The JUNO Awards celebrate musicians and musical arts in Canada
OTTAWA, March 15, 2023 – Last weekend was an exciting one for Canadian music with the JUNO Award winners being announced in Edmonton on Saturday and Monday. This was also an extra exciting weekend for many Ottawa artists. This year, seven Ottawa artists were nominated for a JUNO Award!
Presented each year by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the JUNO Awards celebrates musicians and musical arts in Canada. You might remember the show coming to Ottawa six years ago which coincided with the announcement of the City’s first official music strategy.
JUNO nominated Ottawa area artists included:
- Blues Album of the Year – Long River by Angelique Francis
- Breakthrough Artist of the Year – Dax
- Children’s Album of the Year – Jeremy and Jazzy
- Classical Album of the Year (Large Ensemble) – Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra
- Classical Composition of the Year – “Supervillain études” by Vincent Ho
- Comedy Album of the Year – A Person Who is Gingerbread by Jon Dore
- Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year – TRUST by Daniel Ojo
One additional group that has connections to Ottawa also received a nomination:
- Jazz Album of the Year (Group) – Talk Memory by BADBADNOTGOOD
The big winner at the JUNOS this year was Ontario’s, The Weeknd, who becomes the second most awarded JUNO winner in history with four awards on Saturday and then adding Album of the Year* to his collection on Monday evening. He has now amassed 22 wins in just a decade, breaking his tie with Bryan Adams while Anne Murray holds the top spot as the JUNOS’ most decorated artist with 25 awards.
“I am so honoured to be recognized like this from my home country that I love so much. I’m so humbled by all this and could never thank fans enough,” said The Weeknd in a statement.
Read more about the two JUNO award nights at our sister website TOtimes.ca.
Want to explore local music here in Ottawa?
Did you know that you can listen to local music right now from the comfort of your own home? You can check out both the 2022 Music on Hold and City Sounds playlists today from your computer or electronic device by going to Ottawa.ca/ottmusic. The City of Ottawa asks that you be sure to keep an eye on that page for the 2023 playlists!
Coming soon to an O-Train Line 1 station near you – the O-Buskers program is launching this year and will bring lively local music to your commute. More information on the schedule is coming soon, but if you’re a musician and this sounds right up your alley, you can learn more about how to apply online here.
After you’ve had a chance to enjoy music at an O-Train Line 1 station, you can support local music and local businesses in your area at a local venue, pub or bar. Check out your local BIA for where you can go to shop, eat or hang out in your area.
Looking for your next big breakthrough?
Applications are open for this year’s #ottmusic programs until Thursday, April 6! To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years or older and live within 150 kilometers of the City of Ottawa. You can learn more about how to apply by visiting ottawa.ca/ottmusic.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook(link is external), Twitter(link is external) and Instagram(link is external).
SOURCE City of Ottawa
