As Toronto blossoms, food lovers can look forward to unforgettable culinary moments that perfectly capture the essence of spring.

MINAMI
IG. @minamitoronto
225 King St. W

Minami Toronto invites guests to celebrate spring with an exclusive Ikebana class and lunch on April 5 and May 10 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Each event features a guided Ikebana workshop led by renowned floral artist Aya Sugino, followed by Minami’s meticulously curated Lunch Gozen Set and a feature cocktail crafted with Valley of Mother of God’s award-winning Canadian dry gin. Tickets are priced at $150 (plus taxes and gratuity) and can be purchased HERE.

The Experience Includes:
•Ikebana Workshop – A guided floral arrangement session with all materials provided, including instruction, vase, and floral décor.
•Minami’s Signature Lunch Gozen Set – Featuring a premium sushi selection and a choice of main protein.
•Feature Cocktail – A handcrafted cocktail featuring Valley of Mother of God’s award-winning Canadian dry gin.

Gozen Lunch Menu:
•Choice of ONE main protein
•Chicken Nanban, Beef Sukiyaki, Aburi Chicken, Atlantic Salmon, Vegetarian option available
•Choice of Sushi selection
Aburi Salmon Oshi (2pc), Aburi Chutoro Nigiri (1pc), Aburi Aka Ebi Nigiri (1pc), Aburi Madai Nigiri (1pc)
•Choice of Side (select one)
Miso soup, Broccolini goma-ae,Salmon Tatsuta-age, Agedashi tofu, Three seasonal kobachi side dishes
•Dessert
Coconut panna cotta

These events blend the art of Japanese floral arrangement with an exquisite culinary experience, offering guests a unique way to welcome the season. Seating is limited, secure your spot today and purchase tickets HERE.

MIKU
IG. @mikutoronto
10 Bay St.

Miku Toronto welcomes the arrival of cherry blossom season with a limited-time Sakura Kaiseki Tasting Menu, available exclusively from April 1 to 30 during dinner service. Crafted by Chef de Cuisine Junnosuke Fujikawa and featuring a show-stopping dessert by Pastry Chef Glenda San Jose, this elegant seven-course menu captures the beauty of spring through refined Japanese techniques and premium seasonal ingredients. Priced at $175 per person, the multi-course dining experience offers a harmonious journey through delicate textures, bold flavours, and artful presentations, showcasing the best of Miku’s signature Aburi-style cuisine with springtime flair. Reserve your table HERE.

Cherry Blossom Menu Includes:
•Amuse: Wagyu Tartare Monaka with Canadian Acadian Caviar and Gold Flake
•Sashimi: Chef’s selection of traditional & Aburi-style sashimi
•Appetizer Selection: Smoked Hotaru Ika, Clam Dashimaki, Sous Vide Quebec Duck
•Fish: Sakura Dai with Sakura Ebi Surinagashi & Shiso Tempura
•Sushi: A curated selection including Foie Gras Oshi and Aged Sawara Nigiri
•Beef: A5 Awaji Wagyu Sukiyaki Style with Sakura Salt & Kinome Miso
•Dessert: Sakura Bavarois with Matcha Chocolate Ganache & Coconut Ice Cream

This is a limited-time experience, available only during the month of April. Reserve your table HERE to celebrate the season with this unforgettable cherry blossom dining experience.

ABURI TORA
IG. @aburitoratoronto
3401 Dufferin St. (Yorkdale Shopping Centre)

Aburi TORA at Yorkdale welcomes spring early in North York, with a cherry blossom-themed menu created in collaboration with MICHELIN-starred Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa and TORA’s Head Chef Young Son. Available for a limited time from March 4 to May 31, the menu highlights five new dishes crafted with fresh, premium ingredients like Hokkaido scallops, Sakura shrimp, and cherry sea bream. Inspired by the beauty of Cherry Blossom season, this special offering blends seasonal flavours with Japanese culinary traditions, showcasing TORA’s signature Aburi-style sushi alongside elevated spring-inspired ingredients. Guests are invited to indulge in this exclusive dining experience, available for dine-in only. Visitors are encouraged to check Aburi TORA’s website for the latest restaurant hours before planning their visit.

