It’s April, and that means two things here in Canada: Springtime, and The Junos! As I write this article, Calgary is gearing up to host the 37th Annual Juno Awards, Canada’s nod to our superb musical talent plus those who work tirelessly behind the scenes. My crystal ball is in the shop this week, but I can probably guess that BC acts will come out with a few awards this year. Looking at our promising pack of nominees, I think I can confidently say that.
A year from now, we’ll do it all over again. Handing out the brass to our brightest, but there is one added bonus for us here on the West Coast in ‘09. This time, we get home field advantage!
For the first time since ‘98, Vancouver has been named Juno Host City, and members of the city’s host committee are licking their chops for the chance to show the nation just how it’s done. With the Olympics coming to town in 2010, it’s going to busy couple of years, but like I said, everyone seems to be ready. I recently spoke to Bob D’Eith, head of the Vancouver Host Committee and architect of the Vancouver Juno bid. He mentioned the uphill battles he and his supporters faced, including financing, winning over city councilors and officials, and getting local industry to back the bid.
As Executive Director of Music BC, the province’s long-standing Music Industry Association, Bob had the benefit of becoming the BC rep for CARAS, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences – a.k.a. the people who organize the Junos every year. I asked Bob, who is also a musician, entertainment lawyer, runs a label and wears a few other hats in the scene, what he remembered about the ’98 Junos.
Bob says:
“I remember being very excited because I was nominated for my group Mythos. It was amazing to be nominated in my hometown. The only controversy for me was when the Rascalz, who I represented as a lawyer, refused their Juno on air because there was no hip hop on the live show.”
Ahh yes, the live show. A little birdie told me that comedian Russel Peters will assume hosting duties this year. That should be a hoot. But what else, other than the awards show will be taking place? There must be an afterparty, at least! What do you say, Mr D’Eith?
“A lot of people see the Junos as the Sunday show on CTV only. In fact, there is a Junofest – with lots of local artists performing, Fanfare – an opportunity for the public to meet their favorite Canadian artists, Junocup - a hockey game between NHL alumni and musicians, SOCAN songwriter circle – which is always a treat, a Vancouver host city event – which will be a big party and concert for the general public and lots of other events. An incredible week of activities celebrating Canadian music, with lots of opportunity for Vancouver to participate. “
Sounds like a blast! The big party definitely got my attention. I wonder how they got around all the city’s bylaws and grey-areas to host such an event? Surely they must have the full support of the Mayor and staff to get away with such fun. And think of the cost! Who would foot the bill for this event?
“The City of Vancouver had never sponsored an event in this way with the kind of money that we were requesting. The (Juno) bid requirement is $1 mil. Also, City of Vancouver politics is very divisive. The beauty of the Juno Awards is that the event has something for everyone – the splash of the big stars and lots of events for the general public. It also helps local artists and their charity helps local schools. It took some time, but the Mayor, staff and council all came on board and we were able to get a unanimous resolution in council. More importantly, this set up a new envelop of money in the form of “cultural tourism strategy” grants. I am now sitting on the task force shaping future expenditures for this new program. “
Sounds like there will indeed be something for everyone. Local acts can apply for Junofest spots, the industry elbow-rubbers will get to work their magic, and of course the public gets a free concert out of the deal. Who else is benefiting? Well, it turns out that the new cultural tourism strategy Bob spoke of will have a lasting effect on the Vancouver cultural community. At the very least, it will help out a few members of the local arts scene financially, because as we all know that doing what you love and being creative doesn’t always guarantee financial freedom. I’ll be sure to keep you posted on how this program progresses
So there you have the story of “How The Junos Came to Vancouver” – a hard sell at first, but with lots of work, Bob D’Eith and his local team, plus the good folks at CARAS and Tourism Vancouver made it happen. I can only wonder, what’s next?
Bob says, “Well, this is a lead up event for the Olympics, so we will have a busy 2010. Keep in mind that there is also a Cultural Olympiad going on around the Olympics. There will be tons of work to do before and after the Juno Awards. As far as music events, the Canadian Country Music Awards will be held in Vancouver in the fall of 2009 and the Western Canadian Music Awards should be in BC in the fall of 2010. Never a dull moment. “
Surely they’ll need a few able-bodied individuals to help the machine run smoothly. I asked Bob if there’s anything I can do to help. He replied,
“We need 1000 volunteers!!! So, if anyone is interested, call the Music BC office.”
So, in the next year, as you start to see the media rollout, announcements in local newspapers and online, just remember that you too can take part by performing, workshopping, or just getting out there and rubbing elbows with the players in our nation’s industry. Even if you’ve never been nominated for a Juno, you still deserve to be there. As a closing question, I asked Bob if he’ll be lacing them up for the Juno Cup.
“I would love to, but with only two Juno nominations, I am not sure if I rate.” he said with a smile. For more information on CARAS and the Juno Awards, you can check out www.junoawards.ca, contact the Music BC office at 604-873-1914 or visit www.musicbc.org. See you at the Juno’s next spring!
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