Farewell Collective Concerts, hello We Are in the Future.
Over the past 15 years, independent concert promoter Collective Concerts has played a crucial role in the Toronto live music scene, booking shows at multiple venues, especially The Horseshoe Tavern and Lee's Palace (the latter of which is now owned by promoters Modo-Live). Via its social media earlier this week, company owners Craig Laskey and Amy Hersenhoren announced the dissolution of Collective, to be replaced by a new promotions firm entitled We Are In The Future.
The company's statement noted that "The world in the present is not what many of us need. The past is just the past....Please join us in our next chapter because We Are In The Future. We will continue to try and bring you the very best music out there because our bands are our brand. Nothing more needs to be said."
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Laskey did have a little more to tell Billboard Canada, informing us that "The name comes from a Sun Ra record. After 3 years of spending way too much time on the past, we feel this is a positive sentence that represents where we want to be!"
He stresses that "Collective Concerts is no more. This is a brand new company with different ownership, not a rebranding."
The rebranding some controversy around a cancelled pro-Palestine fundraiser booked at the Horseshoe in 2023 and a number of contentious emails sent by venue co-owner Jeff Cohen, formerly a partner in Collective Concerts. At the time, Laskey informed Billboard Canada that Cohen was no longer affiliated with the company. The new company does not list him as an owner, with the announcement signed only as "Amy and Craig." Laskey declines to comment on Cohen or past events.
Collective's formidable track record includes memorable Toronto shows by the likes of Modest Mouse, Jeff Tweedy, Robert Plant's Saving Grace, MJ Lenderman, Courtney Barnett, Stereolab and more. Laskey mentions that "We Are In The Future continues to enhance the city's music scene with upcoming shows by Gary Numan, Gregory Alan Isakov, Lambrini Girls, Leith Ross, Sloan, Sudan Archives and more."
On Dec. 31, 2025, Canada's Governor General announced Order of Canada honours for 80 new recipients. That list includes two veteran Canadian music stars and one very unconventional music journalist. Promoted to Companion status was revered B.C. folk and children's music singer-songwriter Raffi (Cavoukian). The citation noted that "Raffi has dedicated his life to championing children’s rights and well-being. His songs have impacted generations with his message of love, environmental stewardship and social responsibility."
Country star Terri Clark was named a Member of the Order of Canada, with the announcement noting that "country music icon Terri Clark has left an indelible mark on the genre at home and abroad. Notably, she was the first Canadian female inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. Her trailblazing career inspires countless Canadian artists."
Also made a Member was music journalist Nardwuar the Human Serviette, and it was this appointment that generated plenty of attention (including in Billboard ). The official statement called him "an independent music, and campus and community radio advocate who has helped shape our identity, while also earning a devoted global following through his distinctive interview style, tireless research, and support for rising stars and celebrated names."
– East Coast indie rock singer-songwriter, producer and philanthropist Joel Plaskett has been appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia. The provincial government says the Order of Nova Scotia is considered the highest honour in the province, recognizing people who have made lasting contributions in a number of areas. Appointments are made by the lieutenant-governor on the recommendation of an independent advisory council, with 132 members named to the order since it was established in June 2001.
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Industry News
Showcase Applications are now open for the 2026 Folk Canada Conference (renamed from the Folk Music Ontario Conference), taking place October 14-18, 2026 in Hamilton. Click here to apply. The deadline to submit is Jan. 30. The conference offers training, showcasing and networking opportunities for artists and music industry professionals in Canada and the international folk community, with customized programming for artists at any stage of their career, from emerging to export-ready.
– Set for Jan. 14 at Jane Mallett Theatre in Toronto, Singing Through the Darkness is an evening dedicated to music of the Holocaust. With JazzInToronto’s Artistic Director Ori Dagan as host, the evening weaves historical storytelling with rich musical performances, illuminating how artists can use creativity as both refuge and resistance in turbulent times. The cast of award-winning singers comprises Aviva Chernick, Judith Lander, Lenka Lichtenberg, Theresa Tova and musical director Fern Lindzon. This performance follows three sold-out evenings at The Royal Ontario Museum where this collaboration was commissioned in conjunction with the exhibit Auschwitz: Not Long Ago. Not Far Away. Tickets available here.
– On Jan. 8, tickets go on sale for Hamilton Music Collective’s upcoming winter concert jazz series. Now in its 12th year, the series has earned a reputation for presenting top-notch artists, and the just-announced new lineup is no exception. Jazz septet TH&B! features players from Hamilton and Buffalo and performs at HMC Centre on Feb. 5. On Feb. 26, legendary local rocker/ bestselling author Tom Wilson (Junkhouse, Blackie and The Rodeo Kings) stretches out musically, accompanied by ace area jazz musicians. NYC players Adam Kolker (sax/bass clarinet) and Gary Versace (piano) will be joining forces for an April 9 concert, and the series wraps on April 23 with acclaimed duo Elizabeth Shepherd and Michael Occhipinti (ES:MO), celebrating the release of their brand new album, Sunshine in My Bones. All proceeds support An Instrument For Every Child. Series tickets here.
Artists News
Just signed to Pacifirecords, rootsy Ontario singer-songwriter Matthew Holtby kicks off the new year with a new single, "Pretending," co-produced by Holtby and longtime drummer and musical partner Terrence Craig Toutant and releasing on Jan. 9. Expect a series of singles over the course of the year. Holtby is also the midday host at Y91.9 in Lindsay and has started hosting a new music program on Sundays on the station.
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– Acclaimed Canadian hip-hop star Shad recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of his career with another well-received album, Start Anew. This week he delivered a video for the track "Rain" and he recently announced a Feb. 21 show at The Mod Club in Toronto, his first concert there in over three years. Check out other Canadian tour dates here.
