Keepin' it Country Media & Radio » Jason Blaine

Country Music of Association Award Show winners

Lydia Picknell — Tue, 28 May 2013 16:25:07 +0000

Country music is alive and well in the province of Ontario here in Canada. Last night, the Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAO) held their award show in Markham, and we have your full list of winners! The night was hosted by award-winning artist Charlie Major and featured performances by some of Canada’s hottest country stars – including Deric Ruttan, Jason Blaine, Michelle Wright, Small Town Pistols, Kira Isabella, and more.

Female Artist of the Year
Kira Isabella

Group/Duo of the Year
The Stellas

Male Artist of the Year
Johnny Reid

Rising Star
(TIE) Autumn Hill & Lindsay Broughton

Album of the Year
Deric Ruttan – Up All Night

Single of the Year
Jason Blaine – They Don’t Make ‘Em Like That Anymore

Songwriter of the Year
Jason Blaine, Deric Ruttan – They Don’t Make ‘Em Like That Anymore

Radio Station of the Year (Major Market)
CJKX – KX96 Oshawa/Toronto

Radio Station of the Year (Secondary Market)
CICX-FM – KICX 106 FM Orillia
IMPACT AWARD
In this first and important year, the CMAO has also established a special award. The CMAO Impact Award recognizes an artist, group, industry personality or company/organization who has left an enduring and indelibly positive footprint on the landscape of country music in Ontario. This year’s Impact Award was given to the Canadian Country Music Association.

Country stars react to Mindy McCready’s suicide

Lydia Picknell — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:57:32 +0000

It’s been a tragic twenty-four hours for the country music community after learning about the passing of singer Mindy McCready. The “Ten Thousand Angels” artist was found dead from an apparent suicide last night in Arkansas. Mindy was 37 years old and leaves behind a six year old and a nine-year old son.

See what some of country’s brightest stars had to share about the sad news:

Oak Ridge Boys: We sang “Farther Along” last night in honor of Mindy McCready. One day we will know!!!!!

John Rich: Very sad to hear about Mindy McCready. When I was in Lonestar she was our label mate and we were friends. A tragic end to a talented life.

Jana Kramer: So sad to hear about the loss of Mindy. What an insanely talented woman.

Michelle Wright: As you may know Mindy McCready has passed on. She was a young promising country music artist in the mid ’90′s but faced a number of challenges and I’m so sad that she lost the battle with addiction and mental illness which can also cause depression. I’ve been sober now for several years and I know how hard it can be sometimes. RIP Mindy.

Jimmy Wayne: RIP @mindymccready We met 14 years ago @ Acuff & Rose. Who’d thought 14 years later on this day…. #why

Jason Blaine: Sad to hear about the passing of Mindy McCready. Thoughts & prayers for her young children. Tragic situation.

Carrie Underwood: I grew up listening to Mindy McCready… so sad for her family tonight. Many prayers are going out to them…

See more reactions below:

THE FARM‘s Damien Horne: Prayers go out to Mindy McCready’s family and friends.. She will live on thru her family, friends, fans, and her music~ dh#gonetoosoon

Darius Rucker: My love and prayers go out to Mindy Mccreedy’s family

George Canyon: Sad to hear about the passing of Mindy McCready. My heart goes out to her dear children, family and friends. She made beautiful music and will be missed.

Whitney Duncan: I just saw the news of Mindy McCready. So so tragic. She had a song of mine on her last record “by her side”. Loved her music growing up.

Jason Aldean: Just heard about Mindy McCready. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Wynonna Judd: Oh my! Mindy. Dear sweet girl. This is so sad. It just breaks my heart what addiction continues to take from this life.

Jerrod Niemann: Hate hearing about anyone committing suicide. May Mindy McCready rest in peace… #sosad

REVIEW: Farm Aid Ottawa

Tia — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 14:38:30 +0000

The weather may have been cool but the music was most definitely hot. Yesterday, (09/16) a crowd of a few thousand gathered at Ottawa Stadium for a great cause, as well as great music.

Farm Aid Ottawa, put on by DNA Presents, featured performances by great Canadian country talent to raise money that would go directly to farmers to assist them with inflated feed prices and buying seeds for next year’s crop.

Early in the afternoon, Jordan McIntosh, Gail Gavan and Ambush took to the stage to perform a few of their songs. Shortly after, Jason Blaine‘s presence became well known as several female fans spotted him beside the stage asking for pictures. A group of girls immediately assembled to wait for pictures with the country star who took the time to talk to and take pictures with each one of them.

Jason, who won Single of the Year for his song “They Don’t Make ‘Em Like That Anymore” just last week at the CCMA awards, performed several of his hits, including this latest one. Songs like “Run With Me”, “Good Day to Get Gone” and “Flirtin’ With Me” were just some of the songs Jason entertained the upbeat crowd with. The artist spoke positively of the area and being from Pembroke, just a short drive from Ottawa. While talking to the crowd on stage, Jason spontaneously decided to give all of the proceeds of his album “Life So Far” sold at the event to the farmers, which got a great reaction from the audience.

