Home Blog Page 128

Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame Announces 2025 Inductees: Jackson Browne, Judy Collins, Tom Paxton, and More

Eric Alper
-
0
Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame Announces 2025 Inductees: Jackson Browne, Judy Collins, Tom Paxton, and More

The Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame is set to honor a dozen musical legends who are responsible for some of the greatest music moments of the past century. The esteemed list of inductees includes some of the most notable names in folk, Americana, and roots music history. Together, they have won a combined 30 Grammy Awards and countless other honors. Inductees and their family members will be invited to a special ceremony at the Boch Center Shubert Theatre on March 24th, 2026. The public can learn more about each nominee through a new exhibit, Legends of Folk, Americana Roots Music, 2025 Class, now on display at the Boch Center Wang Theatre. 

The 2025 Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame Inductees are: 

Living Artist: A living artist is a contemporary performer whose initial impact on the genre was at least 25 years before the year of Induction.

  • Jackson Browne
  • Judy Collins
  • Tom Paxton
  • Tom Rush
  • Neil Young

Legacy Artist: A legacy artist is a performer whose initial impact on the genre was at least 45 years prior to the year of Induction.

  • Leonard Cohen
  • Aretha Franklin
  • Mississippi John Hurt
  • Sister Rosetta Tharpe
  • Muddy Waters

Industry/Non-Performer: Honors those whose creative or technical contributions shaped the sound and legacy of American music.

  • John Hammond
  • Alan Lomax

“These inductees represent the heart and soul of Folk, Americana, and Roots music,” said J. Casey Soward, President & CEO of the Boch Center, home of the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame. “They gave voice to ordinary people and helped shape the soundtrack of this country; its struggles, its hopes, and its beauty. Through this induction and our Legends exhibit, we’re honoring the songs, stories, and spirit that continue to move and unite us.”

To honor all of the inductees, the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame is launching a permanent Legacy exhibit in the Boch Center Wang Theatre. The exhibit will feature iconic items from each of the inductees, including the guitar Stephen Stills used to compose “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” and then gifted to Judy Collins, handwritten lyrics Tom Paxton wrote for Mississippi John Hurt, and much more. It is on display now at the Boch Center Wang Theatre and available for viewing during all Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame tours and before each concert.

The Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame is a cultural and educational initiative of the Boch Center located inside the Wang Theatre at 270 Tremont St., Boston, Massachusetts. Curated by the Museum Collective, FARHOF is geared to music lovers of all ages, providing educational offerings that ensure legacies are honored and new musical traditions are nurtured for generations to come. These genres of music have historically provided an outlet for individuals of all races and backgrounds, and from every corner of the United States, to express their joys, sorrows, and experiences.

Upcoming and recent exhibits include This Wheel’s Still On Fire: The Legacy of Levon Helm; Joan Baez: A Life of Music, Art, and Activism; All Seeing Eye: Blue Note Records Through the Lens of Francis Wolff; Bruce Springsteen: Portraits of an American Music Icon; Legends of Folk, Americana, Roots Music; Arlo Guthrie: Native Son; Life in Six Strings; Don’t Think Twice: The Daniel Kramer Photographs of Bob Dylan, 1964-65; Boston: A Music Town; The Wang Theatre: A Century of Great Music; and historic artifacts from David Bieber Archives.

For updates, information about tours, upcoming events, and exhibits, please visit www.FARHOF.org.

Robyn Returns with First New Single in Seven Years, ‘Dopamine’

Eric Alper
-
0
Robyn Returns with First New Single in Seven Years, ‘Dopamine’

Robyn makes her long-awaited return with ‘Dopamine,’ her first new single in seven years, accompanied by a striking performance video directed by Marili Andre. The track marks a powerful reunion with longtime collaborator Klas Åhlund, who co-wrote and produced several songs on her 2018 album ‘Honey.’ Teased over recent weeks, ‘Dopamine’ opens a new era for the Swedish pop innovator, blending introspection, rhythm, and raw emotion in her signature style. Watch the video below.

In a press release, Robyn described the song’s concept as a reflection on the chemistry of emotion: “Everyone has a phone where they see their heart rate, and we’re learning how to decode our emotions through the hormones and chemical substances in our bodies. The doubleness of ‘Dopamine’ is having an emotion that is super real, super strong, intense, enjoyable or painful, and at the same time knowing that this is just a biological process in my body—and then not to choose religion or science. To just accept that they’re there together and to be able to go in between.”

