Tim Hicks, James Barker Band, The Reklaws, Jade Eagleson Among the Performers Announced for the 8th Annual CMAOntario Awards

Awards To Be Presented In A Drive-In Style Show At New Venue
on the Raceway at Western Fair District

August 28, 2020 (TORONTO)

The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) today announces a new concept and location for the 8th Annual CMAOntario Awards, taking place Sunday, October 4, 2020 in London, Ontario. Presented by Slaight Music with support from Ontario Creates, the CMAOntario Awards will now be a drive-in style event on The Raceway at the Western Fair District featuring performances by Tim Hicks, James Barker Band, The Reklaws, Jade Eagleson, The Abrams, Eric Ethridge, Genevieve Fisher, Kelsi Mayne, Les Rats d’Swompe, Nicole Rayy, The Western Swing Authority, and special guest Kalsey Kulyk!

“On behalf of the CMAOntario and its members, we’re thrilled that the show can go on! Our wonderful partners at Western Fair District are working closely with us to present an unrivalled, one-of-a-kind experience”, said Steve Kassay, President of CMAOntario. “From the performing artists to the fans to the volunteers – we’re ready to have some fun!”

Hosted by Jason McCoy, the 8th Annual CMAOntario Awards will celebrate the talent and achievements of Ontario’s country music industry across 18 categories.

The CMAOntario drive-in award show will include performances by: platinum selling CCMA Award winner Tim Hicks, who is up for four CMAOntario Awards in 2020; platinum-selling and Juno and CCMA awards winners the James Barker Band, who are nominated for five awards at the CMAOntario Awards; platinum selling duo The Reklaws, who are up for six CMAOntario Awards; 2019 CMAOntario and CCMA Rising Star Award winner and gold-certified artist Jade Eagleson, who is nominated for Fans’ Choice and Male Artist of the Year at the 2020 Awards; two-time CMAOntario Award winners The Abrams, up for two CMAOntario Awards this year; and Eric Ethridge, with special guest Kalsey Kulyk, who is up for Male Artist of the Year, Single of the Year and Music Video of the Year at the 2020 CMAOntario Awards.

Fans will also be treated to performances by: Female Artist of the Year nominee Genevieve Fisher; Rising Star award nominee Kelsi Mayne; Francophone Artist or Group of the Year nominee Les Rats d’Swompe; Female Artist of the Year nominee Nicole Rayy; and the CMAOntario Awards house band The Western Swing Authority, who are also up for three categories at the 2020 CMAOntario Awards.

“Tourism London is extremely proud to partner with CMAOntario on this event,” said Cheryl Finn of Tourism London. “We are proud of the creative pivot from the original plans by the organizers as dictated by the current pandemic and are confident that our community will support such an imaginative and safe initiative.”

The CMAOntario Festival and Awards were originally scheduled for June 2020, before a postponement to October 1 – 4, 2020. Due to challenges and restrictions presented by COVID-19, CMAOntario has cancelled accompanying festival events for 2020 including the Legacy Revival, New Faces Showcase, Tailgate Concert, and Conference. The previously announced presentation of the 2020 Impact Award to country music legend Carroll Baker will be postponed until 2021.

The CMAOntario Awards are presented by Slaight Music with support from Ontario Creates.

CMAOntario Award Show
Sunday, October 4, 2020 at 7pm
Western Fair District on The Raceway
316 Rectory Street, London, Ontario

All previously purchased tickets will be honoured for the new location.
Refund requests will be accepted up to September 2, 2020.

Tickets will be available for purchase at the gate for guests
who will occupy the same vehicle of previous ticket buyers.

For those who have confirmed reservations at the Delta Armouries Hotel for the May
event, can contact the hotel directly at 519.679.6111
to cancel or change your reservation to the new dates.

Website: www.cmaontario.ca
Facebook / Twitter / Instagram: @theCMAOntario

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	About CMAOntario: In 2007, Rob MacArthur and founding patron Linda Wright together with a number of key industry professionals founded the Country Music Association of Ontario. The Association’s mandate is to foster the growth and development of Ontario’s country music and its industry, provincially, nationally and internationally. The CMAOntario has hosted seven annual Awards Shows and six two-day Road to Independence educational conferences with the generous assistance of presenting sponsor Slaight Music and support of Ontario Creates. www.cmaontario.ca
	About Slaight Music: Slaight Music was started in 2011 with a mandate to support the Canadian music community through a variety of initiatives, and to develop Canadian talent via strategic partnerships with industry peers. We work with artists from across the country and across the musical spectrum, helping to further careers and get great music heard. We’re also invested in the technology sphere, helping Canadian music entrepreneurs develop the next generation of digital platforms and services. And, we support a variety of music-related events, causes and charities. www.slaightmusic.com
	About Ontario Creates: Ontario Creates (formerly OMDC) is a provincial agency that facilitates economic development, investment and collaboration in Ontario’s creative industries including the music, book, magazine, film, television and interactive digital media sectors. www.ontariocreates.ca Ontario Créatif (anciennement la SODIMO) est un organisme provincial qui encourage le développement économique, les investissements et la collaboration au sein des industries de la création de l’Ontario, notamment dans les secteurs de la musique, de l’édition de livres et de revues, du cinéma et de la télévision, et des produits multimédias interactifs numériques. www.ontariocreates.ca/accueil.htm