The Aburi TORA Sakura Menu includes:
•Sakura Dai Carpaccio ($18) – Cherry Sea Bream, Strawberry Radish, Yellow Beet, Green Onion, Benitate, Amazu Sauce
•Sakura Dai Kobujime ($4.50) – Konbu-cured Cherry Sea Bream, Japanese Plum Sauce, Seaweed Chip
•Aburi Hokkaido Scallop Nigiri ($9) – Aburi-style Flame-seared Hokkaido Scallop, Sakura Shrimp, Avocado Saikyo-miso Sauce
•Sakura Mochi ($6.50) – Red Bean Paste, Cherry Rice Mochi, Pickled Cherry Blossom Leaf
•Sakura Cola ($4)

Don’t miss the chance to experience this limited-time Cherry Blossom menu at Aburi TORA, where tradition meets innovation in every bite. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Aburi-style sushi or discovering it for the first time, this seasonal offering promises an unforgettable dining experience. Visit Aburi TORA at Yorkdale to celebrate the beauty of spring through this special menu.

ABURI SUSHI
IG. @aburisushi.toronto
50 Brant St.

Aburi Sushi at Waterworks Food Hall in Toronto is launching a refreshed lunch menu on April 1, 2025, featuring premium Oshi sushi, sushi bowls, and curated lunch sets. Additionally, Aburi Sushi will host an exclusive one-night dining event featuring MICHELIN-starred Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa of Aburi Hana on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, with seatings at 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM. Guests will experience an 8-course tasting menu for $120 (plus taxes and gratuity), showcasing Chef Nakagawa’s refined Kyō-Kaiseki culinary artistry and premium ingredients such as Nova Scotia Lobster and Japanese A5 Wagyu. Reservations can be made HERE.

New Waterworks Lunch Menu:

Oshi Sushi (Pressed Sushi, 6 pieces each) | $22 each

•Salmon Oshi, Ebi Oshi

•Saba Oshi

•Spicy Salmon Oshi

•Spicy Tuna Oshi

•Hamachi Oshi

Bowls (served with Miso Soup & Tsukemono pickles)

•Salmon Avocado Bowl | $19.50

•Unagi Bowl | $19.50

•Kaisen Chirashi Bowl (Premium Seafood Selection) | $29

•Seafood Poke Bowl | $17.50

•Tofu Poke Bowl (Vegetarian) | $17

Garden Select (Vegetarian-friendly Sets served with Miso Soup)

•Traditional Sushi Selection (6pc Nigiri, Negitoro Maki) | $29

•Garden Roll Set (5pc Garden Roll, 2pc Inari, 2pc Veg Nigiri) | $16

•Aburi Set (3pc Aburi Nigiri, 4pc Aburi Oshi) | $27

•Sashimi Lunch Set (8pc Sashimi with Rice) | $29

Temaki Handroll Sets (served with Miso Soup)
•Waterworks Lunch Temaki Set (4pc: Spicy Tuna, Salmon Oshi, Chopped Scallop, Negitoro) | $26.50

•Aburi Lunch Temaki Set (5pc: Real California, Spicy Salmon Oshi, Spicy Tuna Oshi, Negitoro, Salmon Avocado) | $31.50

Appetizers

•Salmon Crudo | $16

•Hamachi Crudo | $18

•Edamame | $4.50

•Miso Soup | $3.80

•Gomaae (Sesame Spinach Salad) | $6

•Hosomaki also available.

