Latest news with #JasonMcCoy
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Singer-songwriter from small town Ontario wins big at country music awards — See the full list of winners
The 13th annual Country Music Association of Ontario Awards took place Sunday at the the Music Hall in Hamilton. Singer-songwriter Owen Riegling of Mildmay, Ont. had a big night, earning five awards, including Male Artist of the Year, Single of the Year and Album of the Year. A post shared by CMAOntario (@thecmaontario) Jason McCoy of the Road Hammers and Pure Country Radio hosted for the final time after 12 years, and was honoured with a new award in his name. 'We thank Jason for stewarding this wild, 12-year ride across the province, and for creating so many memories for artists, industry and audiences alike,' said CMAOntario chair Patrick Duffy. 'With the support of Slaight Music and the Slaight Family Foundation, we are honoured to add this namesake award to our roster.' A post shared by CMAOntario (@thecmaontario) Here are all of the winners at the 2025 CMAOntario Awards: SINGLE OF THE YEAR 'Moonshines' by Owen Riegling ALBUM/EP OF THE YEAR 'Bruce County — From the Beginning' by Owen Riegling SONGWRITER(S) OF THE YEAR Owen Riegling, Daryl Scott, Jesse Slack (Moonshines) FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Robyn Ottolini MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Owen Riegling GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR The Redhill Valleys RECORD PRODUCER OF THE YEAR Adam Newcomb (Sacha, Elyse Saunders, Riley Taylor) ROOTS ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR Mackenzie Leigh Meyer BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR Sully Burrows MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR Never Have I Ever by Elyse Saunders INDUSTRY PERSON OF THE YEAR Samantha Pickard, Strut Entertainment MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR Jeff Brown (Kelsi Mayne, Washboard Union, Jason Blaine) ARTISTE OU GROUPE FRANCOPHONE DE L'ANNÉE/FRANCOPHONE ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR Kristine St-Pierre FANS' CHOICE Owen Riegling COMPASS AWARD Josh Ross HOLLY & STEVE KASSAY GENEROUS SPIRIT AWARD Laurie Tiggelman THE REAL MCCOY AWARD Jason McCoy RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (LARGE MARKET) KX94.7 (CHKX-FM, Hamilton) RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (MEDIUM MARKET) Hot Country 93.9 (CFWC-FM, Brantford) RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (SMALL MARKET) Pure Country 106 (CICX-FM, Orillia) Andrew Hyatt, Sacha, Nate Haller, Robyn Ottolini, Mackenzie Leigh Meyer, Amanda & James, Alexa Goldie, Mitch Jean and The Western Swing Authority all took the stage at the 2025 CMAOntario Awards, capped off by surprise tribute performance in Jason McCoy's honour by Tim Hicks and Clayton Bellamy, who are his former Road Hammer bandmates. McCoy would join them on stage for a 'powerful performance' of his Top 10 hit, 'I Feel a Sin Comin' On.'
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
McCoy's last stand as host of CMAOntario awards
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 . 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 . 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 . 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 . 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 . For more information, go to . 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 . Advance tickets are $10, or $15 at the door. Cheyenne Bholla is a reporter at The Hamilton Spectator. cbholla@
Hamilton Spectator
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Go-to summer festivals in the Hamilton area this year
With summer on the way, now is the perfect time to plan out what to do during the warmest time of the year. There are plenty of festivals to attend in Hamilton, whether you're interested in music, beer or comics. Here is what you can look forward to: Country fans can enjoy a weekend of performances, a bonfire, the R2i TuneUp Conference and the 13th annual awards ceremony at the Country Music Association of Ontario Festival and Awards. Jason McCoy, from the Road Hammers and Pure Country Radio, will host various acts, such as Andrew Hyatt, Sacha and Nations. Tickets range from $40 to $199. For more information, go to . The show will be held at The Music Hall ( 24 Main St. W. ) on Friday, May 1, and The Textile Building ( 10 George St. ) on Saturday, May 2. Awards will be presented on the festival's last day at The Music Hall. Walk Off the Earth plays at Burlington's Sound of Music Festival in 2017. The Hamilton Arts Council is hosting a week of art in June, featuring local artist performances and art showcases at venues around the city, including The Cotton Factory. There will be different exhibits, including a sound and video installation to explore Hamilton's industrial noise and a two-hour Caribbean-jazz-gospel-themed concert. For more details, go to . The annual free children's art festival is back in Gage Park ( 1000 Main St. E. ) in early June. The festival will feature workshops from local dancers, music and poets. For more details, go to . Big Wreck, David Wilcox and Junkhouse are a few of the artists set to perform at this year's Sound of Music Festival in Burlington's Spencer Smith Park ( 1400 Lakeshore Rd. ). The festival is free and will include a parade of marching bands, floats, performers and vintage cars on Saturday. