Hamilton Sound – Singing the Stories of Miners Across Canada

Linda Hickey, daughter of a father who mined iron ore in Big Land, Labrador, brings a deeply personal touch to Hamilton Sound’s latest production, “Underground Echoes – A Tribute to Miners.” There’s something special about Newfoundland and Labrador music; it has a way of getting under your skin and staying there, the kind that makes you tap your foot, hum along, or even shed a quiet tear. Hamilton Sound has that magic, and with this show, they’re sharing it far and wide, giving audiences a chance to experience the stories, history, and heart of mining communities across the province and beyond.

The show isn’t just about songs, it’s about people. Each tune tells a story of miners who worked hard underground and the communities that rallied above. From rousing traditional Newfoundland songs to original compositions written to honor the miners’ lives, the music captures both struggle and celebration. Interwoven with poetry, historical anecdotes, and personal reflections from Linda herself, the performance feels like a stroll down memory lane, only with better music, richer harmonies, and far fewer dust clouds than the mines ever had. Many of these songs are also recorded by Hamilton Sound, letting the miners’ stories travel even further than the stage, giving listeners a chance to carry a piece of Newfoundland’s heritage home with them.

A striking visual element of the show is the performers’ iconic red shoes set against black attire, a symbolic nod to the miners themselves. The red represents the blood that runs through our veins, the life, energy, and passion of the communities above ground, while the black reflects the deep, dark recesses of the mines, the grit, and the unseen struggles of those who worked below. Together, these colours create a vivid image that resonates long after the performance ends, leaving audiences with both a sense of connection and a quiet reflection on the courage and sacrifices of those who toiled beneath the earth.

Recently, the group brought Underground Echoes across the country, performing at the Britannia Mine Museum in British Columbia as part of their 50^th Anniversary Celebrations. It was a coast-to-coast celebration of mining heritage, connecting audiences thousands of kilometres from Newfoundland to the stories that built our communities. In Newfoundland and Labrador shows, the group was joined by the province’s own cultural icon Bud Davidge, adding extra local flavour and energy to the performances. In all locations, Hamilton Sound filled the room with music that made people laugh, clap, and sometimes hum along under their breath. One audience member commented afterwards, “It felt like my grandfather’s stories were alive again, I laughed, I cried, and I sang along with the music that resonated with me. I’ll never forget it.”

For Linda Hickey, the show is deeply personal. “These songs carry the voices of people whose courage and determination built our communities. If we can get a few laughs, a few taps of the foot, and maybe a tear or two, then we’re doing it right,” she says with a wink. Her father’s experience as a miner in Big Land, Labrador, gives her an intimate understanding of the miners’ struggles and triumphs, which she channels into every performance. It’s this connection that allows Hamilton Sound to bring authenticity and emotional resonance to every note.

Audiences leave the theatre moved, inspired, and often singing along, reminded that the stories of miners aren’t just history, they’re part of who we are. Whether in Newfoundland, British Columbia, or anywhere in between, Underground Echoes connects generations through music, laughter, and a profound sense of community. It’s not just a show; it’s a living tribute to the people who built our towns, our traditions, and our collective memory.

Hamilton Sound’s dedication ensures that “Underground Echoes – A Tribute to Miners” resonates long after the final note fades. It’s music, history, and heart, woven together with just enough charm to make you feel like you’re sitting in the kitchen of a Newfoundland home, listening to stories told with love, laughter, and a tune or two on the accordion. Every performance, every note, and every red shoe on stage is a reminder that the past is never truly gone, it echoes in the music, in the memories, and in the communities that continue to honour it.

With its combination of storytelling, song, and symbolism, Underground Echoes is more than a tribute; it is a bridge between generations, a celebration of heritage, and a joyful, heartfelt reminder of the resilience, courage, and enduring spirit of Newfoundland and Labrador miners.

Linda Hickey

Artistic Director

Hamilton Sound