Latest News
July 11, 2023
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
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
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
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
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
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 […]
January 18, 2023
The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors that will consist of a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of thirteen (13) Directors, of which, nine (9) shall be elected and up to four (4) may be appointed at the discretion of the Board. Each elected or appointed Director shall serve for a period of two years. A Director may serve an unlimited number of duly elected or appointed terms. To maintain governance continuity, seat vacancies on the Board are alternated each calendar year; only a portion of the seats on the Board will be available for each election. Existing Directors who are not running for re-election will serve as the Nomination Approval Committee for all nominees. All Directors must be over […]
November 28, 2022
CMAOntario Festival & Awards 11th Anniversary Celebration Is Coming to Hamilton June 2023 Tickets On Sale Friday, December 2 at 11:00am November 28, 2022 (TORONTO) Greetings from the Country Music Association of Ontario! We are excited to announce that the CMAOntario Awards will be returning to Hamilton in June 2023. The Awards, presented by Slaight Music, will cap off a weekend of live events scheduled throughout the city from June 2-4, with a rousing celebration on Sunday, June 4th, 7pm, at Theatre Aquarius. “The CMAOntario is thrilled to be returning to Hamilton! Fans here know and support country music and we can’t wait to bring the fun of music and activity to Hamilton once again for our biggest annual event!” said CMAOntario President Steve Kassay. […]
June 6, 2022
The Country Music Association of Ontario Announces Winners of the 10th Annual CMAOntario Awards June 5, 2022 (LONDON, ON) The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) tonight celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the CMAOntario Awards, presented by Slaight Music, with 20 award presentations at Centennial Hall. Meghan Patrick led with three wins for Album of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and the Compass Award. Hosted by Jason McCoy and Robyn Ottolini, the CMAOntario Awards included performances by Tebey, Robyn Ottolini, Genevieve Fisher, Sacha, Jason Blaine, Kristine St-Pierre, Nate Haller, River Town Saints, The Western Swing Authority and special guest Aaron Goodvin. Cory Marks and Tim Hicks teamed up for “Blame It On The Double”, and in a tribute to Impact Award recipient Carroll Baker, the CMAOntario […]