April 22, 2025
ONTARIO’S COUNTRY PIONEERS: SLIM GORDON (#96 in the Ontario’s Pioneers series) by Larry Delaney Country pioneer (the late) SLIM GORDON (1926-2010) was born Murray Gordon Lewis, December 30, 1926, in Yarmouth, NS. As a pre-teen, he hosted his own Children’s radio show and at 15 years of age he formed his own band, moved to Boston, Mass., where he lived with his uncle who helped support him with a guitar, some western duds, and bringing him around to perform at local clubs and a spot on the Boston Barn Dance. After working the road with an all- girl band and a comedian, he began looking for better things and in 1948 moved to Hamilton, Ontario where he worked day time for Imperial […]
April 22, 2025
Artist of the month : Lucas Mason Lucas Mason captured the attention of millions when he first stepped on stage at Scotiabank Arena with Zach Bryan in March 2024. Not your typical humble beginnings story, but that doesn’t mean Lucas hasn’t been passionate about music from a young age. Raised in a musical household, Lucas began playing piano, guitar, and singing from an early age; long before he found himself singing “Heading South” in front of thousands of people. Since that breakout moment, Lucas has embraced the momentum, bringing his own blend of americana, country, and folk to stages across Ontario, including the Niagara Wine Festival, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Halftime Show, The Horseshoe Tavern, Cicada Fest, North of Nowhere Music Festival, and a […]
April 22, 2025
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 submitted online here: https://cmaontario.ca/submit/ The deadline for submissions is the 20th of each month. ** […]
March 20, 2025
IN THE COUNTRY WITH DAVE WOODS – SPOTLIGHT ON TIM ALBERTSON Born and raised in the small town of Hurkett, Ontario, Tim Albertson is a “small town boy with stadium like sound”! His powerful vocals and party-like nature creates an event that continues to be talked about long after the lights go down. “My whole life has led up to these moments, I remember standing at my family home, on the big industrial gutters, dreaming of it as a stage, and the field as the crowd. When I hit that stage, and I see that crowd, it’s like electricity courses through me and I let the whole venue feel it.” Welcome to the spotlight, Tim! Your next single “Do What You Do” drops on March […]
March 19, 2025
THE CMAONTARIO AWARDS RETURN TO HAMILTON IN 2025 HAMILTON, ON – The Country Music Association of Ontario announced today that Hamilton will be the host city of the 2025 CMAOntario Festival and Awards, presented by Cowbell Brewing Co., from May 30-June 1, 2025. With a legendary music scene and thriving country roots, Hamilton offers the perfect stomping grounds to showcase and celebrate Ontario’s country music talent. This will mark the third time that Hamilton will host the event, with previous editions taking place in 2021 and 2023. The 13th annual CMAOntario Awards will cap off a weekend of festivities on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at The Music Hall. Country music fans will have the opportunity to celebrate their favourite country artists and experience up-close interactive […]
March 18, 2025
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 18, 2025
Artist of the Month: Amber-Jo Bowman Amber-Jo Bowman is a captivating emerging Canadian country singer-songwriter based just north of Stouffville, Ontario. Her latest single “Still Got Time” is available now. The single has received editorial support from Amazon Music, including features on Breakthrough Country and Just North of Nashville, along with Spotify’s Fresh Finds Canada. It’s currently also spinning on SiriusXM’s Top of the Country Radio. “Still Got Time”, the reminder that your timeline is up to you and no one else, follows the summer release “Mad About You”, a whimsical love song about falling hard. Her musical narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a family farm where her early love for singing, hearing her dad harmonizing along with the radio, and self-taught guitar […]
March 18, 2025
ONTARIO’S COUNTRY PIONEERS: PAUL GURRY (#92 in the Ontario’s Pioneers series) by Larry Delaney The late PAUL GURRY was born October 5, 1943 in Cobourg, Ontario. He was a masterful guitar player, a gifted songwriter, and a stylish vocalist. As a much in-demand guitarist/performer Paul Gurry first played with the Peterborough-based group Davey Gibbs & His Country Hoppers, appearing on their pair of RCA Camden albums, with his guitar work and solo song entries. He later joined on with the Montreal-based groups Dougie Trineer & The Hackamores, and the Dusty King & His Country Kats band. After settling in Ottawa in the early 1980s Paul Gurry continued to perform with several Ottawa Valley groups headed-up by Ron McMunn (and “Carbine”), Chris McCann (and […]
February 27, 2025
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”. […]
February 27, 2025
ONTARIO’S COUNTRY PIONEERS: BRENT WILLIAMS (#91 in the Ontario’s Pioneers series) by Larry Delaney Singer/songwriter BRENT WILLIAMS was born (Levi Brenton Williams) March 25, 1940 in Hassett, NS. He continues to enjoy a lengthy career on the Canadian entertainment scene. As a teenager Brent Williams performed and recorded in the duo “Brent & Harry” with friend, the late Harry Cromwell. During the early 1960’s they both performed with “The Beck Family” band; and went on as founding members of the Bluegrass band “The Birch Mountain Boys”. With group leader Vic Mullen, they became an in-demand act on the East Coast circuit, appearing on the famed Don Messer’s Jubilee show. Later, Brent headed-up “The Maritime Playboys”. On the recording scene, Brent & Harry released […]
February 27, 2025
