(June 4, 2026 – Calgary, AB) Studio Bell is officially turning 10 on Canada Day, July 1, 2026. To celebrate, National Music Centre (NMC) is throwing a building-wide birthday bash – and everyone is invited to the party. Admission is free, thanks to the generous support of ATB Financial.
The milestone event will feature A Sharon, Lois & Bram Singalong with Sharon & Randi. The mother-daughter duo of Sharon and Randi will perform beloved songs from the Sharon, Lois & Bram catalogue that has entertained families for nearly five decades. Also performing are genre-bending alternative act Kue Varo & The Only Hopes, and seniors’ band The Rhythm Kats, covering popular hits across decades, making it a truly multigenerational celebration.
The day will also showcase treasures from the NMC Collection, including demonstrations on the majestic Kimball Theatre Organ that continues to be a favourite with visitors. Beatmap Music will lead a drum-along with an array of percussive objects, and the Music Odyssey Goosechase will encourage families to explore the museum while completing creative challenges. Additionally, music fans can explore new exhibits dedicated to Canadian Music Hall of Famers Nelly Furtado, Sum 41, and Oscar Peterson, and the updated Speak Up! exhibit, honouring a new group of Indigenous trailblazers, including Tudjaat, Crystal Shawanda, Andrea Menard, Jerry Alfred, and the Stoney Park Singers.
Over at the King Eddy, which celebrates over 120 years of history in 2026, families can enjoy free all-ages performances on the main floor and rooftop as part of the anniversary festivities. On the rooftop from 11:30 am to 7:00 pm, guests can enjoy sets by Franco-Albertan country act Meera Sylvain, folk singer-songwriter Toni Vere, country artist Miles Canyon, and singer-songwriter Matt Beatty. Meanwhile, the King Eddy’s main floor will be open from 11:00 am until close with live music starting at 4:00 pm. Country-rocker Ty Baynton, Cree-Métis outlaw country artist Jacquie Daniels, and acoustic roots duo The Charms will keep the party going on the main floor into the evening.
“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 Andrew Mosker, President and CEO, National Music Centre. “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.”
NMC is showing its appreciation for 10 years of community support by offering 50% off NMC Memberships for one day only on July 1. Memberships can be purchased in person at Studio Bell or online at studiobell.ca/become-a-member. Visit studiobell.ca/whats-on for the full schedule and updates as July 1 approaches.
Thanks to ATB, the Government of Canada, the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN), and Neil Zee Photo Corp. for making this event possible.
Canada Day in East Village
Enjoy family-friendly activities throughout East Village. Shop at the East Village Neighbourhood Association Street Fair, along 8 Avenue SE between 4 Street and 6 Street, and relax in the beer garden. Explore the Central Library. Stop by The Confluence, who will be hosting Indigenous-focused programming including traditional drumming, dancing, and cultural celebration. Visit the East Village Booth along RiverWalk to learn about the community, and check out Alex Kwong’s mural series along the bridge abutments.
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
Founded over 120 years ago, the King Eddy is an important piece of Calgary’s music story and remains one of the oldest music venues in Canada that is still in operation today. As a cornerstone of the National Music Centre (NMC), the rich civic and musical history of the King Eddy is the primary reason that NMC chose to construct its new building at this location. The King Edward Hotel was one of the first hotels built in Calgary along 9 Avenue between 1905-1907. Over the years, it’s been a home and destination for travellers, settlers, musicians, music fans, and citizens from all walks of life. From the early 1980s until it closed in 2003, the “Eddy” had a respected local, national, and international reputation for legendary live music and was affectionately known as “Calgary’s Home of the Blues.” Restored brick by brick to its original glory by the National Music Centre, the reimagined King Eddy reopened in 2018, marking a new chapter in its storied legacy. It has received numerous national music industry awards and nominations in that time, and has been repeatedly recognized as one of Calgary’s best live music venues. For more information, please visit kingeddy.ca.
About National Music Centre | Centre National de Musique
National Music Centre (NMC) is a registered charity dedicated to amplifying the love, sharing, and understanding of music in Canada. More than a museum, NMC focuses on five key areas: Exhibitions and Collections, Artist and Professional Development, Performance and Recording, Education and Learning, and Music and Wellness. From its headquarters at Studio Bell in the heart of Calgary’s East Village neighbourhood and satellite location in Montreal, NMC celebrates Canada’s rich musical legacy, honouring legendary artists, nurturing new voices, and bringing people together through music. NMC also houses a vast collection of rare instruments, artifacts and memorabilia, world-class recording studios, and four of Canada’s 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. National Music Centre marks its 10th anniversary as Canada’s home for music in 2026, with a year-long lineup of exhibits, events, and programs planned. Visit studiobell.ca/10 to explore the full list of anniversary activities happening now through summer 2027. To check out the NMC experience online, visit amplify.nmc.ca.
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Media Contact:
Julijana Capone, Senior Manager, PR and Marketing
julijana.capone@nmc.ca | @nmc_canada
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