Local artists nominated for Country Music Association of Ontario awards

Four local acts are up for awards at the 11th Annual Country Music Association of Ontario Awards, which take place 7 p.m. June 4 at Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton.

Karli June from Listowel is nominated for Album of the Year (“Where You Come From”), Songwriter of the Year (“Makes You Pretty”) and the Rising Star Award.

Nate Haller from Waterloo is nominated for Album of the Year (“Party in the Back”), Male Artist of the Year and Fans’ Choice.

The Western Swing Authority from Kitchener-Waterloo are nominated for Roots Artist or Group of the Year and Group or Duo of the Year.

Cambridge brother and sister duo The Reklaws are nominated for Group or Duo of the Year and Fans’ Choice.

Country 106.7 Kitchener is nominated as Radio Station of the Year (large market).

“I’m really blessed and humbled to be nominated for three awards for the first time!” June said in a statement.

“The CMAOntario has been a great place for me to learn. I’ve attended the award show for many years and always looked up to all the artists who performed and won awards in the past, hoping that could be me someday.

In addition to being nominated, The Western Swing Authority will serve as the house band, playing with all performers.

“As a band, this event always kicks off the summer season for us,” said band member Stacey Lee Guse.

“We look forward to it every time.

Not only are we nominated for Group or Duo, and Roots Artist, again this year, but the chance to back up all the amazing Ontario artists is always a highlight. June and Haller will also perform. Hosted by Jason McCoy and Shannon Ella from Pure Country Radio, the CMAOntario Awards Show will close out the CMA Ontario Festival & Awards Weekend, June 2-4, that will also feature free concerts, family activities, and an artisan market.

Tickets and information at cmaontario.ca.

CMAOntario Awards Show will close out the CMA Ontario Festival & Awards Weekend on June 2-4