Bryan Adams to help kick off Departure Festival, a reimagined Canadian Music Week
Formerly known as Canadian Music Week, the six-day event is moving forward with a new name, different owners and a broadened scope.
While it once catered almost solely to the music industry with panels and events, this year's programming includes elements dedicated to standup comedy, fashion and technology.
There will be appearances by music stars Bryan Adams, Tegan and Sara, Arkells frontman Max Kerman and Shaggy, who will sit down for fireside chats.
Others on the bill include Pete Holmes and Dave Chappelle, who are part of the comedy program.
The Departure Festival runs until Sunday, with most of its events happening at Toronto's Hotel X.
Last week, the former president of CMW resolved a legal action he had launched against the new owners, accusing them of not following through with their side of a $2-million payment.
Neill Dixon said a 'miscommunication' led him to file a notice of action in Ontario court in March against Loft Entertainment and Oak View Group.
He now plans to attend the festival, where he will receive and accept a previously announced lifetime achievement award.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 6, 2025.
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Hamilton Spectator
20-06-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Arkells tip off Rally weekend
A Woodlands Park basketball game kicked off a weekend of events for the Arkells, hosting their Rally concert at Hamilton Stadium Saturday. Lead singer Max Kerman drives to the hoop as the Arkells hosted a basketball game at The Rally Court in Woodlands Park. Arkells hosted a basketball game at The Rally Court in Woodlands Park on Friday to kick off the weekend concert. Members of the band, members of the Mohawk College women's basketball team, along with players from Bernie Custis Secondary School and former Toronto Raptors player Matt Bonner hit the court. Lead singer Max Kerman with fans as Arkells hosted a basketball game at The Rally Court in Woodlands Park. Arkells hosted a basketball game at The Rally Court in Woodlands Park to kick off the weekend rally concert. Arkells frontman Max Kerman takes a shot against the Mohawk College women's basketball team at the Rally Court in Woodlands Park on Friday. The game was part of the kickoff for Rally weekend, which will see the hometown band take over Hamilton Stadium on Saturday. Arkells hosted a basketball game at The Rally Court in Woodlands Park on Friday. Former Toronto Raptors player Matt Bonner and members of the Mohawk College women's team took part. Arkells hosted a basketball game at The Rally Court in Woodlands Park. The Arkells tipped off Rally weekend with a basketball game at The Rally Court in Woodlands Park on Barton Street East. Arkells frontman Max Kerman, right, plays a game of basketball against former Toronto Raptors player Matt Bonner at the Rally Court in Woodlands Park on Friday. The event was part of the kick-off for The Rally concert weekend, which will see the hometown band takeover Hamilton Stadium on Saturday.
Hamilton Spectator
20-06-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Arkells' Rally ‘the antidote' for community in trying times
One could say Arkells frontman Max Kerman has 'Big Feelings' about this coming weekend. Hamilton's band is back in town to host The Rally — which takes over Hamilton Stadium on Saturday, with support from Portugal. The Man, as well as Canadian pals Valley and rising star Seago. The first edition of The Rally, held at the Steeltown football stadium, took place in 2018 and returned in an even larger fashion in 2022 after it was delayed two years by the pandemic. Hamilton's Arkells will bring The Rally back to Hamilton Stadium on June 21. Frontman Max Kerman is pictured at the event in 2018. The concert stands apart from others hosted by Canadian bands of similar renown, with the weekend festivities including a community basketball game , a bike ride with the band and an artist market — all free to the community, no ticket to the show required. All of it is organized by the band, which got its start two decades ago when they were studying at McMaster University and living on Arkell Street in Westdale. The namesake of the group, a portion of the street will soon be designated as Arkells' Alley , in honour of the band. Kerman told The Spectator that in a time where many folks have their eyes on their social media feeds, scrolling through 'the chaos' of the world, The Rally represents a way for the band to help bring people back together. Hamilton's Arkells will bring The Rally back to Hamilton Stadium on June 21. Frontman Max Kerman is pictured here at the 2022 event. 'This weekend can serve as a little reminder that there is lots of good stuff out there,' he says of the show Saturday. 'There are so many things that feel out of our control,' said Kerman. 'But we can do all of these things as a community in real life, which I think is the antidote to everything that is happening.' As the group's frontman, Kerman sees all of the goodness associated with the band, like messages from fans about the impact of their music — whether they played one of their tunes at their wedding or listened to their album to feel better during a tough time. But Kerman doesn't want the band to keep that all to themselves. 'We're lucky we get to see that good stuff every day,' he said. 