In The News (November)

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.

APPLY NOW: MusicOntario heads to Folk Alliance International 2018 in Kansas City, MO

MusicOntario and Folk Music Ontario will be hosting private showcases during the Folk Alliance International 2018 conference. If you are an Ontario resident, an Ontario-based artist, a member of Folk Music Ontario, or are represented by an Ontario company, please fill out the application. Submission deadline is 5:00PM EST on Friday, December 1, 2017.

Shae Dupuy’s New Single “LIAR” Is Out Now

Shae Dupuy’s new single “LIAR” is out now to all streaming services and country radio! Shae previously released the acoustic version as a bonus track on her EP, Brave. After the amazing response, Shae knew she needed to release the song as a full track and is excited to have it out. Shae had an exciting month performing during Indie Week at The Dakota Tavern, and thanks everyone for their continuous support.

Lovelocks Release New Single “Staycation”

After months of writing and recording, The Lovelocks are thrilled to release their new single, #STAYCATION

The group is giving their fans first access before sharing it with radio. So, download or stream it on Apple, Spotify or Google Play by clicking here!

Norm Brunet Releases New Single “It Don’t Get Better Than This”

Hailing from Ottawa, Ontario, Norm has long been a part of that elite group of artists, a gifted songwriter, an accomplished musician, and adding to his triple threat credentials are the always on target and distinctive vocals!

The new single “It Don’t Get Better Than This” is currently available on all digital stores and the album of the same name hits on  –  November 10^th.  The new album contains ten self-penned songs featuring traditional country, country rock and a sprinkling of Americana Roots – something for everyone!

“It Don’t Get Better Than This” tells a story inspired by a young mid west family trying to make a go of it with none of the modern day trappings, find happiness in the simple things in life, children, family, friends!

Scott Woods Old Time Christmas Tour

Renowned Canadian Fiddle Champion Scott Woods and his band present Old Time Christmas! This uplifting 2-hour Branson-style live show celebrates the Christmas season, with the sweet harmonies of Twin Fiddles, and lots of Traditional Christmas music, Traditional Country, Western Swing, Country Gospel and Old Time Fiddle tunes.  Enjoy sensational step dancing, wholesome family humour and Scott’s famous trick fiddling – somersaults & walking on a barrel – all while playing his fiddle!

Joining Scott onstage in Old Time Christmas 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, Step Dancer 12-year-old Leo Stock, and keeping the band in time is drummer / vocalist Bill Carruthers.

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.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children (age 6-12) and children 5 and under get in free.

Advance tickets can be purchased at 1-855-726-8896

TOUR DATES: http://www.scottwoods.ca

Meet Country Music’s Newest Duo, Abby and Beamer

Country music’s newest duo, Abby and Beamer, have hit the airwaves! With the release of their debut single ‘What If They’re Wrong?’, and many appearances during Country Music Week in Saskatoon, this duo is out to make waves in the Canadian country music scene! The single hit radio on October 10^th, as well as Apple Music, Spotify, Google Play and all other digital platforms on October 13^th! For an exclusive look into the making of this duo, take a look at their YouTube intro here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSCYmLFEU9A.

Check out ‘What if They’re Wrong?’ on the following platforms:

• Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/what-if-theyre-wrong/id1300686702?i=1300687022
• iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/what-if-theyre-wrong/id1300686702?i=1300687022
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0nSKhWOeaA2xLl8gam51O7
• Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Abby_and_Beamer_What_If_They_re_Wrong?id=Byan4r2t2ey3zszg2u4pmbozbqq&hl=en
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/kfZ3RNUJ_s8

Abby Stewart hails from Kingston, Ontario, and Beamer Wigley from Penticton, British Columbia – these two young artists have individually been recognized as outstanding country music performers. Fate brought them together when Abby performed at Beamer’s CD release party during the 2016 CCMA’s in London, and they blew the audience away! The magic between the duo was obvious right from the start, and within a short time they started dating and writing songs. Since then, they have performed multiple shows together in Ontario and B.C., including opening slots for Brett Kissel and Aaron Pritchett – a lot more is yet to come!

The duo shared, “We’re very excited that our song ‘What If They’re Wrong’ has finally been released! We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response so far, and can’t wait to see where all this goes!”

Boots & Hearts 2018 Lineup Announcement #1: Florida Georgia Line, Alan Jackson, Thomas Rhett, and more

Boots and Hearts is one of the biggest weekends on our calendar every summer. We’ve been at each of the first six festivals, and are looking forward to lucky number seven in 2018.

And now we know who to start getting excited for as B&H have announced their first round of performers, including three headliners that will take the main stage and run the show at Burl’s Creek.

We don’t know which night each Florida Georgia Line, Alan Jackson, and Thomas Rhett will take the stage, but we’ll be ready to share that info with y’all when it becomes available.

Now, let’s have a look at the first six names on the Boots and Hearts 2018 artist roster…

Full story: The Reviews Are In

Donny Lee Makes Nomination Round for ACMA’s Male Artist of the Year 2017

Donny Lee, Ontario born and raised, now an Alberta resident, has made the Nomination Round for Male Artist Of The Year 2017 with the Association of Country Music in Alberta.

Donny is releasing his 3rd single to Canadian radio in early 2018, titled Another Round Of You, written by Blake Shelton’s hit writers and pitched to him by Ole Publishing.

On a performing side, Donny showcased original songs at the Diamonds In The Rough showcase during CCMA week. Donny is bringing his Nashville themed show ‘The Honkytonk’ to Canada beginning in Fall 2017 and more show dates coming in 2018. The show is a boiled down version of his Nashville show featuring the most popular requested Honkytonk hits. Along with the country hits he plays, Donny Lee will also showcase 3-4 original  songs during his show. If you’re in the area and have the chance to watch Donny Lee perform, come out and see ‘The Honkytonk’ and introduce yourself after the show! Holler & Swaller!! For show dates check out his Shows tab on his website www.donnyleemusic.com

Jason Blaine – Mason Jar Session – Boy With A Guitar

Jason Blaine has a new EP out through his brand new label Wax Records.  This is Jason’s first release with Wax and it hit the digital stores on Friday Nov 10th.  The title of the collection is Boy With A Guitar and the title track likely won’t hit radio till early in the new year but we had a chance to capture this session while we were in Nashville earlier this week.   

We love the story behind this one…  Just kind going back to his roots and telling the full circle journey for him over the last 10+ years. Be sure to grab the EP that includes his current single Born To Love. 

Full Story: Tour Bus Entertainment