Warner Music Brings JUNO Week to a Close

Photos by Renee Doiron

All good things must come to an end. Over the past four weeks, Ottawa Life has delivered you over thirty articles covering the JUNO Awards, including everything from artist interviews to the special events that have happened all over the Capital Area.

As the JUNOs come to a close, there was a single event that could hold the title of “the place to be” Sunday night: The Warner’s 50^th Anniversary Party, doubling as the most exclusive afterparty for the JUNO Awards, taking place this year at the Canadian Tire Centre.

The Byward’s Market Lowertown Brewery was where a good portion of Warner Music Canada’s musician roster could be spotted following the ceremony, whether they be milling about the restuaruant’s dining area or up on stage strumming a guitar. Though it was largely a celebration of Warner’s longevity as a label, it also served as a reflection on Canadian Music, a place where many of the nation’s musicians could congregate to celebrate a night devoted solely to their art.

The centrepiece of the night was the Brewery’s stage, hosting a rotating cast of musicians. Opening up the night was local favorites Ferraro and MonkeyJunk. Before long however, Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy took the stage to play a couple of fan favorites and covers. At this point in the night, he was joined by Billy Talent’s Ben Kowalewicz to perform “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet” (for those that caught Cuddy and members of the alt rockers singing along to “Summer of ’69 during the awards ceremony, picture something far more intimate).

Weren’t lucky enough to get on the guest list? Fear not: Ottawa Life was there to capture photos of the event for your viewing pleasure.