to become a big movie star in Los Angeles. Of course, Bacall moved back to New York later, for that is where she felt most at home.

Bacall also had an impressive Broadway resumé, first starring in 'Goodbye Charlie' in 1959, as well as star turns in 'Cactus Flower' in 1965, 'Applause' in 1970, and 'Woman of the Year' in 1981. There were several other appearances on the New York stage. Bacall also earned two Tony Awards for Best Actress in a Musical for her performances in 'Applause' and 'Woman of the Year'. I thought it would be nice to see a video of her performance of "But Alive" from 'Applause', with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Lee Adams.

Lauren Bacall passed away on August 12, 2014, about a month before her 90th birthday. Her beauty, talent, and style will all be sorely missed. Rest in Peace, Lauren Bacall.

David Raleigh • The Videos

Later on tonight, I will be in New York City to attend the launch of the latest from David Raleigh, the wonderful singer, songwriter, and pianist. I first discovered Raleigh about four years ago, when he worked on a project with some very talented men, but I will get to that shortly. Once I heard him, I needed to hear more, so I soon found his solo stuff. Man, am I glad I did. His music is just as special ass the man is, and I can't get enough. You want to know much I love David? I will be traveling to see him, and will be missing one of my favorite guilty pleasures, 'Sleepy Hollow'.

As I said before, I first found David by way of a project he worked on with some very talented men. David collaborated with Tony Award winner Billy Porter, the gifted Sir Ari Gold, and intriguing Alan Cumming on "That's What Friends Are For", a new look at the classic best remembered for the 1985 version by Dione Warwick and Friends, with Gladys Knight, Elton John, and Stevie Wonder joining Dione to raise money for AmFar. The song was written by Carole Bayer Sager and Burt Bacharach. Raleigh, Porter, Cumming and Gold revived it to also raise money, for the Ali Fortney Center, a New York City shelter for homeless GLBT youth. The song was produced by Nathan Leigh Jones. This is David, Billy, Alan and Ari with "That's What Friends Are For".

You can purchase the single from iTunes. I think the money will still go to the great cause. Watching this video, and purchasing the song, lead me to find other music by Raleigh, and I was able to do that fairly quickly. Not long on YouTube, and I had a great new music video I kept watching, time and time again. There is such joy and love emanating from the core of "I Do!", and I knew once again, I was addicted. This is David Raleigh with the great song, "I Do!".

I quickly found out that "I Do!" was just the first single off his recently released album, 'Beginning Again'. Once I found it, I purchased the album, and found a wealth of great music that warmed my heart, and inspired my soul. I was very excite when it was time for a second video to be released, and was thrilled it was the beautiful "One Together". The song is a stunning song that goes directly to the heart of love, and I just adore it. This is the official music video for "One Together".

I must admit, I was near giddy with excitement when I heard David would release "Do It To Me", the first single/video from the new album, 'The Equation of Love'. And once I heard it, I was understood why. The song once again as the joy and love I have come to expect from Raleigh's music, and more. It made me so eager to hear the rest of the album, and I am so glad that time is almost hear. This is the official music video for "Do It To Me".

This evening, I will be hearing many of the songs from 'The Equation of Love' played live, and be leaving with my own copy. For that, my friends, you can be jealous. Or you can join us! To learn more about David Raleigh, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. You can find his music at your favorite online music stores. You can purchase 'Beginning Again' from iTunes and Amazon. Today is the official release date for 'The Equation of Love', and you can find it on iTunes and Amazon.

Micah Barnes • New York Story

I was introduced to Micah Barnes by JD Doyle of Queer Music Heritage. You see, JD and I share music we like with one another all the time, and she sent me a link to the music video for "New York Story", and I just fell in love. And I learned I did know Micah previously, as he was a part of the Toronto-based a cappella group The Nylons in the 1990s. In fact, I had just featured their music yesterday morning, and it reminded e I had been thinking about posting this for a while now. As you can see from the pictures above and below, Micah is a handsome man. Micah is also an out and proud performer, one I plan on supporting whenever I can. As I plan to be heading to New York City to see the amazing David Raleigh perform, I wanted to include "New York Story" in my preparations.

While he was a part of The Nylons, Micah used that wonderful instrument to take on Doo-Wop and stylized Pop with ease. Now on his own, he seems to have moved more to the Jazz side, as you can hear in this single. I love "New York Story", which manages to be both light and smokey at the same time. It is with that same deft hand the song manages to sound like it comes from another era, yet also sounds fresh. His voice has a lovely tone, with a yummy husky edge. This is "New York Story" by Micah Barnes.

