#FIRSTLOOK: JUST FOR LAUGHS TORONTO 2025 WRAPS

The 2025 edition of Just For Laughs Toronto marked a triumphant return to the city. From sold-out shows and doubleheader nights to late-night drop-ins and breakout sets, the Festival brought together comedy lovers, artists, and the city. See some of our highlights here!

Comedy heavyweights, viral sensations, and local favourites brought comedy energy to every corner of Toronto. Over the course of 10 days more than 150 artists performed across 9 venues, drawing an estimated 44,000 attendees. Across digital audiences, over 5 million engaged with Just For Laughs Toronto on Instagram, affirming the city’s demand for comedy is stronger than ever.

This year’s curated selection of headliners and fan favourites included Gabriel Iglesias, Sarah Millican, Ron Funches, Dropout Improv, Zarna Garg, Maria Bamford, Patti Harrison, Al Madrigal, and Connor O’Malley, alongside standout sets from local stars including Ashwyn Singh, Hamoodi, Alistair Ogden, and more. The festival footprint spread out across the city at Meridian Hall, Scotiabank Arena, Elgin Theatre, Bluma Appel Theatre, Randolph Theatre, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Second City and both Comedy Bar Bloor and Danforth locations.

Beyond the stage, Just For Laughs Toronto continued its mission to discover, develop, and deliver the best in comedy. The Festival serves as a launchpad for rising comedians from Toronto, across Canada, and around the world, offering opportunities to perform alongside established stars. Through a dynamic mix of live showcases, strategic industry partnerships, and filmed content, JFL nurtures emerging voices while delivering world-class comedy experiences to audiences both locally and globally.

“Toronto is a vital part of Canada’s comedy landscape and we are thrilled to be back ,” said Sylvain Parent-Bédard, President & CEO of Just For Laughs. “With the incredible support of local audiences, the dedication of exceptional world-class artists, and Toronto’s undeniable hunger for comedy, we witnessed a powerful resurgence of creative energy. We’re proud of this renewed momentum and deeply grateful for the unforgettable moments it brought to life.”

Just For Laughs Toronto would like to thank partners TO Live, Ontario Heritage Trust, Comedy Bar and W Hotel.

ABOUT JUST FOR LAUGHS

Created in 1983, Just For Laughs is a world leader in comedy. Just For Laughs organises numerous festivals, including the world’s largest comedy festival in Montréal. The company has launched the careers of many renowned comedians and entertained millions of spectators each year through its festivals and content broadcast in more than 150 countries. Just For Laughs manages the careers of artists and produces shows, musicals, television series and films. Just For Laughs is a leading brand of the Just For Entertainment Group which, since its foundation in 1997, has established itself as an international leader in creating a world of entertainment. Just For Entertainment was historically known as ComediHa!

Connect with Just For Laughs:
Facebook: facebook.com/justforlaughs
Instagram: @justforlaughs
YouTube: @justforlaughs
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/justforlaughs/

#FIRSTLOOK: OFFICIAL TRAILER FOR GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S “FRANKENSTEIN”

In Select Theaters October 17, 2025 and on Netflix November 7, 2025. Today, we get a new Trailer for this sweeping epic, which took first runner-up for People’s Choice Award at tiff50.

DIRECTOR: Guillermo del Toro

SCREENPLAY BY: Guillermo del Toro

BASED ON: ‘Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.’ by Mary Shelley

PRODUCERS: Guillermo del Toro, J. Miles Dale, Scott Stuber

CAST: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, David

Bradley, Lars Mikkelsen, Christian Convery, with Charles Dance, and Christoph Waltz

LOGLINE: Oscar®-winning director Guillermo del Toro adapts Mary Shelley’s classic tale of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but egotistical scientist who brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.

#INTERVIEW: JEREMY ALLEN WHITE, JEREMY STRONG AND SCOTT COOPER

By Mr. Will Wong

One of this Fall’s most eagerly-anticipated films is none other than Scott Cooper‘s SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER US FROM NOWHERE. The Biopic actually began filming shortly after Cooper’s (Black Mass, Crazy Heart) father had passed away, and his father in fact had introduced him to Springsteen‘s acclaimed 1982 album NEBRASKA. Never before had the souls and hearts of blue collar workers ever been encapsulated so perfectly in music until this Album. Hence, it is poetic that this Film, which touches upon Bruce Springsteen reconciling his past and also the father-son-like relationship between manager Jon Landau and the icon himself, is ready to leave its mark in the world.

