Message from CARAS/The JUNO Awards & MusiCounts President and CEO

Welcome to JUNO Week 2018!

This year the JUNO Awards are celebrating 47 years of excellence in Canadian music, and are returning to the west coast after 9 years. A big congratulations to all of the nominees and all the artists performing throughout JUNO Week. A rich musical heritage comes out of Vancouver, from world-class artists, managers, producers, indie labels and venues - it’s truly a fantastic Music City. Thank you to Mayor Robertson and the people of Vancouver for welcoming us and thank you to the Vancouver Host Committee; our Co-Chairs Catherine Runnals and Nick Blasko, GM Jamie Pitblado for their tireless efforts, hard work and commitment to Canadian Music.

This year, CARAS is thrilled about the return to our exclusive broadcast and content partner, CBC. Canada’s national public broadcaster shares a very similar vision with CARAS; all artists, all genres of music, all the time. And for the very first time, The JUNO Awards will be broadcast live across the country and streamed live, online, around the world.

CARAS would like to congratulate this year’s inductees into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame: The Barenaked Ladies. These legendary performers have brought Canada and the world great music for thirty years. I would also like to acknowledge the recipient of the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award: Denise Donlon. She is a fearless broadcast industry trailblazer, renowned for incorporating human rights advocacy, social issues and arts & culture in her work and a powerful voice for women in our industry. As well, Gary Slaight, this year’s recipient of the Humanitarian Award. His dedication to making the world a better place is truly inspiring. Whether it is through his work with health care, charities of all kinds or his support for emerging artists and our music industry.

We all know the inspiring and transformational power of music, however, access to music education continues to decline across Canada. That’s why at MusiCounts our goal is to keep music alive by putting instruments in the hands of kids who need them most. To find out how you can help, visit MusiCounts.ca for more information or to donate.

Lastly, I want to thank all of the staff that work behind the scenes to make JUNO Week happen. Thank you to the CARAS Board of Directors, the CARAS and MusiCounts staff for your dedication and hard work.

Have an amazing JUNO Week, take the time to explore Vancouver and the thriving arts and cultural scene that surrounds this music city!