The Juno awards took the opportunity to give back to its host city on Thursday, focusing on area schools to connect with musicians of the future.
A total of $45,000 was donated to five schools through MusiCounts, which helps to fund music programs.
Country music star Johnny Reid performed for students from those schools at the Canadian War Museum and said programs like this make a big difference.
"I am living proof that all you really need in life is opportunity," he said.
"We've been able to buy different instruments, especially percussion equipment, and I've got a new piccolo too," said Hillcrest High School student Rebecca Wong.
Students at Severn Public School got another example of musical success when Juno winner Peter Puffin performed at his old school.
"It feels like a real gift with having some Juno recognition," he said. "Now you can go back to places where you've been inspired and help inspire other kids."
Juno buzz was also starting to build at the Nepean Sportsplex, where practices for the Juno Cup were underway.
Friday night's hockey game pits musicians against former NHL players in another fundraiser for MusiCounts.
"Are we going to win?" asked Blue Rodeo singer Jim Cuddy. "There's not a chance, not like a snowball in hell, not going to happen."
The Juno awards air Sunday at 8 p.m. on CTV.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Ellen Mauro
