JASON MCCOY

Born and raised in Minesing Ontario, McCoy took to the haunting sounds of Country Music at an early age, winning a talent contest at the age of 12 singing "If Drinkin Don't Kill Me Her Memory Will" by his hero George Jones.

This led to the recording of his own demo's which caught the attention of MCA Canada execs, launching a meteoric rise to the top of the Country Charts, winning Song of the Year in 1998 for the classic "Born Again in Dixieland", 2 - CCMA Male Artist of the Year awards (2001/2004) 3 - CCMA Song of the Year Awards, and a CMA Global Artist Award 2006.

After 4 studio albums and one Greatest Hits Collection, McCoy created The Road Hammers, a concept band who embraced songs of the open road, and renegade culture. The band spawned 2 hit CMT documentaries, 1 Gold Album, CCMA Group of the Year 2 years in a row (05/06), and a Juno for Country Recording of the Year 2006. The band also garnered Jason the coveted CCMA Producer of the Year award 2006, solidifying his solid musical presence....and if the past is any indication of the future, this is only the beginning!

AMANDA WILKINSON

Amanda Nichole Wilkinson was born on January 17, 1982 in Belleville, Ontario, Canada (though she was raised in Trenton, Ontario).

She knew at age 6 that she wanted a career in music. In 1997 she relocated to Nashville with her family. She became the lead vocalist in the country group, The Wilkinsons, which also included her father, Steve, and her younger brother, Tyler.

After appearing often at a Nashville nightclub, they were noticed by many record labels, and had their first album, Nothing But Love, in 1998, alongside their first hit single, 26 Cents. Other albums The Wilkinsons have released include: Here and Now (2000), Shine (2001), and Highway (2004).

Amanda continues to sing with her family, but she signed for solo recording contract with Universal South Records at the age of 21. She released her self-titled album in 2005.

DERIC RUTTAN

Deric Ruttan was raised just outside Bracebridge, Ontario, on land where his great-grandfather made moonshine in the 1930's.

Taking his cues from musical heroes like Steve Earle, he moved to Nashville and spent seven years 'in the trenches' in the country music capitol of the world, struggling to make a name for himself. Eventually he signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing, and soon after inked a recording contract with Disney's Lyric Street Records.

When the album was released in Canada, the CD yielded 5 Top Ten singles, (including the hits, "When You Come Around", "Shine", and "Take The Wheel"), and earned him a "Best Album" nomination at the 2004 Canadian Country Music Awards. "Male Vocalist" and "Rising Star" nominations followed, as did the Grand Ol' Opry appearances, and a high-profile national tour.

In 2004 he was named "Best New Solo Country Artist" at the Canadian Radio Music Awards. Stateside though, Ruttan's artist success was about to be eclipsed by his success as a songwriter.

JETTY ROAD

Identical twin sisters, Lee and Paula Bowman, along with Julian Sammut and Simon Ross, have created bright and energetic music under the name Jetty Road for over five years.

Jetty Road recently won "Group of the Year" at the Country Music Awards of Australia - the highest honour a country band can receive. In addition, the group has twice taken home the TIARA Award for Best Group (2008 / 2009) and the Victorian Album of the Year at the 2008 Victorian and National Country Music Awards.

Jetty Road attracts positive, engaging media attention wherever it goes. In Canada, the band has been featured on numerous television networks including Country Music Television (CMT), Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and City TV.

They've already had a rich, enviable career the last couple of years, working festivals, award shows and, memorably, before 60,000 people in Guangzhou, China.

It's part mystical, part DNA and always a revelation when two or more from the same family join in sweet, soaring harmonies.

And word got around. In no time they were landing A list, main stage gigs at the famed Merritt Mountain Music Festival, the Pacific National Exhibition and a prestigious showcase slot at the Canadian Country Music Association annual confab.

Most widely known as a writer, Kentucky native Larry Cordle has had songs recorded by Ricky Skaggs, Garth Brooks, Alison Krauss, Alan Jackson, George Strait, The Osborne Brothers, and many others. At last count, Cordle's songs had appeared on projects that had sold a combined total of more than 50 million records.

Equally as impressive is Cordle's performing career. Founded in 1990, Lonesome Standard Time began as a joint venture between long-time friends Larry Cordle and Glen Duncan. Success came quickly for the band, yielding a Grammy nomination for the group's debut album.

Northern Sons have been providing bluegrass fans in Canada and the Sates with great harmonies, instrumentals and humerous shows for 22 years now! Our accomplishments included hundreds of stage performances from large venues of 5,000+ to small church gigs of a few dozen.

Northern Sons have maintained the core "vocal trio" of Thom Gardiner, Marty Coney, and Rory Gardiner since 1985! Fiddler, Chris Wilson joined in 2002. Bill Henry came to us in 2007 and adds his bass harmonies and mandolin styling to complete that distinctive "Sons" sound.

Over the years Northern Sons have been honoured with many awards, enjoyed many festivals, venues and stages; met many wonderful people; and thoroughly enjoyed the music we have played for everyone who has come to one of our shows.

The HillBenders are a seasoned group of talented bluegrass musicians hailing from all over the country. With interests and influences as far-reaching as their hometowns, the sound they produce is unique and captivating.

Drawn together by a mutual desire to write and perform original music, the HillBenders combine the traditions of bluegrass with a diversity of influences creating a sound unlike any you've heard before.

Not only do all four members write and arrange their own music, they all sing incredibly well. Most songs boast 3 and or 4-part harmonies and the lead vocal role is shared among the group.

Led by the formidable banjo playing of Mark Cassidy, and aggressive style of Chad "GravyBoat" Graves the intricate instrumental parts in their music leave the crowd in awe.

HoneyGrass is one of the hottest new bluegrass acts to come out of Ontario in recent years. In addition to offering a comedic element to their shows, HoneyGrass at once have a respect for tradition and a willingness to explore new areas of contemporary bluegrass. Their highly energetic and entertaining shows strike a balance between originals, traditional and contemporary bluegrass, and “bluegrassified” old country and bluesy numbers. They resist being pegged into any specific area of the genre, preferring to forge their own identity.

Canucky Bluegrass Boys are a Canadian hard driving bluegrass band delivering a high energy traditional sound. The Canucky Bluegrass Boys started out as three friends, Daryl, Matt and Lee just having fun jamming at bluegrass festivals. Over a few short years people started to identify them by their unique style, harmonies and enthusiasm.