#FIRSTLOOK: UMA THURMAN RETURNS FOR “DEXTER: RESURRECTION” SEASON TWO

Golden Globe® Winner Uma Thurman will return for season two of DEXTER: RESURRECTION for Paramount+.

Thurman will reprise her role as “Charley,” the former Special Ops officer who served as Lqeon Prater’s right-hand woman. Last season, after discovering Prater’s betrayal, Charley parted ways with the twisted billionaire and fled the city.

From Emmy®-nominated showrunner and executive producer Clyde Phillips, the series stars SAG and Golden Globe® winner Michael C. Hall (DEXTER®, Six Feet Under) in the titular role of Dexter Morgan.

In addition to Thurman’s return, Paramount+ recently announced that Brian Cox will join this season as The New York Ripper, a serial killer who terrorized the City years ago.
From Paramount Television Studios and Counterpart Studios, DEXTER: RESURRECTION is executive produced by Emmy® nominee Clyde Phillips, who also serves as showrunner, Michael C. Hall, Scott Reynolds, Marcos Siega, Tony Hernandez, and Lilly Burns. Additional executive producers include John Goldwyn and Sara Colleton, along with Veronica West, Kirsa Rein, and Tanner Bean & Katrina Mathewson.

Season one of DEXTER: RESURRECTION is available to binge exclusively on Paramount+.

BIO: Golden Globe award winning actress Uma Thurman has proven herself to be one of the industry’s most versatile performers, lending her talents to an array of revered films and television series. Thurman recently appeared in the global hit Pretty Lethal. Soon, Thurman will reprise her role in the highly anticipated Red, White and Royal Blue sequel, Red, White and Royal Wedding. Thurman’s credits include The Old Guard 2, Oh, Canada; Red, White and Royal Blue; The Kill Room; The Adventures of Baron Munchausen; Dangerous Liaisons; Beautiful Girls; Batman & Robin; Les Misérables; The Producers, & Henry & June. Thurman received an Academy Award® nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of ‘Mia Wallace’ in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction and garnered Golden Globe® Award nominations for her role as ‘The Bride’ in the Kill Bill film franchise. Thurman earned a Golden Globe® Award for Hysterical Blindness, which she produced and starred in, and received her first Emmy® nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her arc on Smash. Thurman is represented by CAA, Untitled Entertainment, Jonathan Sanders & Co and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, and Warren.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES”

Today we get a new Trailer for REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES! This stars legendary Sally Field and Lewis Pullman.

ABOUT REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES

DIRECTOR: Olivia Newman

SCREENPLAY BY: Olivia Newman and John Whittington

BASED ON THE BOOK BY: Shelby Van Pelt

PRODUCED BY: Bryan Unkeless, Peter Craig, David Levine

EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY: Shelby Van Pelt, Erika Hampson, Olivia Newman, Alisa Tager, Tony Lipp, Alyssa Rodrigues

CAST: Sally Field, Lewis Pullman, Colm Meaney, Joan Chen, Kathy Baker, Beth Grant, Sofia Black D’Elia and Alfred Molina

SYNOPSIS: A widow who works at a local aquarium finds joy again when she forms an unlikely bond with a Giant Pacific Octopus and a wayward young man who comes to town in search of family. Together, they will uncover a mystery that will lead them to a life-changing discovery and restore their sense of wonder. Based on the best-selling book.

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN CINEPLEX RUN-OF-ENGAGEMENT PASSES TO SEE “THE CHRISTOPHERS”

Elevation Pictures x Mr. Will are thrilled to give readers a chance to win Cineplex Run-of-Engagement Passes to see tiff50 selection THE CHRISTOPHERS.

Synopsis: Desperate for an inheritance, two siblings conspire to forge their father’s unfinished paintings so they become valuable after his death

Starring: Ian McKellen, Michaela Coel, James Corden, Jessica Gunning

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK, X, and IG. In the comments, indicate your City and tag a friend in the comments you’re taking. Multiple entries allowed.

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THE CHRISTOPHERS is in theatres April 17, 2026.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

#FOOD: CURRYISH TAVERN LAUNCH NEW TASTING MENU NOW TILL MAY 31, 2026

Toronto’s Indian dining scene continues to evolve, and Curryish Tavern is pushing that conversation forward in a thoughtful, unexpected way.

Chef Miheer Shete has introduced a new ingredient-driven tasting menu — a format built around a single ingredient to explore regional Indian cuisine through a more focused, expressive lens. The current menu centres on maple syrup, reimagined across six courses in both savoury and dessert applications.

