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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Departure
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T094500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T100000
DTSTAMP:20260502T124637
CREATED:20260408T030512Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T182659Z
UID:10000108-1778060700-1778061600@departureto.com
SUMMARY:Opening Remarks
DESCRIPTION:Join us as we kick off our first day at the Bluma Appel Theatre as part of Departure Festival & Conference\, welcoming a global community of artists\, creators\, executives\, and innovators for a day of ideas\, connection\, and culture. \nAs the festival continues\, this moment marks a shift into the heart of Departure’s programming. Today brings together voices from across music\, media\, and the creative industries to explore where culture is going and how we build it together. From insightful conversations to live performances and unexpected collaborations\, this is a space designed to spark momentum and meaningful exchange. \nWe are proud to welcome you to the Bluma Appel Theatre for day two of Departure.
URL:https://departureto.com/event/opening-remarks/
LOCATION:Bluma Appel Theatre (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts)\, 27 Front St E\, Toronto\, Ontario\, M5E 1B4\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Conference,Departure
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://departureto.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/DEP26_TDAnnounceAssets_WebBanner-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T110000
DTSTAMP:20260502T124637
CREATED:20260429T165709Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T170316Z
UID:10000140-1778061600-1778065200@departureto.com
SUMMARY:Power Brokers: Bob Lefsetz and Chief Zaruk on Country\, Rock & the New Music Economy
DESCRIPTION:As country and rock surge back to the forefront of the global music business\, the power dynamics behind the scenes are shifting just as fast. In this candid conversation\, industry commentator Bob Lefsetz sits down with Chief Zaruk\, Co-Founder and CEO of The Core Entertainment—the management force behind artists like Nickelback\, Bailey Zimmerman\, Josh Ross\, Dan + Shay\, and Nate Smith. \nFresh off a weekend where his roster dominated the stages at Stagecoach\, Zaruk brings a real-time perspective on what it takes to win at the highest level of live music today. Together\, they unpack the resurgence and dominance of country and rock\, the evolving relationship between streaming and live\, and how artist development is being redefined in a genre-driven marketplace. From breaking acts to building global careers\, expect sharp insight\, real talk\, and an unfiltered look at where the business is heading next.
URL:https://departureto.com/event/power-brokers-bob-lefsetz-and-chief-zaruk-on-country-rock-the-new-music-economy/
LOCATION:Bluma Appel Theatre (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts)\, 27 Front St E\, Toronto\, Ontario\, M5E 1B4\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Conference,Departure
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://departureto.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/bob-event.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T111500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T121500
DTSTAMP:20260502T124637
CREATED:20260407T145246Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T182729Z
UID:10000065-1778066100-1778069700@departureto.com
SUMMARY:Warped Tour\, Hardcore & the Future of Counter Culture
DESCRIPTION:This year marks the 30-year return of Warped Tour — a festival that didn’t just tour\, but built a movement. With its long-awaited comeback and return to Montreal this summer\, Warped reclaims its place as one of the most influential platforms in alternative music history. \nIn this live conversation\, Warped founder Kevin Lyman joins Andrew Neufeld of Comeback Kid\, one of the bands shaped by that ecosystem\, to reflect on what Warped meant for artists grinding in vans\, selling merch from folding tables\, and building global audiences from the underground up. \nTogether\, they’ll explore how Warped Tour scaled from parking lots to international phenomenon without abandoning its DIY roots — and what that blueprint means today. In an era of consolidation\, sponsorship saturation\, and algorithm-driven discovery\, can true counter culture still exist? What does authenticity look like when festivals return bigger than ever? And how do bands grow without losing the edge that made them matter? \nFrom hardcore basements to international stages\, this is a candid conversation about scene-building\, sustainability\, and the tension between scale and integrity — past\, present\, and future.
URL:https://departureto.com/event/warped-tour-hardcore-the-future-of-counter-culture/
LOCATION:Bluma Appel Theatre (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts)\, 27 Front St E\, Toronto\, Ontario\, M5E 1B4\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Conference,Departure
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://departureto.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/DEP26_TDAnnounceAssets_WebBanner-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T131500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T141500
DTSTAMP:20260502T124637
CREATED:20260407T145456Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T002005Z
UID:10000066-1778073300-1778076900@departureto.com
SUMMARY:Going Global: Scaling Culture with Russell Peters
DESCRIPTION:Join Russell Peters for a sharp\, unfiltered conversation about building a career that spans the globe. For decades\, he’s shown that comedy rooted in culture travels—whether in London\, Dubai\, Mumbai\, or Los Angeles. Known for his fearless crowd work and razor-sharp takes on identity\, Russell helped redefine what international stand-up could be long before “going global” was a thing. \nRussell will share how touring the world has changed over the years\, how artists adapt to different audiences\, and what it really takes to succeed internationally without losing your voice. Expect candid stories and behind-the-scenes insights as we dive into the art of comedy and what it means to go big on the global stage.
