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”. The deadline for submissions is the 20th of each month.
The Tebey Golf Classic is returning on May 30 to the Quarry Golf Club, 447 Tara Rd, Ennismore, ON (just Northwest of Peterborough) with special guest country music sensation Tim Hicks. The country music stars will be golfing with fans, teeing off at 12pm, followed by a VIP reception where the pair will be joined by Kira Isabella for a special acoustic performance.
All funds raised will support Tebey’s favourite charity – mental health programming delivered by Peterborough Family Health Team. Foursomes are once again $600 and singles $150 and the tournament offers a charitable tax receipt for 50% of the cost.
The VIP cocktail reception, performance and “meet and greet” is $40 per person.
CMAOntario, partnering with our accounting firm Seeds and Company, will again be entering Directors Steve Kassay, Sam Arraj and Brian Allen, along with artist Mike Lynch as a team in this fun and worthwhile event. Put your team together and get in on a fun and worthwhile event!
Register today at www.gphsf.ca or call 705-740-8074.
ole label group is pleased to announce the addition of Canadian Country singer-songwriter, Danielle Bourjeaurd, to its red dot roster. The Sharon, ON native’s debut EP, Country Sorta Way, will see distribution through ole label group with publishing via ole and Frank Davies’ Let Me Be Frank. The second single, “Happy Hour”, will be released to radio on March 23, 2018.
“I’m so stoked to finally be able to share my music with the world. I’m so blessed to call red dot my new family. Thank you to my label red dot, my producer Pete Swann, Kate Davies, Frank Davies, Benny and the Big Guy, for believing in my songs and helping them become reality,” said Bourjeaurd. “I am so excited for this year and what’s to come. I’m going to keep working my butt off for you Canada. I’m on cloud nine. Daddy I know your looking down on me and are still a huge part of everything good that comes my way. Thank God, we finally got here. Now on to the big leagues.”
Available now, the EP highlights the honest vulnerability of Bourjeaurd’s soulful and edgy country style, with equal nods to pop and southern rock. From raucous party anthems, to sultry songs of torrid love and tracks reflecting the ups and downs of everyday life, Country Sorta Way is a bold statement from a performer to be reckoned with.
“We’re very excited to welcome Danielle as the newest addition to the ole red dot roster. She is a talented and hardworking musician with a unique style that is sure to connect with Country music fans everywhere,” added Andy Hawke, Manager A&R, ole label group.
Winner of Best Emerging Artist at Toronto Indie Week 2017, Bourjeaurd has been living and working in Nashville for the past five years, writing with veteran greats like Frank Myers, Odie Blackmon, and Roger Springer to more recent hitmakers like Leslie Satcher, Emily Hackett, Davis Corley, Summer Overstreet, Mark Addison Chandler, and Canada’s own, Aaron Pritchett and Ian Janes. In 2014, Bourjeaurd had a co-write on Tom Cochrane’s chart-topping hit, “Sunday Afternoon Hang” and started off 2018 with a Top 15 single for her Petric co-write “18 Ends”.
This year has also seen songwriting success for Bourjeaurd with Cumulus Radio (446 stations in 90 cities in the U.S.) now featuring her co-write with artist Joe Denim, “Together We’re A 10”. Bourjeaurdis currently writing songs for the film “What Would Dolly Do” slated to go into production this spring, in which she will also have a cameo role. Following a key performance in February at the Grand Ole Opry’s “Nashville House of Concerts”, Bourjeaurd will continue to hit the stage with Nashville club dates throughout March and April.
Listen to Country Sorta Way here.
Hello fellow musicians! There is something new to do this year at Country Music Association of Ontario Conference Weekend in London. We are having a Musicians’ Jam, a time for professional musicians to come together, to connect with old friends, meet new ones and, of course, play some great music.
The jam is in support of the Unison Benevolent Fund, who plays an important role in a musician’s time of need. The event will be co-hosted by Canadian Beats.
