By Meredith Leonard
While researching Hamilton Civic Museums’ newest exhibit, Punching In: The Work of Hamilton Music, I chatted with musician, promoter and entrepreneur Ben Rispin, who explained the city’s incredible music scene with the phrase: “There’s something in the water.” After being immersed in this world over the last year, I wholeheartedly agree. The creativity, scrappy innovation and ethos of collaboration make music in the city something to be experienced.
While curating this show, I worked with the city’s music industry and found many kindred spirits who care deeply about their craft, believe in the possibilities and power of music and are committed to building community. The JUNOS, which came to town in March 2026, helped shine a light on Hamilton music in 2026, but these people show up every day and do the work, even when no one is watching. Their passion and dedication are why we have a music scene that draws the JUNOS to town and supports a venue like TD Coliseum. It isn’t just the musicians; it’s the venue owners and workers, promoters, writers, photographers, tour managers, record stores, radio stations, music educators, and so many more.
This exhibition was shaped by the willingness of the community to share their stories, expertise and their enthusiasm for celebrating the local music scene. Stories like that of Bill Powell who created and nurtured the Festival of Friends, which continues today as a free annual music festival in Gage Park. And like Lou Molinaro, former owner of This Ain’t Hollywood, who provided a space for musicians to rock, and for the community to experience live music together.
Other stories highlighted the city’s diverse recording studio spaces, like Catherine North, Grant Avenue and Halo that create spaces for creative alchemy: mixing producers, musicians, engineers, and writers by intention and chance to experiment and create.
I learned how deeply Hamilton’s music scene is supported and enhanced by local record shops and radio stations, as well as educational programs like those of the Hamilton Music Collective and Hamilton Children’s Choir. All of the energy of these creative people and industries reaches a fever pitch in Hamilton, creating an environment where music can flourish.
Music in the city is so accessible, and there is a way for everyone to experience Hamilton’s music scene. See a live show, attend a festival, discover something new, not suggested by the algorithm, but through browsing physical records at a local shop. Tune into community radio or listen to interviews from the people behind the music with the Civic Museum’s new Gritty History podcast. Our first season is all about the local music scene. And, of course, visit the Punching In exhibition.
Meredith Leonard is the Senior Curator, Learning and Interpretation for Hamilton Civic Museums.
Exhibit Info: At a Glance
Celebrate Hamilton’s thriving music scene and the journey of music-making! Learn about the contributions of promoters, venue owners, songwriters, photographers, and sound engineers to your favourite Hamilton songs, and revel in the nostalgia of iconic Hamilton concerts and music venues, past and present. The exhibit highlights local musicians, including Jackie Washington, Boris Brott, Terra Lightfoot, and Arkells, as well as the industry that helps to create and share this music.
This exhibition is curated by the Hamilton Civic Museums in collaboration with the Hamilton music community.