April 12, 2022
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 24, 2022
The Country Music Association of Ontario Announces 2022 CMAOntario Awards Nominees Meghan Patrick, Robyn Ottolini, Tebey, and Jade Eagleson Lead In Nominations March 24, 2022 (TORONTO) The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is excited to announce the nominees for the 10th Annual CMAOntario Awards, taking place on Sunday, June 5 at Centennial Hall in London, Ontario. Meghan Patrick and Robyn Ottolini lead with six nominations apiece, followed by Tebey and Jade Eagleson with four nominations each. Hosted by Jason McCoy and Robyn Ottolini, the CMAOntario Awards Show will close out the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend June 2-5, 2022. The CMAOntario Awards, presented by Slaight Music, will acknowledge the talent and achievements of Ontario’s country music industry across 19 categories. Tickets for the CMAOntario Awards Show are on sale now. The CMAOntario […]
March 11, 2022
When any artist or band can list Garth Brooks and Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson among their many fans, they must be hitting a lot of home runs. Easily Canada’s premier Western Swing group, The Western Swing Authority’s pedigree is overflowing with the talent of its A-list members – some of the country’s finest touring and studio musicians. Celebrating their 13th year of swinging this April, it’s truly a labour of love for this crew and it shows if you’ve ever witnessed a live WSA gig. If you haven’t, order their DVD The Western Swing Authority – LIVE in Full Swing – A High Brow Hootenanny, settle into your couch and be prepared to book therapy for sore cheeks the next day. That might […]
March 11, 2022
// by Larry Delaney // (Born: January 20 – Montreal, QC) (#61 in the Ontario Pioneers Series) Cliff Edwards grew up in a musical family and while in high school in Montreal, formed his first band, The Strata-Cats, performing a mix of rockabilly and country. He later headed up the group The Counts Four, and hosted the TV Show “Hurtin’ Songs”, aired on CFCF in Montreal. Cliff’s late brother, Brian Edwards, was an early career guest on the TV show and he later became lead voice for the Canadian rock band Mashmakhan. In 1965, Cliff Edwards formed the group The Five Bells, which would soon undergo a name change to The Bells. The group included sisters Ann and Jacki Ralph and pianist Frank Mills, who […]
March 11, 2022
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 14, 2022
Tickets On Sale Friday, February 18 at 11:00am February 14, 2022 (TORONTO) The Country Music Association of Ontario is excited to announce that the CMAOntario Awards will be returning to London in June 2022 for a live and loud celebration in honour of the event’s 10th anniversary. The Awards, presented by Slaight Music, will cap off a weekend of live events scheduled throughout the city from June 2-5, with a rousing celebration on Sunday, June 5th, 7pm, at Centennial Hall. “Live music is back, and I am ecstatic that the CMAOntario Festival & Awards will return to London to celebrate their 10thanniversary. London is a city filled with incredible musical talents, skilled industry professionals, remarkable venues and world-class music fans making London, Canada’s first […]
February 7, 2022
Jason Blaine may sing about being “Born to Love”, but he really was born to entertain and has a track record to prove it. Growing up in Pembroke, Ontario, Jason and his family moved to Nashville in 2006, where he got to work as a songwriter. His single “Rock In My Boot” would be released just one year later and would thrust him into the spotlight as his first number one song. It’s also one of 25 Billboard charting tracks for Jason to date. His love for country music has solidified his role in the industry as a top songwriter, artist and entertainer. Countless CCMA, SOCAN, and CMAOntario awards, over 10 million streams across DSPs, and seven albums (soon to be eight) round out Jason’s […]