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The National Music Centre has officially launched its 10th\u2011anniversary celebrations.<\/p>\n
The venue in downtown Calgary kicked off a full year of events on Thursday with a special performance featuring acclaimed Canadian singer\u2011songwriter Ron Sexsmith, folk artist Andrina Turenne, and drum group Eya\u2011Hey Nakoda.<\/p>\n
Looking back on the Centre\u2019s first decade, president and CEO Andrew Mosker says one achievement stands above the rest is saving the historic King Eddy.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe landmark Calgary home of the blues, it was built about 120 years ago, and for many years it was a place to hear great music,\u201d he says. \u201cA lot of Calgarians remember that experience of seeing a great artist.\u201d<\/p>\n
He says he\u2019s proud the organization was able to rebuild the venue and transform it into a thriving live\u2011music space that has hosted thousands of artists across every genre.<\/p>\n
Mosker also highlights the creation of Canada\u2019s first national music museum and the unification of all four Canadian Music Hall of Fame institutions under one roof.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll of that heritage and all of those celebrations are here and they impact so many people,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
More than one million visitors have come through the Centre over the past decade to experience exhibitions, performances, education programs, artist development, and music\u2011and\u2011wellness initiatives.<\/p>\n
The anniversary year will feature several major exhibitions and events, including:<\/p>\n