Cressman Sakamoto Agency

Canyon and Pritchett Honored by the CMA's in Nashville

George Canyon and Aaron Pritchett have been nominated by the CMA's for "Global Artist Of The Year." The award recognizes the work of artists who play outside of their home territory. Pritchett played shows in Washington state, and Boston, while Canyon rocked audiences "country style" in Chicago, Washington state and DC, Germany, France, and Scotland!

Major tapped for TSN appearance

Canada's elite amateur athletes will be honored at an awards ceremony in Calgary and Charlie Major has been asked to perform his new single "Make it Right" The TSN broadcast air-date premiere is Sunday, May 18 @ 11:00am Eastern. It will be re-broadcast on TSN May 22 @ 4pm Eastern. Also watch for Charlie's new video which is airing on CMT. The video features HGTV's Mike Holmes from "Holmes on Homes."

Reid's Tearing It Up & Breaking it Down Fall Tour

Canada's Blue Collar Soul Crooner, Johnny Reid is selling out tour dates in record time for his fall run. Reid sold out the Capitol Theatre in Moncton in a few hours last week and his Calgary show even faster! This fall's tour will feature Johnny performing in both full band and acoustic configuration, hence "Tearing It Up & Breaking It Down." Stay tuned to www.johnnyreid.com for more information regarding the tour. Reid continues to approach platinum status in record sales (an unheard of feat in today's record sales climate) for his latest album "Kicking Stones."

Farrell Crosses Over!

Jessie Farrell's new smash video "Best of Me" is in high rotation on CMT Canada and Much More Music Canada! The single which was produced by Nashville heavyweight Garth Fundis (Sugarland, Alabama) is currently climbing the charts at Canadian radio. Farrell has also hit the road to be part of the SOLD OUT Alan Jackson/Brooks & Dunn blockbuster tour that is touring western Canada.

Emerson Drive Scores Dual ACM Nods

Hot off a Grammy Nomination, Emerson Drive has two Academy of Country Music nominations for "Vocal Group of the Year" and "Song of the Year." Emerson Drive is the ONLY Canadian band with a nomination at this year's ACM's. CBS airs the awards on May 18th!

Bamford Strikes a Chord in Francophone Canada too!

He is not bi-lingual, but Gord Bamford's brand of traditional country is making strides in both official languages! 2008 Juno nominee, Gord Bamford has been asked by CPTV to perform on "Pour L'Amour Country" which primarily airs in Francophone Canada. The music variety show has over 1 million loyal weekly viewers!

CSA Inc Clients Shine at the Junos

Gord Bamford and Johnny Reid have scored well deserved nominations for "Country Recording of the Year" at the 2008 Junos. Bamford's "HonkyTonk & Heartaches" album has already spawned two big hits in "Blame it on that Red Dress" and "Stayed Till Two." Reid's "Kicking Stones" disc has garnered hits with the title track, and three other singles including his current hit "Thank You." Tune into the Junos on CTV to catch a special vocal event featuring Bamford and Reid along with fellow nominees in the category!

Pritchett debuts on MTV's "Cribs"

Season 3 of MTV's Cribs is starting off with a bang. MTV cameras invade the homes of Bif Naked, and a number of other celebrities including Aaron Pritchett. Pritchett is the first ever Canadian Country Music artist to be featured on the highly rated hit show.

Casey Clarke is on the Air!

The 'radio airwaves' that is. Casey Clarke has long been considered one of Canada's most recognizable personalities due to his work on the CMT Chevy Cross Canada Countdown, but now he has added another media credit to his resume! Clarke is now reaching people with a weekly radio show that is currently airing in Calgary on CKRY, Edmonton on CISN, Country 95.3 in Hamilton/Toronto and Kingston's only country radio station

Colonel Canyon Heads to the Middle East

Recently appointed an honorary Colonel, George Canyon has been invited by the Canadian Military to visit and entertain troops who are currently serving on peace keeping mission abroad. Canyon will perform for both the ground forces and the Canadian Navy on this tour. Due to the perilous nature of this sensitive assignment no further details can be released to the general public.

