The Cincinnati Entertainment Awards program is an attempt to remind local musicians that their contributions are greatly appreciated. It's also an attempt to bring together musicians (as well the non-musicians who work to support and nurture the scene) from across the local music spectrum to have an outrageously good time. Having a full bar in the room might be a factor, too, as will be in evidence Sunday night at the Madison Theater.  

Another week, another teetering pile of releases to consider. I've already run seriously short on time again for this posting due to accumulating deadlines and last-minute assignments from a variety of sources. Good for my bottom line, bad for my schedule. This week I'm checking out new CDs from Roky Erickson, Apples in Stereo, Ozomatli, Shelby Lynne, Sweet Apple and Matt Pond PA.  

Foxy Shazam might have signed to super-conglomerate Warner Bros., but they're not reining in their enthusiasm for unhinged craziness and uniquely eccentric creativity. Witness the recurring lyric from "Bye Bye Symphony" from Foxy's about-to-be-released major-label debut, a line at once wildly hilarious, supremely confident and nonsensibly pragmatic: "Life is a bitch, but she's totally doable." That sentiment belongs on the bumper of every car in America.  

Foxy Shazam, one of Cincinnati's hardest-touring bands, isn't going to get less busy anytime soon. It was recently announced that the eccentric keys-driven quintet has signed with legendary label Sire Records. Foxy Shazam is up for the Cincinnati Entertainment Award for "Best Musical Ambassador for the City" this year thanks to the group's insane touring schedule. They won the "Best Live Act" CEA in 2008.  

Local acoustic rocker Bob Cushing is celebrating his 20th year as a professional musician with a show Sunday at the Blue Note in Price Hill. Other highlights are Foxy Shazam's Snow Show and the Dubkids and Noah Hunt hosting homecomings.