March 2018 – Country Music Association of Ontario

March 6, 2018

A Message from the President (March 2018)

I think one of those groundhogs was correct – it definitely looks like an early spring to me… at least, here’s hoping. The first ballot has just closed for the 2018 Awards Show, and we are very pleased to announce that we have received over 1000 submissions, and our membership renewals have exceeded all our expectations. The second ballot (the first round of actual voting) will open in March, and thanks to everyone who sent submissions, renewed their membership or decided to join! Tickets for the Awards Show (June 3rd) are selling steadily, so if you have a seating preference, don’t put it off. To purchase, call 1-888-999-8980 or visit https://centennialhall.london.ca/london-event-listings.html The Conference Committee is working on finalizing this year’s seminar panels – great topics, […]

March 6, 2018

Ronnie Prophet, Canada’s “International” Country Star, Passes On

(by Larry Delaney) One of Canada’s true “international” country music stars has passed away. Ronnie Prophet died March 2, 2018 in Tavares, Florida, following cardiac and kidney failure. He was 80. Ronnie Prophet was born December 26, 1937, in Hawkesbury, Ontario and raised in nearby Calumet, Quebec. His father passed away at age 7, leaving 120 acres and 50 head of cattle for the surviving family to manage. He earned spending money by creating the character Woody The Country Kid, a take-off on the popular cartoon Woody Woodpecker. His talent as an impressionist would later become a focal part of his stage act. While still a teenager he began entertaining at small venues in Montreal, and soon became a highly sought after entertainer working clubs […]

March 6, 2018

Artist of the Month: Anthony Tullo

Oakville’s Anthony Tullo isn’t interested in cookie-cutter anything, including his career in country music. Tullo has been working on music since his teens – writing, performing, and polishing his skills as he works towards his rock and roll country dreams. 2017 was a big year for the Ontario musician, as he released his album, Rebel, made new waves in his performing career, and pushed himself to new heights all around. The 10 track album was released in November, and features emphatic song titles like Gasoline, Shotgun Ready, and the title track, Rebel. And as the follow up to his 2016 EP, Rebel With A Song, and 2014 release, Switching Tracks, this full-length offering is a great indication of what Anthony Tullo brings to country music […]

March 6, 2018

In The Country with Dave Woods: One On One With Amanda Jordan

Congratulations on being a Kick It With Kissel winner, which has you opening for Brett Kissel on February 24th in Sudbury. How excited are you for that? I’m so excited! I was surprised when I opened the email saying that I had been selected. There were so many other great auditions and I wish I could bring all the other contestants with me to perform. There is so much great talent in Ontario and all across Canada, and I’m so grateful. I’ll be doing a twenty-minute set, performing some of my originals and a couple of covers. I hope to release my new single “Driving in the Dark”, which I co-wrote with Phil Barton and Jason Matthews in April this year, to Canadian country radio. What […]

March 6, 2018

Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: Irwin Prescott

Born: January 17, 1932 – Widdifield (North Bay), Ontario Died: August 8, 1977 – Ottawa, Ontario (by Larry Delaney) Irwin Prescott was calling square dances at age 9 and in his late teens, was heading up his own band, The Mell-O-Tones, and hosting his own radio show over CFCN radio in his hometown of North Bay, Ontario. As a recording artist, Irwin Prescott released six albums on the Rodeo/Banff, London and Cheyenne labels, and released singles in the USA on Ambassador Records, while his Canadian releases were largely on the Melbourne Records label. Three of his singles earned national chart action, including his lively version of the Leroy Van Dyke classic “The Auctioneer”, which was a #1 hit in Canada for Prescott in 1966. His […]

March 6, 2018

Callout for Artist of the Month Submissions

CMAOntario is inviting submissions from Ontario artists for consideration in our ‘Artist of the Month’ feature where we profile one artist per month on our website and in our newsletter. Our goal is to learn more about artists active in our region, while giving members the chance to spread the word about their happenings. To be considered, please include the following in your submission and forward to info@cmaontario.ca with “Artist of the Month Suggestion” in the subject heading: Artist/band name Hometown Website Photo Bio Links to music and videos Links to social media sites List of upcoming shows Latest single released or soon to be released Any other info on promo and media coverage Only CMAOntario Members will be considered for the ‘Artist of the […]

March 6, 2018

Patrice’s Pick: The Washboard Union

This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music trio, The Washboard Union! One day into the Happy Endings Tour, David, Chris and Aaron from The Washboard Union fill us in our their west coast tour, as a direct support for Old Dominion. They talk about defying the boundaries of the country music genre, and how humbled they are by their continued fan support. They also talk about their new single, ‘What We’re Made Of,’ which dropped on February 9, along with what fans can expect in 2018! For more on Country Music Junkies, visit www.CountryMusicJunkies.com. Listen to the exclusive interview with The Washboard Union below: About Patrice: To Patrice Whiffen, country music is a lifestyle. As the appropriately deemed, […]

March 6, 2018

In The News (March)

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 sent to verle@cmaontario.ca. Please make sure the Subject Line reads “For inclusion in the CMAOntario Newsletter”. […]

March 5, 2018

Submit for Your Chance to Perform: Music Cities Exchange

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: MARCH 22, 2018 Working off the past success of Music Cities Exchange, London Music Office has partnered with the Country Music Association of Ontario in the lead up to CMAOntario Festival and Awards (this June in London) for a special Music Cities Exchange with The City of Kitchener and Music Works. All artists interested in performing must submit for consideration to CMAOntario and must be a member in good standing. London artists must also create an artist profile. The London event will take place on Friday, May 4th at Cowboys and the Kitchener event Saturday, May 5th at Dallas Nightclub. Interested in playing? Submit for consideration to info@cmaontario.ca with subject line “Music Cities Exchange”. This opportunity is exclusive to artists from London or Kitchener/Waterloo/Cambridge. London Artists must submit a link to their […]