From mesmerizing performances to thought-provoking discussions, this festival promises an unforgettable journey into music, theatre, literature, dance and Indigenous arts all at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity on the side of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain.
Here is a taste of what’s still coming in July and August. For details, locations, and times on these Summer Festival events, click here:
- On July 31, take in the beauty of Banff's stunning surroundings during the outdoor concert In a Landscape Music: Classical Music from the Wild™. This immersive and intimate experience is designed to help you connect with music, nature, and each other.
- Don't miss William Shakespeare’s As You Like It, A Radical Retelling by Cliff Cardinal. With this subversive updating of the Bard’s classic, cultural provocateur Cliff Cardinal aims to surprise and provoke on August 2 and 3 in the Margaret Greenham Theatre.
- Engage with the literary brilliance of Sina Queyras and AE Stallings. This free reading on August 1 in the Max Bell Auditorium is a must for any literature enthusiast.
- Discover a new musical talent at the final free AMP Session featuring Liam Cowan on August 6. These outdoor concerts showcase emerging artists against the backdrop of the Rockies in the Shaw Amphitheatre. Liam Cowan is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, and producer, drawing inspiration from legends like Hendrix, Neil Young, and Bowie, as well as contemporary influences such as the Arctic Monkeys, Soul, Motown, and classic Blues icons like BB King and Buddy Guy.
- Get into the groove with Jazz and Sonic Arts Concerts on August 10, 17, and 22. Featuring pioneers, legends, and new vanguards of jazz, these performances promise vibrant and captivating experiences that will leave you wanting more.
One of the standout features of the summer is the festival's Gather Listen Hear series of events from August 21-23. Curated by several of Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity’s Artistic Directors – Megumi Masaki (Music), Janine Windolph (Indigenous Arts), and Jacqueline Bell (Curator, Walter Phillips Gallery) – Gather Listen Hear offers a rich blend of performances, workshops, and premieres that look at the relationship between sound and land.
Highlights include:
- Opening Concert: Featuring the Indigenous Classical Music Residency faculty and participants.
- Graphic Scores Workshop: Led by artist Lou Sheppard, this hands-on session delves into creating graphic scores using imagery as a form of musical notation.
- Evening Performances: Enjoy enchanting performances that showcase faculty and participants' diverse talents.
- World Premiere by Raven Chacon: Experience the debut of a specially commissioned score by renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, performer, and artist Raven Chacon.
- Evensong (Breathing as One): Conducted by Pamela Hart and Lou Sheppard, this event invites you to experience the sounds of the Bow Valley at dusk with an improvised chorus in the Shaw Amphitheatre.
Also, take some time to enjoy the Visual Arts events at Banff Centre. This series offers a diverse and enriching experience throughout the summer.
Whether you're an art enthusiast, a music lover, or someone looking to explore new cultural experiences, there's something for everyone. Come and be part of this extraordinary celebration that promises to enrich your summer with unforgettable moments and inspiring performances. Get your tickets now and immerse yourself in the arts at Banff Centre.
