Holy shit, there's an asstonne of stuff happening around the JUNOs. Here's what to do right now:
1. Follow Tourism Hamilton on Twitter
Huh. Who knew that if you follow @TourismHamilton on Twitter, you'll get dibs on, like, actual cool stuff like the Turn It On Pop Up Tour. Last weekend, 2015 JUNO nominees July Talk performed a free pop up show at Radius for just 100 fans. Cray.
2. Check out the JUNO Photography Exhibition
What: More than 50 pics of JUNO folks, Canadian musicians and such, spanning 40 years.
When: Until April 19, 2015
Where: Jean and Ross Fischer Gallery at The Art Gallery of Hamilton, 123 King St. W., Hamilton,
How: It's free. Just go. Check the gallery hours here.
3. Get ur tickets for these JUNO events:
a) SiriusXM JUNO KickOff with The Sheepdogs, Tokyo Police Club and Say Yes
Kick off party! This is where you earn your first hangover of JUNO week. Not to be missed.
When: Thursday, March 12 at 8 p.m.
Where: Liuna Station, 360 James St. N., Hamilton
How: All tickets are general admission, $28.25 including fees at Ticketmaster Online.
b) Francophone Singer Songwriter Circle
What: Performances by Eric Dubeau, Michel Bénac (SWING), Stef Paquette, Mastik and Le R (and cocktails!)
When: March 12, 2015 at 8 p.m.
Where: Spice Factory, 121 Hughson St. N., Hamilton
How: $15 in advance via www.centrefrancais.ca or pick up at the Centre française Hamilton show office at 95 King St., Hamilton, call 905-547-5702 for deets. Or it's $20 at the door.
c) Blame it on Hamilton: A Celebration of Hamilton's Musical Heritage
When: Friday, March 13, 2015. Doors at 7, show at 8:45
Where: Hamilton Public Library, Central Branch, 55 York Blvd., Hamilton (I hear this is a licensed event which is awesome because drinking at the library is cool.)
How: $70 in advance via via ticketscene.ca.
Who: Performances by Matt Andersen, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Digging Roots, Jeremy Fisher, Jon Harvey (Monster Truck), Terra Lightfoot, Ian Thornley, Tomi Swick and Hawksley Workman
d) JUNO Cup
This is that hockey game where Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo schools the NHLers.
When: Friday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Dave Andreychuk Arena, 25 Hester St., Hamilton
How: All tickets are general admission, $24.75 including fees at Ticketmaster Online.
Who: Among the musicians playing are Sarah Harmer, Sam Roberst, AJ Johnson (Cuff the Duke/Odd Years), Amanda Rheaume, some of the guys from Elliott Brood, Chris Crippin (Hedley), Dallas Smith, Del Barber, Devin Cuddy, Dylan Hudecki, Graham Walsh (Holy Fuck), a couple of guys from Eagle and Hawk, Jeremy Widerman (Monster Truck), Jim Cuddy (Blue Rodeo), Jimmy Hayes (Harlan Pepper), Jon Gallant (Billy Talent) Menno Versteeg (Hollerado), Paul Brandt, Phil MacIssac (Alvvays) and Serge Sargento (The Reason)
And they're playing against hockey stars such as: Natalie Spooner (Sochi 2014 Olympic Gold Medallist), Tessa Bonhomme (Vancouver 2010 Olympic Gold Medallist), Wendel Clark, Troy Crowder, Brad Dalgarno, Gary Leeman, Gary Roberts, Mark Napier, Mike Pelyk, Ric Nattres and Rick Vaive
e) Junior JUNOS
When: Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Hamilton Public Library, Central Branch, 55 York Blvd., Hamilton
How: Tickets are $16.95 via ticketscene.ca or the customer service desk at the Central Branch.
Who: The 2015 JUNO nominees for Best Children’s Album, including Fred Penner, LuLu et le Matou and Splash ‘N Boots. Hosted by Hamilton’s own Jude Johnson.
f) JUNO Fan Fare
This is where you go to the mall and scream at the top of your lungs because Sam Roberts is there and his ass just won't quit in those motherfucking jeans, laydees.
When: Saturday, March 14 at 12:30 p.m.
Where: Lime Ridge Mall, 999 Upper Wentworth St., Hamilton
How: Book your space in advance via Ticketmaster Online.
Who: Meet your fave artists, including Arkells, Dallas Smith, Glenn Morrison, JRDN, Kiesza, Kira Isabella, Lights, MacKenzie Porter, Melanie Durrant, Nikki Yanofsky, Paul Brandt, Sam Roberts, Shawn Mendes, The Road Hammers, Trevor Guthrie and Zeds Dead
g) JUNO Songwriters' Circle
This is pure art for people who like joy.
When: Sunday, March 15 at noon
Where: The Great Hall at Hamilton Place, 10 MacNab St. S., Hamilton
How: Tickets are $56.50 including charges at Ticketmaster Online.
Who: Emmanuel Jal, Fred Penner, Ian Thornley (Big Wreck), Jenn Grant, Jess Moskaluke, Lights, Matt Andersen, Ryan Guldemond (Mother Mother). Hosted by your CBC Radio 2 fave Tom Power!