Chef Nakagawa’s 8-Course Menu:

•Maguro Monaka: Chef Ryusuke Nagakawa’s signature dish, a delicate wafer filled with Bluefin Tuna

•Hamachi Nanbanzuke: Marinated Yellowtail with Komochi Kombu Ohitashi

•Chopped Scallop Temaki: Fresh scallop handroll wrapped in crisp nori

•Cherry Clam Shinjo / Hotaru Ika Owan: Cherry clam fish cake and firefly squid soup

•Salmon Oshi Temaki: Pressed salmon sushi handroll with signature sauce

•Maguro Flower: Signature aged Bluefin Tuna rose (akami and chutoro)

•Real California Temaki: Fresh crab, avocado, and cucumber handroll

•Wagyu Roasted Beef: Seared Japanese A5 Wagyu with rich umami flavour

Whether you’re looking for an elevated lunch experience or an exclusive culinary evening with a MICHELIN-starred chef, Aburi Sushi at Waterworks Food Hall offers unforgettable ways to celebrate the flavours of spring.

ABURI HANA
IG. @hanayorkville
102 Yorkville Avenue

Aburi Hana, Yorkville’s MICHELIN-starred Kyō-Kaiseki restaurant, celebrates spring with a new seasonal tasting menu by Executive Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa. Blending centuries-old Kyoto traditions with a modern sensibility, the multi-course experience showcases the season’s finest ingredients, transformed into a refined progression of delicate flavours and elegant presentations. Reservations for the spring menu are now available HERE, with reservations for May and June opening on April 15 at 4:00 PM EST.
Inspired by the principle of kodawari—a deep dedication to craft and quality. Chef Nakagawa draws from his rich culinary journey and presents a menu rooted in tradition yet elevated with contemporary flair. Each course reflects his signature artistry, offering an immersive, multi-sensory dining experience that captures the fleeting beauty of spring.

Menu:

•Owan | Hamaguri Wakame – A light, aromatic opening course that awakens the palate.
•Maguro Flower – This is chef Ryusuke Nagakawa’s signature dish, a striking presentation of bluefin tuna, elegantly shaped into a delicate floral arrangement.
•Unagi Takesumi – Grilled freshwater eel, capturing the essence of fire and earth.
•Wagyu Hagobo – A deeply savoury dish featuring premium wagyu, slow-cooked to perfection.
•Grand Dessert – A seasonal finale, complemented by a delicate Petit Four featuring Haru Cabbage Choux and Ichigo Milk Bonbon.

For guests dining in the private dining rooms, select courses will be seamlessly combined to enhance the flow of the experience:

Sakizuke | Take no Ko I-dako and Course Shinogi | O’toro & Caviar Sushi Monaka.
Hassun | Kamo Foie Gras and Sunomono | Lobster Komochi Kombu.

Aburi Hana’s spring Kaiseki menu is available for a limited time during the restaurant’s opening times. Reservations are required, and seating is limited. Reserve your spot to try the spring menu HERE.

Honestly, this was such an awesome show! You all know Tommy Richman for having one of 2024’s biggest smash hits, “Million Dollar Baby“, which even President Barack Obama was a fan of! But he has several bangers in his canon if there ever was any doubt. It was so amazing seeing him perform live at the Toronto stop of his sold out COYOTE TOUR! And if anything, I am an even bigger fan! Such a kind soul!

The hour-long Setlist featured a mix of R&B/Punk and Hip-Hop as the 25 year old Virginia native seamlessly weaved his way through different genres. The packed house was certainly enthused as he commanded the stage with only a guitarist and drummer accompanying for the set.

Some highlights from the Show:

Richman was getting ready to head out for a night of fun before heading-off to Detroit for his next show. It was his Tour Manager Druski‘s Birthday and you can bet he and his entourage had something fun lined up for a wild night in Toronto after the show.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Nestled in the vibrant Queen West district of Toronto, The Kettle is celebrating a renaissance, as it unveils a bold new menu alongside a recent renovation that embodies the spirit of renewal this spring. Founded in 2022 by Faiz Shaikh (above left) and Sana Khan (above right)—two friends who bonded as students at George Brown College while in the culinary management and hospitality and tourism management programs—the restaurant reinterprets Indian cuisine by seamlessly integrating the chefs’ experiences from their travels abroad, culinary expertise, and personal food experiences in Canada.

