The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is an Ontario-based, province-wide, not-for-profit organization. The objective of the CMAOntario, through the leadership and experience of our Board of Directors, is to celebrate, foster and support the growth and development of Ontario’s country music community and all those associated with the Ontario country music infrastructure – provincially, nationally and internationally.

“MAKING ONTARIO COUNTRY MUSIC MATTER”

The original organization was formed under the name of the Ontario Country Music Association in May of 2007, by Rob MacArthur, founding patron Linda Wright and a number of interested and enthusiastic individuals who thought it was time to have a voice for country music in Ontario: the “talent” including song writers, musicians, bands; and the “industry” including radio, management, publishers, booking agents and record companies.

They identified a strong need for educational workshops and resources to strengthen each area of this growing industry.

One of OCMA’s first orders of business was to set up a web site for communications, news feeds and other forms of communication with members as well as the general public. One of the key features of the original website was an internet radio station featuring members’ music, although it has since been discontinued.

The first board of directors was established in October 2008. Barry Haugen was President, Anya Wilson was Vice President, and Drew Allen was Secretary-Treasurer. The other directors were Terry Fernihough, Bruce Good, Bill Hart, Peter Linseman, Rob MacArthur, Heather Ostertag, and Bob Wilson.

Shortly thereafter, it was decided to adopt a new name – “Country Music Association of Ontario” or the “CMAO” – to avoid confusion with a defunct organization operating under the old name. The Country Music Association of Ontario was incorporated without share capital under the Corporations Act (Ontario) on March 25, 2010.

The CMAO attracted membership through showcases or Open Stages as they were known. The first showcase was in Oshawa and the second at the Gibson Guitar Center in Toronto in 2008. Since then it has expanded to incorporate seminars and “Demoramas” at which both members and non-members critique members’ music.

The CMAO continues to grow its membership and to assist in the career development and education of as many of its writers, performers, musicians and music industry people as possible. In May 2014, CMAO held its second annual Awards Show; and in November 2014, it will host its first two-day educational seminar “The Road to Independence” which will also offer showcasing opportunities.

Founding Sponsors-In order to garner support for the organization in its early days, a Founding Sponsors Program was launched. The initiative was limited to 10 companies who would be recognized in perpetuity as the Founding Sponsors of the CMAO. It’s with tremendous gratitude that we thank each of them.

VISIT https://cmaontario.ca/about-cmao/history/ TO VIEW ALL sponsors.

The CMAOntario Awards bring emerging artists to the forefront and celebrate excellence and outstanding professional achievement by Ontario country music artists and songwriters. This inimitable live event features appearances and performances by Ontario’s brightest talents.

Presented by Slaight Music, with support from Ontario Creates, the CMAOntario Awards acknowledge the talent and achievements of Ontario’s country music industry across 19 categories.

2020 PERFORMERS

**ALL VEHICLES WILL BE PARKED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS 

Spaces highlighted in green are designated for SUVs and Pick Up Trucks

Spaces highlighted in red are designated for Sedans

There will be 2 large video screens on each side of the stage

The entrance is through the Gateway Casino Parking Lot of King St

SHOW FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

HOW IS THE EVENT PRICED? Tickets are sold per person.

WILL TICKETS BE AVAILABLE AT THE VENUE? Yes, unless the show is sold out in advance – please check our website.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ALLOWED PER VEHICLE? The maximum number is based on vehicle type – there must be a seat and seatbelt for each passenger.

IS THIS A CASHLESS EVENT TO MINIMIZE TOUCHPOINTS? Touchless transactions will be implemented at the entrance and elsewhere when possible to minimize any direct contact.

WHAT IS THE SPEED LIMIT? 5 MPH at all times.

HOW ARE VEHICLES PARKED? Just like the process with general admission tickets at a typical drive in. As soon as the venue opens, cars are parked as they arrive, moving from the front of the stage to the back. Trucks and SUV’s will be parked in the last spot on each row moving from the front of the stage to the back.

ARE BUSES & MULTI-PASSENGER VANS ALLOWED? No vehicles larger than SUVs and Pick Up Trucks will be permitted. (No monster trucks).

