JUNO TREATS

JUNO WEEKEND SPOTLIGHTS LOCALS

The ceremony at Rogers Arena may be the focus of the national event, but the Junos have always been about more than the trophies. For those who didn’t manage to snag a ticket to the main show, there’s plenty of options to get out and experience what the local scene has to offer— the largest being the Let’s Hear It! LIVE outdoor festival. Set in the scenic Vancouver Art Gallery north plaza—a spot that recently received a $9.6-million facelift—the two-day free event will connect fans with up-and-coming and established Lower Mainland acts, including Juno nominees. Emphasizing the city’s diversity, the lineup covers every inch of the musical map, with First Nations hip-hop artists, shoegazing indie bands, and high-octane EDM DJS all slated to hit the stage. Friday (March 23) will play host to seven acts from noon onward—the perfect soundtrack to a working lunch and an after-work party—while Saturday (March 24) begins with a morning of kid-friendly performers before nine more bands fire up the festival site.