National Music Centre celebrates 10th birthday with free Canada Day party

The National Music Centre, within Studio Bell, in Calgary's East VIllage

Calgary’s National Music Centre (NMC) is celebrating its 10th birthday by throwing a building-wide Canada Day party featuring live music for every age group.

That includes free admission to the NMC, access to its exhibitions showcasing the careers of Nelly Furtado, Sum 41 and Oscar Peterson, and a drum-along featuring a variety of percussive instruments,

There will be a Sharon, Lois and Bram singalong with Sharon and Brandi, the mom and daughter duo who will perform songs from the Sharon, Lois and Bram songbook.

Alt rockers Kue Varo and the Only Hopes will perform as well as seniors band The Rhythm Kats, who perform songs from across the decades.

The Speak Up! exhibit showcases Indigenous trailblazers such as Tudjaat, Crystal Shawanda, Andrea Menard, Jerry Alfred and the Stoney Park Singers.

King Eddy

The King Eddy next door will also feature free all-ages performers such as Meera Sylvain, Toni Vere, Miles Canyon and Matt Beaty.

The main floor of the King Eddy will feature live acts starting at 11 a.m. including Ty Baynton, Jacquie Daniels and The Charms.

Annual NMC memberships will also be available for 50 per cent off on Canada Day.

The birthday celebration at NMC will be part of a larger all-ages Canada Day celebration throughout Calgary’s East Village, including a street fair, beer garden and a variety of Indigenous-themed programming taking place at The Confluence, including traditional drumming, dancing and cultural events.

“Ten years ago, National Music Centre opened the doors of Studio Bell with a bold vision: to unite Canadians through the power of music,” said NMC president and CEO Andrew Mosker in a media release.

“Since then, more than a million visitors have walked through our doors to discover Canada’s music story, experience unforgettable performances and celebrate the artists who help shape our culture.

“As we mark this milestone, we’re grateful to the supporters, artists, staff, volunteers and visitors who have helped make Studio Bell a source of Canadian pride over the past decade.

“This Canada Day, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating the music, culture and spirit that bring us together as Canadians – and to help us kick off the next chapter of Studio Bell’s story.”

For more information, go here.