Last week’s Mid-Autumn Concert was one for the books. Every autumn, as the full moon rises, millions of people around the world celebrate #MidAutumnFestival, a time for family and togetherness, and one of the most cherished traditions in Chinese culture. National Music Centre’s Mid-Autumn Concert, presented with the Alberta Chinese Artists Association, brought that spirit to life with an evening oflive music and cultural connection. Swipe through for a look back at the celebration. 📸: Sebastian Buzzalino

JUNO Award-winning artist Fawn Wood shares the story behind her custom-made ribbon skirt, which is currently on display in NMC’s award-winning Speak Up exhibit. Visit #StudioBell, home of the #NationalMusicCentre, on Sept. 30 to explore the Speak Up! exhibit supported by @TD_Canada, and discover more stories from Indigenous music-makers and trailblazers. Admission is free all day on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Today marks what would have been Canadian singer-songwriter Ian Tyson's birthday. 🎂 An inductee of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame (@CCMAofficial), and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (@CSHFmusic), celebrate the country-folk cowboy’s legacy by looking back at this 2019 interview where he shares how his years living the rodeo life inspired many of his most beloved songs.

Curious about music technology? #StudioBell has your curiosity covered this weekend, whether you want to build something new or slow down and listen. Visitors can explore: 🎛️ Saturday 11:30 am – PlayLab: Circuit Jam – Kids ages 9-12 can build simple circuits and experiment with synthesizers in this free, hands-on drop-in program. 🎛️ Sunday 11:00 am – Synth Soundbath: Waldorf Wave – This month's ticketed session spotlights the Waldorf Wave, a rare flagship wavetable synthesizer associated with artists like Hans Zimmer. Bring a yoga mat or blanket and settle in for an immersive listening experience. Please note: Synth Soundbath requires a separate ticket. Circuit Jam is free! 🔗 Head to studiobell.ca/whats-on to plan your visit.

Next week, Calgary will become the global capital for music policy and urban development when the Alberta Music Cities Convention 2026 lands in the city. If you need more reasons to attend, @WestAnthemAB has broken down why the three-day convention, running from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, is a can’t-miss event. Read the full article: bit.ly/3TiDQhh The convention is already 90% sold-out, so get your tickets while you still can: bit.ly/4xFi1XM

Congratulations to Cameron Nickerson, winner of the Diamonds in the Rough contest, presented by Craig Senyk Initiatives! 🏆 Held during CCMA Week in Saskatoon, the Diamonds in the Rough stage showcased some of Canada’s standout independent country talent. His prize includes a two-day National Music Centre (NMC) mini residency, with access to NMC’s world-class recording studios and collection. He’ll be joining us in Calgary soon to make studio magic happen. 🌟

Acclaimed Indigenous hip-hop artist @drezus shares the story and significance behind the jacket he wore while accepting an #MTV Music Video Award in 2017, now on display in NMC’s award-winning Speak Up! exhibit. Visit #StudioBell, home of the #NationalMusicCentre, on Sept. 30 to explore the Speak Up! exhibit supported by TD, and discover more stories from Indigenous music-makers and trailblazers. Admission is free all day on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Head to studiobell.ca to plan your visit.

#SixStringNation Guitar, an evening of songs and stories inspired by an instrument built from 64 pieces of Canadian history and heritage, comes to #StudioBell on Nov. 6. 🎸 Nicknamed Voyageur, the Six String Nation Guitar brings together materials representing cultures, communities, and stories from every province and territory. @jjshiplett, John Wort Hannam Music, @EmilyTriggs, and Jaiden Riley will take the stage to celebrate this living artifact and the stories it carries. 🔗 Get tickets: bit.ly/4hnBMfM

Just a few days until we gather under the harvest moon! 🌖 Celebrate #MidAutumnFestival with us this week through an evening concert and a Cantonese-language workshop on performing with a band. Here’s what’s coming up: ️🌕 Friday at 7:30 pm – Under the Harvest Moon: A Mid-Autumn Concert, presented by the Alberta Chinese Artists Association and the National Music Centre – Catch Rainbow Chinese Assembly performing timeless traditional instrumental music, The GCB Band blending Eastern melodies with Western rock and pop, and acclaimed vocalist Mimi Bao performing beloved Mandarin classics and contemporary favourites. 🌕 Saturday at 11:00 am – Sing with the Live Band Workshop – Candycmusic will present a special live-band vocal workshop in Cantonese, where attendees will get tips on how to command a stage, and have the chance show off their performance skills. 🔗 Get tickets and learn more: bit.ly/46Eu4Jq

Congratulations Thelma & James for winning Alternative Country Album of the Year at the 2026 Canadian Country Music Awards (@CCMAofficial)! 🎉 As part of the award, presented by the National Music Centre, the duo will get five days to record in NMC’s world-class recording studios and access to our living collection of musical instruments. With their momentum rapidly building, we’re excited to host them and see what comes next.

This Wednesday, we’re hosting a "come-as-you-are" Latin dance workshop as part of Forever Young: Seniors' Wednesdays. Instructors David and Olya Joseph from @DandoDance will guide participants of all ages and skill levels through a variety of Latin dance styles, no equipment, experience, or partner required, just bring yourself and a desire to move. Admission is free for seniors 65+ and included with general admission for everyone else. Head to studiobell.ca/seniors to learn more.

The next wave of Indigenous talent was on full display at last week’s 2026 OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator Showcase and Reception. Seven artists from across Canada took part in the incubator supported by @TD_Canada, culminating in a genre-spanning showcase. Take a look at some highlights from the show. 📸: Unfolding Creative Photography

📣 Friendly reminder that Studio Bell is closed today for a private event. Regular hours resume tomorrow, Sept. 20, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with five floors of Canada’s music stories for you to explore. See you on Sunday!

Does the backdrop in #EdenTaylor’s new video look familiar? 👀 It should! The Calgary singer-songwriter's new video for her song, “That’s What I Do,” was filmed entirely inside #StudioBell, home of the National Music Centre. We may be biased, but we think our building makes a pretty great co-star. ✨ piped.video/watch?v=5C0c0lPB…

In our latest NMC Amplify feature, 2025 @CCMAofficial Hall of Fame inductee @lisabrokop looks back on her very first CCMA Awards – a memory that came full circle when she joined one of her heroes in the Hall of Fame. Read the full story. amplify.nmc.ca/how-lisa-brok…

This month, 35 years ago, @TomCochraneMUS released “Life is a Highway,” one of Canada’s biggest, most enduring hit songs. As Cochrane told NMC during a 2016 interview, the song emerged from a heavy place – a pep talk to himself and others after witnessing poverty, famine, and violence during a relief trip to war-torn Mozambique. Yet it became the happiest song he’s ever written.

Thirty years after its release, @TheMarshallMix's self-titled debut, remains one of only 18 Canadian albums to ever go Diamond. She reflects on the circumstances behind a record that continues to connect with fans. Read the full story: bit.ly/3TDJhaB