Queer Bait

OutMusic Awards 2010

by Josh Middleton

When hometown girl T. Desiree Hines opens the 2010 OUTMusic Awards next month in New York City, she'll make history as the first classical artist to perform in the show's 20-year existence. And leading the ceremony with a proud openly trans woman is just the kind of statement Diedre Meredith, chairwoman of the LGBT Academy of Recording Arts, is looking to make. "[The organization] is all about celebrating and honoring LGBT contributions to the music industry," she says. "Being openly trans in the classical world is commendable to me and it shows we are breaking through barriers and making change."

Hines' participation began earlier this year when she reached out to Meredith to express interest in contributing. The two struck up a friendship and soon Hines was on the lookout for an organ to play in the show. She found a Manhattanite willing to donate his Johannus Rembrandt 3000, a large digital instrument Hines says works like a pipe organ and is powerful enough to produce the sound necessary to fill the 1,500-seat concert hall.

For the actual segment, she'll perform Tocatta on "Amazing Grace" by Christopher Pardini with the assistance of trans violinist Tona Brown. The two are sharing a performance roster with a throng of big-name celebs, like Julie Goldman and Jonny McGovern from The Big Gay Sketch Show, comedian Tammy Peay and the legendary Carol Channing.

Hines says meeting the celebrities is thrilling, but the thing she's most excited about is taking organ music into a situation where it is seldom represented. And then there's the possibility that the experience will open doors. "This can either be a performance or a launch of my career," she says. Best of luck, sister, just don't forget about us little people. Wed., Dec. 1, 8 p.m., $35-$65, Town Hall, 123 W. 43rd St., New York, N.Y., outmusicawards.com.

(joshua.middleton@citypaper.net)