We are delighted sit-in on press conference with the Creators and lead Actors of SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER US FROM NOWHERE:

Jeremy Allen White (“Bruce Springsteen”)
Jeremy Strong (“Jon Landeau”)
Scott Cooper (Director)
Moderator: Warren Zanes, author of “Deliver Me From Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska”

Triple Golden Globe and Emmy winner Jeremy Allen White talks about his approach in becoming Bruce Springsteen in this Film, and also filming in Colts Neck, New Jersey.

White: This was really about getting getting close to a man who was trying to find peace at home and in his creative process, searching for and finding inspiration. Once I started approaching Bruce Springsteen as man rather than a god, that’s when I found my footing. One of the other big moments – above the task of portraying a very well-known man – was learning to sing and play guitar as best as I can. When I was in Nashville at RCA, I felt a real closeness to Bruce and I’ve been lucky with a few characters I’ve played to have experienced this as we had this shared experience, since I really had to learn a skill. I got to be in a recording space singing words that aren’t mine – but learned – trying to make them my own. I had a real breakthrough in Nashville, a real kinship.

It all felt very sacred. l know the history of the rooms and town and for Bruce to have witnessed it all. it was great responsibility to tell this. Not just portraying a real person, but moments that happened… air that was breathed… moments that are real. There was something very fragile and delicate for me in performing some of these moments, especially in Colts Neck and the recording process. And Bruce’s moments alone. There was a lot of fragility in him as well, for both of us. There’s a real softness in trying to recapture these moments.

Director Scott Cooper talks about the great honour of collaborating with his personal hero, Bruce Springsteen on this Film.

Cooper: It was daunting. Bruce was so giving, so open and checked-in frequently. I never wanted to make a film only about Bruce Springsteen, I wanted to make a film about a man who happens to be Bruce Springsteen. The Film really touches upon his unresolved trauma and Bruce was so open to it, telling me things he’s never told anyone, things he’s never disclosed. It felt like a great bill of honour and love from Bruce. Aside from the Film, he showed me such generosity that goes well beyond friendship. I’m so grateful for the permission to have such an honest piece of work. This entire collaboration from Bruce to these guys, to the crew was one of highlights of my life.

Golden Globe and three-time Emmy winner Jeremy Strong talks about building a father-son-like bond with Jeremy Allen White in their portrayals of Landau and Springsteen, respectively.

Strong: I understand the dynamic between them existed in the early days with their arms around eachother and smiles on their faces. I could feel that love, connection, and bond. I think in terms of planning how to do that, you don’t think about the camera being there. You just enter into something and the rest comes out, so we didn’t have to talk about that or do anything. It’s just there.

White:: Yes, it was clear and we didn’t need to talk about it before. It was clear in the Book, the Script and over the years. There was trust that we’d been in our own corners, understanding what we needed to understand, that when we came together, the love, loyalty, responsibility to one another was important, but that came out naturally.

Strong: Jon was like a garden and Bruce was like an exotic flower. He had a sensitivity to the conditions and environment. I had to ask, ‘What does he need to flourish and grow?’. So I had a sense of that protection towards the story. You don’t perform today, you just do it. Does that make sense?

I see a fellow Actor who’s up against something tremendous, so all I had to do is allow part of myself to feel real care towards him and that helps me understand something about Jon the way Jeremy allowed me to. That’s how you create that dynamic.

Cooper comments on what lasting themes he hopes the audience will take away from SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER US FROM NOWHERE.

Cooper: I always endeavored to explore themes that are somewhat more difficult. Addiction. Racism. Mental health and illness. Reconnection with family estrangement. All these are things we are grappling with and I like to think intellectually about things. What I’m most concerned with is emotion, how they’re gonna feel and relate. I want to make a film that I would want to see on a Friday night and two, a film the audience can see themselves in.

What is heartening is the power of Cinema – when some people approach you on the street and say ‘Thank you, Scott. Thank you for showing us that two estranged men can come together… my father never told me he loved me, he never told me he was proud of me… my son suffers form mental illness…. I hope he can see this Film.'”.

