Story and photos by Jackie Doming
The 2014 JUNO Gala Dinner & Awards took place at the RBC Convention Centre on Saturday, March 29. Hosted by Jian Ghomeshi, the premier event featured performances by A Tribe Called Red, The Devin Cuddy Band, Erin Propp with Larry Roy and Mike Downes, JRDN ft. Kardinal Offishall, and July Talk.
The evening included presentations of various preshow category winners, including:
•International Album Of The Year: Unorthodox Jukebox, Bruno Mars
•Artist of the Year: Serena Ryder
•Breakthrough Artist of the Year: Brett Kissel
•Country Album of the Year: Crop Circles, Dean Brody
•Adult Alternative Album of the Year: Forever Endeavour, Ron Sexsmith
•Alternative Album of the Year: Reflektor, Arcade Fire
•Pop Album of the Year: Heartthrob, Tegan and Sara
•Rock Album of the Year: Coyote, Matt Mays
•Vocal Jazz Album of the Year: Notes on Montreal ft. Sienna Dahlen, Mike Rud
•Jazz Album of the Year: Habitat, Christine Jensen Jazz Orchestra
•Traditional Jazz Album of the Year: Ripple Effect, Mike Downes
•Instrumental Album of the Year: Dalmak, Esmerine
•Francophone Album of the Year: Fox, Karim Ouellet
•Children’s Album of the Year: Colour It, Helen Austin
•Classical Album of the Year: Solo or Chamber Ensemble: Prokofiev: Complete Works for Violin, James Ehnes
•Classical Album of the Year: Large Ensemble or Soloist(S) with Large Ensemble Accompaniment: Britten & Shostakovich, James Ehnes
•Classical Album of the Year: Vocal or Choral Performance: Lettres de Madame Roy à sa fille, Gabrille Marie-Nicole Lemieux & André Gagnon
•Classical Composition of the Year: Field Notes, Allan Gordon Bell
•Rap Recording of the Year: Nothing Was The Same, Drake
•Dance Recording of the Year: This Is What It Feels Like, Armin van Buuren 7 Trevor Guthrie
•R&B/Soul Recording of the Year: Can’t Choose, JRDN ft. Kardinal Offishall
•Reggae Recording of the Year: Strive, Exco Levi and Kabaka Pyramid
•Aboriginal Album of the Year: Surrender, George Leach
•Roots & Traditional Album of the Year: Solo: Valleyheart, Justin Rutledge
•Roots & Traditional Album of the Year: Group: We Still Move On Dance Floors, The Strumbellas
•Blues Album of the Year: Can You Hear the Music, Downchild
•Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year: Trees, Tim Neufeld
•World Album of the Year: Walk to the Sea, David Buchbinder & Odessa/Havana
•Jack Richardon Producer of the Year: Henry “Cirkut” Walter
•Recording Engineer of the Year: Eric Ratz
•Recording Package of the Year: Robyn Kotyk (Art Director/Designer/Illustrator), Petra Cushieri, Justin Peroff (Designers)
•Video of the Year: Feeling Good, Matt Barnes The Sheepdogs
•Electronic Album of the Year: Guilt Trips, Ryan Hemsworth
•Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year: Volition, Protest the Hero
•Adult Contemporary Album of the Year: A Christmas Gift To You, Johnny Reid
Special awards were also presented to Chantal Kreviazuk and Raine Maida (Allan Waters Humanitarian Award) and Frank David (2014 Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award).
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner
Top Five Moments in the Media Room
5. Fred Penner sings a song about Winnipeg’s weather (and lack of summer, namely). This nostalgic moment reminds us of why Mr. Penner will forever be our childhood hero.
4. George Leach, winner of Aboriginal Album of the Year, bashfully calls himself Georgy Porgy and reminds himself he just won a JUNO. Shortly afterwards, he also win the award for best self-selected nickname ever.
3. Exco Levi, winner of Reggae Recording of the Year, proudly proclaims his patriotism as a Canadian immigrant. He’s a true inspiration for any man, woman or child aspiring to achieve their dreams regardless of where they’re from.
2. Matt Mays, winner of Rock Album of the Year, curses a few times and plays coy when asked why he’s not romantically involved. We discover his tortured musical content may have a direct effect on his relationship status.
1. Everything about Brett Kissel, winner of Breakthrough Artist of the Year. This 23-year-old country singer and songwriter loves his wife and life. Brett has been wearing the same cowboy hat since he was 12-years-old and is willing to root for the Winnipeg Jets. This young superstar should officially be everyone’s new favourite person.
