May 2017 – Country Music Association of Ontario

May 12, 2017

A Message from the President (May 2017)

What is a “Roots” artist? It’s a simple question, but one of the most difficult to answer when attempting to determine what music qualifies for the Roots category at award shows. Each year, music organizations and associations wrestle with this issue. Many artists submit their music and do so with an attitude of “let’s see if this will get through”. This makes the selection process even more difficult, as many of these performers do not qualify. But hey… there’s no harm in trying. For the CMAOntario Awards eligibility criteria, the Roots category is defined as follows: This award is given to a Roots artist whose music is based on traditional country styles, but through innovations and originality is different from what is considered mainstream country. […]

May 12, 2017

Performers Announced for the New Faces Showcase

Congratulations to Amanda Jordan, Ben Hudson, Brea Lawrenson, Sacha and Steve Rivers on being selected to perform at the New Faces Showcase & Concert being held at Market Square on Saturday, June 10th in London, Ontario during CMAOntario RoundUp 2017. Capping off the showcase will be a concert performance by River Town Saints with Eric Ethridge. This is a free concert with performances starting at 7:00pm. See you there! For more details on CMAOntario RoundUp 2017 events, click here.

May 12, 2017

Artist of the Month: Andrew Hyatt

From the mines of Nickel City to the big city stage, Andrew Hyatt has put in the work it takes to get country music fans to take notice. In the last couple of years, we’ve seen Sudbury born-and-raised Andrew Hyatt emerge as one of Ontario country’s rising stars. With stripped-down performances that showed off his songwriting skills and soul, and amped up rocking sets that dripped with sweat and put his heart squarely on his sleeve, country music fans have walked away wanting more and waiting for what’s… “next.” As a singer/songwriter, Hyatt first showed us that he was an artist to watch. And his radio singles, Love Drunk and MGR (Me And A Girl And A Radio) had Canadian country music fans singing along. […]

May 12, 2017

Registration Now Open for R2I Tune Up Conference

Saturday June 10th and Sunday June 11th will see the fourth edition of CMAOntario’s R2I TuneUp Conference move into the Delta London Armouries for a 2-day program of learning, networking and mentoring with trailblazers in the country music industry. See full schedule details now posted online. 2-Day Delegate Passes are just $85 (plus taxes) for non-Members and $75 for CMAOntario Members (until midnight May 26th) and are available for purchase online now. Members must be logged in to the site to access the discounted rate. Price includes Continental Breakfast and Lunch on Saturday and Sunday.

May 12, 2017

Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: Colleen Peterson

(Born: November 14, 1950 – Peterborough, Ontario) (Died: October 9, 1996 – Toronto, Ontario) (by Larry Delaney) Born in Peterborough and raised in Ottawa, Colleen Peterson’s early career years (1966-1974) were spent on the Ontario folk music scene, performing in the group 3’s A Crowd with Bruce Cockburn and David Wiffen; and later, as part of the duo Spriggs & Bringle with Kingston-based musician Mark Haines. By the mid-1970’s, Colleen was pursuing a solo career in country music, and was signed to Capitol/EMI, recording albums in Los Angeles and Nashville. She earned a Billboard chart hit with her debut single “Souvenirs.” While in Nashville, Colleen joined on as a back-up vocalist for The Charlie Daniels Band and was also featured as a background vocalist on albums […]

May 12, 2017

In The Country with Dave Woods: One On One With Kelly Prescott

Ontario’s Kelly Prescott has just released her song “Hillbilly Jewels” to country radio. The song – written by her brother Kalen – tells the story of her musical roots that run through generations of Browns and Prescotts. When you see Kelly performing live, you’re in store for an entertaining time. She delivers great songs and comedic lines with equal flair. Her vocals have been described as “smoky and sultry”. 2017 is shaping up to be a breakout year for this multi-talented artist. Congratulations on your nomination for Roots Artist/Group of the Year at the upcoming CMAOntario Awards. How does it feel to be recognized this way? Thank you so much. It’s an honour to be nominated for Roots Artist of the Year, especially alongside everyone […]

May 12, 2017

Patrice’s Pick: Brad Battle

This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music artist, Brad Battle. A St. Catharines, Ontario native, Brad talks about his new single and title track to his new EP, “Always Easy.” Brad previews the stories that fans can expect from the EP, along with where you can catch a live Brad Battle show this summer! For more information about Brad Battle, or to check out his new EP, visit his website here: www.BradBattle.com. For more on Country Music Junkies, visit www.CountryMusicJunkies.com. Check out the exclusive interview with Brad Battle below: About Patrice: To Patrice Whiffen, country music is a lifestyle. As the appropriately deemed, “Country Music Junkie,” she strives to share her passion for country music with the world. […]

May 12, 2017

In The News (May)

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. Country music performer now speaks openly about her struggles with mental illness London’s Jessica Mitchell will be home in June with more country music award nominations. The 33-year-old singer songwriter received four nominations for the Country Music Association of Ontario awards being held at Centennial Hall June 11, for her single […]

May 9, 2017

Buckle Up London! The CMAOntario RoundUp Is Coming To Town

The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is excited to announce details of the CMAOntario RoundUp taking place throughout London, Ontario next month. A variety of events are scheduled from June 8-11, 2017, bringing the Ontario country music industry together with local communities in celebration of the province’s rich musical talent and heritage. CMAOntario RoundUp festivities kick off on Thursday, June 8 with a legacy concert at Purple Hill Country Hall featuring a number of pioneering musicians that have paved the way for so many of today’s country artists. On Friday, June 9 members of London media and a bevy of country music celebrities will take to the diamond to showcase their skills in a Charity Softball Game at Labatt Memorial Park, followed by a concert in […]