Teamwork makes the dream work, and the Biltmore Theatre in downtown Oshawa is proof positive of that philosophy, with the venue winning the ‘Best Teamwork in a Medium Club’ award at last week’s Canadian Live Music Association’s Live Music Awards in Toronto.
The award helps to shines a spotlight on Durham Region and the City of Oshawa’s growing music and culture industry and on the Biltmore, one of the few women-owned-and-operated music venues in Canada.
Oshawa was also up for the prestigious ‘Music City of the Year’ award, a prize won by the City of Calgary, with other big players Toronto, Hamilton Quebec City, Kelowna and Ottawa also vying for the honours.
Kudos for the Biltmore’s win came in quickly after the announcement.
“Made Oshawa and Durham proud” – Steven
“Well earned” – Rachel
“They are the best at what they do in the country” – Will
“Congratulations! Just awesome” – Tyler
“Well deserved. You do so much for Oshawa and the city” – Joe
Credit was especially reserved for Biltmore owner Diane Cerovich, who took over the venue following the death of her father, Julius Kedvessey, in the fall of 2021, just as the theatre and live music everywhere returned following the first lockdown.
The “one who keeps the cogs turning” at the Biltmore has been feted by the industry numerous times since and Bridget Bee Noonan, a member of her team, said Cerovich’s managerial skills are what keeps the club among the best run in the country.
“She knows how to pick a team that will mesh well together and do it the best we can every time.”
Biltmore General Manager Jacob Hamayda, who attended the event along with Cerovich, said he was honoured to bring home the award to Oshawa and also congratulated the other nominees.
“This award belongs to our entire team. Our staff, crew, promoters, artists, photographers, and the amazing community that continues to support live music in Oshawa.”
The Biltmore Theatre hosts more than 120 shows annually, welcoming in over 30,000 attendees in 2025.
The Canadian Live Music Awards, which include awards in two dozen categories from Tour Manager of the Year, Talent Buyer of the Year and Promoting Team of the Year to honouring the country’s top music festivals, was held May 6 at the Bluma Appel Theatre in Toronto’s St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts.
Part of the Departure Festival (previously known as Canadian Music Week), the Live Music Awards showcased the ingenuity, perseverance and excellence demonstrated across the Canadian live music ecosystem over the past year.
Other venues honoured included the Drake Hotel (‘Best Teamwork in a Small Club), Scotiabank Arena (‘Best Teamwork in a Large Arena or Stadium’) and Massey Hall (‘Best Teamwork in a Soft Seat Theatre/Performing Arts Centre’) in Toronto; the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver (‘Best Teamwork in a Major Club’) and Scotiabank Centre in Halifax (‘Best Teamwork in a Small Arena’).
The Live Performance of the Year went to Ajax band Sum 41’s farewell concert – Tour of the Setting Sum – at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on January 30, 2025.
Biltmore Theatre owner Diana Cerovich and General Manager Jacob Hamayda accept the ‘Best Teamwork in a Medium Club’ award from the Canadioan Live Music Awards
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