Canada’s Music Incubator (CMI) and the National Music Centre (NMC) present the 2026 AE West Artist Extravaganza Showcase, a free live concert at the King Eddy on December 2.
The evening will feature all 12 participating artists, each performing two songs. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis, so guests are encouraged to arrive early.
The 12 artists include rapper Alick Mac from Comox Valley, BC; Calgary country singer-songwriter Anna Lewis; electronic folk outfit Education Party; Calgary folk artist Erika Mae; Anishinaabe and settler folk-soul musician Ila Barker from Winnipeg; Medicine Hat, AB indie-rocker Jessikah Babe; folk artist Kearstin Pfeifer, originally from Weyburn, SK and now based in Calgary; Edmonton country artist Keira Myer; singer-songwriter Leanne Lightfoot, hailing from Alberta’s Foothills; whimsical pop artist Miarlequin; queer Filipinx singer-songwriter Sallie Mae, who blends pop, R&B, and Original Pinoy Music (OPM); and folk and garage-punk act Spencer Jo.
About AE West
AE West (Artist Entrepreneur West) AE West launched in 2017 as an extension of the acclaimed Artist Entrepreneur program developed by Canada’s Music Incubator in Toronto. This professional development initiative has an entrepreneurial focus and empowers artists of all genres from across Western and Northern Canada to build sustainable careers, strengthen their craft, expand their networks, and foster meaningful community connections.
AE West equips emerging artists with foundational tools and industry insight to help them build long-term, sustainable careers as creative entrepreneurs. Through customized mentorship, collaborative sessions, business and creative skills development workshops, and direct access to industry experts, artists are equipped to confidently navigate today’s evolving music landscape. The 10th anniversary edition of AE West will run from November 2 to December 4, 2026, at Studio Bell in Calgary.
About Canada’s Music Incubator
Based in Toronto, Canada’s Music Incubator (CMI) is anchored in professional development and amplified by expertly curated events to build sustainable careers and strengthen Canada’s music ecosystem. Since 2012, CMI has empowered 2,300+ emerging music entrepreneurs through 15,000+ hours of mentorship and curated 3,000+ live performances, paying artists more than $3 million+. Learn more at canadasmusicincubator.com.
About National Music Centre
National Music Centre (NMC) is a registered charity dedicated to amplifying the love, sharing, and understanding of music in Canada. More than a museum, NMC focuses on five key areas: Exhibitions and Collections, Artist and Professional Development, Performance and Recording, Education and Learning, and Music and Wellness. From its headquarters at Studio Bell in the heart of Calgary’s East Village neighbourhood and satellite location in Montreal, NMC celebrates Canada’s rich musical legacy, honouring legendary artists, nurturing new voices, and bringing people together through music. NMC also houses a vast collection of rare instruments, artifacts and memorabilia, world-class recording studios, and four of Canada’s 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. National Music Centre marks its 10th anniversary as Canada’s home for music in 2026, with a year-long lineup of exhibits, events, and programs planned. Visit studiobell.ca/10 to learn more.