April 27, 2020
A lot of bands would not have made it through the changes and tragedy that River Town Saints have experienced, but the Arnprior-based country quintet has pushed forward. With new lead singer Chase Kasner and bass player Joe Patrois joining the band for this chapter of their career, River Town Saints is ready for action, and they’ve made a strong start with their new single Slow Kiss. The challenge of replacing a lead singer as well as dealing with the loss of bass player and dear friend, Dan Di Giacomo, is a lot to overcome. The fact that Jeremy, Jordan and Chris made the decision to keep the band together, rebuild and come back with more music to share with fans is a success story […]
April 27, 2020
(by Larry Delaney) Country music fans are familiar with the super-group ALABAMA, the Nashville-based foursome who charted some 80 Billboard Country Hits over two decades (1980-2000), including an incredible total of 33 #1 hits. Some fans, however, may not be aware that Canada had its own ALABAMA, a decade earlier. The Canadian group was a foursome of country/rockers, clearly ahead of their time. The Canadian version of the group Alabama was best known for their radio hit “Highway Driving”, a 1973 recording that has stood the test of time and is now recognized as a Canadian classic. The lyrics of the song remain emblazoned on the minds of many: Ninety miles to North Bay, and I’m on the road again I’ll make it home sometime […]
April 27, 2020
Dave chats with Rising Star nominee David Boyd Janes about his new single “On Tonight”, the changes he made to pursue his music career, his year of winning big in 2019 & much more! Dave Woods is a monthly columnist for the CMAOntario Newsletter and has been hosting the popular online radio show In The Country with Dave Woods since 2009! To hear episodes, please visit www.inthecountryinterviews.com, www.soundcloud.com/dave-woods-3 and iTunes.
April 27, 2020
This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music artist, Kelsi Mayne! We’re talking all about her brand new album, As I Go, the stories behind the songs, her favourite tunes, and MORE! We also asked Kelsi about her favourite at-home quarantine activities, and what’s coming up next! For more information about Country Music Junkies, visit www.countrymusicjunkies.com. Listen to the exclusive interview here and 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, Patrice currently works with radio stations across Ontario to bring listeners […]
April 27, 2020
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. If you would like to have something included in the newsletter, please send us a short synopsis, a photo or graphic and the hotlink that can be included in the news listing. Submissions can be sent to verle@cmaontario.ca. Please make sure the Subject Line reads “For inclusion in the CMAOntario Newsletter”. […]
April 22, 2020
Meghan Patrick and The Reklaws Lead In Nominations with Six Nominations Each Followed by James Barker Band with Five Nominations plus Tim Hicks and Tebey with Four Nominations Carroll Baker to Receive Impact Award April 22, 2020 (TORONTO) The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is excited to announce the nominees for the 8th Annual CMAOntario Awards taking place Sunday, October 4, 2020 at Centennial Hall in London. Leading the nominations are 12 time CMAOntario Award winner Meghan Patrick, and two time CMAOntario Award winners The Reklaws, with six nominations each. Hosted by Jason McCoy and Jennifer Campbell, the 8th Annual CMAOntario Awards, presented by Slaight Music with support from Ontario Creates, will celebrate the talent and achievements of Ontario’s country music industry across 19 categories, including the Impact Award, Nielsen Compass Award, and the Holly […]
March 31, 2020
With her most recent single, Cry, Mississauga’s Bree Taylor continues her evolution from pop singer to emerging country music artist. The singer-songwriter’s move to the genre came in 2019 with the release of her singles, Turn It Up and Drive and as she moves forward, fans are taking notice. With more than 70,000 views on the official music video for Drive, and another 55,000+ on the video for Cry (since its release in late February), Bree Taylor is earning the kind of early attention and appreciation that helps build a fanbase and set the stage for things to come. “Things to come” includes her debut country EP, which Bree has been recording and preparing for a release in the near future. The industry has started […]
March 31, 2020
Born: April 28, 1940 – Rosaireville, New Brunswick Died: September 21, 2017 – Cobourg, Ontario (by Larry Delaney) Jean Paul Bourque was born into a French Acadian family in New Brunswick. He moved to Toronto in the early 1960s, anglicizing his name to Johnny BURKE and began working the Toronto music scene, heading up the band Johnny & The Bees and later, the Blue Valley Boys. After a lengthy stint in the house band for The Carl Smith Country Music Hall TV series, Johnny then (1967) headed-up The Caribou Showband, which would later (1972) become the popular Johnny Burke and Eastwind band. The Johnny Burke & Eastwind group (Al Brisco, Joe Howe, Brian Barron, Roddy Lee, Mel Aucoin) toured extensively across Canada and were the […]
March 31, 2020
Dave Woods chats with Canadian Country Music Hall Of Famer Michelle Wright and gets the stories behind 4 of her hits. Plus, Michelle gives a shout out to Manitoba’s Don Amero which could lead to a future duet. Dave Woods is a monthly columnist for the CMAOntario Newsletter and has been hosting the popular online radio show In The Country with Dave Woods since 2009! To hear episodes, please visit www.inthecountryinterviews.com, www.soundcloud.com/dave-woods-3 and iTunes.
