Newsletter
February 6, 2017
The 2017 CCMA Songwriters’ Series, as part of PotashCorp Country Music Week, will feature three sessions this year: Thursday, September 7; Friday, September 8 and Saturday, September 9. Each session will showcase eight (8) artists; four (4) of whom will be selected from submissions received, and four (4) of whom will be decided upon by a CCMA-appointed talent advisory committee. Submissions will be reviewed by an impartial industry-led jury and successful applicants will be notified of their opportunity to showcase as part of the event this spring. CLICK HERE for more information on the 2017 CCMA Songwriters’ Series and to apply. Deadline for submissions: Friday, February 24, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. ET.
February 6, 2017
Congratulations again to all of the CMAO artists who had the opportunity to open for Brett Kissel through the Kick It With Kissel contest. Check out some of the live photos of their performances below. (photo credits: Aesthetic Magazine, Canadian Beats, Tourbus Entertainment, PNP Promotions)
February 6, 2017
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 CMAO nor do their contents reflect the views or opinions of the CMAO. Federal Funding Increased For Foreign Tour Support The Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR) has issued an advisory that the federal government has increased the annual allocation to Export activities, including international tours and showcases under the New Musical Works program, and Export showcases under the Collective Initiatives program […]
January 28, 2017
The Country Music Association of Ontario would like to wish you all a Happy New Year. We hope that 2017 will be the best year of your life. From the beginning of December to the New Year it can only be described as the most joyous of all holidays. Family gatherings and the joy of giving is an important part of this wonderful season. We cherish time spent with friends and loved ones. It’s a time we feel the spirit of the holiday and the joy we feel seems magnified. It’s also a time to reflect on some of the moments from the past year. Unfortunately, this sometimes includes the passing of loved ones and friends. The passing of Gordie Tapp last month is an example […]
January 9, 2017
Congratulations to all of the acts selected to open for award winning country artist, Brett Kissel, on the Ontario leg of his upcoming tour. The winners were selected from close to 100 entries vying to perform with Kissel through the “Kick It With Kissel” contest supported by the CMAO. Participants were asked to record a video of themselves performing their favourite original, cover, or Kissel songs and to post it to social media using the “#KickItWithKissel” hashtag. The winners were chosen by a panel comprised of Country Music Association of Ontario board members, Invictus Entertainment, and Kissel himself. “The response to the contest was tremendous,” commented Kissel. “I wish I had room to add more talent.” The winners include: Kansas Stone January 12, 2017 Kiwanis […]
January 9, 2017
A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO GORDIE TAPP (1922-2016) (by Larry Delaney) Gordie Tapp, a legend in Canadian country music, even though he has had few record releases to speak of, passed away December 18, 2016, at his home in Burlington, Ontario. He was 94. Tapp, who was equally known as “Cousin Clem”, is best recognized worldwide for his comedy character skits performed on the long-running “Hee Haw” TV series taped in Nashville studios. Gordie Tapp was born June 4, 1922 in London, Ontario. His early years were spent as a member of the Main Street Jamboree, one of Canadian country’s most popular radio shows. He then moved on, becoming a regular on the CBC’s Country Hoedown show, which aired for 13 years before transitioning into The […]
January 9, 2017
This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music artist, Ryan Laird! Ryan talks about his new single, Wear Me Out, and how his beautiful bride was the inspiration for the song. He also talks about his busy cross-Canada tour, and the amazing work he’s doing with #BiggerThanThat in Canadian schools. To find out more about Ryan Laird, visit: www.ryanlaird.com. For more on Country Music Junkies, visit www.CountryMusicJunkies.com. Check out the exclusive interview with Ryan Laird below: 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, […]