October 2, 2018

Ottawa Announced as Host City for the 2019 CMAOntario Festival & Awards

October 2, 2018 (TORONTO) 2019 will mark the debut of the CMAOntario Festival and Awards in the nation’s capital. Announced today by the Country Music Association of Ontario, the annual three-day fête will take over various venues in Ottawa from June 14-16, 2019 to celebrate the best in Ontario country music. “Ottawa has been a proven market for country music, with both a burgeoning live music scene and a continued demand for the genre,” said CMAOntario President Steve Kassay. “We feel that the city is the next natural choice as we continue to extend the CMAOntario Awards celebrations throughout the province and engage our member communities. As an Ontario-wide association, we have also been cognizant of the growing sector and popularity of Franco-Ontario country artists. […]
September 19, 2018

Congratulations to All Ontario CCMA Awards Winners

A huge congratulations to all Ontario artists, bands, musicians, companies, and industry members who walked away with the hardware at the 2018 CCMA Awards. Amanda Kingsland – CKBY-FM – Ottawa, ON Antoine Moonen CHCQ-FM – Belleville, ON James Barker Band Jason, Jack & Carey Morning Show – CICX-FM – Orillia, ON Jeff Dalziel KX Morning Ride with Ellis & Archer – CJKX-FM – Oshawa, ON Mediavandals Meghan Patrick ole Paul Ferguson – CHCQ-FM – Belleville, ON Shane Guse – Mandolin Shania Twain Stephano Barberis Steve Coady, Warner Music Canada The Feldman Agency The Reklaws Warner Music Canada
September 19, 2018

Artist of the Month: Tim Hicks

Tim Hicks is one of Ontario country music’s biggest stars – and he’s still crossing things off of his to-do list. The Niagara-area native has been burning up the Canadian country charts since his debut release in 2012. In the years since, he’s landed 11 singles in the Top 10, he’s toured extensively, and he’s taken home some big awards. Tim Hicks is a 3-time Male Artist of the Year Award winner from the Country Music Association of Ontario (2014, 2015, 2017); he won the Rising Star Award from the Canadian Country Music Association in 2014, along with more than a dozen other nominations; and he has been nominated for Juno Awards as well. The recognition is well deserved and we’re sure there’s more to […]
September 19, 2018

Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: Frank Jones

Born: March 4, 1928 – Toronto, Ontario Died: February 3, 2005 – Nashville, Tennessee (by Larry Delaney)   Frank Jones’ contributions to the world of country music are massive, and unmatched for a Canadian-born individual. His credits cover everything from being a performer and recording artist to concert promoter, radio personality, major artist record producer, A&R Director for various major labels, and even Chairman of the Board of the Country Music Foundation in Nashville. Toronto-born Frank Jones entered the entertainment world while in his late teens, performing in Fiddler’s Fling, a Barn Dance Show in Ottawa. He then moved into promoting Wilf Carter’s national tours across Canada, and then entering the radio world, working at stations in Chatham, Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto. Then Frank joined […]
September 19, 2018

In The Country with Dave Woods: One On One With Jamie Warren

Jamie Warren called in to the show recently to chat with me about his new radio single “What’s The Worst” featuring Beverley Mahood. As always, Jamie also shares great insight on the subject of songwriting & 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 for over 9 years! To hear episodes, please visit www.inthecountryinterviews.com, www.soundcloud.com/dave-woods-3 and iTunes.
September 19, 2018

Patrice’s Pick: The Ashley Sisters

This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music singer-songwriter duo, The Ashley Sisters! The Ontario natives, Lauren and Marlo Ashley, talk about their new single, Reckless. The sister duo talk about their start in music, and the transition from being DJs opening for The Chainsmokers, to now country music artists! The Ashley Sisters talk about their unique sound, and what fans can expect from their upcoming album. Check out The Ashley Sisters’ website, here: https://theashleysisters.com/. For more on Country Music Junkies, visit www.CountryMusicJunkies.com. Listen to the exclusive interview with The Ashley Sisters 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 […]
September 19, 2018

In The News (September 2018)

