The Country Music Association (CMA) has celebrated its return to the U.K. for the C2C: Country to Country Festival in March 2023 with the presentation of four of its 2022 CMA International Awards. The awards were given to individuals who have significantly contributed to the growth of country music globally.
Bobbi Boyce, Nigel Hassler, Bob Shennan, and Chris Stevens received prestigious awards. They were recognized for their work in expanding the reach of country music and introducing the genre to new audiences worldwide.
The CMA Songwriters Series show and Introducing Nashville lineup were also part of the Festival’s events. These shows showcased some of the best songwriters and performers in the industry, including Dalton Dover, Nate Smith, Lainey Wilson, Ashley Gorley, Tyler Braden, Caylee Hammack, and Alana Springsteen.
The sold-out crowd at the Festival was treated to an incredible weekend of performances and events. The Festival has become a highlight of the country music calendar, attracting fans worldwide who come to see their favorite artists perform live.
But it wasn’t just about the music. Throughout the weekend, CMA hosted industry events in London that fostered existing international connections and developed new relationships to expand country music internationally. This is crucial to the CMA’s mission to promote country music and support the genre’s growth globally.
The CMA International Awards and the C2C: Country to Country Festival are two examples of how country music is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. The genre’s unique blend of storytelling, catchy melodies, and relatable themes has captured the hearts of fans in countries as diverse as Australia, Canada, and Japan.
As the popularity of country music continues to grow, we can expect to see more events like the C2C: Country to Country Festival and more individuals like Bobbi Boyce, Nigel Hassler, Bob Shennan, and Chris Stevens being recognized for their contributions to the genre’s success. The future of country music is bright, and the CMA is leading the way in promoting and supporting its growth globally.
The CMA International Awards have been a significant part of the Country Music Association’s global efforts to promote country music. These awards recognize individuals who have significantly contributed to the growth and development of country music outside the United States.
Bobbi Boyce, the founder of the C2C Festival, received the Jo Walker-Meador International Award for her contributions to promoting country music in the U.K. and Europe. Nigel Hassler, the director of programming and production for BBC Radio 2, received the Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award for promoting country music through radio and other media platforms.
Bob Shennan, the group managing director of BBC Radio, received the International Country Broadcaster Award for his contributions to promoting country music on a global scale. Chris Stevens, the CEO of the world-renowned Bluebird Cafe, received the Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award for promoting country music and supporting emerging artists.
The C2C Festival has become one of the largest country music festivals in the world, attracting thousands of fans from across Europe and beyond. The Festival provides a platform for emerging and established country artists to showcase their talents and connect with fans worldwide.
In addition to the CMA Songwriters Series show and Introducing Nashville lineup, the Festival also features a range of industry events, including panel discussions, networking sessions, and workshops. These events provide opportunities for industry professionals to share ideas, exchange information, and collaborate on new projects.
Overall, the CMA International Awards and the C2C Festival highlight the growing popularity of country music worldwide and the importance of promoting this genre of music to new audiences. Through these events, the Country Music Association is helping to connect artists, fans, and industry professionals from different parts of the world and fostering new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
