DRAKE AT 2011 JUNO AWARDS

Drake at the 2011 Juno Awards

Toronto's v. own Drake made his City proud tonight, playing Host to the 2011 Juno Awards (the 40th edition of the ceremonies).  Working every muscle of his talent from Comedic Chops to Singing to Rapping, the 24 year-old easily won the audience over.  

A pre-recorded Video Clip showed him Skyping his Buddy Justin Bieber, who is currently busy touring in Eurpoe, and doing a Duet to Sarah McLachlan's I Will Remember You together.  He also jokingly serenaded Shania Twain, telling her how he'd like to "make her feel like a Woman".  Nervy, considering her new Husband Frederic Thiebaud was right beside her!

The evening's biggest highlight was his parody called Old Money, poking fun at Lil Wayne's Record Label (which he is signed to), Young Money.  And get this, my Godmother Angela starred in the Skit too as a Champagne-drinkin' Granny!  Way to Godmother!  Yay! Watch the Clip in full here at CTV.

Earlier in the evening, Drake zipped right through the Red Carpet after signing a few Autographs, much to the disappointment of shivering Fans hoping to get a Photo with him. 

See some more snaps I got of him below:

SARAH MCLACHLAN AT 2011 JUNO AWARDS

Sarah McLachlan & Mr. Will-W.

One of Canada's greatest treasures, Sarah McLachlan despite a busy touring schedule took time-out to make an appearance at the 2011 Juno Awards tonight at Air Canada Centre.  Notoriously Fan-gracious, she made an appearance on the Red Carpet tonight and also performed Loving You is Easy, a track off her latest disc Laws of Illusion.

And having seen her in-Concert before multiple times, she always has been one of the Artists I've always wanted to meet most and finally I got my wish come true on the Red Carpet.  After heeding to the requests of screaming Fans, she gestured with her hands to calm down, then coming over to greet them one by one.  She's just absolutely wonderful.  *gush*

See some more Photos I got of McLachlan below:

BACHMAN & TURNER INDUCTED INTO CANADIAN MUSIC BROADCAST INDUSTRY HALL OF FAME

Fred Turner & Mr. Will-W.

Rock 'n' Roll Legends Randy Bachman & Fred Turner were inducted this evening into the Canadian Music & Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame as part of Canadian Music Week festivities.  The outfit, known formerly as the Bachman-Turner Overdrive are most recognized for their string of wildly successful Singles in the '70s and only recently reunited as Bachman & Turner.

The Ceremony this evening saw the likes of Sarah McLachlan receiving a Humanitarian Award and New Kids on the Block member Jordan Knight admiring her live performance, at the Royal York Hotel.

I had the privilege of being photographed with Turner just before he went in to accept his Award. Along with Bachman, he performed a show-stopping rendition of Taking Care of Business before the ultra-exclusive crowd of Radio and Record Label insiders.

INTERVIEW: ASH KOLEY

Ash Koley

I'm v. honoured to present to you an interview I've done with a Canadian Pop Duo who simply have been unavoidable of late.  They're everywhere from Commercials, to The Olympics, Music Television and Radio.  Sony Music's Ash Koley (Ashley Koley and Phil Deschambault) who originally hail from Winnipeg, are already creating a splash across the country and just may be Canada's next big Export. 

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Mr. Will-W.: Hi Ashley! Thanks for taking the time to chat with Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven readers. Firstly congratulations on all your recent success. Your track Don't Let You Feet Touch the Ground is something I find myself humming often and only after watching your interview on CTV's eTalk a couple weeks ago I was able to put names to the faces.

Now I know that both you and Phil Deschambault were introduced to one another in 2004 via a mutual friend as Phil was looking for someone to collaborate with. How did you both know that you were a musical match? Also, describe for us how different your sound was as a solo act versus to now having worked with Phil.

Ashley: When Phil and I met, I suppose both of us were always looking for someone to collaborate with. I don't really remember a moment where I "knew" per say, but looking back, I did know that I was really enjoying working with him because he is very talented and I was loving his writing style. We share a similar work ethic and love for a lot of the same kind of music.

CD GIVEAWAYS: SARAH MCLACHLAN AND BROKEN BELLS

Sony Music Canada was amazingly sweet to send over some CDs for me to give away to you, my Mavenati!  Up for grabs are copies of indie rockers Broken Bells' self-titled debut and ethereal Canadian treasure Sarah McLachlan's Laws of Illusion.

If you're interested, simply comment which album you'd like and please ensure you leave some way for me to reach you back.  Winners will be e-mailed and you must leave a comment before Wednesday, July 21, 2010 to qualify.  All are eligible to enter.  Good luck!