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Strategies for Clearing Bonus Wagering Requirements

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By Mitch Rice

Clearing wagering requirements determines whether a bonus becomes real cash or vanishes in an expired wallet. Players start by comparing rollover ratios, bonus size, and the availability of casino bonus codes in top online casinos that unlock the best casino bonuses UK. Understanding how these factors interact is the foundation of any effective strategy.

Transparency from the operator is equally important for planning. Product Owner – Tony Sloterman notes that bonuses only add value when their hidden costs are fully disclosed, a view shared by seasoned reviewers. Reading the terms before depositing prevents late‑stage disappointments.

The Real Wagering Cost

Every wagering requirement consists of three variables: multiplier, eligible games, and time limit. Multiply these variables incorrectly and the bankroll collapses long before the wagering meter hits 100 percent.

Savvy players calculate the real money needed by dividing the play‑through figure by the expected return of their chosen games. For instance, a €100 bonus with a 30× requirement demands €3 000 in bets, yet a 97 percent RTP slot effectively prices the task at €90 in theoretical losses.

Switching to a 99 percent RTP blackjack variant cuts that theoretical cost to €30, highlighting how game choice outweighs bonus size. Time pressure dictates whether such cost savings are actually reachable within the validity window.

CasinoBonusesFinder experts recommend mapping wagering progress alongside daily play limits to prevent bankroll bleed during volatile streaks. They suggest breaking the total wagering target into equal sessions that match the game’s standard deviation. This division keeps risk predictable and encourages disciplined stops.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Before making the first spin or deal, identify the usual roadblocks that turn an achievable rollover into a lost cause:

  • Confusing contribution percentages
  • Restricted betting patterns
  • Bonus stacking prohibitions
  • Payment method exclusions
  • Cash‑out caps

Match Games to Requirements

The figures in the table below can show you why a balanced mix of low‑volatility slots and high‑RTP table games often clears requirements faster than sticking to one category.

Game Type Contribution Average RTP Volatility
Low‑volatility video slots 100 % 96 % Low
High‑volatility slots 100 % 95 % High
Blackjack (single‑deck) 10 % 99 % Low
European roulette 20 % 97.3 % Medium

Stake Sizing and Session Limits

Another dimension often ignored is effective stake sizing relative to the maximum‑bet clause. Betting too high breaches the rules and voids the bonus, yet betting too low inflates session length beyond the expiry date.

An optimal stake is roughly one‑hundredth of the remaining wagering burden, giving you a cushion against variance while keeping progress visible. Start every session with a predefined stop‑loss equal to half the bonus value, adjusting downward as the play‑through shrinks.

Don’t Stack or Overcomplicate

Do not stack multiple bonuses unless each operates in isolated wallets; overlapping requirements create conflicting contribution rules that slow clearance. Many casinos allow fresh deposits without activating a bonus, so alternate between raw‑balance play and promotional play to rest bankroll volatility.

Some e-wallets do not trigger eligibility, meaning you could unknowingly play through requirements that will never count. Use the same payment channel that the terms specify for both deposit and withdrawal to avoid retroactive voiding.

Adjust Strategy by Time Left

Estimating variance with a free online calculator clarifies whether your chosen RTP and stake plan align with the deadline. Games with identical contribution rates but different hit frequencies can create misleading early progress, so sample at least 100 spins before drawing conclusions.

Use autoplay settings that respect local responsible‑gaming limits to sustain pace without accidental over‑betting.

Time left dictates risk strategy: early sessions favour high‑contribution, mid‑volatility slots, while final hours call for near‑even‑money table games to polish off the last rollover. Setting phone alarms at 25 percent, 50 percent, and 75 percent of the validity window prompts you to review pace and pivot games if needed.

Clearing requirements loses purpose if it disrupts healthy play habits, so schedule breaks every hour to recalibrate tilt and refocus on the maths. Record bankroll status before and after breaks to create a factual ledger that overrides gut feelings of being up or down.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Dierks Bentley Gathers ‘Broken Branches,’ Old Friends, and New Voices for His Most Honest Album Yet

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After more than 20 years on country music’s family tree, Dierks Bentley’s own branch has grown strong and solid, and with his upcoming 11th studio album BROKEN BRANCHES out June 13 (Capitol Records Nashville), he comes to appreciate the knots and gnarl more than ever. Whittling down his essential sound to its rooted and most resolute, it finds a proud broken branch celebrating the outliers of country life – and of country music. The eleven songs embrace unruly characters wherever they’re found, ultimately adding beauty to the whole, and is available now for pre-order HERE.

