The 6th Annual OMAs presented by Durham Tourism Announce 2023 Awards’ Host Ryan Chung, six Music Performers, and three Special Awards Recipients

OSHAWA, ON (September 16, 2023) - The OMAs 2023 - Award Show, presented by Durham Tourism, is delighted to announce that this year’s celebration of Durham Region talent takes place at the Regent Theatre on September 24th, and will be hosted by broadcast producer and host, Ryan Chung. 

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Now in its 6th year, The OMAs recognizes the influence and achievements of local music creators, businesses, and music supporters that help to grow the music scene within the Durham Region, Canada, and globally. The choice of Ryan Chung as the host is sure to add an extra layer of excitement and professionalism to the proceedings. As a veteran broadcast producer and host, Chung brings his experience and charisma to the stage, promising to make the night not only enjoyable but also engaging for the audience. 

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Also known as R. Chung, this dynamic host has graced stages from Echo Beach and the Pan-Am Games to MTV Canada and Corus Entertainment. He is also the talented producer of a long-running Canadian music highlight show on G98.7FM as well as the award-winning Q with Tom Power, and now produces for CBC Music’s National Morning Show. 

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"Being a former resident of Whitby, Ajax, and Pickering, there was absolutely no hesitation in becoming this year's host” says Chung.  “Along with the AMAZING OMAs’ team, I plan to make this award show a MEMORABLE ONE, and most importantly, to celebrate the diverse talent that continues to come out of Durham Region."

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To highlight the region’s talent, The OMAs is proud to announce the 2023 awards’ list of performers, drawn from a pool of incredible acts. NERiMA, Judgement, Adrianna Hopman, Vance Mckenzie, RON, Jackson D. Begley, and a special performance from this year’s Lifetime Achievement/Hall of Fame recipient will provide an incredible display of musical diversity and keep the energy high all night long!

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In addition, the OMAs will honour individuals in three special categories: Lifetime Achievement/Hall-of-Fame; Music Industry Leader; and Music Teacher of the Year.  

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Lifetime Achievement/Hall-of-Fame: Oshawa-born Dave Ritter, keyboardist and a founder of The Strumbellas, who are beloved across Canada and around the world. With over ten years of service to the music community in the Durham Region and beyond, Dave has been an inspiration and mentor to local acts like Hunter Sheridan and I, The Mountain. Winner of numerous awards including Junos, Much Music Video Awards, IHeartRadioMusic Awards, Canadian Radio Music Awards, and Canadian Independent Music Awards, Dave has made, and continues to make, an indelible mark. “I'm so excited to be returning home to perform at the OMAs. I'm honoured to be considered and am looking to trying not to embarrass myself for one entire evening", Dave Ritter from The Strumbellas, Lifetime Achievement/Hall-of-Fame recipient, The OMAs 2023.

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Music Industry Leader of the Year: David Chester, of Chalet Studios, who for almost 40 years has worked with Canada’s top musicians, including Rush, Blue Rodeo, Chantal Kreviazuk, and Crown Lands. Through Chalet Studio, David continues to foster excellence in the recording industry and to support local musicians in Durham and the GTA.

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Music Teacher of the Year: Tony Tosti, a Whitby-based educator, composer, and musician who is passionate about instilling in his students a love of music as a form of expression, and developing and promoting their creativity, at all levels and for every learning style. 

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“The OMAs is thrilled that Ryan Chung will be hosting our 6th anniversary celebration alongside an amazing lineup of talent. The 2023 OMAs will once again highlight the growing talent of the Durham region” says OMA Director Thao Nghiem. “In addition, we are grateful to recognize Dave Ritter, David Chester, and Tony Tosti for their special commitment and outstanding contributions to growing the music community in the Durham Region.”    

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With a list of nominees in 9 music categories that undoubtedly represents the cream of the crop in Durham Region's music scene, attendees can look forward to being inspired by the exceptional talent on display. Learn about this year’s nominees here. 

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The OMAs 2023 - Award Show will take place Sunday, September 24th at the iconic Regent Theatre in Oshawa, and is proudly presented by Durham Region Economic Development and Tourism, Spark Centre, Trent University Durham GTA, Durham College, Ontario Tech University, RBC, and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oshawa. Tickets for The OMAs are available through the Regent Theatre box office.

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Holiday Inn & Suites Oshawa offers OMA guests a very special rate for the award show weekend when bookings are made by September 20.  Call to book at 1-877-660-8550 or 905-434-3666 ext 0 and mention promo code OMA. 

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The OMAs (formerly Oshawa Music Awards) rebranded in 2022, emphasizing a commitment to celebrating music in the Durham Region. Held annually, the show presents awards in 11 categories and recognizes the influence and achievements of local music creators, businesses, and music supporters that help to grow the music scene within the Durham Region, Canada, and globally. 

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The OMAs 2023 - Award Show is thrilled to be part of the inaugural Convergence Music + Art Festival that will be taking over downtown Oshawa from September 22 to 24. The OMAs will be an integral part of Convergence Weekend, giving attendees an unparalleled experience celebrating the very best of Ontario's music scene right here in Oshawa. Visit www.theomas.ca & https://www.convergenceoshawa.com/ 

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For more information, please contact: 

The OMAs - Celebrating Music In Durham Region
Jennet Lees, Event Manager

jennet.lees.oma@gmail.com 

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