April 2023 – Country Music Association of Ontario

April 18, 2023

2023 CMAOntario Awards Performers Announced

The Country Music Association of Ontario Announces 2023 CMAOntario Awards Performers Robyn Ottolini, Nate Haller, Karli June, Graham Scott Fleming, Sacha, Elyse Saunders and more! Family Brown to Receive Impact Award April 18, 2023 (TORONTO) The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is proud to announce the first wave of performers for the CMAOntario Awards, presented by Slaight Music, taking place on Sunday, June 4 at Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton, Ontario. The 11th Annual CMAOntario Awards Show, hosted by Jason McCoy and Shannon Ella, will include exciting performances by: Robyn Ottolini, who is nominated for five CMAOntario Awards this year; Nate Haller, Karli June, and Graham Scott Fleming, nominated for three CMAOntario Awards each; plus Sacha and Elyse Saunders, nominated for two CMAOntario Awards each. Additional performers will include: Vincent […]

April 13, 2023

Artiste du mois / Artist of the Month: Kristine St-Pierre

Kristine St-Pierre est une auteure-compositrice-interprète à la voix de velours. Cette chansonnière au coeur voyageur charme son public avec ses mélodies accrocheuses et l’authenticité de ses textes. Connue pour son aisance sur scène, des textes qui nous interpellent et sa voix mémorable, Kristine St-Pierre propose une musique remplie d’émotion, d’espoir et de force. Suite à la sortie d’un EP en 2010 et de l’album Call Me Crazy en 2012, elle lance La promesse en 2017, un premier opus tout en français. L’album lui mérite une nomination au Prix de la musique folk canadienne dans la catégorie « Auteur-compositeur francophone de l’année ». Elle a également récolté plusieurs nominations aux CMAOntario Awards et a performé au Gala 2022. De concert avec sa carrière, Kristine St-Pierre prête […]

April 13, 2023

Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: Colin Butler

// by Larry Delaney // (#73 in the Ontario Country Music Pioneers Series) COLIN BUTLER was billed as “Canada’s Young Singing Sensation” – an appropriate title, as, he began performing at age 3; was a special guest at concert and club events by age 5; and by the time he was 12 years of age, had already made guest appearances on The Tommy Hunter TV Show, Family Brown Country TV show, and recorded his first album before he became a teenager. Colin Butler was born New Year’s Eve, 1960, in Lively, Ontario, and as a youngster he spent his early years in Ottawa, where his parents recognized his special talents to sing and entertain audiences. He quickly became a sought-after “child attraction”. He was soon […]

April 13, 2023

In The Spotlight with Dave Woods: Patrick James Clark

Patrick James Clark has written over 750 songs in the last few years. Some of those songs have been recorded by other artists like Aaron Allen, Emily Clair and Sarina Haggarty. But, of course, he had to save some tunes for himself to be included on his debut album, Yacht Money, which is out now. The storyteller in Patrick shines on “Front Door” and “Pay You Back”. It’s his storytelling in his writing and his ease with humour that make him a great performer to see at a show. Those are 2 of the reasons he was named the 2021 winner of the talent competition The Shot. When pitching Patrick’s sound, I tell people “If you like your country mixed with some John Mayer, then […]

April 13, 2023

In The News (April 2023)

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 2, 2023

Robbie Watson & 88 Acres Band

Robbie Watson & 88 Acres Band is a Canadian four-piece Country Rock Band from Cornwall, Ontario Inspired by the storytelling of traditional country music and energized by the driving guitar sounds of rock ‘n roll – The band blends the genres into a modern sound that is as gritty as it is polished The band features Robbie Watson on lead vocals and guitar, he is supported by guitarists Pat Regnier, bassist Steven Lefebvre and drummer Greg Poapst – with all members performing backup vocals Starting with the release of their first single “Rock Me Little Country Girl”, the band has launched a series of compelling tracks – ranging from the high octane “New Rock N’ Roll”, the hometown anthem “Where I’m From” and the band’s […]