MAKING ONTARIO COUNTRY MUSIC MATTER
The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAO) is a not-for-profit organization incorporated without share capital under the Corporations Act (Ontario) on March 25, 2010. Prior to being incorporated, the CMAO was operated as an unincorporated not-for-profit entity, formed in 2008.
CMAOntario’s mission is three-fold:
To ignite the creative spirit and support the development of emerging Ontario country artists;
To advance the public’s appreciation of the arts by providing free or highly affordable, high-quality live music events for the benefit of communities at large.
To provide relief in communities to people and families experiencing poverty by providing financial support to local charities including local food banks; to provide free tickets to groups of individuals living with specialized needs contributing to the overall relief and well-being of the lives of individuals.
CMAOntario is a not-for-profit member-based organization, governed by a volunteer, unpaid Board of Directors. The Association was incorporated without share capital under the Corporations Act (Ontario) on March 25, 2010, and prior to being incorporated, the CMAOntario operated as an unincorporated not-for-profit entity formed in 2008.
In today's competitive marketplace, having a strong infrastructure and support system is crucial for Ontario country artists to thrive, especially given the overwhelming dominance of U.S. artists in the country music genre. By providing these opportunities, the CMAOntario is helping artists improve their skills, gain exposure, and compete at a higher level.
In addition to advancing arts & culture in Ontario, we are committed to supporting local charitable initiatives. Through our events, we strive to not only entertain, but also, to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
Our team works with local stakeholders to adapt our strategies, based on the evolving needs of each community.
This ensures we effectively allocate our resources and efforts, providing a sustainable and transformative impact and aligning with the community's values and culture.
A portion of the proceeds from each event is donated to a local charity that alleviates the effects of living in poverty and disadvantage, such as food banks, community kitchens and community living organizations. Additionally, the CMAOntario contributes annually to the Unison Benevolent Fund.
We believe that music has the power to bring people together, inspire creativity, and foster a sense of belonging. By organizing affordable live music events, we aim to make these experiences accessible to all, regardless of their age or financial situation. We create a space where everyone feels welcome and can enjoy the magic of live music and CMAOntario maximizes its platform to make a difference.
We invite all to join us in our aim to support Ontario country music creators, build vibrant communities, and make a positive impact on the lives of individuals. Together, we create opportunities for everyone to live a better life in a more inclusive and thriving community where music and charitable efforts go hand in hand.
CMAOntario believes in the power of music to effect positive change. By presenting affordable multi-artist shows in both concentrated population centres and underserved Ontario communities, we make live music accessible to all.
And by attracting audiences from both within and beyond the communities, we stimulate visitor spending, contribute to the local economy, and create opportunities for businesses to thrive, while generating revenues to assist local charities.
We also recognize the importance of co-promoting Ontario francophone country artists along with anglophone artists. By doing so, we can expand the audience for both and create a more diverse and inclusive music community.
Networking opportunities between artists and industry leaders are crucial for career development. We work to facilitate these connections and provide comprehensive career development programs, utilizing industry leaders. Our goal is to make these programs affordable and accessible to all artists, ensuring that they have the tools and knowledge to succeed in the industry.
Preserving and enriching Ontario's country music heritage is another important objective. We acknowledge and promote legacy country artists, engaging both mature and contemporary country fans. By offering affordable admission to these events, we expose a wider audience to Ontario's rich country music heritage.
We are committed to promoting cultural diversity, gender equality, and inclusivity in all our opportunities and initiatives. We believe that everyone should have equal access to the camaraderie, benefits, and opportunities that the country music community offers.
Finally, through our Awards show, we aim to recognize and amplify the achievements of Ontario country artists, songwriters, producers, broadcasting professionals, and music industry leaders. By celebrating their successes, we hope to inspire and encourage further advancement and excellence.
All these initiatives help foster growth, collaboration and innovation - not only within the membership, but also within the broader music community. This approach contributes to the overall development and success of the country music scene in Ontario, benefitting artists, industry professionals, charities and of course, the communities we serve.