PA equipment provided, bring your own instruments. They’ve got a big stage so let’s fill it up!
The jam will take place on Friday June 1st from 10 pm till close at the Bull and Barrel Saloon, 359 Talbot Street, London. For further details, please contact David James at davidjames129@hotmail.com or join the Facebook Event page: https://www.facebook.com/DjsMusiciansJam/events.
https://twitter.com/Dj_Music_Jam
The Western Swing Authority may be from the North, but their “Window Faces the South” this spring.
Freshly back from Nashville, where the band was delighted to be asked to entertain the likes of Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood and Steve Wariner at iconic manager Bob Doyle’s 70th birthday bash. ( Major Bob Music). The industry event was a hot ticket and a night that the band will never forget.
February brought a trip to Memphis’ Ameripolitan Awards to represent Canada. Stacey Lee was honoured to be nominated for Western Swing Female both for the Ameripolitan’s and the Academy of Western Artists in Texas.
Most recently, the band can be found featured in the Western Swing special of Europe’s number one Country Music magazine, “Country Music People”. To be included along with The Time Jumpers, Asleep at the Wheel and Carolyn Martin is a real feather in their cap. Check out the article here: http://www.cmpcountry.com/store/product/march-2018
Stay tuned as the band’s “Extra-ordinary” fourth studio album is in it’s final stages and set to release in Fall 2018.
Renowned Canadian Fiddle Champion Scott Woods and his All-Star band present Fiddling Up A Storm! This uplifting 2-hour Branson-style live show features lots of Canadian Old Time Fiddle music, Traditional Country songs, Western Swing tunes, Country Gospel favorites, fancy instrumentals, sweet harmonies, smooth vocals, sensational step dancing, family humor, inspirational stories, and of course some of Scott’s famous trick fiddling – front and back somersaults and walking on a barrel – all while playing his fiddle. You will hear the flurry of fast fingers on a fiddle or guitar similar to a hurricane or twister, or maybe the calm before the storm.
Joining Scott onstage in Fiddling Up A Storm is:
His sister, Kendra (Woods) Norris – a multi-instrumentalist and certainly no stranger to old time fiddling, having won the Canadian Duet Fiddle Championship title 3 times with Scott, as well as several solo wins in various classes including the 2016 Canadian Open (19-55 division). Also onstage are Canadian Country Music Award Winner and Guitar Player of the Year, Steve Piticco; Bass Player Peter Sisk, Canadian Country Music Award Winner and Drummer of the Year, Bill Carruthers and champion Step Dancer 13-year-old Leo Stock.
Scott Woods is a two-time winner of the Canadian Open Fiddle Contest, two-time winner of the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Championship as well as Fiddle Entertainer of the Year. He is known affectionately as ‘The Flippin’ Fiddler’ and tours extensively across Canada and the USA every year raising funds for churches, charities and community service organizations. Scott and the band also tour in Germany.
