Surrey gets a taste of the Juno Awards with free music festival

CBC

15-03-2025

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The Juno Awards may still be weeks away, but Surrey is getting an early taste of the excitement with a free, massive music festival this weekend.
The Let's Hear It B.C. Junos Plaza Party will take place at Surrey Civic Plaza on Saturday, with more than 30 artists across six stages from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
This festival is part of a provincewide tour leading up to the 2025 Juno Awards, set to be held at Vancouver's Rogers Arena on March 30.
Organizers say the goal is to spread the Juno vibes beyond the city's downtown core.
WATCH: Chani Nattan and Inderpal Moga made history with their Juno Award nomination:
Chani Nattan started his career by making religious music, now he and Inderpal Moga are collaborating with the artist that they looked up to growing up
3 days ago
Duration 0:55
First-time Juno nominee Chani Nattan started his career by making religious music, and now he and Inderpal Moga are collaborating with Jazzy B, the Punjabi Canadian artist they looked up to growing up.
"We want to make sure that the spirit of the award goes to far more places," said Neesha Hothi, director of marketing and communications for the Vancouver Juno Host Committee. "And Surrey is one of those stops."
The festival's lineup includes 2025 Juno nominees Tyler Joe Miller, Chani Nattan, and Inderpal Moga, as well as Punjabi music icon Sarbjit Cheema.
Hothi says Surrey's musicians are making their mark in Canadian music.
"[The city] is booming with artistry right now, especially from the South Asian music scene," she said. "It is the epicentre of that diaspora's music scene right now, and we really want to celebrate that."
Local Bhangra superstar Jazzy B was nominated for COOLIN with Nattan and Moga for the inaugural South Asian Music Recording of the Year Award.
Country singer Miller, a Surrey native, will also perform at the festival. His album Going Home is nominated for Country Album of the Year at the Junos, marking this his second consecutive nomination.
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke called the festival a fitting celebration of the city's diverse music scene.
"[It] is the perfect way to celebrate the incredible talent being recognized at the 2025 Juno Awards—right here in the heart of Surrey," Locke said in a statement. "With over 30 artists representing our diverse cultural community, this festival will be a day to remember and showcase the incredible talent that Surrey has to offer."
Other performers at the event will include Shawnee Kish, Brass Camel, Luca Fogale, Fionn, Empanadas Ilegales, and Ginalina, spanning genres from country and pop to folk and Punjabi music.
It will also feature an open jam session, a 5X Art Party with South Asian DJs, family-friendly activities, food trucks, and a beer garden. Organizers say all performance areas are covered or indoors, ensuring the event will go on rain or shine.
Hothi says the festival is all about making the Junos accessible to fans across the province.
"We know that the Junos can only happen in one spot," she said. "But that doesn't mean that B.C. isn't entirely full of incredible music, musicians, and fans."
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