“The country music community has a lot of broken branches in it. That’s why we’re all here,” Bentley explains. “We want to do something a little bit different, and I think everyone sees themselves like that – certainly in country. This is the people’s music and it represents that spirit of individuality so well – it’s just about doing it our own way.”

Bentley spent months listening to songs, often driving around the backroads of his Tennessee home, spinning raw demos with no names attached to the songs. Then he chose a mix of tracks with deep meanings and distinctive quirks, centered on the imperfect perfections of community spirit. Executive Produced by Mary Hilliard Harrington, each song grew from acoustic-guitar foundation in whatever direction felt right, and Bentley calls that a testament to producers Jon Randall and Ross Copperman, plus musicians like Charlie Worsham, Jedd Hughes, Rob McNelley and Bryan Sutton.  Co-writing just four tracks himself and securing seven from outside writers (many for the first time), Bentley dug deeper than ever before into Nashville’s thriving songwriting community.

“I think that’s what’s special about country – we’re still making music in the studio with our buddies,” Bentley says. “We’re still getting together and talking about the songs and letting the musicians have a big say. It’s a good team – maybe a little messed up – but that’s the whole idea behind broken branches, so it just works.”

“Broken Branches” became the anchor track as a grounded (but good-timing) anthem with a mood-boosting jukebox stomp in honor of nature’s black sheep, featuring multiple generations, the living legend John Anderson and rising hit maker Riley Green. Others like “Cold Beer Can” shows a different way of looking at a frosty 12-oz. and the heartwarming banjo-led “Never You (feat. Miranda Lambert)” tribute the essential companion in each life. Bentley returns to his bluegrass beginnings with the feverish “Well, Well Whiskey,” tracks like the propulsive acoustic jam “Something Worth Fixing” celebrate life as a work in progress, the grungy alt-country of “Jesus Loves Me” explores a heartbroken “gospel truth” and “Off the Map” looks to quietly escape a relentless reality – whether on the beach, or a barstool. Meanwhile, the blazing heart of “Standing in the Sun” burns with the simple, life-giving power of true romance, while “For as Long as I Can Remember” tributes the Sequoia-like shelter a father provides and “Don’t Cry for Me” brings the project full-circle.

The multi-Platinum superstar recently released the biggest debuting song of his career with BROKEN BRANCHES’ debut single “She Hates Me,” which features his “trademark humor” (Billboard) while blending elements of Whitley and Weezer, adding a playful edge to Bentley’s signature country sound. He counts eight Number One albums, 22 Number One songs, and over nine billion global streams to his credit – plus 15 Grammy nominations and membership in the historic Grand Ole Opry. A global headliner and against-the-grain torch bearer for country’s organic roots, Bentley will launch his 30-city BROKEN BRANCHES TOUR on May 29 with Zach Top and The Band Loula. Continuing the path built from the ground up, as an entrepreneur, he has opened four locations of the gastropub and live music venue “Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row,” has a Flag & Anthem lifestyle collection “Desert Son” and recently released ROW 94 – a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey crafted with only “three ingredients and the truth” at Kentucky’s Green River Distilling Co.

BROKEN BRANCHES Track List:
1. Cold Beer Can
Written by Jon Randall, Luke Dick, Stephen Wilson Jr. and Dierks Bentley

2. Jesus Loves Me
Written by Adam James, Ben Stennis and Allison Veltz Cruz

3. She Hates Me
Written by Ashley Gorley, Chase McGill, Ross Copperman, Jimmy Allen, Wesley Scantlin and Dierks Bentley

4. Something Worth Fixing
Written by Stephen Wilson Jr., Luke Dick and Dierks Bentley

5. Standing In The Sun
Written by Kyle Sturrock

6. Well Well Whiskey
Written by Seth Ennis, Devin Dawson and Jordan Reynolds

7. Broken Branches
Written by Zach Abend, Beau Bailey and Graham Barham

8. Off The Map
Written by Jeremy Bussey, Lauren McLamb and Adam Wood

9. Near You (ft. Miranda Lambert)
Written by Scooter Carusoe, Ross Copperman and Ben Williams

10. For As Long As I Can Remember
Written by Devin Dawson, Connie Harrington

11. Don’t Cry For Me
Written by Jim Beavers and Dierks Bentley

 

Benson Boone and Brian May Unite at Coachella 2025 for a “Bohemian Rhapsody” That Made Time Stand Still

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What happens when a rising pop powerhouse meets rock royalty on one of the biggest stages in the world? A moment that feels like it was written in the stars.

