Newsletter – Page 47 – Country Music Association of Ontario

February 6, 2017

In The News (February)

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

A Message from the President (January 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 10, 2017

Artist of the Month: Ben Hudson

From an early age on the farm, Ben Hudson knew that music was going to be important in his life… and with a background in piano and guitar, Ben decided to take the leap and show the world that he had country music inside of him that needed to get out and be shared. 2016 was a big year for Hudson with the February release of his self-titled EP, shows on a heap of stages, a CMAO nomination for the Rising Star Award, and with the momentum that he built, it looks like 2017 will be another step in his country music career. In January of last year Ben was also tagged as CMT Canada’s Fresh Face Artist, giving him that shot of awareness and […]

January 9, 2017

Kick It With Kissel Contest Winners Announced

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

Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: Gordie Tapp

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

In The Country with Dave Woods: Best of 2016

Best of In The Country Columns 2016 The CMAO and the Ontario Country Music scene are stronger than ever. I can’t wait to see what 2017 holds for our established acts as well as the new voices ready to make their mark. It is my great pleasure to host my online radio show In The Country and to contribute monthly columns to the CMAO Newsletter. I hope you enjoy the following highlights from columns that were published in 2016. Brian Vain of Kansas Stone: What advice do you have for artists who are just beginning their journey? I always like to tell artists to “stick to your guns” if you want it bad enough. Some musicians treat music as a hobby. I have made music my life. I eat, breathe […]

January 9, 2017

Patrice’s Pick: Ryan Laird

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, […]

January 9, 2017

In The News (January)

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. CIMA ROAD GOLD CERTIFICATION: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN Launched in 2015, The Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) Road Gold certification program shines a spotlight on Canada’s touring artists and bands. Road Gold was created to acknowledge the dedication and drive artists must have to achieve success, broaden their fan base, and express […]

December 7, 2016

Artist of the Month: Kelly Prescott

Country from the cradle, Kelly Prescott was born to sing country music. As a third generation singer/songwriter, music is genuinely in her blood. With the release of her 2016 EP, Hillbilly Jewels, the Ottawa Valley songstress has allowed the country music community to get a closer look at what makes her tick. And after listening to the five song collection, it becomes quite clear that Prescott has made the right decision in following her musical path. With previous albums and recognition, including writing, producing and recording Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s official 2015 campaign song with her brother Kaylen, Kelly Prescott isn’t new to performing – but she also isn’t at the point where she’s ready to kick back and relax. A busy stretch on the […]

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