Featured artist
Jason McCoy
As a 25-year veteran of the entertainment industry, and two-time CCMA Male Vocalist of the Year, Jason McCoy appears to be the king of reinvention. Growing up in the small town of Minesing, Ontario, Jason admired the well-rounded artistry of classic entertainers Roger Miller, Johnny Cash and Glen Campbell.
Jason set out at the age of 19 to follow his own path to stardom, racking up multiple CCMA and CMA awards along with a Gold album and CMA Global Artist Award (Nashville CMA). As the creator and front man of the best-selling band in Canadian Country Music history, The Road Hammers, Jason took on the country rock genre and guided the band to unprecedented success throughout Canada and the United States, picking up a platinum album, two consecutive CCMA Band of the Year awards and a Juno along the way. But, music is only part of the story....
Ever engaging and entertaining, Jason has become a popular host on many fronts. From voicing the nationally syndicated Country Radio show "Sounds Canadian" (2007-2010), to stepping in front of the camera as host of Smashtown (CMT Canada/USA), two seasons of CMT’s Pet Heroes (2010/2011), and Jason McCoy Eats America. Equally comfortable behind the mic, or in front of the camera, Jason McCoy has become an all-around entertainer. Continuing to write and record music, Jason prizes the time he spends with his wife and two children at their home farm, just two miles from the small town of Minesing where it all began.
Jason set out at the age of 19 to follow his own path to stardom, racking up multiple CCMA and CMA awards along with a Gold album and CMA Global Artist Award (Nashville CMA). As the creator and front man of the best-selling band in Canadian Country Music history, The Road Hammers, Jason took on the country rock genre and guided the band to unprecedented success throughout Canada and the United States, picking up a platinum album, two consecutive CCMA Band of the Year awards and a Juno along the way. But, music is only part of the story....
Ever engaging and entertaining, Jason has become a popular host on many fronts. From voicing the nationally syndicated Country Radio show "Sounds Canadian" (2007-2010), to stepping in front of the camera as host of Smashtown (CMT Canada/USA), two seasons of CMT’s Pet Heroes (2010/2011), and Jason McCoy Eats America. Equally comfortable behind the mic, or in front of the camera, Jason McCoy has become an all-around entertainer. Continuing to write and record music, Jason prizes the time he spends with his wife and two children at their home farm, just two miles from the small town of Minesing where it all began.
Friday, August 12th, 2022
Murray williamsBorn in the rural farmlands of Southwestern Ontario, Murray is no stranger to life in the country and all that it entails. Despite the hours he spent working on the family farm, Murray managed to find time to discover his musical talent at the age of 11 when he first picked up a guitar. Three years later, he went on to form his very first four-piece band comprised of local talent, known as the Harley Express. This band played one of their very first shows at the Burford Fairgrounds, where the Country Roots Music Festival will be held. Many years and many bands later, the fairgrounds will see Murray return to perform with accumulated success that his 14-year-old self couldn’t fathom.
In the approximate 40 years that Murray Williams has been a musician, he has certainly proven that being born in a small town has no limit on your success around the world. A number of singles that Murray has written and recorded have gained substantial radio play across North America, as well as throughout Europe. In 2006, his debut single “Thank a Farmer” secured a place at the top 10 of the European charts. In 2009, Murray’s heartfelt single “Daddy’s Little Girl” was released and subsequently became a well-known hit across all of North America, as well as a favourite for father-daughter wedding dances. In 2016, Murray was crowned the Professional Entertainer of the Year by the Brant News People’s Choice Awards. 2017 brought his single “Wishin’ Heaven Had a Phone” a nomination for Country Song of the Year at the Josie Awards in Nashville. With countless performances, radio interviews, nominations and awards under his belt, Murray is no stranger to success on the country music scene. |
Mike PollardMike Pollard has spent more than 20 years traveling both highways and back roads performing his brand of country music. A gifted songwriter, energetic performer and recording artist, Mike has been performing traditional based country music at festivals, fairs, theatres and rodeos all across Canada and into the U.S.
Through the years, Mike has performed with many stars such as Moe Bandy, Rhonda Vincent, Jason McCoy, The Wilkinsons and has toured Canada with the legendary Gene Watson. When this new traditionalist isn’t travelling, he also finds time to manage two successful country music festivals near Belleville, ON. Mike’s music is available on all major digital outlets such as iTunes, Spotify, YouTube and more. |
JOHN ATLEE BANDIf you’ve ever had the privilege of seeing this incredible band live, you know any crowd they play for is in for a treat. These gentlemen will have you dancing and singing along from the very first note they play until the moment they leave the stage. If you’re looking for the perfect blend of modern country and classic rock, these are your guys.
