August 28, 2020
Awards To Be Presented In A Drive-In Style Show At New Venue on the Raceway at Western Fair District August 28, 2020 (TORONTO) The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) today announces a new concept and location for the 8th Annual CMAOntario Awards, taking place Sunday, October 4, 2020 in London, Ontario. Presented by Slaight Music with support from Ontario Creates, the CMAOntario Awards will now be a drive-in style event on The Raceway at the Western Fair District featuring performances by Tim Hicks, James Barker Band, The Reklaws, Jade Eagleson, The Abrams, Eric Ethridge, Genevieve Fisher, Kelsi Mayne, Les Rats d’Swompe, Nicole Rayy, The Western Swing Authority, and special guest Kalsey Kulyk! “On behalf of the CMAOntario and its members, we’re thrilled that the […]
August 1, 2020
Kitchener, ON’s Josh David is ready to make his mark on the country music scene, and he’s making his first move with his debut single, Safe Place to Break. With more than 50,000 streams on Safe Place to Break, Josh came back with a little something special and released an acoustic version of the song to go alongside it. Both versions feature the emerging artist’s strong vocal talent and make for a great introduction to Canadian country music fans. Earlier this year, when asked about his sound and who he would put his own music on a playlist with, Josh mentioned Chris Young, Keith Whitley, Garth Brooks, Chris Stapleton, and Hardy. And when we asked him who he would love to duet with, he said […]
August 1, 2020
Ontario’s Steven Lee Olsen’s latest single “Can’t Not” continues to climb at Canadian Country Radio. It’s the follow up to “Hello Country” which was the most added song at Canadian Country Radio when it was released. Since moving to Nashville in 2004, Steven has worked tirelessly, honing his craft as an artist and songwriter, and all the hard work has paid off impressively. He co-wrote Keith Urban’s double-platinum hit “Blue Ain’t Your Color” which in 2017 was named the NSAI Song of the Year and crowned Single of the Year at the CMA Awards, in addition to being nominated for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance at the 59th Grammy Awards, and Song of the Year at the ACM Awards. He also co-wrote […]
August 1, 2020
(Circa 1953-1972) (by Larry Delaney) The early days of Canadian country music were predominantly the domain of male country singers and musicians… there were very few star female performers, and indeed, it was rare to find an all-girl act on the Canadian country scene. That male stranglehold on the genre was first challenged in the mid-50s by The Rhythm Sweethearts, a Toronto-based female foursome, who became a marquee name on the Ontario country scene, and beyond. The Rhythm Sweethearts were comprised of Myrtle Gifford, a Marmora, Ontario, born bass guitarist and vocalist; Bessie (Elizabeth) Brunette, a Pembroke, Ontario-bred lead guitar player, vocalist and yodeler; “Patti Jo” (Patricia Hennessey), from Digby, NS, was the group’s drummer; and Lorrie Gale (Lorraine Gallant), of Moncton, NB, played guitar […]
August 1, 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”. […]