The ongoing successful careers of artists like The Reklaws, Tim Hicks, Robyn Ottolini, James Barker Band, Josh Ross, Meghan Patrick, Jason Blaine, Jason McCoy, Genevieve Fisher, Nate Haller, Owen Riegling, Jade Eagleson and many more, are a testament to the impact of CMAOntario’s dedicated efforts in supporting their careers.
With the guidance of our Board of Directors and the dedication of our team, we are confident in our ability to achieve these goals and leave an enduring impact on Ontario's communities.
CMAOntario DIVERSITY, EQUITY and INCLUSION STATEMENT
The CMAOntario is committed to creating a culturally sensitive environment for our stakeholders that is diverse, inclusive, and promotes positivity.
As an association, our goal is to treat all members, contractors, consultants, and suppliers fairly and equally, regardless of their Age, Disability, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Ethnicity, Religion/Belief, Gender Reassignment, Marriage or Civil Partnership, and Pregnancy/Maternity.
Advancing gender equity, diversity and inclusion benefits both the Association and its stakeholders and by reflecting the growing diversity in our community, we encourage stronger engagement from our stakeholders and the community we serve.
We promote civility, integrity, and respect among our stakeholders as we strive to provide access and relevant opportunities for all of our members wherever we possess the means to assist them.
Winners of the 2024 CMAOntario Awards
June 2, 2024 (TORONTO) The Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) is excited to announce the winners of the 12th Annual CMAOntario Awards, presented by Slaight Music, which took place on Sunday, June 2 in Hammerson Hall at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga. Jason Blaine, Owen Riegling, and James Barker Band each took home two CMAOntario trophies.
Hosted by Pure Country Radio’s Jason McCoy and country TikTok sensation Teigen Gayse, the CMAOntario Awards acknowledged the talent and achievements of Ontario’s country music industry across 17 categories plus special awards.
The show included special performances by 2024 CMAOntario award winners Owen Riegling, Jason Blaine, Nicole Rayy, and our very own, Peterborough songbird, Elyse Saunders, along with nominees Karli June, Griffen Palmer, River Town Saints, Sugar Crush, Callie McCullough, Ryan Langdon, and The Western Swing Authority.
The Winners of the 12th Annual CMAOntario Awards are:
SINGLE OF THE YEAR sponsored by Pure Country
The Road that Raised You Up – Jason Blaine
ALBUM OF THE YEAR sponsored by Country 106.7 Kitchener
Greatest Show on Dirt – Meghan Patrick
SONGWRITER(S) OF THE YEAR sponsored by SOCAN
Jason Blaine, The Road the Raised You Up, recorded by Jason Blaine
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR sponsored by IBEW Local 353 is Peterborough's Elyse Saunders
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR sponsored by IBEW Local 353 Owen Riegling
GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR sponsored by Country 103
James Barker Band
RECORD PRODUCER(S) OF THE YEAR
Shawn Moore
ROOTS ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Mackenzie Leigh Meyer
BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR sponsored by Slaight Music
Owen Riegling
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR sponsored by Jim Dunlop Productions
Honky Tonkin About – The Reklaws ft. Drake Milligan
Dirty – Nicole Rayy
(Tied)
INDUSTRY PERSON OF THE YEAR sponsored by Manrkē
Dave Woods
FRANCOPHONE ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Reney Ray
FANS’ CHOICE sponsored by Visit Mississauga
Tim Hicks
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR sponsored by Cithara Guitars
Shane Guse of Western Swing Authority.
COMPASS AWARD
James Barker Band
HOLLY & STEVE KASSAY GENEROUS SPIRIT AWARD
Walter Nowakowski
IMPACT AWARD
Charlie Major
RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (LARGE MARKET) sponsored by Fielding Estate Winery
KX 94.7, Hamilton
RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (MEDIUM MARKET) sponsored by Lucknow’s Music in the Fields
Hot Country 93.9, Brantford
RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (SMALL MARKET)
Pure Country 106, Orillia
Congrats to all the nominees all the winners this year.
