The decision to make the Juno Awards a traveling event has turned it into a massive event encompassing four days in Calgary of Canadian music.

“We have created these other public events, which is a great opportunity for interaction between fans and artists. I love seeing that interaction and they certainly enjoy it,” CARAS president Melanie Berry told GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine. “It would really be a shame to have the Juno’s without these other events. They really are for the public and for the host city to show off local talent.”

Things kick off with an outdoor concert Thursday April third with Finger Eleven, Sloan, the New Odds and Bedouin Soundclash. Friday night offers a unique blend of two things Canadian: music and hockey, with The Juno Cup. The 1989 Stanley Cup champions Lanny McDonald, Colin Patterson, Doug Gilmour and Jamie Macoun reunite, while teaming up with NHL legends Bob Probert, Brad Dalgarno, Mark Napier, Mike Pelyk, Paul Coffey and Russ Courtnall to take on a team of Canadian rockers. The music team is lead by Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy and includes Sloan’s Chris Murphy and Andrew Scott, Tom Cochrane, Shane Yellowbird and Canadian Idol judge Zack Werner.

“This is the 5th year for the Juno Cup. The rockers have not won yet, but this could be their year. We are at the Stampede Corral and expect to have over 5000 people there. It is fun and a real family event and a great opportunity to see these artists and NHL stars,” Berry explained. The event is a fundraiser for CARAS’ Band-Aid music education program. “Over the last 10 years [CARAS] has donated over 2.3 million dollars in musical instruments to schools across the country.”

Another exciting event will be Juno Fanfare at the Olympic Oval at the University on Saturday April 5th. Juno Fanfare is a free event featuring artist interviews, prize giveaways and autograph sessions with Bedouin Soundclash, Faber Drive, Finger Eleven, Hedley, illScarlett, Jully Black, Serena Ryder and State of Shock.

“There’s always an electrifying energy at Juno Fan Fare,” said Berry. “When you connect elated fans with so many of their favourite Canadian music stars in a single event, it makes for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Also on tap the 4th and 5th is JunoFest – over 70 acts in 17 venues including indie artists, hometown favourites and JUNO Award nominees across-the-board performing at various venues in Calgary. One $30 wristband gets you access to all of the shows. Over 50% of the artists will be locally based, making JunoFest a great opportunity for one to go out and discover new Canadian talent.

Finally, one of the most anticipated events of Juno Weekend is the Songwriters circle, held at the Jack Singer Concert Hall on the afternoon of the 6th and broadcast live on CBC radio. The intimate concert will be hosted by songwriter, Joel Plaskett, the front man of Joel Plaskett Emergency, and 2008 JUNO Award nominee for Songwriter of the Year. Plaskett will join fellow esteemed Canadian songwriters and JUNO Award nominees AlexCuba, JeremyFisher, Serena Ryder and Tegan and Sara. The writers will share with fans some of their unique creative processes, challenges and songwriting successes, all the while telling personal anecdotes behind their favourite songs.

“I am told the songwriters circle is one of the best events of the weekend. It is very much up close and personal, stories and songs about how things get written. I have not spoken to one single person who has said anything other than it is incredible,” says Berry.

Even if you don’t plan to attend the awards ceremony itself, there is plenty going on in Calgary’s Juno weekend to enjoy.

“If you are a Canadian music fan, this is your opportunity to celebrate Canadian music. We have 100s of acts, literally, playing over a four-day weekend. If you are a music lover you will be dying to come out and see as much as you can.”

For full event and artist listing and ticket information for Juno weekend events visit www.junoawards.ca