What makes this especially compelling is the intention behind it. Rather than positioning the food as “fusion,” Shete is reframing it as identity — blending Indian culinary traditions with Canadian ingredients in a way that reflects both culture and place. The team has even worked directly with producers like Tamarack Farms to understand maple at its source, grounding the menu in real storytelling and education.

Dishes range from a Maple Leaves Patta Chaat to Hay-Smoked Maple Tandoori Quail and a Maple Mishti Doi Custard, showcasing how one ingredient can be explored in unexpected ways.

The menu is available until May 31, 2026. Reserve now here.

#FOOD: NAARI THAI BBQ NOW OPEN

Naari – a unique Thai restaurant with Indian and Burmese influences celebrates its grand opening tomorrow at 501 College Street in Little Italy. The restaurant introduces a modern, fire-driven approach to Thai cuisine, with a menu rooted in Southern Thai flavours and layered with broader regional influences that often come together on a single plate.

The April 9 grand opening offers a lively first look at the space, featuring lion dancers, special surprises, and complimentary champagne and dessert for guests.

Reservations are now open and can be made via OpenTable HERE.

The restaurant is backed by Kyma hospitality group with an expanding presence in Toronto, and brings together a team with experience across Thailand, Dubai, and Canada.

Culinary Program
The kitchen is led by Chef Nagu Kandan, whose approach is rooted in the food he grew up with and continues to seek out. His early exposure to Thai cooking came through observation—watching ingredients come together at home, from shallots hitting hot oil to chilies being pounded into paste, and lime balancing richer coconut-based dishes.

Naari’s menu reflects a mix of Southern Thai flavours and technique-driven cooking. Dishes are layered with ingredients like lemongrass, makrut lime, chili, and coconut, with an emphasis on freshness and clarity.

The meal often begins with smaller bites such as savoury coconut-based starters or seafood served with herbs and spices. From there, the menu moves into shareable dishes like fried chicken, pandan-wrapped proteins, and grilled meats served with sticky rice and citrus.

Live fire and wok cooking form the core of the offering, with dishes like marinated flat iron steak, grilled fish with lime and chili, and stir-fried greens. Curries and rice-based dishes round out the menu, alongside familiar Thai staples like khao soi, pad Thai, and fried rice.

Kandan later spent time in Southern Thailand, where his approach was shaped by local markets, street vendors, and fire-based cooking techniques. That experience continues to inform the menu at Naari, where dishes are built around brightness, balance, and restraint.

A la Carte Menu
The menu is designed to be approachable, with one-bite starters, shared plates, and larger-format dishes that centre on live fire and wok cooking. Featured dishes include Khanon Krop- Crispy Chicken, BBQ Coconut Chicken Satay, and Charred Scallops.

Omakase Experience
In addition to the à la carte menu, Naari offers a $65 omakase designed as a structured introduction to the kitchen’s approach. The experience moves through a progression of dishes that highlight different techniques and flavour profiles across the menu.

Optional pairings are available for an additional $35 per person, with both beverage and wine options designed to complement the dishes.

Beverage Program
The beverage program is led by Sakshi Humne, who also oversees front-of-house operations. She brings experience from several Toronto restaurants, including MICHELIN-recognized Bar Goa.

The cocktail list draws influence from Southeast Asia, with a focus on balance and ingredient-driven flavour. Highlights include Gloomy Daizy, Tamarind Honeycomb, and Mango Chipotle.

The Space
Naari is located in Little Italy, a neighbourhood that continues to evolve as a dining destination in Toronto. The space is designed to feel relaxed and welcoming, aligning with the restaurant’s approach to food and service.

Hours & Details
Naari Thai BBQ recently soft launched with varied hours for the duration of March.
Starting April 1, Naari Thai BBQ will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
Reservations can be made via OpenTable HERE.

About Naari Thai BBQ
Naari Thai BBQ is a contemporary Thai restaurant in Toronto’s Little Italy, focused on fire-driven cooking, regional influence, and approachable dining. The menu is shaped by Southern Thai flavours and global experience, with an emphasis on balance, freshness, and technique.

We were so lucky to visit. Some highlights!

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#FOOD: RADICI PROJECT CELEBRATE 1ST ANNIVERSARY WITH GUEST MURAL

One of Toronto’s most serene and compelling dining rooms is marking its first year in a way that feels exactly on brand: intimate, thoughtful, and rooted in community.

Beginning April 23 and leading up to its official anniversary on April 30, Radici Project is inviting guests to become part of the restaurant itself, literally.

