Winnipeg sees stars at 2014 Juno Awards

Basia Bulat performing at Club Soda in Montreal. (Julia Pelish/Vacay.ca)

Basia Bulat would sound great crooning at the unique Manitoba Legislature. She is one of the artists nominated at the 2014 Juno Awards, which is held in Winnipeg. (Julia Pelish/Vacay.ca)

Story by Vacay.ca Staff 

Assiniboine Zoo polar bear winnipeg

The Assinboine Park Zoo’s stars, the bears, should be on the lookout for visiting rock stars this week. (Assiniboine Park Conservancy photo)

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA — How will Robin Thicke kill time while he’s waiting for this year’s Juno Awards? Where could Arcade Fire go to reflect on their latest successes and find inspiration for others to come? What’s the best place for Serena Ryder to go to wind down from her host duties?

With Junos Week upon Winnipeg and the big broadcast coming up on Sunday night (CTV, 9 pm ET), Vacay.ca thought we would serve up some travel recommendations for some of this year’s Juno Awards nominees.

MICHAEL BUBLE – Royal Winnipeg Ballet

The dapper dandy who is so comfortable in a tux would totally fit in with the sophisticated set at one of Canada’s most notable ballet companies. Buble is nominated for six awards, including the Juno Fan Choice Award.

BASIA BULAT – Pool of the Black Star, Manitoba Legislature

The Manitoba Legislature is one of the most fascinating architectural structures in Canada. Designed like an ancient masonic temple, the building features an eight-pointed black star that blesses whoever stands on it with the ability of a microphone. It would be a treat to listen to Bulat’s exceptional voice take advantage of this fantastic acoustic feature. Bulat’s album “Tall Tall Shadow” is nominated for Adult Alternative Album of the Year.

ROBIN THICKE – The Palomino Club 

The newly single “Blurred Lines” star could no doubt find some company at the Pal, known in Winnipeg as the place for a passionate connection. Thicke is up for four Junos, include Artist of the Year.

SERENA RYDER – Whiskey Dix

Ryder will be wanna stompa around the dance floor at this hugely popular nightclub known for its sensational live alt-country scene. It’s a central point of JunoFest celebrations too. Ryder, who is hosting the event with Classified and Johnny Reid, is nominated for five big awards, including Single of the Year for “What I Wouldn’t Do” and Album of the Year for “Harmony”.

DRAKE – Royal Canadian Mint 

The Young Money rapper will find loads of cash here, where every Canadian circulation coin is made. He can also compare how heavy the chain around his neck feels when he picks up the 23-pound gold bar that’s on display. The bar is work $600,000. Drake’s chain? Maybe close to that.

BLUE RODEO – Times Change(d) High and Lonesome Club

Why would Blue Rodeo want to be in a Canadian club similar to those they’ve outgrown long ago? Because it’s possible their one-time founding member Bobby Wiseman just might show up to this famous spot known for its great lineups and peculiar house robes that visitors are encouraged to don.

TOM WILSON (aka LEE HARVEY OSMOND) – 1123 Grosvenor Avenue

The address is the home where Neil Young lived during his teenage years. It’s a middle-class home in a quiet neighbourhood and the current owners are used to fans dropping in. One of them was Bob Dylan. Wilson, who is nominated for best Roots & Traditional Album for the outstanding “The Folk Sinner,” has another good reason to drop by. His long-time drummer, Ray Farrugia, is married to Young’s sister.

HEDLEY – Assiniboine Park Zoo

Where else should the band whose Juno-nominated pop album is called “Wild Life” go? The zoo won’t disappoint either, not with its impressive Journey to Churchill exhibit.

Read our 2013 Juno Awards recommendations for the stars in Regina, Saskatchewan.

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MORE ABOUT THE 2014 JUNO AWARDS

Date: Sunday, March 30, 2014, 9 pm ET (CTV)
Location: MTS Centre, Winnipeg, MB (see map below)
Tickets: Prices range from $39-$189 and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.ca
Hosts: Serena Ryder, Johnny Reid and Classified
Performers: Sarah McLachlan, The Sheepdogs, Matt Mays, Robin Thicke, Tegan and Sara, and Walk Off the Earth are among the acts scheduled to appear. There will be a tribute to Bachman Turner Overdrive featuring the Sheepdogs and Mays.
Website: For a full list of nominees, visit JunoAwards.ca.

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Vicky is the worldly publisher of Vacay.ca. Having graduated from McGill University in Montreal, she has set about building a talented team of travel experts to deliver to you words and images of the very best places to see and experience in Canada. Based in Yorkville in Toronto, Vicky regularly jet sets around Canada — be sure to catch up with her when she's in your part of the country.

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