Need further proof that Vancouver is fun (even in the rain)? How about Junofest?

If there is another example of the lack of prentension in Canada it’s any of our awards shows.  From the Much Music Video Awards, open to the public and held in parking lots and on closed streets in Toronto, to the Junos which are Canada’s own Grammy awards also open to the public and held all over the city, we see artists who are great n their own right interacting with the public at large, performing for their fans, and showing up by whatever means affordable.  Not so many stretch limos and obscenely insane designer fashions.  Nope.  We get bands who, in Ben Mulroney’s paraphrased words, “show up in Value Village and on bicycles” (from his interview on the Beat 94.5fm morning show).  Big props go to CTV for taking over the production of the Junos and turning them into a travelling awards show with a new city each year.

Junofest has taken over downtown Vancouver (while the Canucks are away and climbing the standings!) with venues all over.  Westjet is hosting a street party on Granville (from Thursday to Sunday under a very long tent) and fans will be able to see some great acts and get autographs.  But that’s not the only venue.  No sir.  We’re talking 19 venues and over 100 acts. Check that Junofest link above to get the whole schedule.

Think the Grammys could ever pull something like this off?  Probably not.  And why not?  Because we’re just cool that way.  The acts are not Grammy material (aside from a few real international standouts) but they are all really high caliber and worthy of attention.  We won’t need security up the ying-yang nor scalpers asking for your first and second born.  The talent won’t be demanding anything more than your ears and feet.  And the people attending won’t be demanding anything more than a solid effort by the musicians and maybe some water (or beer from a local patio/bar).

Yup.  We’re throwing down not just an awards show but also a big festival celebrating Canadian produced music and that is definitely cool.

No related posts.