Nominated for OUTMUSICAN OF THE YEAR
2002 Outmusic Members Choice Award

Supporting Statements

Scott Howard - "Robert Urban would be the perfect choice for the Outmusic "Outstanding Support" Award.; He gives selflessly of himself; to organizations such as LIFEBEAT; and also to other lgbt artists like myself by coordinating concerts that help us all".

Jeremy Blue - DreamBorn Productions "Robert Urban's presence in the LGBT music scene has been a considerable support to the emergence of my performing career. He has voluntarily included me in gigs he has produced, including live performances and radio broadcasts, and has even set up my CD release party this May, all for no fee. Furthermore, he has been someone I could talk to in times of anxiety and fear about the realities of the music industry, and has offered a simple, sincere response of encouragement to my insecurities. I am most grateful for his willingness to provide me with such valuable support at such a difficult time in my career - the beginning!"

Barbara Powell, LIFEBEAT Talent Co-ordinator - "When I called Robert to help us find artists for LIFEBEAT's Hearts & Voices Program, he rose above and beyond what I asked for. He immediately recruited himself, generously donated his time, and got others involved - thus helping the program to grow. I acknowlege his invaluable contribution and unbelievable enthusiasm"

Wolfgang Busch, Digital Video Productio - "Dear Robert Urban, It is with great pleasure that I extend my highest recommendations to you. Your success and outstanding networking contributions for the LGBT music community goes far beyond. Your encouragements and the drive to push musicians to a higher level is exceptional. Your free networking services for my current film project "How Do I Look" has been helping me with music by artists such as: Jaime Montalvo and Dutchboy. Your effort to create the web site for the movie has received wonderful response from the Ballroom community. Through your art and personality, you have clearly shown your potential to make a significant contribution to the LGBT music community. I wish you the best for many happy years ahead."

Toshi Nakayama - "Mr. Robert Urban helped me tremendously for my musical growth. He was kind enough to accompany me in the Out Music Open Mic and the concert produced by himself. By the good reaction I received from the audience for my song, I could have brand new confidence in myself as a song writer. It was not possible without Robert's generosity. He is totally worth receiving this award. I am very happy that Out Music recognizes his selfless dedication to music- that is his ultimate love."

David Johannson - "Robert had been introduced to me as a guitar and singing teacher. At this point in my life, I was extremely fed up with the bar scene and the gay world in general. Robert was interesting to me because he could identify with me, what I had been through, and my love for music. He also introduced to me a whole new world of "out" musicians. This was a whole new world I was not even aware of. I was amazed at the versatility, and talent of the people I met. Many of my shallow pre-conceptions were shattered. Because of Robert I was able to watch many other musicians perform, and be out on stage; each one was a real peson, with a unique personality. I was even inspired to write a song about my difficult experiences of learning to play a guitar; and in one of my proudest moments actually sang my first open mic for Out Music. Ever supportive, Robert encouraged & coached me to perform my first-ever song, and even accompanied me in my debut perfomance."

Julie Goldman -AKA INDIGO ETHERIDGE "Robert has given me musical advice, both creatively and technically. He has opened doors for me within the out music community, and has added a whole level of professionalism and excitement to my project that I cannot say enough. Indigo Etheridge and The Band wouldn't be half as good if it wasn't for Robert's willingness to really take a risk, and be a part of this openly gay, and I am talking WAY gay project".

Paul Gioia, SUN Music Company, NYC - "Robert Urban has done a great job producing shows at The SUN Music Company, an acoustic music venue in NYC. He has successfully booked a variety of talented musicians of the gay and lesbian community and put together shows that are of the highest musical quality. Robert handles all aspects of the production, from booking the performers to doing the publicity - with ease and a refreshing sense of humor. Robert is occasionally musical host of SUN Music's OPEN MIC. As host he has introduced and encouraged new gay & lesbian songwriters, often accompanying new singers and new songwriters by playing guitar for them. Robert fosters a lively & cheerfull atmosphere which helps everyone relax and enjoy the performances. It's a pleasure to have him at SUN Music".

John Raymond Pollard - "Dear Robert - "Thanks for always keeping the community in mind." (in response to post for glbt artists with new cds to perform at upcoming May 31 "Urban Productions BOLDLY Presents" Concert and submitted with permission as statement of support)

Mike James, RedSiren Records - "Robert Urban has been an excellent resource, helping me network within the GLBT music community, offering accommodations when I perform in nyc, and helping me set up live appearances, both in front of audiences and for radio. He has accompanied me, on guitar, flawlessly and often on short notice".

Nick DeJesu - "Robert Urban has been instrumental in motivating me to find the true performer within myself- by getting me out of the studio and in front of a life audience".

Richard Isen- "Robert continues to support us all with this outstanding musicianship (his willingness to play our songs), the concerts he produces and general wonderfulness!"