Jessie Farrell & Johnny Reid selected for Nashville Showcase Event

Nashville's CMA Musicfest will feature a couple of top notch Canadians for the prestigious Global Artist Showcase. The showcase feature's some of the top country music performers in the world and takes place in early June in Nashville, TN. CSA clients Gord Bamford and Aaron Pritchett performed at the event back in 2007.

Call him Colonel Canyon!

Canada's minister of Defense, Minister Peter MacKay has appointed George Canyon as an honorary colonel at 14-Wing Greenwood. As part of his duties, Canyon will be expected to help host events at the base located in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley. In a statement, Wing Commander Col. Derek Joyce says the base is thrilled the 2 time Juno and multiple CCMA Award winner has accepted the appointment. Canyon will be given an opportunity to meet the military personnel at the base when he's formally appointed to the position during a ceremony on Feb. 21.

Charlie Major & Mike Holmes "Make it Right" with new single & video!

Mike Holmes from HGTV's "Holmes on Homes" has joined Charlie Major onscreen for Major's new video "Make It Right." Charlie remains one of the few acts in Canadian music history to have scored ten #1 hits at radio, and "Make it Right" has all the ingredients to be another chart topper!

Emerson Drive – CSA Director Ron Sakamoto says "it is time for Emerson Drive to headline!"

The Canadian Country Super-group recently swept through western Canada with Big & Rich and Terri Clark, and they are joining Martina McBride and Johnny Reid on a swing of dates though Ontario as well. Expect to see Emerson Drive headlining their own tour across Canada April of 2009.

Bamford Poised to Break Charting Records

Gord Bamford's new single "Stayed Till Two" is already at #15 and rapidly rising after two weeks on the R & R Chart. Hot off the heals of his smash "Blame it on That Red Dress". Additionally, Larry Delaney of Country Music News (Canada's Industry Authority the Country Music Scene) has chosen Gord's album "Honytonks & Heartaches" as the #1 album of 2007!

Canyon in Studio with Chad Krueger

Nickelback frontman Chad Krueger has signed Canyon to his own label (604 Records/Universal) and is writing and co-producing tracks for Canyon's forthcoming album. Krueger and Nickelback's Ryan Peak will even be lending some background vocals to select tracks! "People often forget that Chad is an Alberta boy with rural roots. He is reverent to the country music format and even though he is lending his world class abilities to this project it is still VERY country. There is a different energy and fullness to the songs and I think fans are going to love this new material." – Says CSA President Jim Cressman.

Canyon Christmas Special

Check your local listings for 'George Canyon My Gift Is My Music' airing nationally on CBC Wednesday, Dec. 19th 2007. Canyon will be joined by musical friends Johnny Reid, Tyler Connelly (Theory of a Deadman) and others on this television event. Also watch for an upcoming appearance of George Canyon and Feist on CBC's 'The Hour.'

Emerson Drive Grabs a Grammy Nod

Emerson Drive has garnered a Grammy Nomination alongside the Eagles for 'best country performance by a group or duo.' Emerson Drive will join Terri Clark, and Big & Rich on tour in January of 2008. They will also join Martina McBride and Johnny Reid for three dates in Ontario in March.

Alan Jackson and Brooks & Dunn invite Farrell on tour

Jessie Farrell is the latest CSA client to be tapped for the big stage. Jessie will join country icons Alan Jackson and Brooks & Dunn for 4 shows in western Canada in April of 2008.

Reid goes GOLD

Blue Collar Soul singer, Johnny Reid's sophmore album "Kicking Stones" has been certified gold in Canada. Reid has been invited to tour across Canada with Martina McBride. Check out www.johnnyreid.com for dates and cities. Country Rocks The Hill Returns - Power Promotional concepts is bringing another HUGE show to Atlantic Canada. Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson, Aaron Pritchett, Johnny Reid and Charlie Major will share the same stage on August 30th in Halifax.