Each evening from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, guests can stop by to have their name hand-written in Japanese calligraphy by co-founder and sake sommelier Kayo Ito. Every name will be added to a custom jigsaw puzzle that will live permanently in the restaurant, forming a collective artwork built by the very people who have supported Radici Project since day one. Reservations can be made via OpenTable HERE.

It’s a simple but striking idea that blends Japanese tradition with Italian philosophy – a nod to radici, or “roots,” and the belief that a restaurant is only as meaningful as the community around it.

“Radici has always been about the connection between cultures, ingredients, and people,” says Ito. “This felt like a natural way to honour everyone who has walked through our doors and supported us in our first year.”

The activation runs daily from April 23 to April 29, with guests encouraged to drop in early before dinner service to participate.

The celebration continues online with a one-week Instagram giveaway, also running from April 23 to April 29. Guests can enter to win dinner for four featuring Radici’s Essence Menu by following the restaurant, liking the post, and tagging the friends they’d bring along.

On April 30, Radici Project will mark its official anniversary with understated in-room touches rather than a traditional party. Guests dining that evening will be welcomed with a complimentary sparkling sake toast and a caviar bump, adding a celebratory note to the experience without disrupting the restaurant’s signature atmosphere.

The completed calligraphy puzzle will be unveiled and installed in the space following the anniversary, becoming a permanent fixture and a reminder that Radici Project’s first year was built not just by its team, but by its community.

Radici Project was founded by Chef Emiliano Del Frate and sake sommelier Kayo Ito, who first met while working together in Toronto. Their partnership grew over time, from collaborators to partners in life, shaped by travels across Europe and Japan that continue to influence their work today. The restaurant is a reflection of that shared journey, with its name, Radici (“roots” in Italian), serving as both a tribute to their story and a symbol of the life they’ve built together in the city where it all began.

At its core, Radici’s menu draws from Itameshi — a style of cooking that blends Japanese and Italian traditions — brought to life through high-quality Canadian ingredients and a strong sense of seasonality. The result is a thoughtful, technique-driven approach where both cuisines meet naturally in their shared respect for simplicity and precision.

In a city where restaurant anniversaries often lean loud, Radici’s approach is refreshingly intimate and all the more meaningful for it.

Radici is located on 588 College Street in Toronto. Reservations can be made via OpenTable HERE.

About Radici Project
Radici Project is a contemporary Italian-Japanese restaurant located in Toronto’s Little Italy. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Chef Emiliano Del Frate and Kayo Ito, the restaurant explores the intersection of Italian and Japanese culinary traditions through seasonal menus rooted in sustainability and Canadian ingredients. Radici’s dual-concept space features both a natural wine bar and an intimate chef’s table dining experience, offering thoughtful sake and wine pairings alongside its cuisine.

#TIFF: TIFF MAY 2026 PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS

This season, creative partnerships take centre stage at TIFF Cinematheque, alongside a curated slate in honour of Asian Heritage month in May, a lineup that celebrates and amplifies the work of Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ filmmakers in June, and (indoor and outdoor) programming inspired by the city’s love of the Beautiful Game. TIFF welcomes American independent filmmaker and author John Sayles for his first-ever TIFF Cinematheque retrospective, who will be joined by producing partner Maggie Renzi, curated by Toronto film critic Adam Nayman. Other notable guests coming to the Lightbox include bestselling author Maggie O’Farrell (Hamnet); Ashley Clark, Curatorial Director at the Criterion Collection; and Philipp Fleischmann, filmmaker and Artistic Director, School Friedl Kubelka for Independent Film. Another creative duo, here to celebrate National Canadian Film Day on April 15, are filmmakers Barbara Ulrich and Renaud Lessard for the Toronto Premiere of Barbaracadabra — free to the public!

TIFF celebrates Asian Heritage Month this May with a curated lineup including Hayao Miyazaki’s soaring adventure Porco Rosso; a series of features and shorts highlighting the 26‑year legacy of the JEONJU International Film Festival and its enduring commitment to independent and experimental filmmaking; Islands, a coming-of-middle-age film from Filipino Canadian filmmaker Martin Edralin; and a spotlight on the Seoul‑born, Toronto‑based filmmaker Helen Lee in Outside the Frame: The Films of Helen Lee. TIFF is also collaborating with Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) for a Silver Screenings presentation of Yasujirō Ozu’s first colour film Equinox Flower, introduced by Akiko Takesue, ROM’s Bishop White Committee Associate Curator of Japanese Art & Culture.