TOUR DATES:
Friday, April 13: Camlachie United Church – Camlachie, ON (Tickets – Camlachie United Church / Terry – 519-869-4103) – 7pm**
Saturday, April 14: Evangel Community Church – Chatham, ON (Tickets – Gospel Text Bookstore 519-352-5190 / Food 4 Less – Chatham / Paper Angels Studios – Blenheim / Mary P 226-626-7209 / Mary H 226-627-6279) – 7pm**
Sunday, April 15: Lakeside Pavilion – Kingsville, ON (Tickets – Box Office Video 20 Division St N) – 2pm
Monday, April 16: Victory Legion RCL BR 317 – London, ON (Tickets – Victory Legion) – 7pm
Tuesday, April 17: Lion’s Auditorium – Tillsonburg, ON (Tickets – Academy of Music) – 7pm
Wednesday, April 18: College Avenue United Church – Woodstock, ON (Tickets – Merrifield Book Shop / College United Church) – 7pm**
Friday, April 20: Waterford United Church – Waterford, ON (Tickets – Waterford United Church office / Christie 519-443-0952 or 519-755-5184) – 7pm**
Saturday, April 21: Silver Spire United Church – St Catharines, ON (Tickets – Ryson’s Music 5 Court St / 905-682-6832 / 905-682-7219) – 7pm
Sunday, April 22: St Andrews Presbyterian Church – Arthur, ON (Tickets – St Andrews Presbyterian Church / Willaby 519-848-2267) – 7pm**
Wednesday, April 25: Faith United Church – Courtice, ON (Tickets Faith United Church office / 905-433-8953) – 7pm**
Thursday, April 26: Napanee Lion’s Hall – Napanee, ON (Tickets – L & A Seniors Outreach Services office 12 Richmond Park Dr. / Gray’s IDA Drug Store 18 Dundas St. W) – 7pm**
Friday, April 27: Glen Cairn United Church – Kanata, ON (Tickets – Glen Cairn United Church 140 Abbeyhill Dr / Sherry 613-762-413) – 7pm**
Saturday, April 28: Southgate Community Church – Kemptville, ON (Tickets – Brewed Awakenings Unit 9, 2868 County Rd 43) – 2pm
Sunday, April 29: Alexandria United Church – Alexandria, ON (Tickets – Sylvia 613-525-1324 or 613-662-2616 / Colleen 613-642-2005) – 7pm**
Monday, April 30: Wall Street United Church – Brockville, ON (Tickets Wall Street United 5 Wall St. / Compu-Silv 144 Waltham Rd) – 7pm**
More dates to be announced….
Concerts where proceeds go to support a fundraiser**
(For more information please go to www.scottwoods.ca/events/category/upcoming-dates/)
Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children (age 6-12) and children 5 and under get in free.
Call toll free 1-855- SCOTTWOODS (1-855-726-8896) to charge by phone
High-resolution photos available at www.scottwoods.ca
For Further information please go to: www.scottwoods.ca
For interviews
Deborah Wood Publicity
deborahwoodpublicity@gmail.com / codeywt@yahoo.com
289-252-0351
The Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) Board of Directors have announced Tracy Martin as President, effective immediately. Martin has been interim in the position since July of last year.
“Under the direction of Tracy, the CCMA is already seeing pivotal changes at organizational and conceptual levels,” said Ted Ellis, Chairman of the CCMA Board of Directors. “Tracy has the respect of her peers, the industry, and the Board. Her extensive background in country music, content and development, marketing and creative, is exceptional, and her ability to push boundaries and challenge the status quo is exactly what the CCMA needs right now. We’re thrilled to have her at the helm.”
“The potential for our association to grow, to be a leader in content and promotion for our format, while honouring its strong legacy, is beyond exciting,” said Martin. “I look forward to working with everyone in the industry to continue to strengthen the value of the CCMA, and Canadian country music, from coast-to-coast and internationally. Thank you to the membership, staff and the Board for entrusting me to lead the CCMA into its next chapter.”
Martin has been serving as Interim President of the CCMA since July of last year, leading the association’s staff and Board through Country Music Week in Saskatoon, and executive producing the 2018 CCMA Awards broadcast. As President, Martin will work alongside the CCMA Board to establish and execute long-range business plans that will see the association evolve with current broadcast and content climates, develop strategic partnerships that elevate likeminded businesses and the CCMA, and evolve CCMA programming year-round.
A Director on the CCMA Board for two years, Martin also managed the CMT Canada and CCMA Awards broadcast relationship for three years. Martin is a media executive with 17 years of experience in marketing, production, TV programming, as well as digital, artist and event management. In her most recent position at Corus Entertainment, she ran the content strategy for the W Network, OWN, Lifetime, Cosmo and Country Music Television, in addition to overseeing the launch of the CMT Music Festival and the production team. Prior to her work at Corus, Martin was head of marketing for MuchMusic and MTV as well as the Vice President of Strategy at Pyramid Productions.
