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A City in Tune: Mississauga's Greatest Hits

From the 1960s to the present day, discover the artists who made Mississauga a powerhouse of global music and explore nearly seven decades of unforgettable hits.

Named Music City in 2023, Mississauga is known locally and internationally as a hub for musical talent, with nearly 70 years of hits and significant contributions in the music industry. This rich musical history comes to life in A City in Tune: Mississauga’s Greatest Hits, with the stories, sounds, and items that reveal the people and places behind the music.

Through iconic instruments, stage-worn outfits, archival materials, and ephemera from Mississauga’s music founders, rock legends, and modern icons, A City in Tune invites you to discover the stories behind the performers, the creative spaces that supported their careers, and the lasting influence of the musicians, innovators, and contributors who have shaped the city’s musical legacy. From Oscar Peterson and Ronnie Hawkins to Triumph, Billy Talent, and MR. SAUGA, the exhibition spans generations and genres, exploring how music has shaped connection, identity, and community across the city. See remarkable artifacts that bring these stories to life, including Rik Emmett’s autographed Triumph guitar, Gil Moore’s drum kit, Donna Grantis’ guitar and stage-worn tour outfits, and a collection of Billy Talent gear, memorabilia, and tour artifacts.

A City in Tune is curated by the Museums of Mississauga, building on the success of the first A City in Tune exhibition in 2025, developed in collaboration with students from the University of Toronto’s Master of Museum Studies program. Research and artifacts for this installment draw from Mississauga’s rich music community, including the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame, Legends Row, Heritage Mississauga, alongside partnerships with the Region of Peel Archives and the Canadian Black Music Archives.

A companion micro-exhibition runs alongside the Adamson Estate show at Courtneypark Library from September 25, 2026 to February 26, 2027. While the exhibition at Adamson Estate celebrates some of Mississauga's most influential music legends and the places that shaped the city's musical legacy, this companion exhibition shines a spotlight on the grassroots musicians, emerging artists, and community connections that continue to define Mississauga's sound today. It is inspired by the 2025 exhibition, A City in Tune, presented at Bradley Museum.

Special dates and programs:

Members Preview Night

Wednesday September 23, 2026 - 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

As a member of the Museums of Mississauga, be the first to experience our newest exhibition celebrating Mississauga's music legends. Through artifacts, interactive experiences, and community voices, discover how music brings people together while shaping connection and belonging across the city. Join us on September 23 for an exclusive members' preview night.

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Exhibition Opening Reception

Saturday September 26, 2026 - 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Join us to celebrate the opening of our newest exhibition, A City in Tune: Mississauga's Greatest Hits. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and be among the first to explore instruments, outfits, archival materials, and iconic artifacts that celebrate the musicians, innovators, and contributors who have shaped Mississauga's music story. The exhibition will officially open with remarks from Councillor Dasko at 11:00 a.m.

Advance reservations are required, as space is limited. Free event.

An Evening of Piano

Friday, November 20, 2026 - 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Join us for an intimate evening at historic Adamson Estate as live music brings A City in Tune: Mississauga's Greatest Hits to life. Featuring vocalist Heather Christine and acclaimed pianist Bill King, this special performance is inspired by the artists and stories featured throughout the exhibition. Explore the galleries after hours, enjoy light refreshments and experience Mississauga's music story in a unique and memorable setting.

Advance reservations are required as space is limited. Admissions for this event are by donation.

About Heather Christine 

Heather Christine is an award-winning Mississauga vocalist, composer, and producer whose soulful blend of jazz, pop, and R&B has captivated audiences across Canada, including performances at Celebration Square and other major venues. A passionate advocate for the local arts community, she produced the acclaimed Isn't She Lovely concert series, which celebrated women in music at Mississauga's Living Arts Centre and featured award-winning artist Patti Jannetta-Baker. Heather's recent single, C'est Magnifique, was produced by celebrated Canadian pianist Bill King and has received international radio airplay, while her collaborative EP with the Bill King Trio showcases her original compositions and fresh takes on jazz standards. Deeply committed to community-building through music, she also founded West Vocal Jam, an inclusive open-stage program for local performers. Recognized with Mississauga's Music Artist of the Year Award by Mississauga City Councillor Stephen Dasko at the Ward 1 Community Excellence Awards, she is also the recipient of the Best New Artist Award presented by Mississauga Music in 2018. Heather Christine is grateful to share her passion for music her husband Matt Zaddy. Together they perform as their musical duo River North. 

About Bill King 

Bill King is a renowned pianist, composer, producer, broadcaster, and jazz advocate with deep ties to Toronto and Mississauga's music communities. A student of Oscar Peterson's Advanced School of Contemporary Music and a scholarship recipient to Berklee College of Music, King has spent decades shaping Canada's jazz scene as founder of The Jazz Report, a founder and artistic director of the Beaches International Jazz Festival for 30 years, and producer of acclaimed recordings by artists including Liberty Silver, Sophie Milman, Chaka Khan, and Pat LaBarbera. Throughout his remarkable career, he has worked with music legends such as Janis Joplin, Linda Ronstadt, Martha Reeves, The Pointer Sisters, and former Mississauga resident Ronnie Hawkins. His long-standing tribute projects celebrating Oscar Peterson's legacy, along with his award-winning production work and mentorship of Canadian artists, have made him one of the country's most influential figures in the jazz music scene and beyond. King is an eleven-year artist in residence at the Harris Institute of Music and is currently Executive Director of the Redwood Theatre in Toronto. 

Multiple day event Sep 23 - Dec 27, 2026

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