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs since bleachers will not be available this year. For more details on the festival, go to . Hamilton will host Ontario's biggest francophone festival for a weekend in the Gage Park bandshell at 1000 Main St. E. The event will include francophone concerts and family activities. For more details, go to . Lead dancer Christine Restoule of Dokis First Nation dances with others in the ring during the Soaring Spirit Pow Wow in 2023 at Battlefield Park. The Indigenous festival will have its 28th annual event in Battlefield Park in Stoney Creek to celebrate National Indigenous People's Day. Over three days, there will be workshops, ceremonies, live entertainment and the Native Arts, Craft, Trade and Food Show. There will also be sunrise ceremonies, drumming, dancing, music and art. For more details, go to . The Brott Music Festival is back for its 38th season, kicking off with a red carpet and music from the National Academy Orchestra of Canada before a Romeo and Juliet ballet performance, an immersive Beethoven symphony performance and Christmas musical show. Tickets are available for all performances at . This free festival is perfect for family and friends, full of music, entertainment, art and food. The festival will be held at Gage Park in Hamilton. For more details, go to . Matthew Good and His Band, Terra Lightfoot and Down With Webster will perform at the Pier 4 Park ( 64 Leander Dr. ) festival. Attendees will have access to hundreds of craft beers, ciders and cocktails. Tickets are $111 for the whole weekend, or $67 for each day. For more details, go to . Thirty food trucks will serve food from around the country at this free food truck festival in Gage Park ( 1000 Main St. E. ) in Hamilton. There will also be free children's games, tribute bands, cold beer and eating challenges. For more details, go to . Space Forain entertains attendees at Gage Park in 2018 during the opening night of FrancoFEST. This arts festival covers everything from live comedy to theatre to dance and film. There will be more than 350 performances. Tickets are $14 with the purchase of a $4 Fringe Benefits Button. Go to for more details. The Fiesta Extravaganza is the biggest Filipino celebration in Hamilton with a weekend of entertainment, cultural performances, celebrity guests and food. The festival will take place in Bayfront Park at 200 Harbour Front Dr. For more details, go to . This free festival, to be held at Gage Park in Hamilton, will feature live music, art, food and activities. The full lineup list will be released in mid-June. For more up-to-date information, go to . Heather Edgington, left, and Sharon Cate dance to the music of Ginger St. James at It's Your Festival in Gage Park in 2019. Enjoy different food, explore vendors and watch lion dancers in Bayfront Park ( 200 Harbour Front Dr. ) at this annual Asian culture celebration festival. For more information on the event, go to . The rib and beer fest will be held at CF Lime Ridge Mall ( 999 Upper Wentworth St. ) for $2 admission. Children under five years old are free. Hours are 4 to 11 p.m. on Friday, 12 to 11 p.m. on Saturday and 12 to 7 p.m. on Sunday. The festival will feature live music, including tributes to The Tragically Hip and AC/DC. For more information on the festival, go to . The festival will be return to Hamilton's Pier 4 Park in August. This year's theme is Reclamation, Unity and Healing. For up-to-date information, go to . Downtown Stoney Creek will showcase music, performances, food and drinks for this free two-day country music festival. The festival will happen along King Street East. For details on the festival, go to . Celebrate Latin culture at another free festival in Gage Park. Attendees can enjoy music, food, culture and activities. Visit for more details. The Dundas Cactus Festival will celebrate its 50th annual event along and off of King Street West. There will be music from four stages, family fun zones, pro-wrestling shows and BMX shows. You can also pop by the mobile video game trailer to play in a climate-controlled setting with up to 16 players. See for full details. The Peach Festival features an arts and craft section, amusement rides, vendors, a food court and live music. Grab a peach-filled pie, crepe, cobbler or sundae at Winona Park ( 1328 Barton St., Stoney Creek ). Go to for more details. The James Street North annual arts and music festival will return with performances, fashion and food. This year will be the Sonic Unyon festival's 17th year running. For more up-to-date information on the festival, go to . For lovers of superheroes, sci-fi, fantasy and pop culture, Hamilton Comic Con will offer exhibitors, comic books, movie cars, cosplay contest, celebrity guests and photo opportunities at The Hamilton Convention Centre at 1 Summers Lane . For up-to-date information on tickets prices and celebrity attendees, go . Cheyenne Bholla is a reporter at The Hamilton Spectator. cbholla@