At Coachella 2025, Benson Boone delivered a stunning, pitch-perfect performance of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” — only to be joined halfway through by none other than Sir Brian May himself. As May’s legendary guitar solo rang out under the desert sky, generations of fans came together to remember Freddie Mercury and the timeless magic of Queen.

ZZ Top Adds New Dates To The ‘Elevation’ Tour

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ZZ Top, “That Little Ol’ Band From Texas,” has announced additional U.S. dates continuing their Elevation Tour across the continent and the globe. The Texas trio will be visiting Australia and New Zealand this summer before returning to North America for even more performances this fall. They will be joined along the way by various support acts including Night Ranger, Payton Smith and Black Stone Cherry.
ZZ Top has been at it for well over a half century delivering rock, blues and boogie on stage and in studio to millions of devoted fans. With iconography as distinctive as their sound, ZZ Top is globally recognized with their beards, hotrod cars, spinning guitars and that magic keychain, all of which transcend geography and language.

As a touring outfit, they’ve been without peer over the past five decades, having performed before millions of fans over four continents and have been the subject of their own Grammy-nominated documentary titled That Little Ol’ Band From Texas. The band’s Billy F Gibbons commented, “We love getting out there and turning it up so we’re excited about these new dates because this tour’s been a great ride so far and we don’t want it to end anytime soon.”

They have sold millions of records over the course of their career, have been officially designated as Heroes of The State of Texas, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (by Keith Richards, no less) and have been referenced in countless cartoons and sitcoms. They are true rock icons and, against all odds, they’re really just doing what they’ve always done. ZZ Top abides!

The latest dates for The Elevation Tour are listed below:
26-Apr North Bendigo, AU Bendingo Jockey Club
27-Apr Mornington, AU Morington Racecourse
29-Apr Adelaide, AU AEC Arena
1-May Perth, AU Langley Park
3-May Hunter Valley, AU Roche Estate
4-May Wollongong, AU Stuart Park Wollongong
7-May Melbourne, AU Margaret Court Arena
10-May Brisbane, AU Sandstone Point Hotel
11-May Brisbane, AU Sandstone Point Hotel
13-May Sydney, AU ICC Sydney Theatre
17-May Auckland, NZ Spark Arena
18-May Wellington, NZ TSB Bank Arena
1-Jun Victoria, BC Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre
3-Jun Kelowna, BC Prospera Place
4-Jun Tsuut’ina, AB Grey Eagle Resort and Casino
6-Jun Enoch, AB River Cree Resort & Casino
7-Jun Saskatoon, SK SaskTel Centre
8-Jun Winnipeg, MB Canada Life Centre
10-Jun Moorhead, MN Bluestone Amphitheater
12-Jun Waite Park, MN The Ledge – Waite Park Amphitheater
13-Jun Carlton, MN Black Bear Casino Resort
14-Jun Davenport, IA Rhythm City Casino
18-Jun Windsor, ON Caesars Windsor – The Colosseum
20-Jun Pickering, ON Pickering Casino Resort
21-Jun Toronto, ON Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto
22-Jun Hamilton, ON FirstOntario Centre
25-Jun Laval, QC Place Bell
26-Jun Québec, QC Agora Du Port De Québec
27-Jun Moncton, NB Casino New Brunswick – The Centre
1-Aug Sturgis, SD Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (Venue: Buffalo Chip Campground)
2-Aug Sioux City, IA Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
4-Aug Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre
6-Aug Salina, KS Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts
7-Aug Washington, MO Washington Town & Country Fair
8-Aug Arcadia, WI Ashley For The Arts
10-Aug Lincoln, NE Pinewood Bowl Amphitheater
13-Aug Salt Lake City, UT Red Butte Garden
14-Aug Pocatello, ID Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre
17-Aug Eugene, OR Cuthbert Amphitheatre
22-Aug Coquitlam, BC Great Canadian Casino Vancouver
23-Aug Richmond, BC River Rock Casino Resort
24-Aug Auburn, WA Muckleshoot Casino Resort
26-Aug Troutdale, OR Edgefield Amphitheater
28-Aug Saratoga, CA The Mountain Winery
29-Aug Murphys, CA Ironstone Amphitheater
30-Aug Costa Mesa, CA OC Fair & Event Center
3-Sep Midland, TX Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center
7-Sep Tuscaloosa, AL Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater
11-Sep Selbyville, DE Freeman Arts Pavilion
13-Sep Asbury Park, NJ Sea.Hear.Now Festival
17-Sep New York, NY Beacon Theatre
19-Sep Danville, VA Caesars Virginia
21-Sep Bethlehem, PA Wind Creek Bethlehem
23-Sep Binghamton, NY Visions Memorial Arena
24-Sep Albany, NY Palace Theatre – Albany
26-Sep Providence, RI Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium
27-Sep Hampton, NH Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
28-Sep West Springfield, MA The Big E Arena
2-Oct Barco, NC Morris Farm
3-Oct Winsboro, SC Field & Stream Music Fest
5-Oct Athens GA The Classic Center
7-Oct Knoxville, TN The Tennessee Theatre
9-Oct Northfield, OH MGM Northfield Park – Center Stage
10-Oct Terre Haute, IN The Mill

