Event Review

CMAO Awards 2016 – Flato Theatre, Markham – May 30, 2016

Published

8 years ago

06/02/2016

Andrew Hartl

Article Views: 740

By Robyn Crosby
Photos by Andrew Hartl

http://www.cmaontario.ca/

Known for his hilarity and wit, The Road Hammers’ Jason McCoy didn’t disappoint as host of this year’s Country Music Association of Ontario’s Award show. The 4^th annual celebratory night was full of fun, laughter and, of course, great country music from Ontario.

Accompanied by the CMAO house band, The Western Swing Authority, which hails from Waterloo, Ontario; McCoy sang a song about the show set to the tune of “Hallelujah”. “CMA-O at the Flat-O… Not Scott Bai-O, No, no J.LO. Just CMA-O”. From face swapping to rewriting songs lyrics about himself, the entertainer’s creativity and antics kept the good times rolling throughout the evening’s festivities.

Kicking off the awards portion of the evening, show openers and Brighton area natives, Cold Creek County accepted two back-to-back awards, three in total. If you haven’t had a chance to catch “The Rising Star” Award winning band yet, you can check them out on June 9^th at the Phoenix Concert for a Fort MacMurray Fundraiser.

The night’s other big winner was Jason Blaine, taking home three awards as well. Earlier in the evening, Blaine told Lithium Magazine that his Pembroke, Ontario roots mean a lot to him, which is why he hosts a local golf tournament fundraiser to give back to the community. The 3rd Annual Celebrity Golf Classic raises money for multiple local charities. Later Blaine performed his song, “Dance with My Daughter”.

Other talented performers throughout the ceremony were Genevieve Fisher, Tianna Woods, Runaway Angel, Leah Daniels, River Town Saints, , Jessica Mitchell, Meghan Patrick, Autumn Hill, and The Road Hammers with Tim Hicks.

Toronto’s Jessica Mitchell received loud cheers from the crowd during her powerful performance of the song, “Workin’ on Whiskey”. Mitchell’s impressive performance received a standing ovation from the excited crowd.

Bowmanville’s Meghan Patrick, a firecracker on stage, performed her song “Bow Chicka Wow Wow” and had the Flato Theatre rocking ahost McCoy out of breath after jamming to the catchy tune backstage.

Juno Award winners and Canadian Country Music Hall of Famers, Prairie Oyster, were honoured with the Impact Award for their positive footprint in the Ontario country music scene. Accepting the award from presenters, The Good Brothers.

Overall the show was tight, well produced and entertaining. The night was proof that great talent can be homegrown; cultivated in your own backyard with support from local radio, record labels, managers, musicians, and producers. And, that it’s important to recognize and celebrate with good country friends and family.

Click on photos to enlarge and scroll through gallery:

Pixie Lott - "What Do You Take Me For?" (ft. Pusha T) [Music Video]

Tianna Woods – CMAO at Flato Theatre

Runaway Angel – CMAO at Flato Theatre

Jason McCoy – CMAO at Flato Theatre

Ell/Nikki - "Running Scared" (Albert Kick & Jordi MB Exclusive Remix) [Music Video]

Cold Creek County at The CMAO – Flato Theatre

Snatt & Vix - "Cold Shower" (ft. Alexandra Badoi) [Music Video]

Meghan Patrick – CMAO- Flato Theatre

Leah Daniels-CMAO- at Flato Theatre

Jessica Mitchell -CMAO- at Flato Theatre

Earlier in the evening, the awards presentation began as most awards’s shows do, with a Red Carpet event as the artists and band arrived at Flat Theatre. Here is the Red Carpet Photo Gallery. Click to enlarge and scroll through gallery.