Nominated for the Country Personality of Year award from the Canadian Country Music Award 2026, Jason McCoy of the Road Hammers was excited to talk about everything but himself at an in-studio interview at CTV News Barrie Wednesday. “It’s wonderful to be recognized in this way, but recognizing myself is recognizing Carey Moran of the morning show at Pure Country 106,” McCoy said. Moran puts the show together, he said. And added he appreciates her immersion into the community and their insider knowledge about upcoming events. “We like to be in the centre of the activity. But it’s not about us – it’s about Pure County, and we just get to have a front row seat to all the fun.” “To be recognized for doing something you love is quite the honour,” he said. It’s not the only award he; the station or the band has been nominated for. Shannon Ella, host of Pure Country 106 was nominated for her National Midday show, as were the Road Hammers for a Musical Collaboration award with Tyler Connelly and Ian Thornley on “Till The Wheels Fall Off.” As lead singer for the Road Hammers, McCoy was asked what he enjoyed most about their recent stint at the Troubadour Festival. “Every performer loves to have a beautiful place to play in – you can’t get better than the waterfront in Barrie, said McCoy. He said everything, from the organizers to the audience, was a pleasurable experience. “The organizers of the Troubadour Festival are top notch, so everything is just the best it can be for the performers and the audience, because once again – you’re at the waterfront in Barrie. “The best part of the Troubadour Festival is that it’s an all-ages atmosphere. And that doesn’t just stand for the show, it’s about going downtown, enjoying all the great restaurants, the cafés and obviously just the views – it’s a family experience," he said. McCoy hopes people will take advantage of the music and atmosphere at the Troubadour Festival. “Whether you’re on stage or enjoying the music, you’re part of a bigger community.”
