Local musicians rack up noms at CMAOntario Awards

Waterloo Region musicians and producers scored a raft of nominations at the upcoming 13th annual Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAOntario) Awards.

Waterloo's Shane Guse of The Western Swing Authority is nominated for Musician of the Year at the June 2 celebration, while The Western Swing Authority, also from Waterloo Region, is nominated for Group or Duo of the Year, Roots Artist or Group of the Year and Music Video of the Year.

Listowel's Karli June is nominated as Songwriter of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Music Video of the Year.

North Dumfries brother and sister duo The Reklaws — perennial awards favourites — are up for Single of the Year, Group or Duo of the Year, Music Video of the Year and the Fans’ Choice Award.

Waterloo's Matt Koebel and Shawn Moore are each nominated as Record Producer of the Year.

Cambridge's Ben Knechtel directed The Reklaws "Honky Tonkin’ About," which is nominated for Music Video of the Year.

Karli June and The Western Swing Authority will perform at the awards show, hosted by Jason McCoy and Teigen Gayse, June 2 at Mississauga's Living Arts Centre.

The CMAOntario award show is preceded by a weekend of activities as part of the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend, May 31-June 2, and will feature free concerts, family activities and a tailgate party.

Tickets and information at cmaontario.ca