Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar coming to Blues At The Bow on Feb. 28

Posted on February 19, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Bow Island, get ready for a night of soulful music, heartfelt storytelling, and electrifying energy as Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar take the stage at Blues At The Bow! Mark your calendars for February 28, when the doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show kicks off at 8:30 p.m. This is the final show of Blues At The Bow’s 32nd season, and it promises to be an unforgettable evening.

Samantha Martin, a powerhouse vocalist and songwriter, is no stranger to accolades. With about seven Maple Blues Award nominations for Female Vocalist of the Year, multiple other Maple Blues nods, and two Juno nominations, her talent has been recognized far and wide; but it’s her raw authenticity, genre-blending sound, and magnetic stage presence that truly set her apart.

Samantha’s musical journey began in Toronto, where she honed her craft at open mics and songwriter jams.

“I started out writing songs that were, frankly, terrible,” she laughs. “But I kept going, kept writing, and kept learning from the incredible community around me.”

Her early influences included the likes of Sarah McLachlan and Nelly Furtado, but her sound evolved as she immersed herself in the Americana and country scene while working at Toronto’s iconic (although now closed) The Dakota Tavern.

“That’s where I absorbed the country, Americana, and rock ‘n’ roll vibes that started shaping my music,” she explains.

By 2014, Samantha had found her true voice with the formation of Delta Sugar, a band that blends gospel, blues, soul, and Americana.

“It’s the roots of rock ‘n’ roll—gospel, blues, Americana—with a storytelling edge,” she says.

Her discography reflects this evolution, from her self-titled debut in 2008 to the critically acclaimed latest album, The Reckless One. Along the way, Samantha and her band have toured extensively, including 42 club dates in six weeks in early 2019 and appearances at major European festivals.

Like many artists, Samantha faced challenges during the pandemic.

“COVID was a great pause for me,” she shares. “I wasn’t inspired to write because I write from personal experiences, and I didn’t know the end of the story yet.” Instead, she turned to other creative outlets, like journaling.

Motherhood has also influenced her music.

“The first songs I wrote after having my son were softer, more lullaby-like,” she says. “But soon, I found my way back to my regular, more gritty, themes—love, loss, and life’s ups and downs.”

Samantha is thrilled to finally perform at Blues At The Bow, a venue she’s admired for years.

“I’ve heard so many great things about Blues At the Bow from friends and fellow musicians,” she says. “I’m excited to experience it for myself and connect with the audience in Bow Island.”

The setlist will feature a mix of songs from her entire career, including songs from The Reckless One. Fans can also look forward to a few surprises, including a horn section exclusive to the Bow Island show.

“It’s going to be a high-energy, super fun night,” she promises.

Opening the evening is Calgary-based artist Marcus Trummer (marcustrummermusic.com), who has been described as a “young blood with an old soul.” His blend of blues, soul, and R&B is the perfect prelude to Samantha’s performance.

After the Bow Island show, Samantha & Delta Sugar will head into the studio to record new material, with plans to release a new album by the fall.

“I’m back,” she says with a smile. “Now that the pandemic is over and my baby’s old enough to stay home with his dad, I’m ready to hit the road and continue sharing my music with the world.”

To the readers and soon-to-be listeners, Samantha has this to say about the upcoming show: “We cannot wait to come and make you laugh, make you dance, and maybe even make you cry. I’m so excited to meet everyone and share this night with you.”

Don’t miss your chance to see Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar live at Blues At The Bow on February 28. 

Follow Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar online (samanthamartinmusic.com) and on social media for updates and more. Visit @rootsnroll on Facebook and Instagram, Samantha Martin Music on YouTube, and Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar on Spotify.

Get ready, Bow Island—this is a night you won’t want to miss!