Not Industry Hot… But Community Solid: Reflections on Departure TO

Departure TO - Lee's Palace, Toronto

The crowd wasn’t huge, but the love in that room? Heavy. The people who showed up didn’t just come to fill space, they came because they rock with me. Some folks I hadn’t seen in years. Others I didn’t expect to see at all. But they were front row, back corner, by the bar locked in and giving energy all night.

photo by Its Kirsh

It’s easy to overlook what it takes to come out to a show these days. People are juggling life: work, kids, stress, mental health… and still, you showed up. You could’ve stayed home and no one would’ve blamed you but you made the effort. I see that. I feel that. And I appreciate it more than I can put into words.

One moment that really touched me, someone from Aubrey Academy came through to support. That’s love on another level. It reminded me how far the music reaches beyond just fans it touches families, educators, caregivers… the whole village and I’m grateful.

I gave y’all everything I had on that stage because that’s what you deserve. It wasn’t just about running through a set, it was about connection. And I felt it from the minute I stepped on until the lights came up.

To everyone who made the time, who brought a friend, who shared a clip, who dapped me up after the set...thank you. This one reminded me why I started and why I still do this. We’re building something real. And the foundation?

Solid.

Til the next one

R.