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. That rich civic and musical history is the primary reason that the National Music Centre worked to save the King Eddy and build its new home around the venue. 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 (AUG 14 - 7:30 PM)

Doors open at 7:15 pm.

7:30 pm – Duke Domino
Filipino-Canadian singer-songwriter Duke Domino is known for his energetic stage presence, powerhouse vocals, and performances that keep audiences dancing.

8:30 pm – Ollee Owens Band
Multi-award-winning Ollee Owens delivers unforgettable live performances, blending soulful vocals with songs that move both body and soul.

9:30 pm – Brother Bicker Band
The Brother Bicker Band brings a uniquely Canadian blend of roots rock, capturing the nostalgia and emotion of the songs that stay with you for a lifetime.

—

SATURDAY BRUNCH (AUG 15 - 11:30 AM - FREE)

The Saturday Brunch session is free and open to everyone. Seats are first-come, first-served. Doors open at 11:15 am.

11:30 am – Jessie Bird
Country-folk singer-songwriter Jessie Bird crafts heartfelt, story-driven songs that explore resilience, healing, and hope.

12:30 pm – Ross Fizzard
Raised in Fort McMurray and now based in Calgary, Ross Fizzard blends country, folk, and Rocky Mountain charm with songs full of character and wit.

—

SATURDAY AFTERNOON (AUG 15 - 1:30 PM)

Doors open at 1:15 pm.

1:30 pm – Ashley Ghostkeeper
Métis artist Ashley Ghostkeeper is deeply connected to music and storytelling, embracing songwriting as a means of healing and self-liberation.

2:30 pm – Take the Sonset
Country-rock brother trio Take the Sonset combines blood harmony, musicianship, and a lifetime of growing up backstage into a bold new generation of Canadian country rock.

3:30 pm – Leo Martinez
Known for his high-energy performances, Leo Martinez combines gritty vocals, strong rhythms, and both classic and original songs into an unforgettable live show.

4:30 pm – John Rutherford
John Rutherford honed his craft at the King Eddy in the 1980s, learning from blues masters and emerging as a seminal figure in the Canadian blues scene.

—

SATURDAY EVENING (AUG 15 - 7:30 PM - SOLD OUT)

Doors open at 7:15 pm.

7:30 pm – Sonia Deleo & The New Dads
From upbeat folk-rock to catchy soul-pop, Sonia Deleo & The New Dads deliver energetic performances led by Deleo's dynamic vocals and magnetic stage presence.

8:30 pm – Deicha & The VuDudes
Deicha & The VuDudes are an eight-piece funk and soul band from Calgary, blending soulful melodies, funky backbeats, and gritty roots influences into an irresistible dance-floor experience.

9:30 pm – Jade Elephant
Canadian rock trio Jade Elephant is known for its massive sound, brother-like chemistry, and electrifying live performances.

—

SUNDAY BRUNCH (AUG 16 - 11:30 AM)

Doors open at 11:15 am.

11:30 am – Lewis Cardinal
Multi-award-winning songwriter Lewis Cardinal blends folk, country, and heartfelt storytelling into songs rooted in love, renewal, and resilience.

12:30 pm – Toni Vere
Canadian singer-songwriter Toni Vere creates music shaped by hard-won resilience and the lived experiences behind every song.

—

SUNDAY AFTERNOON (AUG 16 - 1:30 PM)

Doors open at 1:15 pm.

1:30 pm – Black Crow Funk
Black Crow Funk is the project of Oji-Cree Métis singer-songwriter Jody Funk, blending folk and country influences with deeply personal, story-driven songwriting.

2:30 pm – Marcus Trummer
Award-winning Calgary singer-songwriter and guitarist Marcus Trummer blends blues, soul, R&B, and rock into a sound that honours tradition while pushing musical boundaries.

 

Doors open 15 minutes before each session. Seats are first-come, first-served.

Festival Pass holders have access to all sessions throughout the festival. Please arrive 15 minutes before each time block for your guaranteed seat. After these times, seating is first-come, first-served for pass holders, subject to capacity.

Sound production equipment for the King Eddy provided by PK Sound.

Thanks to Walt and Irene DeBoni for supporting Eddy Fest.