(Vancouver, BC) September 12, 2009 – The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) was pleased to present the following industry awards during Country Music Week in Vancouver, BC:

CCMA GALA DINNER & AWARDS:
Roots Artist or Group of the Year: Corb Lund

Songwriter(s) of the Year: Johnny Reid / Brent Maher for “A Woman Like You”

Record Company of the Year: Open Road Recordings

Record Company Person of the Year: Ron Kitchener (Open Road Recordings)

Radio Station of the Year (Major Market): CISN-FM – Edmonton, AB

Radio Station of the Year (Secondary Market): CICX-FM – Orillia, ON

Top Selling Canadian Album: Dance With Me ~ Johnny Reid

Top Selling Album: Fearless ~ Taylor Swift

Artist Hall of Honour Inductee: Buffy Sainte-Marie

Builder Hall of Honour Inductee: Barry Haugen

Broadcaster Hall of Honour Inductee: John Murphy

Hank Smith Award of Excellence: Heather Ostertag

ALL-STAR BAND AWARDS
Drums: Mark Branconnier (Gord Bamford)

Bass: John Dymond (Various)

Guitar: Murray Pulver (Doc Walker)

Keyboards: Rob Shapiro (Hey Romeo)

Fiddle: David Pichette (Emerson Drive)

Steel Guitar: Jeff Bradshaw (Gord Bamford)

Special Instrument: Mike Norman – Saxophone (Johnny Reid)

CCMA INDUSTRY BRUNCH & AWARDS
Country Club of the Year: Cook County Saloon – Edmonton, AB

Album Design of the Year: Garnet Armstrong/Mark Maryanovich – What I Do (George Canyon)

Recording Studio of the Year: Bart McKay Productions  – Saskatoon, SK

Music Publishing Company of the Year: ole

Management Company of the Year:

RGK Entertainment Group Inc.

Talent Buyer or Promoter of the Year: Ron Sakamoto (Gold & Gold Productions Ltd.)

Retailer of the Year: Walmart Canada Corp.

Website of the Year: docwalker.ca (Doc Walker) – Ashley Harms/Tim Neufeld/House of Bands,

Webmasters

Booking Agency of the Year: Cressman Sakamoto Agency

Music Director of the Year (Major Market): Mark Patric (CJJR-FM) – Vancouver, BC

Music Director of the Year (Secondary Market): Peter Walker (CJKX-FM) – Oshawa, ON

On-Air Personality of the Year (Major Market): Odd Squad With Doug, Robyn, & Dan (CKRY-FM) – Calgary, AB

On-Air Personality of the Year (Secondary Market):

KG Mornings with Greg & Tera Lee (CKGY-FM) – Red Deer, AB

Video Director of the Year: Warren P. Sonoda, Director – “Go To Bed Angry” (Tara Oram)

Country Festival, Fair, or Exhibition of the Year: Big Valley Jamboree – Camrose, AB

Country Music Program or Special of the Year: Live At Revival (CMT)

Congratulations to all of the artists!  For more information and highlights from the 2009 CCMA Awards and Country Music Week, please visit www.ccma.org or www.countrymusicvancouver.com.

(Vancouver, BC) September 13, 2009 – The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) celebrated another fantastic year in country music.  Hosted by actor and director Jason Priestley, this year’s Canadian Country Music Awards took place in Vancouver, BC at GM Place, where country music fans were treated to amazing performances by such artists as Aaron Pritchett, Paul Brandt with High Valley, Reba McEntire, and Martina McBride, to name a few.

The big winner of the night was Johnny Reid, who took home five CCMA Awards.  Also of note were newcomers Dean Brody and Tara Oram, who were each presented with their first award.

