2-3 minute read
When Justin Dobbin received the Hamilton Creator Award at the Art Gallery of Hamilton, the recognition wasn’t for decades of work—it was for what has been accomplished in just four years.
Main Stage didn’t start as a business opportunity. It started with a problem.
Across Ontario, rehearsal spaces were disappearing. Rising real estate costs, increasing operating expenses, and redevelopment forced many long-standing facilities to close. Musicians struggled to find reliable, professional spaces where they could rehearse consistently with quality equipment.
Justin believed musicians deserved better.
His vision was simple: build a place where artists could always rely on having access to the space, equipment, and environment they need to create.
Building and operating a 35,000-square-foot music facility has never been easy. Behind every rehearsal room is constant maintenance, equipment upgrades, licensing, insurance, regulatory compliance, and a team working every day to keep the facility running.
Most people see rehearsal rooms.
We see the foundation of a thriving music scene.
That philosophy was captured perfectly in Justin’s acceptance speech:
“Our goal is to have the most diverse music facility. If we don’t have the space you need, we’ll build you one.”
That promise has shaped Main Stage from the beginning.
Every new space—from our production studio and podcast studio to our showcase venue—was created because musicians asked for it.
Justin’s impact extends beyond the building. He helped create programs like Open Jam and Open Mic, giving musicians opportunities to meet collaborators, perform original music, and access affordable live recordings. He also champions genres that are often overlooked, personally supporting initiatives like Wacken Metal Battle Hamilton and the Hip Hop Showdown because he believes every artist deserves a platform.
In just four years, thousands of musicians have walked through our doors. Bands have been formed, albums have been written, tours have been rehearsed, and careers have taken their first steps at Main Stage.
The Hamilton Creator Award recognizes the vision, grit, and determination it takes to build something that didn’t exist before.
Our mission hasn’t changed.
To create a place where musicians know they’ll always have a home.