March 31, 2020
This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music artists, Jane and Richard of One Ugly Cowboy! We find out the story behind their unique band name, and some of their tunes! We learn more about their live shows, and what to expect next from this Toronto-based country-rock band! For more information about One Ugly Cowboy, visit www.oneuglycowboy.com. For more information about Country Music Junkies, visit www.countrymusicjunkies.com. Listen to the exclusive interview with One Ugly Cowboy 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 […]
March 31, 2020
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. If you would like to have something included in the newsletter, please send us a short synopsis, a photo or graphic and the hotlink that can be included in the news listing. Submissions can be sent to verle@cmaontario.ca. Please make sure the Subject Line reads “For inclusion in the CMAOntario Newsletter”. […]
March 27, 2020
Celebrating Ontario’s Country Music Industry March 27, 2020 (TORONTO) The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) has rescheduled the 2020 CMAOntario Awards for Sunday, October 4, 2020 at Centennial Hall in London. Presented by Slaight Music with support from Ontario Creates, the 8th Annual CMAOntario Awards will close out the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend in London October 1 – 4, 2020, previously scheduled for May 28 – 31. Following the recommendations from government officials regarding COVID-19, CMAOntario took the steps to reschedule the festivities to ensure that the health and well-being of artists and audiences is protected. CMAOntario is committed to presenting and promoting the work of Ontario’s country music industry and looks forward to celebrating in the Fall. Nominees for the 2020 CMAOntario Awards will be announced this Spring. Performers will be announced in the coming weeks. […]
February 29, 2020
Stirling, ON, native Dustin Bird has built his road into the Canadian country music scene with hard work, great appearances, and solid songs. We first saw Dustin at the Boots & Hearts festival in 2018, when he earned his spot as a finalist in the Emerging Artist Showcase competition. It was a fantastic introduction to the young artist and one that put him on a lot of fans’ radars moving forward. Since then, Dustin Bird has released four singles: She Likes My Guitar, Wake Up, People, and his most recent release, Unscripted. Wake Up leads the way for Bird, piling up more than 125,000 Spotify streams. It’s a breakout achievement for the emerging artist and should be acknowledged and celebrated. The four songs have amassed […]
February 29, 2020
Born: Dec. 6, 1932 – Almonte (Clayton), Ontario Died: July 17, 2007 – Ashton, Ontario (by Larry Delaney) Ottawa Valley country music performer Ron McMunn was dubbed “The Silver Fox” long before Nashville hit-maker Charlie Rich used the descriptive tag. McMunn has been acknowledged as a huge mentor and influence in the Ottawa Valley country music scene and for the artists who followed in his footsteps. He remains best recognized for his classic country songs, “Reserve Me A Table”, “Play Me One More Country Song”, “My Old Truck” and “This Bottle Filled With Wine” – all songs that he wrote. Ron McMunn was born December 6, 1932, on the family farm in Almonte, Ontario. He learned to play fiddle, harmonica and guitar during family gatherings, […]
February 29, 2020
Dave chats with Barrie’s John Anderson about his just released debut single “Grew Up On It”, songwriting with Jamie Warren and Beverley Mahood, how lessons in baseball can apply to success in a music career & more! Dave Woods is a monthly columnist for the CMAOntario Newsletter and has been hosting the popular online radio show In The Country with Dave Woods since 2009! To hear episodes, please visit www.inthecountryinterviews.com, www.soundcloud.com/dave-woods-3 and iTunes.
February 29, 2020
This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music artist, Karli June! Karli talks about her brand new tune, “Say Too Much,” including the story behind the song! She also talks about her radio tour, and more of what’s to come in 2020! For more information about Country Music Junkies, visit www.countrymusicjunkies.com. Listen to the exclusive interview with Karli 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, Patrice currently works with radio stations across Ontario to bring listeners the newest of new country music. You […]
February 29, 2020
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. If you would like to have something included in the newsletter, please send us a short synopsis, a photo or graphic and the hotlink that can be included in the news listing. Submissions can be sent to verle@cmaontario.ca. Please make sure the Subject Line reads “For inclusion in the CMAOntario Newsletter”. […]
January 29, 2020
Karli June introduced herself to the Canadian country music scene in 2016 when her singles, Black & White and Setting Me on Fire, were both distributed to radio. Now, she’s ready to kick off 2020 with the release of her newest song, Say Too Much, on January 24. Over the last five years, the Listowel, ON native has been putting in work playing shows with artists like Dierks Bentley, Jason Blaine, Brett Kissel and Terri Clark. But she was a performer even before that. Like many other artists, Karli started singing in the church choir and then moved on to local fairs and signing competitions. By the time she was a teenager, she was taking piano, taught herself how to play the guitar, and started […]
January 29, 2020
Born: 1947 – Gaspe, Quebec Hometown: Mattawa, Ontario (by Larry Delaney) Country singer Julie Lynn was born Julia Catherine FLYNN, of Irish heritage, in the Gaspe region of Quebec. She later relocated to Fort Coulonge in Western Quebec, and by her late teens was making her home in Mattawa, Ontario, where she began pursuing her career in music; first, as a member of the group Pauline Noland & Her Jamboree Pals, and later (1966) forming her own Julie Lynn Showband. The group featured Julie, her brother Bobby Flynn, Pete McCormick and Gary Spicer; the latter going on to become a member of the award-winning Family Brown group. Julie began her recording career in 1970, with the release of her album “The Nickel Song” on the […]
January 29, 2020
Dave catches up with Sudbury’s Gil Grand to chat about Gil’s new venture Gil Grand Country Music Tours, his 1997 debut single “famous First Words” & much more! Dave Woods is a monthly columnist for the CMAOntario Newsletter and has been hosting the popular online radio show In The Country with Dave Woods since 2009! To hear episodes, please visit www.inthecountryinterviews.com, www.soundcloud.com/dave-woods-3 and iTunes.