Recipients of a 2009 Canadian Country Music Association Award were as follows:

•    Single of the Year: “Brothers” ~ Dean Brody

•    Album of the Year: Dance With Me ~ Johnny Reid

•    Songwriter(s) of the Year: Johnny Reid/Brent Maher for “A Woman Like You”

•    CMT Video of the Year: “A Woman Like You” ~ Johnny Reid

•    Female Artist of the Year: Crystal Shawanda

•    Male Artist of the Year: Johnny Reid

•    Group or Duo of the Year: Doc Walker

•    Roots Artist or Group of the Year: Corb Lund

•    Rising Star: Tara Oram

•    Fans’ Choice Award: Johnny Reid

Congratulations to all of the artists!  For more information and highlights from the 2009 CCMA Awards and Country Music Week, please visit www.ccma.org or www.countrymusicvancouver.com.

CCMA Awards to be Held Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009

(Nashville, TN) Sept. 4, 2009 – Vancouver, BC, is Canada’s hub for Country music this year as it prepares for Country Music Week, beginning Thursday, Sept. 10 and ending Sunday, Sept.13 with the CCMA Awards at GM Place.

The agenda of activities includes showcases, seminars, industry events, musical performances and the star-studded CCMA Awards.  Below is a brief summary of can’t-miss events during Country Music Week and the Awards. For more specific information, visit: www.countrymusicvancouver.com/events

Thursday, Sept. 10
The Songwriters’ Café provides an intimate atmosphere where both established and national jury-selected, non-established songwriters share the stage in an acoustic, in-the-round setting.  The New Artist Showcase presents eight up-and-coming artists selected from a field of 140 applicants.  This year’s performing finalists include Shane Chisholm, Jaida Dreyer, and Darren McGinnis.

Friday, Sept. 11
Friday offers a number of informative seminars following the Keynote Address, delivered by Terry McBride, CEO of Canadian record label Nettwerk Music.  The Songwriters’ Café continues in the afternoon, with the Gala Dinner & Awards held in the evening. The 2009 Canadian Country Music Hall of Honour members will also be inducted during the Dinner & Awards ceremony. This year’s inductees are: artist Buffy Sainte-Marie, industry veteran Barry Haugen and Country radio broadcaster John Murphy.  The All Star Band Awards officially close out Friday’s events with a jam session and awards ceremony.

Saturday, Sept. 12
The Industry Brunch & Awards are held Saturday morning, followed by more seminars throughout the afternoon.  One of the most popular events during Country Music Week, this year’s FanFest will once again provide photo and autograph opportunities with artists including: Johnny Reid, Jessie Farrell, Aaron Pritchett, Doc Walker, Shane Yellowbird, Deric Ruttan, Tara Oram, Dean Brody, Steven Lee Olsen, The Higgins, Jason Blaine, One More Girl, Terri Clark, Ridley Bent, Victoria Banks and more.  The final installment of the Songwriters’ Café is also held on Saturday.

Sunday, Sept. 13
In addition to the CCMA Awards, Sunday’s afternoon events include the Great Guitar Pull and the Gospel Showcase, which features both established and rising stars in the Gospel format.  The Canadian Country Music Association Awards kick off at 4 p.m. PST.  The Post-Awards Reception and Red Carpet event will take place immediately following the awards at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Vancouver.

CCMA Award Performers:
Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, Terri Clark, George Canyon with Crystal Shawanda and Richard Marx, Doc Walker, Jessie Farrell, Aaron Pritchett, Emerson Drive, Johnny Reid, Gord Bamford, Paul Brandt and Jann Arden.  There will also be special performances from Dean Brody, Victoria Banks and Tara Oram.

CCMA Award Presenters:
Martina McBride, George Canyon, Aaron Pritchett, The Higgins, Jason Blaine, One More Girl, Paul McGuire, Jillian Harris (from “The Bachelorette”), Amber Marshall and Graham Wardle (from the cast of CBC’s “Heartland”), The Wilsons, Shane Yellowbird, Patricia Conroy, Deric Ruttan, Jason McCoy, Colin James, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Hey Romeo and Ultimate Fan, Richard DeJonge.

CCMA Awards’ Leading Nominees:
Johnny Reid (six), George Canyon (five), Victoria Banks (five), Dean Brody and Gord Bamford (four).

CCMA Awards Host:

Actor and Director Jason Priestley.

