May 9, 2018
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
(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
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 […]
May 9, 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 7, 2018
Photo Session Opportunity for Artists/Bands SUBMISSION DEADLINE: MAY 6, 2018 If a picture’s worth a thousand words, what is your photo saying about you? CMAOntario is offering members an exclusive opportunity for a professional photo shoot to deliver that striking photo that will help you make a powerful first impression. Up to eight (8) artists/bands will have the opportunity to be selected for a 45-minute photo session with the eminent Canadian photographer Rob Waymen during the CMAOntario Festival & Awards weekend in London, Ontario, June 1-3, 2018. Widely recognized for delivering award-winning images for over twenty years, Rob Waymen’s attention to detail, mastery of lighting and colour, and ability to get the shot – no matter how demanding – is valued by a diverse group of clients and […]
April 12, 2018
FEATURING, Jason Mercer Band, Rebekah Stevens, Josh David Band & Julia Haggarty Working off past success of Music Cities Exchange, London Music Office has partnered with the Country Music Association of Ontario in the lead up to CMAOntario Festival and Awards (this May 31st – June 3rd in London) for a special Music Cities Exchange with The City of Kitchener and Music Works. Two nights of live country music featured at Cowboys Ranch (London) Friday May 4th and Saturday May 5th at Dallas Night Club (Kitchener). Both nights are free running 7:00pm – 10:00pm and are 19+ events. OFFICIAL LINE-UP: Rebekha Stevens (Kitchener) Jason Mercer Band (London) Julia Haggarty (London) Joshua David (Waterloo) Full details: London: https://www.facebook.com/events/776020179250473/ Kitchener: https://www.facebook.com/events/759876514218827/ http://www.londmusicoffice.com http://www.cowboysranch.ca http://www.dallasnightclub.ca
April 11, 2018
The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is pleased to announce this year’s performing artists, CMAOntario Award Nominees and Impact Award Recipient. Performing artists include Impact Award Recipient Michelle Wright, country rock band Cold Creek County, Ontario / Nashville based Meghan Patrick, Canadian country music veteran Jason McCoy, Niagara Falls native Tim Hicks, multi-genre musician Tebey and the country swing ensemble Western Swing Authority. Michelle Wright will receive the 2018 Impact Award sponsored by Canadian Music Week. As the first Canadian‐born artist in the modern era of country music to have a Top Ten hit in America with her Arista Records Nashville release, “Take It Like A Man,” a Number One video on CMT‐USA (also for “Take It Like A Man”) and to win a major U.S. music industry award (the Academy of Country Music […]
April 9, 2018
Our timing is a little off, as the Juno’s were held back in March, but I know that we all want to Congratulate CARAS, CBC and all the many people that produced and performed in probably one of the best Juno shows thus far. Congratulations to double nominees James Barker Band for Breakthrough Artist of the Year and winners of Country Album of the Year. Dreams do come true! Congrats James, Connor, Taylor and Bobby. Also, nice to see all the BNL members back on stage – great night! If you are not already aware, Tracy Martin is now officially President of the Canadian Country Music Association and brings huge credentials with her. As a CCMA director for two years, she managed the CMT Canada […]
April 9, 2018
Congratulations to Brad Battle, Johnson Crook, Kelsi Mayne, Joshua David, and The Redhill Valleys on being selected to perform at the New Faces Showcase & Concert being held at Market Square on Saturday, June 2nd in London, Ontario during the CMAOntario Festival & Awards weekend. This free event will feature a headline concert by star talent (TBA) to closeout the show. Performance times are to be confirmed. See you there!
April 9, 2018
When asked why they picked the name Kentucky Rails, the members of the emerging Ontario country band all have the same answer to share… “Kentucky Rails is a metaphor for an underdog/Cinderella story. Everyone is familiar with the Kentucky Derby, but what most people don’t know is that the horses up against the “rails” in the 1st and 20th lanes are at a strategic disadvantage in the race… The members of Kentucky Rails have been grinding their whole lives for the opportunity to showcase our own original music over a broad spectrum and we think that the meaning of the name is symbolic of the struggle that all artists go through in order to achieve that dream.” That grind from band members Justin deGraaf, Ryan […]
April 9, 2018
(by Larry Delaney) Al Brisco’s tasty steel guitar work has been featured on countless albums recorded by many of Canada’s top country recording acts. You can hear his stylish “steelin’” on albums by such notables as Ian Tyson, Tommy Hunter, George Hamilton IV, The Good Brothers, The Cooper Brothers, Gary Buck, Smiley Bates, Gordie Tapp, Sylvia Tyson, Wayne Rostad, Joe Firth, Artie MacLaren, Johnny Burke… and the list goes on and on; with not the least being his steel guitar contribution to the Dick Damron classic, “Countryfied.” Perhaps one of Al Brisco’s more illustrious appearances on a recording goes back to 1972, when he was called upon to add his steel work on the Pure Prairie League album “Bustin’ Out”, recorded at RCA Studios in […]
April 9, 2018
Dave Woods adds pictures to his In The Country podcast in a series of recent interviews filmed around Port Credit. In this episode, Dave catches up with Alessia Cohle at The Brogue Irish Pub. She chats about her Wild Eyed Wanderer EP, opening a show for Brett Kissel & much more. Plus she performs her latest single “Love Gone Right”. 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.