The group features John Atlee on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Steve P. on lead guitar, Mike Pyc on drums, Matt Proctor on bass and Gary Ashthorpe on keyboard. This group of talented musicians have been together as a band for five years; however, their combined experience totals much more. Their individual talent, as well as how flawlessly they mesh as a group provide the audience with a show they won’t forget. The John Atlee Band promises to deliver a performance that’ll leave you with a smile and sore feet. |
Mackenzie Leigh MeyerLaunched into the music scene after winning the 2013 Hamilton Music Awards Rising Star Competition, Hamilton Country-Roots artist Mackenzie Leigh Meyer can be found all over Ontario.
Meyer certainly made 2019 a major year. Kicking things off with a “Golden Buzzer” performance and 2nd place win in The Next Country Music Star, she found herself claiming emerging artists slots on many of country music’s favourite stages, including Boots and Hearts, Havelock Jamboree, Lucknow’s Music in The Fields, Hagersville Rocks and Country Wild Fest; who’s founder Matt Williams praised Meyer on her ability to give him “goosebumps every damn time”. All elements that got her awarded as November’s CMA Ontario “Artist of the Month”. Her debut EP Dive Bar Diva which she released in May 2018 features renowned producer Ken Scott (David Bowie) who commented “watch out Carrie Underwood” after producing her single “Should Have Known”. The EP garnered Meyer her first nomination at the 2019 Country Music Association of Ontario Awards for “Roots Artist of the Year” and continues to foreshadow a promising career for the up and comer. |
Saturday, August 13th, 2022
Michael WarrenMichael Warren was born in London, Ontario, but found his country roots on the prairies of Saskatchewan in North Battleford during his teenage years. His father came home one day with a guitar and started playing tunes at the kitchen table. At that very moment, Michael’s journey in music began. From his early days performing in high school talent shows to playing many years in a country cover band, Michael has certainly earned his reputation as a brilliant country musician. While attending a Michael Warren show, you’re sure to hear some “Strait up” country, hits from Merle Haggard, classics from the Eagles and more!
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Greg WilliamsBorn and raised in Dorchester, Ontario, Greg Williams grew up on old time fiddle tunes, the music of Alabama and the Eagles. At the age of 7 he picked up the fiddle which he still considers to be the best decision he has ever made. It led him down the path to being named 2010’s Most Entertaining Fiddler and the 2017 winner of The Next Country Music Star. As an emerging artist on the Canadian country music scene, Williams has performed on some of the biggest stages in the country including Boots & Hearts, the Havelock Jamboree, and the Big Sky Music Festival. He has opened for acts such as Doc Walker and the Wilkinsons and performed with countless other artists including George Canyon and the Grammy Award Winning group Confederate Railroad.
Williams always says if he isn’t sweating, crying or bleeding by the end of the show, then people haven’t gotten their money’s worth. As the only fiddle playing frontman you can bet your hard earned dollar that you’re going to experience a show unlike any other - no holds barred, no tracks, no B.S. Just 100% genuine country music. |
Naomi BristowNaomi is a young artist that hails from a small farm in Ontario, Canada. Her family was involved in the rodeo life which led her down the path of country, western and gospel music. At a young age, Naomi has made some impressive contributions to the industry which include opening for Gene Watson, David Frizzell, Moe Bandy, Ronda Vincent, Charlie Daniels, Marty Stuart, Jim Ed Brown, Bobby Bare and many others.
She has also been featured in the United States for the third season of Shotgun Red Variety Show and she is a regular on the Midwest Country Show both on the RFD television network. Naomi has recorded 10 CD’s that demonstrate her incredible singing and yodeling talents earning her “Best Traditional Yodel Album of the Year 2010”. In the spring of 2019, Naomi's video went viral and reached an incredible 14 million views on Facebook with her rendition of "Hallelujah". Naomi has had the absolute honour of recording in Nashville featuring Grand Ole Opry stars, Jim Ed Brown, Richard Sterban and recently recording a Gospel CD with Vince Gill and a Christmas CD with Bill Anderson. |
John AndersonJohn Anderson is a Singer/Songwriter from Barrie, Ontario. His passion growing up was baseball, until the day he picked up a guitar and started to sing. Within a few years, he traded the bright lights of the baseball field for the bright lights of the stage. John has won many awards and contests to date, as well as securing a nomination for a Josie Award in the category of Best Vocalist.
