September 15, 2025
This section of the newsletter is comprised of news stories, press releases and links to Internet articles that are sent in by our members who believe they will be of general interest to the membership. We include them as a courtesy to our members but do not verify or edit their content. Their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by the CMAOntario nor do their contents reflect the views or opinions of the CMAOntario. If you would like to have something included in the newsletter, please send us a short synopsis, a photo or graphic and the hotlink that can be included in the news listing. Submissions can be submitted online here: https://cmaontario.ca/submit/ The deadline for submissions is the 20th of each month. […]
September 15, 2025
Artist of the month : Sully Burrows Because his grandfather played with both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Pittsburgh Penguins, it would be easy to predict a run at the NHL. And although he did play competitive hockey, music stole the puck and steered Sully Burrows into playing covers at the local Boston Pizza. Winner of this year’s CMAOntario Breakthrough Artist award, the Parry Sound native started writing songs at age 15, was picked up by powerhouse booking agency Paquin Artists, signed with the Partner Records Label at age 17, and dropped his debut single “Youth” (co-written with Owen Riegling) in October of 2024. The song reveals his well-developed sense of perspective: “You always think you have time, but things can change, […]
September 15, 2025
ONTARIO’S COUNTRY PIONEERS: SHARON LOWNESS (#98 in the Ontario’s Pioneers series) by Larry Delaney Sharon Lowness (Lohnes) was born in Halifax, NS, where her early years as an entertainer included heading up the group “Sharon Lowness & The Teddy Bears”. By the late 1960s, she relocated to Toronto and continued to pursue her music with the group, soon signing with the famed Boot Records label to launch her recording career. Early on, Sharon Lowness was provided with the opportunity to be part of the 1973 feature film, “Across This Land” – a project headlined by Stompin’ Tom Connors. The soundtrack for the film was recorded at the famed Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto and featured Sharon’s performance of her hit song, “God Made Me A […]
September 15, 2025
IN THE COUNTRY WITH DAVE WOODS – SPOTLIGHT ON BRODIE BELL Welcome to the Spotlight, Brodie! Congratulations on all your success this year including being in the North Of Nowhere Emerging Artist Showcase. Take us back to age 4 when you picked up a guitar and age 5 when you started lessons. Was playing music something you instantly fell in love with? My parents have always told me that I’ve had a guitar in my hands since I was a little kid, and it seemed glued to my hands at all times. After endless home basement concerts, my parents finally decided to set up guitar lessons. After being lucky enough to find someone who would take on a little five-year-old me with fewer […]
August 21, 2025
IN THE COUNTRY WITH DAVE WOODS – SPOTLIGHT ON KASEY NUGENT Welcome to the Spotlight, Kasey! Congratulations on your brand-new release “Amnesia”. What is the story behind the song? Thanks for having me, Dave! “Amnesia” is a song about that messy cycle we all know too well – you tell yourself you’re done with a guy who plays games, but the second you see him out at a party or whatever, all the red flags disappear. One look, one smile, and suddenly you forget everything he’s put you through. I’ve been shaping this song for a while now, rewriting it as I’ve grown and figured out my voice as an artist. Who are the artists who have influenced & inspired you? I grew […]
August 20, 2025
This section of the newsletter is comprised of news stories, press releases and links to Internet articles that are sent in by our members who believe they will be of general interest to the membership. We include them as a courtesy to our members but do not verify or edit their content. Their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by the CMAOntario nor do their contents reflect the views or opinions of the CMAOntario. If you would like to have something included in the newsletter, please send us a short synopsis, a photo or graphic and the hotlink that can be included in the news listing. Submissions can be submitted online here: https://cmaontario.ca/submit/ The deadline for submissions is the 20th of each month. ** […]
August 20, 2025
ONTARIO’S COUNTRY PIONEERS: KEN POST (#97 in the Ontario’s Pioneers series) by Larry Delaney KENNY (Ken) POST has been a musician (drummer) almost since “day one”… and is still one of the busiest at his trade today – a true “Pioneer”. Ken was born November 5, 1962, in Belleville, Ontario; the son of the late Norm Post, the patriarch of the renowned group “The Singing Post Family”. Young Kenny performed in the family band with sisters Joanne and Debbie. During the 1970s – 80s, they released a series of albums and were an in-demand act for many of the area’s festivals, church hall shows, and social events. While still a teenager, Ken was often called upon to play drums behind several touring […]
