Tag Archives: juno awards

JUNO Award Week in Ottawa

May 1, 2017 IM

by Robin Moir, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 180 (Ottawa, ON)

The week leading up to the April 2 JUNO Awards was exciting here in Ottawa. Not only were we able to sign a first-time, Canada-wide, three-year deal with CARAS for a CFM JUNO Agreement, but we were able to join in the fun of a city jam-packed with Canadian talent and fans! In all previous years, the agreement was signed year-to-year and negotiated between CARAS and the local of jurisdiction for the year’s event.

Nightclubs and bars were rockin’. There was a JUNO Cup Jam March 30. This year’s JUNO Songwriters’ Circle was hosted by 12-time JUNO Award winner and Local 180 (Ottawa, ON) member Bruce Cockburn, live at the National Arts Center April 2.

The 2017 JUNO Allan Waters Humanitarian Award went to Canadian singer-songwriter, educator, activist, and humanitarian Buffy Sainte-Marie, Ph.D., a member of Local 802 (New York City).

Ottawa also had something special planned for Sainte-Marie. The Speaker of the Senate, the Honourable George J. Furey Q.C., the Honourable Marilou McPhedran C.M., the Honourable Lillian Eva Dyck, the Honourable Sandra M. Lovelace Nicholas C.M., and the Honourable Murray Sinclair invited guests and members of Local 180 to a Senate event called “Celebration of the Power of Music,” honouring Sainte-Marie.

It was a remarkable occasion—the first time in the history of the Senate that music was celebrated. The first part of Sainte-Marie’s speech was dedicated to an initiative that the CFM has been lobbying for with the air transportation industry: carry-on allowances for musical instruments.

We were delighted to welcome such a powerful advocate for such an essential issue to our industry. We were also pleased to meet and greet many who believe, as we do, that the time has come for all air transportation corporations to offer musicians instrument carry-on opportunities.

“Minister of Transport Marc Garneau’s office is currently juggling a new passenger bill of rights, which we believe will address the issue of musicians travelling on airlines with musical instruments. We are so grateful to Sainte-Marie for her unsolicited support,” explains AFM International Representative from Canada Allistair Elliott. “We are committed to seeing this issue through to the end as we represent the interest of all musicians in Canada.”

Last but not least, Local 180 has been lucky to welcome Jacob Dioszghy as an intern. Dioszghy is a singer-songwriter and producer who is planning to study law. He is First Nations, like Sainte-Marie. Dioszghy’s mother was thrilled to discover he would have the opportunity to share in this wonderful event. Little did she guess that he would have a photo taken with one of her all-time favourite First Nations artists: Buffy Sainte-Marie.

2017 Juno Award Winners

April 27, 2017 IM

The Canadian Federation of Musicians and American Federation of Musicians congratulates all our members who were nominated for or won 2017 Juno Awards. The list of member 2017 Juno Award winners includes:

JUNO Fan Choice Award: Shawn Mendes of Local 145 (Vancouver, BC)

Album of the Year: You Want It Darker, Leonard Cohen former member of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA)

Artist of the Year: Leonard Cohen

Group of the Year: The Tragically Hip—Gord Downie, Paul Langlois, Rob Baker, Gord Sinclair, and Johnny Fay of Local 518 (Kingston, ON)

Songwriter of the Year: Gord Downie

Breakthrough Artist of the Year: Ruth B of Local 390 (Edmonton, AB)

Breakthrough Group of the Year: The Dirty Nil, Luke Bentham and Kyle Fisher of Local 293 (Hamilton, ON) and Ross Miller of Local 298 (Niagara Region, ON)

Alternative Album of the Year: Touch, July Talk, Peter Dreimanis, Leah Fay, Ian Docherty, Josh Warburton and Danny Miles of Local 149

Classical Album of the Year, Large Ensemble or Soloist(s) with Large Ensemble Accompaniment: Going Home Star—Truth and Reconciliation, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra of Local 190 (Winnipeg, MB)

Classical Album of the Year, Vocal or
Choral Performance: L’Aiglon, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal of Local 406

Adult Contemporary Album of the Year: Wonderland, Sarah McLachlan of Local 145

Canadian Music Hall of Fame: Sarah McLachlan

Allan Waters Humanitarian Award: Buffy Sainte-Marie of Local 802 (New York City)

AFM Canada Musicians Take Home JUNO Awards

May 10, 2016 IM

by Canadian Electronic Media Contract Administrator Daniel Calabrese and International Representative for Canada Allistair Elliot

AFM Electronic Media Contract Administrator Daniel Calabrese (left) with Local 247 (Victoria, BC) member Alex Cuba.