CAN WE RESERVE SPOTS NEXT TO FRIENDS? The show is General Admission. Cars will be parked as they arrive so there is no saving spots.

HOW DO I USE THE BATHROOM? There will be 4 areas where portable washrooms will be located. Attendees will be allowed out of their vehicles to use the bathrooms and must wear a face covering while outside your vehicle. These will be sanitized constantly, and lines will be formed to ensure social distancing. Everyone must stay 6ft apart.

I ALREADY PURCHASED A TICKET FOR MY VEHICLE BUT HAVE OTHERS THAT WANT TO JOIN. HOW CAN I BUY/ADD MORE TICKETS FOR MY VEHICLE? You can absolutely add more passengers to your vehicle, but all occupants must have a ticket.  Tickets will be available for purchase at the gate for guests who will occupy the same vehicle of previous ticket buyers.  Tickets will be $35.00 at the gate for additional guests in each vehicle.

CAN I GET OUT OF MY CAR? You must remain in your vehicle unless visiting washrooms.

CAN I SIT IN THE BACK OF MY TRUCK? No, you must remain in your vehicle.

CAN I STAND OUTSIDE OF MY VEHICLE? No, you must remain in your vehicle.

CAN I BRING PATIO OR LAWN FURNITURE? No.

ARE WE REQUIRED TO WEAR FACE COVERINGS INSIDE OUR VEHICLE? Not while inside your vehicle.

ARE WE REQUIRED TO WEAR FACE COVERINGS OUTSIDE OUR VEHICLE? Please wear face coverings when outside your vehicle when visiting washrooms.

WILL FACE COVERINGS BE SOLD AT THE DOOR? No, you must bring your own.

HOW DO I LISTEN TO THE SHOW? To hear the show, attendees can listen to the live PA system. Alternatively, if they desire, attendees will be provided with a designated FM radio frequency to tune in from their cars without needing to lower their windows.

WILL THERE BE CONCESSIONS ON SITE? Concessions will be available on-site and attendees can place their orders online.  Venue staff will deliver orders directly to the attendee’s vehicle.  There will NOT be any alcoholic beverages sold on-site.

WILL I BE ABLE TO LEAVE ANYTIME DURING THE EVENT OR ARE WE STUCK IN OUR SPOT UNTIL THE END? All exits are final.

CAN I LEAVE MY CAR AND LIGHTS ON? If your engine is loud it must be turned off and your lights must be turned off at all times while you are parked.

WHAT IF MY CAR BATTERY DIES DURING THE EVENT? If your vehicle battery gets drained during the show, we do have jump boxes available on site.  Please see any staff member for assistance. You will be required to hook up the charger to your own vehicle.

ARE OUTSIDE FOOD AND NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ALLOWED? Yes, or you can purchase from our concessions on site.

CAN I BRING ALCOHOL? No.

ARE KIDS ALLOWED? – WHAT IS THE AGE RESTRICTION? Yes. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

IS SMOKING ALLOWED? No smoking in or around restrooms. If you would like to smoke in your vehicle you can but please be considerate of those around you. Please do not throw your cigarette butts on the ground.

CAN I BRING MY PETS? No pets allowed.

DO I HAVE TO WEAR A SHIRT AND SHOES? Shoes and shirts are required at all times.

https://cmaontario.ca/why-become-a-member/

2020 NOMINEES

SINGLE OF THE YEAR sponsored by Pure Country 106

“If You Met Me First” – Eric Ethridge
“Keep it Simple” – James Barker Band
“Old Country Soul” – The Reklaws
“What A Song Should Do” – Tim Hicks
“Wild As Me” – Meghan Patrick

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Big Deal – The Western Swing Authority
Cain – Andrew Hyatt
Freshman Year – The Reklaws
Singles Only – James Barker Band
Wild As Me – Meghan Patrick

