Our Thoughts

2 minute read Last month, Main Stage Rehearsal Studios proudly opened its doors as part of Doors Open Hamilton 2026, celebrating this year’s “Forged in Sound” theme and Hamilton’s Year of Music following the 2026 JUNO Awards. To be honest, we almost didn’t do it....

2 minute read New LED Video Panels in Hamilton for Music Videos, Live Performances & Content Creation If you’re a musician, content creator, or business in Hamilton looking to elevate your visuals, this is something we’ve been really excited to bring into the...

If you’ve been following our blog, you know we’ve been asking for something different. We met with the Mayor, shared what Hamilton musicians actually need, and were given the opportunity to create something meaningful for JUNO Week. We didn’t want to organize just...

This March, Hamilton is hosting the JUNO Awards, and we are bringing that energy directly into our rehearsal rooms. In partnership with Hamilton City of Music, we are launching a free JUNO Artist Masterclass Series led by award-winning artists who started their...

Mayor Andrea Horwath visited Main Stage Rehearsal Studios to experience how music is made in Hamilton. Here’s what we shared about the local music scene, the JUNOs, and why rehearsal spaces matter. When Music City Means More Than a Stage - A visit from Mayor Andrea...

This past November, we (Kelly and Justin) travelled to China to experience its music, arts, and live performance culture firsthand. The primary purpose of the trip was to research advanced music and live-event technology so we can continue upgrading Main Stage...

On Tuesday, November 18th, we had the chance to check out the new TD Coliseum in Hamilton for a very special concert — Earth, Wind & Fire live. The moment we walked in, it was clear the renovation had completely refreshed the venue, creating a modern, welcoming...

October 22, 2025 - Main Stage Rehearsal Studios once again became the heartbeat of Hamilton’s live music scene as we hosted our Open Mic Networking Night for local musicians. From full bands and rappers to solo acoustic performers, the evening brought together...

On August 29th, the energy at Main Stage was electric as we hosted the very first Main Stage Hip-Hop Showdown, a night dedicated to celebrating Hamilton’s hip-hop talent and culture. The event brought together rappers, producers, and supporters from across the city...

Booking your first show can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. We interviewed some of our most successful monthly tenants—bands who’ve played for over a decade, gigging across Canada and the US—to bring you this real-world guide. Whether you’re just...

Thank you for the invitation by City of Hamilton, Kelly and Brett had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2025 CMAO (Country Music Association of Ontario) Awards – and wow, what a night it was! The energy, the talent, and the sheer love for country music were...

If you're a musician looking for paid gigs in Hamilton, you're in the right place. Main Stage Rehearsal Studios is building a local artist referral list for solo performers, bands, and music teachers who want to play more shows and get paid for their craft. Whether...