The DREAMS! Music Summit presented by Invest Durham, held on September 20, brought together artists, industry leaders, and music enthusiasts for a day of learning, dialogue, and inspiration. Featuring a dynamic keynote and a series of engaging sessions—including Building a Regional Music Community, Grant Writing and Funding for Music Projects, AI in Music, and the Songwriter’s Circle: Stories Behind the Songs—the Summit highlighted diverse and meaningful conversations that are shaping the future of music in Durham Region and beyond.

Sponsors and partners include: Invest Durham, Bond Street Events Centre, Convergence Music + Art Festival, Livewire Media, and Long & McQuade.

Thank you to our participants:

Townhall - Building a Regional Music Community

  • Paul Koidis – Academic, Artist, Consultant, Strategist, and award-winning documentary producer.
  • Diana Cerovich – the owner and Chief Operating Officer at the historic Biltmore Theatre
  • Councillor Derek Giberson – Oshawa City Councillor and musician
  • Eileen Kennedy – Creative Industries and Film/Television Specialist – InvestDurham.ca
  • Dr. Christopher Cwynar – PhD, Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator, Communications, Trent University Durham GTA

Grant Writing Workshop:

  • Lisa-John Mackenzie – Industry Relations Manager, Durham Region – Central Counties Tourism
  • Tania Joy – Award-winning Musician, songwriter, Co-Founder and Executive Director – Springtide Music Festival
  • Enez Perkins – Director, Corporate Performance and Strategic Initiatives | City of Oshawa

(Dis)Enchantment and AI: Nostalgia and the Music Industry

  • Dr. Delon Om, Ph.D. – award-winning singer, songwriter, and academic.  
  • David Neale -musician, award-winning producer and recording artist.

Songwriter's Circle - Stories Behind the Songs

  • Lindsay Schoolcraft – Singer, Harpist, and Pianist. Presented with the Oshawa Music Award for Artist of the Year in 2021 and 2022, and Music Producer of the Year in 2023.
  • Ron – singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist.
  • Richard Rodwell – Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee 2023, and an accomplished composer for the record and television industries
  • Candace and Michael – Canadian music duo with over 4.6 million streams across their platforms.
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