April 2024 – Country Music Association of Ontario

April 17, 2024

2024 CMAOntario Festival and Awards Performers Announced

The Country Music Association of Ontario Announces Performers for CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend Andrew Hyatt, Karli June, Owen Riegling, Jason Blaine, Nicole Rayy, Griffen Palmer and more! Charlie Major to Receive Impact Award The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is proud to announce the first wave of performers for the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend taking place May 31-June 2, 2024 in Mississauga. In addition to the 13th Annual CMAOntario Awards Show, CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend will include Songs & Stories: Songwriters in the Round, R2i TuneUp Conference, Street Fair, Bonfire, Tailgate Party, and Sauga Sunday. On Saturday, June 1 the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend will present Tailgate, and Bonfire – two free concerts at Celebration Square. Fans can celebrate the anticipation of the CMAOntario Awards […]

April 17, 2024

2024 CMAOntario Awards Nominees Announced

The Country Music Association of Ontario Announces 2024 CMAOntario Awards Nominees Jade Eagleson Leads In Nominations March 27, 2024 (TORONTO) The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is excited to announce the nominees for the 12th Annual CMAOntario Awards, presented by Slaight Music, taking place on Sunday, June 2 at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga. For the first time ever, the CMAOntario Awards will include six nominees in each category (except Fans’ Choice) instead of five to celebrate more country music talent from Canada’s second largest province. Jade Eagelson leads with five nominations, followed by The Reklaws, Josh Ross, Meghan Patrick, and Karli June with four nominations each. Hosted by Pure Country Radio’s Jason McCoy and Country TikTok sensation Teigen Gayse, the CMAOntario […]

April 12, 2024

Scott Owen

His desire to entertain and contribute to a good time is the driving force behind an upbeat and energetic live show. If he is on a stage it is because he is there for YOU. His sound reflects the profound influence of the 90’s country era that shaped his upbringing, but he likes his country rockin’ too. Often drawing comparisons to Jason Aldean and Eric Church has not been surprising, given they are two of his biggest modern influences. In Scott Owen, you’ll find a humble artist whose genuine passion for music and unwavering commitment to his audience combine to create unforgettable experiences.

April 10, 2024

In The News (April 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”. […]

April 10, 2024

Artist of the Month: Olivia Mae Graham / Artiste du mois : Olivia Mae Graham

Olivia Mae Graham discovered her love for music at the tender age of eleven when she first picked up a guitar. Her favourite childhood memories are of her parents shuffling her to and from music lessons, supporting her passion. Olivia continued to pursue this love for music through education at the Harris Institute for the Arts, where she graduated Valedictorian, with an Honours Music Business Professional Certification. She then obtained her Master of Songwriting in Scotland. At the core of her artistry is a desire to uplift and empower others through the positive messages woven into her heartfelt lyrics. From songs like “Pretty Different” and “Mean Girls”, to “Red Rose” and her latest single “I Can’t Move”, Olivia uses the lessons she’s encountered to […]

April 10, 2024

Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: Con Archer

// by Larry Delaney // (#83 in the Ontario Country Music Pioneers Series) Singer/songwriter CON ARCHER was born Conrad William Archer, November 8, 1941, in Bourlamaque, (Val D’Or), Quebec. He later moved to Orillia, Ontario where he first worked as a barber, and then pursued a singing career, initially performing with the local group, The Fairlanes, singing Country and Gospel music. By the early 1970s, Con Archer headed up his own group, “The Sundowners”, and began his recording career, which would see him release seven albums and a series of nationally-charted hit singles. A debut album, “The Many Moods Of Con Archer”, was released on the Dominion Records label in 1970. The album was produced by Jury Krytiuk and recorded in Nashville studios. The […]

April 10, 2024

In The Country with Dave Woods

IN THE SPOTLIGHT WITH DAVE WOODS: AMANDA JORDAN My guest for this month’s column is Amanda Jordan! Amanda’s Bio: Originally from Smiths Falls, Ontario – just outside of Ottawa – Amanda fell in love with country music in Canada before heading to Nashville, where she’s since transformed her passion for singing and songwriting into a series of exciting career breakthroughs. 2021 was a breakout year for Amanda. Two singles, “Pretty Girl” & “Love You To Pieces”, amassed over half a million streams collectively, while receiving editorial support from Apple Music and Spotify on playlists like “All About Country”, “Next from Nashville” and “Country Lovin”. She also earned video support from CMT and the cover spot of Spotify’s Live Country playlist in August […]