Junofest, songwriters circle performers announced

The Juno songwriters circle performers and the first round of Junofest acts were announced in Hamilton Wednesday.

Pop phenom Lights, Big Wreck's Ian Thornley, south Sudanese musician and activist Emmanuel Jal and beloved children's artist Fred Penner will all perform at the songwriters circle on March 15 at the Great Hall at Hamilton Place.

They'll be joined by Jenn Grant, Jess Moskaluke, Matt Andersen and Ryan Guldemond from Mother Mother.

The songwriters circle is often considered the "jewel of Juno week," with accomplished songwriters sharing the stories behind their art in an intimate setting. It will be broadcast in two parts on March 20 and March 27 on CBC Radio 1 at 2 p.m., and streamed online at CBCMusic.ca.

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Some Junofest acts were also announced Wednesday, with Teenage Head, Jeremy Fisher, Joel Plaskett, Steve Strongman, Hachey the MouthPeace, The Medicine Hat and more all playing in Hamilton leading up to the awards show. Confirmed venues for Junofest include Club Absinthe, Mills Hardware, This Ain't Hollywood, Baltimore House, The Casbah and a host of others.

Allan Reid, president and CEO of The Juno Awards, said during the press conference that he was excited to bring the show "full circle back to Hamilton." The city was the first to host the awards when it was brought on the road back in the 90s.

"Hamilton was our first stop, and we haven't stopped growing since then," he said.

The Juno fan fare event was also announced, where fans can meet artists at Lime Ridge Mall on March 14. Participating acts include Sam Roberts, Arkells, Lights, Shawn Mendes, JRDN, Dallas Smith and more.

Juno organizers have also added bands and hockey players to the Juno cup, a celebrity hockey game between NHL greats and musicians. Former Toronto Maple Leafs captain Wendel Clark will suit up with former Leaf Gary Roberts and others and face off against band members from Monster Truck, Hollerado, The Reason, Down With Webster, Blue Rodeo, Harlan Pepper and several others.

Here are the other Juno events happening next month:

• Turn it on music crawl: an "enhanced" version of Art Crawl that will include performances along James Street North and South, King Street East and West and inside Jackson Square. It happens on Friday, March 13 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Soirée Canadienne-Française: A French Canadian supper with entertainment at the Spice Factory at 121 Hughson Sreet North on Friday, March 13.
• The Francophone Singer/Songwriter Circle: with performances by Eric Dubeau, Michel Bénac from Swing, Stef Paquette, Mastik and Le R on Thursday, March 12.
• Fracophone and Aboriginal Pop Up Show: live music from the francophone and aboriginal communities at Jackson Square on Friday, March 13 at 1 p.m.
• The Juno Kickoff show: The Sheepdogs, Tokyo Police Club and Say Yes are playing Liuna Station on Thursday, March 12 at 8 p.m.
• The Turn it On Sound Gallery: A musical mash up celebrating young community talents and an "instrument petting zoo" happening on the 22nd floor of the Stelco Tower on Sunday, March 15 at 1 p.m.

Tickets for the 2015 Juno awards are on sale now. They range from $39 to $149 and can be purchased at FirstOntario Centre, by phone at 1-855-872-5000 and online at Ticketmaster.ca.

For more information on Juno events, visit Junoawards.ca.