Studio Bell, in Calgary, is home to the National Music Centre and is a must-see and hear museum for southern Alberta music enthusiasts of all ages. It’s also home to a display entitled, “Industry Leaders,” which features legendary Lethbridge and area concert promoter Ron Sakamoto.
The promoter has been a pioneer in live music production and management for over 40 years. He also specializes in bringing artists to smaller cities and venues in Canada, like Lethbridge.
Sakamoto has won the CCMA “Talent Buyer or Promoter of the Year” Award 17 times, and the award was renamed in his honour. He also booked Shania Twain’s first show in Canada.
Studio Bell is home to NMC’s expanded collection, which includes more than 2,000 rare instruments and artifacts, as well as four Canadian Music Halls of Fame. With interactive educational programming, live performances, engaging exhibitions and in-house artist incubation, NMC is so much more than a museum. “It is a hub for music, innovation and cultural discovery in Canada.”
One of the perks of visiting Studio Bell is walking around and perusing the plethora of exhibits, while hearing Rock the Nation performing Canadian hits live at a venue that preserves and celebrates Canadiana. Guests can also listen to stories, hear rare and unique instruments and participate in interactive musical displays, including playing guitars, drums and the eerie hands-activated theremin.
Some of the artifacts on display include sunglasses from Corey Hart’s “Sunglasses at Night,” a recreation of the Eaton’s “Beatle Bar,” Rush drummer Neil Peart’s “Hockey Night in Canada” drum kit and a suit worn on stage by crooner Michael Bublé. Plus, many guitars, costumes and other memorabilia from some of the country’s music greats.
Currently, “From Me to You: The Beatles in Canada” is a new temporary exhibit that runs until January 2025.