CCMA Awards Viewing:
Airs live at 8 p.m. on CBC Television, with encore airings on CMT in Canada. Visit www.CCMA.org for more information.

Tickets for the CCMA Awards are available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.ca, and by phone at 604.280.4444.  Ticket prices range from $55 to $125 (plus applicable taxes and service charges).

About the CCMA:
The CCMA is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to the growth and development of Canadian country music. For 30 years the CCMA has marked each September with Country Music Week, a four-day conference and celebration culminating in the internationally broadcast CCMA Awards (established 1983). Country Music Week is one of the largest music events in Canada with a combination of activities for both community and industry, including showcase opportunities for newcomers, educational seminars and an all day FanFest that delivers Canada’s stars to the community. In 2009, Country Music Week and the CCMA Awards will be held in Vancouver, BC from September 10-13.  Visit www.CCMA.org for more information.

Crystal Shawanda, Richard Marx, Emerson Drive and Gord Bamford Joining Impressive Awards Lineup

(Nashville, TN – Aug. 19, 2009)  The Canadian Country Music Association has announced Crystal Shawanda, Richard Marx, Emerson Drive and Gord Bamford as performers at the 2009 CCMA Awards, to be held Sept. 13 in Vancouver, BC, at GM Place.

CCMA Female Artist of the Year nominee Crystal Shawanda and pop rock legend Richard Marx will join George Canyon for a special vocal event in honor of the Canadian Military.  Group or Duo of the Year nominee Emerson Drive and multiple nominee and 2008 Top New Male Talent of the Year Gord Bamford will also perform.

“Having the opportunity to work with Richard Marx has been an unbelievable experience,” says Canyon.  “He is undoubtedly one of the most sincere and genuine people I have ever met within the industry, and I am proud to call him my friend.  Performing live with him is going to be awesome.”

Canyon continued, “Crystal Shawanda is one of the best pure vocalists in Country music.  It will be an honor to share the stage with her for this unique performance.”

Previously announced performers include Reba McEntire and Martina McBride from the U.S., as well as George Canyon, Terri Clark, Doc Walker, Jessie Farrell, Aaron Pritchett and Johnny Reid.  Jason Priestley will host the awards, which will broadcast nationally across Canada on CBC TV, with encore airings on CMT Canada.

Richard Marx has been an internationally known singer, songwriter and producer for more than 20 years.  He has sold more than 30 million records and written 37 Top 30 chart hits, 13 of which were  No. 1 singles.  His production credits include artists such as Kenny Rogers and Keith Urban.

Crystal Shawanda released her debut album Dawn of a New Day in 2008.  It debuted at No. 2 on the Canadian Country Albums chart and No. 16 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.  CMT Canada documented her rise to fame in the six-part series, Crystal: Living The Dream.

The success of Emerson Drive grew out of a dream that began in lead singer Brad Mates’ hometown of Grande Prairie, Alberta.  A selfless camaraderie has kept the band united through the years, and a tireless work ethic continues to make them one of Country’s busiest bands. With the release of their fourth album, Believe, they have secured their place as a premier act in contemporary Country music.

Gord Bamford scored four CCMA Award nominations this year, including Single of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, CMT Video of the Year and Male Artist of the Year.  Bamford brings a unique outlook to his music, in which the singer’s heartfelt sincerity can be heard instantly.

For more information regarding the 2009 CCMA Awards, please visit www.ccma.org or www.countrymusicvancouver.com.  To receive Twitter updates, go to www.twitter.com/CCMA_Awards.

Tickets for the CCMA Awards are available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.ca, and by phone at 604.280.4444.  Ticket prices range from $20 to $125 (plus applicable taxes and service charges).  Lower bowl seats are now available.

Agenda Features Something for Everyone: Showcases, Songwriter Events, Networking Opportunities, Industry Awards, Superstar Performances, More

(Nashville, TN) Aug. 17, 2009 – Vancouver, British Columbia, will host this year’s Country Music Week from Sept. 10-13, featuring four days of showcases, seminars, industry events, musical performances and the star-studded CCMA Awards.

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