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”. […]
August 15, 2018

Introducing The 2018/2019 CMAOntario Board of Directors

We would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the 2018/2019 CMAOntario Board of Directors.  Together, this team will use their experience and knowledge to lead the CMAOntario’s 2018/2019 activities, continue building upon the association’s initiatives and developing its foundation for a stronger presence and impact in our communities. Here is your Board of Directors for 2018/2019: Executive Committee  Steve Kassay – President Cathie Faint – 1st Vice President Michelle Carpenter – 2nd Vice President Sam Arraj – Treasurer Brian Allen – Secretary Directors Michel Benac Ken Boyer Patrick Duffy Jennifer Goheen Amanda Kingsland Kim Stoneburg
August 15, 2018

Congratulations to All Ontario CCMA Nominees

A huge congratulations to all Ontario artists, bands, musicians, companies, and industry members up for nominations at the 2018 CCMA Awards. We couldn’t be more proud! Ali Raney Amanda Kingsland – CKBY-FM – Ottawa, ON Antoine Moonen APA Agency Barrytone Studios – St. Clements, ON Ben Knechtel Boots And Hearts Music Festival – Oro-Medonte, ON Chris Altmann – Hamilton Connor Riddell – Banjo Denise Ross – Live Nation Entertainment Derek Caven Donovan Woods Doug Johnson Doyle Smith Emmanuel Patterson – Live Nation Entertainment Gavin Slate Geoff Torrn James Barker Band Jason Graham Jeff Dalziel Jessica Mitchell Lindi Ortega MDM Artist Management Services Mediavandals Meghan Patrick Mike Denney – President – MDM Recordings Inc. Mitchell Nevins ole ole red dot Open Road Recordings Inc. Paul Chapman Paul Ferguson – CHCQ-FM – Belleville, ON Peter […]
August 15, 2018

Artist of the Month: Jade Eagleson

Jade Eagleson is making a name for himself on the Canadian country music scene, and he’s just getting started. The smalltown boy from Bailieboro, ON has been working on new music and getting ready to make a splash since his big win at the Boots & Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase in 2017. The early result of that hard work is Eagleson’s debut single, Got Your Name On It. Released as his first work with Universal Music Canada, Got Your Name On It has started to gain momentum online with more than 125,000 YouTube views and more than 400,000 spins on Spotify its first two months. That connection with fans on his first single is another big win for the young artist, and a great sign […]
August 15, 2018

Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: Jerry Warren

Born: James R. Jordan – Stayner, Ontario Died: January 28, 1991 – Niagara Falls, Ontario (by Larry Delaney) Jerry Warren was one of Cancountry’s top vocal talents of the 1970’s, with many calling his vocal work equal to that of Nashville’s top country stars of the day. Jerry Warren proved the point by scoring a series of Top 40 hits on the RPM Country Charts during the first half of the 70’s, including a #1 hit in 1975 with his truckin’ song, “Big Red Jimmy.” Jerry Warren was born James R. Jordan in small-town Stayner, Ontario. His love for music was nurtured in the family home and by the early 1960’s, he formed his first band, Tremble, working out of Hamilton, Ontario, and playing the […]
August 15, 2018

In The Country with Dave Woods: One On One With Scotty Kipfer

Congrats on your new album Taking My Time! How does it feel to have this collection of songs out for people to enjoy? Thank you! It’s been a long time in the making, so it’s a great feeling to finally have it out in the world. There’s an awesome collaboration on the album with The Western Swing Authority on the song, “May The Good Lord Take A Liking To You”. How did they become a part of this song? I’ve been kicking around the Canadian country music industry for quite a while, and I’ve known the WSA gang for years – in fact, I first met Peewee when I started my career in radio when I was 17. Chappy has played on a bunch of […]
August 15, 2018

Patrice’s Pick: Shane McNulty

This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music singer-songwriter, Shane McNulty! The Ontario native talks about his new single, If It’s Alright. Shane shares the story behind the song, along with his start in country music, and how best to connect with him online. Check out Shane McNulty’s website, here http://www.shanemcnulty.com/.  For more on Country Music Junkies, visit www.CountryMusicJunkies.com.  Listen to the exclusive interview with Shane McNulty 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 […]
August 15, 2018

In The News (August 2018)

