August 26, 2023
I fist started music in 2015 after a trip to Nashville with my family. Since then I have also picked up guitar and started to write and perform where ever I could. In 2018 I won Bay Fest has Talent in Port Rowan for playing my fiddle. Shortly after that I started to perform on my own with my guitar in hand doing some country cover songs. In January 2021 I released my first single called Just All Right to all music platforms. I wrote this song to help bring awareness to mental health and currently in studio recording “That Truck Song” as every country musician has a truck song this one will be mine. It’s about my dads 89 Ford Ranger. March of 2021 […]
August 11, 2023
It’s hard to talk about Brian John Harwood without mention of the word: “collaboration.” They say: “It takes a village…”; and the list of names he’s worked with makes him an automatic Team Player candidate. Born and raised in Innisfil, Ontario, BJH first got widespread attention as a core member of Kansas Stone, partnering with Matt Davey. The band’s single, “Blaze of Nothing,” was nominated for the Music Video of the Year at the 2019 CMAOntario Awards. The band also made a big dent in the scene with “Together We’re Strong”, written by Brian and producer Dustin Bird. The single features – get this – 17 Canadian artists, among them: Aaron Pritchett, Alee and Jason Blaine. That’s a lot of herding. Brian stepped up to […]
August 11, 2023
// by Larry Delaney // (#77 in the Ontario Country Music Pioneers Series) The early formative years of the Canadian Country Music “industry” were built around the dreams and hard work of a few dedicated individuals – RON SPARLING was at the forefront of that movement. Ron was a musician, a manager, an advisor, a leader, a mentor… and much more. Born May 12, 1940, in Ottawa, Ron Sparling spent his early years in Campbells Bay, Quebec. As a youngster, he was intrigued by the glamour of small town fairs and festivals. At age 17, he became a drummer for the Ottawa Valley group The Blue Mountain Boys, and soon after, he played drums for Hank Rivers – at the time, one of Canada’s top […]
August 11, 2023
The news spread quickly on Monday, July 24, 2023, that John Marlatt, owner of Oakville’s iconic Moonshine Cafe, had passed away after a brief illness. Right away, there was an enormous outpouring of love & remembrance on social media for the man known for his quick wit, friendliness and love of live music. The Moonshine stage became a fixture and a hot spot on Kerr Street over the last 17 years. John would always be there, working hard, barbecuing, encouraging artists and sometimes asking the audience to stop talking and really listen to the acts & their songs. The Moonshine Cafe is legendary because of the legend that John is. Anyone who has been to this venue as an audience member or a performer knows […]
August 11, 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”. […]
August 4, 2023
At the young age of 20, Tyler is an accomplished singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer who is taking the music scene by storm with his ability to connect with people of all walks of life. In just a short time, his online streams and radio play have soared, and he has quickly amassed a world-wide fan base of dedicated listeners. His latest release Movin’ On is a quintessential example of his distinctive sound, blending his musical roots and natural penchant for storytelling. His sound embodies country’s staple elements while embracing a more contemporary approach. When not busy making music and performing, Tyler spends his time pursuing a music degree . In addition, he is an active TikToker, who is quickly building a large following on […]