Maximum exposure for Major

Canadian Country icon Charlie Major continues to appear on HGTV"s "Holmes on Homes." An estimated 43 million viewers around the world got a "sneak peak" at Charlie"s new single "Make it Right". Watch for Mike Holmes and his crew to join Charlie in the video for "Make it Right" coming to CMT in early 2008.

Cressman featured in Dec issue of CMN

CSA President, Jim Cressman is featured in the December issue of Country Music News. "Larry Delaney has been a tireless press mogul for our industry and I am very thankful that he has allowed me the opportunity to share my thoughts and perspectives on the state of the industry.". Make sure you pick up your issue of CMN!

Emerson Drive scores a CCMA "Hat Trick!"

Emerson Drive picked up hardware for "Single of the Year," and "Video or the Year", for their smash hit "Moments." As well, Emerson Drive earned the honor as CCMA "Group of the Year." Next up for Emerson Drive 2 CMA nominations, for Group and Video at the CMA's in Nashville.

CSA Snags a CCMA

CSA Inc picked up a CCMA for Agency of the Year at the 2007 CCMAs in Regina. CSA Inc Director, Ron Sakamoto also won the "Hank Smith Award of Excellence," and "Promoter of the Year" for the 15th time!

"Hold My Beer" Wins Song of the Year

Socan Song of the Year honors went to Aaron Pritchett for "Hold My Beer." Aaron co-wrote the song with Mitch Merrett, and Deric Ruttan. Pritchett also performed the anthem live on the show!

Emerson Drive scores two CMA nods!

The 41st annual CMA awards will be handed out on November 7th, 2007 in Nashville. Canada"s Emerson Drive is up for two awards, namely "group of the year" and "video of the year" for their smash hit "Moments."

Pritchett premiers on MTV"s "CRIBS!"

Aaron Pritchett's crossover appeal is undeniable! Aaron is about to become the first ever Canadian country artist to be featured on MTV"s "Cribs." Get a personal tour of Aaron"s Okanagan abode via season 3"s MTV cameras, fall 2007.

Canyon to be featured on a Worldwide TV Event!

George Canyon will be featured on a CCTV "Countdown to the Olympics" event that will be broadcast in over 1 billion homes and 60 countries around the world. The event will recognize and honor the athletes in preparation for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing China and the upcoming winter Olympics in Vancouver.

CSA Inc clients dominate the CCMA small screen!

the 2007 CCMA"s will feature performances and appearances by Jessie Farrell, Aaron Pritchett, George Canyon, Charlie Major, Clayton Bellamy and Emerson Drive. "We have 7 clients and 6 of them are either performing or presenting on the show. That speaks volumes for our clients and their profile on the domestic landscape" says CSA Inc president, Jim Cressman.

Major Makes "Holmes on Homes" debut

Watch for Charlie Major and Mike Holmes to co-present an award on the upcoming CCMA awards. Charlie has also garnered some TV time on the upcoming season of "Holmes on Homes." Over 30 million people per week tune in to watch Holmes "Make it Right."

Emerson Drive "Inks" some TV time!

Watch for Brad Mates and the boys from Emerson Drive to appear on the first season of "LA Ink" on TLC, this fall.

Cressman scores a CMA industry nod

CSA Inc president Jim Cressman has been nominated for CMA International talent buyer of the year. There are five nominees worldwide, and Cressman is the only Canadian in the category.

Bamford Beats out Underwood & McGraw on the BDS Chart!

Gord Bamford"s new single "Red Dress" was the number one add to Canadian radio. The single outpaced songs from the likes of Tim McGraw and Carrie Underwood. "Red Dress debuted in the top 20 on the R & R chart and the accompanying video is also charting on CMT Canada.

