June 5, 2024

2024 CMAOntario Awards Winners Announced

The Country Music Association of Ontario Announces Winners of the 2024 CMAOntario Awards June 2, 2024 (TORONTO) The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is excited to announce the winners of the 12th Annual CMAOntario Awards, presented by Slaight Music, which took place on Sunday, June 2 in Hammerson Hall at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga. Jason Blaine, Owen Riegling, and James Barker Band each took home two CMAOntario trophies. Hosted by Pure Country Radio’s Jason McCoy and country TikTok sensation Teigen Gayse, the CMAOntario Awards acknowledged the talent and achievements of Ontario’s country music industry across 17 categories plus special awards. The show included special performances by 2024 CMAOntario award winners Owen Riegling, Jason Blaine, Nicole Rayy, and Elyse Saunders, and nominees Karli […]
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 […]
July 11, 2023

CMAOntario Brings Summer Sizzle Back to Sharbot Lake with BBQ Beach Bash

CMAOntario Brings Summer Sizzle Back to Sharbot Lake with BBQ Beach Bash   June 26, 2023 (TORONTO) CMAOntario is excited to announce the return of the highly anticipated CMAOntario BBQ Beach Bash, featuring live music, a sizzling BBQ, and refreshing beer garden, all set against the scenic backdrop of Sharbot Lake Beach. Taking place on Saturday, August 12th, 2023, from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm, the event brings together a talented lineup of Ontario musicians, tasty food from local vendors, and a lively atmosphere that celebrates the essence of summer. Attendees can look forward to an incredible set of performances from River Town Saints, Dayna Reid, Lemon Cash and Rosewood Ave, plus a range of BBQ delights, including juicy burgers, succulent ribs, and mouthwatering chicken, capped off with sweet summer […]
June 5, 2023

2023 CMAOntario Awards: Winners Announced!

The Country Music Association of Ontario Announces Winners of the 2023 CMAOntario Awards Robyn Ottolini and The Reklaws Lead In Wins   June 4, 2023 (HAMILTON) The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is proud to announce the winners for the 11th Annual CMAOntario Awards, which took place June 4 at Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton, Ontario. Presented by Slaight Music, the CMAOntario Awards acknowledged the talent and achievements of Ontario’s country music industry across 19 categories with presentations and performances. Robyn Ottolini took home Single of the Year and Female Artist of the Year, while The Reklaws scored Group or Duo of the Year and The Compass Award. Hosted by Jason McCoy and Shannon Ella, the 11th Annual CMAOntario Awards Show featured performances by Jade Eagleson, Robyn Ottolini, Nate Haller, Karli June, […]
May 9, 2023

2023 CMAOntario Festival & Awards: Full Lineup Announced!

The Country Music Association of Ontario Announces Performers for CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend Jade Eagleson Added to CMAOntario Awards Lineup Robyn Ottolini, Owen Riegling, The Redhill Valleys, Buck Twenty Play Free Shows and More!   May 9, 2023 (TORONTO) The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is proud to announce the full list of performers for the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend, taking place June 2-4, 2023 in Hamilton. This annual celebration of country music across the province will feature free concerts, family activities, and an artisan market.  The CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend kicks off with Songs & Stories: Songwriters in the Round on June 2 at Mills Hardware. Hosted by Dave Woods, Songs & Stories will feature Dave (Dwave) Thomson, Jim Witter, Reney Ray, and […]
April 18, 2023

2023 CMAOntario Awards Performers Announced

The Country Music Association of Ontario Announces 2023 CMAOntario Awards Performers Robyn Ottolini, Nate Haller, Karli June, Graham Scott Fleming, Sacha, Elyse Saunders and more! Family Brown to Receive Impact Award   April 18, 2023 (TORONTO) The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is proud to announce the first wave of performers for the CMAOntario Awards, presented by Slaight Music, taking place on Sunday, June 4 at Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton, Ontario. The 11th Annual CMAOntario Awards Show, hosted by Jason McCoy and Shannon Ella, will include exciting performances by: Robyn Ottolini, who is nominated for five CMAOntario Awards this year; Nate Haller, Karli June, and Graham Scott Fleming, nominated for three CMAOntario Awards each; plus Sacha and Elyse Saunders, nominated for two CMAOntario Awards each. Additional performers will include: Vincent […]
March 27, 2023

2023 CMAOntario Awards Nominees Announced

The Country Music Association of Ontario Announces 2023 CMAOntario Awards Nominees Josh Ross, Tebey and Robyn Ottolini Lead In Nominations   March 27, 2023 (TORONTO) The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is excited to announce the nominees for the 11th Annual CMAOntario Awards, taking place on Sunday, June 4 at Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton, Ontario. Josh Ross, Tebey, and Robyn Ottolini lead with five nominations apiece, followed by Tim Hicks with four nominations, and Karli June and Nate Haller with three nominations each. Hosted by Jason McCoy and Shannon Ella from Pure Country Radio, the CMAOntario Awards Show will close out the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend June 2-4, 2023. The CMAOntario Awards, presented by Slaight Music, will acknowledge the talent and achievements of Ontario’s country music industry across 19 categories. Tickets […]
March 15, 2023

Save Our Creative Community: Make Your Voice Heard

Currently, 35% of radio airtime for Popular Music formats in Canada is reserved for recordings that meet the criteria for definition as Canadian Content (popularly known as CanCon). Currently, a recording must embody a minimum of two of the following four elements: M (music): the music is composed entirely by a Canadian A (artist): the music is, or the lyrics are, performed principally by a Canadian P (performance): the musical selection consists of a live performance that is recorded wholly in Canada, or performed wholly in Canada and broadcast live in Canada L (lyrics): the lyrics are written entirely by a Canadian This is commonly referred to as the “Maple System” (MAPL). With multiple writers, if the majority of the combined writing credits are Canadian, it qualifies. The Canadian […]