International Indigenous Music Summit Details 2025 Artist Lineup

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The 2025 IIMS details this year’s artist lineup with performers from around the world gathering in Tkaronto, June 2-6. Welcoming Indigenous artists from nations across Turtle Island and far beyond, the IIMS is a launchpad for discovery, an engine of opportunity and career development and above all, a celebration of sounds and stories. As the world’s foremost Indigenous music gathering, the IIMS contributes to the overall growth and success of the Indigenous music ecosystem, reflected in this year’s new high watermark for Indigenous nominations at the JUNO Awards. Register for the IIMS 2025 here.

The 2025 IIMS lineup welcomes emerging and iconic talent alike, artists who carry traditions forward and artists who shape new futures altogether. Artists working in experimental, soundscape-building worlds include Montreal’s Anachnid, the collaborative project ASKO, Tahltan and Tlingit ambient/synth/spoken word artist Edzi’u and Winnipeg’s avant-pop KWIAT.

In country folk lanes, where heart and homeland shine in song, the IIMS 2025 welcomes Yukon’s Diyet & the Love Soldiers, roots rocker Mitchell Makoons, singer-songwriter PAKO from Manawan, QC, folk artist Juurini from Kuujjuaq (QC), Manitoba Country Music Award winner Jade Turner and Australian songwriter Nancy Bates.

Lyricism and big beats abound with showcasing hip hop artists and DJs including Saskatoon’s Big Tones, Mi’kmaq rapper Wolf Castle, Halifax producer/DJ Matty Galaxy, acclaimed producer/pop-trap Mattmac, Australian duo FLEWNT & INKABEE and Aotearoa rapper/poet MELODOWNZ. This year’s lineup also includes Treaty 1 DJ The Kaptain and Boiler Room-approved Lady Shaka, from Aotearoa.

Multi-disciplinary artists set to perform this year include Innu writer, actor, performance artist and musician Soleil Launière, Nehiyaw tap dancer Johnathan Morin and Māori-Pasifika performer Te KuraHuia.

The 2025 lineup also features artists that bridge Pacific shores, with performers from the west coast, Oceania, Chile, Ecuador and Fiji including G̱a̱mksimoon, presenting music rooted in the cultural heritage of the Ts’msyen people, Andean singer Carmen Lienqueo and Fiji’s RakoPasefika.

From pop to Powwow, hip hop to funk to folk and beyond, the IIMS 2025 offers an utterly unique immersion into the global Indigenous music scene. The Summit is pleased to present artists making their North American and Toronto debuts, including a strong delegation from Australia and Aotearoa with Goldsmith Baynes, Kee’ahn, Kutcha Edwards and more), and joyfully large collectives and bands (Yarina, The Melawmen Collective).