20th Century Studios Canada release SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER US FROM NOWHERE in theatres October 24, 2025.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios Canada)

#FOOD: STARBUCKS OFFERS NEW PROTEIN LATTES AND COLD FOAM

On Monday, September 29, Starbucks is leaning into innovation and modernization with the introduction of Protein Lattes and Cold Foam Drinks to its menu. In addition to a selection of new beverages, protein-boosted milk and protein cold foams can be used for a variety of customizations so customers can add protein to nearly any beverage. This new line up promises to deliver up to 33 grams of protein per grande (16 fl oz).

Here are the highlights:

• New Protein Cold Foam Drinks – Three new beverages topped with protein cold foam including the Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha, Iced Vanilla Cream Protein Latte and Chocolate Cream Protein Cold Brew

• New Protein Lattes – Four new protein lattes made with Protein-boosted milk will be available in hot or iced formats, including Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha, Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte, Protein Matcha, Vanilla Protein Latte.

Customizations

• Starbucks Protein-Boosted Milk – With no added sugar or compromise on flavour, Starbucks Protein-boosted Milk is crafted daily by Starbucks baristas. It can be substituted in any hot or iced beverage, to get up to 33g of protein per grande beverage.

• Starbucks® Protein Cold Foam – Delivering approximately 15 grams of extra protein per grande, Starbucks Protein Cold Foams are a creamy, frothy topping that adds creaminess and flavour to any cold coffee. Starbucks Protein Cold Foam is available in a variety of flavours, including new banana, vanilla, chocolate, matcha, salted caramel, brown sugar and seasonal flavours, like pumpkin and pecan, for a limited time.

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#FOOD: CHEF MASASHI YAMAMOTO TORONTO AND OTTAWA APPEARANCES WITH CHEF ROMAIN AVRIL AND CLEMENT LEUNG MEET-AND-GREETS

Masashi Yamamoto, one of Japan’s most revered blacksmiths, will make a rare visit to Canada this fall for two public daytime appearances hosted by Knifewear, in Toronto on Saturday, October 4, 2025 and Ottawa on Sunday, October 5, 2025. Known internationally for his razor-sharp blades and meticulous craftsmanship, Yamamoto will demonstrate traditional forging techniques live on-site, engrave knives from his exclusive collection with Knifewear, and engage directly with fans and culinary professionals. In Toronto, guests can expect a variety of activities including a forging demonstration by Masashi-san, live chef knife skills demos with celebrity chef Romain Avril, a meet-and-greet with viral content creator Clement Leung, and light snacks and refreshments. Free and open to the public, the experience offers a rare opportunity to witness a master at work and to explore the artistry behind Japanese bladesmithing. RSVPs for the Toronto event can be made HERE.

Toronto Event – Saturday, October 4
Knifewear Toronto, 517 Bloor St. W
11:30am – 1:00pm: Knife Engraving
1:30pm – 2:00pm: Knife Skills Demonstration with celebrity chef Romain Avril (IG: @chefromainavril)
2:00pm – 3:00pm: Knife forging demonstration with master blacksmith Masashi Yamamoto
3:30pm – 4:00pm: Viral content creator, Clement Leung (IG: @insta.noodls) meet-and-greet
4:00pm – 5:30pm: Knife Engraving

Joining the Toronto event, Toronto-based chef Romain Avril (IG: @chefromainavril) combines MICHELIN training with Canadian creativity, a celebrated culinary personality whose work spans across fine dining and engaging social media content. Clement Leung (IG: @insta.noodls) is a viral Toronto-based foodie, known for sharing local Toronto eats with millions of fans across TikTok and Instagram.
RSVPs can be made HERE.

Ottawa Event – Sunday, October 5
Knifewear Ottawa, 800 Bank St.
1:30pm – 3:00pm: Knife Engraving
3:00pm – 3:30pm: Viral foodie, Allie S (IG: @yumyumyow) meet-and-greet
4:00pm – 5:30pm: Knife Engraving

Joining the Ottawa event, Allie S (IG: @yumyumyow) is an Ottawa-based food storyteller who spotlights local eats, community flavours, and the vibrant restaurant scene in Canada’s capital. Masashi-san will also be hand-engraving knives* and hosting cooking demonstrations alongside top local chefs: Rikuo Kameda of Soif Bar à Vin, Nathan Rogers of Pelican Seafood, and Adam Ghor, Chef/Owner at Stolen Goods Cocktail Bar.