SONGWRITER(S) OF THE YEAR sponsored by SOCAN

Jessica Mitchell – “Somebody Gonna Get Hurt”, recorded by Jessica Mitchell ft. Tim Hicks
Meghan Patrick, Jordan Rager, Michael Whitworth – “Wild As Me”, recorded by Meghan Patrick
Stuart Walker, Jenna Walker, Brad Rempel, Ben Stennis – “I Do Too”, recorded by The Reklaws
Tebey Ottoh, Kylie Sackley, Matt Rogers – “The Good Ones”, recorded by Tebey & Marie Mai
Tim Hicks, Emma-Lee, Karen Kosowski – “What A Song Should Do”, recorded by Tim Hicks

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR sponsored by Spring Tree Farm

Genevieve Fisher
Jessica Mitchell
Leah Daniels
Meghan Patrick
Nicole Rayy
Tianna Woods

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR sponsored by ECAO/IBEW

Aaron Allen
Andrew Hyatt
Eric Ethridge
Jade Eagleson
Jim Cuddy
Tim Hicks

GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR sponsored by Country 103

James Barker Band
Jess and Tay
The Abrams
The Reklaws
The Western Swing Authority

ROOTS ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR sponsored by Skelton Truck Lines

Jessica Mitchell
Kelly Prescott
The Abrams
The Redhill Valleys
The Western Swing Authority

FRANCOPHONE ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR sponsored by Desjardins

Edouard Landry
Kristine St-Pierre
Les Rats D’Swompe
Reney Ray
Stef Paquette

RISING STAR AWARD sponsored by Slaight Music

Aaron Allen
Alli Walker
David Boyd Janes
Dustin Bird
Kelsi Mayne

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR sponsored by MNP

“Feels Like That” – The Reklaws
“If You Met Me First” – Eric Ethridge
“Keep It Simple” – James Barker Band
“The Good Ones” – Tebey & Marie Mai
“ToGetHer” – Leah Daniels
“Wild as Me” – Meghan Patrick

FANS’ CHOICE sponsored by Ontario Creates

Jade Eagleson
James Barker Band
Meghan Patrick
Tebey
The Reklaws
Tim Hicks

RECORD PRODUCER(S) OF THE YEAR sponsored by Metalworks Recording Studios

J.R. Hutt – Giselle Sanderson, Jamie Warren, Rebekah Stevens, Sean Hogan, Tianna Woods
Jason Barry – Amanda Jordan, Charlie Major, Josh David, Western Swing Authority, Billy Ray Cyrus
Jeff Dalziel – Aaron Allen, The Abrams, Dan Davidson, Chris Labelle, Ryan Langdon
Mark Schroor & Erik Fintelman – David Boyd Janes, Robyn Ottolini, Emily Clair
Tebey Ottoh & Danick Dupelle – Tebey & Marie Mai

INDUSTRY PERSON OF THE YEAR sponsored by Seeds CPA

Dave Woods, In the Country
Johnathan Smalley, Rock N Horse
KT Timmermans, Country 103/Manitoulin Country Fest
Ron Kitchener, RGK Entertainment
Shannon Ella, Pure Country/Complete Country

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (LARGE MARKET)

CHKX KX 947, Hamilton
CJBX Pure Country 93, London
CJKX KX96, Oshawa
CKBY Country 101.1, Ottawa
CKDK NEW Country 104, Woodstock

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (MEDIUM MARKET) sponsored by Lucknow’s Music in the Fields

CFCO Country 92.9, Chatham
CHCQ-FM Cool 100.1 FM, Belleville
CICS Pure Country 91.7, Sudbury
CJQM-FM Country 104.3, Sault Ste Marie
CKXC Country 93.5, Kingston

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (SMALL MARKET)

CHAW Country 103, Little Current
CICX Pure Country 106, Orillia
CJDL-FM Country 107.3, Tillsonburg
CKYC Country 93, Owen Sound
CKYY Country 89, Welland

IMPACT AWARD

Carroll Baker

The Third Ballot for the 2020 CMAOntario Awards is now open. To access this content, you must purchase Corporate Membership, Regular Membership or Fan Membership, or log in if you are a member. https://cmaontario.ca

Country Music Association of Ontario
16484 Hwy 35
Algonquin Highlands, ON
K0M 1J1
Canada

647-231-CMAO (2626)

info@cmaontario.ca