Artists From Manitoba Land Nominations for The 2021 JUNO Awards

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Burnstick
Begonia
Burnstick
James Ehnes
Jocelyn Gould
Steve Bell
William Prince

Artists Earn Honours in Adult Alterative, Indigenous, Jazz, Contemporary Roots, Contemporary Christian/Gospel, and Classical Categories

Artists from Manitoba are strong contenders for top honours at the 2021 JUNO Awards. Homegrown acts are up for several awards, including five nominations for artists that currently call Manitoba home. The nominees for the 50th annual awards were announced by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) on March 9.

Powerhouse singer/songwriter Begonia, aka Alexa Dirks has picked up a nomination for Adult Alternative Album of the Year for her debut, Fear (Rex Baby*The Orchard). Dirks won a JUNO in 2009 with two-time nominated outfit, Chic Gamine.

Husband and wife folk duo Burnstick -- Plains-Cree guitarist, Jason Burnstick, and Francophone-Métis singer/songwriter, Nadia Burnstick -- are up for Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year for their album, Kîyânaw (Independent). Jason Burnstick was previously nominated for solo work in 2007. 

Guitarist and composer Jocelyn Gould has earned her first JUNO nomination for Jazz Album of the Year: Solo for Elegant Traveler (Posi-tone*Alliance/The Orchard). 

Steve Bell adds a sixth JUNO nomination to his list of accolades with a nod for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year for his album, Wouldn’t You Love to Know? (Independent). Bell picked up JUNOS for his work in 2001 and 1998.

Singer/songwriter William Prince has been nominated for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year for his album, Reliever (Six Shooter*Universal). Already a two-time nominee, Prince won in this category in 2017. 

Former Brandonite James Ehnes picked up his 29th and 30th JUNO nominations (he’s won 11), both for for Classical Album of the Year: Solo or Chamber.

Several of this year's nominees have participated in Manitoba Music's export, professional development, and Indigenous music development programs over their careers, including support to build their business networks and expand into new markets.

Winners will be announced at the 2021 JUNO Awards broadcast on CBC on May 16. For a complete list of 2021 JUNO Awards nominees, go to junoawards.ca.

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