February 9, 2024

Andre Bisson Band

From a small town in Northern Ontario to lively crowds across England and Wales, André Bisson has proved that he has a message worth listening to. With a career that spans over 20 years, his musical resume includes 10 studio albums, countless awards, and sold out shows across Canada, US, UK, and Europe. As the sole songwriter and arranger for a group that spans from 6-20 musicians, André has created his own musical brand infused with folk, roots, blues, and R&B. Using an eclectic combination of instruments, he creates a musical story that becomes the soundtrack for his lyrics. Since first taking to the stage at age 15, André’s love and dedication has always been to the live show. Combining his powerhouse vocals with a […]
February 9, 2024

Andre Bisson Band

From a small town in Northern Ontario to lively crowds across England and Wales, André Bisson has proved that he has a message worth listening to. With a career that spans over 20 years, his musical resume includes 10 studio albums, countless awards, and sold out shows across Canada, US, UK, and Europe. As the sole songwriter and arranger for a group that spans from 6-20 musicians, André has created his own musical brand infused with folk, roots, blues, and R&B. Using an eclectic combination of instruments, he creates a musical story that becomes the soundtrack for his lyrics. Since first taking to the stage at age 15, André’s love and dedication has always been to the live show. Combining his powerhouse vocals with a […]
February 2, 2024

In The Country with Dave Woods

SPOTLIGHT ON PAIGE RUTLEDGE My guest for this month’s column is Paige Rutledge! Paige got her first break on stage at The Moonshine Cafe at a very young age and continues to perform there to this day in songwriters rounds. Along with playing her original songs at the legendary Oakville venue, you’d be lucky to be there on the nights when she covers the Dolly classic “Jolene”. In July 2023, Paige performed at the iconic Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto and at Country On The Bay in Thunder Bay opening for Walker Hayes (“Fancy Like”) as well as Tim Hicks and Robyn Ottolini. She has already been announced as one of the performers for The Hollyrood Country Jamboree in July 2024 featuring headliners Tyler Joe Miller […]
February 2, 2024

In The News (February 2024)

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”. […]
February 2, 2024

Artist of the Month: Amanda Keeles / Artiste du mois : Amanda Keeles

  CMAOntario Artist of the Month: Amanda Keeles London, Ontario’s Amanda Keeles new album release and tour is counting down for the launch pad in February 2024. Considering that Amanda is a two­-time winner of The Canadian Open Singing/Songwriting Contest, her debut single, “Blame it on the Moonlight” (released January 30, 2023), peaked in the top 10 at #6 on the Canadian Country Indie Top 100 Chart and “My Heart Feels The Same Way Too” has accumulated over 73K streams since its release in May of 2023, her forthcoming album, titled “Can’t Stop Me Now”, sure sounds like a “Just try it” challenge! Growing up in a family of musicians, country music was part of the diet in her home, which prepared her for performing […]
February 2, 2024

Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: Terry Sumsion (1947-2011)

// by Larry Delaney // (#81 in the Ontario Country Music Pioneers Series) Country singer/songwriter/entertainer TERRY SUMSION was born February 7, 1947, in the Southwest Ontario town of Burford. He spent much of his early years driving trucks and buses, but that lifestyle changed dramatically in the late 1970s when he won the Male Vocalist category in the Canadian Open Singing Contest held in Simcoe, Ontario. In fact, he won the prestigious honour in three consecutive years, as well as the 1981 BX-93 (London) Country Roads Contest. By the early 1980s, after paying some early career dues as a member of the band Maple Creek, Terry was working club dates and festival events with his own back-up band, Stagecoach. He also launched his recording career […]