March 2024 – Country Music Association of Ontario

March 23, 2024

Sacha-Lee

I’m Sacha-Lee, a singer and songwriter based in Northern Ontario, where my musical journey began amidst the rich cultural tapestry of the region. I seamlessly blend French and English influences into my country music, crafting a unique sound. With two albums, one in English and one in French, already out, I’m currently in the studio working on a bilingual EP set to release later this year. Known for my positive and uplifting songs, I aim to convey messages of hope through my music. In 2021, I had the privilege of being a guest on the French music TV show “Tout Simplement Country,” showcasing songs from my latest album. In 2014, the Northern Ontario Country Music Association acknowledged my contributions by inducting me into their esteemed […]

March 6, 2024

In The News (March 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”. […]

March 6, 2024

Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: Dan Paul Rogers

// by Larry Delaney // (#82 in the Ontario Country Music Pioneers Series) DAN ROGERS was born June 18, 1957, in Trenton, Ontario and has lived in the Ottawa Valley town of Renfrew for most of his life, where he has since become a fixture on the Country Music scene, now affectionately known as DAN PAUL ROGERS. In his teen years, Dan Rogers performed with the Gospel Music group Shilo, and then as a member of the Traditional country band, The Countrymen, which led to forming his own band, Home Coming. Rogers was “discovered” in 1984, during an Ottawa Valley Talent Contest. One of the judges for the event was multi-award-winning producer/musician Randall Prescott and he recognized the special vocal and songwriting talents that Dan […]

March 6, 2024

Artist of the Month: The Western Swing Authority / Artiste du mois : The Western Swing Authority

It was a full house of celebration and new music last month as The Western Swing Authority hosted a release party for their brand-new album “12 to 6 Central” at the Registry Theatre in their hometown of Kitchener. Despite it being their fifth full length album, it was the first time they performed on an actual release date. It was a special day, as they were supported by many fans, friends and family. The seven-piece band is comprised of some of Canada’s most sought-after musicians, who have been performing together for 15 years. Featuring Shane Guse as fiddler, vocalist and frontman, his wife, Stacey Lee Guse (vocals and former member of JUNO and CCMA nominated group LACE), Ed Ringwald (steel guitar), Dan Howlett (fiddle, banjo), […]

March 6, 2024

In The Country with Dave Woods

SPOTLIGHT ON JESSICA SEVIER My guest for this month’s column is Jessica Sevier! Since her debut single “Ghost of Tom” in 2019, Jessica’s music has been collectively streamed over 1 million times. Performing live has been a key part of growing her audience, and Jessica has shared the stage with artists including Jason McCoy and Tim & the Glory Boys, and has performed at music festivals and renowned venues including Whisky Jam in Nashville and the legendary Lee’s Palace in Toronto. She has also showcased at Canadian Music Week each year since 2021. Growing up, Jessica took piano and voice lessons and had an elementary school music teacher that saw her passion for music and encouraged her to explore it through school musical […]