There are power players who follow the rules of the music industry, and then there is Vinny Cinquemani, the man who helped rewrite them. When Vinny arrived in Toronto from New York in the 1970s, he brought a radical belief that Canadian artists could, and should, be global superstars. That belief would go on to shape the country’s live music infrastructure, transforming a vast and disconnected geography into a thriving national touring circuit. His impact continues to define how Canadian artists reach audiences at home and around the world, earning him recognition as a recipient of the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award Presented by Slaight Music.
Vinny’s journey began in the legendary clubs of Greenwich Village, where he spent his teenage years watching the giants of rock ‘n’ roll. That early exposure, followed by his service in Vietnam, forged a negotiator who was as fierce as he was strategic. When he transitioned from a musician to an agent in Canada, he stepped into a country on the verge of a creative explosion.
From his formative executive roles at Concept 376 and Music Shoppe International to his transformative tenure as President of S.L. Feldman & Associates, Vinny’s presence marked a turning point for domestic talent. Though he had the opportunity to build his career in major U.S. markets, he chose to stay in Canada, helping establish the infrastructure needed for homegrown artists to succeed and demanding they be given the same stages and respect as international acts.
While Canada’s geography presents an immense logistical puzzle, Vinny earned the nickname “Five Hands Vinnie” for his uncanny ability to conquer the map. He understood the business from the inside out knowing exactly what a musician needed because he had been one. He was never interested in quick wins or overselling a room; his focus was always on long-term growth.
His strategy was built on a progression from clubs to concerts to festivals. Whether plotting a 5,000-seat theatre run or orchestrating major cultural moments like Edgefest and Lilith Fair, every move was designed for longevity. This approach led to him being named Canadian Booking Agent of the Year ten times and consistently recognized as one of the most influential power players in the country. He didn’t just book tours; he built the framework for how Canadian artists could scale.
Vinny’s impact can be measured in the enduring relationships he has built with some of Canada’s most iconic artists. He has worked with Rush for over forty years and has played a defining role in the careers of Bryan Adams, Michael Bublé, Jann Arden, Triumph, and Sarah McLachlan. For many of these artists, his influence extends far beyond logistics. He has been a constant presence in shaping their trajectories, approaching every decision with precision, care, and a long-term vision. Whether refining a tour route or guiding major career moments, his focus has remained the same: build something that lasts.
As Co-President of Paquin Artists Agency, he continues to be a central figure in the Canadian music landscape. His legacy is not just in the tours he has built, but in the system he helped create one that proved Canadian artists could not only compete globally, but lead.
