thestar.com

Many of the non-televised winners book tables for six or eight people at Sundried Tomatoes after the show. Four years ago, the restaurant had most of the Juno nominees for dinner before the event, excluding the big three draws (Anne Murray, Michelle Wright and Shania Twain).

This was almost THE place to raise your glass to velvet-throated Canadians. Universal Records booked the Irish pub for its post-Juno party, but just before the balloons were strung, the party moved to Toronto. Apparently the artists wanted to be closer to their Toronto hotel rooms.

Photo: Photos by Cathie Coward, the Hamilton Spectator; There have been two days of warmups for tomorrow night's Juno Awards show at Copps Coliseum. Treble Charger, nominated for best album, rehearsed while lights, sound and cameras were checked.; Photo: Cathie Coward; Grieg Nori, vocalist and guitarist for Treble Charger, belted out a song.; Photo: Cathie Coward; A cameraman moved in for a closeup of Treble Charger's guitarist Bill Priddle.; Photo: Cathie Coward; Errol Reinart and Kelly James controlled the lighting, designed by Gill Densham.; Photo: Cathie Coward; Monitors recorded lighting, sound and the position of band members on the stage.