City of Waterloo Museum presents Rock This Town: Music and Memories

The City of Waterloo Museum is pleased to welcome a new exhibit highlighting the rock ‘n’ roll history of Kitchener-Waterloo, a look back to see how music united us.

The new exhibit celebrates Rock This Town, a 60-minute documentary produced by Waterloo native Betty Anne Keller, directed by Paul Campsall and Tom Knowlton. The documentary, which premiered on March 26, 2022 at the Princess Theatre in Waterloo, takes viewers on a journey through the rock ‘n’ roll history of Kitchener-Waterloo, featuring captivating stories about the many legendary musicians who came to play here in the ‘60s and ‘70s. The City of Waterloo Museum’s Rock This Town: Music and Memories exhibit expands on those stories.

Rock This Town: Music and Memories highlights some of the live music moments we have enjoyed in the area, including a rock and roll confessional of memories from those who were part of the local music backdrop from the late 60s to the 80s. Through interviews, memorabilia, and music interactives, the exhibit is packed with backstories of famous musicians who played in Kitchener-Waterloo, such as 80s Juno award winner for R&B/Soul recording of the year Erroll Starr, Copper Penny, Major Hooples Boarding House Band, and Helix. How we hear music will be displayed with a history of musical devices featuring local industries Marsland Engineering, Electrohome and BlackBerry.

The history of our musical memory, a force that brought people together, would not be complete without acknowledging the Indigenous songs, stories and ceremonies that had a great deal of importance, meaning, and impact in daily life. As part of this exhibit, you will learn why music and song continues to be an ingrained component of Indigenous life that flourishes in the modern era.

Join us for a look back to see how music has united us:

What:              Rock This Town: Music and Memories
Where:            City of Waterloo Museum, located at Conestoga Mall (near the food court)
When:             November 4, 2022 to June 2023

About the City of Waterloo Museum

Popular for ever-changing exhibitions and offering access to Waterloo’s premier shopping centre (Conestoga Mall) at its doorstep, the City of Waterloo Museum explores the hometown history of Waterloo and the stories we have to share. The City of Waterloo Museum is the place to discover an array of historical objects, art and artifacts that tell the story of Waterloo from its founding in 1806 to the present day. The museum features a main gallery containing fabulous items from its sizeable holdings of over 20,000 objects, including the restored 1919 Pierce Arrow Seagram Whisky delivery truck, and provides various elements to learn about and celebrate all things Waterloo!

Exhibition hours are Tuesday to Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Admission is always free.

For more information, please call Karen VandenBrink, manager, museum & archival collections at 519-885-8828 or visit waterloo.ca/museum.

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Media Contact

Cari Van Niekerk
Manager, Corporate Communications
City of Waterloo
cari.vanniekerk@waterloo.ca