The Canadian Music Week (CMW) has some exciting changes to the festival’s leadership as its 42nd year is in full swing.
On Monday, entertainment giant Loft Entertainment and live event powerhouse Oak View Group (OVG) announced the acquisition of CMW, marking a huge milestone for the companies.
The popular music festival kicked off over the weekend and runs until June 8, featuring headliners such as Testpilot, ROSIE, Charlotte Day Wilson, Tekno, KILLY, and many more at popular venues across Toronto, including The Danforth Music Hall, Opera House, The Drake Underground and History.
Being a pivotal event in the global music calendar, CMW also offers information-packed conferences, a bustling trade expo, and awards shows to provide an inclusive environment that fosters connections between artists, fans, and industry leaders.
However, this year marks a turning point for CMW. Founder and President Neill Dixon is stepping down after a remarkable journey.
“It has been an incredible journey to see Canadian Music Week grow from a small gathering of music lovers to one of the most influential music festivals and conferences in the world. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished and deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey,” he said in a statement on Monday.
With the baton being passed to Loft Entertainment and OVG, which was behind the FirstOntario Centre arena renovation, this strategic move signifies a significant expansion for both companies in the entertainment and live event sectors.
The acquisition is expected to bring exciting changes and innovations to CMW, such as expanded programming, enhanced venues, and unique engagement opportunities for artists and fans. Both Loft Entertainment and Oak View Group are committed to preserving the festival’s heritage while introducing fresh, dynamic elements that reflect the evolving music landscape.
“As Neill Dixon steps into a well-deserved retirement, we honour his remarkable dedication to making CMW the influential event it is today. His vision has set a high standard that we are eager to uphold and expand,” Randy Lennox, founder of Loft Entertainment, said in a statement, with excitement about the transition.
Tom Pistore, president of Oak View Group, echoed Lennox’s sentiments, adding, “We look forward to leveraging our expertise in venue management and conferences to take CMW to new heights. Together, we aim to deliver an unforgettable experience that celebrates the vibrant music culture of Canada and beyond.”
Canadian Music Week will continue to be headquartered in Toronto, with upcoming dates and details for the 2025 festival to be revealed soon. Loft Entertainment and Oak View Group are diligently preparing for the next chapter of CMW, ensuring it remains a cornerstone event in the global music industry.
For the full 2024 lineup and to get tickets, visit CMW’s official website.