3 Spectacular Acts
2Nights!
Thursday, April 26: The Dakota Tavern – Toronto (7pm)
Friday, April 27: Avant-Garde Bar – Ottawa (8pm)
Drake Jensen
A different kind of Country, a different kind of Man. Critically acclaimed recording artist, advocate for Equality and Humanity! Born and raised in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Drake would be destined to leave his boot-print on the soul of country music. Last year was a year to be remembered. From his first ever recorded duet with Patrick Masse that released in June – Go Your Own Way – a song that sends a message of inclusivity and equality to country music fans of all ages. Then in September 2017, Drake travelled to London, England to take part in a book launch (both as a panelist and a performer) – David Bowie Made Me Gay : 100 Years of LGBT Music. In April 2018, Drake will be releasing his Greatest Hits album, which will include new material along with the hits. http://www.drakejensen.ca
Paisley Fields
Paisley Fields are a queer country band, unapologetic about pushing boundaries and seeking inspiration in the unexpected. Though lead singer James Wilson is inspired by country musicians like Dolly Parton and Gram Parsons, he wanted Paisley Fields’ lyrics to reflect a modern world. Pittsburgh City Paper writes, “While Paisley Fields have a good bit in common with contemporary country — rich production, songs with pop bones and twangy accents — the band probably won’t be touring with Toby Keith anytime soon. http://www.thepaisleyfields.com/
Patrick Masse
Growing up in Vancouver, surrounded by six siblings, Patrick’s parents recognized and nourished the spirit that music inspired in him. His exposure to old country with the likes of Merle Haggard, Don Williams and The Oakridge Boys occurred early. At ease in songwriting, performing or raising awareness for dyslexia, Patrick’s future is filled with a bevy of his own personal philosophies, “Happiness is measured by one’s self. Don’t hurry, but don’t wait.” http://www.patrickmasse.com
For interviews with Drake Jensen please contact:
Deborah Wood Publicity
289-252-0351
deborahwoodpublicity@gmail.com
codeywt@yahoo.com
Get ready to kick off the summer festival season! Country Wild Music Festival announces the final lineup for the 2nd annual event on Saturday, June 2 in Victoria Park, Cobourg.
Led by three-time Canadian Country Music Association Female Artist of the Year, Country Wild Music Festival is 100% Canadian, offering a lineup of talented musicians from across our great country. Among these musicians is festival headliner and JUNO Award-winner, Jess Moskaluke who is the first female Canadian Country artist since Shania Twain to achieve Platinum single status.
”We’re beyond excited for this years festival and the conscious decision to schedule our roster with 100% Canadian artists”, says Matt Williams,
Director of Entertainment and co-organizer of the event. As Country Wild grows as an international brand, we continue to recognize and celebrate the immense talent of Canadian musicians from coast to coast. To land an artist of Jess Moskalukes accomplishments & international credentials is truly an exciting moment for this community.”
Joining Jess Moskaluke on the Country Wild stage: 4-time Country Music Association of Ontario Male Artist of the Year nominee, Marshall Dane; Kansas Stone, a high energy Country band that fuels off of many different styles and offers a sound that ranges from old and new country, blues, and rock; and Ben Hudson who received a “Rising Star” nomination at the 2016 CMAO Awards and who continues to shine on a national level.
Returning to the Country Wild stage for a second year, Sawmill Road who got their start in the halls of East Northumberland Secondary School. Also joining the lineup are emerging country artists Robyn Ottolini, Jesse Slack, Rebekah Stevens & Alyssa Morrissey.
Country Wild Music Festival offers something unlike any other festival of its kind, says Andrew Hall, co-organizer of the event. In addition to
featuring a complete lineup of Canadian artists, the festival is located along the shores of Lake Ontario and steps away from Cobourgs Blue Flag
beach – one of the nicest beaches in Southern Ontario.