TIFF’s Pride Month this June features a special 10th‑anniversary screening of Barry Jenkins’ Academy Award–winning Moonlight (TIFF ’16); the new 4K restoration of James Bidgood’s underground classic Pink Narcissus; a free Silver Screenings presentation of Blake Edwards’ musical‑comedy Victor/Victoria; the 10th anniversary screening of Shoko Nakamura’s Dou kyu sei – Classmates; and rounding out the lineup, TIFF Next Wave partners with Trans Film Mentorship for a spirited 20th‑anniversary screening of Andy Fickman’s She’s The Man, starring Amanda Bynes, Channing Tatum, and Alexandra Breckenridge. The month wraps up with Miss 501: A Portrait of Luck, a documentary about Toronto’s drag scene in the early 2000s.

Downtown Movie Nights return to David Pecaut Square with six weeks of free outdoor screenings. In partnership with Toronto Downtown West BIA, the series launches Wednesday, June 24 with a sports‑themed film lineup celebrating the energy of the FIFA World Cup in Toronto. Each Wednesday night screening will start at 9:30pm, with a pre-show at 9pm featuring photo ops, live performances, film introductions, music and more. All screenings will include open captions.

Looking ahead to the fall, anime arrives at TIFF in a big way, with a new major marquee series opening in November building on the 2023 Pop Japan series, and growing popularity of Cinematheque’s new Animate series. More details on the lineup and guest curator will be announced soon!

Tickets for May programming will be available for TIFF Members on Wednesday, April 15 at 12pm, and to the public on Friday, April 17. Tickets for June programming will be available for TIFF Members on Wednesday, May 13, at 12pm and to the public on Friday, May 15. Information is subject to change. Please visit tiff.net for up-to-date programming details.

TIFF CINEMATHEQUE PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS

António Reis & Margarida Cordeiro, Restored

May 8–17

With a modest yet extraordinary body of work, the Portuguese filmmaking duo António Reis (1925–1991) and Margarida Cordeiro (b. 1938) shaped their national cinema across successive generations, despite remaining ripe for discovery abroad. António Reis & Margarida Cordeiro, Restored introduces their films, alongside attendant work by Manoel de Oliveira, Paulo Rocha, and Reis’ most celebrated student, Pedro Costa, showcasing the duo’s deep focus on the people and land of Portugal’s remote Northeast Trás-as Montes region, where they elaborated their singular pastoral visual poetry blending rigorous ethnographic observation with a wraithlike lyricism. Featuring new restorations of their three features — Trás-os-Montes, Ana, and Rosa de Areia — recently acquired for theatrical distribution by Cinema Guild, this retrospective offers a rare opportunity for Toronto audiences to finally discover these foundational films and their enduring legacy. The series includes in-person introductions by local critics and programmers Ryan Krahn and Saffron Maeve, as well as exclusive video introductions by renowned directors Pedro Costa and João Pedro Rodrigues.

TIFF and Korea Story Festival present JEONJU Projects

May 21–26

Since 2000, JEONJU International Film Festival has been a vital platform for independent and experimental cinema — not just screening bold work, but commissioning, distributing, and investing in it. Through the JEONJU Digital Projects and JEONJU Cinema Project, the festival had the vision to recognize digital technology’s transformative role in cinema’s future, championing filmmakers featured in this series, including Hong Sangsoo, Bong Joon-ho, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Ted Fendt, and György Pálfi, whose film Hen recently screened in the TIFF ’25 auteur competition programme, Platform. As JEONJU marks its 27th edition, this series celebrates that legacy with a selection of features and shorts that have expanded the horizons of film aesthetics and reimagined the festival as an active force in film production itself.

This series is supported by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Toronto.

Declarations of Independence: The Cinema of John Sayles

June 11–18

It’s been more than a decade since John Sayles’ last feature, Go For Sisters (2013), and he’s seen as an elder statesman of the American indie boom, having ceded the screen to more radical practitioners. But the fundamental things still apply, and in a moment when we’re more desperate than ever for cogent, cohesive, and principled political moviemaking, it seems like a good time to go back and look at Sayles’ body of work as a writer and a director; his subversive satires, probing character studies, and sturdy, hand-crafted dramas were built from the ground up to stand the test of time. Audiences can look forward to some of his early works including Return of the Secaucus Seven, The Brother From Another Planet, and Matewan. This series is guest-curated by film critic and author Adam Nayman.

From the Collection with Cameron Bailey

May 5, 6:30pm: Weekend (1967) dir. Jean-Luc Godard, 35mm print!