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Crazy amount of uncertainty': Johnstown community turns out to support postal service
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – About 150 postal workers and voters against the privatization of the U.S. Postal Service gathered Sunday for a demonstration in downtown Johnstown's Central Park. The event in Johnstown was one of hundreds that have been held nationwide by branches of the National Association of Letter Carriers since President Donald Trump announced he was a proponent of privatizing the postal service. NALC contends that privatizing of the USPS would raise costs and jeopardize 7.9 million jobs tied to the postal industry. FEDERAL FALLOUT | Getting 'collaborative' to address needs: Lessons learned during pandemic could frame local response to expected funding cuts If the region sees federal funding streams dry up, organizations – including the 1889 Foundation, which alone supports more than 50 nonprofit health and human service initiatives with millions of local dollars each year – would have to pivot from funding initiatives geared toward long-term public health to help meet more immediate needs. Jason McCoy, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 451 in Johnstown, said the rallies are being held nationwide for one simple reason – 'to tell the current administration, 'Hell, no,' to dismantling the postal service.' McCoy urged those in attendance to write to Johnstown's representatives in Congress to vote for House Resolution 70. That resolution, proposed in January, calls on Congress to take all appropriate measures to ensure that the U.S. Postal Service remains an independent establishment. NALC Jason McCoy, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 451 in Johnstown, speaks during a demonstration against the privatization of the U.S. Postal Service Sunday, March 23, 2025, in Johnstown's Central Park. Those who gave speeches Sunday stressed that Article I of the Constitution, known as the Postal Clause, grants Congress – not the president – the power to regulate a postal system. Speakers at Central Park included Johnstown Councilman Taylor Clark and state Rep. Frank Burns, D-East Taylor Township, as well as Philip Glover, the national vice president of American Federation of Government Employees. Glover spoke of privatization of the post office in context of Trump's other drastic proposed federal cuts to Veterans Affairs, national parks, Social Security offices, Medicaid and Transportation Security Administration officers. 'It's an internal assault on the public sector – on your services,' he said, 'and this postal service takeover,. You want Amazon taking over the postal service? You think you'll get a letter to rural communities?' Glover National Vice President of American Federation of Government Employees Philip Glover speaks during a demonstration against the privatization of the U.S. Postal Service Sunday, March 23, 2025, in Johnstown's Central Park. The USPS is a $78 billion-a-year agency that lost $9.5 billion during fiscal year 2024. 'They keep saying, 'Well it doesn't make money,' ' Glover said. 'Well, it's a service to the American public. Are we going to let it go to the lowest bidder?' The crowd shouted: 'No.' FEDERAL FALLOUT | 'Trips are life-sustaining': CamTran Medicaid-funded program on schedule despite potential cuts In a region where more than a quarter of residents receive Medicaid to pay for health care services and where doctors' offices and pharmacies are far-flung across rural areas, public transportation is a key part of public health. Laraine Reedy, of Johnstown, attended the demonstration as a concerned voter. 'Privatization is the antithesis to everything the U.S. Constitution was created to protect,' she said. Reedy was surprised to see such a strong turnout for the demonstration. 'What that tells me is the issue is resonating down to people who normally wouldn't protest,' she said. Demonstration About 150 people attended a demonstration against the privatization of the U.S. Postal Service Sunday, March 23, 2025, in Johnstown's Central Park. A mail carrier who did not want to be identified because of postal union rules about making public comments said carriers work hard, starting with six 11-hour days a week to build a career. 'I've invested in a career,' he said. 'There's a crazy sense of uncertainty now, when in the past, this was a job you could rely on.'
