National Music Centre | Centre National de Musique

06/18/2026

Fifty years ago, Joni Mitchell embarked on a quest to escape the white noise —and came back from that spiritual journey with one of music's greatest sonic adventures. Across Hejira's nine songs, Mitchell spins the tale of a wanderer, racing down freeways in a white Mercedes, checking into motels under a fake name and sporting a red wig to disappear into the anonymity of the open road.

The result: a 52-minute travelogue that Grammy winner Allison Russell calls "the soundtrack of my whole life."

50 years later, it still sounds like the open road.

Read the full article on NMC Amplify: bit.ly/4xznFv4

✍️: David McPherson

A travelogue in song 52 minutes long. Melodically cinematic; lyrically introspective. Joni Mitchell’s Hejira offers artist and audience escape. These nine songs document a seminal period of Mitchell’s life, circa the mid-1970s — a time marked by a physical, emotional, and spiritual journey; a ...

06/17/2026

The refreshed Speak Up! exhibit launched today in honour of National Indigenous History Month. It features five new trailblazing Indigenous artists who have used their voices to preserve culture, share their stories, and inspire the next generation.

This year's featured artists include:
🧡 Tudjaat, influential Nunavut throat-singing duo
🧡 Crystal Shawanda, blues and country powerhouse vocalist from Wiikwemkoong First Nation
🧡 Andrea Menard, acclaimed Métis singer-songwriter, actor, and author
🧡 Jerry Alfred, Northern Tutchone musician and hereditary “Keeper of the Songs”
🧡 Stoney Park Singers, family drum group from Mînî Thnî (Morley), Alberta

🔔 Don't forget, you can explore this exhibit and enjoy live music, including a performance by Tudjaat, for free on June 21 in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Find details about NMC’s NIPD event: https://bit.ly/4vQtnY1

Learn more about other events and activities happening throughout the city during National Indigenous History Month: werklundcentre.ca/national-indigenous-history-month-2026

📸: Unfolding Creative Photography

06/17/2026

Jam Club Gig Day was one for the books! After months of after-school sessions, our teen musicians took to the stage and showed the crowd exactly what they're made of. 🎸✨

Jam Club is a free drop-in program where teens of all skill levels come together to play, create, and connect. From first-time strummers to seasoned shredders, everyone has a place here. Days like this are proof of what's possible when you show up and play.

Scroll through some of our favourite moments from the day. 🎶

📷: Unfolding Creative Photography

06/16/2026

What happens when music technology and wellness collide? Come find out with the next edition of Synth Soundbath on June 28.

This is not your typical soundbath. Part educational experience, part immersive listening session, these monthly events invite participants to engage with sound as both a scientific phenomenon and a deeply personal, sensory experience.

The next installment of the series will focus on the ARP 2600, one of the most influential semi-modular synthesizers ever built. Known for its character and ability to move from tight, punchy leads to unstable, drifting textures that feel almost alive in motion, this instrument is the perfect vessel for a full-body sound experience.

Bring a yoga mat or blanket, get comfortable, and prepare to experience sound in a whole new way. 🧘🏽🎵

Buy tickets: bit.ly/4owOI6h

06/15/2026

In honour of The King Eddy’s 120th anniversary, National Music Centre will present Eddy Fest, a three-day music festival from August 14-16, celebrating every chapter of the venue’s history.

The festival will feature roots-rockers Brother Bicker Band, rock 'n' roll power trio Jade Elephant, funk and soul group Deicha & The VuDudes, singer-songwriter Duke Domino, blues-rock outfit Sonia Deleo & The New Dads, and rising blues-rock star Marcus Trummer, among many others.

🔗 Get Early Bird passes now until June 30. See the full lineup and get your tickets: bit.ly/4uGMhQ6

06/12/2026

Looking for something fun to do with the kids tomorrow? 🥁

Head to PlayLab at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, for Rhythm Playground, a free drop-in program for ages 4-12. Grab a boomwhacker, djembe, or wooden spoon and make some noise!

Drop-in from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm on Level 1. Free admission.

🔗 Visit studiobell.ca/exhibitions/playlab to learn more.

06/12/2026

Your bubbly and refreshing summer sip has arrived. 🥤

Sonic Fizz Sodas are now available at the NMC Café & Gift Shop. Try Red Berry, bursting with raspberry and strawberry flavours, or Sunrise Passion, a tropical blend of passionfruit and raspberry.

Grab one on your next visit. 😎

06/12/2026

Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, on Sunday, June 21. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome! 🧡

See performances by:
🎶 Award-winning throat-singing duo Tudjaat
🎶 Country, folk, and blues project Black Crow Funk
🎶 Techno/electronic artist Sean Beaver, who incorporates pow wow elements into his hybrid sets of live loops and original music

Visitors can also explore a vendor market featuring local Indigenous artisans, and the updated Speak Up! exhibit, highlighting the stories of five newly added Indigenous musicians.

This event is presented as part of NMC's OHSOTO'KINO initiative, dedicated to amplifying Indigenous artists and their contributions to Canadian culture.

Find details about NMC’s NIPD event: bit.ly/4vQtnY1

Learn more about other events and activities happening throughout the city during National Indigenous History Month: bit.ly/3RVTEWe

06/11/2026

"We're all connected through that drum. That's what brought us together." 🥁

Traditional powwow drum group Mountain Kree, from Maskwacis and Mountain Cree Camp in Alberta, recently recorded at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre.

As recipients of the 2026 OHSOTO'KINO Recording Bursary, it was their first time recording professionally, and a powerful step forward in preserving their culture through music.

With support from TD, National Music Centre is creating more opportunities for Indigenous artists through the OHSOTO’KINO initiative, which revolves around the creation of new music in NMC’s recording studios, artist development through a music incubator program, and exhibitions via the annually updated Speak Up! gallery.

Learn more about Mountain Kree’s recording residency: bit.ly/4eCLZET

06/11/2026

Billboard Canada's 2026 Power Players list is out, and NMC's President and CEO Andrew J Mosker is on it for the second time.

His inclusion alongside Canadian leaders from labels, live music, agencies, and publishing – including NMC Board Member Diane Pinet of Bloc Notes Music Publishing – underscores NMC's growing impact as the home for music in Canada. The recognition comes as NMC celebrates its landmark 10th anniversary in 2026, marked by a year of special exhibits, programs, and performances.

Check out the full list: https://bit.ly/4gft0kY

Discover Canada's hottest music, charts, and emerging artists with Billboard Canada. Stay in tune with the pulse of Canadian music scene.