If you thought you heard The Tragically Hip playing in Hamilton on Saturday night, your ears weren't playing tricks on you.

The Hip took to the stage for a private backyard party on Auchmar Road on the west Mountain, near Garth Street by the escarpment. Social media posts called the party "Silvana's birthday."

Two neighbours said the home where the bash took place was that of Silvana DiCenzo, who is part of the family that operates DiCenzo Homes. A man tidying up the driveway of the home Sunday said he did not live there, but he confirmed the concert was The Tragically Hip. He said those at the home declined comment.

The music started around 9 p.m., with the band playing for just under two hours.

The concert could be heard over the edge of the Niagara Escarpment, giving a treat to Hip fans in the lower city as well as those in the neighbourhood.

Dave Reed lives less than a kilometre away, below the Mountain near Beulah Park, and said he enjoyed the music with his wife.

"We heard a party from the Mountain, and the band started into a Tragically Hip song. We figured it must have been a cover band, but they were doing an amazing job."

After seeing reaction from others online and hearing that the band was apparently checked into the Sheraton Hotel earlier that day Reed sat on his front porch to take it all in.

"My wife and I chilled out with our drinks, enjoying the live show. What a treat!"

Partygoers took to social media to share photos and videos of the concert. Videos showed the set list included "My Music at Work" and "New Orleans is Sinking."