URL:https://departureto.com/event/going-global-scaling-culture-with-russell-peters/
LOCATION:Bluma Appel Theatre (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts)\, 27 Front St E\, Toronto\, Ontario\, M5E 1B4\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Conference,Departure
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://departureto.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/russell-event.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T153000
DTSTAMP:20260502T124637
CREATED:20260407T145605Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T002133Z
UID:10000067-1778077800-1778081400@departureto.com
SUMMARY:From Office Movers to Media Moguls: Jermaine & Trevaunn Richards
DESCRIPTION:What began as culturally sharp\, character-driven comedy on YouTube has grown into one of Canada’s most influential creator-led entertainment brands. \nIn this Departure-exclusive conversation\, brothers Jermaine and Trevaunn Richards — the creators behind The Office Movers and founders of Random Order Studios take the stage alongside members of the extended Office Movers family for a live discussion presented by Complex Canada. \nFrom building a loyal digital audience through viral sketches to launching a nationally recognized television series and expanding into fashion and other ventures under 4 Ya’ll Entertainment\, the Richards have redefined what it means to evolve from YouTube creators into multi-platform entrepreneurs. \nThis candid conversation will explore the realities of scaling a creator brand\, navigating identity and representation in mainstream media\, monetizing community without losing authenticity\, and building sustainable creative businesses in Canada and beyond. \nThe session will conclude with a live audience Q&A\, giving attendees rare access to the brothers and their extended creative team.
URL:https://departureto.com/event/from-office-movers-to-media-moguls-jermaine-trevaunn-richards/
LOCATION:Bluma Appel Theatre (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts)\, 27 Front St E\, Toronto\, Ontario\, M5E 1B4\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Conference,Departure
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://departureto.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/office-movers-event.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T094500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T100000
DTSTAMP:20260502T124637
CREATED:20260408T030543Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T182909Z
UID:10000109-1778147100-1778148000@departureto.com
SUMMARY:Opening Remarks
DESCRIPTION:Join us as we kick off our second day at the Bluma Appel Theatre as part of Departure Festival & Conference\, welcoming a global community of artists\, creators\, executives\, and innovators for a day of ideas\, connection\, and culture. \nAs the festival continues\, this moment marks a shift into the heart of Departure’s programming. Today brings together voices from across music\, media\, and the creative industries to explore where culture is going and how we build it together. From insightful conversations to live performances and unexpected collaborations\, this is a space designed to spark momentum and meaningful exchange. \nWe are proud to welcome you to the Bluma Appel Theatre for day three of Departure.
URL:https://departureto.com/event/opening-remarks-2/
LOCATION:Bluma Appel Theatre (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts)\, 27 Front St E\, Toronto\, Ontario\, M5E 1B4\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Conference,Departure
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://departureto.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/DEP26_TDAnnounceAssets_WebBanner-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T110000
DTSTAMP:20260502T124637
CREATED:20260407T173200Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T003242Z
UID:10000077-1778148000-1778151600@departureto.com
SUMMARY:From Vision to Phenomenon: Inside KPop Demon Hunters
DESCRIPTION:When K-Pop Demon Hunters premiered\, it didn’t just debut – it detonated. Conceived\, and directed by Maggie Kang\, the film shattered streaming records\, topped charts\, and defined what an animated musical fantasy inspired by Korean pop culture could achieve on the global stage. \nLong before it became a worldwide cultural force\, the project began with a singular creative voice shaped by animation\, music\, and a deep commitment to storytelling. A Sheridan College alum\, Kang’s journey from student artist to visionary filmmaker is as compelling as the phenomenon she helped create. \nIn this intimate fireside conversation\, Maggie will trace the film’s origin story from early concept sketches and musical influences to building a universe that seamlessly fuses spectacle\, mythology\, and character-driven narrative. She’ll reflect on the power of specificity in storytelling\, and how authenticity can translate into global resonance. \nThe discussion will also explore her broader creative evolution: navigating the animation industry\, scaling ambition while protecting artistic voice\, and building globally relevant IP without compromise. What comes after a record-breaking hit? How do creators continue expanding their vision while staying grounded in their core identity? \nA rare look at vision\, resilience\, and the long arc from classroom to cultural phenomenon.
