Newsletter – Page 45 – Country Music Association of Ontario

May 12, 2017

Performers Announced for the New Faces Showcase

Congratulations to Amanda Jordan, Ben Hudson, Brea Lawrenson, Sacha and Steve Rivers on being selected to perform at the New Faces Showcase & Concert being held at Market Square on Saturday, June 10th in London, Ontario during CMAOntario RoundUp 2017. Capping off the showcase will be a concert performance by River Town Saints with Eric Ethridge. This is a free concert with performances starting at 7:00pm. See you there! For more details on CMAOntario RoundUp 2017 events, click here.

May 12, 2017

Artist of the Month: Andrew Hyatt

From the mines of Nickel City to the big city stage, Andrew Hyatt has put in the work it takes to get country music fans to take notice. In the last couple of years, we’ve seen Sudbury born-and-raised Andrew Hyatt emerge as one of Ontario country’s rising stars. With stripped-down performances that showed off his songwriting skills and soul, and amped up rocking sets that dripped with sweat and put his heart squarely on his sleeve, country music fans have walked away wanting more and waiting for what’s… “next.” As a singer/songwriter, Hyatt first showed us that he was an artist to watch. And his radio singles, Love Drunk and MGR (Me And A Girl And A Radio) had Canadian country music fans singing along. […]

May 12, 2017

Registration Now Open for R2I Tune Up Conference

Saturday June 10th and Sunday June 11th will see the fourth edition of CMAOntario’s R2I TuneUp Conference move into the Delta London Armouries for a 2-day program of learning, networking and mentoring with trailblazers in the country music industry. See full schedule details now posted online. 2-Day Delegate Passes are just $85 (plus taxes) for non-Members and $75 for CMAOntario Members (until midnight May 26th) and are available for purchase online now. Members must be logged in to the site to access the discounted rate. Price includes Continental Breakfast and Lunch on Saturday and Sunday.

May 12, 2017

Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: Colleen Peterson

(Born: November 14, 1950 – Peterborough, Ontario) (Died: October 9, 1996 – Toronto, Ontario) (by Larry Delaney) Born in Peterborough and raised in Ottawa, Colleen Peterson’s early career years (1966-1974) were spent on the Ontario folk music scene, performing in the group 3’s A Crowd with Bruce Cockburn and David Wiffen; and later, as part of the duo Spriggs & Bringle with Kingston-based musician Mark Haines. By the mid-1970’s, Colleen was pursuing a solo career in country music, and was signed to Capitol/EMI, recording albums in Los Angeles and Nashville. She earned a Billboard chart hit with her debut single “Souvenirs.” While in Nashville, Colleen joined on as a back-up vocalist for The Charlie Daniels Band and was also featured as a background vocalist on albums […]

May 12, 2017

In The Country with Dave Woods: One On One With Kelly Prescott

Ontario’s Kelly Prescott has just released her song “Hillbilly Jewels” to country radio. The song – written by her brother Kalen – tells the story of her musical roots that run through generations of Browns and Prescotts. When you see Kelly performing live, you’re in store for an entertaining time. She delivers great songs and comedic lines with equal flair. Her vocals have been described as “smoky and sultry”. 2017 is shaping up to be a breakout year for this multi-talented artist. Congratulations on your nomination for Roots Artist/Group of the Year at the upcoming CMAOntario Awards. How does it feel to be recognized this way? Thank you so much. It’s an honour to be nominated for Roots Artist of the Year, especially alongside everyone […]

May 12, 2017

Patrice’s Pick: Brad Battle

This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music artist, Brad Battle. A St. Catharines, Ontario native, Brad talks about his new single and title track to his new EP, “Always Easy.” Brad previews the stories that fans can expect from the EP, along with where you can catch a live Brad Battle show this summer! For more information about Brad Battle, or to check out his new EP, visit his website here: www.BradBattle.com. For more on Country Music Junkies, visit www.CountryMusicJunkies.com. Check out the exclusive interview with Brad Battle 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. […]

May 12, 2017

In The News (May)

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. Country music performer now speaks openly about her struggles with mental illness London’s Jessica Mitchell will be home in June with more country music award nominations. The 33-year-old singer songwriter received four nominations for the Country Music Association of Ontario awards being held at Centennial Hall June 11, for her single […]

April 13, 2017

A Message from the President (April 2017)

Since its inception in 2008, it is with utmost pride that I’ve watched the Country Music Association of Ontario grow into a meaningful organization that matters to our artists and all its members. The efforts put forth by the past and present Board of Directors has been amazing. So many initiatives have been brought forward and undertaken, but one that seems to be overlooked and should be mentioned is the Regional Associations’ meetings that are held three or four times a year. It all began in 2009, when past President Barry Haugen and I called a meeting of associations in Vancouver during Canadian Country Music Week. It was an informal affair, attended by three provincial association representatives. Our intention was to bring us together for […]

April 13, 2017

Artist of the Month: Lindsay Broughton

Brooklin’s Lindsay Broughton has been on Ontario country music fans’ radar since her 2013 CMAO Awards win as Rising Star of the Year… and if she hasn’t been on yours, it’s time to change that now. In the time since that win, the small town girl has been writing, recording, and releasing new country music for fans, and playing it on stages all over the province and beyond. Her energy at those live shows, regardless of the time or place, has consistently showed off her personality and authenticity, helping her connect to her fans. And it’s what brings those fans back to see her again and again, creating that base that every artist needs. In 2014, Lindsay released her debut album, Take Me There, which […]