On a sunny Father’s Day in June, the Dave Mowat Trio took the stage on the Hotel Wolfe Island patio where the water and slight breeze provided a picturesque setting for their captivating performance as part of the 6th annual Wolfe Island Garden Party and LodgePole Arts Alliance’s Indigenous Artist Showcase. The crowd was enthralled by the trio's mesmerizing melodies, Dave’s jokes, and the energy that filled the air. It was a celebration of the blues , bringing people together to revel in the timeless power and emotional depth of this iconic genre.
Led by the talented Dave Mowat, who not only has established himself as a respected Blues musician but also serves as the Chief of Alderville First Nation, this trio transported the audience to the heart and soul of the genre. Dave Mowat's blues journey began in the vibrant city of Winnipeg during the 1980s. It was there that he cut his teeth in the music scene, soaking up the incredible atmosphere and sharing stages with legends such as Big Dave McLean. Inspired by the greats like John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Rogers, Johnny Winter, John Hammond Jr, Sam Lay, Otis Rush, and James Cotton, Dave's passion for the blues was ignited and his path as a musician was set.
In 1995, Dave returned to Ontario and discovered a thriving community of like-minded musicians in the Northumberland, Peterborough, and Toronto music scenes. While collaborating with the talented likes of Jimmy Bowskill, Dave was introduced to Clayton Yates and Terry Wilkins, seasoned performers in the Toronto music scene, and a new trio was formed. Clayton on resonator guitar and Terry on gut-string bass bring their expertise and passion to create an electrifying musical experience alongside Dave's soulful vocals and harmonica.
With influences rooted in country, Delta, and Chicago blues, the Dave Mowat Trio acoustically paid homage to the legendary musicians who paved the way for this timeless art form. Their performance was a journey back in time, channeling the spirit of those who came before them. Playing with heart and a deep respect for the blues' history, Dave, Terry, and Clayton united to create a labor of love, ensuring that the spirit and essence of the blues remain alive and vibrant. Thank you to everyone who attended and to those who took a seedball with them- we hope the flowers that grow serve as a reminder of LodgePole and this incredible performance.
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