The 2016 JUNO Awards were held in Calgary, Alberta, Sunday, April 3. Leading up to the televised event, the city hosted JUNOfest, which included more than 150 performances in 15 different venues. In true Canadian fashion, there was a hockey game, appropriately named: JUNO Cup, featuring ex-NHLers against musicians. Canadian Office International Representative Allistair Elliott and Contract Administrator Daniel Calabrese represented the AFM/CFM at JUNO Week.

One thing that struck a chord was the diversity that defines Canada’s culture. The JUNO Awards were created to honour and promote Canadian Artists.

We attended a broad range of performances, from Local 180 (Ottawa, ON) members the Cancer Bats, to Local 247 (Victoria, BC) member Alex Cuba. The majority of the venues reached capacity, as they packed with fans in love with Canadian music of all genres. From performances of emerging artists to inducting legends like Local 190 (Winnipeg, MB) member Burton Cummings into Canada’s Music Hall of Fame, it was refreshing to see a vast number of AFM/CFM members taking part in JUNO Week. We were proud to celebrate the many members who took home a JUNO this year (a list of AFM/CFM JUNO Award winners with signatory recordings follows).

The live, televised award show, from Calgary’s Saddledome, was co-hosted by Local 547 (Calgary, AB) member, Jann Arden, and included performances by Local 149 (Toronto, ON) members Robi Botos and Allison Au, together with 80-year-old, first-time nominee Al Muirhead (of Local 547). He was supported by Tommy Banks of Local 390 (Edmonton, AB), Kodi Hutchinson (Local 547), and Mark Kelso (Local 149). They performed a memorable all-star jam at the awards gala the previous evening.

Muirhead passionately felt the support of the whole community, performing alongside his friend and musical partner Tommy Banks (Local 390) from the nominated album It’s About Time. Between these two gentlemen, there is more than 120 years of musical history, plus 60 years of friendship. After being a sideman for countless projects, Muirhead’s nomination for [Solo] Jazz Album of the Year, was very well deserved. His supporting cast is pictured above.

Calgary set the bar high during this year’s JUNOFest. Next year the nation’s capital, Ottawa, will be the host city. JUNO Week 2017 will be one of the major events in the city as it celebrates Canada’s 150th anniversary with a yearlong series of special events, exhibits, and immersive experiences.

Photo: (L to R): Chris Andrew of Local 390 (Edmonton, AB); Kodi Hutchinson of Local 547 (Calgary, AB); Jens Lindemann and PJ Perry of Local 390; Al Muirhead of Local 547; Tommy Banks of Local 390; Tyler Hornby of Local 547; and AFM Canadian International Representative Allistair Elliott.

AFM Member JUNO Award Winners whose albums were signatory to AFM Contracts include:

Classical Album of the Year Large Ensemble or Soloist with Large Ensemble Accompaniment: Symphony and New Works for Organ and Orchestra, Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, members of Local 406 (Montreal, PQ)
Breakthrough Group of the Year: Dear Rouge, members of Local 145
Producer of the Year: Bob Ezrin of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA)

Organizing

2015 Juno Awards Winners

March 24, 2015 IM

Numerous AFM members were among those honored with nominations and awards at the 2015 Juno Awards. Following is a list of Juno winners who are AFM members and whose work is recorded on labels signatory to AFM agreements. The AFM celebrates all winners and nominees whose works are supported by AFM musicians, under AFM agreements.

2015 JUNO Awards Winners

Juno Fan Choice Award: Michael Bublé, Local 145 (Vancouver, BC)

Single of the Year: “Rude,” by Magic!: Mark Pellizzer, Local 180 (Ottawa, ON); Nasri Tony, Ben Spivak, and Alex Tanas, members of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA)

Breakthrough Group of the Year : Magic!

Group of the Year: Arkells: Max Kerman, Mike DeAngelis, Nick Dika, and Tim Oxford, Local 467 (Brantford, ON); and Anthony Carone, Local 149 (Toronto, ON)

Country Album of the Year: Lifted, Dallas Smith, Local 145 (Vancouver, BC)

Alternative Album of the Year: July Talk, July Talk: Peter Dreimanis, Leah Fay, Ian Docherty, Josh Warburton, and Danny Miles, all members of Local 149 (Toronto, ON)

Pop Album of the Year: Little Machines, Lights: Valerie Poxleitner, Local 149 (Toronto, ON)

Rock Album of the Year: High Noon, Arkells

Vocal Jazz Album of the Year: Red, Diana Panton, Local 293 (Hamilton, ON)

Jazz Album of the Year – Solo: Vista Obscura, Kirk MacDonald, Local 149 (Toronto, ON)

