In the days leading up to the 2023 JUNO Awards on March 13, JUNO Fest is slated to take over the stages of Edmonton with a series of fan favourite events. From JUNO Fan Fare taking over the West Edmonton Mall to the return of the JUNO Cup to the beloved JUNO Songwriters’ Circle, there will be something for everyone in Edmonton.
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest events set for March 10 through 13 in Edmonton.
JUNOfest Presented by CBC Music
For three jam-packed nights, over 50 artists will invade Edmonton’s finest theatres, pubs, and intimate venues! From March 10 through March 12, you’re invited to catch talent from across the country, representing all genres, from country to rap to jazz.
For a full list of performers and venues, make sure to visit www.junofest.ca.
JUNO Songwriters’ Circle Presented by SOCAN & FACTOR in association with Music Publishers Canada/Q with Tom Power: A conversation with Simu Liu
For 2023, the “Jewel of the JUNOS” will become two events in one. The JUNO Songwriters’ Circle has joined forces with CBC Radio’s Q for an evening to celebrate Canada’s music awards and the songwriters who make it happen.
Starting with a live taping of Q with host, Tom Power, interviewing 2023 JUNO Awards host, actor Simu Liu, the JUNO Songwriters’ Circle will be hosted by CBC Music’s Damhnait Doyle and feature performances and stories by JUNO nominees Adria Kain, Dan Mangan, The Reklaws, Tyler Shaw and Wild Rivers.
The JUNO Songwriters’ Circle will take place Sunday, March 12, at Edmonton’s Winspear Centre.
JUNO Comedy Show Presented by SiriusXM Canada
Since returning as a category after a 32 year absence in 2018, the JUNO Comedy Album of the Year has provided fans the opportunity to support and celebrate Canadian comics with a rip-roaring good time at the JUNO Comedy Show.
Hosted by veteran comic Cory Mack, this year’s JUNO Comedy Show is scheduled to take place Friday, March 10, at Edmonton’s Rapid Fire Theatre and will feature performances by JUNO nominees Courtney Gilmour, Jackie Pirico, Jon Dore, Matt Wright, and Zabrina Douglas.
Junior JUNOS Presented by Edmonton Public Library
Celebrating the best of Canadian children’s entertainment, the Edmonton Public Library will play host to Junior JUNOS on March 12 at the Muttart Theatre. The event will be hosted by CBC Kids’ Janaye Upshaw and feature live performances by JUNO nominees Beppie, Garth Prince, Maestro Fresh Wes Presents: Young Maestro and Keysha Freshh, Splash’N Boots, and a virtual appearance by Jeremy & Jazzy
JUNO Cup Presented by CBC Sports
Returning for the first time since 2019, the JUNO Cup celebrity hockey game pits musicians and professional athletes in a match of skill and talent; all in support of MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity. The 2023 JUNO Cup is scheduled to be decided on March 12 at Edmonton’s Downtown Community Arena at Rogers Place.
JUNO Fan Fare
Taking over the largest mall in the country, JUNO Fan Fare will give Edmonton music fans the once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet and get their photo taken with their favourite Canadian artists and JUNO nominees.
Artists announced for this year’s event at the West Edmonton Mall on March 12 include multi-platinum songwriter/producer duo Banx & Ranx, first-time JUNO nominee Devon Cole, acclaimed singer/songwriter Preston Pablo, dance-pop icon Rêve, JUNO Award-winning country star Tenille Townes and Tyler Shaw.
JUNO Stories from the Studio
Celebrating the producers and engineers behind Canada’s recorded arts and hosted by Broken Social Scene’s Kevin Drew, JUNO Stories from the Studio will feature panelists Akeel Henry, Derek Hoffman, Gus van Go, Jason Dufour, and Mike Wise as they discuss the creative process behind Canada’s most iconic songs. JUNO Stories from the Studio will take place on March 13 at Betty Andrews Recital at MacEwan University.
The 52nd JUNO Awards will broadcast and stream live across Canada from Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB at 8 p.m. ET/6 p.m. MT on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, CBC Listen, and globally at CBCMusic.ca/junos and CBC Music’s Facebook, YouTube and Twitter pages. Tickets for The 2023 JUNO Awards are available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.ca/junos, and by phone and in-person at the Rogers Place box office.