June 2023 – Country Music Association of Ontario

June 12, 2023

Artist of the Month: Parker Graye

Parker Graye has been on a mission to make country music sad again and I think it’s safe to say, mission accomplished. Songs like “Do Over”, “Before You Leave”, and “Last Time” introduced us to the queen of Saddies for the Baddies, and Parker Graye has been opening her heart to listeners ever since. Growing up in Orillia, Ontario, Parker Graye’s main musical influence came from her musically inclined aunt. Obsessed with live performance from a young age, Parker would spend her childhood evenings performing to an imaginary packed out stadium in the basement. After spending a few years in Banff as a snowboarder, she would begin her journey as a singer-songwriter when she moved to Vancouver in 2010. Parker would spend time across indie […]

June 12, 2023

Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: Fred Dixon

// by Larry Delaney // (#75 in the Ontario Country Music Pioneers Series) FRED DIXON was born August 8, 1943 in Perth, Ontario, He was a long-time favourite on the Ottawa Valley country music scene. Fred (sometimes billed as Freddy) Dixon was a gifted songwriter with many of his songs relating to Canadiana and specifically Ottawa Valley folklore. His song “Last Fatal Duel” was recorded by Stompin’ Tom Connors and was featured on the Connors album and movie soundtrack of “Across This Land”. The film featured performances at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto by Stompin’ Tom Connors, with special guests Sharon Lowness, Chris Scott, Kent Brockwell, Bobby Lalonde and Joey Tardif. Fred Dixon worked the Ottawa Valley country music club and festival circuit for four […]

June 12, 2023

In The Spotlight with Dave Woods: Runaway Angel

Runaway Angel – Cadence Grace, Ann Chaplin and Stacey Zegers – is BACK and just in time to provide us with a great feel good summertime song, “Beach Please”. The new single release marks the trio’s tenth anniversary. Since Runaway Angel’s formation in 2013, the ladies have been 2016 CCMA Discovery Artist nominees and celebrated 7 Country Music Association of Ontario nominations, two iTunes Canadian Country Top 5 charting albums, and a previous Top 50 Canadian radio hit (“Witness”). They have also toured Canada and Europe. “Beach Please” is a poignant milestone as the group’s first new music since Grace’s leukemia diagnosis in 2018. Following Cadence’s courageous journey – which included a personal blog, a life-saving bone marrow transplant, receiving the Extraordinary CML Story Award […]

June 12, 2023

In The News (June 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”. […]

June 6, 2023

Mike Chianelli

Mike Chianelli is a Neo-traditional country singer, songwriter from the rural town of Sutton West, Ontario. Who is taking his deep love for nostalgia and the best classics country music has to offer, and mixing that with lyrics inspired by his everyday life working in the trades, while chasing his musical dreams through bars, concert halls, festivals and down any other roads it may lead him. Family, old friends and local legends come alive through his storytelling with a promise to keep they’re history living on as long as he can, while also standing by a commitment to keep the roots of country music within close reach of every song. Simple straight shooting country music with nothing to hide and only truth to tell are […]

June 5, 2023

2023 CMAOntario Awards: Winners Announced!

The Country Music Association of Ontario Announces Winners of the 2023 CMAOntario Awards Robyn Ottolini and The Reklaws Lead In Wins June 4, 2023 (HAMILTON) The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is proud to announce the winners for the 11th Annual CMAOntario Awards, which took place June 4 at Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton, Ontario. Presented by Slaight Music, the CMAOntario Awards acknowledged the talent and achievements of Ontario’s country music industry across 19 categories with presentations and performances. Robyn Ottolini took home Single of the Year and Female Artist of the Year, while The Reklaws scored Group or Duo of the Year and The Compass Award. Hosted by Jason McCoy and Shannon Ella, the 11th Annual CMAOntario Awards Show featured performances by Jade Eagleson, Robyn Ottolini, Nate Haller, Karli June, […]