March 2022 – Country Music Association of Ontario

March 24, 2022

2022 CMAOntario Awards Nominees Announced

The Country Music Association of Ontario Announces 2022 CMAOntario Awards Nominees Meghan Patrick, Robyn Ottolini, Tebey, and Jade Eagleson Lead In Nominations March 24, 2022 (TORONTO) The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is excited to announce the nominees for the 10th Annual CMAOntario Awards, taking place on Sunday, June 5 at Centennial Hall in London, Ontario. Meghan Patrick and Robyn Ottolini lead with six nominations apiece, followed by Tebey and Jade Eagleson with four nominations each. Hosted by Jason McCoy and Robyn Ottolini, the CMAOntario Awards Show will close out the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend June 2-5, 2022. The CMAOntario Awards, presented by Slaight Music, will acknowledge the talent and achievements of Ontario’s country music industry across 19 categories. Tickets for the CMAOntario Awards Show are on sale now. The CMAOntario […]

March 11, 2022

Artist of the Month: The Western Swing Authority

When any artist or band can list Garth Brooks and Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson among their many fans, they must be hitting a lot of home runs. Easily Canada’s premier Western Swing group, The Western Swing Authority’s pedigree is overflowing with the talent of its A-list members – some of the country’s finest touring and studio musicians. Celebrating their 13th year of swinging this April, it’s truly a labour of love for this crew and it shows if you’ve ever witnessed a live WSA gig. If you haven’t, order their DVD The Western Swing Authority – LIVE in Full Swing – A High Brow Hootenanny, settle into your couch and be prepared to book therapy for sore cheeks the next day. That might […]

March 11, 2022

Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: Cliff Edwards

// by Larry Delaney // (Born: January 20 – Montreal, QC) (#61 in the Ontario Pioneers Series) Cliff Edwards grew up in a musical family and while in high school in Montreal, formed his first band, The Strata-Cats, performing a mix of rockabilly and country. He later headed up the group The Counts Four, and hosted the TV Show “Hurtin’ Songs”, aired on CFCF in Montreal. Cliff’s late brother, Brian Edwards, was an early career guest on the TV show and he later became lead voice for the Canadian rock band Mashmakhan. In 1965, Cliff Edwards formed the group The Five Bells, which would soon undergo a name change to The Bells. The group included sisters Ann and Jacki Ralph and pianist Frank Mills, who […]

March 11, 2022

In The Country with Dave Woods: One On One With Charissa

Charissa joins me on this edition of In The Country. She’s a storyteller – and the best stories are ones that don’t shy away from honesty. The Burlington, Ontario singer has been honing her thoughtful, meditative approach to songwriting since she was a kid, combining lush, flowing arrangements with earthy Americana and laidback soul to create a sound that is uniquely her own. Music was a constant in her home growing up, and after singing along to hits by Queen, Allison Krauss, Whitney Houston, Stevie Nicks, and Blue Rodeo before she hit age 10, her parents decided to sign her up for vocal lessons where she further developed her passion for music and later started to learn to play the guitar. Charissa has found a […]

March 11, 2022

In The News (March 2022)

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 6, 2022

Jessica Towler

March 5, 2022

Ty Wilson

Ty Wilson has packed a lot of life experience into his young life thus far. Growing up in rural Ontario, music quickly became a life line for him. Ty’s Grandmother was a well-known Peterborough area country musician, opening for legends such as Johnny Cash in the early 60’s. She bought him his first guitar at 10 years old and he hasn’t slowed down since. Since that time, Ty has worked on a number of musical projects. He signed his first record deal at 16 years old, his second at 22. Working with Canadian Pop heavyweights Vic Park Records, Ty’s debut solo ep “Degree’s of Separation” was released in 2014. He spent the next few years as a journeyman musician, cutting his teeth on stage at […]

March 3, 2022

Amanda Kind

Amanda Kind is a pop and country artist raised in White Rock, British Columbia and currently living in Waterloo, Ontario. Known for her powerful voice and soaring range, Amanda is also an experience vocal coach who works with professional and indie artists in a variety of genres. She released four singles and a music video in 2021 including the duet “We’re Okay” with James Downham and the popular holiday track “Hold Me Close.” Amanda is currently working on her debut country EP with producer Matt Koebel.

March 3, 2022

Amanda Kind

Amanda Kind is a pop and country artist raised in White Rock, British Columbia and currently living in Waterloo, Ontario. Known for her powerful voice and soaring range, Amanda is also an experience vocal coach who works with professional and indie artists in a variety of genres. She released four singles and a music video in 2021 including the duet “We’re Okay” with James Downham and the popular holiday track “Hold Me Close.” Amanda is currently working on her debut country EP with producer Matt Koebel.