John has worked with great artists such as Jamie Warren, Ted Ellis (CCMA President) and Beverley Mahood. He has opened the stage for popular artists such as Tebey, James Barker Band, Tom Cochrane, The Road Hammers, Alan Doyle and more. |
SouthboundSouthbound is comprised of four members with a long-standing love of country music. Long before any of the bandmates met, they shared something very special in common. The houses they grew up in were often filled with the great sounds of music, and over the years they all developed a true love for it. Without realizing it then, music had already become a very important part of who these men were going to be. Fate? Maybe. But years later, something would eventually bring the four of them together, and aren’t they glad it did!
This four-piece band features Rick Loucks on lead vocals and bass guitar, Dwayne Friesen on lead and acoustic guitar, as well as lead and harmony vocals, Charlie Agro on drums and Doug Johnson on steel guitar and harmony vocals. While each of these entertainers individually boast impressive resumes within the music industry, their dynamic on-stage as a band is something you truly do not want to miss! |
The Darren Hancock BandFrom an early age, Darren Hancock started to make music a part of his life by teaching himself to play guitar and sing. It didn't take him long to realize that country music was his home. His first band played the Southwestern Ontario circuit heavily for years, appearing on local cable shows and festivals, all while rotating the local Honky Tonks and receiving two Ontario Country Music Association (OCMA) nominations for "Bar Band of the Year". Darren continued to progress his music as lead singer and lead guitarist in his second band venture, and in a brief 5-year span helped the band win the "Rising Country Superstar" contest, became the opening act for recording artists such as Julian Austin and Doc Walker, and went on to win an Ontario Country Music Award for "Club Artist of the Year".
The Darren Hancock Band appears regularly in popular venues throughout Southwestern Ontario and has been the opening act for top Canadian country artists such as Dean Brody, Kira Isabella, Leah Daniels and The Road Hammers. |
Jess and TayTogether, Canadian singer/songwriting duo, Jessie Bower and Taylor Adams, are the voices behind the sweet yet rich harmonies of Jess and Tay.
Launching into the Canadian country music scene with their big stage debut as finalists in the Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase in 2016, they have created quite the buzz. They’ve since been spending their time performing across Ontario, at events and/or venues such as The Havelock Jamboree, The Horseshoe Tavern, SuperCrawl, and many CCMA showcases. When not performing, they continue to divide their time between songwriting and work on their upcoming EP. Although Jessie hails from Hamilton and Taylor from Pickering, Ontario, their shared love and passion for country music brought them together, some 4 years ago. Their connection was instant, so much so that they are often mistaken for sisters. |
Jesse SlackJesse Slack is a recording artist and songwriter from Ontario, Canada. His music combines the warm sound of classic country with the edge of the modern scene. Growing up, Jesse had the opportunity to explore a wide variety of musical styles and creative ideas. Eventually, this allowed him to develop a very personal and one-of-a-kind sound, which makes his music stand out from the crowd.
The past year has been quite of a challenge for many recording artists and musicians, who have not been able to tour or, in some cases, record their music. Thankfully, this was not the case for Jesse Slack, who managed to make the most out of the situation and use this downtime to further refine his sound and come up with some new amazing tracks. Recently, he announced the release of a new song, titled "Same Ol Same’n". This track has a nostalgic sound, but it is still fresh and modern in its execution. It feels like a homage to the golden age of country music, but it still highlights Jesse's willingness to set the bar higher and propel the genre forward. |
Sarina HaggartySarina Haggarty is an inspirational figure for many. With the wide amount of support and fans, Sarina has performed in sold out venues in her hometown such as London Music Hall and Aeolian Hall. Successfully selling out London Ontario’s top venues, Sarina has released two EP’s in the past two years “Missing Pieces” in 2016 and her new EP “Compass” in 2018.
Sarina was a Make-A-Wish recipient and dreamed to perform on a big stage. She had the opportunity to perform an original song at Quicken Loans Arena during a sold-out Shawn Mendes concert in Cleveland, Ohio. Not long after, her wish was said to be a highlight of 2017 internationally. She is beyond grateful for everything that took place and everyone who made it happen! Being involved with London Music Office, FCLMA, (Jack Richardson Music Awards - Winning Fan Favourite 2018), Western Fair, Bethany’s Hope Foundation, London Arts Council, London Celebrates Canada, Epilepsy Support SWO, LHSC, she always uses her music ability to raise money for various charities in any way possible. Sarina frequently gets interviewed on National Radio stations and has had many articles written on her journey. She has shared her journey with companies such as CTV, London Health Science Centre, CBC, CORUS and Rogers. |