April 2020 – Country Music Association of Ontario

April 27, 2020

Artist of the Month: River Town Saints

A lot of bands would not have made it through the changes and tragedy that River Town Saints have experienced, but the Arnprior-based country quintet has pushed forward. With new lead singer Chase Kasner and bass player Joe Patrois joining the band for this chapter of their career, River Town Saints is ready for action, and they’ve made a strong start with their new single Slow Kiss. The challenge of replacing a lead singer as well as dealing with the loss of bass player and dear friend, Dan Di Giacomo, is a lot to overcome. The fact that Jeremy, Jordan and Chris made the decision to keep the band together, rebuild and come back with more music to share with fans is a success story […]

April 27, 2020

Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: Alabama

(by Larry Delaney) Country music fans are familiar with the super-group ALABAMA, the Nashville-based foursome who charted some 80 Billboard Country Hits over two decades (1980-2000), including an incredible total of 33 #1 hits. Some fans, however, may not be aware that Canada had its own ALABAMA, a decade earlier. The Canadian group was a foursome of country/rockers, clearly ahead of their time. The Canadian version of the group Alabama was best known for their radio hit “Highway Driving”, a 1973 recording that has stood the test of time and is now recognized as a Canadian classic. The lyrics of the song remain emblazoned on the minds of many: Ninety miles to North Bay, and I’m on the road again I’ll make it home sometime […]

April 27, 2020

In The Country with Dave Woods: One On One With David Boyd Janes

Dave chats with Rising Star nominee David Boyd Janes about his new single “On Tonight”, the changes he made to pursue his music career, his year of winning big in 2019 & much 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.

April 27, 2020

Patrice’s Pick: Kelsi Mayne

This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music artist, Kelsi Mayne! We’re talking all about her brand new album, As I Go, the stories behind the songs, her favourite tunes, and MORE! We also asked Kelsi about her favourite at-home quarantine activities, and what’s coming up next! For more information about Country Music Junkies, visit www.countrymusicjunkies.com. Listen to the exclusive interview here and 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 […]

April 27, 2020

In The News (April 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”. […]

April 22, 2020

2020 CMAOntario Awards Nominees Announced

Meghan Patrick and The Reklaws Lead In Nominations with Six Nominations Each Followed by James Barker Band with Five Nominations plus Tim Hicks and Tebey with Four Nominations Carroll Baker to Receive Impact Award April 22, 2020 (TORONTO) The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is excited to announce the nominees for the 8th Annual CMAOntario Awards taking place Sunday, October 4, 2020 at Centennial Hall in London. Leading the nominations are 12 time CMAOntario Award winner Meghan Patrick, and two time CMAOntario Award winners The Reklaws, with six nominations each. Hosted by Jason McCoy and Jennifer Campbell, the 8th Annual CMAOntario Awards, presented by Slaight Music with support from Ontario Creates, will celebrate the talent and achievements of Ontario’s country music industry across 19 categories, including the Impact Award, Nielsen Compass Award, and the Holly […]