 Alex Kusturok * Anachnid  * ASKO  * Banda La Tribu * Big Tones  * Bumpy *
Carmen Lienqueo * Chuskupura  * Diyet & the Love Soldiers *
Eadsé * Edzi’u * Electric Religious * FLEWNT & INKABEE * G̱a̱mksimoon *
Gerard Sagassige & Nimkii Osawamick * Goldsmith Baynes  * Jade Turner * Jessa Sky * Johnathan Morin * Juurini * KaKaow * The Kaptain * Kee’ahn * Kutcha Edwards  * KWIAT  * Lady Shaka  * Mattmac  * Matty Galaxy *  Mitchell Makoons The Melawmen Collective  * MELODOWNZ *  Nancy Bates  * Natasha Fisher  * Northern Cree * PAKO *  RakoPasefika  * Sara Curruchich  * Soleil Launière *  Tanya Tagaq * Te KuraHuia  * Wolf Castle  * Yarina

Previously announced Opening Night Gala performers include Tanya Tagaq, Northern Cree, Alex Kusturok and Sara Curruchich, with a special appearance by Elder Gerard Sagassige and Nimkii Osawamick. The Opening Night Gala takes place June 2, 2025 at TD Music Hall. Tickets are included in full IIMS 2025 registration packages or as a standalone purchase here.

The Summit’s 2025 theme is Bemaazhid E-Niigaanzijig, an Anishinaabe phrase which means “Soaring Together as Leaders.” The theme orients this year’s program with a mindset of ‘we are all stronger together’ and the collective work of raising and uniting the global Indigenous community. Driven by the Summit’s commitment to collaboration and mutual benefit as the foundation to a thriving Indigenous music ecology, Bemaazhid E-Niigaanzijig sets a table with space for everyone.

Toronto Corporate Video Production: What to Expect and How It Works

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By Mitch Rice

Thinking about making a corporate video in Toronto and not sure how things go? 

You’re not alone. 

Many business owners, marketing teams, or even solo entrepreneurs want to use video to talk about their work, but feel a bit unsure about the process. The good thing is, corporate video production toronto is a smooth and helpful process when you work with the right team. Everything happens step by step, and you’ll always know what’s going on.

Let’s take a simple walk-through of how it works and what you can expect.

Why Companies Choose Corporate Videos in Toronto

One of the big reasons companies go for corporate videos is to connect with people. Whether it’s an intro to your business, a message from your team, a product highlight, or a behind-the-scenes look, video lets people see your brand clearly. It feels real and builds trust. Toronto businesses have been using videos to help with things like staff training, client onboarding, internal presentations, and online marketing video production toronto.

Makes Your Message Easy to Understand

When someone watches a short video, they understand things quickly. People don’t always have time to read long texts, so a short clip that’s well-made can make a strong impression. That’s why more and more businesses in Toronto are using video content on their websites, social media, and emails.

How Corporate Video Production Starts in Toronto

The First Talk: Understanding Your Idea

Before anything gets recorded, you’ll usually sit down with the video team—either in person or on a call. They’ll ask you about your business, what kind of video you want, and where you plan to use it. Maybe you need a 2-minute intro video for your website or a staff training clip. You don’t need to know technical terms. Just explain in your own words, and the team will handle the rest.

Planning the Video: Step-by-Step

Once your idea is clear, the team moves to planning. This includes deciding on things like:

  • Script or message to be shared

  • People who will be on camera (you, staff, actors, voiceover)

  • Places where shooting will happen

  • Time needed to shoot and edit

Everything is shared with you, so you know what’s happening at every stage. You’ll get to approve the plan before filming begins.

What Happens on the Shoot Day

Shooting Is Simple and Friendly

On the day of the shoot, a small crew usually comes in with cameras, mics, and lights. They set things up quickly and explained what they’re doing. If you’re on camera, don’t worry about being perfect. The director or producer helps you with what to say and how to say it. They’ll also take care of making the scene look nice and sound clear.

You Can Relax While They Record

If you’ve already gone through the plan, there’s not much to worry about. The video crew will do their part while you focus on your message. You can even re-record parts if needed. Most Toronto video professionals are kind and patient, and they’ll guide you through everything.

Editing and Final Touches

Where the Magic Comes In

After the shoot, the team moves to editing. This is where they cut the clips, add music, put in your logo, and make everything smooth. They can also add subtitles, voiceovers, or extra effects if needed. You’ll be shown a first draft to check and give feedback. If you want a small change, they usually fix it quickly.

Getting Your Final Video

Once you approve the final version, they’ll send it to you in the format you want. It could be a file for YouTube, your website, social media, or email. Some teams will also help you with uploading or posting it online.