August 19, 2025
Artiste du mois : Gabrielle Goulet Après quelques années loin des projecteurs, Gabrielle Goulet signe un retour attendu dans le paysage country francophone. L’auteure-compositrice-interprète franco-ontarienne a passé l’hiver en studio à travailler sur de nouvelles chansons, qu’elle présente déjà sur scène tout au long de l’été. Un nouveau single est également prévu dans les prochains mois, annonçant un virage musical à la fois assumé et actuel. Depuis ses débuts, Gabrielle s’est démarquée par son authenticité, son énergie scénique et sa capacité à créer des chansons qui résonnent. Plusieurs de ses extraits ont atteint le Top 10 du palmarès radio BDS francophone, contribuant à solidifier sa place dans le paysage country canadien. Elle a été la première artiste à recevoir le prix Artiste ou groupe […]
July 23, 2025
This section of the newsletter is comprised of news stories, press releases and links to Internet articles that are sent in by our members who believe they will be of general interest to the membership. We include them as a courtesy to our members but do not verify or edit their content. Their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by the CMAOntario nor do their contents reflect the views or opinions of the CMAOntario. If you would like to have something included in the newsletter, please send us a short synopsis, a photo or graphic and the hotlink that can be included in the news listing. Submissions can be submitted online here: https://cmaontario.ca/submit/ The deadline for submissions is the 20th of each month. ** […]
July 22, 2025
IN THE COUNTRY WITH DAVE WOODS – SPOTLIGHT ON CHARISSA (Photo credit: Wendy Wei) At the age of 12, Charissa won the Rising Star competition at the CNE where she performed Serena Ryder’s song “Weak In The Knees.” This was just the start of her musical journey. Over the years, Charissa has collaborated with some big names in the industry including Tom Wilson (Junkhouse and Blackie and the Rodeo Kings:, singer-songwriter Lori Yates, and guitarist Colin Cripps (Blue Rodeo). In fact, Colin produced Charissa’s debut EP Love And Be Loved which was released in March of 2022. Charissa’s songs (“People Like You”, “Lonely Lately”, “Scars and all” & more: are slices of life. She prides herself on being a storyteller through her […]
July 22, 2025
ONTARIO’S COUNTRY PIONEERS: SLIM GORDON (#96 in the Ontario’s Pioneers series) by Larry Delaney Country pioneer (the late) SLIM GORDON (1926-2010) was born Murray Gordon Lewis, December 30, 1926, in Yarmouth, NS. As a pre-teen, he hosted his own Children’s radio show and at 15 years of age he formed his own band, moved to Boston, Mass., where he lived with his uncle who helped support him with a guitar, some western duds, and bringing him around to perform at local clubs and a spot on the Boston Barn Dance. After working the road with an all- girl band and a comedian, he began looking for better things and in 1948 moved to Hamilton, Ontario where he worked day time for Imperial […]
July 22, 2025
Artist of the month : Lucas Mason Lucas Mason captured the attention of millions when he first stepped on stage at Scotiabank Arena with Zach Bryan in March 2024. Not your typical humble beginnings story, but that doesn’t mean Lucas hasn’t been passionate about music from a young age. Raised in a musical household, Lucas began playing piano, guitar, and singing from an early age; long before he found himself singing “Heading South” in front of thousands of people. Since that breakout moment, Lucas has embraced the momentum, bringing his own blend of americana, country, and folk to stages across Ontario, including the Niagara Wine Festival, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Halftime Show, The Horseshoe Tavern, Cicada Fest, North of Nowhere Music Festival, and […]
June 24, 2025
ONTARIO’S COUNTRY PIONEERS: MEL AUCOIN (#95 in the Ontario’s Pioneers series) by Larry Delaney MEL AUCOIN is a Canadian musician, who like many, has impressive credentials, but remains relatively ‘behind-the-scenes” when it comes to proper recognition for his talents. Melvin Francis Aucoin was born December 3, 1940, in New Victoria, Nova Scotia. After developing his musical skills in his home province, he relocated to Toronto in the early 1960s. It wasn’t long before he became immersed in the “Big City” music pool, initially as a member of The Caribou Showband, which later evolved as the Johnny Burke and Eastwind band, appearing on several of the group’s early album releases. He was also a member of a band headed up by Gary Hooper, and more […]
June 24, 2025
