CBC and The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) have announced the JUNOs 365 Songwriters’ Circle virtual series, adapted for an online audience after the popular “Jewel of the JUNOs” event was cancelled in Saskatoon due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Presented by SOCAN in association with Music Publishers Canada, it’s now a series of five online events beginning this Friday, May 1, 2020, featuring some of Canada’s best songwriters telling the intriguing stories behind the songs, and performing from their homes. The first episode will feature your host, JUNO and SOCAN Award winner Brett Kissel, bringing together stories and songs from JUNO Award nominees Dominique Fils-Aimé, Kaia Kater, and Devon Portielje of Half Moon Run.
The JUNOs 365 Songwriters’ Circle will be available free in Canada on CBC Gem and globally on CBC Music’s Facebook and YouTube pages and cbcmusic.ca/junos starting on Friday, May 1, at 8:00 p.m. ET. The remaining four episodes will be released every other week on Fridays, until June 26.
“It’s really special for us to be able to partner with CBC Music to bring the JUNO Songwriters’ Circle to life virtually for Canadian music fans across the country and around the world, so they can experience first-hand the magic of this event,” said Allan Reid, President & CEO, CARAS/The JUNO Awards and MusiCounts. “During these difficult and unprecedented times, it’s the artist’s words and music in which we find solace. We need our artists now more than ever, so come and enjoy their stories and songs in this truly unique musical experience.”
“JUNO Songwriters’ Circle is one of the most highly-anticipated events each year during JUNO Week, said Steve Jordan, Senior Director, CBC Music. “As we all continue to navigate this challenging time, we’re happy to have an opportunity to partner with CARAS to bring this intimate musical event to audiences at home, and support some of our country’s most talented musicians by sharing their powerful stories and performances.”
Each host and the participating songwriters for future JUNOs 365 Songwriters’ Circle episodes will be revealed in advance of each broadcast. For more information, visit cbcmusic.ca/junos.