Have you ever heard the lead-up to something is sometimes better than the real thing?

It's been an amazing week here in Toon Town, and I've met and seen some fantastic performers. Then it's Juno night. Sadly, I didn't make it to the Red Carpet, but if you watched the show, well, you pretty much saw what happened.

Then the music started and show began. I was backstage with the other media watching on the Big Screens again. Of course, when the winners started coming down, it got interesting.

Tomi Swick won New Artist of the Year. That was great, because Tomi's such a talented guy. But he's also a fighter! He actually had a concussion today, which he got fighting in Hamilton. Tomi says he was trying to park and these guys got in his way. They started fighting....and he says he was doing alright 'till more guys jumped him from behind. And that's not all the fightin' that happened. Turns out his guitarist got punched at the bar Buds the other night too! Scrappy, hey?

Billy Talent came down and were pretty pumped, to say the least. The band says they love makin' the music and makin' a difference...and the Juno shows people are listening. Then they went looking for beer!

R&B Juno winner, Jacksoul and me, backstage at the Junos!

Jacksoul was a great guy, he had tons of energy, and we got our picture taken together (which is so endearing)! He says his favourite song on his album, which just won R&B/Soul Recording of the Year, is Jim Cuddy's Try. Then he told me he's ready to party!

In fact they're all ready to party!

So that's it. The 2007 Nelly Furtado Juno Awards show (was that the official title, I can't remember?) is over. Saskatoon rocked...I had a blast...then another...then another! I hope you had fun reading the blog, checking out the photos and sharing your stories. But don't worry, it's not quite over. It will all stay up for a few weeks, so keep sending your friends and family here. Tell me all about your week and what you thought of the show. Did you love it? What was your favourite part? Were you disappointed someone you love didn't win? Let me know.

Thanks again for hanging out with me in the Basement Blog. Let's do it again soon!

(check out all the winners here)

So...what is a Songwriters' Circle?

Well, picture the sidestage at a folkfest with Jim Cuddy hosting. The other performers all sit side by side taking turns playing, playing together too, singing, telling stories. It's a really intimate way to listen to music, even when there are thousands of people there.

Before the show started, hearing Jim Cuddy and Ron Sexsmith singing 5 Days in May in Jim's dressing room took me way back. Back to when I'd play my Blue Rodeo album knowing they understood my teen-age angst! I felt a tear coming on, so I snapped a photo of them!

Jim Cuddy and Ron Sexsmith backstage at the Songwriters' Circle

Then I stopped my Kellylee Evans dressing room. She's completely stunning -- eight months pregnant and a smile that can light up a room...with a killer voice! If you hear her sing, you will stop in your tracks.

Shelagh Rogers stopped by the room too, we all talked about shaved heads, nicely shaped shaved heads, and whether or not my head is too pointy to shave (Kelly Lee has a great shaped head, Shelagh loved having a shaved head, but may not do it again, and maybe, just maybe, one day I'll do it). Then Kellylee gave me a hug and went and sang her heart out!

Honestly, the people I met at the Songwriters' Circle were some of the most talented and down to earth performers I've met. It was the highlight of the Junos! I hope you all had a chance to hear it!

Now...on to the Junos!

Tomi Swick, scant hours before winning the Juno for best new artist of the year.

The Songwriters' Circle blew my mind. My arm hair stood on end so many times I'm still trying to get it down. Imagine Jim Cuddy backstage singing a little ditty you listened to about a million times growing up. And he's right there, sitting in his dressing room throwing it down with Ron Sexsmith. I still can't imagine it and I was leaning on the door watching.

OK...so I'll write more about what went down backstage later. Right now I have to get ready for the Red Carpet (it seems fitting to capitolize that!). The outfit I had made for the event (see DNTO entry!) by Dean Renwick is hanging in the closet waiting to be let loose!

So...check back after the awards, check out pictures and stories from the Songwriters' Circle, then hear all about how the Juno awards show unfolded...on the Red Carpet and backstage.

Enjoy the show!!!