Artist of the month : Alexa Goldie In a genre rooted in storytelling and soul, few voices carry the authenticity and commands attention like Alexa Goldie. Born and raised in Kingston, Ontario, Alexa brings a fresh, fearless energy to country music—a genre she’s redefining one heartfelt lyric at a time. Now splitting her time between Ontario and the vibrant heart of country music in Nashville, Alexa is an emerging artist with big dreams and a whole lot of talent. Alexa’s journey thus far has been a rather unique one. At 12 years old, she was scouted at talent competition in the GTA. She went to Los Angeles to record and ended up staying there for a few years to lean more into songwriting. In […]
June 24, 2025
This section of the newsletter is comprised of news stories, press releases and links to Internet articles that are sent in by our members who believe they will be of general interest to the membership. We include them as a courtesy to our members but do not verify or edit their content. Their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by the CMAOntario nor do their contents reflect the views or opinions of the CMAOntario. If you would like to have something included in the newsletter, please send us a short synopsis, a photo or graphic and the hotlink that can be included in the news listing. Submissions can be submitted online here: https://cmaontario.ca/submit/ The deadline for submissions is the 20th of each month. ** […]
May 23, 2025
This section of the newsletter is comprised of news stories, press releases and links to Internet articles that are sent in by our members who believe they will be of general interest to the membership. We include them as a courtesy to our members but do not verify or edit their content. Their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by the CMAOntario nor do their contents reflect the views or opinions of the CMAOntario. If you would like to have something included in the newsletter, please send us a short synopsis, a photo or graphic and the hotlink that can be included in the news listing. Submissions can be submitted online here: https://cmaontario.ca/submit/ The deadline for submissions is the 20th of each month. ** […]
May 23, 2025
IN THE COUNTRY WITH DAVE WOODS – SPOTLIGHT ON HALEY MCNEIL Teeswater, Ontario’s Haley McNeil is a rising star on the Canadian country music scene. With her rich nostalgic blend of Contemporary Country & Classic Southern Rock – influences from Miley Cyrus to Stevie Nicks, Lainey Wilson to Lynyrd Skynyrd, Zach Bryan to Janis Joplin – Haley’s sound resonates with audiences of all ages and music genre preferences. She debuted her first original song “Guardian Angel” live onstage, at the age of 13, and released her first original single “Dear Future Self” on Spotify in March 2020. The latter was named Song Of The Day by Front Porch Music within a few short weeks of its release. In the Spring of 2024, Haley completed her […]
May 23, 2025
ONTARIO’S COUNTRY PIONEERS: MOLLY-ANN LEIKIN (#94 in the Ontario’s Pioneers series) by Larry Delaney Canada has produced many songwriters who have gone on to international fame with their songwriting credits. Most at that level have received widespread recognition and publicity in Canada… a few of them have remained in relative obscurity on the Canadian home-front. A songwriter who falls into the later category is Ottawa, Ontario-born MOLLY-ANN LEIKIN. After graduating from Fisher Park High School in Ottawa in 1961, Molly-Ann began to pursue her songwriting skills. After a decade of failing to get much family and peer support for her efforts, Molly-Ann decided a trip to the Los Angeles music scene might provide better opportunities. Soon after arriving in California in 1970, Molly-Ann found […]
May 23, 2025
Artist of the month : Jessica Sevier Jessica Sevier is literally checking in – with her new single, “Motel”, released March 14 th. Co-written with Andrew Allen (multi-platinum singer-songwriter) and Ron Lopata (Jully Black, Scott Helman, Matt Dusk),“Motel” is the mission plan for turning the tables on a toxic and abusive partner. “Your right hand left a hole in the wall and now you’re calling out for me to stay. The old me mighta played that game, but it’s changing, oh I’m changing”. It’s obvious that Jessica had a vision for her path – as a child, she took piano and classical voice lessons, leading to classical voice studies at Western University in London, ON. Hungry to learn more about the recording process, […]
April 24, 2025
IN THE COUNTRY WITH DAVE WOODS – SPOTLIGHT ON JESSIE T Growing up in Kingston, Ontario, Jessie found her love for performing competing at local country fair singing competitions. Since moving to Kitchener in 2012, she has been headlining venues and festivals across Ontario including Meadows Music Fest, Harrow Fair, Manitoulin Country Fest, JUNO Host City Music Exchange, Indie Week, Folk Music Ontario Conference, Canadian Music Week, and the Country Music Association of Ontario Awards. Jessie has played alongside some of the best in Canadian country music, including Dallas Smith, James Barker Band, Michelle Wright, Dan Davidson, Adam Gregory, Steve Wilkinson, and Beverley Mahood. Growing her resume as a background vocalist, Jessie is also a fixture in other recording artist’s band including Jason Blaine and […]