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Bootsy Collins (center) holding his freshly received Hall of Fame Award with brother Catfish Collins (left) and friend Ron. PHOTO: Danny Nader

2002 Show

Bringing the Funk, Bringing the Noise

It was all about supporting the local music and theater scenes — mixed with some awards, performances and alcohol — at the 2002 Cincinnati Entertainment Awards Nov. 25 at Old St. George. The old church packed in the biggest crowd yet in the event’s six-year history — estimated at 800-900 people.

Bootsy Collins and Dale Hodges, inducted into the CEA Hall of Fame for music and theater, respectively, urged the audience to continue supporting each other. Collins and Hodges each remarked that they were pleased to have fashioned successful careers in Cincinnati and that younger musicians and actors need to follow in their footsteps. They each pointed to the talent on display at Old St. George as a positive sign that Cincinnati’s future is bright.

The big winners in the awards were Jake Speed, who won three CEAs (Singer/Songwriter, Folk/Roots and Artist of the Year), and Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival, which won six awards, including Best Production for Chagrin Falls. In the other Critical Achievement Awards, Boom Bip won Album of the Year, Kim Taylor won New Artist of the Year, CCM won Technical Achievement for Candide and Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati won Local Premiere for Love Child.

Thee Shams got the show off to a rocking start, playing a psychedelic number featuring fuzzy guitars and powerful vocals. Boom Bip closed the night with a set of turntable ambient music backed by his new band.

Sheila Gray and Rob Williams from Fox19 Morning News hosted the CEAs for the fourth consecutive year, providing good spirits and direction and keeping the show humming. The technical side — from the lighting and sound to the graphics and film clips introducing each award category — was even better than last year’s extravaganza.

LINKS (Lonely Instruments for Needy Kids) again was the event's beneficiary and, based on ticket and bar sales, looked to make a nice financial gain from the proceedings.