Hey Toronto come out to Hamilton this weekend and celebrate music at the Hamilton Music Scene Festival. Founder, producer and artist manager; JP-Gauthier, established “The Hammies” in 2004, giving recognition to the hard work and talents of Hamilton musicians, music studios, labels, and industry professionals bringing the ever-growing music community together.
The Festival begins Thursday May 21 and goes through May 24 featuring an array of contests, conferences, and performances with the Awards ceremony putting an end to this fantastic weekend. It all kicks off with The HMA Rising Star Search hosted at Dofasco Centre for the Arts. The contest helps young artists network with industry professionals, putting these young Hamiltonians in front of a panel to compete for the top three spots. Securing each winner with recording, production and promotional development access. Keep your eyes out for our rising favourites: Good Anya, Camille Inston and Katie Harbour.
Keeping things real, The HMA team is offering multiple conferences this year, where you can listen and engage with local industry professionals, as they give their advice on effective ways to becoming successful in the music industry. Some discussion topics you can expect to be included; key information related to marketing, management, advertising, distribution, touring, among many others! Don’t miss our own editor, Mrs. Roxy Morrison, chatting away about digital marketing and distribution this Thursday morning from 1030 – 1135 in the Directors Lounge at the Dofasco Center for the Arts Side note: Conferences are free for students (secondary, and post-secondary)!!- take advantage! .
The HMA’s proudly acknowledges lifetime achievements. This year awarding Brian Griffith with a special tribute concert “The Life of Brian”, taking place on May 29th at the Bay City Music Hall. Commemorating a Hamilton legend who passed away in November of last year, Griffith was one of Hamilton’s best guitar players, who shared his talents with the world performing with artists Daniel Lanois, EmmyLou Harris, Tom Wilson, and Willie Nelson. Performing in his honor, see emerging artists Harlan Pepper, Hachey the mouthPEACE, Laura Cole, and Mississippi Bends. All Proceeds will go to fund a bursary in Brian Griffiths name. The tickets are $20 each and can be purchased through picksandsticks.com.
We are excited to catch award show performances by nominated artists playing Hamilton’s core venues. Get your tickets and wristbands here, allowing you access to everything you want to see.
Here are some of our Deli friends and our emerging favourites to check out at the HMA’s!-Courtney Chalapenko
Friday: May 22
Laura Cole
The Donefors
Mississippi Bends
Saturday: May 23
Dirty Jeans
Of Gentlemen and Cowards
Pet Sun
Flamingo Bay
The Vaudevillian
Hachey the mouthPEACE