With ‘Dopamine,’ Robyn returns to the forefront of pop with clarity, courage, and the emotional depth that continues to define her artistry.

Micky Dolenz Celebrates 60 Years of The Monkees with 2026 Anniversary Tour

Eric Alper
-
0
Micky Dolenz Celebrates 60 Years of The Monkees with 2026 Anniversary Tour

Micky Dolenz will mark the 60th anniversary of The Monkees with a special 2026 tour celebrating the band’s enduring legacy and unforgettable songs. The tour will take audiences on a musical journey through The Monkees’ history, performing their greatest hits in chronological order while sharing stories from Dolenz’s decades-long career. As the last surviving member of The Monkees, Dolenz continues to honor his bandmates and the fans who helped turn a fictional TV band into a global phenomenon.

Reflecting on his legacy, Dolenz shared, “Much of what I’ve been able to share with the world has come from this thing called ‘The Monkees.’ Off-screen, however, we sold out concerts all over the world. Mike put it perfectly when he said, ‘when we first played, all by ourselves, it was like Pinocchio becoming a real little boy.’ I remain proud of what I’ve achieved in my time, particularly with my late great and still-beloved Monkee brothers Davy, Peter, and Michael.”

Tour Dates:
Feb 12 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up
Feb 13 – Cerritos, CA – Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
Feb 15 – Palm Springs, CA – The Plaza Theater
Mar 3 – Nashville, IN – Brown County Music Center
Mar 5 – Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
Mar 7 – New Buffalo, MI – Silver Creek Event Center
Apr 12 – Landsdowne, PA – Landsdowne Theater
Apr 15 – Vienna, VA – The Barns
Apr 16 – Vienna, VA – The Barns
Apr 18 – Tarrytown, NY – Tarrytown Music Hall
Apr 19 – Huntington, NY – Paramount
May 7 – Tulsa, OK – Tulsa Theater
May 9 – Dallas, TX – Majestic Theatre Dallas
May 11 – Austin, TX – Paramount Theatre-Austin
May 13 – San Antonio, TX – Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
May 15 – Gulfport, MS – Island View Casino
May 24 – Jeffersonville, IN – Abbey Road on the River
Jun 26 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live Orlando
Jun 28 – Clearwater, FL – Capitol Theatre
Jul 11 – Lakeside, OH – Hoover Auditorium
Sep 12 – Los Angeles, CA – To Be Announced
Oct 3 – Atlantic City, NJ – Borgata Music Box
Oct 15 – Greenburg, PA – The Palace Theatre
Oct 17 – North Tonawanda, NY – Riviera Theatre and Performing Arts Center
Nov 6 – Northfield, OH – MGM Northfield Park – Center Stage

AC/DC Revive ‘Jailbreak’ Live for the First Time Since 1991 at Melbourne Tour Kickoff

Eric Alper
-
0
AC/DC Revive ‘Jailbreak’ Live for the First Time Since 1991 at Melbourne Tour Kickoff

AC/DC kicked off the latest leg of their massive ‘Power Up’ tour on Tuesday night at Melbourne Cricket Ground, delivering a thunderous hometown show that thrilled fans with one unforgettable surprise. For the first time since 1991, the band performed “Jailbreak,” the Bon Scott-era favorite from their 1976 album ‘Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.’ The return of the song, a nod to the band’s early days, ignited the crowd and brought an extra spark to a setlist packed with rock classics.

The concert featured 20 powerhouse performances, including “Thunderstruck,” “Highway to Hell,” “Back in Black,” and encore staples “T.N.T.” and “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You).” Fronted by Brian Johnson with Angus and Stevie Young on guitar, Matt Laug on drums, and Chris Chaney of Jane’s Addiction on bass, AC/DC proved their enduring fire remains as strong as ever nearly five decades into their career.

Following their run of Australian shows, AC/DC will continue the ‘Power Up’ tour into 2026 with 21 newly announced North and South American dates, beginning February 24 in São Paulo, Brazil, and wrapping September 29 in Philadelphia.

