Toronto Welcomes the Juno Awards

Vocalist Kellylee Evans performs a barefoot rendition of Shania Twain's Man I feel like a Woman. (Evan Ning/The Epoch Times)

Singer Meaghan Smith with her keyboard player. (Evan Ning/The Epoch Times)

TORONTO—Canada’s artistic hub officially welcomed the Juno awards at a stylish reception at the Fairmont Royal York hotel in downtown Toronto on Friday night.  Radio show host Miss Agnes emceed the event, which honoured artists, industry members and sponsors. The event kicks off the Juno weekend which culminates in Sundays award show broadcast.

The Toronto based band The Beauties rocked the show which featured performances by 2011 Juno nominees Care Failure (Die Manequin), Dean Brody, Derek Miller, Ghettocks, Justlin Rutledge, Kellylee Evans and Meaghan Smith.

The Junos are Canada’s premier music awards, honouring Canadian and world artists. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the awards and a return to Toronto, the place where it all started. Hosted by Juno award winning rap artist Drake, this year’s awards include the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award which will be given to Neil Young and the induction of Shania Twain into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

Alt-country Singer/songwriter Justin Rutledge. (Evan Ning/The Epoch Times)

Country crooner Dean Brody covers Tal Bachmans Shes So High. (Evan Ning/The Epoch Times)

Beauties guitarist. (Evan Ning/The Epoch Times)