With the unveiling of its revitalized offerings, The Kettle not only reinforces its commitment to reimagining Indian-Canadian cuisine for an ever-evolving dining landscape but also creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that enhances the culinary journey. This thoughtful transformation allows for an array of tastes and dietary preferences, including gluten-free, vegan, and nut-friendly options. Signature dishes, such as halal butter chicken made from free-range Ontario poultry and Atlantic sea bass infused with coconut flavours, beautifully celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage. This new chapter positions The Kettle as a leading force in Toronto’s gastronomic landscape, marking a fresh dawn for modern Indian cuisine.

The New Menu: A Marriage of Tradition and Creativity

As part of the restaurant’s ever-evolving journey, chefs Sana and Faiz have introduced several new dishes that push the boundaries of Indian cuisine. Among the highlights is the Malai Broccoli appetizer, a creative twist on traditional tandoori roasted vegetables. The broccoli is coated in a cashew cream cheese sauce, and topped with beetroot tuiles, offering a perfect balance of creaminess and crispness. For those seeking a gluten-free option, the new Okra Fries are sure to delight. Made with chickpea flour and seasoned chaat masala, made in house, the dish is served with a tangy tamarind and date chutney, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savoury. The Dahi Puri appetizer has also been elevated with a yoghurt mousse and beetroot pearls on top, offering a playful twist on the classic Indian street food. Filled with potato, onions, and homemade tamarind and mint chutneys, each bite of this dish bursts with vibrant flavours.

As part of its commitment to an inclusive menu, The Kettle’s new menu introduces unique vegan and allergy-friendly dishes that have garnered rave reviews. Their Vegan Butter Chicken features cauliflower roasted in a tandoor, a traditional cylindrical oven made out of clay, designed to reach high temperatures, and bathed in a creamy coconut sauce, offering a satisfying alternative to the classic dish. The Tandoori Pumpkin Curry, inspired by chef Sana’s trip to India’s southern region, Bangalore, blends a coconut and lime base with tangy tamarind for a delightful balance of flavours.

For dessert, The Kettle offers a decadent twist on a classic bread pudding, topped with ice cream made in house and maple syrup, a nod to Canada’s maple syrup heritage that brings in Canadian flavours in a truly innovative way. ‘This dessert is inspired by my time working alongside Chef Ryan Lister, a British chef from Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants, who loved bread pudding’ says Chef Faiz. This dish reflects the diverse experiences that have shaped both Sana and Faiz’s culinary journeys, from their travels to the influence of working with talented chefs like Ryan. Each dish on the menu is representative of their personal stories, the places they’ve been, and the flavours they’ve encountered along the way.

Where Heritage Meets Innovation: The Kettle’s Unique Mix of Traditional and Contemporary Decor

The space at The Kettle seamlessly fuses old-world and contemporary, with carefully selected traditional Indian keepsake objects placed alongside modern, geometric designs and colours. The furniture, featuring sleek chairs and plush banquettes, adds to the contemporary feel, while maintaining an air of timeless elegance that mirrors the restaurant’s fusion of heritage and innovation in both design and culinary experience.

The Kettle’s owners, Sana and Faiz, have poured their hearts into every aspect of the restaurant, from the culinary creations to the design of the space. The restaurant’s unique name stems from Sana’s childhood memories, where her mother would hand-paint old-time kettles, pots, and glasses. These hand-painted kettles are displayed throughout the restaurant, adding a personal and emotional touch to the atmosphere.

Another deeply personal touch from the chefs and owners is the curated collection of tapestries adorning the restaurant’s walls, each one hailing from Sana’s hometown of Gujarat. These exquisite pieces, traditionally crafted by women, not only showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region but also serve as a vital source of income for local women artisans. Often sold as cherished souvenirs, these tapestries embody the spirit of empowerment and community, making them a meaningful tribute to both tradition and the women who bring it to life.

