Saddle up, country’s best is coming to Hamilton

The CMAOntario Awards and Festival will hit the Textile Building and The Music Hall this weekend, marking the third time in five years the city has played host to the event. Hamilton’s The Redhill Valleys, Mackenzie Leigh Meyer and KX94.7, along with Josh Ross from Burlington, are all up for awards.

Pull on your cowboy boots and dust off those Stetsons, Hamilton, the city is hosting the Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) Awards and Festival this weekend.

The jam-packed event celebrating the best in country music will feature the industry-driven R2i TuneUp Conference, Songs and Stories: Songwriters in the Round, the cozy Bonfire showcase, two open stages, and the grand finale – the 13th Annual CMAOntario Awards Show.

“With a legendary music scene and thriving country roots, Hamilton offers the perfect stomping grounds to showcase and celebrate Ontario’s country music talent,” reads a CMAOntario press release announcing the host city.

“’Hamilton is Home’ goes the popular local expression, and that’s just what it feels like as we return to Hamilton for the 13th annual CMAOntario Festival and Awards, to reward and celebrate the best of us,” said the organization’s chair Patrick Duffy.

“We look forward to the reunion all year, a chance to reconnect with our roots, engage with the community, and to applaud the accomplishments of our Ontario country family.”

Hamilton isn’t new to the musical spotlight. This is the third time the city has hosted the awards show, with previous editions happening in 2021 and 2023.

Since first hosting the Junos in 1995, the city has welcomed the prestigious event five times—and it’s not slowing down. Hamilton is set to host again in 2026, backed by a $1.5 million investment from the Ontario government. The city has also proudly hosted Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards, proving it’s a true stage for musical excellence.

But it’s not just country music that Hamilton excels at. From international and national sports events like the 2022 FIBA Men’s World Cup Qualifier, the Grey Cup, the Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic, and the World Junior Hockey Championships, to cultural staples like Supercrawl, It’s Your Festival, and the Friendship Festival, Hamilton has become a go-to destination for large-scale experiences.

This year’s CMAOntario Awards Show will be especially memorable, marking the final hosting year for Jason McCoy of The Road Hammers and Pure Country Radio. He has been hosting since 2014.

Owen Riegling leads with six nominations followed by Andrew Hyatt, Elyse Saunders, and Tebey with four nominations each. Hamilton’s The Redhill Valleys are up for group or duo of the year and roots artist or group of the year, along with Mackenzie Leigh Meyer, who is contending for roots artist or group of the year, and musician of the year for her work with Robyn Ottolini. That category is sponsored by Hamilton-based luthier Cithara Guitars.

Burlington's Josh Ross is nominated in the fan's choice category, which is sponsored by Tourism Hamilton. Local radio station KX94.7 is up for radio station of the year.

Redhill Valleys bassist and vocalist Chelsea McWilliams says it's an honour to be nominated.

“Especially in categories that reflect the heart of who we are as a band. We’ve worked really hard to stay true to who we are musically, and this recognition means a lot.”

Since debuting in 2016, the band has steadily carved a name for themselves in Canada’s ever-evolving music landscape. Navigating shifting industry tides and personal growth, their longevity speaks to more than just talent.

“The industry has changed a lot since we started, and so have we,” says McWilliams. “We’ve learned that longevity comes from staying true to yourself while being flexible enough to evolve. I don’t think there is just one path to success in music, but I do think consistency, resilience, and a real love for the process go a long way.”

That love for the process is evident in their recent release of “One Headlight,” a bold cover of the 1990s hit by The Wallflowers. The reimagination of the classic track brings emotional depth and a modern roots sensibility.

“We knew it was a risk to take on such an iconic song, but we felt such a strong connection to it. People have said that it hit that nostalgic nerve in the best way, and that means a lot.” Beyond the emotional resonance, the release has served as an entry point for new fans and bolstered the momentum of their recent singles.

Their reach is growing, but they haven’t forgotten where they came from. Representing Hamilton and Canada on the global country and roots scene is more than a point of pride – it’s a mission.

“Hamilton has a rich musical history and a strong, gritty creative community. It’s a place that has shaped us with a very raw, hardworking spirit that I think comes through in our music and work ethic,” McWilliams says. “Country music doesn’t have to fit a certain mold, and we’re proud to carry that with us wherever we go.”

See the Redhill Valleys live at the Songs and Stories event, Friday, May 30 at 8 p.m., at the Textile Building during the CMA Ontario Festival. 

Other performers include nominees Andrew Hyatt, Sacha, Nate Haller, Robyn Ottolini, Mackenzie Leigh Meyer, Amanda & James, Alexa Goldie, Mitch Jean, and The Western Swing Authority.

And there will be open mic opportunities where rising talents can share the stage and their stories.

One not-to-miss highlight? This Round Is on Me: Dave Woods, hosted at Stonewalls, a writer’s round event that offers an intimate glimpse into the stories, humour, and heart behind the music.

Festival events will unfold across some of Hamilton’s most iconic venues. The beautifully renovated Textile Building on George Street – once the E. Van Allen & Co. Shirt Company – boasts a stunning four-storey atrium that will host the Awards after-party and more. Other key venues include Stonewalls, known for its intimate live music vibe, and The Music Hall, a converted 1868 Victorian-Romanesque church that offers a breathtaking backdrop complete with a historic Casavant organ.

Last week, the City of Hamilton’s general issues committee voted 7-5 in favour of providing a $900,000 grant to help with the conversion of the former church sanctuary into a 994-seat concert hall.

That funding is estimated to cover about 80 per cent of the $1.12 million initial cost to open the venue. The building requires structural reinforcement, environmental abatement, and repairs to walls and ceilings. City staff supported granting from the funding from the economic development initiatives budget.

The grant allocation must be ratified by city council this week.

Tickets for the awards and festival events are available here.