Dear Friends,

It was great night! Last night was the third annual Gay & Lesbian American Music Awards held at the Manhattan Center Ballroom. The thirteen of us who attended together were a cheering squad for all six of CRI's nominees.

CRI had winners in both of the classical categories -- composition and performance. Composer Paula M. Kimper, and sopranos Elaine Valby and Lori Phillips each were winners for "I Want To Live," the duet from Patience & Sarah that was part of our disc Lesbian American Composers. Congratulations!

I also had the privilege of presenting the Michael Callen Medal of Achievement to Lou Harrison. (This was one of the two biggest awards of the night. Last year's Callen Medal went to K. D. Lang!) My short speech was preceded by a wonderful video presentation (by Eva Soltes) and then followed by a video-taped acceptance by Lou.

Congratulations again to our winners, to our nominees, and all who stand tall and proud and out!

Joseph Ridings Dalton

Executive Director

COMPOSERS RECORDINGS, INC. (CRI)