Tour Dates:
Feb 24 – São Paulo, BR – Estádio do MorumBIS
Mar 11 – Santiago, CL – Parque Estadio Nacional
Mar 23 – Buenos Aires, AR – Estadio River Plate
Apr 7 – Mexico City, MX – Estadio GNP Seguros
Jul 11 – Charlotte, NC – Bank of America Stadium
Jul 15 – Columbus, OH – Ohio Stadium
Jul 19 – Madison, WI – Camp Randall Stadium
Jul 24 – San Antonio, TX – Alamodome
Jul 28 – Denver, CO – Empower Field at Mile High
Aug 1 – Las Vegas, NV – Allegiant Stadium
Aug 5 – Santa Clara, CA – Levi’s Stadium
Aug 9 – Edmonton, AB – Commonwealth Stadium
Aug 13 – Vancouver, BC – BC Place
Aug 27 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Aug 31 – Houston, TX – NRG Stadium
Sep 4 – South Bend, IN – Notre Dame Stadium
Sep 8 – St. Louis, MO – The Dome at America’s Center
Sep 12 – Montreal, QC – Parc Jean-Drapeau
Sep 16 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Stadium
Sep 25 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
Sep 29 – Philadelphia, PA – Lincoln Financial Field

Parker McCollum Country Star Releases “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” For Apple Music’s Carols Covered

Eric Alper
-
0
Parker McCollum Country Star Releases “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” For Apple Music’s Carols Covered

 Multi-Platinum and award-winning artist, Parker McCollum, is gearing up for his favorite holiday visitor with the release of his rendition of the classic tune, “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” via MCA as part of Apple Music Exclusive Carols Covered Collection. McCollum, known for his authentic and relatable chart toppers, puts his distinctive twist on the holiday staple and sets the perfect tone as we ready our trees and stockings for Kris Kringle. Listen to it here.

“I covered the Bruce Springsteen version on Fox News in Austin, Texas, at 5:30 in the morning,” the country-rock troubadour tells Apple Music. “It was one of the first times I ever played with a full band. I borrowed Brandon Rhyder’s band, and we played ‘Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.’ It was the first time I was ever on live TV.”

McCollum will perform “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” live as part of this year’s CMA Country Christmas alongside an all-star line-up. Tune in to ABC on December 2nd to catch McCollum take the ornate stage for an electrifying performance. 

This past summer, McCollum released his self-titled fifth studio album, PARKER MCCOLLUM (via MCA). The album was met with critical acclaim and overwhelming fan support as he puts his authentic self on full display. Featuring his current radio single, “What Kinda Man” (currently Top 10 at Country radio), and fan favorites such as “Killin’ Me,” “Solid Country Gold,” “Big Sky,” and others – the album is his most personal to-date and shows an artist who is a legacy in the making. 

Be sure to stay tuned as McCollum announces additional tour dates into 2026 for his captivating PARKER MCCOLLUM Tour.

Singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Parker McCollum has reached the ranks of a bona fide Country music superstar by connecting with fans and critics alike through his relatable and authentic sound. His most recent album, Never Enough (released on May 12, 2023 via MCA Nashville), is a statement collection of music that cemented his status as one of Country’s strongest new voices. His massive Burn It Down Tour throughout 2024 saw McCollum performing at some of the most iconic venues around the nation and appearing at Country music’s top music festivals. McCollum has been named an ‘Artist to Watch’ by Rolling Stone, Billboard, SiriusXM, CMT, RIAA, and more with American Songwriter noting, “The Texas native teeters on the edge of next-level superstardom.” Music Row listed McCollum as their 2021 Breakout Artist of the Year and Apple also included him as one of their all-genre “Up Next Artists” Class of 2021. A dedicated road warrior, McCollum made his debut at the famed Grand Ole Opry in 2021 and has sold out major concert venues around the U.S. In March 2022, McCollum made his debut at RODEOHOUSTON to a sold-out crowd with over 73,000 tickets sold. In 2025, McCollum played his third consecutive sold out show at Houston’s signature event. In 2022, McCollum earned his first ACM Award for New Male Artist of the Year, took home “Breakthrough Video of the Year” (a fully fan-voted honor) at the 2022 CMT Music Awards and scored two back-to-back CMA Awards nominations (2022 & 2023) for New Artist of the Year. He was nominated for a CMA Award for “Song of the Year” (2024) for his explosive Platinum hit “Burn It Down” – marking his third straight nomination. McCollum scored his second ACM Award for “Visual Media of the Year” for his music video for “Burn It Down.” The hit single marks his fourth consecutive #1 – following his other chart toppers “Pretty Heart,” “To Be Loved By You,” and “Handle On You.” McCollum has just released his self-titled fifth studio album, PARKER MCCOLLUM, which is an artistic achievement for this legacy making Country superstar that shows him at his best. PARKER MCCOLLUM is available now.

