Newsletter

Dear members: I want to congratulate the CMAO’s own Wendell Ferguson on his induction into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame! He is a valuable member and Director of the CMAO and has been an irreplaceable asset to the organization. He has played key roles for the CMAO by producing the monthly newsletters and by producing our key live events; including our first CMAO Performance Opportunity at in 2011 at Country Music Week and our two CMAO Awards shows. People say that if he wasn’t great at playing the guitar, he would have been a great comedian. Luckily he chose to play music, because he would have starved as a comedian…! As a reminder, the AGM is going to take place on Monday, July […]

Behind the Board will return next month. However YOU could be featured in Behind the Board in a future issue! If you think you can bring your skill set to the table and want to have a say in the country music industry here in Ontario all you have to do is run for the CMAO board. Come to the AGM on Monday July 14 at the North York Civic Centre, Members Lounge, 5100 Yonge Street, Toronto, 7:00-9:00PM. If you wish to register to run, you can do so onsite. Be prepared to give a 2-3 minute address to the assembled members, outlining why you would be a valuable Director. If you can’t attend be sure and get your vote in via proxy. For information […]

The Board of Directors of the CMAO was proud to learn that fellow Director Wendell Ferguson is to be inducted into the CCMA Hall of Fame in September 2014. He has served on the CMAO Board for three years and has proven to be a tireless contributor to the organization. His commitment to the country music industry is well known and he is respected by all. He is the epitome of a team player. A true behind-the-scenes dynamo, Wendell Ferguson is known just as well for his wit and humour as he is for his unparalleled instrumental capabilities. A Juno-nominated performer, Ferguson is also a multiple CCMA Award nominee, has won the CCMA All Star Band’s Guitarist Award six times, and served on the CCMA […]

Artist Spotlight: Dave Woods interviews Beverley Mahood Beverley Mahood is more than a triple threat. She’s a successful singer, songwriter, actress, model, and television host. Right from her debut on the country music scene in 1998 with her award-winning album Girl Out Of The Ordinary, it was clear that this talented artist was here to stay. She’s gone on to have her songs & videos climb to the top of the charts consistently. Beverley isn’t just dedicated to her music, she’s dedicated to giving back to her community through her involvement with several charitable organizations. Last year’s “Hope and Gasoline” – written by Beverley, Patricia Conroy & Danick Dupelle – was a big hit with radio, CMT and country fans. Now, Beverley has a brand […]

Excerpt #11 from “Winning The Music Game” by Brian Allen Artists and business people think differently, but they commonly express frustration that the other doesn’t think and act like them. All too often, this frustration and refusal to accept the differences morphs into full-blown arguments. Consider this metaphor: “Artists think in blobs and squiggles and business people think in lines and squares.” To be effective creatively, many artists must allow their minds to wander to find and develop unique ideas. Their thinking follows a more abstract path. Rules and boundaries are structures that can cripple the creative process before it gets enough spiritual momentum to be called “inspired”. That’s not to say that creative types aren’t or can’t be structural business thinkers as well. Go […]

31 artists/groups submitted applications for the opportunity to secure a performance spot at Music In The Field festival, to be held August 22-23 in Lucknow, Ontario. Thanks to all applicants for your submissions. The CMAO is pleased to inform you an independent jury met and judged all the submissions and Emily Reid has been selected as the winning candidate. Her performance is scheduled for August 22nd. Emily Reid is a fresh-faced, country-folk artist with a sound rooted in her west coast upbringing, meshed with the soul and polish of Nashville. Components of Emily’s performances have drawn comparisons to several well-known artists, including: Kacey Musgrave’s writing, Emmy Lou Harris’ soul and Dolly Parton’s stamina. If you get a chance to attend the festival, watch for Emily […]

This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music newcomer, Kaitlin Kozell. Kaitlin talks about her debut single, her experience singing the anthem at Toronto Maple Leaf games, and the music video that changed her life and career path. Kaitlin’s new single, “Up From Here,” is now available on iTunes. Check out the exclusive interview here! About Patrice: To Patrice Whiffen, country music is a lifestyle. As the appropriately deemed “Country Music Junkie,” she strives to share her passion for country music with the world. As a radio broadcaster with an inside view of the world of country music, Patrice currently works with radio stations across Ontario to bring listeners the newest of new country music. You can […]

Dear members: Wow! If you haven’t heard, we just completed our 2nd annual awards show. It was an incredible night hosted by one of Ontario’s finest, Jason McCoy. Jason Blaine kicked off the night with his performance of “Friends of Mine”, joined by Deric Ruttan, Jason McCoy and Tebey. Next up was the first of twelve awards of the evening, as winners “got the Boot” – we saw Deric Ruttan take home two Boots, and Tim Hicks, Tebey, Jordan Macintosh and Small Town Pistols receive their first awards ever. To finish it off, the Impact Award was handed off to the legendary Gordon Lightfoot. My favourite moments were in seeing artists receive their first awards ever. That particularly resonated with me, because it reinforced that […]