The countdown to the 2010 JUNO celebration, Canada’s national music awards, has officially begun. JUNO organizers are promising that awards-related excitement and activity will grow in intensity, much like a just-ignited fuse whose flickering flame becomes bigger and brighter the closer it gets to its final destination.

The explosion, when it finally ignites April 12-18, had better be big. According to Melanie Berry, president and CEO of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, St. John’s set the standard the last time the JUNOs came to town. Though she wasn’t there in person, she says every city that has hosted the JUNOs since 2002 has competed to match the St. John’s experience. “St. John’s,” she said, “has a lot to live up to.”

Which explains the reception which awaited her on January 13. In a broadly windowed room at the Delta hotel overlooking the St. John’s harbour, a standing-room only crowd were anxious to hear what conference organizers and the local host committee have in store.

Berry, along with Ken Marshall, chair of the St. John’s Host City Committee, did not disappoint. The following activities were announced under the collective title of Ruckus on the Edge, the theme of JUNO Week 2010:

Monday, April 12, 2010

Ruckus on the Edge kicks off with our official launch at the Confederation Building (12:00-1:00pm). The excitement continues during lunch hour when local musicians will break out into performances all over the city. Day one of Ruckus on the Edge concludes with a trio of stirring performances at three of the City’s best music venues. Soulful performances by the City’s top Gospel singers will thrill you during Gospel Night at Cochrane St. United Church from 8:00 – 11:00pm. The Classical Composer Showcase will feature JUNO Award nominated classical compositions performed by talented chamber musicians from St. John’s and the surrounding areas. The performance takes place at the Petro-Canada Hall from 8:00 – 11:00pm.

Tuesday, April 13

Ruckus in the Round: Songs from the Edge 7:30pm -10:00pm – The Delta St. John’s

Day two of Ruckus on the Edge continues with a songwriters’ circle style event at the Delta Hotel St. John’s. Join us as homegrown musicians share their songs and the stories behind them.

Wednesday, April 14

Our Music – Our Heritage 8:00pm -11:00pm – The Delta Hotel St. John’s

On day three of Ruckus on the Edge, we will showcase the best world music our province has to offer with Our Music – Our Heritage. Aboriginal, Francophone and World performers from Newfoundland and Labrador will celebrate the roots of our community.

Thursday, April 15

Rock Night Blast Off 8:00pm -11:00pm – The Delta Hotel St. John’s

Ruckus on the Edge culminates with a rocking opening for 2010 JUNO Weekend. On Rock Night Blast Off the best from the local rock scene will perform, setting the stage for a JUNO Week Canada will be talking about for years to come.

Thursday, April 15

Jazz and Blues Night 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm – The Majestic Theatre

Jazz and Blues Night – The hottest jazz and the coolest blues will be found at the Majestic Theatre on the evening of Thursday, April 15th. The best jazz and blues musicians in the province will be showcasing their talent from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm.

Friday, April 16

Juno Cup 7:30pm – 10:30pm – Jack Byrne Arena

JUNO Awards Weekend kicks off with a celebrity fundraising hockey game in support of MusiCounts, CARAS’ music education program. NHL Greats and Canadian musicians face off in a fun, competitive, non-contact hockey game.

Friday, April 16 & Saturday, April 17

JunoFest 8:00pm – 2:00am (both nights)

JunoFest is a two-night music festival showcasing over 100 regional and national artists and select JUNO Award nominees representing a wide range of Canadian music styles.

Saturday, April 17

Juno Fan Fare 11:00am – 4:00pm

Juno Fan Fare is an all-ages event packed with autograph sessions, interviews and prize giveaways, giving the fans a chance to get closer to their favourite artists. JUNO Award nominees participate in this FREE live and interactive afternoon.