May 2023 – Country Music Association of Ontario

May 16, 2023

The Beyonderies

The Beyonderies are a uniquely Canadian country collective with contributing artists from all over the world. Principle songwriter Sean Ryan Morton has been a professional musician for over 30 years as a professional performer, artist, band-leader, producer, engineer. Sean has dedicated his life to developing musicians and has had the unique experiences of touring Mexico as a semi-professional tenor, produced, performed and conducted numerous musicals with a 65 piece orchestra and 110 voice choir. Performed for audiences of more than 16,000 people. Sean iand is thrilled to spearhead this collective of world class performers in The Beyonderies.

May 10, 2023

Artist of the Month: Amanda Jordan

Measured in both kilometers and miles, there’s a long strip of asphalt between Smiths Falls and Nashville and you’ll find Amanda Jordan at the south end of it. Like many Canadian country artists, she’s hooked up with talented locals to craft an impressive career path, attracting both the modern and traditional country listener. 2021 saw her two singles, “Pretty Girl” & “Love You To Pieces” amass over half a million streams collectively. Setting the stage for 2022, she finished the year strong, landing features on Spotify’s Best Country Songs of 2021 Canada and Fresh Finds Country: Best of 2021. But Amanda’s turning out more than music – a quick glance at some online data reveals her other life in acting. She was cast as a […]

May 10, 2023

Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: Nancy Ryan

// by Larry Delaney // (#74 in the Ontario Country Music Pioneers Series) Nancy Ryan has enjoyed a long and successful career on the Canadian country music scene as a recording artist, songwriter and performing artist. She is also a professional horse trainer/rider/owner – horses and music top Nancy’s “been there…done that” list. Nancy was born March 13, 1947, in Toronto. On her 10th birthday, the family home burned to the ground… they relocated to Sturgeon Falls and later moved to Timmins. She currently makes her home in Belleville. Nancy Ryan’s first recording, in 1957, was a piano piece – a Mozart sonata in C-Major. It got a little more Country after that… she wrote some early career tunes: “I Told Her”, and […]

May 10, 2023

In The Spotlight with Dave Woods: Jeff Brown

My guest for this month’s column is musician Jeff Brown. He’s made quite a name for himself over the years on the country music scene, accompanying a long list of artists – solo and as part of a band, touring with The Washboard Union, etc. He’s a leader and inspiration in the community. Chances are you’ve seen him perform over the years at a country show. It was great to have Jeff answer my questions on his music career and his instrument: the guitar. Tell us about your first guitar. Was it a case of picking it up and never putting it down? My first guitar was a Jay Turser and it was a knock-off of a Fender Stratocaster with a tobacco burst finish. […]

May 10, 2023

In The News (May 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”. […]

May 9, 2023

2023 CMAOntario Festival & Awards: Full Lineup Announced!

The Country Music Association of Ontario Announces Performers for CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend Jade Eagleson Added to CMAOntario Awards Lineup Robyn Ottolini, Owen Riegling, The Redhill Valleys, Buck Twenty Play Free Shows and More! May 9, 2023 (TORONTO) The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is proud to announce the full list of performers for the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend, taking place June 2-4, 2023 in Hamilton. This annual celebration of country music across the province will feature free concerts, family activities, and an artisan market. The CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend kicks off with Songs & Stories: Songwriters in the Round on June 2 at Mills Hardware. Hosted by Dave Woods, Songs & Stories will feature Dave (Dwave) Thomson, Jim Witter, Reney Ray, and […]

May 3, 2023

The Boondocks

The Boondocks began creating original & upbeat party music in July of 2022. D McCauley is the sole writer/ recordist/ producer of each track, with some completed in the same day. The Boondocks single ‘Kiss the Night Into Daylight’ aired on CBC Radio August 29, 2022, while their Facebook videos at last count in October of 2022 exceeded 14,000 views. The Boondocks have played 16 live shows since, with band mates coming aboard the project, while more show listings being added. The Boondocks music can be heard on Spotify, YouTube and Facebook.

May 2, 2023

Tilly Grace Music

Tilly Grace is from the small town of New Liskeard in Northern Ontario. She has a strong passion for showing her creativity through music. From a young age, Tilly Grace was never shy to perform. Whether it was to sing or dance, she was always grooving. Later on, she went on to perform at her school concerts, and can’t forget her downstairs basement with her karaoke machine. Working with CMAO-nominated producer Shawn Moore, she is working on her first ever single and upcoming EP. Writing with many different artists, she will be making her dreams come true and bring them to life.

May 2, 2023

Tilly Grace Music

Tilly Grace is from the small town of New Liskeard in Northern Ontario. She has a strong passion for showing her creativity through music. From a young age, Tilly Grace was never shy to perform. Whether it was to sing or dance, she was always grooving. Later on, she went on to perform at her school concerts, and can’t forget her downstairs basement with her karaoke machine. Working with CMAO-nominated producer Shawn Moore, she is working on her first ever single and upcoming EP. Writing with many different artists, she will be making her dreams come true and bring them to life.