Chris Stapleton Premieres Cinematic ‘White Horse’ Video Starring Josh Brolin

Eric Alper
-
0
Chris Stapleton Premieres Cinematic ‘White Horse’ Video Starring Josh Brolin

The official music video for Chris Stapleton’s Grammy and CMA Award-winning song, “White Horse,” is out today. roduced by Strange Arcade and directed by Running Bear Films, the cinematic video was filmed in Marfa, TX and stars acclaimed actor Josh Brolin (No Country For Old Men, True Grit) alongside Mae McKagan and Tommy Martinez, as well as appearances by Stapleton and his wife and collaborator, Morgane. In conjunction with the release, exclusive “White Horse” merch is also now available HERE.

Of the video, Running Bear’s Stephen Kinigopoulos and Alexa King Stone share, “Listening to ‘White Horse’ over and over again, we visualized a couple on the run and wanted to add some complexity with the parental sheriff relationship between Mae and Josh’s characters. What was just going to be an action-packed love story, also became a story about letting go and trust.”

The new video adds to yet another monumental year for Stapleton, who is nominated for four awards at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards—Best Country Song (“A Song To Sing” with Miranda Lambert), Best Country Solo Performance (“Bad As I Used To Be”) and two nods in the Best Country Duo/Group Performance category (“A Song To Sing” with Lambert and “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame” with George Strait)—as well as three awards at next week’s 59th Annual CMA Awards: Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Music Video of the Year (“Think I’m In Love With You”).

This year also marks the 10-year anniversary of Stapleton’s electric breakout performance with Justin Timberlake during the 2015 CMA Awards, which is now once again available to watch on YouTube, as well as a decade since the release of his groundbreaking debut album, Traveller.

Beloved by critics, fans and fellow artists, Traveller was recorded at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A with producer Dave Cobb and won Best Country Album at the 58th Grammy Awards, Album of the Year at both the CMAs and ACMs and went on to become the best-selling country album of the 2010’s. Following a historic turn on the 2015 CMA Awards—where Stapleton became the first artist to ever win Album of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year in the same year—Traveller became the first album in history to re-enter the Billboard 200 all-genre album chart at #1, where it stayed for two straight weeks. With global sales over 11 million, the album is certified RIAA 7x Platinum in the U.S. and has been streamed over 11 billion times around the world. Additionally, the album has spent over 500 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart—the first country album to do so.

An 11x Grammy, 19x CMA and 21x ACM Award-winner, Stapleton has gone on to release four more studio albums including his most recent, 2023’s Higher (Mercury Records, stream/purchase here). Produced by Dave Cobb, Morgane Stapleton and Chris Stapleton, the record landed on several “Best of” lists including Billboard, Esquire, Vulture and Rolling Stone, who praised, “dazzling…the best evidence yet for the way one man’s voice has become synonymous with the very idea of a musical genre.” Additionally, GQ declared, “In an age rife with division, he’s maybe the only thing Americans all agree on…one of the most reliable hit makers in music” and NPR Music proclaimed, “Higher puts him where he always really was—in that classic kind of rock and soul, Tom Petty, Eagles, going beyond the confines of the genre.”

Since Higher, Stapleton has released several additional songs including “Heart Letting Go” from Netflix’s hit show “Nobody Wants This,” “A Song To Sing” with Miranda Lambert and “Bad As I Used To Be” from F1 the Album.

Additional highlights over the past decade include the National Anthem performance at 2023’s Super Bowl LVII, three appearances on “Saturday Night Live,” countless sold-out shows worldwide and collaborations with Adele, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Justin Timberlake, P!nk, Sheryl Crow, Santana, Post Malone, Dua Lipa, Slash, George Strait and many more.

Known for his electric live performances, Stapleton will extend his “All-American Road Show” into 2026 including sold-out “An Evening with Chris Stapleton” shows in Las Vegas, NV, Thackerville, OK and Uncasville, CT, which will feature Stapleton alongside his full band with no opener. See below for complete tour itinerary.

In addition to their work as musicians, the Stapletons are founders of the Outlaw State of Kind charitable fund, which supports a variety of causes that are close to their heart. Moreover, in 2024, Stapleton unveiled Traveller Whiskey, a first-of-its-kind collaboration created in partnership with Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley, which went on to become last year’s Most Awarded Super Premium Whiskey and was just announced as the first official whiskey of Major League Baseball.

