Blues at the Bow celebrates 32 seasons  of world-class entertainment 

Posted on July 18, 2025 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Bow Island’s Blues at the Bow (BATBOW) is celebrating its 32nd season, a milestone that speaks to its legacy in the community – and beyond. Since its founding, BATBOW has been a place for music lovers, drawing both local and out-of-town guests and headliners to its historic location.

As BATBOW celebrates 32 years, it’s impossible not to reflect on the remarkable contributions of its founder, Stuart Couillard (1957-2010). Known for wearing countless hats, from artistic director to janitor, Couillard set the tone and energy that still resonates today through the venue. Driven by a passion to unite people with the music that stirs souls, his vision unites local and international guests and artists in a legacy of unforgettable nights and sold out performances.

BATBOW’s President, Jason Riddell, shares what continues to make the venue, and the shows, such a long-term success.

“The reason for BATBOW’S success is a dedicated all-volunteer team providing world class artists in an amazing venue full of character and next-level sound.”

Riddell continues, “Our historic Bow Theatre is over 100 years old. It has three tiers of seating and a notoriously sloped dance floor. The lobby has been converted to a full bar to allow patrons to partake in an adult beverage or two. We are a unique venue because the closest city of Medicine Hat is 45 minutes away and Lethbridge is an hour and a half away. Since 80 per cent of our patrons come from out of town, it means everyone in the room has made a special trip to be there, which creates an extremely appreciative audience.”

He lists some of the headliners over the years, which include, among many others, Colin James, Downchild, Eddy Shaw, Roy Rogers, Colin Linden, Kim Wilson, Harrison Kennedy, Eddie the Chief Clearwater, and Junior Watson.

This season’s second show brings Steve Marriner & Local Electric to the venue.

“For this show on August 2, don’t forget to bring your own snacks; and, our air conditioning works!” says Riddell of what to know in advance of the event.

A prolific artist known equally for his soulful sound and technical skill, Marriner (www.stevemarriner.com) is no stranger to accolades.

A JUNO-winning musician,  widely respected as one of Canada’s leading blues performers, his shows seamlessly blend tradition with innovation. Marriner, who grew up in Ottawa, is cited in some circles as “Canada’s hardest working person in show biz.” For more than a decade, he and his band have racked up Juno and Maple Blues awards, and many have seen him perform alongside Colin James and Harry Manx.

Marriner is excited to return to BATBOW.

“Blues at the Bow is easily one of my favourite gigs to play in Canada,” he says. “I’ve visited many times with MonkeyJunk and Colin James also. I’m very excited to finally do my own show and play songs from my new record, Hear My Heart.  Of course, we’ll play the singles – I Can’t Dance, Don’t Know What to Say, and Straight Line, but we’ll play some of the deeper cuts too like Through the Night and Workin’ On Somethin’. Can’t wait to see all my Bow Island friends!”

Whether you enjoy blues music played in juke joints or are looking to immerse yourself in a joyful, soulful expression of music in a welcoming community, you’ll find this – and more – at Blues at the Bow. Celebrate the 32nd season with the upcoming Steve Marriner & Local Electric show, or any of the other shows coming up before the season wraps in April 2026.

Learn more at www.bluesatthebow.com.