New exhibition shares interviews, memorabilia from famous musicians in K-W history
Posted Oct 22, 2022 02:04:00 PM.
A new exhibit at the City of Waterloo Museum, “Rock This Town: Music & Memories,” will share backstories of famous musicians who played in Kitchener-Waterloo from the late 60s and 80s through interviews, memorabilia, and interactive displays.
Highlighting some live music moments from the K-W’s history, the exhibition includes rock 'n' roll confessionals from members of the local music backdrop from that time.
“Before radios became common, you might only hear music at a concert or a parade. Music became a force that brought people together,” says an event description. “Since the beginning, Indigenous songs, stories, and ceremonies had a great deal more importance, meaning, and impact on their daily life.”
The exhibit also features memorabilia from two-time Juno award winner and winner of Best Male Artist at the Black Music Association of Canada awards, Erroll Starr, who faced heavy resistance from radio stations in the area during his career in the 80s.
Other musicians featured include Kitchener rock band, formed in 1965 by Kenny Hollis and Rich Wamil, Galt-based Major Hooples Boarding House Band, and heavy metal band Helix.
There will also be a display that discusses the history of musical devices, featuring local industries Marsland Engineering, Electrohome and, BlackBerry.
Based on Rock This Town a 60-minute documentary produced by Waterloo native Betty Anne Keller and directed by Paul Campsall and Tom Knowlton, the exhibit and documentary aims to take K-W locals through a rock ‘n’ roll journey.
The documentary originally premiered on March 26, 2022, at the Princess Theatre in Waterloo.
“In our post-pandemic world, our hope is that the film will animate a community discourse about the value of a vibrant live music scene – not only to engage and entertain audiences but also to encourage musicians and other artists to stay in our Region,” Keller said in a previous news release.
“Rock This Town: Music & Memories” runs from Oct. 25 to June 2023 at The City of Waterloo Museum. More information is available here.
