CCMA AWARDS NOMINEES RELEASED

COUNTRY MUSIC WELCOMES MANY NEW STARS ON THE RISE

(August 3, 2005) - The nominees for the 2005 Canadian Country Music Awards were announced today in press conferences held in both Toronto and Calgary. The CCMA Awards take place at Pengrowth Saddledome, Calgary, Monday, September 12.

The continuing growth and success of Canada's country music industry has impacted the 2005 nominees list with the addition of many new artists, along with the growing presence of rising stars who are firmly establishing themselves.

The Host of this year's awards show Paul Brandt, and a group new to the CCMA Awards nominees list, The Road Hammers, top the 2005 list of nominations with a total of 6 each. Last year's Chevy Trucks Rising Star George Canyon is named in 5 categories, with Carolyn Dawn Johnson achieving 4 nominations. Independent Groups Corb Lund Band and The Poverty Plainsmen also received 4 nominations each, with artists Lisa Brokop, Terri Clark and Aaron Pritchett each recording 3 nominations.

Last week the nominees for the coveted fan-voted category the Kraft Cheez Whiz Fans' Choice Award were announced and they are: Paul Brandt, George Canyon, Terri Clark, Carolyn Dawn Johnson and Jason McCoy. Voting is now open at www.cmtcanada.com with a lucky fan winning the opportunity to present the award live on stage this September in Calgary.

The CCMA Awards will be held Monday, September 12 and broadcast live on CBC at 8 p.m. / 9 p.m. AT / 9:30 NT with encore airings by CMT. This year's show will also be aired in Australia on CMC. Tickets to the Canadian Country Music Awards are available through www.ticketmaster.ca and complete information on all 2005 Calgary Country Music Week events from September 9 to 12 can be found at www.ccma.org.

All CCMA Awards and Industry Awards nominees are online at www.ccma.org.

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For information on this release please contact:

Aimée Hill, Publicist
2005 CCMA Awards & Country Music Week
780-497-4548
hilla@macewan.ca