London to Host Country Music Week Week & 2016 CCMA Awards

CANADIAN COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION® ANNOUNCES LONDON, ON
TO HOST COUNTRY MUSIC WEEK & 2016 CCMA AWARDS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (LONDON, ON) March 5, 2014 – The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA®) is pleased to announce that London, Ontario has been selected to host the 39th edition of Country Music Week, September 8-11, 2016. This four-day music extravaganza will culminate with the Canadian Country Music Association Awards Broadcast on Sunday, September 11.

The announcement was made today in London by CCMA President, Don Green and Chair of the CCMA Board of Directors, Ron Kitchener.  Green spoke highly of the city’s successful bid.  “What an exciting time this is in Canadian country music. We couldn’t be more thrilled with the engagement of the City of London and truly look forward to celebrating the Canadian country music industry in this vibrant city for the first time ever!”

Deb Matthews MPP, London North Centre passed along her enthusiastic support and sent the following greeting: “I’m delighted that London will be hosting one of the largest music events in Canada.  Our government is proud to support arts, culture and tourism. This event will help showcase some of country music’s best talent and will help boost our tourism, show off our fantastic venues, and let people know that London has some amazing things to offer.”

Added Mayor Joe Fontana, “London is very pleased and excited to be named host city for Country Music Week and the CCMA Awards in 2016.  This will be a great opportunity for our music and hospitality industries to work together as they showcase the venues and expertise London offers artists and fans.  The CCMA brings out the brightest country music stars and they’ll be shining a great light on our city.  London will be the heart of country music and it will welcome music enthusiasts from across Canada. I guarantee an amazing week because London loves to have guests and we know just how to treat them – like family.”

Chris Campbell, chair of London’s Country Music Week Host Committee is honoured that Canada’s premier country events will be coming to the forest city after successfully hosting many international and national sporting events. “The level of enthusiasm and community collaboration experienced throughout the bid process has been overwhelming and we look forward to planning for September, 2016,” said Campbell.  “Hosting one of the largest music events in the country and certainly the largest non-sporting event that London has ever hosted will be tremendous for local tourism and allow us to showcase our venue, talent and community to the entire industry.”

In attendance for the announcement and taking to the stage at the London Music Hall was Ontario’s own two- time JUNO Award nominee and 2013 CCMA Award nominee, Tim Hicks, and local London country music sensation, Genevieve Fisher.

London’s excellent track record of hosting national events – combined with its strong volunteer base and the popularity of country music in the market – will ensure that Country Music Week and the 2016 CCMA Awards are a huge success. In turn, these two events will directly benefit the economy of London and Ontario with their occupation of approximately 2,000 hotel nights and historical economic impact of $6-8 million dollars.

Country Music Week will be held in London September 8-11, 2016 with the CCMA Awards Broadcast being held on Sunday, September 11. Before heading to London, Country Music Week 2014 and this year’s CCMA Awards will be celebrated in Edmonton, Alberta September 4-7.  In 2015, Country Music Week and the CCMA Awards head to Halifax, Nova Scotia from September 10-13.  For more details about the Canadian Country Music Association, Country Music Week and the CCMA Awards, please visit www.ccma.org .

About the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®)
Established in 1976, the CCMA® is committed to ensuring the growth of Canadian country music.  Core to the organization is its mandate to educate, elevate and celebrate CCMA Members and those who support the country music industry.  Key to the Association’s efforts are enrichment programs, such as the CCMA Discovery Program, and since 1977 the coveted Country Music Week® – an annual event that heightens awareness and increases exposure for Canada’s country music artists.  During Country Music Week, the CCMA honours the achievements of artists and industry leaders with the Canadian Country Music Association Awards™.

For more information, please contact:
Nikki Ryan, CCMA
[email protected]
416-947-1331 ext: 213