Blues at the Bow still flying after 25 years

The president of Blues at the Bow says there weren’t exactly high hopes for the organization when it was created in Bow Island back in 1993.

Grenner Veilleux’s uncle and father were heavily involved in establishing Blues at the Bow at the historic Bow Theatre. Veilleux was in his early teens at the time and said this week he was talking to his uncle the other day about the humble beginnings. What did his uncle remember thinking at the time?

“This will never fly,” Veilleux said, chuckling. “And here we are 25 years later.”

Blues at the Bow begins its 25th anniversary year with a sold-out show on Saturday when Roy Rogers and the Delta River Kings are there for an 8:45 p.m. performance. Rogers has a host of Grammy, Juno, W.C. Handy and International Blues Challenge awards and nominations and has worked with musical icons like Bonnie Raitt, John Lee Hooker and Sammy Hagar.

“Roy is just an amazing slide guitarist, he’s one of the best in the world,” said Veilleux. “If anybody is interested in guitars, come see him. It’s crazy what he can do.”

Opening for Rogers will be Tim Williams, who played in Bow Island in Blues at the Bow’s early days. Bringing Calgary’s Williams, a 2014 International Blues Challenge winner, was a fitting full-circle decision, Veilleux said.

Romi Mayes and the Paul Deslauriers Band will continue the 25th anniversary celebrations on June 9. Veilleux said Mayes has played often at Ye Olde Jar Bar and Deslauriers has been cleaning up at the Maple Blues Awards lately.

“The amount of talent that comes through Bow Island is unbelievable,” Veilleux said. “It’s hard to get that out and through to people. They think it's just little old Bow Island but it’s definitely a place to go to.”

But it’s more than the talent that’s made Blues at the Bow so popular for the past quarter-century. It’s a whole experience, said Veilleux.

“We’ve got really good sound and it’s a place you can go and hang out, everyone’s the same, no one’s treated different. The bands usually come out during intermission to sign CDs and meet people. It’s kind of like a VIP package without having to be a VIP.”

As Blues at the Bow embarks on a second 25 years, Veilleux has one simple ask.

“I want everyone to come out and experience it. If you haven’t been here before, give it a chance.”

For more information on Blues at the Bow visit www.bluesatthebow.com.

PHOTO BY KIM CAMERON Blues at the Bow president Grenner Veilleux is seen in the Green Room at the Bow Theatre, home of Blues at the Bow. The Green Room's walls are filled with signatures of past performers.