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.