Soon Micah will be releasing a full album, 'New York Story'. From the advance copy I heard on Soundcloud, it is an eclectic eleven-song collection, new material save the title track, which was released as a single earlier this year. I must admit I haven't given the full release a couple of listens yet, but I do look forward to doing just that. The taste I have gotten so far is only leaving me wanting more. Take, for example, "After The Romance, The Rent", a wonderful song about love, life, written with just the right amount of humor. Please enjoy "After The Romance, The Rent" as much as I do.

You can purchase the single "New York Story" from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Micah Barnes, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. As soon as the album is released, I will be sure to let you know. Until then, enjoy the single, "New York Story".

The Platters • Only You (And You Alone) & Other Hits

In just about every way you can count, The Platters were one of the most successful groups of the early part of the Rock N' Roll era, with forty songs that made it on the charts, and four incredible #1 hits. While the group did change members over the almost 20 years of togetherness, the must successful line up featured Tony Williams, David Lynch, Paul Robi, Herb Reed and Zola Taylor. The group was formed in 1952 in Los Angeles, with Lynch and Reed being two of the original members from the group above. In 1953, Buck Ram took over management of the group, and also saw the addition of lead vocalist Tony Williams, and Zola Taylor, the first female member. The Platters certainly had a distinctive sound, one that is hard to forget.

The group was by no means an overnight success, as it took two years before they had their first hit. "Only You (And You Alone)" summer of 1955, became the groups first Top 10 hit. The song was written by Buck Ram, who was also the manager and producer for The Platters, and Ande Rand. He also played the piano in the studio, the only time he did so for the group. Here are The Platters with "Only You (And You Alone)".

There are reports Ram sat in a bathroom of the Flamingo Hotel and wrote their next song in 20 minutes, eager to have something to follow up with the success of "Only You (And You Alone)". "The Great Pretender" became the group's first #1 hit in 1955. The song was written by Buck Ram, who also produced the recording. It accentuated the brilliant vibrato of Williams, whose voice easily sailed to amazing heights. This is The Platters singing "The Great Pretender".

The next song was first made popular in the 1940s as an instrumental, before Jimmy Dorsey released a version with vocals by Teddy Walters in 1945. In 1958, The Platters released their version of "Twilight Time", and the record quickly went to #1, both in the United States and Australia. It also scored a #3 in Great Britain. The song has music by Morty Nevins, Al Nevins, and Artie Dunn, but later had lyrics by the prolific Buck Ram. This is The Platters singing "Twilight Time".

"Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Otto Harbach from the Broadway score of the 1933 musical, 'Roberta'. The song scored a #1 spot in both the United States and England in the Fall of 1958. There was a bit of a stir when the widow of Jerome Kern was concerned the song was being turned into a "rock and roll record", although after the release, it is said Mr. Harbach congratulated Mr. Buck and the group for "reviving his song with taste." They certainly brought to song to iconic levels. This is The Platters singing "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes".

All four singles by The Platters can be found on 'All-Time Greatest Hits'. Well, those for songs and 14 others, all amazing with their tight harmonies and lust sound. The album can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about The Platters, visit this interesting website.

The Nylons • Poison Ivy

Late in the summer, I had been doing lots of work around the farm, and while it felt good to get out in the summer sun, I also discovered that I seem to have an ever-growing allergy to a few plants that can be found there. In particular, poison ivy. Of course, even being scarred, I found inspiration in the itchy. So here I bring you the song "Poison Ivy", as sung by the Canadian a cappella group, The Nylons.

The Nylons: Marc Connor, Claude Morrison, Arnold Robinson, and Paul Cooper

Their version first appeared on the soundtrack to the 1988 film, 'Stealing Home', and then on their 1989 album, 'Rockapella'. The song was written by the great team, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. It was originally released by The Coasterss in 1959, and became a Top 10 hit for the group, and #1 on the Billboard R&B chart.

One of the founding members of The Nylons was Marc Connor, and out and proud member of the LGBT community. Unfortunately, Connor passed away in 1991, from AIDS-related complications. In 1990, Micah Barnes joined the group, replacing Paul Cooper as baritone. Micah is also an out and proud performer, and since leaving the group in 1994, Barnes has released some good music of his own. You can purchase The Nylons album 'Rockapella' from iTunes.