Tickets for the event are available in three tiers; General Admission ($45), Wild VIP ($96) and Wildest VIP Platinum ($125). In addition to entry into the festival, VIP ticket holders have front row access and their own private tent and bar area. Country Wildest VIP ticket holders will be eligible for early entry into the festival and a private performance & meet and greet with Jess Moskaluke.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on Ticketfly.com. Limited VIP and General Admission tickets are still available at time of publication. Gates open at 2 p.m.
Stay tuned for exciting announcements, opportunities to get involved and more event details, on social media at /countrywildfest or for more
information, please email info@cobourgmusic.ca.
The first single from Jamie Warren’s soon to be released 8th album (set to release late summer 2018) – “Drink Along Song” is destined to become a fan favourite and introduce Jamie to new fans worldwide. And it also will set the tempo for spring and summer!
Got a little wind in these sails
Got a beat in my heart
Got some life in these legs
Come on let’s tear it apart
Let’s all raise a glass
man You don’t have to ask
Just let go – cause you know
Life’s just a drink-along song
Sha la la la la la la la
Come on and sing along
Sha la la la la la la la
Come on & get your calm on
With a drink along song
Jamie Warren is generally regarded as the most awarded independent country artist in Canada (OCMAs, CCMAs and Junos). His first major award was in 1985 for New Outstanding Country artist of the year.
Over Jamie’s career he has:
• Released 52 singles (all written or co-written by Jamie).
• Had 6 Top 10’s
• Had 17 Top 20’s
• Had countless Top 40’s
• Released 7 studio albums including a Greatest Hits in 2004
“One Step Back” would be considered Jamie’s most recognizable hit. A song he wrote about growing up in small-town Hanover Ontario. He was raised in a musical family…piano lessons at 5, guitar lessons at 8 and family band shows with his folks through grade school. Hockey was his first love but when he started writing songs at 14 he had found his true calling…Music!
Jamie is also a graduate of the Broadcasting program at Conestoga College. This gives him a unique insight into media as an artist and it gives him the perfect credentials to co-ordinate and host his songwriter series – “Stories and Songs”.
Jamie has also created Song-writing 101; a creative writing course he teaches in high schools and Music Industry Arts programs in colleges.
For Further information on Jamie Warren please go to: www.jamiewarren.com
For interviews / radio tour please contact:
Deborah Wood Publicity
deborahwoodpublicity@gmail.com / codeywt@yahoo.com
289-252-0351
For Canadian country rocker Augusta Ray, the past few months were spent splitting time between her home in Nashville and home in Toronto, in order to create vigorously, all while fitting in some much-needed downtime after a busy 2017. “Even when I’m not working, I’m working” says Ray.”
The new year is officially in full swing for Augusta, as she kicked off her 2018 tour dates in a big way, opening for Canadian Country Star Brett Kissel, in Thunder Bay, ON on February 2nd. The two performed to a sold out crowd at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, making the show the 18th stop on Kissel’s ‘We Were That Song Tour.’ “Brett is a rad guy” says Augusta. “Other than the fact Brett is an Oilers fan, and I’m a diehard Leafs fan, there are a lot of striking similarities between us. I moved to music city for the same reasons he did, and it’s cool to see the years of hard word that he put into developing his craft being so evident. The guy puts on a show. It’s just years of pure experience and learning how to be comfortable on such a big platform, and you can’t teach that. Brett and his band are honestly some of the most genuine people I’ve worked with thus far.”
Keep your eyes and ears open for Augusta Ray’s new project that is set to be released later this year.
Shae Dupuy has been having an amazing time on her Let The Good Times Roll tour! Playing all across Ontario, Montreal, Victoria and Vancouver, Shae is excited to announce that she has added new shows to the tour! Heading out East, Shae will play in PEI, NB, and NS, and wrap the tour with newly announced shows in Calgary and Edmonton! Shae thanks everyone for the constant support and hopes to see you at one of the remaining tour stops. Tickets and dates are available online at www.shaedupuy.com.