The annual Canadian music extravaganza is getting the Winnipeg treatment this year. The JUNO Awards—Canada’s answer to the Grammy Awards—takes to the streets here from March 24-30, with concerts, a songwriter’s circle, autograph sessions, even a hockey game (The Rockers vs The NHL Greats), on the run-up to the big JUNO Awards Broadcast at the MTS Centre.

Three categories feature jazz recordings. Curious listeners will find a mix of familiar and new artists on all three lists. And the nominees are…

Traditional Jazz Album:

• Carn Davidson 9, Nine
• John MacLeod & His Rex Hotel Orchestra, Our Second Set
• Mike Downes, Ripple Effect
• Phil Dwyer and Don Thompson, Look for the Silver Lining
• The Ian McDougall 12-tet, The Ian McDougall 12tet Live

Contemporary Jazz Album:

• Brandi Disterheft, Gratitude
• Christine Jensen Jazz Orchestra, Habitat
• Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society, Brooklyn Babylon
• Earl MacDonald, Mirror of the Mind
• Marianne Trudel-Trifolia, Le refuge

Vocal Jazz Album:

• Amy McConnell & William Sperandei, Stealing Genius
• Erin Propp with Larry Roy, Courage, My Love
• Matt Dusk, My Funny Valentine—The Chet Baker Songbook
• Mike Rud, Notes on Montréal ft Sienna Dahlen
• Sonia Johnson, Charles Biddle Jr, Annie Poulain, Triades

Here in Winnipeg, we have fingers crossed for Courage, My Love, the evocative recording by local songstress Erin Propp with guitarist Larry Roy. We’ll also be cheering for Earl MacDonald, Winnipeg born and trained pianist, now living in the US.

As well as recognizing winners in 41 categories, the JUNO Awards Broadcast inducts Bachman Turner Overdrive into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and recognizes Chantal Kreviazuk and her musician-husband Raine Maida for their humanitarian contributions.

Visit the JUNO website for details about all the events and nominees. Then mark your calendars for March 24-30. Let’s show the rest of the country our talent for genuine hospitality!