How Much Time Does It Take

It Depends on the Type of Video

Short business introduction videos may take about a week from start to finish. More detailed or longer projects can take a few weeks. But you’ll always have a clear timeline before starting. Good video teams in Toronto are clear and honest with their delivery dates.

Tips to Get the Best Results

Be Clear With Your Message

Even before meeting the video team, think about what you want to say in the video. Keep your message short and simple. If you’re not sure, the production team will help you frame it nicely.

Use Real People if You Can

Using your own staff in the video adds a personal feel. It builds trust and gives your audience a face to relate to. But if you prefer professional voiceovers or actors, that also works fine.

Don’t Stress About the Camera

Most people are camera-shy at first, but that goes away quickly. The crew helps you relax. And remember, you don’t need to speak like an actor. Just be yourself. That’s what works best in corporate videos toronto.

Why Toronto Is a Good Place for This

Toronto has a strong mix of creative professionals, experienced crews, and modern studios. You can find all types of video services—small budget, full-scale productions, or just editing help. The variety makes it easy to find a team that fits your needs and style.

Final Thoughts

Corporate video production in Toronto is a smooth process when you work with the right team. From the first idea to the final cut, each step is handled with care. It’s a team effort where your input is valued, and your message is the focus. Videos help people understand your business quickly and clearly, and they stay in people’s minds for a long time. So if you’re thinking about making a video, just talk to a good team and get started. You’ll be glad you did.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Dave Chappelle to Headline Departure Festival + Conference Comedy Program in Toronto This May

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Loft Entertainment and Oak View Group (OVG) are delighted to announce award-winning comedian Dave Chappelle will perform exclusively at Departure Festival + Conference with a stand-up show on Wednesday, May 7 at Toronto’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre at 7:00 p.m.

Registered Departure conference pass-holders will get first access to tickets with an exclusive pre-sale beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16.

A new Comedy&Culture Pass is now available, providing access to the final day of Departure conference, on May 9, featuring comedy sessions curated for insider access to the industry’s future. From navigating challenges with top executives to discovering breakout talent defining tomorrow’s comedy landscape, this pass offers exceptional value at an early bird rate of $99 until April 16.

“Having Dave Chappelle take part in Departure is a real honour—for me, for the festival, and an amazing treat for our audiences. Starting off the inaugural Departure Comedy Festival with someone of Dave’s caliber and influence is incredibly exciting,” said Bruce Hills, Executive Producer, Departure Comedy.

“In November we promised that comedy would be a big part in the expansion of Departure, and we are immensely proud to fulfill that commitment with the announcement of global superstar Dave Chappelle,” said Kevin Barton, Executive Producer, Loft Entertainment. “To be able to watch Dave live is one of the most coveted shows on the planet, and it’s going to be a truly magical experience for that lucky audience.”

Additional speakers and performers added to the lineup program include homegrown comedians Jasmeet Raina, Ivan Decker, Sophie Buddle, Hassan Phills, Ali Hassan, and Don’t Tell Comedy founder Kyle Kazanjian-Amory, among others. They join the previously announced How Did This Get Made? Live, Trevor Wallace, Pete Holmes, Harland Williams, Caroline Rhea, Elvira Kurt, Leslie Liao and more. Departure Festival + Conference takes place May 6-11 in Toronto.

CONFERENCE PROGRAMMING
Conference programming is available to Conference passholders.

Departure welcomes leading experts and notable figures in the world of comedy to speak on a range of relevant topics including the state of the comedy industry, how to build a global comedy community, and content creation and the future of entertainment. Featured speakers include:

  • Celebrated Comedians: Jasmeet Raina, Ivan Decker, Sophie Buddle, and Ali Hassan
  • Popular Creators and Influencers: Kimberly Moffit (@ask_kimberly), Tommy Schoenith (@tommy_schoenith), Max Farber (@farbsy), and Mallory Rowan (@malloryrowan)
  • Industry Leaders: Andrew Barnsley (CEO, Project 10 Productions & Executive Producer), Sarah Fowlie (Head of Production, Original Programming, Bell Media), Paul Telner (Head of Programming, Viral Nation), Catherine Winder (CEO/EP/Founder, Wind Sun Sky Entertainment), and Kyle Kazanjian-Amory (Founder of Don’t Tell Comedy, which has over a billion views annually)

Comedy&CulturePass is now available at an early bird rate of $99 until April 16.

