TORONTO, Thursday, March 18, 2004 -- The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), organizers of the 2004 JUNO Awards, today announced that Aaron Lines, Barlow, Billy Talent, and Ryan Malcolm have been added to the line-up of artists confirmed to participate in 2004 JUNO Fan Fare, one of its signature JUNO weekend events. Original 3 will be on hand spinning tunes.

The interactive event showcases autograph sessions with Canada's top musical talent. Today's announcement follows those previously confirmed appearances by Brassmunk, Choclair, Doc Walker, FeFe Dobson, Nelly Furtado, Nickelback, Pilate, Sam Roberts, Shawn Desman and The Dears. Sound Bluntz will also be on hand spinning tunes.

CTV's Ben Mulroney, host of Canadian Idol and etalk Daily will host the highly anticipated event. 2004 JUNO Fan Fare will be held Saturday, April 3rd at West Edmonton Mall -- Ice Palace from 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Additional artists participating in 2004 JUNO Fan Fare will be announced each Thursday during the month of March.

This event offers free admission for the general public and gives fans the opportunity to see and meet some of their favourite artists and bands.

Last year's JUNO Fan Fare saw more than 10,000 fans come to the St. Laurent Centre in Ottawa-Gatineau. With a diverse group of artists on board for 2004 JUNO Fan Fare, the event is expected to attract approximately 12,000 fans of all ages and musical tastes.

Many of the artists announced today to appear at 2004 JUNO Fan Fare were previously announced as 2004 JUNO Award nominees. Aaron Lines is nominated for Country Recording of the Year ("Living Out Loud") while Barlow is up for New Artist of the Year (Sponsored by FACTOR and Canada's Private Radio Broadcasters) and Pop Album of the Year ("Barlow"). Billy Talent is a contender in the Single of the Year ("Try Honesty"), New Group of the Year (Sponsored by FACTOR and Canada's Private Radio Broadcasters) and Rock Album of the Year ("Billy Talent") categories. Original 3 is nominated for Dance Recording of the Year ("Give You Love").

The 2004 JUNO Awards, Canada's Music Awards, will be broadcast on Sunday, April 4 at 8 p.m. (All local markets)/ 9 p.m. Atlantic time from Rexall Place in Edmonton. The Awards follow CTV At The JUNOS, a one-hour Red Carpet special.

This is the third year the JUNO Awards have been broadcast on CTV. Last year, 2.2 million Canadians tuned in to the 2003 JUNO Awards from the Corel Centre in Ottawa-Gatineau, making it the most-watched music-based awards show in Canada.

As previously announced, Barenaked Ladies, Blackie & The Rodeo Kings, Michael Bublé, Kathleen Edwards, Finger Eleven, Ben Heppner, In Essence, Nelly Furtado, Avril Lavigne, Aaron Lines, Sarah McLachlan, Nickelback, Simple Plan, Billy Talent, Three Days Grace and Whitefish Jrs will perform on the show, which is to be hosted by megastar Alanis Morissette .

Sponsors for the 2004 JUNO Awards include FACTOR and the Government of Canada

through the Department of Canadian Heritage's "Canada Music Fund", Western Economic Diversification Canada, the Province of Alberta, the City of Edmonton, Northlands Park

and Aeroplan. Broadcast sponsors for the event are General Motors, Pantene Pro-V, Doritos, and Danone.

About JUNO Fan Fare
JUNO Fan Fare is presented by The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences ( CARAS) in partnership with West Edmonton Mall and media sponsors The Edmonton Sun and CFRN News. The four-hour long free event will be held at West Edmonton Mall -- Ice Palace on Saturday, April 3, 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and is designed specifically to give fans the opportunity to see some of their favourite Canadian artists and bands up close.   Some of the day's highlights include autograph signings and prize giveaways.

About CARAS
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences/L'academie canadienne des arts et des sciences de l'enregistrement (CARAS) is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music and recording industries and to contribute toward higher artistic and industry standards. The main focus of CARAS is the exploration and development of opportunities to showcase and promote Canadian artists and music through television vehicles such as the JUNO Awards.

For more information on the 33 rd annual JUNO Awards, visit the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) Web site at www.junoawards.ca .