Co-hosted by CBC Music’s Amanda Parris, the evening will feature live performances by nominees Half Moon Run, Hunter Brothers, Irish Mythen with Catherine MacLellan and Miranda Mulholland, Riit and 2019/2020 Allan Slaight JUNO Master Class artist, Aiza
Guests will be treated to the JUNO Culinary Experience supported by the Government of Canada through Western Economic Diversification Canada
TORONTO – The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) today announced country artist Brett Kissel as host of the JUNO Gala Dinner & Awards Presented by Music Canada, taking place at WTC Saskatoon at Prairieland Park on Saturday, March 14, 2020 for an evening in celebration of Canadian music. This exclusive industry event will be live streamed on March 14 starting at 8 p.m. ET (6 p.m. CT) on cbcmusic.ca/junos, the free CBC Gem streaming service and CBC Music’s Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages.
Two time JUNO Award winner Brett Kissel will be joined by CBC Music’s Amanda Parris as co-host for this exclusive industry night where 36 JUNO Awards will be presented along with this year’s special achievement awards. This year’s Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award will be presented to Pegi Cecconi and the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award recipient will also be recognized.
The evening will feature five live performances, including 2020 JUNO Award nominees, indie rock band Half Moon Run (Adult Alternative Album of the Year), Saskatchewan country band Hunter Brothers (Breakthrough Group of the Year Sponsored by FACTOR, The Government of Canada and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters, and Country Album of the Year), electro-pop artist Riit (Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year Presented by APTN) and a moving performance during the In Memoriam by Irish Mythen (Contemporary Roots Album of the Year) with Catherine MacLellan (Contemporary Roots Album of the Year) and Miranda Mulholland (Traditional Roots Album of the Year). Afro-Pop and R&B artist from the 2019/2020 Allan Slaight JUNO Master Class, Aiza, will also grace the stage with her explosive live performance, powered by Stingray.
“The JUNO Gala Dinner & Awards Presented by Music Canada is a great moment for celebrating new talent, returning favourites and individuals in the music industry that have made invaluable contributions to the Canadian musical landscape,” said Allan Reid, President & CEO, CARAS/The JUNO Awards and MusiCounts. “We also will shine a light on the relationship between food and music thanks to the support from Western Economic Diversification Canada as our guests will be treated to an unforgettable Saskatchewan focused culinary experience.
“Music Canada is thrilled to be this year’s presenting sponsor of the JUNO Gala Dinner & Awards, celebrating our best in music,” said Graham Henderson, President & CEO, Music Canada. “The JUNO Awards elevate the stature of Canadian music internationally by highlighting both emerging and established artists who are recognized for excellence in their craft. Providing an opportunity for people across the industry to come together and celebrate Canada’s raw talent, the JUNO Awards also bring music into homes all around the country. Thank you to the many people working behind the scenes for your enthusiastic dedication to the continued success of the JUNO Awards.”
The JUNO Culinary Experience, an initiative supported by the Government of Canada through Western Economic Diversification Canada, was created this year to bring a significant national spotlight on the Saskatoon and Saskatchewan culinary scene. As part of this year’s culinary experience, guests of the 2020 JUNO Gala Dinner & Awards Presented by Music Canada will be treated to a uniquely Saskatchewan evening that reflects the city’s burgeoning culinary scene – featuring gourmet dishes curated by this year’s celebrity chef Dale MacKay, owner of Ayden Kitchen and Bar, Little Grouse on the Prairie, Sticks and Stones and Avenue Restaurant. This Saskatchewan native was the first-season winner of Top Chef Canada, a competitor on Iron Chef Gauntlet and a judge on the BBQ series Fire Masters and most recently, Wall of Chefs. As well, for the first time guests will be offered the choice between a meat option and a vegan and gluten-free menu all curated by Chef MacKay.
The 49th annual JUNO Awards and JUNO Week 2020 will be hosted in Saskatoon, SK from March 9 through March 15, 2020, culminating in The JUNO Awards, on Sunday, March 15, at the SaskTel Centre, broadcast live on CBC, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, the CBC Listen app and globally at cbcmusic.ca/junos.
Exclusive Broadcast and Content Partner:
CARAS acknowledges the financial support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada and of Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters.
Lead Partner: TD Bank Group
Funding Partners: The Government of Saskatchewan, the City of Saskatoon, Tourism Saskatoon
The JUNO Culinary Experience Supported By:
Links:
Official JUNO Awards website: www.junoawards.ca / Digital Toolkit
CBC Music: www.cbcmusic.ca/junos
JUNO Awards
Twitter: @TheJUNOAwards / Instagram: @TheJUNOAwards / Facebook: @TheJUNOAwards / Hashtag: #JUNOS
About CARAS
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences/L’académie canadienne des arts et des sciences de l’enregistrement (CARAS) is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music industry and to contribute toward higher artistic and industry standards. CARAS’ mandate is comprised of four key pillars: Educate through our music education charity MusiCounts programs and initiatives, Develop emerging artists through mentorship and development programs, Celebrate Canadian artists with year-round JUNO Awards showcasing, and Honour music icons through the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. For more information on the 49th Annual JUNO Awards or The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) please visit www.junoawards.ca
About Music Canada
Music Canada is a non-profit trade organization that represents the major record companies in Canada: Sony Music Entertainment Canada, Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada. Music Canada also works with some of the leading independent record labels and distributors, recording studios, live music venues, concert promoters, managers and artists in the promotion and development of the music cluster.
About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic and Chinese, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.
About CBC Music
CBC Music connects Canadians with the very best in music. Available through the CBC Listen app, online, on radio and in television specials throughout the year, CBC Music privileges Canadian artists and songs. Offering 200 free music streams, CBC Music draws from all genres and classifications with knowledgeable hosts and programmers. Home to the JUNO Awards and your favourite music from across the country, discover the next great act with CBC Music. For more, visit www.cbcmusic.ca/junos
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