RSVPs can be made HERE.

Both events offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience Japanese blacksmithing traditions firsthand and to celebrate Knifewear’s dedication to premium Japanese knives and cookware.
*Note: Engravings available on Masashi knives only, one per person, first come, first served.

About Masashi Yamamoto
When Masashi Yamamoto opened his own blacksmithing workshop in 2013, he was continuing a legacy while pushing it in new directions. Trained by his uncle, at Yoshikane Hamono, the family’s forge in Japan’s Niigata Prefecture, Masashi-san adopted a regional technique that emphasizes shaping blades as close to their final form as possible. The result is less waste and a level of precision that has become his signature.
In just over a decade, he has already built a reputation for knives that are both mirror-polished and remarkably sharp. He has outpaced many of his peers and now mentors two apprentices of his own.
Masashi-san is known for his unwavering approach to the craft. He has been seen forging in flip-flops and once lit a cigarette from the glowing steel of a blade in progress. His work reflects both deep discipline and irreverent flair; a blacksmith with a serious edge. At the heart of his philosophy is a relentless striving for refinement.

“Blacksmiths always have to be better than their last knife,” says Masashi Yamamoto.

About Knifewear
Knifewear is Canada’s premier retailer of handcrafted Japanese kitchen knives and premium cookware, with locations nationwide. Beyond retail, the company fosters education and appreciation for Japanese craftsmanship through events, chef collaborations, and in-store experiences. It has built its reputation not only on selling some of the finest handmade blades in the world, but also on the ethos that guides its business. Knifewear has donated more than $1.7 million to Canadian charities, donating half of all sharpening proceeds each year. Its commitments extend to environmental responsibility, fair treatment of artisans, and fostering an inclusive community. At its core, Knifewear champions products that last a lifetime, and the small, everyday rituals that make life more meaningful.

#FOOD: FALL 2025 MENUS – TORONTO’S LYLA, LUNCH LADY, FICOA, HARBOUR SIXTY, ARIANNA

This fall, Toronto’s most notable dining destinations are rolling out seasonal offerings designed to celebrate comfort, tradition, and culinary creativity. Miku will mark the holiday with a special Thanksgiving buffet, while Lyla, Lunch Lady, Ficoa, Harbour Sixty and Arianna unveil menu items that highlight the flavours and spirit of the season. From festive gatherings to intimate dinners, these restaurants are giving Torontonians a reason to dine out and embrace fall’s best flavours.

Miku

Waterpark Place – 10 Bay St

W. mikutoronto.com

IG. @mikutoronto

On Sunday, October 12, Miku Toronto invites guests to celebrate Thanksgiving with a Japanese Seafood and Prime Rib Buffet crafted by Chef de Cuisine Michael Acero and Head Pastry Chef Glenda San Jose. Offered during lunch service only, this exclusive experience features Miku’s signature creations and Aburi favourites at the restaurant’s scenic waterfront location, along with a featured Thanksgiving cocktail and mocktail available for purchase. The à la carte menu will not be available at this time. Pricing is $95 for adults, $35 for children aged 7–12, and complimentary for children six and under (plus tax and gratuity). Guests can reserve a spot and enjoy the buffet HERE.

Whether gathering with friends or family, guests are invited to mark the holiday with an indulgent dining experience that brings together the richness of prime rib, the freshness of seasonal seafood, and the artistry of Japanese cuisine. Miku’s Thanksgiving buffet offers a memorable way to celebrate Thanksgiving in style.

Seafood and Prime Rib Thanksgiving Buffet

Raw Bar

Chef Selected Sashimi
Shrimp Cocktail with Yuzu Cocktail Sauce
Seared Tuna Tataki with Truffle Ponzu

Appetizers
Salmon Nanbanzuke (Chilled Marinated Fried Salmon)
Kinpira (Sliced Root Vegetables)
Dashimaki (Japanese Omelette)
Mentaiko (Pollock Roe)
Seaweed Salad
Miso Soup

Sushi
Aburi Oshi Sushi Station
Chef Selection of Aburi Nigiri
Chef Selection of Maki Sushi

Kitchen Signatures

Prime Rib Carving Station
Roast Turkey with Sage Apple Stuffing
Make-Your-Own Ramen Station
Aji Katsu ‘Spanish Mackerel’ Fry
Chicken Karaage
Atlantic Miso Yaki
Panko-Breaded Oysters ‘Kaki’ Fry

Dessert
Petit Green Tea Opera
Tahitian Vanilla Cheesecake
Jasmine Tea Ice Cream

Pops, teas, and coffee included.

Celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends at Miku Toronto. Reserve now through OpenTable HERE.

Lyla

60 Sudbury St.

W. lylatoronto.com

IG. @lylatoronto

As Lyla ushers in the fall season, the restaurant leans into Ontario’s local harvest with a menu that captures the warmth and refinement of fall dining: a few highlights include the Duck Duo, Rigatoni al Brasato di Manzo, and their signature fall cocktail, Soul Tie.

Duck Duo ($59 + tax)
This refined dish features a 7-day dry-aged, 8 oz seared Ontario duck breast, paired with three duck confit croquettes. It’s served with a silky carrot purée, za’atar pomegranate glaze, and finished with a spiced duck jus. Rich, bold, and beautifully balanced, perfect for fall dining.

Rigatoni al Brasato di Manzo ($35 + tax)
A comforting yet elevated pasta made with slow-braised Ontario beef short rib, finished with a deeply savoury short rib jus and topped with a light ricotta espuma. It’s the kind of warm, hearty dish that guests crave as the weather cools down.

Soul Tie ($25 + tax) (Clarified Cocktail)

This is Lyla’s fall cocktail feature, a bold and aromatic clarified drink made with Bearface Whisky, Amaro Nonnino, absinthe, pomegranate and lime juice, and a house-made ginger & Thai chili syrup. It’s clarified through a 24-hour milk wash, resulting in a smooth, complex cocktail that’s both visually stunning and rich in flavour.

To reserve a table at Lyla, visit the OpenTable link HERE

Lunch Lady

93 Ossington Ave.

W. thelunchlady.com

IG. @thelunchladytoronto

This fall, Lunch Lady leans into the season with two dishes that balance comfort, nostalgia, and refinement. Drawing from Vietnamese culinary traditions and elevated with thoughtful technique, these plates invite diners to experience familiar flavours in a new light.

Phở Bò Wagyu – Wagyu Beef Noodle Soup ($36 + tax)

This dish transforms the classic noodle soup into a rich, layered experience. Rare wagyu zabuton, beef cheek, ox tail, and bone marrow come together in a deeply flavourful 24-hour beef broth, finished with rice noodles and a slow-poached egg. The result is a bowl that feels both luxurious and deeply soulful.

Nui Xào Bò – Rigatoni Short Rib ($32 + tax)

Lunch Lady’s Nui Xào Bò reimagines a recipe rooted in childhood memories for many Vietnamese families. Once a humble stir-fry made with macaroni, leftovers, and pantry sauces, this version dials up the depth with rigatoni tossed in the familiar sweet-salty flavours of the dish, paired with the richness of braised short rib in the style of beef bourguignon. It’s a beloved staple that manages to be nostalgic and modern all at once, perfect for cooler days ahead.

To reserve a table at Lunch Lady visit the OpenTable link HERE

Arianna

4th Floor – 60 Harbour St. Toronto, ON

W. harbour60.com/arianna

IG. @arianna.harboursixty

From October 10–13, Arianna at the Harbour Sixty invites guests to enjoy exclusive Thanksgiving specials, crafted just for the holiday. Located in the iconic Harbour Sixty building, the space feels both lively and intimate; a perfect backdrop for celebrations with friends or family. Featured dishes include:

Fried Chicken Piccata with white corn grits and burnt lemon ($47)

Fried Brussels Sprouts with bagna cauda and brown anchovy ($18)

Squash Agnolotti with pickled delicata and brown butter crumb ($28)

Chef de Cuisine Scott MacKenzie balances hearty, comforting flavours with refined technique, ensuring each dish is a celebration of the season.

To reserve Arianna, visit Opentable HERE.

