McCoy's last stand as host of CMAOntario awards

Hamilton Spectator

31-05-2025

After more than a decade of hosting the CMAOntario Awards, country star Jason McCoy will pass the reigns to another prominent figure of what he calls a growing country music scene.
The award show is part of a four-day festival that started Thursday and is packed with performances, workshops and a post-awards party.
On Sunday, June 1, the awards show will close the festival at The Music Hall on Hamilton's Main Street West.
One of McCoy's favourite moments hosting was performing Gordon Lightfoot's 'If You Could Read My Mind' for the legendary Canadian singer-songwriter when he received the association's Impact Award in 2014.
'I was probably 15 feet away from him in the front row and that was quite unnerving,' said McCoy, adding Lightfoot was gracious and kind.
'Spotlights and everything go down and everybody's just a regular person.'
The 54-year-old musician is continuing his career, shooting music videos with his band The Road Hammers, performing and hosting a Pure Country 106 morning show.
To McCoy, Ontario's country music scene is pushing its way to the global grounds, starting with a foundation of talented producers.
'These producers are working with Nashville peers and they get to hone their craft, up their game,' said McCoy.
'Ontario artists don't necessarily have to just go to Nashville anymore.'
McCoy sees Ontario becoming 'bigger, better and stronger' with up-and-coming artists such as Parry Sound singer Sully Burrows,
Hamilton-based
Karli June and Hamilton band The Redhill Valleys — all of whom have been nominated for CMAOntario Awards.
The Redhill Valleys are vying for Group or Duo of the Year, June is competing for Music Video of the Year for her song 'Still Make Cowgirls,' and Waterdown's Josh Ross is again nominated for fans' choice. Ross won the award in 2024.
No matter who wins, McCoy said viewers should pay attention to smaller up-and-coming artists putting their heart and soul into their music.
'Watch all the people who are in the corners,' said McCoy.
The awards show will run from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Although the country star is stepping down as host, McCoy said he is never fully gone.
'I might come back and co-host the odd time or something like that,' he said.
The country association's board of directors said the search for a new host has already started.
'Filling Jason's boots as the host of the CMAOntario Awards will be no easy task,' read an email statement.
The board is looking for a 'major player' in the Ontario country music scene who can uplift and entertain. The term would be 12 years.
Tickets to the award show ranges from $40 for balcony general admission to $199 regular VIP tickets.
To buy tickets or get more information on the festival, go to
cmaontario2025.eventbrite.ca
.
Here are some other arts and music events you can attend locally in the next week:
Thursday, June 5, is the first of Hamilton Waterfront Trust's free summer concerts by the water.
Every Thursday until Aug. 28, artists will take to the Waterfront Stage at Pier 8 (
47 Discovery Dr., Hamilton
) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Mike Stevenson Trio will play the first show. Attendees should bring a lawn chair or blanket.
For more information, go to
hamiltonwaterfront.com/music-on-the-waterfront
.
Evan Smith, Vaughn Lucyk and Josh Robertson will perform at 'The AM Club' on Saturday, May 31 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Coffee and pastries will be offered at the event.
The coffee party will happen at The Port House Social Bar and Kitchen at
2020 Lakeshore Rd. in Burlington
.
Tickets are $20 on
eventbrite.ca
.
The Queen Is Dead and Factory will play sounds from the Smiths and New Order at the bar on Saturday, May 31 from 8 to 11:30 p.m.
The bar is located at
339 York Blvd., Hamilton
.
Advance tickets are $15, or $20 at the door. To buy, go to
stonewallshamilton.com/events
.
Local folk, rock and country artists will perform at the theatre's The Bright Room on Sunday, June 1, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.
Hamilton band The Commune, Guelph singer-songwriter Ian James Bain and Michael Antelope will play the show.
The theatre is located at
27 Dundurn St. N., Hamilton
. Tickets are $15 on
eventbrite.ca
. For more information, go to
staircasehamilton.com/event
.
For The Sugar Pills will perform '80s music from artists such as the Smiths, The Police, Depeche Mode and Duran Duran on Thursday, June 5 from 8 to 11 p.m.
Andthenyou is located at
145 Main St. E., Hamilton
. To buy tickets, go to
andthenyou.ca
. Advance tickets are $10, or $15 at the door.
Cheyenne Bholla is a reporter at The Hamilton Spectator.
[e-mail]