At 39, Joel Baskin books some of Canada’s most prominent live tours and festival lineups. After 14 years at The Feldman Agency, the longtime booking agent was promoted to senior vice president – a major leadership role while still under 40. This year, he was instrumental in tours and festival dates for Canadian legends Avril Lavigne and Shania Twain, rock chart mainstays Three Days Grace, homegrown country stars Owen Riegling and Josh Ross, pro wrestling company AEW and much more. He was also the agent for one of the feel-good stories of Canadian music this year, The Beaches’ arena tour, which brought the long-running Toronto band to new heights including a recent hometown show at Scotiabank Arena.

Baskin’s focus is on creating long-term touring strategies that grow artists’ careers throughout the world. “It’s great to see so many new managers and artists coming out of Canada and exporting globally,” Baskin says. “The walls here feel less closed-in, and we are seeing more and more success stories with artists playing in Asia, Australia, U.S. and Europe.” The sky is the limit.