The London Beat London, Ontario’s stream of consciousness
Londoners will be feeling their twang this weekend as a bevy of regional country music stars arrive in London for the 2018 CMAOntario Awards, presented by Slaight Music.
The festivities kick off Friday night with the annual CMAOntario Charity Softball Challenge at 6:00 pm at Labatt Park. For a 5 dollar donation, fans can attend and schmooze with their favourite artists – including London’s own Genevieve Fisher – who is also nominated for Female Artist of the Year. Proceeds will go to various charities.
The party then moves to Rum Runners for “Songs and Stories” at 9:30 pm. Canadian Country Music Hall of Famer Wendell Ferguson, will host artists like country star Jason Blaine, telling stories and playing their songs. Tickets are $15.
On Saturday, country fans can attend the “New Faces Showcase and Concert at Covent Garden Market Square.” The free event starts at 7:00pm and highlights up-and-coming talent.
In the prelude to the big event, the Legacy Revival will take place on Sunday starting at 2:00pm. The show is at the Bishop Cronyn Memorial Place located at 442 William St, and will feature country star Michelle Wright. Tickets are $28 in advance at the Aeolian Hall box office, or $30 at the door.
Finally the festivities climax with the big event on Sunday night, and the 2018 CMAOntario Awards by Slaight Music at Centennial Hall. The event will be hosted by the entertaining Jason McCoy, himself a two-time 2018 Canadian Country Music Awards Male Vocalist of the Year.
It promises an exciting line up of artists including the aforementioned Michelle Wright, who will be receiving the 2018 Impact Award, as well as performing. Other performers will include host McCoy, country rock band Cold Creek County, Ontario / Nashville based Meghan Patrick, Niagara Falls native Tim Hicks, multi-genre musician Tebey and the country swing ensemble Western Swing Authority.
The awards acknowledge the talent and achievements of Ontario’s country music industry across 16 categories. Voting for the awards is restricted to CMAOntario members, with the exception of the Fans’ Choice award, which is open to both public and membership voting.
CMAONTARIO FINAL NOMINEES – 2018
SINGLE OF THE YEAR sponsored by KICX 106
Born To Love – Jason Blaine
Chills – James Barker Band
Country Music Made Me Do It – Meghan Patrick
Slide Over – Tim Hicks
You Me We – Genevieve Fisher
ALBUM OF THE YEAR sponsored by Freedom Music & Creative
Game On – James Barker Band
Homemade – Cold Creek County
Iron and Ashes – Andrew Hyatt
River Town Saints – River Town Saints
The Squeeze – The Road Hammers
SONGWRITER(S) OF THE YEAR sponsored by SOCAN
Clayton Bellamy, Chris Byrne, Jason McCoy – Crazy About You, Recorded by The Road Hammers
Dan Isbell, Meghan Patrick, Jeremy Stover – Country Music Made Me Do It, Recorded by Meghan Patrick
James Barker, Gavin Slate, Travis Wood, Donovan Woods – Chills, Recorded by James Barker Band
Jessica Mitchell, Matthew Tishler – Don’t Love Me, Recorded by Jessica Mitchell
Kelly Archer, Adam Hambrick, Tebey Ottoh – Somebody Else Will, Recorded by Justin Moore
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR sponsored by Spring Tree Farm
Dani Strong
Genevieve Fisher
Jessica Mitchell
Meghan Patrick
Tianna Woods
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR sponsored by ECAO/IBEW
Andrew Hyatt
Anthony Tullo
Jason Blaine
Tebey
Tim Hicks
GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR sponsored by Country 103
Blue Rodeo
Cold Creek County
James Barker Band
Runaway Angel
The Lovelocks
The Reklaws
Full list of nominations and categories.
The sixth annual CMAOntario Awards are presented by Slaight Music, with support from the Ontario Media Development Corporation. The show starts at 7:30pm.
Tickets are $55 dollars for CMAO members, $65 regular, and $260 for VIP. They are available at the Centennial Hall box office or online at centennialhall.london.ca, You can also call 519-672-1967 or 519-672-1968 to pre-order.
