Gritty History

2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the Festival of Friends. To celebrate this milestone, Russ, Meredith and Megan are joined by Rob Rakoczy, General Manager of the Festival to chat about the past, present and future of one of Hamilton's premiere annual music events. The 50th edition of the Festival takes place in Gage Park on July 31, August 1 and 2, 2026 and features four stages of live music, along with over 100 vendors.

In this episode, Meredith and Russ talk with Raquel McIntosh, the 2026 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year award winner. Raquel is a music teacher at Adelaide Hoodless Elementary School in Hamilton and a musician herself. A tireless advocate for access to music education, she has transformed the school’s music program through student-led choirs, performances, and inclusive initiatives like Beyond the Soundtrack, creating opportunities for students to explore identity, creativity, and connection through music.

In this episode hosts Meredith and Russ are joined by the team from Catherine North Studios to talk about the role of recording studios in Hamilton's music industry.  Will Crann, Tristan Miller, and Emma Whale chat about the history and evolution of the studio, notable artists and songs recorded there, and its significance within the local music community. The conversation delves into the technical roles of audio engineers and producers, shares memorable studio anecdotes, and offers insightful advice for those looking to pursue a career in audio production. 

In this episode, hosts Meredith and Russ delve into the fascinating world local record shops, with Dr. Disc owner, Mark Furukawa. Mark, also known as DJ Mark, shares his journey to becoming a pillar of Hamilton's vibrant music community and discusses the history and evolution of Dr. Disc, the resurgence of vinyl records, the unique atmosphere of his store, and the integral role he plays as a connector and facilitator within the local music scene. 

In this episode Meredith and Russ discuss Hamilton's rich music scene with Lou Molinaro, a prominent live music booker and former co-owner of the iconic venue, This Ain't Hollywood. Meredith and Russ chat with Lou about his early beginnings in music promotion and the role of live music venues in fostering community and supporting local artists. Lou shares personal anecdotes about memorable concerts and his ongoing passion for promoting diverse genres of music. 

In this episode, Meredith and Russ  delve into the intricacies of music touring with industry experts Joe Cacioppo, tour director at 410 Management, and Nathan Nash, professional music photographer. They discuss the diverse career paths in the music industry, the skills required to manage and capture live events, and a few fun stories along the way. The conversation covers everything from planning and logistics to the value of content creation and the unique aspects of Hamilton’s music scene. Joe and Nate also offer advice for aspiring professionals and share stories from the road.

This episode explores the career of musician Dejehan Hamilton, better known as LuckyStickz, the founder and executive director of the Tune In Foundation. Dejehan discusses his musical journey, starting from his upbringing in Hamilton, his exposure to music in the church, and his transition to playing steel pan. He shares his experiences at Berklee College of Music, the founding of the Tune In Foundation, and its various programs like Musicapalooza and The Blueprint, aimed at nurturing young musical talent. 

In this episode Meredith and Russ chat with Gillian Alexander, Executive Director of the award-winning Hamilton Children's Choir. Gillian shares her journey from singing with Celine Dion at the 1999 Junos as a 10-year-old choir member to leading the organization today. She discusses the choir's 50th anniversary, international competition wins, the dedication required from young singers, and how music education builds confidence and lifelong friendships.

In this episode, hosts Meredith and Russ explore the world of orchestral music with James Kahane, Music Director of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. James reflects on his journey from France to Hamilton, explains the role of a conductor, and shares insights into the inner workings of a professional orchestra. He discusses collaboration, career pathways in classical music, and his impressions of Hamilton’s arts scene, offering listeners a behind the scenes look at how orchestral music is created, led, and experienced in Hamilton.

In this episode, hosts Meredith and Russ are joined by Jamie Tenant, musician, author, and program director at 93.3 CFMU FM at McMaster University. Jamie discusses the fundamentals of community radio, the unique opportunities it offers, and its significance in amplifying local voices and music. The conversation includes anecdotes from Jamie's extensive experience in the industry, the station’s role in fostering emerging talents, and the influential Hamilton artists making waves in the music scene. Their discussion sheds light on the inner workings of a community radio station, while celebrating its essential role in the cultural fabric of Hamilton.