Local music show celebrates 10 years in Edmonton
Rockin’ 4 Dollars, the four-dollar local music show, is celebrating its 10th year in Edmonton, as participants and attendees share their memories.
Host Elissa Wells pre-show rundown Photo credit: Orlah Moore
Got two toonies and a love for local music?
Rockin’ 4 Dollars will celebrate its 10th anniversary on March 5 in Edmonton.
Each month, The Buckingham, located on Whyte Avenue, puts on a four-dollar music show that welcomes local bands of all genres.
Elissa Wells, who organized and hosted Rockin’ 4 Dollars for the past two years, explains how a milestone like this is huge for the loyal Edmonton music scene.
“I really want to make it a special night. I don’t want to give away too much, but I do have some past hosts coming to join the night and involving bands that have been a part of Rockin’ 4 Dollars throughout the years,” Wells said.
Planning for the rest of the year is also underway, with Wells consulting bands about potential theme nights.
“I think this year we are really going to take this event to the next level. I am just not 100 per cent sure what that looks like yet,” Wells said.
The event fosters a rich community built on its inclusive nature. Each month, returning bands and first-time performers share the same stage.
Emmett Mulhern, a member of the local punk rock band Fish Lips, played Rockin’ 4 Dollars multiple times in 2025 and speaks highly of the experience.
“It puts small artists to the forefront, where they stand a chance to be something more. There was a surreal feeling coming off the Rockin’ 4 Dollars stage for the first time,” Mulhern said.
Mulhern said the show acts as a catalyst for opportunities to connect with other talented artists and bands.
Over the years, Rockin’ 4 Dollars featured emo nights, retro nights, back-to-school specials and summer kick-offs. Even with a new theme each month, the show always focuses on celebrating local music.
“Thank you for so many special moments. Thank you for sharing your art, music, and talent with us all. Rockin’ 4 Dollars would not still be running if bands stopped signing up,” Wells said.
