February 2020 – Country Music Association of Ontario

February 29, 2020

Artist of the Month: Dustin Bird

Stirling, ON, native Dustin Bird has built his road into the Canadian country music scene with hard work, great appearances, and solid songs. We first saw Dustin at the Boots & Hearts festival in 2018, when he earned his spot as a finalist in the Emerging Artist Showcase competition. It was a fantastic introduction to the young artist and one that put him on a lot of fans’ radars moving forward. Since then, Dustin Bird has released four singles: She Likes My Guitar, Wake Up, People, and his most recent release, Unscripted. Wake Up leads the way for Bird, piling up more than 125,000 Spotify streams. It’s a breakout achievement for the emerging artist and should be acknowledged and celebrated. The four songs have amassed […]

February 29, 2020

Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: Ron McMunn (“The Silver Fox”)

Born: Dec. 6, 1932 – Almonte (Clayton), Ontario Died: July 17, 2007 – Ashton, Ontario (by Larry Delaney) Ottawa Valley country music performer Ron McMunn was dubbed “The Silver Fox” long before Nashville hit-maker Charlie Rich used the descriptive tag. McMunn has been acknowledged as a huge mentor and influence in the Ottawa Valley country music scene and for the artists who followed in his footsteps. He remains best recognized for his classic country songs, “Reserve Me A Table”, “Play Me One More Country Song”, “My Old Truck” and “This Bottle Filled With Wine” – all songs that he wrote. Ron McMunn was born December 6, 1932, on the family farm in Almonte, Ontario. He learned to play fiddle, harmonica and guitar during family gatherings, […]

February 29, 2020

In The Country with Dave Woods: One On One With John Anderson

Dave chats with Barrie’s John Anderson about his just released debut single “Grew Up On It”, songwriting with Jamie Warren and Beverley Mahood, how lessons in baseball can apply to success in a music career & more! Dave Woods is a monthly columnist for the CMAOntario Newsletter and has been hosting the popular online radio show In The Country with Dave Woods since 2009! To hear episodes, please visit www.inthecountryinterviews.com, www.soundcloud.com/dave-woods-3 and iTunes.

February 29, 2020

Patrice’s Pick: Karli June

This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music artist, Karli June! Karli talks about her brand new tune, “Say Too Much,” including the story behind the song! She also talks about her radio tour, and more of what’s to come in 2020! For more information about Country Music Junkies, visit www.countrymusicjunkies.com. Listen to the exclusive interview with Karli 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. As a radio broadcaster with an inside view of the world of country music, Patrice currently works with radio stations across Ontario to bring listeners the newest of new country music. You […]

February 29, 2020

In The News (February 2020)

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”. […]