Manitoba Heads to the JUNOs in Ottawa

There will be lots of Manitoba talent on stage as Canada's music industry converges on the nation's capital for this year's JUNO festivities. The annual celebration, taking place in Ottawa, encompasses several events, including a music festival, hockey game, autograph signings, songwriters circle, and the awards themselves. 

JUNOFest runs March 30-April 1 in various Ottawa venues, showcasing top Canadian talent and several of this year's award nominees. Aboriginal rock band Bruthers of Different Muthers (BODM) and noisecore outfit KEN Mode, both nominated for JUNOs this year, will hit Café Dekcuf on March 30 and 31, respectively. Balanced Records' Kasm and Seed Organization will be at The Mercury Lounge on March 31 with fellow label act Flying Down Thunder and Rise Ashen, who are nominated this year. Click here for a free download of KEN mode's "A Wicked Pike".

Meanwhile, Eagle & Hawk front man Vince Fontaine will face off once again with NHL greats for the JUNO Cup charity hockey game on March 30.

Manitoba artists have plenty of chances to pick up hardware when the 2012 JUNO Awards are revelead. The nominees for the 41st annual awards include JUNO alums, first time nominees, and some familiar expats, and span the genres from roots to metal to Aboriginal music. Most of the awards will be handed at the invite-only JUNO Gala Dinner & Awards, hosted by CBC's Jian Ghomeshi on March 31. Manitoba's nominees include KEN Mode, BODM, The Wailin’ Jennys, Doc Walker, Twilight Hotel, and James Ehnes. Read the full story on this year's JUNO nominees.

And of course, if you're not in Ottawa this weekend, tune in to CTV on April 1 to see Captain Kirk himself, aka William Shatner, host the 2012 JUNO Awards.