Instrumental Album of the Year: Encuentro, Quartango: René Gosselin, Jonathan Goldman, Stéphane Aubin, and Antoine Bareil, all members of Local 406 (Montreal, PQ)

Children’s Album of the Year: Where in the World,
Fred Penner, Local 190 (Winnipeg, MB)

Classical Album of the Year—Solo or Chamber Ensemble: Bartok: Chamber Works for Violin Vol. 3, James Ehnes Chandos, Local 190 (Winnipeg, MB)

Classical Album of the Year—Large Ensemble/Soloist(s) with Large Ensemble Accompaniment: Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 22 & 24, Angela Hewitt, Local 180 (Ottawa, ON)

Classical Composition of the Year: Airline Icarus, Brian Current, Local 149 (Toronto, ON)

Roots & Traditional Album of the Year—Solo:
The Raven’s Sun, Catherine MacLellan, Local 1000 (Nongeographic)

Roots & Traditional Album of the Year—Group: Let It Lie, The Bros. Landreth: David Landreth, Joe Landreth, Ryan Voth, and Alex Campbell, all members of Local 190 (Winnipeg, MB)

Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year: VIP, Manic Drive: Shawn Cavallo, Michael Cavallo, and Anthony Moreino, all members of Local 293 (Hamilton, ON)

Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year: Z², Devin Townsend Project, Local 145 (Vancouver, BC)

Adult Contemporary Album of the Year: Shine On, Sarah McLachlan, Local 145 (Vancouver, BC)

WINNERS OF HONOURARY AWARDS:

Allan Waters Humanitarian Award: Rush: Alex Lifeson, Local 149 (Toronto, ON); Geddy Lee, Local 149 (Toronto, ON); and
Neil Peart, Local 298 (Niagara Region, ON)

Canadian Music Hall of Fame: Alanis Morissette, Local 47
(Los Angeles, CA)

International Musician, Organizing

2015 Juno Canada’s Music Awards in Hamilton, Ontario

March 24, 2015 IM

by Daniel Calabrese, AFM Canada, Contract Administer

(L to R) AFM International Representative from Canada Allistair Elliot; Local 293 member Laura Cole; and AFM Canada Contract Administrator Daniel Calabrese

Every year since 1970, the Juno Awards have recognized Canadian musical artists and bands for their artistic and technical achievements in all aspects of music. This award show has grown in the past 45 years, becoming the biggest award show for Canada’s music industry.

For several days prior to the award presentations, events are held in the host city as part of “Junofest.” Local venues open their doors to host around 120 concerts by local and national artists. Hotels are filled with musicians, musician representatives, and music lovers from around the country for this annual tradition. Hamilton, Ontario, hosted this year’s Juno Awards. I was fortunate to attend Junofest, along with AFM International Representative from Canada Allistair Elliott. Together we witnessed some of the best musicians Hamilton has to offer.

Our trip to Hamilton began with a visit to Local 293, the Hamilton Musicians’ Guild. Local Secretary-Treasurer Brent Malseed and President Larry Feudo were great hosts, taking us to see the best up-and-comers, along with some of Hamilton’s well-known musicians. I was pleasantly surprised to see the amount of local talent in Hamilton.

One of those performers was previous Juno winner and long-time Local 293 member Rita Chiarelli. She is Canada’s most highly acclaimed female roots and blues artist. Chiarelli just released the soundtrack for her award-winning documentary, Music from the Big House. With one Juno Award and four subsequent Juno nominations, she is known across Canada as “the goddess of the blues.”

(L to R) AFM Canada Contract Administrator Daniel Calabrese, Local 293 (Hamilton, ON) Secretary-Treasurer Brent Malseed, Rita Chiarelli of Local 293, AFM International Representative from Canada Allistair Elliott, and Local 293 Executive Board Member Janna Malseed.

It’s no wonder Hamilton has hosted the Juno Awards six times. The awards provide an opportunity to celebrate Canadian music from the past year, not only on a national level, but on a local level. The awards recognize the legends as well as new break-out artists. At Junofest 2015, I saw that the city of Hamilton is proud to embrace and show off its local talent to Canada.

Hamilton Musicans’ Guild showed its pride for the musicians. Local 293 also has a lot to celebrate this past year because it has doubled its membership since the last convention. It’s nice to see how much these local officers get out to shows, pay attention to their music scene, and educate local musicians about the AFM. “We’re doing it one musician at a time, and it seems to be working out for us,” says Malseed.

Overall, it’s always refreshing to see the celebration of Canadian music in one city with musicians, composers, managers, and representatives all in the same place promoting and embracing Canadian culture through music. I look forward to next year’s Junofest in Calgary and I hope for another equally successful event.