June 9, 6:30pm: The Portrait of a Lady (1996), dir. Jane Campion, 35mm print!

TIFF Cinematheque Special Screenings:

May 7, 7pm: Outside the Frame: The Films of Helen Lee, in-person Q&A with Lee

May 9, 6:30pm: Ashley Clark on This Is Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection (2019), dir. Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese

Supported by Visa

May 10, 3:30pm: Ashley Clark on Yeelen (1987) dir. Souleymane Cissé

May 10, 11:15am & May 16, 2:15pm: Giant (1956) dir. George Stevens, 35mm and 70th anniversary!

May 19, 6:30pm: Mikey and Nicky (1976) dir. Elaine May, new 4K restoration and 50th anniversary!

June 19, 6:00pm: Dry Leaf (2025) dir. Alexandre Koberidze, recorded introduction from the director.

June 21, 3:30pm: Miss 501: A Portrait of Luck (2002) dir. Clint Alberta under the pseudonym “Jules Karatechamp”

Animate

May 6, 6:30pm: Porco Rosso (1992) dir. Hayao Miyazaki

June 17, 6:30pm: Dou kyu sei – Classmates (2016) dir. Shoko Nakamura, 10th anniversary!

See the North presented by MUBI

Join Lead Canadian Programmer and series curator Jason Anderson

May 12, 6:30pm: Islands (2021) dir. Martin Edralin

June 16, 6:30pm: Wildhood (2021) dir. Bretten Hannam

TIFF Wavelengths Presents

May 13–14, 7:30 & 7pm: School Friedl Kubelka For Independent Film: Programmes 1 and 2 with Philipp Fleischmann

June 2, 6:30 PM: Selections by Diego Marcon with Diego Marcon in person

Co-presented with The Vega Foundation

TIFF Next Wave Presents

May 20, 6:30pm: Young Female Playwright (2026) dir. Pony Nicole Herauf, post-screening Q&A with director, Toronto Premiere!

June 24, 6:30pm: She’s the Man (2006) dir. Andy Fickman, 20th anniversary!

MDFF Selects

May 28, 6:30pm: Strange River (2025) dir. Jaume Claret Muxart, Toronto Premiere!

TIFF Cinematheque New and Restored

May 24, 3:45pm: Bitter Rice (1949) dir. Giuseppe De Santis, New 4K restoration!

June 23, 6:30pm: Pink Narcissus (1971) dir. James Bidgood, New 4K restoration and 55th anniversary!

Midnight Madness Presents

June 20, 6:45pm: The Masque of the Red Death (1964) dir. Roger Corman, 35mm print!

TIFF PUBLIC PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS

May 8, 12pm: Silver Screenings: Equinox Flower (1958) dir. Yasujirō Ozu, with ROM curator Akiko Takesue — Free!

The Bishop White Committee Associate Curator of Japanese Art & Culture at ROM joins us for a talk before this free screening of Yasujirō Ozu’s first colour film about a traditional father grappling with his modern daughter’s refusal of an arranged marriage. Shot in glorious Agfacolour, Ozu’s reverence for everyday objects and domestic spaces is on full display. Coinciding with the ROM-original exhibition Shokkan: Material Encounters in Japanese Art (April 4 to September 7, 2026). Presented in partnership with ROM and the Japan Foundation, Toronto.

May 14, 6pm: TIFF Advance Screening of Modern Whore (2025) dir. Nicole Bazuin, post-screening Q&A with the director and co-writer Andrea Werhun

Werhun and Bazuin challenge toxic misconceptions about sex work with great audacity and high style in this documentary from TIFF ’25.

June 19, 12pm: Silver Screenings: Victor/Victoria (1982) dir. Blake Edwards

Notable for its nuanced exploration of performativity and queer representation in 1980s Hollywood cinema. Julie Andrews stars as Victoria, a struggling singer who, with help from her friend and acting manager Toddy (Robert Preston), finds success by posing as a “female impersonator” named Victor. This event will include a pre-screening activation inspired by the film’s focus on performance.

June 20, 6pm: Moonlight (2016) dir. Barry Jenkins – 10th Anniversary!

TIFF Community Impact celebrates the enduring impact of Barry Jenkins’ intimate and poetic breakthrough 10 years after its Canadian Premiere at TIFF 2016 and its record-breaking release at the Lightbox. A watershed moment for Black queer representation and independent cinema, this coming-of-age story chronicles three chapters in the life of Chiron, a young Black man growing up in Miami navigating identity, masculinity, and connection.