The Kettle’s cocktail program is led by Faiz, who crafts inventive drinks that complement the restaurant’s unique menu. Best-sellers like the Mango Sour Dream, Mango Lassi Vodka, and Masala Mojito continue to delight guests and remain on the new menu. Faiz adds an authentic touch to these cocktails, such as incorporating Alphonso mangoes in the mango lassi vodka and using freshly pressed flower juices. Faiz’s culinary expertise is reflected in every libation, complementing the dishes they accompany.

A Culinary Experience Like No Other

At The Kettle, every dish is a celebration of bold flavours, innovative techniques, and a deep respect for culinary traditions. Whether guests are enjoying a vibrant brunch, sipping on a perfectly crafted cocktail, or indulging in a unique dinner, The Kettle offers a dining experience that combines the best of Indian cuisine with the freshest local ingredients.

The restaurant’s ambiance is contemporary and cozy, with seating for 50 guests, providing a comfortable and intimate setting. Its location in the heart of Queen West makes it easily accessible for both locals and tourists, and its proximity to popular shopping areas ensures a steady flow of gourmands and curious food lovers.

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday-Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Thursday-Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Saturday-Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

For more information, reservations, or to view the full menu, visit https://thekettlee.com/

Highlights from the new Menu:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/The Kettle)

Multi-platinum global pop superstar Kesha is proud to announce the release of her long-awaited new album, . (PERIOD), arriving Friday, July 4, 2025 on her own Kesha Records (distributed via ADA Worldwide, the independent label and artist services arm of Warner Music Group). Pre-orders/pre-saves are available now HERE.

. (PERIOD) is heralded by today’s premiere of the thrilling new single, “YIPPEE-KI-YAY. (Feat. T-Pain).” Produced by Pink Slip (Ava Max, Jason Derulo) and Nova Wav (Beyoncé, Rihanna), “YIPPEE-KI-YAY. (Feat. T-Pain)” is available now at all DSPs and streaming services.

Kesha’s sixth studio album, . (PERIOD) – yes, it’s just a period. – is an unapologetic, unfiltered declaration of artistic freedom and fearless authenticity from the 2x GRAMMY® Award-nominated pop icon. Conceived, co-produced and co-written by Kesha, the 11-song collection transcends pop norms to create a raw, daring, and intensely personal sonic journey, a defiant act of self-expression that refuses to adhere to expectations or play it safe. More than just a new album, . (PERIOD) is Kesha at her most powerful best, turning her experiences into vibrant, audacious art with a spiked heel at the neck of pop culture.

Among its many exhilarating highlights, . (PERIOD) includes 2024’s blockbuster hits “JOYRIDE” and “DELUSIONAL,” both available everywhere now. Currently boasting over 103M streams at Spotify alone, “JOYRIDE” proved a true sensation since its Independence Day release, reaching #6 on Billboard’s “Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles” and “Hot Dance/Electronic Songs” along with the top 30 on “Pop Airplay” and chart success around the world from the UK to New Zealand. Produced by Zhone and co-written by Kesha, Zhone, and Madison Love, the track marked the triumphant first chapter of a milestone new era for Kesha, celebrating both her long overdue empowerment as an independent artist as well as a powerful sonic evolution following 2023’s critically acclaimed fifth studio album, Gag Order. Along with its popular achievement, “JOYRIDE” has been met by high-profile critical applause from the likes of Rolling Stone, Variety, and Vulture, to name only a few. Perhaps NYLON said it best: “Everything about ‘JOYRIDE’ is a trip…The original glitter-faced party animal of the 2010s is back with a fiery vengeance.”

“JOYRIDE” joined by an equally acclaimed official music video streaming now on YouTube. Directed by Dimitri Basil (Kylie Minogue, Vance Joy), Cooper Roussel (Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Miami Horror), and Laura Gorun (Joywave, Kings of Leon), the high-octane visual received wide-ranging attention from major publications and top online outlets around the globe, including Billboard, Vulture, and Rolling Stone, the latter of which raved, ““Kesha is taking her foot off the brakes and going full-speed ahead on her new video for ‘JOYRIDE.’ The video sees Kesha racing through the desert in a hot red convertible while being chased by a helicopter, gun-toting assassins, and a shirtless dude hell-bent on catching up to the pop diva.”

