Performance Series Brings a Summer of Song to The Whyte

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By Clayton Smith, Events Manager

Who would have thought The Whyte’s Heritage Gallery could transform into one of Banff’s warmest and most inviting music venues? This summer, it did just that.

The Whyte’s Summer Performance Series brought five outstanding shows to the gallery, filling the space with song, storytelling, and the kind of energy that connects audiences, artists, and community in truly memorable ways.

The series was as diverse as it was carefully curated. Over the course of the summer, audiences experienced everything from soulful Indigenous storytelling to Southern Alberta honky-tonk, prairie ballads, northern family-rooted reflections, and nostalgic echoes of early R&B, doo-wop, and garage folk. The result was a musical journey across Canada’s sonic landscapes, one that left both audiences and performers glowing.

The Whyte was proud to welcome Logan Staats, Mariel Buckley, Shaela Miller & Carter Felker, Shane Ghostkeeper & Lauren Dillen, and Duff Thompson & Steph Green to the stage. Together, these artists drew nearly 550 attendees across five evenings, filling the artefact-lined gallery walls with audience members from all over Alberta. The series was met with tremendous enthusiasm, with each performance drawing at or near capacity crowds. From the opening night with Logan Staats through to the closing show with Duff Thompson & Steph Green, the Heritage Gallery was filled with energy and anticipation. Whether on bustling summer evenings or during quieter moments in August, audiences consistently showed up ready to listen, connect, and celebrate the music, creating a welcoming atmosphere that artists and community members alike were quick to praise.

But attendance only tells part of the story. For the artists, The Whyte’s series meant something special. Time and again, they remarked on the care and hospitality they felt, from the attentive audiences to the support of the Whyte, to the generosity of our partners at The Rimrock Banff. That sense of being welcomed, valued, and connected is part of what makes Banff such a meaningful stop on their touring calendars.

Audiences, too, were vocal in their praise. One survey response captured the mood perfectly: “It’s the same intimate feeling as a house concert. Great snacks, drinks, and friends! It really felt like a community connector.” More than any old venue, the Heritage Gallery became a gathering place to celebrate new music discoveries, a vibrant local community, and a shared togetherness.

Canada’s music scene is deep and multifaceted. Not every artist reaches the same level of recognition as familiar acts like Blue Rodeo or The Tragically Hip, but there is certainly no shortage of remarkable talent waiting to be heard. Sometimes, all it takes is a trusted venue to make the introduction. This summer, The Whyte was proud to be that connector.

Just as the museum preserves and presents the history of the Canadian Rockies, it also curates contemporary cultural experiences. Thanks to the support of The Rimrock Banff, our Summer Performance Series added a new flavour to Banff’s cultural life, one that artists, audiences, and The Whyte are eager to carry forward.

Gallery 1

Want to check out the artists from our Summer Performance Series? Listen to our Live at The Whyte Spotify playlist!

Visit our website to learn more and plan your next visit to The Whyte. We're open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 111 Bear Street, Banff, Alberta.

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Gallery 1: Photos from the 2025 Summer Performance Series at The Whyte. Photos by Katie Goldie.

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