Cincinnati Entertainment Awards 2008: The Winners

l just have to say that comment made by Sonnys friend was the highlight of the night for me & I'm a women! I honestly don't remember the last time I laughed so hard! To me this years event was not as good as last years, the announcers talked to much about their own issues & he just livened the place up for a min. Besides he wasn't the only one that got up there & cussed. Bottom line if you can't take humor like that then you shouldn't be hanging out w/ musicians & at an event like that to begin w/ you should be in church!

 

I've known Sonny for over 21 years...ever since he first moved back here from LA, and I consider him one of my best friends. I've watched his music career grow, and all the ups and downs that went with it, and have personally been inspired by his talent and professionalism. So much so, that with Sonny's nudging and encouragement, I had the courage to embark on my own musical journey for quite some time...something I had always wanted to do. There are many others that Sonny has encouraged over the years, and many that have learned from him. And he is indeed, in my opinion, one of greater Cincinnati's own music treasures. Not only has he worked hard to make his own dreams come true, be he has also encouraged others to do the same with their own dreams. One thing that I do know about Sonny is he takes his career very seriously, and knows how to graciously accept an award in person...and has done so many times in the past (as stated in his letter). Such would have been the case this time, IF he had been there. You folks that have your britches (or panties) in a bunch over this...you really need to lighten up and view it in the comic spirit in which it was delivered by Ry. Anyone that has worked in the music industry should know that a sense of humor is essential, because sometimes if you're not laughing you'd be crying. It's not all accolades and rainbows. There is a lot of hard work...blood, sweat, and tears too. Any entertainer that has accomplished as much or more than Sonny has is, unfortunately, subjected to criticism and jealousy from time to time. And most of the time, those dishing it out have NO IDEA how hard that person worked to accomplish what they have accomplished. They develop notions about the entertainer's character that aren't accurate (because they REALLY DON'T know them), and then proceed to pop off at the slightest faux pas as if they were actually that person's peer, and had all the bitchin' rights in the world to do it....NOT! Just ask ANY professional entertainer, and I'm sure they can tell you horror stories about their own unique critiques over the years. So...you "tight asses" that can't take a joke...grow up, and go get yourself a sense of humor. SONNY WASN'T EVEN THERE, so stop bustin' his chops about this! Sonny, kudos and congratulations on your win...the people spoke, and THEY obviously felt you deserved it. That's all that matters. P.J. Robinson CincyIndies.org (YouTube.com/cincyindies) *The Greater Cincinnati Independent Entertainers Association*

 

Hi, I'm writing this letter to hopefully clear the air in regards to this year's CEA ceremony. In truth, I should have attended as it is in support of one of my favorite causes -- the Bany Foundation (and an exciting event), but money being tight chose to play my regularly scheduled Sunday gig at Yardbirds (which I also enjoy greatly). Had I attended, I simply would have gone to the podium when our band name was called to receive the 2008 CEA for Blues, said "thanks" from the band, and returned to my seat. That's certainly what I had done in the past when we were fortunate enough to be award recipients. In my absence, My good friend Ry Stephenson accepted the award for us. Ry and I work together at Rock School as music teachers, and I must be absolutely honest here we kidded around together last week about doing a funny acceptance speech -- much as what took place tonight. Here I must be absolutely honest as well -- I never thought in a million years he would actually do it -- nor did I want him to. That being said, Ry is a great person, musician, and teacher, and has a both a big heart and a big sense of humor -- and I can absolutely guarantee that what he said was meant to be funny, and not meant to hurt or offend anyone (actually, the way I see it, I was made the butt of that particular joke -- which I'm OK with). At this point I offer this in addition -- in that this situation was prompted by my choice to work instead of attending, I offer my services free of charge to any of the great charities associated with the CEAS -- I'll play, work the booths, do sound, whatever. In closing, I truly do want to express my gratitude for myself and my band mates for this year's CEA for Blues, and I hope this salves any hard feelings that may have developed. Please feel free to contact me if you want to discuss this matter further. Thanks, Sonny

 

Sonny wrote me today to apologize for the dick comment. His friend meant no offense, just joking around. Sonny feels really bad about it.

 

I heard Sonny Moorman was looking for someone to "suck his dick?"