Saskatchewan artists Autopilot, Lancelot Knight, and Halle Ponton will be attending to perform official showcases at the inaugural Departure Festival + Conference 2025, happening from May 6-11/2025. The conference will reach audiences across Toronto with festival and concert venues located across the city.
Departure describes itself as, "Departure is where the world’s hungriest talent in music, art, comedy, and technology find the inspiration, support, and resources they need to take it all the way.
Departure is a dynamic and innovative launchpad featuring diverse talent, boundless energy, and committed artists. This kind of ambition and audacity draws talent from all across Canada and internationally, energizes creatives from all disciplines, and offers a fresh spark of inspiration that keeps passion alive. Here, you’ll discover new talent, groundbreaking work, and innovative ideas.
The reimagined Canadian Music Week is ready to embody and honour the extraordinary spirit that defines the Canadian and global creative community - a true celebration of artistry."
Congratulations to the Saskatchewan artists performing!
Lancelot Knight: Tuesday, May 6 at 7 pm @ The Painted Lady
Halle Ponton: Wednesday, May 7 at 7 pm @ Supermarket
Autopilot: Thursday, May 8 at 7:30 pm @ Bovine Sex Club
About the Artists:
Lancelot Knight: Lancelot Knight is a Plains Cree singer-songwriter, actor, and activist from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and the son of JUNO Award winner Chester Knight. He debuted in 2019 with his project Pilot alongside his band NIGHTSWITCH. His first music video, "All Alone," created with collaborator Joey Stylez, addressed mental health and quickly gained attention, earning regular rotation on Much Music and charting in the Top 10 of the Indigenous Music Countdown. Knight has toured across Europe and North America, blending various musical genres. Known for his powerful voice and guitar work, he uses his platform to raise awareness on Indigenous identity, political action, and human experiences. Whether through music or acting, his performances are deeply emotional, and his commanding presence - standing at 6'7" - is unforgettable. Lancelot has appeared on national TV, including APTN's Guilt Free Zone. He has released five singles in anticipation of his debut solo album, set to drop later this year. Lancelot’s music continues to connect with audiences, pushing boundaries and spotlighting important cultural issues.
Autopilot: Autopilot is a Saskatoon-based alternative rock band making waves with infectious hooks, dynamic stage presence, and relentless drive. Their impact is clear through a strong catalog of full-length albums, EPs, and singles, alongside their reputation as road warriors touring across Canada and the US. Autopilot recently completed a national USA tour, showcased at Breakout West, and followed it all up with a sold-out hometown album release show for their new album, Here Comes the Pressure!
Autopilot was nominated yet again for Rock Artist of the Year at the Saskatchewan Music Awards, and has also seen success on the charts, including Earshot’s Top 50 and the Top 200 for NACC. Their tracks have received extensive rotation on Sirius XM, CBC, and various US stations. With the new record in hand, Autopilot is eager to return to the road and share their latest music with new and existing fans.
Halle Ponton: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is home to singer/songwriter Halle Ponton. She has the versatility in an ability that is more on the pop side of the music but extends and includes influences of the folk tradition, singer-songwriter, and an 80s style synth pop. This concoction of forms is enough to make sure that she has a sizable fan base. Backing Halle’s musical career are her committed bandmates: Parris Ackerman with guitar, Rowen Mitchell with bass, and Chris Kostuik who plays drums. All of them work together to ensure that they deliver a performance that is engaging and entertaining so that the audience remembers it for a long time. Halle has toured Western Canada two times. Being known to have excellent stage presence, Halle’s shows are usually deep on emotion and engaging. A single show is enough to cement her name in the minds of an audience. Notably, she played Saskatchewan’s Jazz Festival in 2024 and was a featured artist at the 2023 Saskatchewan Music Awards. If Halle is not performing live on stage, she is preparing to record fresh music. Her debut album “Is This What Real Life Is?” gave her the opportunity to showcase her songwriting skills.
For more information on Departure 2025, visit their website!
How were the artists selected?
All artists programmed for Departure were selected by the organizers through their own selection process.
