Loft, OVG Acquire Canadian Music Week
• Loft Entertainment and Oak View Group (OVG) are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Canadian Music Week (CMW), one of the premier music festivals and conferences in North America and a staple in the music industry for over four decades, providing a platform for artists, industry pros, and fans to connect, discover, and celebrate music. The festival has been instrumental in showcasing emerging talent and fostering industry innovation.
Neill Dixon, Founder & President of Canadian Music Week, who recently announced his retirement after 42 years, shared his thoughts on the transition, commenting, “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. As I step aside and retire, I am confident that CMW is in excellent hands with Loft Entertainment and Oak View Group. Their passion, vision, and resources will ensure that CMW continues to thrive and evolve. I look forward to seeing the festival reach new heights under their leadership.”
Randy Lennox, Founder of Loft Entertainment, expressed his excitement about the acquisition, stating, “We are incredibly proud to bring Canadian Music Week into the Loft Entertainment Media family in partnership with Oak View Group. CMW has a rich history of championing music and artists, and we are committed to building on that legacy. Our vision is to enhance the festival experience, creating new opportunities for artists and attendees alike, while maintaining the core values that have made CMW a beloved event. 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 upon.”
Tom Pistore, President of Oak View Group, Canada, echoed Lennox’s sentiments, adding, “Oak View Group is delighted to expand our investment in the Canadian market and partner with Loft Entertainment in acquiring Canadian Music Week. This acquisition, along with our Hamilton Arena Project, aligns perfectly with our mission to elevate live entertainment experiences across the globe. 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.”
The acquisition promises to bring exciting changes and innovations to Canadian Music Week, including 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.
Canadian Music Week will continue to be headquartered in Toronto, with upcoming dates and details for the 2025 festival to be announced soon. The teams at Loft Entertainment and Oak View Group are already hard at work planning the next chapter of CMW, ensuring it remains a cornerstone event in the global music industry.