CHRIS STAPLETON CONFIRMED TOUR DATES
January 10—Hollywood, FL—Hard Rock Live (SOLD OUT)
January 11—Hollywood, FL—Hard Rock Live (SOLD OUT)
February 4—Las Vegas, NV—Dolby Live at Park MGM (SOLD OUT)
February 5—Las Vegas, NV—Dolby Live at Park MGM (SOLD OUT)
February 7—San Francisco, CA—Bill Graham Civic Auditorium (SOLD OUT)
February 20—Thackerville, OK—WinStar Lukas Oil Live (SOLD OUT)
February 21—Thackerville, OK—WinStar Lukas Oil Live (SOLD OUT)
February 27—Uncasville, CT—Mohegan Sun Casino (SOLD OUT)
February 28—Uncasville, CT—Mohegan Sun Casino (SOLD OUT)
April 19—Georgetown, TX—Two Step Inn
May 29—Panama City, FL—Gulf Coast Jam
July 19—Whitefish, MT—Under The Big Sky Festival

Keyside Deliver a Message of Redemption with New Single ‘Rock My Love’

Eric Alper
-
0
Keyside Deliver a Message of Redemption with New Single ‘Rock My Love’

Liverpool four-piece Keyside release their latest single ‘Rock My Love’, a moving and melodic portrait of redemption through creativity. Drawing on real experiences and themes of addiction, hopelessness, and rebirth, the band pair their social realism with bright, soaring melodies that shimmer with optimism. Lead singer and songwriter Dani-Lee Parker channels personal history into poetic storytelling, explaining, “The character in the song has hit rock bottom, struggling with addiction and unemployed, but she finds a way to live again through a love of photography. It’s autobiographical in some ways as music has been a path to lead me away from being lost on dark roads.”

The release arrives as Keyside embark on their first major UK tour, following two years of rising momentum across small venues, festivals, and support slots. Their 13-date run begins November 13 at Glasgow’s Oran Mor, with sold-out shows already confirmed in Liverpool, London, Birmingham, and Bristol. Known for their lyrical honesty and heart-driven performances, Keyside have fast earned comparisons to The La’s and The Cure, blending vulnerability and power with every verse.

‘Rock My Love’ closes an impressive year that saw Keyside release their Michael (What’s Your Call?) EP, summer single If You Don’t Try, and appear at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Sound City, and on tour with The Wombats and Red Rum Club. Completed by Ben Cassidy, Max Gibson, and Oisin McAvoy, the band continue to build their reputation as one of Britain’s most vital new voices, finding light in struggle and connection in every lyric.

Tour Dates:
Thu 13 Nov – Glasgow, Oran Mor
Fri 14 Nov – Edinburgh, The Mash House
Sat 15 Nov – Leeds, Live at Leeds in the City
Tue 18 Nov – Newcastle-upon-Tyne, The Cluny 2 – SOLD OUT
Thu 20 Nov – Sheffield, Sidney & Matilda
Fri 21 Nov – Liverpool, O2 Academy – SOLD OUT
Wed 26 Nov – London, Camden Assembly – SOLD OUT
Thu 27 Nov – Manchester, Band on the Wall
Fri 28 Nov – Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach
Sat 29 Nov – Birmingham, The Sunflower Lounge – SOLD OUT
Mon 1 Dec – Bristol, The Louisiana – SOLD OUT
Tue 2 Dec – Southampton, The Joiners
Thu 4 Dec – Nottingham, The Bodega Social Club

Zach Bryan and the Jack Kerouac Estate Unite for Limited-Edition T-Shirt Collection Supporting New Cultural Center

Eric Alper
-
0
Zach Bryan and the Jack Kerouac Estate Unite for Limited-Edition T-Shirt Collection Supporting New Cultural Center

The Jack Kerouac Estate and multi-GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter Zach Bryan have come together for a special limited-edition T-shirt collection, with all net proceeds supporting the transformation of the historic Saint Jean Baptiste Church in Lowell, Massachusetts, into the future Jack Kerouac Center. The project celebrates two generations of storytellers bound by honesty, creativity, and a shared love for the open road. Each shirt blends Kerouac’s timeless imagery and words with Bryan’s spirit, including the “burn, burn, burn” motif connecting On the Road and Bryan’s own anthem “Burn, Burn, Burn.”

