For all the challenges of awards for performing arts and the gala shows that celebrate them -- from the Academy Awards to the Grammys to this week's Junos -- there's still something exciting about the events. For participants, obviously, but also for the audience.

In the case of the Junos, that something is some really excellent Canadian music. So, do note those who were not nominated that should have been, or categories that should exist but don't, etc. But at the same time, how about a small cheer for some of the deservedly attention-getting nominees? Like, say, the two performers featured in tonight's Canada Live concerts:

WHO: Autoharp slingin' singer songwriter Basia Bulat
CATEGORY: New Artist of the Year
WHERE: St. James Hall in Vancouver, BC. (The venue is an old church turned community hall, in a residential neighbourhood. In other words, intimate.)
HEAR IT: right here.
NOMINATION THRILL: "I'm really excited to say that I've been nominated for a Juno, for new artist of the year! It's pretty bananas, what can I say."

WHO: Banjo-meister Jayme Stone.
CATEGORY: Instrumental Album of the Year (Note: Possible hat trick! In 2008, Stone took the Juno for Instrumental Album of the Year; in 2009 he won for World Music Album of the Year.)
WHERE: The cozy yet elegant confines of the supper club, Hugh's Room, in Toronto.
HEAR IT: right here.
NOMINATION THRILL: "I'm excited and overwhelmed that Room of Wonders just got a Juno nomination for Instrumental Album of the Year."