Juno nominee Ron Sexsmith

Today flew by...and although I was a part of it, it didn't quite feel real. I met some artists who I not only respect, but whose music I love. Patrick Watson...fantastic piano player, down to earth guy. During DNTO (his band was the house band) he had a BoGin -- a Saskatoon special (take a Bo beer and add gin...yummmm), then later he asked me for a smoke. I quietly explained that Quebec was the last province where people still smoked....Don't worry, he thought it was funny. Then we had a picture together. Then Ron Sexsmith and I had a photo during an afternoon soundcheck here at the Bess. Those two are such great musicians and, yes, they make my "sincerely nice" list. And that was all before noon!

Hedley rocks Long & McQuade

Then I stopped by an inpromptu (ok, it was sort of promptu) concert Hedley gave at Long and McQuade this afternoon. Let me tell ya, many a 12 year old girls' dreams came true. And they didn't hold it in...! My precious ears.

BUT...tonight's Juno Gala Dinner was The Big Event for the day, second only to the Junos. It's where the awards not given out tomorrow are handed out. The lights, the dresses, the red carpet! One of the best parts might have been getting the winner's list before the show even started (talk about being in the know)...or maybe it was just anti-climactic. It was actually a little of both.

And being part of the media is certainly interesting. We all just sit in a big room and watch the show on big screen T.V.'s, sitting there knowing who won with a bunch of other people who are sitting there knowing who won. Interesting, hey? Then the Juno winners start rolling in. First they stand on a big stage in front of mics waiting for reporters to ask them questions. They answer. Then they move into these little Q & A partition where the cameras are rolling.

But the pictures will be up tomorrow so you can see for yourself.
It was a good indicator of what the BIG NIGHT will be like.

So who won?
Well, the only Saskatchewan Juno winner of the night was Jon Ballantyne for Traditional Jazz album of the year for Avenue Standard.
Some other winners include: Nelly Furtado (Pop Album, Artist of the Year), Mobile (New Group of the Year), Swollen Members (Rap Recording of the Year), City and Colour (Alternative Album), Dixie Chicks (International Album), Leela Gilday (Aboriginal Recording), Sarah Harmer (Video of the Year).

Ok...so I'll leave you with the honest to goodness Holy Smoke part of my night. I GOT A JUNO. Seriously. Pictures tomorrow to prove it! So, if you're reading this before they're up, get back here tomorrow.
Back to the basement blog.

Thanks for stopping by today. And hey, let me know what you think, tell me a Juno story, send me a picture...!

Good Morning!

Q and Canada Live at the Junos host, Jian Ghomeshi

Wow...last night really rocked!!! And it's sooo early today... Not only was the CBC concert great...Juno Fest was fantastic.... First I stopped by Louis...but it was packed (yay for press passes...). Once I was in, though, a basement blog reader let me in on a hot tip...Alexisonfire and Billy Talent had been spotted...I admit I actually didn't see them, but I trust my source! Bedouin Soundclash was on stage, playing to a packed and excited house.

Then I took off and headed over to the Odeon.

There are few words to discribe the party that was goin' on there. But, I'll try!
Tons of people. Lots I knew. I ran into Jian Ghomeshi (Canada Live), Amanda Putz (the first host of Fuse), and countless other freinds. I got a few shots for you too, I know they aren't great, but they'll give you an idea of the masses.

I made it for Shout Out Out Out and the dance floor was packed, groovin' and movin' all over the damn place. Malajube hit it next, then DJ Champion. People were dancin' so hard sweat was pouring off the rafters.

Exhausted I finally got in at 3 am...and I left before the last beat hit the floor! The verdict: Juno Fest was a blast.

Shout Out Out Out Giver 'er!

But...back at it because today's a big day. Right now DNTO is about to do their live show at the Bess. The crowd is excited! Then I'm heading to the Juno Fan Fare to get me some autographs. I may even have a special surprise tomrrow to share with you. In the evening I'll head over the Industry Awards. That should be a super cool ticket to fun. And I'll give you the details later. Check back. Oh...and make sure you listen to Sook Yin and me chat on today's show [runs 7:42, Windows Media] between 1 and 1:30 on CBC Radio One!

Alright...if you want some great free tunes, head down the Bess today at 4:30 to hear the awesome sounds of Joel Fafard, Ron Sexsmith and more. If you can't make it, that show will air at 8 PM on Radio One.

