Sarah McLachlan, roots artist Allison Russell, and up-and-coming country singer Cameron Whitcomb are set to take the stage at the 55th Juno Awards in Hamilton on March 29. McLachlan and Russell will collaborate for a special tribute to Joni Mitchell, who is being honored with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her significant contributions to music worldwide, as stated by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
Joni Mitchell, a five-time Juno winner, will be recognized for her exceptional songwriting skills, with a highlight on her 2001 album “Both Sides Now,” which won the award for best vocal jazz album. McLachlan and Russell have previously been part of the “Joni Jam” live band, assembled by Brandi Carlile to perform with Mitchell post her 2015 brain aneurysm. Russell also performed “Both Sides, Now” at the 2025 SOCAN Awards where Mitchell received the Global Impact Award.
Cameron Whitcomb, hailing from Nanaimo, B.C., will make his Junos debut this year with five nominations, closely following Tate McRae and Justin Bieber. He will perform tracks from his nominated album “The Hard Way.” Whitcomb gained popularity after appearing on “American Idol” in 2022, sharing his personal struggles with addiction and recovery, which resonated with his fans.
The trio of McLachlan, Russell, and Whitcomb will be joining other confirmed performers such as the Beaches, Arkells, William Prince, and Daniel Caesar at the event. Additionally, the lineup for the Juno Week Kickoff concert on March 26 includes James Barker Band, Robyn Ottolini, Sacha, Kalsey Kulyk, and the Redhill Valleys.
Furthermore, Junofest, a two-night concert series presented by CBC on March 27 and 28 in various venues across Hamilton, will feature nearly 70 artists and groups, including Great Lake Swimmers, Katie Tupper, Sebastian Gaskin, and Terra Lightfoot. The morning of March 28 will witness a special ceremony honoring voices propelling Indigenous music forward, with performances by Little Creek Singers, Siibii, and YB Nakota.