In 1986, The Nylons released 'Seamless', a wonderful collection of Doo-Wop classics, many hits from the 1950s. Among the songs on the album was "The Lion Sleeps Tonight", a true classic written and performed in 1939 by Solomon Linda, in Zulu. The song, which also had writing credits to Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, George David Weiss and Albert Stanton, remained popular, and was a huge hit in 1961 for The Tokens, when it topped the Billboard Hot 100.

You can purchase 'Seamless' from iTunes. You can also find both songs on 'The Best of The Nylons', available on iTunes. The Nylons continue to make great harmonies, still making great music. For more about them, you can find them on Facebook.

Double Duchess feat Future People • Good Girl Freak Out

This post is filled with twice the fun as the usual one, thanks to my friend Jeff Dorta. He let me know that not only did the queer Electro-Hop duo Double Duchess have a great new music video for their song "Good Girl Freak Out" featuring the lovely and supportive Kelly Osbourne, but they are also offering the single for FREE for this weekend only, and it is well worth the download. The talented duo, known as davO & Krylon Superstar separately, worked with Future People on the song.

Double Duchess has been stirring up the dance floor since joining creative forces in 2012. Their sound is so fresh, so new, a delicious combination of raw Electronica and driven Hop-Hop with a sly dose of camp to give just the right falvor. The Free download includes three different remixes of the song by some of the top DJs in the business. This would includes mixes from two Baltimore area DJ/producers, Lemz and Rar Kelly, ballroom house producer Divoli S’Vere, and NoSoul. But first, check out the music video directed by GB Ghuman, and featuring Ozzie and Sharon's purple princess. This is "Good Girl Freak Out" from Double Duchess, and featuring Future People.

To learn more about Double Duchess, visit their official website. You can also 'like' them on Facebook, and 'follow' them on Twitter. You can find their music on iTunes and Amazon. To get your FREE Download, visit their Soundcloud page.

RightOutTV Music & Video Awards 2014

The most difficult job in the LGBT Music community was given to an impressive list of entertainment industry heavyweights and their decisions have been made. The nominees for the 2014 RightOutTV Music & Video Awards are announced!

Once again the global awards have received submissions from LGBT artists from multiple countries including Switzerland, China, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Australia, Canada and the United States.

“One of the goals of the awards is to increase the awareness of these talented writers and singers who still don’t experience open doors in mainstream music for their queer-themed lyrics,” says Marlee Walchuk, co-producer of the RightOutTV Awards. “Whether or not they win in their nominated categories, every artist will benefit from being seen and heard by our judges and the thousands of fans who vote for the Fan Fave and who watch our final awards presentation show. This is much more than a contest,” says Walchuk.

Tully Callender, left, and Marlee Walchuk, right.

Co-producer Tully Callender adds, “With new categories added this year such as Best Song and Video with a Social Message, we are seeing these artists shine, doing what they do best, trying to affect change through their music and video images. We are very proud of our community.”

To see and hear all of the nominees, visit the RightOutTV Awards website.

Members of the public may still vote until Oct. 27, 2014 (one vote per person, please) for one LGBT artist to win the RightOutTV 2014 Fan Fave Award here. Award winners in 17 categories will be announced in an online awards show featuring many of the nominees on November 10, 2014 at the RightOutTV Awards website.

2014 NOMINEES for the RightOutTV Music & Video Awards

BEST SPIRITUAL / BLUES / JAZZ / INSTRUMENTAL SONG

Jamie Anderson, "Black and White"

Shawn Thomas, "Still Speaking"

Anna Gutmanis, "Lately It's Cold"

Norine Braun, "Lightning Strikes Twice"

Shawn Thomas, "I'm Alive"

BEST ELECTRONIC / DANCE SONG

Sponge Finger, "You're a Bitch"

Jay Blahnik, "American Thumpdalina"

Michael V. Doane, "Looking for Love"

Matt Zarley, "Somebody 4 Everybody"

Kevin Wood, "Falling Away"

BEST PERFORMANCE IN A LIVE VIDEO

Jamie Anderson, "Her Problem Now"

FlyKINGi, "At the Roxbury"

Avi Wisnia, "Sky Blue Sky - Live at The Michener"

Andrew Suvalsky, "Live at Jazz @ Kitano in New York"