For the full list of Conference Comedy Programming please visit departureto.com.

FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING
Comedy Festival programming is available to public ticket buyers with select access to passholders.

With a specific focus on exceptional homegrown talent taking place at Comedy Bar, Departure will present some of the country’s top rising comedians in two showcases:

The Departure Comedy “Breakout” Showcase, hosted by Ali Hassan, will feature eight Toronto performers making waves and on the cusp of major success:

  • Adam Christie
  • Alistair Ogden
  • Chris Robinson
  • Courtney Gilmour
  • Faris Hytiaa
  • Jackie Pirico
  • Sam Burns
  • Sam Sferrazza

The Departure Comedy “Next Gen” Showcase, hosted by Rebecca Reeds, will feature eight emerging voices from Toronto who are shaping the future of stand-up:

  • Ben Bayfield
  • Ben McKay
  • Bita Joudaki
  • Hannah Veldhoen
  • Harrison Weinreb
  • Justin Shaw
  • Rahul Topiwala
  • Sashka DC

Departure will also welcome one of the fastest-rising comedians in Canada, Hassan Phills, who will perform at Comedy Bar Danforth for an entertaining evening on May 8 and award-winning comedian Ivan Decker will host a late-night comedy surprise show at Comedy Bar Bloor featuring surprise guests on May 9.

Continuing to spotlight Canadian comedians, Departure will present New Arrivals: A Departure Solo Sketch Showcase, featuring The Second City’s top emerging performers alongside some of Toronto’s best sketch comedians, showcasing their finest solo comedy sketches. Also in partnership with The Second City, Departure will present their 90th Mainstage Revue Duel Citizens, a fast-paced comedy spectacle stacked with razor-sharp satire, hilarious songs, ridiculous characters and their signature improv comedy.

Departure will also bring Don’t Tell Comedy, the #1 global discovery platform for stand-up comedy, with two special tapings at a secret location featuring 12 of the best Canadian comedians from across the country.

FILM AND TELEVISION
An advanced screening of Harland Williams’ new comedy Wingman, produced by Justin L. Levine, a Stardust Pictures film, and also starring Kayla Wallace, Jamie Kennedy, Evan Marsh, and Russell Peters, with Williams and Kennedy in attendance for a Q&A. The screening will take place at Hotel X Toronto and be accessible to Conference Pass holders, with limited individual public tickets also on sale at departureto.com.

STACKTV is giving an exclusive first look to select Departure passholders and fans at the Season 8 world premiere of Adult Swim’s Rick and Morty before it airs on May 25. The special event, in partnership with Wax Records and Anthem Entertainment, will feature live music from Ash Molloy, ZYHIER, CON THE ARTIST, and Julian Daniel, along with games and prizes.

National Music Centre Names Raymond Sewell and Marlon Deschamps as Recipients of 2025 OHSOTO’KINO Recording Bursary

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The National Music Centre is proud to unveil the 2025 recipients of the OHSOTO’KINO Recording Bursary: singer-songwriter Raymond Sewell and powwow and round dance artist Marlon Deschamps.

NMC is also now accepting submissions for the next edition of the OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator. This opportunity is open to emerging Indigenous artists from across Canada and will take place at Studio Bell in Calgary, Alberta, from September 15-19, 2025. The OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator program is open to emerging First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists. Interested applicants can apply at studiobell.ca/ohsotokino by May 31, 2025 at 11:59 pm MT.

Raymond Sewell is an I’nu singer-songwriter, poet, and English professor from Pabineau First Nation, New Brunswick. Now based in Bedford, Nova Scotia, he is a proud promoter of Indigenous excellence and intellectualism, providing many public performances and lectures.

Hailing from the Cree Nation of Maskwacis, Alberta, Marlon Deschamps comes from a long lineage of singers. Singing since he could talk, he is a member of the acclaimed drum group Northern Cree. Deschamps has contributed to nine Grammy-nominated albums and has shared his music on world stages, including the New Orleans Jazz Festival and the 2017 Grammy Awards.

Launched in 2022 and supported by TD Bank Group, the OHSOTO’KINO Indigenous Programming Initiative is designed to uplift and empower Indigenous voices in the music industry. The name OHSOTO’KINO – a Blackfoot phrase meaning “to recognize a voice of” – honours the Blackfoot people and the traditional territory where the National Music Centre is located.