One of Spotify’s Top 100 Artists with close to 40M monthly listeners, Kesha will celebrate the arrival of . (PERIOD) with an ambitious tour schedule that already features a number of sold-out “House of Kesha” headline shows and festival dates around the globe including a top-billed performance at London’s Mighty Hoopla pop extravaganza on June 1. Additional dates will be announced soon. For complete details, please visit keshaofficial.com/tour.

KESHA – LIVE 2025

MAY

29 – Glasgow, UK – House of Kesha @ O2 Academy 1 (SOLD OUT)

30 – Manchester, UK – House of Kesha @ Albert Hall (SOLD OUT)

JUNE

1 – London, UK – Mighty Hoopla †

† Festival Performance

From Writer/Director Paul Thomas Anderson, #OneBattleAfterAnother. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti. Only in theatres September 26, 2025.

From Warner Bros. Pictures and Academy Award-nominated, BAFTA-winning filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson comes “One Battle After Another,” starring Academy Award and BAFTA winner Leonardo DiCaprio.

Oscar and BAFTA winners Benicio del Toro and Sean Penn also star alongside Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti, as well as Wood Harris and Alana Haim.

Anderson directs from his own screenplay, and produces alongside Oscar and BAFTA nominees Adam Somner and Sara Murphy, with Will Weiske executive producing.

The creative team behind the camera includes several frequent collaborators, among them directors of photography Michael Bauman and Anderson; Oscar-nominated, BAFTA-winning production designer Florencia Martin; BAFTA-nominated editor Andy Jurgensen; Oscar and BAFTA-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood; casting director Cassandra Kulukundis; and with music by Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated composer Jonny Greenwood.

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents A Ghoulardi Film Company Production, A Paul Thomas Anderson Film, “One Battle After Another.” Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, the film will be in theatres and IMAX® nationwide on September 26, 2025, and internationally beginning in September 2025.

Today, Global announced An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile will join the network’s lineup, airing Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Global and STACKTV.

The new, one-hour, primetime concert special features live performances by legendary artists Elton John and Brandi Carlile, and captivating stories about the pair’s long-lasting friendship and an intimate look at their new joint album.

Filming on March 26 at London’s iconic Palladium Theatre and accompanied by a live band, Elton and Brandi will perform songs from their new album, Who Believes in Angels? The musicians will also perform a selection of their individual greatest hits, including timeless classics from Elton’s discography and Brandi will debut an unreleased track.

Between these electrifying solo and duo performances, Elton and Brandi will also invite the audience into an intimate sit-down conversation on stage that will pull back the curtain on their 20-year friendship, the profound journey behind their latest collaboration and share intimate footage from their process. Additionally, throughout the evening, those closest to Elton and Brandi will pay emotional tributes to the artists’ illustrious careers.

An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile is produced by Fulwell Entertainment with Ben Winston, Gabe Turner and Sally Wood serving as executive producers.

Today, Prime Video announced the two-part documentary special Octopus! will premiere Thursday, May 8, 2025. The special, narrated and executive produced by Emmy-Award winning actress and writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge, is co-produced by Academy Award-winning Jigsaw Productions and Waller-Bridge’s banner Wells Street Films. Octopus! will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

The documentary, narrated by Waller-Bridge, transports viewers into the otherworldly depths of one of the most intelligent and mysterious life forms on Earth as it follows the Giant Pacific Octopus from birth to death. The documentary features an eclectic mix of characters who have their own unique connections to these creatures, from the scientist trying to save them, the explorer trying to understand them, to the Emmy-nominated actor and comedian, Tracy Morgan, who is obsessed with them. Their adventures will make us laugh, cry, and question our own place on this planet along the way.

