HAMILTON, ON, February 2, 2026 — Nothing takes you back to the good old days like the music you grew up with. This Valentine’s Day at FirstOntario Concert Hall, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra (HPO) and guest conductor Lucas Waldin are bringing back the coming-of-age classics and the iconic hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s with Canada’s greatest party band, Dwayne Gretzky. Known for their breathtaking energy reminiscent of the original artists in their prime, the 10+ piece band will perform the music you know and love – or forgot you loved – from The Beatles, Queen, Billy Joel, Carole King, Journey and more, all with live orchestra!
Since 2011, Dwayne Gretzky has developed a fervent fanbase solely on the strength of their live show:
“To simply term Dwayne Gretzky a cover band would be akin to describing Van Gogh as some Dutch guy who dabbled in art. The band puts its own unique spin on each song it performs, bringing their full talents to bear via their mastery of a number of instruments, including horns. ” — Paul Rellinger, KawarthaNow
“Rarely do you hear ‘cover band’ and ‘national treasure’ in the same sentence, but when referring to Dwayne Gretzky, the association just makes sense. This band have become the life of the party at every live show they play.” — Alex Rodobolski, Exclaim!
Conductor Lucas Waldin arranged several songs for orchestra featured at this performance. Audience members may remember him as conductor/arranger for Juno award-winning Jeremy Dutcher’s live orchestra tour, which included an unforgettable concert with the HPO in October 2022. A go-to conductor for pop artists, he has orchestrated the music of Carly Rae Jepsen, The Barenaked Ladies, Ben Folds and more.
Dance in your seat and let the HPO, Dwayne Gretzky and Lucas Waldin take you on an unforgettable nostalgic ride on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 7:30pm at FirstOntario Concert Hall!
Valentine’s Day with the HPO and Dwayne Gretzky
February 14, 2026 at 7:30pm
FirstOntario Concert Hall
1 Summers Ln., Hamilton, ON, L8P 4Y2
Tickets on sale at hpo.org
About the HPO: For 140 years, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra has presented orchestral music and education programs with a mission to enrich the wellbeing of the greater Hamilton region. The HPO presents dynamic orchestral performances ranging from standard classical repertoire to popular music and world premieres by living composers. As one of Canada’s leading professional orchestras, the HPO has proudly contributed to the shaping of Hamilton’s cultural landscape.
About Dwayne Gretzky: Dwayne Gretzky are Canada’s Greatest party band and a can’t miss live music experience; a 10-piece, dynamic, curated nostalgia trip that captures the unique joy of turning a radio dial and being surprised by the familiar. Celebrating classic pop and rock from Queen to the Cranberries, Dwayne Gretzky has delivered electrifying renditions of over 800 songs from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s. The 10+ piece band ignites a nostalgic, unforgettable live music experience that effortlessly propels word of mouth amongst music fans of all ages. Dwayne Gretzky continues to shatter conventions and bring people together in a celebration of the songs we all forgot we loved.
HPO Media Contact:
Megan Nourse
Marketing & Strategic Initiatives Manager
289-216-8273
mnourse@hpo.org