The Excellence in the Community series concluded its partnership with The Covey with a final performance on November 2, 2026. The concluding concert, titled Unforgettable with Love: The Music of Natalie and Nat "King" Cole, featured Kimberly "KAZ" Woods and Satin Swing.
The final event marked the end of a collaboration between The Covey Center for the Arts and Excellence in the Community. Founded in December 2005 by Jeff Whiteley, the series aimed to bring Utah's finest musicians to prominent stages, ensuring high-level performances were accessible regardless of financial circumstances. Under Whiteley's leadership, the series hosted more than 1,400 concerts.
Lori Decker-Whitely, who has continued the organization's mission following Whiteley's passing, stated that the goal was to ensure people could build relationships with musicians and their music. The series featured a variety of musical acts, including Callanish, Mariachi Guzman, the Will Baxter Band, and Nola Richardson.
The series' impact was noted by local figures, including Utah State University professor Corey Christiansen, who observed that the concerts helped raise musical standards in Utah by treating performances as significant events. Pianist Dr. Josh Wright also described the series as one of the most professional and well-run concert series he has performed with.
The final performance featured Woods, a Salt Lake City native, performing music inspired by the Great American Songbook. The series sought to provide opportunities for Utah musicians to connect with new audiences and genres while making live performance a shared community experience.
