Grant program launched for local music events ahead of 2017 JUNOs

_ (press release) _ ** Ottawa – ** The 2017 JUNO Awards Host Committee and the Ottawa 2017 Bureau are pleased to announce an investment of $30,000 in a new one-time funding program that will enable the capital’s musicians, promoters and other music entrepreneurs to develop and present unique musical experiences throughout the city in early 2017. ** ** From January to March, this micro-grant initiative will help build and engage audiences across all 23 city wards in the weeks leading up to the JUNO Awards. ** Related: Michael Bublè to host 2017 JUNO awards in Ottawa ** “Hosting the 2017 JUNO Awards and JUNO Week is an opportunity for us to support Ottawa’s growth as a music city and to foster new ways for residents and visitors to experience music with performances in non-traditional music spaces,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “This new micro-grant program will help build excitement for the Awards and contribute to their legacy by boosting visibility for local music, and by creating connections between local musicians, promoters, and other businesses.”

“We are delighted to bring the JUNO Awards, Canadian musicians and Canada’s music industry to the nation’s capital during our country’s year-long celebration of Canada’s 150

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birthday,” said Allan Reid, President & CEO,of The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS),The JUNO Awards and MusiCounts. “We are equally thrilled that Ottawa has developed a new strategy to further promote and develop its local music scene.”

Today’s announcement at Zaphod Beeblebrox, a longstanding music club in Ottawa’s historic ByWard Market, included special performances by local artist Mélissa Ouimet as well as

Kalle Mattson, whose video “Avalanche” was nominated for a 2016 JUNO Award.

In addition to the micro-grant program, the host for the 46

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annual JUNO Awards was revealed. JUNO Award winner Michael Bublé will take to the stage to host the broadcast at the Canadian Tire Centre on Sunday, April 2, 2017. Tickets go on sale Saturday, November 5 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster.

“I’m so proud to chair, for a third time, Ottawa’s JUNO Host Committee. Music is a reflection of who we are as a people, where we’ve come from and where we aspire to go,” said Guy Laflamme, Chair, 2017 JUNO Awards Host Committee and Executive Director of the Ottawa 2017 Bureau. “If ever there was a year to celebrate Canadian music and showcase what draws us together as a country, it’s next year during Canada’s sesquicentennial anniversary.” ** Micro-grant program at a glance: **

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Applications open Wednesday, November 2, 2016;

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  Application deadline: Wednesday, November 30, 2016
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;

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A total of $30,000 in project funding is available;

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Events will be funded at a minimum of $500 and up to a maximum of $2000 each;

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All events must take place within one of Ottawa’s 23 wards;

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Events must be held between January 1, 2017 to March 26, 2017;

Application information will be online tomorrow at www.ottawa2017.ca/JUNO .

The program will be administered on behalf of the JUNO Host Committee by the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC). An independent five-member jury, with representation from Ottawa’s music community and one representative from the Ottawa 2017 Bureau, will assess the applications.

JUNO Week in Ottawa will take place March 27 to April 2, 2017 at venues across the National Capital Region. JUNO Week and the 2017 JUNO Awards are an Ottawa 2017 Signature Event.

The 2017 JUNO Awards Host Committee would like thank its sponsors: Ontario Media Development Corporation, Ottawa Tourism, Bell, Gowling WLG and many more valuable partners and volunteers.

For more information about the JUNO Awards visit www.junoawards.ca .

Canada’s 150

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anniversary celebrations will offer Canadians and visitors from around the world an exceptional and memorable year of high-calibre experiences while bringing a record number of visitors to Ottawa in 2017 to celebrate this important milestone for our country.

Stay informed on plans for Canada’s 150

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birthday celebrations in the capital. Visit ottawa2017.ca , follow us on Twitter @2017ottawa (#Ottawa2017) and on Facebook .