It was a compelling reason for Best of Toronto to visit Hamilton this past weekend. That reason obviously being the JUNOS.

Here are some of the numerous highlights from my experience at JUNOS this weekend.

1. TD Music Lounge
The awesome TD Music Lounge open for two days with a wide array of artists from emerging to popular including Emily Reid, Eleven Past One and The Arkells. It was a fully loaded music lounge with a photo booth, haircuts by Tweezerman, Saje natural wellness treatments, makeup booths, David’s Tea bar, lots of snacks and a cocktail bar. I wish it was open on Sunday, too!

Emily Reid performing at the TD Music Lounge

Emily Reid performing at the TD Music Lounge

 

Also, check out a snippet The Arkells performing an acoustic version of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space”.

2. Being Up close and personal with Juno nominees and winners
Mingling with amazing and friendly artists including JUNO nominees artists nominated artists at after parties of varying exclusivity. I was lucky to be able to rub shoulders with Ian Thornley from Big Wreck, Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo fame, The Arkells, Eleven Past One, Manic Drive, Sam Roberts of the Sam Roberts Band and awesome guy behind the popular Field Trip festival, Jeffrey Remedios and seeing Geddy Lee for the first time.

3. When red carpets become fun

Splash N' Boots shows you how to do red carpets

Splash N’ Boots shows you how to do red carpets

 

4. Liz Trinnear
Liz Trinnear as the awesome host of the Q&A sessions during the Gala Awards Dinner and the main Broadcast event. Thanks for being awesome!

5. Kiesza
At the JUNO Gala Awards Dinner, being able to shake Kiesza’s hand and congratulate her on her success with her two big awards: Dance. She went on to win a total of 3 JUNO Awards for her hit “Hideaway”.

 

6. MEGHAN PATRICK
Discovering all the great local talent we have in Canada. For example, Meghan Patrick, proudly representing Bowmanville, Ontario. She did amazing covers at the Gibson Guitar VIP party including Dolly Parton’s Jolene.

Meghan Patrick had a brilliant performance at the Gibson VIP event

Meghan Patrick had a brilliant performance at the Gibson VIP event

 

7. The Warner After Party
The Warner after party had a lineup of great Juno artists including Eleven Past One, Ian Thorney from Big Wreck. To top it off, they served a grand “stampede breakfast, in ode to the JUNOS heading to Calgary next year. What a great idea, and I hope Toronto events take cue – because good breakfast is welcome at any time. One new thing I discovered, Lot 40 Old Fashioned cocktails are great on their own but add a slice of crispy bacon and it becomes heaven.

8. Jacob Hoggard
Jacob Hoggard, lead singer of Hedley, was an awesome and entertaining host. You should have caught the banter between Ben Mulroney and him as well as his witty jokes about the teleprompter. It was a great choice to have him electrify this year’s JUNOS.

Jacob Hoggard (Hedley), the host of JUNOS 2015

Jacob Hoggard (Hedley), the host of JUNOS 2015

 

Also be sure to watch Jacob Hoggard’s awesome pardoy performance of Alanis Morissette’s “Thank U” here.
9. Alanis Morissette
When a Canadian musical icon is inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. On the red carpet, Alanis Morissette talked about the impact of her highly-successful multi-platinum album, Jagged Little Pill. You oughta know!

Alanis Morissette inducted into the JUNOS Hall of Fame

Alanis Morissette inducted into the JUNOS Hall of Fame

 

“At the time, I had this egocentric perception of myself that I was the only one going through these trials and tribulations and I was deeply lonely in this existential crisis that I was going through and I wrote about it. Once I saw that millions of people were relating to it, I instantly felt not alone…I thought if people are being touched and moved and comforted and inspired by what I’m writing then I will keep writing and take advantage of this famousness and use it as a means as an end to serve.”

 

10. Fred Penner
Lots of love for Canadian classic Fred Penner. He won a JUNO for Children’s Album of the Year.

Fred Penner wins Children's Album of the Year

Fred Penner wins Children’s Album of the Year

 

JUNO Award winners Fred Penner and Max Kerman (The Arkells) looking up

JUNO Award winners Fred Penner and Max Kerman (The Arkells) looking up

Be sure to catch the JUNOS 2016 when it takes over Calgary!

For more info visit www.junoawards.ca

Photos by Nick Lee

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Nick Lee

Editor and Photos at BestOfToronto.net