CBC and CARAS partner to launch a virtual version of the ‘Jewel of Juno Week”, JUNOS 365 Songwriters’ Circle

Although the cancellation of the 2020 JUNO Awards in Saskatoon, SK, following the onset of COVID-19 crisis was heartbreaking for may, CBC and the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) have announced they are making the most of the current situation and will be presenting a virtual version of the JUNO 365 Songwriters’ Circle, beginning today, May 1 at 8 pm ET (5 PT).

Known as the “Jewel of JUNO Week”, the JUNO Award Songwriters’ Circle brings together songwriters and fans from across the country and across genres to discuss and hear the stories behind their favourite songs. In the new, virtual format, that will run for five episodes every other week until June 26, songwriters will instead perform their songs from their homes as the nation enjoys the performances on the free through CBC’s many streaming platforms.

The first episode will feature JUNO Award winner, Brett Kissel, bringing together stories and songs from JUNO Award nominees Dominique Fils-Aimé, Kaia Kater, and Devon Portielje from Half Moon Run.

“During these difficult and unprecedented times, it’s the artist’s words and music that we find solace in,” says Allan Reid, President and CEO of CARAS/The JUNO Awards. “We need our artists now more than ever so come and enjoy their stories and songs in this truly unique musical experience.”

JUNOS 365 SONGWRITERS’ CIRCLE will be available in Canada on the free CBC Gem streaming service and globally on CBC Music’s Facebook and YouTube pages and cbcmusic.ca/junos starting on Friday, May 1 at 8 pm ET (5 PT).

Emily Plunkett

Born and raised with thoughts and aspirations of becoming a famous bassist in Sarnia, ON; Emily Plunkett now lives in Gatineau, QC, and considers National Capital Region home sweet home. A product of the Beatles, MuchMusic and the Southwestern Ontario summer festival circuit (circa 2000), her interest and love in concert photography came almost completely by accident when her journalism program at Algonquin College required courses in photojournalism (and she quickly realized that photos taken at concerts using a DSLR are enormously better than ones she was taking on a point-and-shoot she bought for a trip to England). She is extremely proud of the fact she has seen Sloan in some form or another 25 times.