Harbour Sixty

60 Harbour St. Toronto, ON

W. harbour60.com

IG. @harboursixty

Prime Rib ($99)

For a more traditional Thanksgiving, Harbour Sixty is offering prime rib on Sunday evening of Thanksgiving (available exclusively during dinner service), served with Yorkshire pudding, pommes purée, and jus.

Harbour Sixty’s “Famous” Coconut Cream Pie (Pre-Order; $120)

A highlight of the holiday menu is Harbour Sixty’s “Famous” Coconut Cream Pie, layered with Vanilla Bean Chantilly, toasted coconut, and Dulcey chocolate. This decadent showstopper is available as a whole pie (serves 8), with orders requiring 48 hours’ notice by calling the restaurant.

Executive Chef Solomon Mason and his team maintain the steakhouse’s legendary quality while creating a festive yet approachable dining experience for guests seeking a luxurious Thanksgiving feast.

To reserve Harbour Sixty, visit Opentable HERE.

Ficoa

585 College St. Toronto, ON

W. ficoa.ca

IG. @ficoa.to

While closed on Thanksgiving Day, Ficoa invites Torontonians to celebrate Friendsgiving during the holiday week. Chef Esau Garcia has curated a selection from the a la carte menu to showcase the season’s bounty and Latin culinary tradition. Highlights include:

Molotes — cheese-stuffed plantains with salsa tatemada and crema ($8)

Empanadas — corn masa filled with braised short rib, queso cotija, crema, and aji salsa ($15)

Pollo a la Brasa — Peruvian-style roasted chicken with citrus and fresh herb jus ($40)

La Joya — 10 oz wagyu flat iron with chimichurri and shiitake mulato butter ($85)

Papas a la Huancaína — baby potatoes, Peruvian cheese foam, grated cured egg yolk, dehydrated black olives ($10)

For the main course, Ficoa recommends pairing the Pollo Asado with Papas a la Huancaína and La Joya, reflecting Chef Garcia’s focus on Ontario’s micro-seasons and his playful reinterpretation of Latin flavours.

To reserve Ficoa, visit Opentable HERE.

#NEWMUSIC: “THE PROMISE OF MUSIC: THE FIRST WORLD CONGRESS ON THE SOCIAL IMPACT OF MUSIC”

Music isn’t just entertainment, it’s one of the most powerful, universal forces shaping human behaviour, health, culture, and community. The Promise of Music: the First World Congress on the Social Impact of Music, will convene in Toronto from October 6 to 10, 2025 bringing together an extraordinary roster of global artists, leaders, educators, scientists, technologists and changemakers. Their shared goal? To examine how music can address some of the most urgent challenges of our time by coming together and bringing the music and ideas to Toronto.

What makes this event newsworthy isn’t just its mission, it’s the unprecedented scale and diversity of participation:

• 19 Concerts
• 560 Performers
• 75 Speakers
• 30 Forums

AMONG THE PARTICIPANTS: AR Rahman, Viggo Mortensen, Bob Ezrin, The Hon Romeo Dallaire, Gabor Maté, Chilly Gonzales, Lil Buck, The Recycled Orchestra of Catuera, Afghan National Institute of Music, Jerusalem Youth Chorus, Firdaus Orchestra, Lara Somos, Mully Children’s Family Choir, OrKidstra (Canada), Sinfonía por el Perú Youth Choir (Perú) Sistema New Brunswick Children’s Orchestra, Sistema Toronto, Social Impact Through Music-Making (SIMM), Sunshine Orchestra PLUS Over 70 Speakers including: Dr. Ahmad Naser Sarmast, Tod Machover, Jamie Bernstein, Matthew Bell, Dr. Lukas Pairon and leading international neurologists, developmental psychologists, music therapists, scientists, economists, community organizations, policy makers, educators, arts advocates, and more.

At a time when mental health crises are on the rise, The Promise of Music highlights evidence-based innovations using music. Part music festival, part conference, this incredible gathering goes far beyond performance – it’s about research, impact, and implementation at scale.

What the public will experience:

• Incredible performances from inspirational and exceptional artists and ensembles
• Access to remarkable talents making their Canadian debuts
• International voices rarely under one roof
• First-of-its-kind research and data on music’s measurable effects on health, learning, and community well-being
• Stories with human urgency and global resonance

THE COMPLETE SCHEDULE AND TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT

www.promiseofmusic.com

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “WHO KILLED THE MONTREAL EXPOS?”