'I want to share a bit of that hope that I have.' Kerman is hopeful the show also offers fans and Hamiltonians alike the chance to 'feel close' to their neighbours and friends, while 'seeing the goodness' of community. Hamilton's Arkells will bring The Rally back to Hamilton Stadium on June 21. Fans dance at the 2022 edition in this file photo. Much like the rallies of the past, a dollar from every ticket sold will be donated to local non-profits Eva Rothwell Centre, Mission Services and REFUGE Newcomer Health, while the band will be making a $10,000 contribution to each organization. Kerman said even regular fans have been making a difference in the lives of others, with some donating their extra tickets to those who couldn't afford to make it to the show. 'The algorithm rewards negativity in most cases,' said Kerman. 'This weekend can serve as a little reminder that there is lots of good stuff out there.' As part of The Spectator's lead-up coverage to the show, we offered subscribers the chance to pose a few burning questions to the band — and Kerman delivered the answers. I'd start with a stroll down Locke Street, where I'd probably get some lunch at Burnt Tongue. I'd go for a bike ride and make my way toward Westdale. I'd ask around about a new restaurant that I haven't tried yet. I'd play basketball with some friends at an outdoor court, maybe down at The Rally Court. And if it's the summertime, hit Victoria Park and throw a baseball around. I'd just want to be outside and in some green space. We were in rehearsal the other day, and we ran a bunch of stuff. 'Big Feelings' is a new one. It's been out for a year, but it's finally coming together. You like when a song settles, and it feels like we're getting to that zone. David Byrne of Talking Heads, lately. I love the way he's theatrical and the way he thinks about dance, movement and group choreography. I love group choreography, I'm always pushing for more of it. I'd say Jesse Armstrong, the writer. He wrote this great movie that just came out a couple of weeks ago called 'Mountainhead.' It's really dark and funny. It's about four tech billionaires and what they talk about. Arkells' Rally 'the antidote' for community in trying times Here is your Arkells Rally rundown, Hamilton PHOTOS: A look back at Hamilton's The Arkells Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
20-06-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Here is your Arkells Rally rundown, Hamilton
Hamilton's biggest outdoor concert of the year is nearly here. Arkells are back in town this weekend to host The Rally — which takes over Hamilton Stadium on Saturday, with support from Portugal. The Man, as well as Canadian pals Valley and rising star Seago. Arkells' Rally 'the antidote' for community in trying times Doors for the show open at 4:30 p.m., but fans don't have to wait until the stage lights turn on to start taking in the festivities. Seago will open up the show at 5:30 p.m., with Valley slated to take the stage at 6:15 p.m., followed by Portugal. The Man at 7:30 p.m. Arkells will be on at 9 p.m. — however, set times are subject to change. The Spectator has a complete rundown of the weekend. So, read on and start planning. Arkells frontman Max Kerman goes for a rebound against a player from the Eva Rothwell Centre during a celebrity game opening of the upgraded basketball court in Woodlands Park in this June 2022 file photo. Arkells will host a basketball game at The Rally Court in Woodlands Park on Barton Street East on Friday to kick off the weekend. Members of the band, local kids and recognizable faces from the basketball world, such as former Toronto Raptors player Matt Bonner and Raptors superfan Nav Bhatia, will be hitting the court. All are welcome to attend. The event is free to the public. Tip-off is set for 12:30 p.m. Arkells frontman Max Kerman leads a group bike ride from Gore Park to Hamilton Stadium in this June 2022 file photo. The band will also be celebrating Arkells' Alley on Friday, which will see a portion of Arkell Street — the street where the band lived in Westdale when they studied at McMaster University — designated in honour of the group. While few details about the event have been released, fans are invited to 'come hang' with the band at the intersection of Arkell and Paisley at 11 a.m. Arkells will kick off the day with a Ride to The Rally, held in partnership with Hamilton Bikeshare. Cyclists will meet up at Gore Park, with the group ride to the stadium leaving at 2 p.m. Members of the band will join in on the ride, which will head from downtown to the east end. The Rally Market will be held outside Hamilton Stadium from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 21. The Rally Market — hosted outside the stadium — will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors will include Bright Side General, Girl on the Wing, Hamilton Craft Studios, My African Treasure, Foundry Ice Cream, New Hope Community Bikes and Jelly Bros. Fans will also have the chance to grab Arkells merch, including last-call vintage goodies. Entry is free. Ticket holders will be able to ride the HSR for free between the hours of 3 p.m. and midnight on Saturday. Fans are asked to show bus drivers their ticket once they board — and to always say thank you. Fans coming from out of town are encouraged to take GO Transit to the show. Coming from Toronto, fans can take the Lakeshore West line to West Harbour GO Station. On the way home, folks headed back to Toronto can grab the last train from West Harbour at 11:40 p.m. — an adjusted last train meant to accommodate rally concertgoers, in partnership with Metrolinx. Arkells' Rally 'the antidote' for community in trying times Here is your Arkells Rally rundown, Hamilton PHOTOS: A look back at Hamilton's The Arkells Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
