The CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend hosted three drive-in tailgate concerts at Ancaster Fairgrounds September 3-5, 2021 including the New Faces Showcase & Concert, the Legacy Revival, and the 9th Annual CMAOntario Awards, presented by Slaight Music, with support from Ontario Creates.

This is the third awards weekend I have attended and I have to say one of the best from all aspects. The growing pains are over and the CMAOntario organization is more than ready for primetime. The diversity and quality of the talent emerging in Ontario is a sign of how great and deep the talent pool is in this province. The weekend was hosted by two of the finest performers Ontario has to offer; established veterans Jason McCoy and Beverly Mahood, Canada's answer to Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood. The performances were first class with the uber- talented Western Swing Authority serving as the house band with special guest guitar whiz, Wendel Ferguson. 

Photo Credits: Fiona@Studio22Photography

The Country Music Association of Ontario held its 8th Annual Awards Show, despite the lockdown and restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, in a safe and responsible way. Billed as the First Live Drive In Country Awards Show the event was held on October 4, 2020 at The Raceway at Western Fair District, London Ontario and despite a little rain early in the day, it was a music and entertainment filled event showcasing the incredible talent in Ontario Country Music.

Presented by Slaight Music, with support from Ontario Creates, the CMAOntario Awards acknowledge the talent and achievements of Ontario’s country music industry across 17 categories.

Hosted by the ever entertaining Jason McCoy and  featuring the amazing Western Swing Authority as host band  and Hall of Famer Wendell Ferguson.

Included were performances by Tim Hicks, James Barker Band, The Reklaws, Jade Eagleson, The Abrams, Eric Ethridge and Kalsey Kulyk, Genevieve Fisher, Kelsi Mayne, Les Rats De Swompe, Nicole Rayy and Ryan Langdon.