Ontario Country Shines @ CMAO Awards

This past Monday night we were in Markham taking in one of Canada’s most celebrated Country Music nights.  The 3rd annual CMAO Awards took place in Markham, Ontario.  For those of you who haven’t been lucky enough to secure tickets to this outstanding event I would have to suggest buy early next year.  This year’s line up was over the top with the likes of Tim Hicks, Autumn Hill, Deric Ruttan, Small Town Pistols and Jason Blaine to name a few.

The night started with the artists rolling in on the red carpet for photo ops.

The party then moved to the lower level of the Markham Flato Theater which is a fantastic venue to host such a great party.  This little VIP / Media / Artist gathering that took place gave us a chance to catch up with some artists that we may have not seen in a while which was nice.  The CMAO was lucky enough to have Chad Brownlee  (BCCMA Male Artist of the Year 10,11 & 12 ) & Jess Moskaluke (SCMA Female Artist of The Year 2014)  on hand to present which was great to add a more National flare to the event.  It was also great to see Chad’s golfing partners Jason Blaine and Tim Hicks in the house.  Jason has a great charity golf event in June that we look forward to covering in depth.

The show kicked off with a fantastic performance with a blast from the past.  Lace was a 90’s country trio that David Foster put together with Beverly Mahood,  Giselle and Stacey Lee and saw success with 4 singles and numerous tour dates. The ladies were backed by The Western Swing Authority who did a bang up job all night backing up all the artists who performed.   There were a ton of great performances but the 4 that stood out in my mind would be Tim Hicks with his side kick Graham Mallany #SoDoI who was the only guest musician to sit in with WSA on the night. Jason Blaine did a rock solid job of his current hit #CountrySide along with Leah Daniels amazing performance and of course the host with the most Mr. Jason McCoy .  Anytime this guy is on stage its a treat and the CMAO should be lucky to have such quick wit on stage, or wait is that dim wit. (Kidding Jason)  Anyway, he is worth the price of admission alone.

Ontario Country music has a bright future with the likes of Leah Daniels, Cory Marquardt, Runaway Angel, Meghan Patrick and Eric Etheridge to name a few that are on the rise. It was amazing to see all the artists come together and enjoy a night to celebrate everything they have worked so hard for. Whether it be the small market radio station adding spins for the local artist to help support local music or if its one of our most prominent artists on a national level back to inspire those up and coming artist. I also belive that social media is starting to play a big role in how artists get the word out. Not just a local level but national & international so quickly. Ontario has so much to offer the world of Country Music and with the guidance of the newly inducted President Bruce Good. I am sure the 4th year of the event will bring new names to the forefront of the CMAO and we look forward to taking part in that ride.

Below is the list of winners etc.. Along the way take a look at our photo collection thanks to Trish on doing a another bang up job.   We would also like to thank all the artist, publicists and media who have helped Sound Check become one of the leading Country Music Online Magazines in Canada.  We have a passion for the music and we love that all of you have been so active with us and thank you all.

Small Town Pistols – I Only Smoke When I Drink

 

ALBUM OF THE YEAR (Sponsored by: hmv)

Tim Hicks – 5:01

SONGWRITERS OF THE YEAR (Sponsored by: SOCAN)

Alyssa BonaguraI Only Smoke When I Drink – Small Town Pistols

Patricia Conroy

Amanda Wilkinson

Tyler Wilkinson

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR (Sponsored by: Spring Tree Farm Garden Centre)

Michelle Wright

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR (Sponsored by: TicketBreak)

Tim Hicks

 

GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR (Sponsored by: The Remington Group)

The Western Swing Authority

 

ROOTS ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR (Sponsored by: Skelton Truck Lines Ltd.)

The Western Swing Authority

 

RISING STAR AWARD (Sponsored by: Slaight Music)

Leah Daniels

 

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR (Sponsored by: CMT)

 

RECORD PRODUCER OF THE YEAR (Sponsored by: Metal Works Studio)

Jason Barry Single – Night In Night Out by Genevieve Fisher

Single – One Of Us Is Lying by The Western Swing Authority

 

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (MAJOR MARKET) (Sponsored by: Canadian Country Spotlight)

CHKX – KX94.7 FM – HAMILTON

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (SECONDARY MARKET) (Sponsored by: Lucknow’s Music in the Fields)

CJDL – COUNTRY 107.3 FM – TILLSONBURG

IMPACT AWARD

Paula Chopik & Ed Leslie – Havelock Country Jamboree

Corey Kelly / @CoreyKelly76