For the first time ever, the YYC Songwriter Showdown will take place at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, in partnership with the 2026 Grey Cup Festival!
Round Two of YYC Songwriter Showdown II — the Horizon Heating Sweet 16 — marks a milestone moment for the series. After building its foundation at Gravity Café, this is the first Showdown event held outside that venue, expanding the platform, and elevating Calgary’s songwriting community into one of the city’s most iconic cultural spaces.
In partnership with the Cenovus Energy 2026 Grey Cup Festival, this round invites 16 local songwriters to debut original music inspired by this major national celebration coming to Calgary in 2026. As the host city of the 113th Grey Cup, Calgary will welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors for a week-long festival rooted in connection, belonging, and legacy — and local artists are helping shape the soundtrack.
The Horizon Heating Sweet 16 features two afternoons of powerful live performances, storytelling, and competition as artists perform new original works before a live audience and industry judges.
Meet the Horizon Heating Sweet 16:
March 14:
Lewis Cardinal
Lyndsay Butler
Veronica Raine
Ross Fizzard
Erika Mae
Brett Cassidy
Daisy Blue Groff
Jolene Marie
March 28:
Miarlequin
Devin Foster
Jessie Bird
Miles Canyon
Brayden Lowe
Joshua Beebe
Nolan Compton
Meera Sylvain
Seating is limited. Advance RSVP is mandatory. No walk-ups will be permitted.
Join us for a historic first as the YYC Songwriter Showdown enters a new chapter — bringing Calgary’s artists into the heart of a national moment.