IN THE SPOTLIGHT WITH DAVE WOODS: RACHEL & AYDEN This month the spotlight is on Rachel & Ayden! Rachel & Ayden are a power-duo established in February of 2022, located in the Greater Toronto Area, consisting of artists Rachel Jeans and Ayden Jacobs. Both experiencing a similar upraising, growing up playing music publicly from a young age, they instantly bonded over their love for music and shared background. Rachel competed and won both Toronto’s Rising Star and Open Mic Canada, granting her the opportunity to record her original music in studio at the age of 16. Ayden won the position of lead guitarist in The “Kid” Mitchell Band, which led to the opportunity of recording in studio, playing live on radio & a documentary […]
February 26, 2025
Artist of the Month: Brad James If you like Keith Urban, Brothers Osborne, Dierks Bentley, Midland, and The Glorious Sons, you’ll like Brad James! Earning recognition for his authentic sound and relatable lyrics, the musician from Hamilton has steadily carving out a space for himself in the Canadian country music scene. From James’s previous release “Ain’t Enough Bars” (and social media posts!), it’s clear that he enjoys experimenting, by blending modern sounds with traditional elements. His style is an amalgamation of rock and country. However, if you follow him on TikTok (www.tiktok.com/@bradjamesmusic) you’ll never know who’s song he might just do a cover of! Brad’s journey into country music is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep love for telling stories through song. A memorable […]
January 31, 2025
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 31, 2025
ONTARIO’S COUNTRY PIONEERS: ED PRESTON (#90 in the Ontario’s Pioneers series) by Larry Delaney At 93-plus years of age, J. EDWARD PRESTON has the distinction of being the eldest living inductee of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame; being so honoured with his induction in 2003. Ed Preston was born February 7, 1931, in Hamilton. Music has always been a part of his life. As a 10-year-old, he was playing drums for the local Cadet group; and during his formative years, he performed all styles of music – Classical, Jazz, and Pop-flavoured material of the times. During the late 1940s, Ed ventured into radio show productions for local Hamilton radio stations – most notably producing the “What’s On Tapp” show, […]
January 31, 2025
Artist of the Month: Abby Stewart By: Matt Ersnaught Let’s just open this file by doing a little name-dropping: Kelsea Ballerini, Hunter Hayes, Dan + Shay, Dean Brody, Dallas Smith, Jade Eagleson, Aaron Pritchett, Cold Creek County, Brett Kissel, Tebey, Michelle Wright, Emerson Drive, Tim Hicks… and the Kingston Frontenacs. Huh? Abby Stewart has opened for every one of those names above, with the exception of Kelsea Ballerini – that’s a little different connection. That’s because Abby’s single, “Love’s Gone”, was written by Ballerini (with Nancy Peacock and Brad Ellis). It’s logged over 31,000 YouTube views since its release a year ago. You might have seen her performing the tune onstage at events like Boots and Hearts, Havelock Country Jamboree, Ottawa Bluesfest, Trackside […]
January 31, 2025
IN THE SPOTLIGHT WITH DAVE WOODS: JADE HILTON My guest for this month’s column is Jade Hilton! I’ve been fortunate enough to have Jade perform at several of my writers rounds. She’s a dynamic entertainer & solid songwriter currently working on her debut country album with producer Doug Romanow. Jade performed during the CMAOntario Festival & Awards weekend in 2024, NXNE 2024, at the Underdog in Nashville, was the official anthem singer and a live performer at the National Bank Open in Toronto the past three years, and performed at Hotel X Toronto, Muskoka Music Festival, Sofar Sounds Toronto as well as multiple other venues in the city in the past year. Last year, she was named Songwriter Of The Year at the Mississauga Music […]
December 23, 2024
IN THE SPOTLIGHT WITH DAVE WOODS: DANI My guest for this month’s column is DANI! DANI is a Toronto-based singer-songwriter whose music is deeply rooted in her rich cultural heritage. She was born in Bucaramanga, Colombia, and raised in Mississauga. Music has been a central part of her life from an early age – starting with guitar lessons in church as a teenager and later performing with her high school a cappella group. Their success, winning first place at the Dufferin Peel Annual Music Week and advancing to regional competition finals, helped her develop an early passion for performance and songwriting. DANI’s musical journey took a pivotal turn while studying at the University of Edinburgh, where she rediscovered her love for storytelling through song. In […]
December 23, 2024
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”. […]
December 23, 2024
Artist of the Month: Cory Marks By Alexa @alexascountryparty If you’re in North Bay and see a Cessna 150L or Yak-52 flying above… it might be country/rocker Cory Marks! When he’s not putting his private pilot license to use, or making music, you can catch him on the ice playing hockey. Fun fact: Marks (legally Marquardt) is the also younger brother of professional hockey player Matt! Unlike many artists, Marks hasn’t dreamt of a music career his whole life. It wasn’t until he was at a bar during his college years where friends encouraged him to sing for the first time publicly. Since then, he’s had the opportunity to tour with Toby Keith, Five Finger Death Punch, ZZ Top, Travis Tritt, and Brantley […]
December 23, 2024
ONTARIO’S COUNTRY PIONEERS: EARL HEYWOOD (#89 in the Ontario’s Pioneers series) by Larry Delaney The late Earl Heywood (1917-2006) was dubbed “Canada’s No. 1 Singing Cowboy”. He is remembered as a true “pioneer” in Canadian Country music – a songwriter and recording artist and a radio and television personality with the CKNX Barn Dance in Wingham, Ontario. Earl Carlyle Heywood was born March 12, 1917 on a farm near Exeter, Ontario. He joined CKNX in 1942 and remained with that station (and its later TV and radio affiliates) as a singer and an announcer for more than 40 years; performing for almost 20 years on the weekly CKNX Barn Dance, and serving during 1946-1953 as host of the “Serenade Ranch” program. During the […]