Next to take the stage was Michelle Wright, one of the Canada’s most famous female singers from the 90s. The Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame inductee danced around on stage, obviously enjoying performing to her fans, as well as the great cause at hand. Michelle spoke about being a farmer’s daughter and thus wanting to raise awareness about the issues farmers are facing. The cheerful singer performed several of her number one hits, including “Take It Like a Man”, “Nobody’s Girl”, as well as her crowd-pleasing song “The Answer Is Yes”. Michelle slowed things down with her song “Your Love”, which showcased the apparent beauty of her voice. Her performance was highly entertaining due to the combination of her raw vocal talent and great stage presence.

Emerson Drive came onto the stage to a very eager and excited crowd as the sun started to set. But nobody looked as excited to be there as the band’s lead singer Brad Mates, who danced around the stage with such intensity and enthusiasm. The band, originally from Alberta, performed a set that featured many hits and every possible song an Emerson Drive fan would want to hear. From some of their older songs, such as “Fall Into Me”, “I Should Be Sleeping” and “If You Were My Girl” to some of their newer ones, like “That Kind of Beautiful”, “I Love This Road” and their latest single “My Kind of Crazy”, the boys definitely did not disappoint. Brad, backed by the band, showed a softer side when the set slowed down to feature “When I See You Again” and “Moments”, two songs that resonate personally with the band and the fans. Their repertoire of songs indicated just the level of success and talent the band has had in their almost two-decades together. Emerson Drive most definitely put on a show that gave the fans everything they could have wanted and more.

Last but not least, Paul Brandt, the most anticipated performer of the night, was welcomed onto the stage by several screaming fans. The multiple Juno and CCMA award winner came out donning his cowboy hat with his guitar slung around his neck. The fans, who were quick to sing along to the music, enjoyed performances of songs such as “Rich Man” and “When You Call My Name”. Paul, who has been recognized as the artist with the most country awards in Canada, did not disappoint due to his great vocals and charismatic demeanour.

In sum, Farm Aid Ottawa was an event that should have brought out more fans than it did – if not for the great talent, but for the even greater cause. But to enjoy some of the best Canadian country music in our own backyard – hey, it couldn’t get much better than that.

Recap of the Canadian Country Music Association Awards

Tia — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 02:59:46 +0000

The Canadian Country Music Association Awards was definitely enough to remind Canadians of the amazing talent that represents us in the country music industry. Tonight (09/09), we saw some of the best of the best rock the stage in Saskatoon and accept awards that they were most deserving of.

Dean Brody opened the show with his hit “Canadian Girls,” kicking off a show that would see him win two awards: Best Male Artist and Album of the Year.

Other country faves taking home hardware at this year’s show included Carolyn Dawn Johnson, who won Female Artist of the Year and Hey Romeo, this year’s Group or Duo of the Year. Ottawa’s sweetest and brightest new talent, Kira Isabella, took home the Rising Star award. The Stellas, who have been out on the road with Johnny Reid, took home the award for CMT Video of the Year for their song “In This House.” Johnny, who had a whopping eight nominations tonight, was the recipient of the Fans’ Choice award.

This was the fourth year Reid has taken home the acclaimed Fans’ Choice Award:

“This has been a wonderful year. I have had an opportunity to cross this beautiful country and sing for so many people,” the Scottish-born Nova Scotia-based singer said . “Too many people to thank, but Saskatoon you have always had a special place in my heart. Thank you very much for this honour.”

The stage welcomed countless great performances, including Paul Brandt and a collaboration between Emerson Drive and Doc Walker. American faves, including Pistol Annies, Eric Church, and Jason Aldean made their way up north to rock the stage in addition to a solo performance by Miranda Lambert.

Also of note, the very lovely Taylor Swift made an appearance to both present an award and accept one herself. Taylor was the recipient of the New Generation award, which was introduced by Deric Rutan and Bryan Adams:

“I’m so happy to be in Saskatoon right now I can’t even tell you,” she said. “To country radio in Canada and the country music fans in Canada, you guys are the ones who choose to play my songs, you guys are the ones who choose to buy the albums and sell out the concerts and you’re the ones who make me so at home, I can’t wait to come back and see you every single time.”