The documentary special is directed by Niharika Desai and executive produced by Jenny Robins and Phoebe Waller-Bridge for Wells Street Films, Stacey Offman and Richard Perello for Jigsaw Productions, and showrunner Melissa Wood. It is produced by Jigsaw Productions, Wells Street Films, and Amazon MGM Studios.

Today we get an official Trailer for RANSOM CANYON. The upcoming modern western drama starring Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly is set to debut on April 17, 2025.

Dust off your cowboy boots! Today Netflix released the official trailer and key art for the highly anticipated new modern western drama, Ransom Canyon. Starring Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly, the new series will debut on April 17.

Showrunner April Blair told Netflix’s Tudum: “At its core, Ransom Canyon isn’t just a town, it’s an idea. It’s the painful longing for your first love. It’s the burning desire to protect your family. It’s cowboys and lovers, grifters and thieves. Lust, deceit, heartache, home. Ransom has it all. I think people are going to fall in love with this little slice of Texas and the dramas and romances that were created there.”

About RANSOM CANYON
Welcome to Ransom Canyon, where love, loss, and loyalty collide beneath the crimson mesas of Texas Hill Country. With three ranching family dynasties locked in a contest for control of the land, their lives and legacies are threatened by outside forces intent on destroying their way of life. At the center of it all is stoic rancher Staten Kirkland (Josh Duhamel), who is healing from heartbreaking loss and on a quest for vengeance. Staten’s only glimmer of hope rests in the eyes and heart of Quinn O’Grady (Minka Kelly), longtime family friend and owner of the local dancehall. But as the battle to save Ransom wages on, a mysterious cowboy drifts into town, dredging up secrets from the past. Vise tightening, Staten fights to protect the land he calls home, and the only love that can pull him back from the demons that haunt him.
April Blair is the showrunner and executive producer of Ransom Canyon. The series stars Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly, James Brolin, Eoin Macken, Lizzy Greene, Garrett Wareing, Jack Schumacher, Marianly Tejada, Andrew Liner and Phlip Winchester.

Series Credits
Premiere Date: April 17, 2025
Creator/ Showrunner / Executive Producer: April Blair
Series Regulars: Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly, James Brolin, Eoin Macken, Lizzy Greene, Andrew Liner, Marianly Tejada, Garrett Wareing, Jack Schumacher
Guest Stars: Philip Winchester, Meta Golding
Recurring: Kate Burton, Casey W. Johnson, Jennifer Ens, Brett Cullen, Jaren Robledo, Niko Guardado, Justin Johnson Cortez, Tatanka Means, Kenneth Miller

In advance of Canadian music’s biggest weekend, Loft Entertainment and Oak View Group (OVG) announced Departure Honours, an intimate reception showcasing and celebrating notable changemakers, emerging voices, and milestones within the music industry. Dallas Green (City and Colour), and Tia Wood to perform at the event, alongside a special presentation by Tegan and Sara, highlighting their foundation’s mission to invest in the potential of 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

Bringing the community together to honour the past and celebrate the future, Departure Honours includes the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Neill Dixon, former President & CEO of Canadian Music Week (CMW) for his longstanding contribution to the industry; the Independent Achievement Award presented to Dallas Green which recognizes his groundbreaking success as an independent artist, marking the 20th anniversary of his debut album Sometimes (released on Dine Alone Records); and an Industry Achievement Award presented to SOCAN in celebration of the organization’s 100th anniversary. Other honours to be handed out on May 7 include the Trailblazer Award, that goes to a woman in broadcasting who has had a great impact on the industry. More honourees and awards to be announced in the coming weeks. Departure Honours takes place on Wednesday, May 7 at Hotel X Toronto, in its New Fort Hall kicking off at 6:00 p.m. ET.

“In building Departure, we wanted to ensure there was a moment for us to come together to toast some of our industry’s most impactful artists and changemakers,” said Kevin Barton, Executive Producer, Loft Entertainment. “These individuals are instrumental in helping to create the vibrancy of Canada’s arts and music culture and we are proud to host them at our event in May.”