April 9, 2018
This month, our feature video from Patrice Whiffen at Country Music Junkies profiles Canadian country music singer-songwriter, Steve Rivers! The Ontario native, now living in Nashville, catches us up on what he’s been working on for the past year or so. He also talks about his newest single, “One Moment Closer”. He shares the story behind the song, which was inspired by his relationship with his now wife. Steve fills us in on what fans can expect to hear from him soon, along with how best to stay in touch! For more on Country Music Junkies, visit www.CountryMusicJunkies.com. Listen to the exclusive interview with Steve Rivers below: About Patrice: To Patrice Whiffen, country music is a lifestyle. As the appropriately deemed, “Country Music Junkie,” she strives to […]
April 9, 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”. […]
March 6, 2018
I think one of those groundhogs was correct – it definitely looks like an early spring to me… at least, here’s hoping. The first ballot has just closed for the 2018 Awards Show, and we are very pleased to announce that we have received over 1000 submissions, and our membership renewals have exceeded all our expectations. The second ballot (the first round of actual voting) will open in March, and thanks to everyone who sent submissions, renewed their membership or decided to join! Tickets for the Awards Show (June 3rd) are selling steadily, so if you have a seating preference, don’t put it off. To purchase, call 1-888-999-8980 or visit https://centennialhall.london.ca/london-event-listings.html The Conference Committee is working on finalizing this year’s seminar panels – great topics, […]
March 6, 2018
(by Larry Delaney) One of Canada’s true “international” country music stars has passed away. Ronnie Prophet died March 2, 2018 in Tavares, Florida, following cardiac and kidney failure. He was 80. Ronnie Prophet was born December 26, 1937, in Hawkesbury, Ontario and raised in nearby Calumet, Quebec. His father passed away at age 7, leaving 120 acres and 50 head of cattle for the surviving family to manage. He earned spending money by creating the character Woody The Country Kid, a take-off on the popular cartoon Woody Woodpecker. His talent as an impressionist would later become a focal part of his stage act. While still a teenager he began entertaining at small venues in Montreal, and soon became a highly sought after entertainer working clubs […]
March 6, 2018
Oakville’s Anthony Tullo isn’t interested in cookie-cutter anything, including his career in country music. Tullo has been working on music since his teens – writing, performing, and polishing his skills as he works towards his rock and roll country dreams. 2017 was a big year for the Ontario musician, as he released his album, Rebel, made new waves in his performing career, and pushed himself to new heights all around. The 10 track album was released in November, and features emphatic song titles like Gasoline, Shotgun Ready, and the title track, Rebel. And as the follow up to his 2016 EP, Rebel With A Song, and 2014 release, Switching Tracks, this full-length offering is a great indication of what Anthony Tullo brings to country music […]
March 6, 2018
Congratulations on being a Kick It With Kissel winner, which has you opening for Brett Kissel on February 24th in Sudbury. How excited are you for that? I’m so excited! I was surprised when I opened the email saying that I had been selected. There were so many other great auditions and I wish I could bring all the other contestants with me to perform. There is so much great talent in Ontario and all across Canada, and I’m so grateful. I’ll be doing a twenty-minute set, performing some of my originals and a couple of covers. I hope to release my new single “Driving in the Dark”, which I co-wrote with Phil Barton and Jason Matthews in April this year, to Canadian country radio. What […]
March 6, 2018
Born: January 17, 1932 – Widdifield (North Bay), Ontario Died: August 8, 1977 – Ottawa, Ontario (by Larry Delaney) Irwin Prescott was calling square dances at age 9 and in his late teens, was heading up his own band, The Mell-O-Tones, and hosting his own radio show over CFCN radio in his hometown of North Bay, Ontario. As a recording artist, Irwin Prescott released six albums on the Rodeo/Banff, London and Cheyenne labels, and released singles in the USA on Ambassador Records, while his Canadian releases were largely on the Melbourne Records label. Three of his singles earned national chart action, including his lively version of the Leroy Van Dyke classic “The Auctioneer”, which was a #1 hit in Canada for Prescott in 1966. His […]
March 6, 2018
CMAOntario is inviting submissions from Ontario artists for consideration in our ‘Artist of the Month’ feature where we profile one artist per month on our website and in our newsletter. Our goal is to learn more about artists active in our region, while giving members the chance to spread the word about their happenings. To be considered, please include the following in your submission and forward to info@cmaontario.ca with “Artist of the Month Suggestion” in the subject heading: Artist/band name Hometown Website Photo Bio Links to music and videos Links to social media sites List of upcoming shows Latest single released or soon to be released Any other info on promo and media coverage Only CMAOntario Members will be considered for the ‘Artist of the […]