25,000 feet in the air somewhere between Ottawa and Halifax… I am en route to the 39th annual JUNO Awards in St. John’s, Newfoundland along with several others who are clearly on their way to the same destination. In the seat ahead of me is a broadcast journalist, reviewing bios of all the nominated artists. There are two famous bands on board (it always makes me a little nervous getting on an airplane with a famous rock band, makes me think of Buddy Holly etc.) and several people who look conspicuously like they belong in the music industry.
We’re all flying to the same place but for different reasons. Some have frantic schedules, some are filled with nervous anticipation, and then there’s me. This is a trip to lay some groundwork. The JUNO Awards will be coming to Toronto in 2011. The last several years have seen the ceremonies move from one community to another, from Vancouver to St. John’s. It’s incredible the way each city adds its own flavour and responds so enthusiastically to this caravan of Cancon. When the awards land in Toronto we will be hosting some of the events that take place during the JunoFest week, and I am going to connect with the incredible team that puts it all together.
So keep an eye out for upcoming announcements, but for now, please tune in to the JUNO Awards broadcast on Sunday night. I’ll be there cheering on our nation’s best.
Jesse Kumagai is Director of Programming at Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall
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