(Calgary, AB — June 4, 2024) The National Music Centre (NMC) is excited to announce that it will be offering free admission to Studio Bell on Canada Day, July 1, thanks to the generous support of ATB Financial. July 1 also marks the 8th anniversary since Studio Bell’s opening in 2016, and NMC has once again planned a building-wide bash at Studio Bell and the King Eddy to celebrate the milestone.
From 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, visitors of all ages can enjoy a day filled with new exhibitions to explore, live performances, and hands-on activities. Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, is a cultural landmark dedicated to celebrating and preserving Canada’s music story. NMC’s unique collection, interactive installations, and stunning architecture make it a must-visit destination for music lovers and culture and history enthusiasts alike.
Of the recently unveiled exhibitions, highlights include Milestone: Maestro Fresh Wes, dedicated to the “Godfather of Canadian hip-hop,” the Speak Up! exhibition that honours Indigenous trailblazers, and all four of the Canadian music hall of fame galleries have been updated with new content and storytelling about some of Canada’s most beloved musicians.
“We are thrilled to open our doors to the public for free on Canada Day, thanks to ATB Financial’s incredible support,” said Andrew Mosker, President and CEO of the National Music Centre. “This is a wonderful opportunity for Canadian and international visitors to experience the joy and inspiration that music brings, and to celebrate our 8th year anniversary in a meaningful way.”
Canada Day activities include:
Before ending the day, visitors are encouraged to stop by the historic King Eddy, located just steps away. As part of NMC’s Canada Day celebrations and the 8th anniversary of Studio Bell’s opening, the King Eddy will host free family-friendly live performances on the main floor and rooftop. This iconic venue, known for its rich musical history and vibrant atmosphere, is the perfect way to cap off Canada Day. Music fans can soak up the sun and some sweet sounds from country singer-songwriter Steve Jevne, and country artist Brettyn Rose on the rooftop, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Or head downstairs to the main floor for performances by folk-rockers The Frontiers, alt-country group The Goddamsels, and more artists to be announced, from 11:00 am ‘til close.
Check studiobell.ca/whats-on closer to July 1 for the entire day’s schedule at Studio Bell and the King Eddy. NMC supporters can also take advantage of a special Canada Day promotion. NMC Memberships will be available for 50% off for one day only on July 1. Memberships can be purchased online at studiobell.ca/become-a-member and in-person at Studio Bell.
Canada Day in East Village
Enjoy family-friendly activities throughout East Village. Shop at the East Village Neighbourhood Association Street Fair, located along 8 Avenue SE, between 4 Street and 6 Street. Explore the Central Library. Visit East Village Headquarters along RiverWalk to learn about the community. Discover St. Patrick’s Island, filled with live music and festivities. And much more!
There is a lot to do on Canada Day in East Village, so please allow enough time for transportation. We encourage you to walk, bike or take public transit to Studio Bell on Canada Day.
For a full listing of Canada Day events in Calgary, please visit: calgary.ca/canadaday.
About the King Eddy
We’re celebrating six years since reopening, but the King Eddy goes back 118 years! Established in 1905, the King Edward Hotel was Calgary’s second oldest hotel and the longest operating bar and hotel when it closed in 2004. After over a decade of silence, the revitalized King Eddy re-opened as a live music venue, restaurant, and bar in 2018 as part of the National Music Centre development. Today, the Eddy continues as a cornerstone of music, community, and culture, building on its storied musical legacy.
About National Music Centre | Centre National de Musique
The National Music Centre (NMC) has a mission to amplify the love, sharing, and understanding of music. It is preserving and celebrating Canada’s music story inside its home at Studio Bell in the heart of the East Village in Mohkinstsis (Calgary) on Treaty 7 territory. NMC is the home to four Canadian music halls of fame, including the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Quebec’s ADISQ Hall of Fame. Featuring musical instruments, artifacts, recording equipment, and memorabilia, the NMC Collection spans over 450 years of music history and innovation. A registered charity with programs that include exhibitions, artist development, performance, and education, NMC is inspiring a new generation of music lovers. For more information about NMC’s onsite activities, please visit studiobell.ca. To check out the NMC experience online, including video-on-demand performances, made-in-Canada stories, and highly entertaining educational content, visit amplify.nmc.ca.
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Media Contact:
Julijana Capone, Senior Publicist
T 403.543.5123
julijana.capone@nmc.ca | @nmc_canada