London welcomes back CMAOntario Festival and Awards

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: MELISSA NOVACASKA (PHOTOS) KERRA SEAY (VIDEO)
London is set to host the Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) Festival and Awards from June 1-3. This is the second year in a row the City has hosted the event.

London is set to be home for a number of country music musicians, their teams and more as the city host's the Canadian Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) Festival and Awards on June 1 to 3.

This is the 6th year the event has taken place and the second year in a row both London and Centennial Hall are hosting.

The Festival and Awards is a way to showcase not only the talent the province has to offer and how London is a musical place, but perhaps this year will also help prepare the City for the Juno Awards next March.

The three day festival includes a number of activities including a Charity Softball Challenge, Songs & Stories: Songwriter in the Round session, an R21 TuneUp Conference, a NewFaces Showcase & Concert, a Legacy Gospel Celebration and the CMAOntario Awards among other things.

According to a CMAOntario press release, the Awards in June 3, presented by Slaight Music and the Ontario Media Development Corporation, showcases the best of the best when it comes to country music artists and industry supporters who hail from the province and the show will be hosted once more by Jason McCoy (The Road Hammers).

The night will include a number of performances as well as artists, radio programs and industry professionals being recognized for their achievements over the past year.

With 16 categories up for grabs, including the Fan's Choice Award, a number of people could be walking away with some new hardware. That also includes London native Jessica Mitchell (who currently resides in Toronto) and is up for Female Artist of the Year and Roots Artist of the Year, as well as London's own Genevieve Fisher, who is also up for Female Artist of the Year.

Other nominees include James Barker Band, River Town Saints, The Lovelocks, Blue Rodeo, Runaway Angel, Andrew Hyatt, Jason Blaine and more.

The legendary Michelle Wright, will be awarded the Impact Award (previously won by Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy) as well as perform, while last year's big winner, Bowmanville's Meghan Patrick (who now resides in Nashville) will also be performing. Other performing acts include Tim Hicks, Tebey, Cold Creek Country and more.

To see the full list of nominees and for more information on the Festival and Awards, visit cmaontario.ca.

Also see below for some of Interrobang's coverage of last year's awards show.