Check out our recap of tonight’s winners:

Fans’ Choice Award
Johnny Reid

Single of the Year
They Don’t Make Em’ Like That Anymore – Jason Blaine

Album of the Year
DIRT – Dean Brody

Songwriter(s) of the Year
Is It Friday Yet? (written by Gord Bamford/Roger Brown/Byron Hill; performed by Gord Bamford)

CMT Video of the Year
In This House – The Stellas

Female Artist of the Year
Carolyn Dawn Johnson

Male Artist of the Year
Dean Brody

Group or Duo of the Year
Hey Romeo

Roots Artist or Group of the Year
Jimmy Rankin

Rising Star
Kira Isabella

Top Selling Canadian Album of the Year
Fire It Up – Johnny Reid

Top Selling International Album of the Year
Own The Night – Lady Antebellum

Image credit (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Liam Richards)

CCMA Nominees Announced

Tia — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 01:25:28 +0000

Canadians can’t wait for the nation’s biggest night in country music! The countdown has begun for the Canadian Country Music Association Awards which will be held in Saskatoon, SK on September 9 at 8PM. Fans can tune in to CBC to catch the awards as they air LIVE.

“All of today’s nominees deserve ample recognition for their excellence as well as their tremendous contribution to Canadian country music,” said Don Green, Executive Director, CCMA. “This year’s nominees reflect the depth of musical talent in Canada, and we’re so proud to be able to recognize those artists – both established and emerging – who have impacted Canadians with their music.”

A personal fave, Johnny Reid, leads the nominations with a total of eight. Country cutie Dean Brody follows close behind with seven of his own.

Performers expected to light up the stage at the Awards include Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Pistol Annies, Eric Church, Paul Brandt, Dean Brody, George Canyon, Johnny Reid, Deric Ruttan, Gord Bamford, Terri Clark, Chad Brownlee and High Valley.

Check out the list of nominees below!

FANS’ CHOICE AWARD
Gord Bamford
Dean Brody
Terri Clark
Hey Romeo
Johnny Reid

SINGLE OF THE YEAR

Canadian Girls – Dean Brody
Fire It Up – Johnny Reid
Is It Friday Yet? – Gord Bamford
Somebody Somewhere – Dallas Smith
They Don’t Make Em’ Like That Anymore – Jason Blaine

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
16 & 1 – Doc Walker
DIRT – Dean Brody
Fire It Up – Johnny Reid
Give It Away – Paul Brandt
Roots And Wings – Terri Clark

SONGWRITER(S) OF THE YEAR
Canadian Girls (written by Dean Brody; performed by Dean Brody)
Fire It Up (written by Marty Dodson/Alan Frew/Johnny Reid; performed by Johnny Reid)
Is It Friday Yet? (written by Gord Bamford/Roger Brown/Byron Hill; performed by Gord Bamford)
Mainstreet, 1979 (written by Deric Ruttan; performed by Deric Ruttan)
They Don’t Make Em’ Like That Anymore (written by Jason Blaine/Deric Ruttan; performed by Jason Blaine

CMT VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Canadian Girls – Dean Brody
Fire It Up – Johnny Reid
Give It Away – Paul Brandt
I’m Your Man – Ryan Laird
In This House – The Stellas

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Victoria Banks
Terri Clark
Carolyn Dawn Johnson
Tara Oram
Michelle Wright

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Gord Bamford
Jason Blaine
Dean Brody
Chad Brownlee
Johnny Reid

GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR
Doc Walker
Emerson Drive
Hey Romeo
High Valley
The Stellas

ROOTS ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Ridley Bent
Shane Chisholm
Sean Hogan
Corb Lund
Jimmy Rankin

RISING STAR
Kira Isabella
Ryan Laird
Codie Prevost
Dallas Smith
The Stellas

Tickets for the show are available through Ticketmaster.

Day Two: Miranda and Carrie’s Showstopping Duet

Lydia Picknell — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 12:52:18 +0000

Day two of the Capital Hoedown opened up with even longer lines than the first day, with fans starting to line-up as early as ten A.M. to see Jason Blaine, Billy Currington, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood. While doors didn’t open until 3 P.M., the fans were ready to go in the heat. Lebreton Flatts park was ready to rock the second fans started running across the field to get as close as possible to the large stage.

Things started off with Canadian Jason Blaine. While he now lives in Nashville trying to get his career to go international, his family were all in attendance and got shout-outs from him during his performance. He gave a solid opening number to get the day off started with a party atmosphere yet again.

The mostly-female crowd started to get more excited when hunky Billy Currington took the stage. He knew how to smile at the fans and get the screams and cheering going throughout his set, which included most of his major hits. The sun was pretty hot during his concert, but that added to “Pretty Good at Drinking Beer” and “People are Crazy.” While he had a big following there for just him, the fans were really there for the next two acts: Texan Miranda Lambert and Oklahoman Carrie Underwood.

Backstage, Carrie Underwood and husband Mike Fisher had strolled out of her bus hand-in-hand. It was great to see the local boy back in Ottawa, the city that he had called home for so long. He was all smiles all night long, and could be seen on the side-stage watching Carrie’s set proudly. The pair also popped up to take a peek at Miranda Lambert’s show before disappearing out of fan sight. Carrie took the time to wave at fans in line to meet Miranda Lambert, whose bus was parked right beside hers with Miranda’s party Airstream between. Both women gave each other shout-outs during their concerts, for “gal pal Carrie” and “friend Miranda.”