Right after that show, turn the Radio back on and hear my Juno Nominee Gallery disc show. That's on Radio One at 5 PM.

Thanks for coming. And thanks a lot for the Juno Cup update! Sounds like it was a blast.
See you soon.

It's Friday night and right now two bands are doing their soundchecks.
The concert will air tomorrow on CBC's new show Canada Live!
Tonight's performers are Mr. Something Something, Jack Semple ; and jazz pianist Hilario Duran. Roberto Occhipinti plays upright bass, Colin Kingsmore is on the drums, and they'll both be joining the fun live at the Bess. The show starts at 8, and if the soundcheck is any indication (which it is), this show's gonna rock.

If you can't make it, the concert will air Saturday, March 31 at 10 p.m., live to the nation, on Canada Live hosted by Jian Gomeshi and Holger Petersen.

Earlier today my inner CBC geek really shone through. I met Sook Yin Lee, the host of DNTO
Now, I've listened to DNTO for years and have always been a big Sook Yin Lee fan. Meeting her today was a definate highlight! She was interesting and genuinely nice. Hopefully I'll get a picture with her tomorrow when DNTO does a live show at the Bess at 10 AM -- if you're in the neighbourhood, stop by!

But there's more....And It's a sad but true story. Ever since I found out I was working at the Junos and would be meeting the performers backstage on Juno night, well, I've been having a fashion crisis. So, I told Sook Yin all about it. We had quite the conversation, believe me! But don't despair, you can listen to our chat, and find out whether or not my problems were solved tomorrow on DNTO. That's CBC Radio One between 1 and 2 (I think it will actually air between 1 - 1:30). That's Saskatchewan time, of course!

Really, it's been quite the day. Bands, hockey players and CBC hosts...thanks for hanging out in the basement blog and listening to the stories. But I thank you even more for your comments and stories...keep 'em coming!

So...I was on my way to the Bess today when I ran into a gaggle of hockey players out front. Is it a gaggle? No, I guess it's a team!

The Juno Cup is going down tonight in Prince Albert and should be a blast. CBCs Dan Reynish will be there and will let listeners know what happened tomorrow on Saskatchewan Weekend . So have a listen.

Jason Plumb, Joel Fafard, Sam Roberts, were all standing around with their sticks and bags ready for a party...and a great game! The Junos are so much fun!

Joel has a concert tonight so won't be playing in the game, but Jason seems ready to play. I think he's the team enforcer!

Colin Grewer from the Afternoon Edition will be talking to Jason Plumb at 4:25 as he rides up on the bus. Nothing like the bus ride to a game...maybe Colin will hear some of the "what stays on the road" conversation!

I hung out with Joel Fafard and Jason Plumb a bit and have some of our conversation on tape. I'll upload that here later...make sure you check it out.

Tonight's Fuse show rocked!
The Elizabeth Sheperd Trio were fused with David GoGo.
Elizaeth Sheperd is Nominated for Vocal Jazz Album of the year and David Gogo is up for Blues Album of the Year.
So if you missed it...check it out on Saturday, CBC Radio One, at 3 PM.

If you've never heard these guys, DO!!!
Especially the Elizabeth Sheperd Trio. Not only are they great musicians, they're nice people. And really funny. So far, they're on the top of my "honestly nice people" list. I'll keep it updated as I start to meet more and more performers!

Great photos from tonight's show will be up later. So make sure you come back to the Basement Blog. Oh, and if you need a place to crash...the tiger print couch is free!

See you tomorrow!

I just ran into Colin Grewer from the Afternoon Edition interviewing George Canyan in the Bess Lobby!

George's performing tonight at the Get in Tune Party, will be playing in the Juno Cup tomorrow, and is signing autographs at Juno Fan Fare Saturday at Prairieland Park. Oh yeah, he's also up for Country Recording of the Year for his album Somebody Wrote Love! Busy guy!

You can hear Colin's interview with George Canyon on The Afternoon Edition tonight between 5 and 6.
You can also hear Colin talking to me tonight at about 5 o'clock.

See you soon!