THE SHEEPDOGS WIN BIG AT THE JUNOS

Saskatchewan Prepares to Host in 2013

As Saskatoon's The Sheepdogs were winning big at this year's JUNO awards, the 2013 Host Committee took the baton to begin a year-long sprint to the finish line as hosts of next year's national music celebration.

"Congratulations to The Sheepdogs for winning their three JUNOs and to Donny Parenteau and The Deep Dark Woods for their well-deserved nominations," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Bill Hutchinson said. "There was a real spirit of pride during the awards presentations that I'm sure was shared by many watching from home. Saskatchewan is recognized internationally as a hotbed for music; this year's JUNOs were another acknowledgment of just how good our music scene is."

The Sheepdogs won for New Group of the Year, Single of the Year and Rock Album of the Year. Parenteau was nominated for Aboriginal Album of the Year and The Deep Dark Woods for Roots and Traditional Album of the Year.

The awards weekend included a Saturday night reception put on by SaskMusic and the 2013 Juno Host Committee which featured Saskatchewan artists Blake Berglund and Jordan Cook, in addition to nominees Parenteau and The Deep Dark Woods.

"The idea was to give everyone a sense of what to expect when the music world comes to Saskatchewan," 2013 Regina JUNO Host Committee Chair Mike MacNaughton said. "SaskMusic and the 2013 Host Committee can now focus on the task ahead and the opportunities hosting the JUNOs will bring."

The Government of Saskatchewan is partnering with the cities of Regina and Moose Jaw, with SaskMusic, CARAS (Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences), which runs the JUNO awards, the Regina Hotel Association and Potash Corp who have joined as title sponsor. Saskatchewan residents can expect a week-long celebration of the best of Canadian music, with performances at an array of venues in both cities. The multiple venues will give many Saskatchewan performers the chance to step into the national spotlight as they perform for music fans and industry professionals.

"Saskatchewan artists will be centre stage, as will the two cities and the province," Hutchinson said. "The Government of Saskatchewan is very proud to contribute $1.5 million to this event. With our fantastic record of hosting national events and the best volunteer spirit in the country, I'm sure we'll put on the best JUNOs ever!"

To learn more go to www.saskmusic.org.

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For more information, contact:

Sean St. George
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9087
Email: sean.stgeorge@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8635