NMC Presents: Eddy Fest

In honour of the King Eddy’s 120th anniversary, the National Music Centre presents Eddy Fest, a three-day music festival from August 14–16 celebrating every chapter of the venue’s history. Eddy Fest showcases an eclectic mix of performances that represent the venue’s past and present — from blues and rock to country and singer-songwriters.

The King Eddy has lived many lives over its 120-year existence. Built between 1905 and 1907 as the King Edward Hotel on 9 Avenue SE (then known as “Whiskey Row”), it provided a home away from home for settlers, railway workers, travellers, and people from all walks of life. Decades later, it became an important part of the city’s music scene during its heyday as “Calgary’s Home of the Blues” from the early 1980s until it closed in 2004.

When the reimagined King Eddy reopened in 2018, it did so with a mandate to continue offering a welcoming space for legendary live music — “all music for all people.” Now, the Eddy celebrates its 120th anniversary alongside the 10th birthday of NMC’s home, Studio Bell, remaining an important piece of Calgary’s music story and one of the oldest music venues in Canada that is still in operation today.

Eddy Fest Lineup Friday Night (August 14) 7:30 pm – Duke Domino 8:30 pm – Ollee Owens Band 9:30 pm – Brother Bicker Band

Saturday Brunch (August 15) 11:30 am – Jessie Bird 12:30 pm – Ross Fizzard

Saturday Afternoon (August 15) 1:30 pm – Ashley Ghostkeeper 2:30 pm – Take the Sonset 3:30 pm – Leo Martinez 4:30 pm – John Rutherford

Saturday Evening (August 15) 7:30 pm – Sonia Deleo & The New Dads 8:30 pm – Deicha & The VuDudes 9:30 pm – Jade Elephant

Sunday Brunch (August 16) 11:30 am – Lewis Cardinal 12:30 pm – Toni Vere

Sunday Afternoon (August 16) 1:30 pm – Black Crow Funk 2:30 pm – Marcus Trummer