June 28: In Conversation With… Maggie O’Farrell

Maggie O’Farrell, the bestselling author and Academy Award–nominated co-writer of the TIFF People’s Choice Award–winning film Hamnet, joins us in person for the exclusive Canadian launch of her latest work of fiction, Land: A Novel, one of 2026’s most anticipated books. Presented in partnership with Penguin Random House Canada and the Toronto International Festival of Authors, tickets for this event will go on sale in early May.

FILM REFERENCE LIBRARY

May 23–24, 10am-5pm: Doors Open Toronto

Each May, Doors Open Toronto invites the public to explore the city’s most-loved buildings and sites, free of charge. This year’s theme is “The World in a City,” and the Film Reference Library located on the fourth floor of TIFF Lightbox will highlight TIFF’s international scope through guided building tours and archival activations.

#FIRSTLOOK: ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING AND SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED FOR DEPARTURE FESTIVAL + CONFERENCE 2026

The Departure Festival + Conference from Loft Entertainment and Oak View Group (OVG) today unveiled additional programming and speakers joining the 2026 edition, including the introduction of a new Summit series spotlighting leaders across music, media, sports, and digital culture; alongside a newly announced honouree joining the already star-studded Departure Honours. Departure takes place May 4-10, 2026 in the heart of downtown Toronto, and the complete schedule is now live at departureto.com.

Departure elevates its Conference program with the debut of Summits, a curated series of high-impact, single-day intensives hosted at our premiere pop-up space, Departure House (58 Berkeley St.). Each Summit serves as a vital ecosystem for interactive dialogue, forward-thinking brand integrations, and industry-specific networking. Panelists include veteran rock agent for Disturbed and Limp Bizkit, Nick Storch and award-winning music supervisor Mary Ramos, known for her work on numerous Quentin Tarantino films, among other speakers.

Ahead of the Toronto Tempo’s inaugural home opener as Canada’s first WNBA team, award-winning entertainer Lilly Singh, who, in addition to her role as a team owner, serves as the franchise’s Chief Hype Officer, will lead the Sports Summit on May 8 and be recognized with the Trailblazer Award at Departure Honours presented by Ticketmaster on May 7 at Koerner Hall.

Departure also announces the SOCAN Songwriters Series at the Jane Mallett Theatre, featuring masterclasses with Grammy-nominated songwriter Jenna Andrews, known for writing hits for BTS and, most recently for KPop Demon Hunters, and for her appearance on Netflix’s Hitmakers, as well as Peter Peter, who recently composed the original music for the hit series Heated Rivalry.

“Departure continues to unite the most innovative voices across industries, and this year’s lineup reflects the global reach and creative excellence that define our community,” said Kevin Barton, Executive Producer at Departure Festival + Conference. “We’re proud to deliver a platform where creative ideas are shared to drive meaningful growth in our industry.”

Additionally, the Departure Festival will present Choir! Choir! Choir! Angel: An Epic Sing-a-long on May 6 at Massey Hall, a powerful, fully participatory live experience where the audience becomes the choir. The evening will feature a selection of surprise songs before culminating in a once-in-a-lifetime performance of “Angel,” featuring special guest Sarah McLachlan. The festival also expands its film programming with an advanced screening of Boots Riley’s new film I Love Boosters, starring Keke Palmer and Naomi Ackie, on May 7 at the Paradise Theatre.

There will also be numerous live music activations throughout the festival including a multi-space takeover on Geary Avenue featuring a diverse selection of artists across one walkable strip with food trucks and pop-ups, Casa Fest, the ultimate outdoor party and music festival with a stacked lineup of performers, and Rock Symphony at Casa Loma.

Full schedule and session details for Departure Festival + Conference are now available at departureto.com.

See below for the newly announced guests added to Departure’s 2026 lineup:

DEPARTURE CONFERENCE:

Ace G, record producer

Adrian Bellaire, composer

Craig “Big C” Mannix, Founder, BIG Consulting

Jamar McNeil, radio host, CHUM 104.5

Joshua Lucas, DJ and musician, promoter

Jem Aswad, Executive Music Editor, Variety

Mark Strong, broadcast host

Skratch Bastid, DJ, producer, promoter

Sophie Simmons, songwriter

Tara Slone, radio host, SiriusXM Canada

SUMMITS:

Access to Summits is included with a Conference Pass or attendees can purchase Single-Summit Tickets.

