ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Stoked fans flocked to meet their musical heroes despite a Juno Fan Fare lineup shortened by bad weather no-shows in foggy St. John's, N.L.
By 8 a.m. NDT Saturday, fifteen-year-old twins Natasha and Stephanie Warren of Chapel Arm, N.L. were at a shopping mall an hour's drive from their home.
They and many others had hoped to get autographs and maybe a photo with Alexisonfire (as in Alexis On Fire), the hard-rocking band from southern Ontario that won the Juno for best new band five years ago.
Alas, it was not to be. Thick fog over the Rock played havoc with travel plans Friday before flights got back on track Saturday.
"We are grounded in Halifax," the Alexisonfire website said early Saturday as the band nixed its Fan Fare appearance. The group still hoped to make it on time for an evening concert date in St. John's.
Others forced to cancel included Terri Clark and the Road Hammers, both up for country album of the year, and Danny Fernandes, nominated for new artist of the year.
"It was all weather related," said Junos spokesman Chris McDowall.
Still, the pared down Fan Fare carried live on MuchMusic was a showcase for bands nominated for new group of the year. Those who arrived to shrieks and waves from excited fans included the Arkells, the New Cities, the Stereos and Ten Second Epic.
"It's good just sort of talking to them and getting a feeling for the type of people you're playing for," said guitarist and singer Mike DeAngelis of the Hamilton, Ont.-based rock band the Arkells.
"We sell our own merchandise most of the time and (are) kind of on the frontlines. And it's great. We wouldn't have it any other way."
Many in the snaking lines were waiting to see pop princess Shiloh, hip-hopper Classified and country favourites Johnny Reid and George Canyon.
Joey Pelley, 25, a youth centre manager in Paradise outside St. John's, wanted to shake hands with Ten Second Epic but had also hoped to meet Alexisonfire.
He was making the most of weekend Juno events that have taken over dozens of bars around the picturesque but relatively remote city.
Pelley's disappointment with Mother Nature was palpable and shared by many of those in the Fan Fare crowd.
"We barely get bands come in the first place, and the fact that we get to actually host the Junos is pretty amazing. And then for the bands not even to be able to make it in because of weather," he said, his voice trailing off.
"But I mean, Newfoundland and fog, right? Fog Town."
The Juno Awards gala will be broadcast live Sunday from St. John's Mile One Centre on CTV (check local listings).
