Banff has no shortage of nightlife in the summer, but if you’re looking for an alternative to the crowds, lineups, and chaos of Banff Avenue, there’s a new venue quietly building something special just up the hill.

Ahead of his Peak Laughs appearance at CLVB ’33, we sat down with Canadian comedian Faris Hytiaa for a conversation about Alberta audiences, performing everywhere from small-town bars to headline theatres, finding comedy in unexpected places, and his first impressions of Banff.

The conversation also shines a light on one of Banff’s newest entertainment venues. Part of the Banff Centre Summer Arts Festival, CLVB ’33 has quickly become a home for comedy, karaoke, literary events, and intimate performances throughout the summer. Banff Centre describes it as a place to escape the crowds and experience something  ...