NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE CELEBRATES CANADA'S COUNTRY MUSIC HISTORY DURING STAMPEDE 2022

STUDIO BELL OPEN ALL 10 DAYS OF THE STAMPEDE WITH PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN ADMISSION

(Calgary, AB — July 4, 2022) The National Music Centre (NMC) is inviting music fans to explore Canada’s country music history during the 2022 Calgary Stampede, from July 7-17. NMC will be offering extended hours at Studio Bell and pay-what-you-can admission for all 10 days of the Stampede to allow music fans more time to visit the museum.

As the official home of the Canadian Country Hall of Fame (CCMHF) and just a short walk from Stampede Park, Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, is a must-visit stop. The CCMHF consists of more than 1,270 artifacts, including instruments and memorabilia (textiles, awards, photographs), and represents over 150 different artists. Two inductees are celebrated annually – a performing artist and an industry builder. The latest artist and builder inductees are Patricia Conroy and Randy Stark.

The collection includes items from Anne Murray (blouse from Grammy performance), k.d. lang (1984 “A Truly Western Experience stage outfit"), Hank Snow ("Nudie suit"), Stompin’ Tom Connors (signed stomping board), Paul Brandt (guitar), Dick Damron (banjo), Colleen Peterson (acoustic guitar), Gordie Tapp ("Hee Haw overalls"), Michael T. Wall (1975 stage outfit), and Patricia Conroy (stage outfit) among others. The collection is currently incorporated into the Homegrown Country exhibition. Showcasing some of Canada’s top country talents and the pioneers who paved the way for today’s rising stars, Homegrown Country originally launched in 2019, though new items were updated this year.

Visitors can step inside an immersive “barn dance” experience featuring a full-sized barn and video performances from Calgary musicians The Polyjesters and Terra Hazelton.

Items from other country stars are also woven throughout the building, including dazzling stage wear from The Mercey Brothers, Carrol Baker, and Shania Twain, along with Wilf Carter’s cowboy boots and saddle.

“National Music Centre is proud to celebrate the legacies of Canada’s country music icons, who have made a big impact at home and abroad, from Shania Twain to k.d. lang, and the list goes on,” said Andrew Mosker, President and CEO, NMC. “If you’re in town for the Stampede or need a break from the midway, come and explore the collection. We’re excited to welcome music fans from all over the world this summer and when Country Music Week returns to Calgary, from September 8-11.”

Additional activations at Studio Bell include daily afternoon performances from singer-songwriter Joal Kamps (July 8), singer-songwriter Melody Stang (July 9), bluesy rock 'n' roll troubadour Matt Blais (July 10), roots songsmith Justine Giles (July 11), folk-rocker AJ Baragar (July 12), soulful pop artist Kayla Williams (July 13), roots duo Flint & Feather (July 15), pop-country musician Liz Christensen (July 16), classic country/R&B singer Alex Hughes (July 17), and more to be announced.

Cap off your visit to Studio Bell with a stop at the reigning CCMA-winning Country Club of the Year, the King Eddy, for no cover daytime sets or a ticketed evening show. Plus, show your Studio Bell ticket stub to receive 10% off your bill. See more info on concert listings at kingeddy.ca/whats-on.

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 and 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
National Music Centre
T. 403.543.5123 | C. 403.710.4758
julijana.capone@nmc.ca | @nmc_canada