National Music Centre marks 10 years with star‑studded kickoff, year‑long celebration
Posted Apr 10, 2026 5:53 pm.
The National Music Centre has officially launched its 10th‑anniversary celebrations.
The venue in downtown Calgary kicked off a full year of events on Thursday with a special performance featuring acclaimed Canadian singer‑songwriter Ron Sexsmith, folk artist Andrina Turenne, and drum group Eya‑Hey Nakoda.
Looking back on the Centre’s first decade, president and CEO Andrew Mosker says one achievement stands above the rest is saving the historic King Eddy.
“The landmark Calgary home of the blues, it was built about 120 years ago, and for many years it was a place to hear great music,” he says. “A lot of Calgarians remember that experience of seeing a great artist.”
He says he’s proud the organization was able to rebuild the venue and transform it into a thriving live‑music space that has hosted thousands of artists across every genre.
Mosker also highlights the creation of Canada’s first national music museum and the unification of all four Canadian Music Hall of Fame institutions under one roof.
“All of that heritage and all of those celebrations are here and they impact so many people,” he said.
More than one million visitors have come through the Centre over the past decade to experience exhibitions, performances, education programs, artist development, and music‑and‑wellness initiatives.
The anniversary year will feature several major exhibitions and events, including:
- Joni’s Jazz, a new exhibition dedicated to legendary Canadian songwriter Joni Mitchell
- A feature exhibit on 2026 Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee Nelly Furtado
- A Sharon, Lois & Bram singalong with Sharon & Randi
More information can be found on the Studio Bell website.
