-Voting for JUNO Fan Choice presented by TD is open at junofanchoice.ca –

Chart-topping, multi-platinum, award-winning singer-songwriter Johnny Reid announced today that he will embark on the 2018 “Revival” National Tour. The extensive outing of 44 dates will kick off on February 26^th at the Mary Winspear Theatre in Sidney, BC and includes two-night stands in Sidney, Regina, SK, Edmonton, AB, Saskatoon, SK, Thunder Bay, ON, Toronto, ON and Moncton, NB. The JUNO and CCMA Award-winning artist will headline multiple venues across the country in support of his soulful new album “Revival” available everywhere now via Universal Music Canada.

The Road to Boots & Hearts kicked off in a huge way with JJ Shiplett & Kelly Prescott at The Burdock in Toronto, ON!

Having spent over half my life in Northern Ontario seeing this week’s all-star announcement by the Stars and Thunder International Fireworks & Music Festival got me very excited!

The dust has finally settled and I almost feel back to normal.  The week long CCMA Hangover has subsided and we have managed to put together some amazing photos from the night.   Both Bill and James did a fantastic job of capturing the nights moments.   Let’s kick things off with what James captured.

Well after spending 3 days hunkered down in what might be the best city in Canada for Country Music we have a little something to share.   We have the 2nd of our CCMA posts with some great shots of the John Deere Green Carpet.  This was our first year having a presence on the carpet with Corey getting a chance to chat with the artists as they walked in.  Be sure to check our video of Corey chatting with everyone HERE.     However, Bill and James were also able to grab some amazing images of the artists making there way into Bud Gardens in London, Ontario.

Proud Windsor, ON native, Kelsi Mayne is a Canadian Country Music singer-songwriter, 2016 FACTOR grant recipient, and Top 7 Finalist in the upcoming Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase. With an award-winning journalist as father and an acclaimed sculptor/muralist as a mother, Kelsi was constantly surrounded and influenced by a world of art. She developed her performing skills early on, competing on the Canada-U.S. Highland Dancing circuit. Soon she made moves to become a vocalist and began to achieve success in several talent competitions – once winning the opportunity to open for the Neverending White Lights when she was just 16 years old.

It’s CMAO Monday so I thought it would be fun to dedicate this week’s edition of Monday Musings to discuss my picks for the third annual event. I should mention that I personally am not a member of the Country Music Association of Ontario, yet, so my picks have not influenced the outcome of tonight’s awards. 

The Spice Factory in Hamilton was host to the album release of The Redhill Valleys on Tuesday, and it was completely sold out. There was a buzz of excitement among everyone in attendance, merch and cd’s were flying off of the table before any music even began. The trio of Danielle Beaudin, Chelsea McWilliams and Tim Allard have been polishing their sound for a little while now in the Hamilton/Toronto area and have gathered a lot of interest and anticipation towards their first album release. Well, the wait is over.

Lets keep this one simple.  I love Country Music!  I really do.  And this morning waking up to the CMAO 2016 Award Nominations was kind of like a kid at Christmas.  As my eyes read through and processed this years nominations I couldn’t help but wonder.  Who will be the BIG Winners next month at the Awards Ceremonies in Markham? Here is the list of Nominations.