Creator Summit | Tuesday, May 5

Built to Break Through panel:
Hollywood Jade, creative director, choreographer, TV personality

Rêve, JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter

The New Architecture of Influence: How Creators Are Reshaping Entertainment and Brands (Viral Nation) panel:
Kimberly Moffit, content creator, relationship expert, Ask Kimberly

Mukbang Maxwell, content creator

Mallory Rowan, content creator

Paul Telner, Head of Programming, Viral Nation

Ray Ligaya, Director of Talent, Viral Nation

The Indie Advantage: Scaling With Partners, Not Compromises
Eric Nguyen, SVP, Create Music Group

Daniel Turcotte, President, Monstercat

Whipped Cream, Recording Artist

Live Music Summit presented by Live Nation | Wednesday, May 6

Independent Artist Group & The New Era of Rock Dominance panel:
Nick Storch, Head of Global Artist Development

Jarred Arfa, EVP & Head of Global Music

Pete Pappalardom, EVP and Head of Global Touring

Andrew Countryman, Agent

Michael Arfin, Agent

The Modern Fan Economy – VIP, Pop-Ups & Profit panel:
Noreen Hamid, creative producer, publicity director, and artist/talent consultant

Patrice Whiffen, Founder, Patrice Whiffen Marketing & Events and Honey Music

Global Festival Powerhouses: Scale, Strategy & Survival panel:
Brooke Dunford, Republic Live, Boots and Hearts

Gus Canazio, Rock in Rio, Lollapalooza Brasil

Kevin Lyman, Founder, Warped Tour

Patrick Guay, Evenko (Osheaga, Lasso)

Sync Summit | Wednesday, May 7

Keynote with Mary Ramos (Django Unchained, Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood), hosted by music publishing executive Vivian Barclay, presented by Music Publishers Canada

Meet the Music Supervisors panel, presented by Music Publishers Canada:
Sanaz Lavaedian, Senior Vice President, Music – MOCEAN

Sian O’Byrne, Music Supervisor, The Song Rep

Sue Crawshaw, Owner, Pick and Mix Music

Jackie Palazzolo, Music Supervisor, Riot Games

Tony Von Pervieux, Music Supervisor, TVPMusic

Zach Pollakoff, Executive Creative Producer, Heavy Duty Projects

The Sync Pipeline: From Songwriting Session to Screen:
Andrew Briol, music creator and manager

Caron Nightingale, composer

Jenna Andrews, Grammy-nominated songwriter

Maria Alonte, SVP of Synchronization at Big Machine Label Group (BMLG)

Battle of the Music Supervisors & Sync Reps presented by Sync State:
Josh Rabinowitz, music consultant and professor, Brooklyn Music Experience

Mark Garfield, Founder / Co-Director, Pop-Up Music

Matthew Hearon-Smith, renowned music supervisor, Variety’s 2022 “Music Supervisors to Watch”

Sports Summit | Thursday, May 8

Lilly Singh, award-winning host and comedian, Toronto Tempo owner and Chief Hype Officer.

Panels with the Canadian Football League (CFL), Brodie League and FIFA World Cup.

DEPARTURE HONOURS PRESENTED BY TICKETMASTER:

Taking place on Thursday, May 7 at Koerner Hall, the Departure Honours is an exclusive, star-studded celebration recognizing individuals who have shaped Canada’s cultural landscape.

Lilly Singh will receive the Trailblazer Award recognizing her impact in shaping the entertainment landscape. The award is presented by Trailblazers, a committee dedicated to acknowledging and championing women in the broadcast industry who excel in leadership, innovation, and empowering the next generation.

Departure Honours 2025 Trailblazer Award recipient Sarah Cummings will present this award.

“We are proud to recognize an international superstar as our 2026 Trailblazer, an exceptional talent whose achievements continue to inspire audiences and industry professionals alike.” said Nancy Brown Dacko, Chairperson, Trailblazers.

SOCAN SONGWRITERS SERIES:

SOCAN Songwriter Series events are open to Departure Priority, Conference, and Festival Passholders.

Songwriter Masterclass with Jenna Andrews, hosted by Houtan Hodania, Senior Creative Executive at SOCAN

Composer Masterclass with Peter Peter, hosted by Mike Rocha, Director of Film & TV Membership at SOCAN

Additional sessions with the Black Music Songwriters Circle, Nashville North, Pop’s Next Wave, and Producer Playback: South Asian Edition, featuring Jev, Alicia Creti, Dave Thomson, Deep Jandu, and more.

