NLIS 4
April 12, 2002
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)


2002 Juno Awards set for this weekend

Premier Roger Grimes, Julie Bettney, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, and John Hutton, president of the Music Industry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (MIANL), are excited the much-anticipated Juno weekend has arrived. The 2002 Juno Awards marks only the second time Canada�s premiere music awards have been held outside Ontario.

"Newfoundland and Labrador has a rich musical heritage developed over hundreds of years from our English, Irish, Scottish and French ancestors and our Aboriginal peoples," said Premier Grimes. "The Junos are a wonderful opportunity to highlight the high calibre talent we have in this province from traditional to jazz to choral to rock and everything in between."

Premier Grimes thanked the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) for its decision to host the Junos in St. John�s. CARAS is the organizer of both the Premier�s Gala and Awards on Saturday and the Juno Awards show Sunday. The premier is pleased to participate in both events. The premier also acknowledged the MIANL and the many volunteers who have been working for months to ensure the success of the Junos.

Minister Bettney said this weekend is an occasion for the province to promote its vibrant music industry. "The national broadcast of the awards show Sunday evening has the potential to reach over a million homes," she said.

"This exposure will promote our province as a tourist destination and further develop our cultural tourism industry," the minister said. "During the weekend, visitors will be encouraged to visit the Provincial Museum of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Art Gallery of Newfoundland and Labrador and our national historic sites Cape Spear and Signal Hill.

Mr. Hutton said the association is very proud to present its members to the Canadian and international music industry.

"The weekend we have planned is going to blow them away," said Mr. Hutton. "The eyes of Canada will be on us as we celebrate our 10th anniversary. This is the first time in Juno history that a provincial music industry has partnered with the award show and we are very excited about the possibilities for our members during their showcases."

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has contributed $550,000 for sponsoring events during the weekend. CARAS has received $505,000 to help offset the cost associated with bringing a national event of this magnitude to Newfoundland and Labrador. As sponsors, government is participating in the Welcoming Reception Friday evening, the Premier�s Gala and Awards Saturday and the Juno Awards show Sunday. The MIANL received $45,000 for JUNOfest 2002 - Music from the Edge and the Songwriters Circle. Other sponsors for the 2002 Juno Awards include the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent on Records (FACTOR), General Motors, Pantene Pro-Voice and CTV. Sponsors for JUNOfest 2002 include Steele Communications, Molson, The Telegram and CARAS.

"Our music industry association is providing a wonderful opportunity for our local musicians to be seen and heard by hundreds of national music industry representatives," said Minister Bettney. "This is also a chance for the residents of this province to go out and enjoy some of the best music to be offered locally and nationally. JUNOfest 2002 is guaranteed to be a success based on the high-level of support our local music industry is receiving in its 10th anniversary year."

The weekend will also entail a number of industry receptions including a small one with the Lieutenant-Governor which will include MIANL and national music industry representatives, a Fan Fair at the Avalon Mall on Saturday afternoon when fans can meet a number of Canadian artists, and a Songwriter�s Circle Sunday afternoon at the Convention Centre. As well, many of the province�s musicians are providing entertainment at the St. John�s International Airport for out-of-province guests.

"This weekend has a decidedly Newfoundland and Labrador flavour with many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians involved in everything from producing events to performing to providing music equipment," added Premier Grimes. "The benefits from hosting the Juno Awards are enormous for the province and local businesses including hotels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, stores such as hair salons and dress shops, and taxi companies. This is an event which will be remembered for years to come. Good luck to all the nominees especially to our two provincial nominees the Ennis Sisters and Jeff Johnston."

Media contact:

Carl Cooper, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960
Carmel Turpin, Tourism, Culture and Recreation, (709) 729-0928
John Hutton, Music Industry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, (709) 738-3933

2002 04 12                       11:55 a.m.


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