“Zach Bryan’s music reflects the same authenticity and emotional weight that sustains Kerouac’s writing,” said Jim Sampas, Literary Executor of the Jack Kerouac Estate. Sylvia Cunha, the Estate’s Director of Marketing and Business Development, added, “Zach has been directly involved in every step of this partnership, from concept development and shirt quality to visuals and the intent of each design. The goal was to create something true to him and Jack…a full circle moment bringing them together for a purpose.”

The shirts come in red, black, and vintage wash grey, featuring portraits, artwork, and Kerouac’s iconic words. Proceeds will fund the church’s transformation into a multidisciplinary hub featuring a museum and archive, music venue, recording studio, and community spaces for artists and educators. The Zach Bryan x Jack Kerouac Estate collection is available now at JackKerouac.com

Myles Lloyd Shares Stunning Visual for New Single ‘Grapevine’ Ahead of Upcoming Album

Eric Alper
-
0
Myles Lloyd Shares Stunning Visual for New Single ‘Grapevine’ Ahead of Upcoming Album

Following the release of his magnetic new single “Grapevine” last week, rising R&B sensation Myles Lloyd unveils the official music video, directed by Toronto-based filmmaker Dan LeMoyne. Shot in grainy black and white, the video captures the song’s cool confidence with a raw, nostalgic edge.

“Grapevine” offers a glimpse into Lloyd’s forthcoming album I’m Still Thinking (out November 21), a deeply introspective project that explores themes of anxiety, love, loss, and the restless mind. It’s a record rooted in honesty, vulnerability, and intentional artistry.



Hailing from Montreal, Myles Lloyd has carved a distinct space in R&B with his blend of emotional depth, pop precision, and timeless soul. His breakout hit “Drive Me Crazy” became a viral sensation, amassing over 21 million streams and earning a co-sign from K-pop powerhouses ENHYPEN, which helped the track chart in South Korea’s Top 200.

At just 27, Lloyd has steadily built his name through acclaimed projects like Goodbye (2019), Forever, Yours (2022), and WHAT MORE CAN I SAY? (2024), along with performances at Lollapalooza Berlin and Sol Blume. Already capturing the attention of tastemakers like Complex, PAPER, Teen Vogue, and Wonderland Magazine, Myles Lloyd is fast emerging as one of R&B’s most promising new voices. 

Departure Festival + Conference Returns to Toronto in May 2026

Eric Alper
-
0
Departure Festival + Conference Returns to Toronto in May 2026

– Following a hugely successful inaugural year, the Departure Festival + Conference from Loft Entertainment and Oak View Group (OVG) returns May 4-10, 2026. Early bird conference and priority passes are on sale now at departureto.com. Hotel X Toronto will serve as the central hub for Departure’s Conference programming, while the Festival will expand across multiple venues throughout the city.

Now entering its second year, Departure remains a vibrant intersection of creativity, where artists from all disciplines and stages of their careers come together to inspire one another and celebrate their craft. While staying true to its roots in music, Departure continues to broaden its reach within the arts by embracing a wider range of creative expressions, including film, technology, comedy and culture.

Departure’s curated artist showcases serve as a launchpad for emerging and established talent to connect with industry professionals, fostering collaboration and discovery. Artists will receive a unique opportunity to perform in a top Toronto venue, an invitation to the exclusive Opening Night Party, access to Departure’s leading industry conference, inclusion in a vibrant alumni network, and more artist-only experiences. Artist and volunteer applications are now open at departureto.com, where additional event details are also available.

As a testament to Departure’s commitment to supporting artists, Departure will waive application fees and offer honorariums.

Conference and Priority Passes are $499 and $999 respectively, with prices set to increase February 24. Additional pass types will be on sale in the coming months.

Media Accreditation is now open until April 17, 2026. Please fill out the form here to apply.

Departure’s 2026 guest lineup will be announced in the coming months. In its inaugural year the festival featured guests such as Bryan Adams, Matty Matheson, Dave Chappelle, Dallas Green (City and Colour), Jessie Reyez, Shaggy, Tegan & Sara, Fefe Dobson, Mustafa, Tia Wood, Harland Williams, and many more.

1...127128129...3,016Page 128 of 3,016

Follow us on Instagram @thatericalper

That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

Popular posts

Popular category

© Copyright - That Eric Alper