ideacity 2014: First Speaker Announcement!

Whether they be adventurers or agitators, entertainers or entrepreneurs, ideacity’s 2014 speakers are gearing up to take the stage at Koerner Hall in less than three months’ time – and we couldn’t be more excited! As preparations for our landmark 15th anniversary conference get underway, we’re looking forward to rolling out the roster of presenters and performers that will be celebrating with us. This week, we’re pleased to announce that some familiar faces will be joining the party, equipped with illuminating new concepts, perspectives and sensory experiences to share.

WADE DAVIS – Defender of Life’s Diversity

As an Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society, Wade Davis has spent much of his life traveling to corners of the globe, and experiencing cultures, that many may otherwise never hear of. Named as one of the Explorers for the Millennium, he has been described as “a rare combination of scientist, scholar, poet and passionate defender of all of life’s diversity.” In the past, he’s enlightened and awed ideacity audiences with his tales of living in the Amazon and Andes as a plant explorer, investigating folk preparations implicated in the creation of zombies in Haiti, and exploring the psychedelic movement. Underscoring all of these varied strands, however, is his passion for preserving unique cultures – a task that grows even more important in an increasingly connected and homogenous global society. MORE…

RAY JAYAWARDHANA – Our Cosmic Selves

Wired magazine may have put it best: “As astronomers go, RayJay is a rock star.” And for good reason – a graduate of Yale and Harvard, Ray Jayawardhana uses some of the world’s largest telescopes to explore planetary origins and diversity. The resulting discoveries have made headlines worldwide, and led to global recognition and accolades. Through engaging writing and thought-provoking presentations, he brings the science of the cosmos down to earth for a variety of audiences. And, in addition to spreading the word about his latest discoveries on the final frontier, Dr. Jayawardhana is also research professor and the Canada Research Chair in observational astrophysics at the University of Toronto. MORE…

ASHLEY MacISAAC – Foot-Stomping Fiddler

Canadian fiddler Ashley MacIsaac picked up the fiddle at the age of nine and has never looked back. Blending hard-edged traditional Cape Breton fiddling with his own flare for experimentation, MacIsaac has delved into genres as diverse and exciting as folk, electronica, and metal. Since breaking onto the Canadian music scene in the mid-‘90s, he’s shown an uncanny ability to ensnare and entertain audiences across the globe, and his ability to morph and adapt has made him an ideal collaborator for great acts as varied as Phillip Glass, David Byrne, Paul Simon, and the White Stripes. He’s sold over half a million records and released more than 10 albums – but his appearance on the ideacity stage will prove he has no plans for slowing down. MORE…

LOREENA MCKENNITT – Celtic Goddess

In a recording career spanning more than two decades, Loreena McKennitt’s ‘eclectic Celtic’ music has received critical acclaim world-wide, and gold, platinum and multi-platinum sales awards in 15 countries. But while her achievements as a recording artist are impressive, they’re not the only thing that this multitalented Canadian brings to the table – she’s a savvy businesswoman, a human rights advocate, and a philanthropist to boot. As the founder of her own independent record label (a rarity when her business began in 1985) Ms. McKennitt has a familiarity with the multi-faceted entertainment industry that many would envy. With two Junos under her belt, and an imprint that has met with wide international success, she has plenty of insight into a notoriously fickle business – and a musical talent with the power to transport audiences. MORE…

WATCH IDEACITY TALKS >>

“ideacity, known as Canada’s Premiere Meeting of the Minds, is a new species of conference.”

For more information or tickets to the 2014 ideacity conference, visit our ticketing page or contact David Cravit at [email protected], 416-607-7739 or cell 647-280-8163.