URL:https://departureto.com/event/from-vision-to-phenomenon-inside-kpop-demon-hunters/
LOCATION:Bluma Appel Theatre (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts)\, 27 Front St E\, Toronto\, Ontario\, M5E 1B4\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Conference,Departure
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://departureto.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/KPop-event.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T114500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T124500
DTSTAMP:20260502T124637
CREATED:20260407T173421Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T144322Z
UID:10000078-1778154300-1778157900@departureto.com
SUMMARY:Late Bloomer: Jasmeet Raina on Storytelling\, Sound & Breaking Through
DESCRIPTION:Jasmeet Raina (Jus Reign) takes the stage for a special moderated keynote exploring his evolution from pioneering digital creator to the star and co-creator of the hit series Late Bloomer. Known for his sharp cultural perspective and boundary-pushing storytelling\, Raina will reflect on his journey – building an audience online\, navigating identity and representation\, and ultimately bringing a deeply personal vision to television. \nJoining him are the show’s composers\, Adrian Bellaire and Ace G.\, who have helped shape Late Bloomer’s distinctive sonic world. Together\, they’ll unpack how music and score elevate storytelling – blending genres\, moods\, and cultural influences to create a soundtrack that feels as fresh and layered as the show itself. \nThe conversation will dive into the creative process behind Late Bloomer\, the role of music in modern screen narratives\, and how creators can expand their voice across platforms without losing authenticity. The session will close with a fan Q&A\, offering audiences a chance to engage directly with the talent behind one of Canada’s most exciting new series. \nA must-attend for creators\, composers\, and storytellers alike\, this keynote captures the power of vision\, collaboration\, and sound in shaping the next wave of cultural storytelling.
URL:https://departureto.com/event/late-bloomer-jasmeet-raina-on-storytelling-sound-breaking-through/
LOCATION:Bluma Appel Theatre (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts)\, 27 Front St E\, Toronto\, Ontario\, M5E 1B4\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Conference,Departure
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://departureto.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/late-bloomer-event.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T151500
DTSTAMP:20260502T124637
CREATED:20260423T124942Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260423T124942Z
UID:10000128-1778163300-1778166900@departureto.com
SUMMARY:Talking Disaster: Deryck Whibley on Life After Sum 41
DESCRIPTION:In this candid and wide-ranging conversation at Departure\, Deryck Whibley sits down with acclaimed music journalist Karen Bliss to reflect on a career that helped define a generation of rock music and what comes next. \nFrom the decision to sell his catalogue to navigating the transition beyond Sum 41\, Whibley opens up about legacy\, ownership\, and the realities of evolving as an artist and entrepreneur. The conversation will also explore his latest venture into the world of consumer brands with his new clothing company\, offering insight into how artists are building businesses beyond music. \nHonest\, forward-looking\, and deeply personal\, this session offers a rare look at reinvention\, longevity\, and the mindset required to keep moving forward.
URL:https://departureto.com/event/talking-disaster-deryck-whibley-on-life-after-sum-41/
LOCATION:Bluma Appel Theatre (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts)\, 27 Front St E\, Toronto\, Ontario\, M5E 1B4\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Conference,Departure
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://departureto.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Deryck-Whibley-e1776892179103.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T152500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T154000
DTSTAMP:20260502T124637
CREATED:20260427T143612Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T183034Z
UID:10000132-1778167500-1778168400@departureto.com
SUMMARY:From Civic Policy to Centre Stage: How Toronto Supports Music
DESCRIPTION:Hear highlights from the work of the City of Toronto’s Music Office and the Toronto Music Advisory Committee to support local music through policy initiatives and the City’s Music Strategy.
URL:https://departureto.com/event/from-civic-policy-to-centre-stage-how-toronto-supports-music/
LOCATION:Bluma Appel Theatre (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts)\, 27 Front St E\, Toronto\, Ontario\, M5E 1B4\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Conference,Departure
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://departureto.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/DEP26_TDAnnounceAssets_WebBanner-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T155000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T164500
DTSTAMP:20260502T124637
CREATED:20260407T174219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T144053Z
UID:10000080-1778169000-1778172300@departureto.com
SUMMARY:Scoring the Moment: Inside the Sound of Heated Rivalry
DESCRIPTION:When Heated Rivalry premiered to critical acclaim\, it wasn’t just the storytelling that resonated – it was the music. The emotional architecture of the series\, shaped by composer Peter Peter and music supervisor Scotty Taylor\, became inseparable from its cultural footprint. \nIn this Departure conversation\, director and co-creator Jacob Tierney joins Peter Peter and Scotty Taylor to deconstruct the musical process behind the show – from early creative conversations and sonic world-building to the pivotal song choices that defined its tone and amplified its impact. \nTogether\, they’ll explore how original score and curated tracks can elevate narrative stakes\, drive fan engagement\, and create a halo effect that extends beyond the screen into streaming charts\, social platforms\, and broader cultural conversation. \nThis session will unpack the collaboration between director\, composer\, and supervisor; the balance between instinct and strategy; and how music can transform a scene into a moment – and a series into a phenomenon.
URL:https://departureto.com/event/scoring-the-moment-inside-the-sound-of-heated-rivalry/
LOCATION:Bluma Appel Theatre (St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts)\, 27 Front St E\, Toronto\, Ontario\, M5E 1B4\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Conference,Departure
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://departureto.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/heated-rivalry-event.jpg
END:VEVENT
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