Additionally, Loft Entertainment and Oak View Group (OVG) announce key partners and sponsors for Departure Festival + Conference’s inaugural event. Major players included are Amazon Music, Anthem Entertainment, Beatdapp, Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA), Exclaim!, Hotel X Toronto, Live Nation Canada, Music Canada, Paquin, Pattison Outdoor, Plugz, Seeing Red, Slaight Music, SOCAN, Sony Music Canada, Ticketmaster, Toronto Star, and Warner Music Canada. The support of these industry leaders is integral to this year’s Festival and Conference, and provides the framework for Departure to connect artists, fans, and innovators across music, art, comedy, and tech. Taking place from May 6-11, Departure will span 40+ venues across Toronto and showcase 100+ emerging and established artists.

“We are very fortunate to have the support of some of the most respected organizations in the music, entertainment, hospitality and business sectors,” said Tom Pistore, President of Oak View Group Canada. “This level of collaboration and partnership is a true testament to what we are building with Departure and the footprint it will have in the calendar in the years to come.”

Departure also acknowledges support from Ontario Creates, and Canadian broadcasters including Bell Media, Central Ontario Broadcasting, CHIN Radio, Corus, Durham Broadcasting, Evanov Communications, iHeartRadio, Pattison Media, Rogers, SiriusXM Canada, Stingray, and Whiteoaks Communications Group.

Departure Honours ticket pre-sale begins today at 12:00 PM EST at departureto.com with general on-sale beginning on April 8, 2025.

First dates are nerve-wracking enough. Going on a first date while an unnamed, unseen troll pings you personal memes that escalate from annoying to homicidal? Blood-chilling. DROP is in theatres April 11, 2025.

Director Christopher Landon returns to the thriller genre with the playful, keep-you-guessing intensity he perfected in the Happy Death Day films with this of-the-moment whodunnit where everyone in the vicinity is a suspect . . . or victim. Drop is jointly produced by blockbuster genre houses Blumhouse and Platinum Dunes.

Emmy nominee Meghann Fahy, breakout star of White Lotus and The Perfect Couple, plays Violet, a widowed mother on her first date in years, who arrives at an upscale restaurant where she is relieved that her date, Henry (It Ends with Us’ Brandon Sklenar) is more charming and handsome than she expected. But their chemistry begins to curdle as Violet begins being irritated and then terrorized by a series of anonymous drops to her phone.

She is instructed to tell nobody and follow instructions or the hooded figure she sees on her home security cameras will kill Violet’s young son and babysitting sister. Violet must do exactly as directed or everyone she loves will die. Her unseen tormentor’s final directive? Kill Henry.

The film also stars Violett Beane (Truth or Dare) and newcomer Jacob Robinson as Violet’s sister and son; with Reed Diamond (Moneyball), Gabrielle Ryan (Power Book IV: Force), Jeffery Self (Mack & Rita), Ed Weeks (The Mindy Project) and Travis Nelson (The Lake) as the restaurant’s staff and diners.

Drop is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Landon, the writer-director of last year’s We Have a Ghost and the zeitgeist-rattling Blumhouse hits Freaky, Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones and the Happy Death Day films. The film is written by Jillian Jacobs & Chris Roach, writers of Blumhouse’s Truth or Dare and Fantasy Island.

The film is produced by Jason Blum (Five Nights at Freddy’s, M3GAN) for Blumhouse and by Michael Bay (Transformers films, A Quiet Place franchise), Brad Fuller (A Quiet Place films, The Purge franchise) and Cameron Fuller (The Astronaut) for Platinum Dunes. The executive producer is Sam Lerner.

Genre: Thriller

Cast: Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Violett Beane, Jacob Robinson, Reed Diamond, Gabrielle Ryan, Jeffery Self, Ed Weeks, Travis Nelson

Written by: Jillian Jacobs & Chris Roach

Directed by: Christopher Landon

Producers: Michael Bay, Jason Blum, Brad Fuller, Cameron Fuller

Executive Producer: Sam Lerner