Arts & Culture

Toronto’s Departure festival, a multi-discipline “reimagining” of the former Canadian Music Week, being held this May 5 to 11, announced its first slate of speakers and related artists, including local food superstar Matty Matheson, Canadian music legend Bryan Adams and producer T-Minus.

Departure features a wide-ranging industry conference at the X Hotel as well as select showcases and concerts at various venues throughout the festival period.

“Toronto has helped me build a beautiful community I can always come back to and has deepened my love for food,” said Matty Matheson. “Toronto is a perfect place to discover something new and really dive in head first. Departure reminds me of those feelings for Toronto; where we thrive on creativity and culture and all the people who make this city special.”

A sign of the festival’s increasing focus on comedy among other new elements sees former Just for Laughs president Bruce Hill join Departure to boost the belly laughs.

A series of related concerts, some requiring separate tickets, some admissions covered by festival and conference passes include: the poetry powerhouse Mustafa; soulful Tia Wood; punk rock duo Death From Above 1979 for two nights at Lee’s Palace; R&B’s Avenoir; French pop duo Papooz; and indie rockers Rural Alberta Advantage, with more to be announced.

“Our first edition of Departure is about honouring our roots in music and growing into other creative spaces while fostering the relationship between artist and industry,” said Kevin Barton, Executive Producer at Loft Entertainment. “This year’s lineup showcases a wealth of established and emerging talent from across the country and beyond, creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue, sharing innovative ideas and building deeper connections within Canada’s dynamic arts community. We look forward to sharing more programming announcements in the weeks to come.”

American sports and entertainment veteran and onetime MLSE head Tim Leiweke, CEO of Departure owners Oak View Group (OVG), along with Loft Entertainment, will also be a featured speaker.

As Departure deepens its tech component, the festival is also joining forces with the Elevate conference, which has been operating in the city.

Discounted conference passes currently range from $599 to $1,099, with prices raising to $799 and $1,299 at a later date. Individual concert tickets now on sale. More info at departureto.com.