At its core, the initiative encompasses three pillars: Music creation in NMC’s state-of-the-art recording studios; artist development via a music incubator program; and storytelling and celebration through the Speak Up! exhibition and digital content on NMC’s Amplify platform.

The OHSOTO’KINO Recording Bursary offers recipients studio time in NMC’s recording spaces, along with access to its renowned “living collection” of rare and iconic musical instruments, all with the intention of producing a commercial release. Meanwhile, the OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator fosters artistic growth by connecting emerging Indigenous artists with mentorship, career-building workshops, and live performance opportunities.

“In just a few short years, the OHSOTO’KINO initiative has had a remarkable impact by giving Indigenous artists access to NMC’s world-class facilities and expert support,” said David McLeod (Minegoziibe Anishinabe formally Pine Creek First Nation, Treaty 4), NMC Board Member and Chair of NMC’s National Indigenous Programming Advisory Committee. “From iconic instruments to cutting-edge studios with professional production staff, it’s an inspiring environment to create music that will ultimately connect to the Indigenous community. We’re thrilled to welcome this year’s bursary recipients, Raymond Sewell and Marlon Deschamps, and encourage emerging artists to apply for the music incubator and make the most of this exciting opportunity.”

Artists selected for the 2025 OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator will be announced in the coming months. Final participants are chosen by NMC’s Indigenous Programming Advisory Committee, which helps guide Indigenous-led programs and exhibitions at Studio Bell.

New Book ‘The Complete Johnny Cash’ Collects Every Lyric from the Man in Black’s 55-Year Songwriting Legacy

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Before country was cool, Johnny Cash was already writing its bible. The Complete Johnny Cash: Lyrics from a Lifetime of Songwriting is more than a book—it’s a monument. Releasing October 14, this hardcover tome brings together every lyric from every song the Man in Black ever wrote, spanning nearly 500 songs and over five decades of music that shaped generations. From “Folsom Prison Blues” to every heartbreak, hymn, and train ride in between, it’s all here.

The book offers more than just lyrics—it’s a journey through the mind and soul of one of America’s greatest storytellers. With never-before-seen handwritten notes, rare notebook reproductions, and commentary tracing the recurring themes in Cash’s work—love, loss, justice, grace—The Complete Johnny Cash tells the story of a man who never stopped searching for the truth, even when it hurt. A foreword by his son, John Carter Cash, adds a deeply personal layer, reminding us this legend was also a father, a husband, and a man of faith.

It’s hard to describe Johnny Cash without using the word real. This book proves why. For fans, collectors, songwriters, or anyone who’s ever turned to Cash in hard times or “I Walk the Line” in moments of clarity, this collection is essential. Cash didn’t just sing to the people—he sang for them. Now, we get to hold every word.

Gang of Four’s Jon King Chronicles Punk, Politics, and Chaos in New Memoir ‘To Hell with Poverty!’

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From Jon King, legendary front man of iconic post-punk band Gang of Four, comes a memoir to remember.

TO HELL WITH POVERTY! documents King’s story from a south London slum and working-class background to international success as core musician, lyricist, writer, and producer in the legendary post-punk/funk band Gang of Four. King’s memoir takes the reader on an episodic journey full of raucous adventures from his childhood and teenage years, to the height of Gang of Four’s success in the seventies and eighties.

Thrown off Top of the Pops, truncheoned by police at an anti-Nazi rally, coming of age in the heart of the Leeds music scene and the UK post-punk movement, mingling with Hells Angels and other undesirables, supported by bands like R.E.M. and playing with the likes of the Police, Iggy Pop, and the Buzzcocks—King’s time with Gang of Four is rich with jaw-dropping stories. Evocative, fast-paced, and witty, To Hell with Poverty! is a music memoir for the ages.

Gang of Four’s Entertainment! LP is consistently ranked as one of the greatest debut albums of all time and continues to inspire new generations of musicians today. The band has influenced many artists, from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, and INXS, to 2025-era Frank Ocean, the Idles, and hip-hop giants Run the Jewels. Gang of Four have been championed by the likes of Flea, Sofia Coppola, Massive Attack, Damien Hirst, Greil Marcus, and many more.