Banff Centre Summer Arts Festival Heats Up with New Programming for CLVB ’33 and the Shaw Amphitheatre, Highlighting Bow Valley Favourites and Cabaret Stars
By
Banff Centre Communications
Posted on
June 26, 2025
Kenna Burima, photo by Sean Dennie; Timothonius, photo courtesy of the artist; Spencer Britten, photo by Amanda Palmer; DJ Rob Faust, courtesy of the artist. John Alcorn, photo courtesy of the artist.
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity celebrates two unique venues on campus with the free outdoor Amp Sessions and the jazzy, late-night Live at CLVB ’33 Series in Banff Centre’s newest venue. Performances begin this weekend with an open mic night from Banff Centre staff.
BANFF, AB, June 25, 2025 – The Banff Centre Summer Arts Festival is about bringing every corner of campus to life with music, art, prose, and more. In addition to the roster of over 70 festival events announced in April, Banff Centre is thrilled to add additional programming in two venues: the stunning Shaw Amphitheatre with the return of the free Amp Sessions series, and the newly opened CLVB ’33 with the Live at CLVB ’33 Series, an eclectic lineup of jazz artists, DJs, and can’t miss performers.
These two venues are steeped in history at Banff Centre, and they’re both fan favourites for very different reasons.One is the ultimate outdoor spot to soak up sunshine and endless mountain views. The other is perfect for intimate, after-hours getaways. By activating them both throughout the summer, locals from Banff, Canmore, and Calgary have limitless options for their summer nights in the mountains.
Chris Lorway, President and CEO of Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
LIVE AT CLVB ’33
Located in the lower level of Banff Centre’s theatre complex, tucked away secretively behind the Jenny Belzberg Theatre and the Rolston Recital Hall, CLVB ’33 is Banff Centre’s new spot for late-night artistic conversations, performances, and endless surprises. Named after the year Banff Centre was founded, 1933, CLVB ’33 also harkens back to the storied Banff Centre cabaret space, The Club. With low light, close quarters, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and impeccable vibes, CLVB ’33 is the best spot to be whether fresh off the trail or just out of a show.
Reviving that spirit of informal jams, under-the-radar performers, and social hotspots, the 2025 Live at CLVB ’33 Series includes:
- Staff Picks – Saturday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m. FREE
Typically the ones who place the spotlight on others, head to CLVB ’33 to celebrate the hidden talents of Banff Centre’s own staff.
- Timothonius – Friday, July 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Experience a genre-blending performance by Calgary-based pianist Timothonius, whose soulful, expressive style draws from jazz, gospel, neo-soul, and contemporary traditions.
- Kenna Burima – Saturday, July 6 at 7:30 p.m.
A fearless songwriter, pianist, and creative force, Calgary’s Kenna Burima blends classical chops with the spirit of cabaret and the soul of a dive bar.
- Spencer Britten's Who am I? – Friday, July 11 at 10 p.m.
Following recent appearances in New York City and Philadelphia, acclaimed tenor Spencer Britten brings a brand-new showtunes cabaret to CLVB ‘33—an intimate evening of music, story, and self-discovery.
- Piano Bar Night – Saturday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m. FREE
Pull up a chair, order your favourite drink, and ease into a night of live piano, stories, and great company.
- John Alcorn's Diva Cabaret – Saturday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m.
John Alcorn’s Diva Cabaret brings together some of Canada’s top vocalists—including Alcorn, Laura Hubert, Thom Allison, and Patricia Cano—backed by a stellar band.
- DJ Rob Faust – Saturday, July 26 at 10 p.m. FREE
A staple of Calgary’s nightlife scene, Rob Faust is known for his disco-powered, funk-fuelled sets that channel the energy of a 1970s New York loft party. With residencies at iconic venues like The Embassy, Night Gallery, and Bamboo, and his current Friday nights at Sweet Loretta, Faust brings decades of experience, deep musical knowledge, and undeniable groove to every set.
- Jazz Jams – August 1-2, 8-9, 14-15 at 10 p.m.
Improvisation is the heart of these events, where all original music is created spontaneously by anyone who chooses to participate. Six Jazz Jams are programmed through Banff Centre’s Jazz and Sonic Arts residency.
Cover charge for Live at CLVB ’33 is $20 unless otherwise stated. Tickets to same-night events at Banff Centre allow free entry to CLVB ’33.
AMP SESSIONS
Returning from its debut in the 2024 Banff Centre Summer Arts Festival, Amp Sessions returns for four performances over July and August. Amp Sessions brings the quintessential summer festival scene—sun, grass, music, bites, beverages, and an epic view—to Banff Centre and the Bow Valley. All Amp Sessions are FREE to attend.
The 2025 Amp Sessions series includes:
- The Ramblin’ Hey Ho Ha’s – Thursday, July 10 at 6 p.m.
Get ready for a foot-stompin’ good time with Banff’s own Rocky Mountain country band! Known for their boot-kickin’ blend of bluegrass, roots, and rock with a twangy twist, this hometown crew brings big energy and bigger heart to the stage.
- Zebra – Thursday, July 24 at 6 p.m.
Blending silky saxophone with funky rhythms, improvised grooves, and pure rock ‘n soul, Canmore’s Zebra delivers a dynamic live experience you won’t want to miss.
- Ellen Braun – Thursday, July 31 at 6 p.m.
Ellen Braun, a captivating indie-folk artist from Canmore, is known for her poignant storytelling, rich melodies, and heartfelt stage presence.
- Stay tuned for the final 2025 Amp Session artist to be announced!
Live at CLVB ’33 and Amp Sessions are so fun to program because they can offer so much, and we’re able to find all the talent we need here in the Calgary and Bow Valley area. I hope everyone feels welcome to stroll up the hill with a group of friends for a show, a bite, and a drink and make Banff Centre part of their summer.
Josephine Ridge, Executive Director, Arts at Banff Centre
A tradition since 1950, the Banff Centre Summer Arts Festival is today a months-long calendar of free and ticketed events, welcoming some of the finest artists in the world to Banff. Tickets are now available for the 2025 Banff Centre Summer Arts Festival, which began on May 1 and runs until September 5, at banffcentre.ca/summer-arts-fest. Contact the Banff Centre Box Office for more information at 1.403.762.6301.
For photos, information, or interview requests, please contact:
Carly Maga
Director, Communications
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
tel: +1.403.763.6210
cell: +1.403.431.3423
carly_maga@banffcentre.ca
About Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
Founded in 1933, Banff Centre is a post-secondary institution built upon an extraordinary legacy of excellence in artistic and leadership development. What started as a single course in drama has grown to become a global organization leading in arts, culture, and creative decision-making across dozens of disciplines, from the fine arts to Indigenous Wise Practices. From our home in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to move everyone who attends our campus - artists, leaders, thinkers, and audiences - to unleash their creative potential and realize their unique contribution to build an innovative, inspiring future through education, performances, convenings, and public outreach. banffcentre.ca