FILM SCREENINGS:

I Love Boosters | Thursday, May 7 at Paradise Theatre

CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR! ANGEL: AN EPIC SING-A-LONG
Featuring Special Guest Sarah McLachlan
Wednesday, May 6 at Massey Hall
*Proceeds will support the Sarah McLachlan School of Music, which provides free after-school music programs for children and youth facing barriers to accessing traditional music education.

Supporting music education through the Sarah McLachlan School of Music. Choir! Choir! Choir! offers a powerful, fully participatory live experience where the audience becomes the choir.

Led by C!C!C! directors Nobu and Daveed, and guided by their signature energy, thousands of voices will come together in a celebration of connection and community—learning and performing a series of songs in real time, building toward one iconic, emotional finale.

The night will feature a selection of surprise songs before culminating in a once-in-a-lifetime performance of “Angel,” featuring special guest Sarah McLachlan. Together, audiences and artists will transform a beloved classic into a shared, unforgettable moment.

ACTIVATIONS:

Geary Avenue | May 8 – 10 | multiple locations
Geary Avenue will transform into one of the city’s most exciting live music destinations, with a multi-space takeover spanning Division 88, The Sound Garage at Blood Brothers Brewing, Standard Time, Paradise Grapevine, and the newly opened Geary Station. Showcasing a curated mix of rising talent and household names, the weekend brings together a diverse cross-section of sounds and scenes across one walkable strip, alongside food trucks and street-level activations.

Casa Del Rey presents CASA FEST | Saturday, May 9 at the CityView Lot (20 Polson St.)
The ultimate outdoor party and music festival to kick off summer with 3,500+ of your closest friends. Soundtracked by a stacked lineup including ACRAZE, a surprise guest, and more.

Rock Symphony at Casa Loma | Saturday, May 9
An electrifying night of legendary rock classics comes to life with the Casa Loma Symphony Orchestra in the breathtaking setting of Casa Loma.

About Loft Entertainment
Loft Entertainment invests in culture-defining talent and creative partners to tell their stories. Founded by industry veteran Randy Lennox in Summer 2023, Loft offers the world’s leading artists creative, strategic and business services across all artistic and commercial touchpoints in the music, film and media. Visit loftent.com.

About Oak View Group
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world-class-owned venues and a client roster of arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. Founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues either open or under development across four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

#FIRSTLOOK: EVERYTHING 80S PARTY AT THE EL MOCAMBO

The legendary El Mocambo present the EVERYTHING 80s PARTY Thursday, April 30, 2026.

WHO:
The El Mocambo, Sean Jones and Cleopatra Williams with DJ Starting From Scratch on the ones & twos all night!

WHAT:
The El Mocambo is thrilled to announce everything 80’s Party on a night of pure nostalgia, power vocals, synths and neon lights Featuring Global award winning Entertainer Sean Jones & Powerhouse Singer Cleopatra Williams bringing you the anthems that defined a generation and still pack the dance floor. We’re talking the iconic sounds of Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Prince, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Whitney Houston and more the timeless hits you still know word for word. And when the live show ends, the night keeps going: A DJ will take over and spin more 80’s favorites so you can dance and keep the party rolling.

This is a DRESS-UP event:
-Bring the big hair
-Bring the neon
-Bring the shoulder pads, leather, lace, glam and full 80s retro vibe!

Let’s Dance!! — like it’s 1988

WHEN:
Thursday, April 30th
Doors Open: 7:00PM
Show: 8:00PM

WHERE:
The El Mocambo – 464 Spadina Ave, Toronto

TICKETS:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/everything-80s-party-tickets-1983730408051?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

#SPOTTED: LILY ALLEN IN TORONTO FOR “LILY ALLEN PERFORMS WEST END GIRL” TOUR

Our love for Lily Allen goes way back and it’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years already since her debut disc ALRIGHT, STILL which would propel her to global stardom.

Her unique, honest, and candid way of storytelling stamped her as a true and authentic Artist. So many years later, she still thrives with her WEST END GIRL album drawing much acclaim, now supported by a tour which takes place two nights at Massey Hall, with an encore scheduled in September at RBC Amphitheatre.

Allen copes with the dissolving of her relationship with David Harbour, generously letting us into her world and heartbreak. The tour includes a bit of theatrically allowing Allen to flex some of the muscles she developed starring in stage productions 2:22 A Ghost Story (2021) and The Pillowman (2023).

Allen is everything we imagined, kindly taking the time to greet fans in an orderly fashion, after her first Massey Hall show. She literally made time for everyone! Some highlights below:

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A post shared by William Wong (@mrwillwong)

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)