Emerson Drive Tops the Billboard Country Chart

For the first time in their career, Emerson Drive has topped the US Billboard Country Chart! "Moments" worked through the top ten and peaked at #1. The video also spent 3 weeks atop the CMT Big Top 20 in their homeland of Canada!

Major is "Makin" It Right"

Charlie Major has been tapped for promotional appearances with "Holmes on Homes" star Mike Holmes. Charlie"s timeless "working man" anthems have hit home with the producers of the syndicated show, as well as with Mike himself. Watch for Major on an upcoming episode of "Holmes on Homes." Charlie will also be donating a portion of merch sales to the "Holmes" Foundation which supports high level certification among home building trades-people.

Bamford Back with New Single/Video

Gord Bamford is back with a hot new single entitled "Red Dress." The song is the lead off single for Bamford"s 3rd album and is hot off the heals of his "Life is Good" album which spawned 6 top 20 hits. The video is set and filmed in beautiful Tofino, British Columbia, and is destined to become a summertime anthem reminiscent of 2005"s "Heros."

Farrell reaches Top Ten with Debut

"Let"s Talk About Love" has cracked the BDS top ten in Canada! The bouncy single is accompanied by a video which is climbing the chart on CMT and garnering the lovely red head a lot of attention. Watch for a fall release for Farrell"s album "Nothing Fancy," as well as appearances this fall with Aaron Pritchett, George Canyon and Tim McGraw & Faith Hill.

Farrell"s new single fires up the country chart

The debut single for Jessie Farrell looks top ten bound as it continues to be the most spun song at Canadian Country Radio. "Let"s Talk About Love" is creating the hype for the album from Farrell which will be out later in 2007. Farrell joined Johnny Reid for some select dates in western Canada, and recently came off the Emerson Drive tour.

Reid"s sophomore album in stores

Johnny Reid is back with a new album! "Kicking Stones" features the "Love Sweet Love" and the powerful title track. Johnny continues to build momentum as he tours secondary and major markets throughout Canada. For more information go to www.johnnyreid.com

George Canyon; Around the world in seven days

August of 2007 promises to be a busy month for George Canyon as he plays Germany, France, Canada, and Washington State all within a 7 day span. Canyon recently picked up a Juno for "Country Recording of the Year" and is working on a project for the fall that will salute a number of country music legends.

Emerson Drive on the road to success

Hot off the success of their Canadian Tour, Emerson Drive had returned to the billboard top 10 with their latest smash single "Moments" The video for the hit is also their third consecutive #1 on the CMT Big Top 20. As an added plus, Emerson Drive can celebrate another milestone! The band has been nominated for Top Vocal Group of the Year by the Academy of County Music. The award show airs on May 15th on CBS.

Canyon Scores ECMA "Hat Trick"

George Canyon picked up the East Coast Music Awards fans choice "Entertainer of the Year" honors for an unprecedented third year in a row. This award is chosen by the general public, making it credible and an accurate testament to the popularity of Canyon and his music.

Check out the single and video "I Want You to Live," on CMT and on your favorite radio station.

Pritchett; a University Hit

Aaron Pritchett is taking his renowned live show to a Boston area University this spring. Students at the faculty have been infected by the buzz in Canada that Pritchett is one of the most "in demand" college and university performing acts on the circuit, and students across North America have been hearing the buzz. Aaron will also share the stage with Sam Roberts for a big UBC show at Thunderbird stadium in Vancouver.

Great Reaction to Reid"s New Single

Johnny Reid"s new single "Love Sweet Love," is burning up the country charts and even attracting attention from other genres. Watch for a Johnny to make an appearance in your town in late Spring 2007, and to be part of a major tour in late summer. The new album "Kicking Stones" which features the powerful title track and many more potential hits is in stores in late April.

2007 CCMA Booking Agency of the Year!

Cressman Sakamoto was recently honoured with this award by the Canadian Country Music Association.