The Junos celebrated its 40th anniversary with a bang, returning to its birthplace of Toronto with a week-long celebration of music by Juno nominated artists, including an anniversary concert series at the Horseshoe Tavern and a partnership with several of Toronto’s major cultural institutions, such as the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Bata Shoe Museum, and the Science Centre.
The Junos handed out 44 awards to some of Canada’s most outstanding artists, 32 of them in its non-broadcast show on Saturday night. One aspect that particularly stood out was the diversity of the categories.
“The diversity of the music is equal to the diversity of our country,” said David Whitaker, president and CEO of Tourism Toronto who had an important role in marketing the event.
Both on stage and in the media room, the artists expressed a great respect for music and its power to influence people, not to mention the delight of winning an award.
Following is a profile of three Juno-prize recipients who won on Saturday night in different categories: rising country star Johnny Reid, blues veteran Jim Byrnes, and the classical music group the Gryphon Trio.
