The stars were shining, despite it being a cold afternoon in Toronto. Inside The Concert Hall, The Ontario Creates Juno nominee red carpet was waiting for its first celeb to step forward. While the Juno’s honour all Canadian talent, this event placed emphasis on local Ontario talent, welcoming in a variety of artists from all genres of music. The Juno’s are known to be Canada’s biggest music award show, and for many of these artists it’s their first time being recognized at this scale. The award show is being held in Hamilton Ontario on March 29th at TD Coliseum, with festivities taking place over the course of the week.
As people began to arrive, both industry professionals, and stars alike, the red carpet began to bustle. Interview spots were set up down the line, lights, microphones, and cameras flashing. It was like stepping into a scene from a movie. The first artists that came down the red carpet were a group comprised of Jojo you made that, Yung 2nuff, Erin B, Topman Meeko, One Don, and Enzooo, who are nominated for reggae recording of the year.
As the night went on other artists like Nate Haller, a Juno’s Master Class alumni, Anthony D’Alessandrio, nominated for solo Jazz album of the year, Korea Town Acid, nominated for electronic album of the year, and Miss Emily, Blues Album of the year nominee came by to say hello and grab some photos. The energy from all the nominees as they passed by was a mixture of nervous excitement and pride in their accomplishments.
The nominee event was a special evening meant to celebrate Ontario’s hometown talent. Throughout the course of the evening artists graced the media with styles that ranged from sleek and elegant, like those seen on Bridge Music, to unique and layered like Kiesza’s bright tights and patterned boots. Sebastian Gaskin, nominated for his Lovechild album in the contemporary Indigenous artist or groups of the year category took center stage in his striking studded green velour set. It was a stand out piece that captured peoples attention.
As the red carpet began to die down and the venue filled with people networking and sharing common interests, we were still waiting for a few stars to arrive. The lights started to dim and the Juno’s sign glowed brightly along the wall when seven time Juno award nominee Ammoye and three time Juno award winner Savannah Re arrived. Both women brought their own style and presence to the carpet, smiling brightly and speaking briefly to the other media members on the carpet.
The Minister of Tourism Ontario, Stan Cho was in attendance along with Allan Reid, president and CEO of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, and the Juno’s, and Karen Thorne- Stone, CEO of Ontario Creates, the organization behind this whole event. The entire evening was full of movers and shakers in the entertainment and tourism world, brought together to celebrate Canadian talent. The night settled down as speeches went on, highlighting the significance of art and representation in everything we as Canadians put forth and taking a moment to shine light on Canadian arts.