Rev. Yolanda, "@The Duplex"

BEST LYRIC VIDEO

Matt Fishel, "Finally"

Shawn Thomas, "I'm Alive"

Saturn, "We"

Norine Braun, "Boy"

Saturn, "I'm Coming Out"

BEST VIDEO SO FAR

I.K.P., "Hunt Me Down"

Jay Blahnik, "Boom Box"

Thos Shipley, "M-O-N-E-Y"

Jansz & June, "Rattlesnake Rose"

Drake Jensen, "On My Way to Finding You"

SONG OF THE YEAR

Sarah Golden, "The One I Love"

Martine Locke, "All My Days"

Corday, "Riding a Rainbow"

Jane of Arc, "Run Flying"

Megan Lane, "Someday We Will Leave This Town"

Kevin Wood, "One Time Around"

BEST POP SONG

Andrew Suvalsky, "Helplessly"

Kevin Wood, "Edge of Greatness"

Alex Woburn, "Stop Playing The Film"

Craymo, "Be Myself"

Matt Zarley, "Somebody 4 Everybody"

BEST ROCK SONG

Janis Mullan, "Nobody's Fool"

Run Jenny, "Run Jenny"

Felonious Parker, "Dominoes In Action"

Szilenze, "Nothing Left to Say"

Megan Lane, "Someday We Will Leave This Town"

Patrick Boothe, "This is Not Venice"

BEST SOUL / HIP HOP / RAP / R&B SONG

Marck Angel, "Summertime"

Be Steadwell, "Rainwater"

D'Lance Jones, "Forever With You"

Wordz the poet emcee, "U See That"

I.K.P., "Meraki"

Lester Greene, "Marital Bliss" feat. Michelle Tabot, Allen Parker

BEST FOLK / ROOTS/ COUNTRY SONG

Sarah Golden, "The One I Love"

Norine Braun, "I Found You"

Andrea Nardello, "Home To Me"

Run Jenny, "Get My Whiskey On"

Toni Vere, "This Old Heart"

Sarah McCracken, "Horse Grapes"

BEST SONG WITH A SOCIAL MESSAGE

Anna Gutmanis, "Another Way Out"

Sarah Golden, "The One I Love"

Summer Osborne, "This is Your Call"

Kristie Stremel, "Love Makes a Family"

Jane of Arc, "Stand"

Summer Osborne, "Solution"

BEST SONG SO FAR

Janet Whiteway, "Pure Sunshine"

Matt Zarley, "Here I Am"

Kevin Wood, "The Moon Says Something"

Caroline Murphy, "Hurricane"

Summer Osborne, "Letting Go"

BEST VIDEO DIY

Tony Banks, "Old School Love"

Nastaij, "You Don't Represent Me"  feat. Dawn Laird

Ember Swift, "Laowai / Foreigner"

Random Order, "Black Lipstick Kiss"

K Anderson, "14 Year Old Me"

BEST VIDEO PRO

Matthew Connor, "How is July Already Over?"

Matt Zarley, "Somebody 4 Everybody"

Michael V. Doane, "Looking For Love"

Ramona Montañez, "Naked"

Marck Angel, "Positions"

Suzanne Nuttall, "Trophy Wife"

MOST MOVING VIDEO

Kristy Apps and the Shotgun Shirleys, "Modest In its Glory"

Andrew Suvalsky, "The Curtain"

Steven Gallavin, "La chanson des vieux amants"

Ramona Montañez, "Naked"

Paul M, "Hands to Heaven"

BEST VIDEO WITH A SOCIAL MESSAGE

Nastaij, "You Don't Represent Me" feat. Dawn Laird

Big Bad Gina, "Beetz In My Salad" feat. SJ Tucker

Erik Toro, "The Right"

I.K.P., "Let it B. Known"

Linq, "Oh Bully"

Denise Marsa, "The Land Had a Dream"

The RightOutTV Music and Video Awards is an offshoot of the free LGBTI artist promotional site at RightOutTV.com. Walchuk and Callender of the music duo Sugarbeach launched RightOutTV in November 2010 after realizing there were few places to release their own queer-messaged music videos. The women – married to each other – also saw a need for more unity in the global LGBTI music community. RightOutTV was created as a vehicle to serve both these purposes and to provide a fully developed promotional website and channel for artists who deserve more credit for being Out and proud with their music.