2023 Canada Day at Studio Bell

On July 1, celebrate Canada Day and the 7th anniversary of Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (NMC). Visitors can explore Canada’s musical mosaic through new exhibitions, catch some live music performances by Canadian artists, and enjoy hands-on activities for the whole family across multiple floors. Admission is free courtesy of connectFirst Credit Union.

Visitors are also encouraged to hop across the street to the King Eddy during their visit, where National Music Centre will be programming the rooftop and mainstage with family-friendly live music from 1:00 pm 'til close.

To thank supporters, NMC will be offering 50% off all NMC Memberships for one-day only on July 1. Memberships will be available for purchase onsite and online at studiobell.ca/become-a-member.

CANADA DAY AT STUDIO BELL SCHEDULE

About the Mbira Renaissance Band

Playing music out of Zimbabwe, by way of Edmonton, Alberta, the Mbira Renaissance Band delivers an afro-fusion sound like no other. The group fuses the mbira, hosho (traditional shakers) and other traditional instruments with contemporary sounds to produce a rich blend of vibrant polyrhythmic sounds. The result is an upbeat blend of the contemporary mbira sound with hints of reggae, afro jazz, and afro pop – inspired by the sounds of artists such as Oliver Mtukudzi, Thomas Mapfumo and Chiwoniso Maraire. Twice nominated for the Edmonton Music Awards in the World Music Category, The Mbira Renaissance Band has been a feature in Western Canada for the better part of the decade. The group has played at events such as the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival, the Calgary Stampede, Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Fest, the Kaleido Fest and the Summer Kicks series by Kicking Horse Culture – bringing audiences large and small to their feet with its upbeat performance. In 2018, the group released its second EP, Famba, which is available on all streaming platforms. Band members include Chaka Zinyemba (mbira,vocals); James Stuart (bass); Chi Zinyemba (vocals; hosho); Geo Koufogiannakis (Guitar); Munya Vialy (Keyboard); Dwayne Hrynkiw (Drums).

About Stardale Women’s Group

For over 26 years, Stardale Women’s Group has empowered the lives of Indigenous girls, strengthened their families, and inspired communities to engage in the core values of reconciliation. We offer programs and services to Indigenous young women and girls in overcoming systemic barriers. Our mission is to help Indigenous young women and girls overcome systemic barriers by providing life skills, foundational learning and literacy, and advocacy for themselves, their families and their communities. We strive to provide a space where they feel comfortable to express their feelings, past experiences, traumas and hurts. We offer a friendly and caring environment that respects their individuality and freedom of thought. Your support is vital as we continue to educate and empower the girls, their families and their communities.

About Iryna Kalinovich

Iryna Kalinovich (Melnyk) was born in Lviv, Ukraine and has an extensive musical background in both voice and instrumentation. Iryna graduated in 1994 from Lviv's State Music College (S. Lyudkevych) specializing in bandura and completed her formal music education in 1999 at Lviv's National Music Academy (M. Lysenko). From 1996-2012, Iryna led the Soli Deo choir of Lviv as Musical Director. From 1999-2012, Iryna also taught bandura lessons (individual and ensemble) through Lviv's S. Krushelnystka Music School and, from 2000-2012, Iryna chaired the organizing committee of the "Velyka Kolyada" Christmas Festival in Lviv. In the fall of 2012, Iryna moved to Canada and is now conducting the Ukrainian church choir Surma, the Ukrainian folk choir Korinnya as well as the bandura ensemble, Calgary Bandurysty. She currently resides near Calgary where she continues to sing, play and perform bandura.

NMC PRESENTS CANADA DAY AT THE KING EDDY SCHEDULE