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.
