Cable channel MuchMusic unfurled the red carpet right out onto Queen Street West for the 16th annual MuchMusic Video Awards. The busy downtown street was actually closed temporarily as the music video channel threw what veteran attendees were calling its biggest and best party ever.
Celebrities who trod the crimson runner included Carmen Electra, Mos Def, Sum 41, and comic Jamie Kennedy. The event took place at MuchMusic's headquarters in the CHUM Television building, and was broadcast live across the country.
The fun got under way early. On 3 Productions, a New York-based company that specializes in gift lounges for major award shows, arranged for the performers and presenters to visit a backstage lounge, where they were able to choose their own gifts. Goodies available for the taking included products and services from Sony, Lee Jeans, Ray-Ban Sunglasses, Fossil Canada Watches, and Pony.
Festivities involving the 1,800 guests kicked off with a pre-show cocktail party, spread across three floors of the building and the large outdoor parking lot. Props and decor were kept to a minimum outside, as the area would later be filled to capacity with attendees watching the awards presentations and live performances.
Food stations served beef and potato knishes, tempura-battered veggie and mozzarella sticks, and mini pitas with falafel from Stuart and Saladino Catering. Inside, red and black lounge decor from Two Handfuls Design was distributed throughout, with additional atmosphere provided by red ambient lighting from Westbury National Show Systems.
The show featured performances by the likes of Billy Talent, the Black Eyed Peas, Ashlee Simpson, and the Killers. The performances took place on two outdoor stages constructed by Westbury. CHUM Television director of special events and merchandising Francine Socket estimated that 6,000 gawkers jammed Queen Street West trying to catch a glimpse of the stars and the proceedings.
Once the official portion of the evening was complete, the guests-a mix of TV and music execs and celebrities-returned to rubbing elbows and sipping cocktails into the morning.
—Patrick Allossery
Celebrities who trod the crimson runner included Carmen Electra, Mos Def, Sum 41, and comic Jamie Kennedy. The event took place at MuchMusic's headquarters in the CHUM Television building, and was broadcast live across the country.
The fun got under way early. On 3 Productions, a New York-based company that specializes in gift lounges for major award shows, arranged for the performers and presenters to visit a backstage lounge, where they were able to choose their own gifts. Goodies available for the taking included products and services from Sony, Lee Jeans, Ray-Ban Sunglasses, Fossil Canada Watches, and Pony.
Festivities involving the 1,800 guests kicked off with a pre-show cocktail party, spread across three floors of the building and the large outdoor parking lot. Props and decor were kept to a minimum outside, as the area would later be filled to capacity with attendees watching the awards presentations and live performances.
Food stations served beef and potato knishes, tempura-battered veggie and mozzarella sticks, and mini pitas with falafel from Stuart and Saladino Catering. Inside, red and black lounge decor from Two Handfuls Design was distributed throughout, with additional atmosphere provided by red ambient lighting from Westbury National Show Systems.
The show featured performances by the likes of Billy Talent, the Black Eyed Peas, Ashlee Simpson, and the Killers. The performances took place on two outdoor stages constructed by Westbury. CHUM Television director of special events and merchandising Francine Socket estimated that 6,000 gawkers jammed Queen Street West trying to catch a glimpse of the stars and the proceedings.
Once the official portion of the evening was complete, the guests-a mix of TV and music execs and celebrities-returned to rubbing elbows and sipping cocktails into the morning.
—Patrick Allossery