I met Miranda Lambert last night outside of her Vibe Room before her set, and she is one of the nicest celebrities you could ever meet. While she is a firecracker onstage, she’s still down-to-earth and friendly to her fans. It’s a great thing to see with someone whose fame has risen as much as hers over the past year with “Revolution.” Her dogs weren’t allowed to enter Canada, she told a fan, because they didn’t have official papers since they’re “mutts.”

The second Miranda Lambert’s crew began to make the changes and get her gear on-stage, the chants of “Miranda! Miranda!” had started. Fans were squishing against each other to try to get as close as possible to the stage. She opened up with a feisty “Only Prettier” to the screams of the young girls in the crowd. As the opening chords to “Kerosene” cut in, the volume got even louder. No doubt about it: Miranda really is on-fire internationally. She announced during her show that “Revolution” had gone gold in Canada and thanked the crowd for it.

Lambert introduced her group Pistol Annies to the crowd as they came out to sing “Hell on Heels” and “Takin’ Pills” together as a trio. While it wasn’t a surprise as I saw Angaleena Presley walking around backstage, the crowd soaked in every second of that special two-song performance.

Miranda gave an emotional performance of “The House That Built Me” which was just as moving for the crowd. She let the fans finish off the song for her, who were singing along to every note. While the song is special to her, it was also special for the crowd. It was already just as loud as it was for superstar Kenny Chesney the night before… and it was still day light!

Missing from Miranda’s set were hits “More Like Her” and, surprisingly, “Gunpowder & Lead.” There was no encore and it was a short one-hour set. Other noteable, but non-single, songs missing: “Sin For A Sin,” “Dry Town,” and “Love Song.” It didn’t take anything away from the show, which was one of the top three so far in the Capital Hoedown. She did include brand new song “Baggage Claim” from her upcoming “Four The Record” album, and the entire pit knew every word.

The already-packed-tight LeBreton Flatts field was ready for Carrie and began the “Carrie!” chants during the half-hour stage change. While most fans took this chance to grab some last minute merchandise from the tents at the back, many were using the half-hour to recharge and get even closer if possible. While no professional shots were allowed by the media for either Miranda or Carrie’s sets, it didn’t stop the fans from taking video and pictures, so fully expect some YouTube videos up by fans of the Hoedown.

Carrie opened up with “Cowboy Casanova” to the cheering Ottawa crowd welcoming her back “home.” While there is some tension between Miranda and Carrie’s fan bases, it all disappeared last night as fans were just as loud for her as they were for Miranda. Both women are superstars in their own right, if crowd energy levels are anything to go by. As always, Carrie’s vocals were outstanding and right on.. even without any fancy stage, fancy lighting, or a screen behind her. Everyone was able to focus on the woman’s voice. How could you not?

“I’m keeping track of all the bugs I’m eating tonight,” she joked before “Wasted,” which she dedicated to all those drinking tonight. While she had the best vocals of the entire festival so far, everyone was blown away by the mix of “Jesus Take The Wheel” with “How Great Thou Art.” You could see husband Mike Fisher side-stage watching her proudly as she was welcomed back by the Ottawa fans for the first time since Mike was traded to the Nashville Predators from the Ottawa Senators. She didn’t miss a note all night, smiling and waving to fans with her down-home charm.

Carrie scared herself, and her fans, with her introduction to “All-American Girl” last night. Saying that one day she was going to have to “teach my daughter what the song means” and “change the lyrics around for her” she quickly realized what that meant and added on “down the line in a few years when we have one.” Her aw, shucks personality really shown through all night and made you love the woman even more: no matter how huge she is, she’s still the same girl from American Idol six years ago. She also shared that the one thing she was most proud of in her six year career was learning to be a songwriter and be able to be in the room with the writers of “Temporary Home.”

The highlight of the night was the surprise performance that I was guessing about a day before. During Carrie’s encore, she started singing “Before He Cheats” and grinned as she pointed offstage to announce “Miranda Lambert!” The crowd blew up with this duet that people have waited forever to see, which turned into a medley of “Gunpowder & Lead” and “Before He Cheats.” Both girls sang both songs together and no one tried to out-sing the other. It was the best surprise of the festival, and might be the number one moment unless Rascal Flatts and Sara Evans can find a way to top it tonight.

While Miranda’s Revolution is continuing through Canada and the United States, her “gal pal Carrie” was right there to join in. Here’s hoping the pair somehow find a way to tour together: what do you think about that idea?

Day Two: Miranda and Carrie's Showstopping Duet

Lydia Picknell — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 12:52:18 +0000