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”. […]
May 9, 2018

A Message from the President (May 2018)

We are getting so close and all of us are looking forward to spending a really exciting and rewarding weekend with our members and new faces at the 6th annual CMAOntario Festival and Awards weekend and the 5th annual R2I TuneUp Conference in London, June 1-3, 2018. Tickets for the June 3rd Awards show are going quickly, so please visit the Centennial Hall box office https://centennialhall.london/london-event-listings.html It is going to be our best show yet and not to be missed. Every year, we on the Board receive calls asking if we can get someone tickets after they discover the event is sold out. (And of course, we can’t manufacture seats!) Get on the road to independence! Saturday, June 2nd and Sunday, June 3rd, will see […]
May 9, 2018

CMAOntario Members Selected for Mississauga Waterfront Festival & Brooklin Spring Fair Performance Opportunities

Congratulations to Big City Lights, Mackenzie Leigh Meyer, and Nicole Rayy on being selected to perform on the main stage at the Mississauga Waterfront Festival-Credit Goes Country. The win comes as part of the Emerging Country Music Artist Showcase presented in partnership with New Country Spirit. The CMAOntario is also pleased to announce Joshua David as the winner of the performance spot at Brooklin Spring Fair. Each of these artists successfully submitted to the CMAOntario’s recent performance opportunities made available to members. Mississauga Waterfront Festival – Credit Goes Country takes place June 16 and 17, 2018 in Port Credit (Mississauga), Ontario. Brooklin Spring Fair is held at Brooklin Spring Fair Grounds on May 31 – June 3 in Brooklin, Ontario.    
May 9, 2018

Artist of the Month: Amanda Jordan

Amanda Jordan knows what it is to be the star of the show and she’s aiming for more of the same, in brighter spotlights, as her career in country music grows. The Smiths Falls, ON native is a singer, songwriter, actress and model, and her hard work at each of those crafts isn’t going unnoticed. The 21-year-old took the stage in Sudbury in February as Brett Kissel’s opener on the We Were That Song Tour. Amanda was selected as one of the top entrants in the #KickItWithKissel contest, impressing the judges with her cover of Kissel’s I Didn’t Fall In Love With Your Hair. We saw Amanda last fall during Toronto’s Indie Week as she took the stage at the M88 Management Group showcase. She […]
May 9, 2018

In The Country with Dave Woods: One On One With Michelle Wright

Michelle Wright has been announced as the recipient of the CMAOntario Impact Award which will be presented to her on June 3rd at the CMAOntario Awards in London, Ontario. She chats with me about the award and shares some highlights from her career as well as tells the story behind a few of her biggest songs including “Take It Like A Man” & “He Would Be Sixteen”. Dave Woods is a monthly columnist for the CMAOntario 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.
May 9, 2018

Ontario’s Country Music Pioneers: Donna Ramsay

(aka Donna Anderson) Born: (1951) Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario (by Larry Delaney) Donna Ramsay was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario; the daughter of Canadian Hall of Fame radio broadcaster Don Ramsay. Thanks to her father, she began singing as a young child and meeting many of the top stars of country music while on their Canadian tours. As a teenager, she was already making guest appearances on various TV shows including: The Gary Buck Show taped at studios in Kitchener, Ontario. Canadian recording star / producer Gary Buck recognized the potential in the young singer and brought her into the recording studio to record her debut album Cool Green Waters, released on Capitol Records in 1969. The album yielded three charted singles, including the […]
May 9, 2018

Patrice’s Pick: Scotty Kipfer

This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music singer-songwriter, Scotty Kipfer! The Ontario native spares a few minutes at his gig in Collingwood to talk about his new record, Taking My Time. Scotty talks about his new single, ‘Falling Like The Rain,’ the story behind the song, and why he chose it as his debut single. Scotty talks about the eclectic mix of sounds and stories off of the record, and he shares what fans can expect from him next! To check out more from Scotty Kipfer, visit www.ScottyKipfer.com. For more on Country Music Junkies, visit www.CountryMusicJunkies.com. Listen to the exclusive interview with Scotty Kipfer below: About Patrice: To Patrice Whiffen, country music is a lifestyle. As the appropriately […]

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