On September 29th, 2004, the Montreal Expos played their final home game before a grieving crowd at Olympic Stadium. For 35 years, the Expos had been more than a ballclub—they were the first Major League Baseball team to call Canada home and became part of Montreal’s heartbeat, a symbol of pride and identity for Québécois.

Generations grew up with the Expos, celebrating triumphs and enduring struggles. That final game marked the end of an era, and for many, the loss of a piece of themselves. Two decades later, the heartbreak remains, and the same question haunts the city that once dreamed in Expos blue: who’s to blame for the loss of our team?

Featuring rare archival footage and flashbacks of the Expos’ greatest moments, the documentary is equal parts sports drama, cultural love story, and gripping whodunit, unraveling the enduring mystery of how it all came to an end.

WHO KILLED THE MONTREAL EXPOS?
DIRECTOR: Jean-François Poisson
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Richard Speer, Marie-Christine Pouliot, Nick Trotta
PRODUCER: Stéphanie Thibault
LOGLINE: Twenty years after Montreal lost its beloved Expos, fans still want answers.WHO KILLED THE MONTREAL EXPOS? takes a behind-the-scenes look at the controversial decisions, setbacks, and missteps that sealed the team’s fate.

WHO KILLED THE MONTREAL EXPOS? coming to Netflix October 21, 2025.

#THEATRE: “TELL TALE HARBOUR” NOW PLAYING AT ROYAL ALEXANDRA THEATRE

Last night at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, Mirvish Productions opened their latest, Tell Tale Harbour which is based on The Grand Seduction by Ken Scott and co-written by Great Big Sea’s Alan Doyle (who also stars). The show is a simple story, but one that captivates the heart of the audience effortlessly, this small Atlantic Canada town is about to lose its fish plant – which is the primary way this town sustains itself. They’re offered an opportunity though, along with the other neighbouring towns – they can secure a state of the art frozen french fry factory – but one thing stands in their way – they need a resident doctor so the town bans together to try and swoon the English doctor into making Tell Tale Harbour his home.

The hilarious Musical Comedy focuses on Frank (Alan Doyle) who is determined to do everything in his power to make his little town a warm welcoming for Dr. Chris (Kale Penny) even if that means making the town seem like a slice of London. Caught in the middle of all these lies, indifferent but wanting to ensure she and her loved ones are safe but cannot partake, willingly, with the lies is Frank’s niece, Kathleen (Melissa MacKenzie) who slowly warms up to the Doctor despite her uninterest in playing with the façade. Tell Tale Harbour is hilarious, heart-warming and charming that is lifted by its wonderful Cast and an important part of the 2025/2026 Mirvish season.

Be sure to catch Alan Doyle in Tell Tale Harbour at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto before it leaves November 2, 2025. Tickets now on sale at mirvish.com.

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#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “JAY KELLY”

Today we get a new Trailer for JAY KELLY, from Noah Baumbach, starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler. In select theatres November 14, 2025, on Netflix December 5, 2025.

ABOUT JAY KELLY
Director: Noah Baumbach
Writers: Noah Baumbach and Emily Mortimer
Producers: David Heyman, Amy Pascal, Noah Baumbach
Cast: George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, Riley Keough, Grace Edwards, Stacy Keach, Jim Broadbent, Patrick Wilson, Eve Hewson, Greta Gerwig, Alba Rohrwacher, Josh Hamilton, Lenny Henry, Emily Mortimer, Nicôle Lecky, Thaddea Graham, Isla Fisher, Louis Partridge, Charlie Rowe
Original Score By: Nicholas Britell
Cinematography: Linus Sandgren
Editors: Valerio Bonelli, Rachel Durance
Sound: Christopher Scarabosio
Production Designer: Mark Tildesley
Costume Designer: Jacqueline Durran
Casting By: Douglas Aibel and Nina Gold

Logline:

JAY KELLY, the new film from Academy Award nominee Noah Baumbach, follows famous movie actor, Jay Kelly (George Clooney), as he embarks on a journey of self discovery confronting both his past and present, accompanied by his devoted manager Ron (Adam Sandler). Poignant and humor filled, epic and intimate, JAY KELLY is pitched at the intersection of life’s regrets and notable glories.