Bowser and Area Legion Branch # 211

11/02/2026

On the eve of Halloween, the Bowser Legion settled into a warm Friday night of music, familiar faces, and just enough mystery in the air to make every shadow seem slightly suspicious.

The house was nearly full as Rural Roots opened the evening, featuring Larry Pond on bass and guitar, Blair Collins on keys and guitar, Tim Ward on guitar and harp, Joanne Taylor on guitar and percussion, Cathy Gislason on mandolin and percussion, and Gary Bartman on drums. A few new tunes made their way into the set, but it was the sweet a ca****la harmonies of Richard Petty that earned a particularly warm ovation.

Next we welcomed Arbutus back to the stage. This tight Oceanside foursome brought plenty of energy with some great old rock, including favourites from CCR and Neil Young.

Guy McDonald, on guitar and vocals, then brought a little eastern flavour to the west coast with some upbeat Canadiana. Songs about driving on PEI and an alarming collection of skeeters, horseflies and no-see-ums kept everyone smiling — and perhaps scratching sympathetically.

Next came the delightful John Baker, with songs from John Prine and Jimmy Buffett, joined by Joanne Taylor on guitar and vocals and Tim Ward on guitar and vocals. Those harmonies were sweet enough to keep even the Halloween spirits happy.

Jayne Lapper followed on guitar and vocals, joined by Dave Aldred with guitar and harmony support. Jayne’s fun tunes are always a pleasure and kept the room smiling.

Then Rob Nolan on guitar and vocals teamed up with Glen Brown on guitar. Our own Sultans of Swing took us through some Dire Straits and then out across the hot desert with Apache.

Things took a decidedly more mysterious turn when Dave Aldred returned to the microphone. First he had everyone singing about being Humble… and then somehow the Bowser Legion found itself doing The Time Warp.

Yes.
The Time Warp.
In Bowser.

It was Halloween weekend, after all. 🎃

Tim Ward followed with three fantastic original songs that have become favourites around the room, before Bob Twerdun closed out the evening with a set of sing-along classics, including some Beatles favourites. He was joined by Rob Nolan on bass and Gary Bartman on drums — a great way to bring another wonderful night of music to a close.

As always, a huge thank-you to the Bowser Legion staff and volunteers who make these Friday nights possible, including those who weave the meat draw so seamlessly between sets and all the others working quietly in the background. It is a wonderful circle: local musicians supporting musicians, who in turn support the Legion, our veterans, and the greater community.

And as we move into November, don’t forget to show your support by wearing a poppy. ❤️



Until next Friday, keep the music close — and perhaps keep an eye on the shadows. Notebook closed. Shadows checked.
Your Underground Open Mic Correspondent.

11/01/2026

The Rural Roots Band is hosting Open Mic at the Bowser Branch every Friday from 5-8pm. If you have a song to sing - join us! If you want to tap your toes to some excellent music - join us! Everyone welcome. This Friday - Amanda’s Grill is back. Poutine and Great tunes - gotta love it 😍

11/01/2026

Amanda’s Grill is back at the Branch this Friday, Nov. 6.

11/01/2026

Scary stuff going on at the Bowser Legion tonight l!

10/26/2026

Friday Oct 30. Let the music warm your bones and fill your soul. Join us!

10/25/2026

A NEW CHAPTER AT THE BOWSER LEGION OPEN MIC 🎶

Another packed Friday night of music, laughter and familiar faces — with a few changes behind the microphone.

Before getting to the music, a heartfelt thank-you is due to Cam Jeanson, who has done a fantastic job hosting and helping guide the Bowser Legion Open Mic over the past couple of years. Cam has stepped away from the role to pursue other interests, and we are very grateful for the time, energy, humour and care he has brought to Friday nights.

The baton has now been passed to Cathy Gislason, who will take on the hosting role with plenty of support from her Rural Roots bandmates.

And with that, the music rolled on.

Rural Roots opened the evening with a crowd-friendly mix of tunes featuring Blair Collins on keys, guitar and vocals; Larry Pond on bass, guitar and vocals; Gary Bartman on drums and vocals; Tim Ward on guitar, harp, bass and vocals; Joanne Taylor on guitar, bass, percussion and vocals; and Cathy Gislason on mandolin, percussion and vocals.

Next came a surprise return visit from Judy “Blue-Eyes”, freshly back on the Island from the Prairies. Judy brought guitar and vocals and was joined by Larry Pond on bass and vocals and Sheena McCorquodale on fiddle, harp and vocals for a set of familiar favourites.

Cathy Moulton followed on guitar and vocals, joined by Glen Brown on guitar and Rob Nolan on guitar and vocals for some good old-fashioned oldies-but-goodies.

Then Al Seaman stepped up with guitar and vocals and, one musician at a time, developed quite the ensemble: Tim Ward on harp and vocals, Dave Aldred on vocals, Blair Collins on guitar and vocals, Larry Pond on bass and vocals and Gary Bartman on drums. What a terrific, full sound from that group.

There was a little déjà vu next as Rob Nolan returned, accompanied by Cathy Moulton on vocals, Glen Brown on guitar and Pete Kuilboer on percussion.

Dave Aldred was next — although his guitar apparently had other plans for the evening. A last-minute substitution to air guitar was considered and ultimately rejected. Next time, Dave! His warm vocals carried the day just fine.

Then came Lighthouse Jack with his unmistakable style, mixing original material with a few Italian tunes.

Tim Ward and Joanne Taylor followed with guitars and vocals — what a terrific duo these two make.

Our final scheduled performer was Dave Jenkins, guitar and vocals, whom we haven’t seen at Open Mic in quite some time. Great to have you back, Dave!

With a little time still left, Rural Roots gathered again and invited Cam Jeanson to join us for one more song together. It was a fitting and very fun way to mark the transition.

And just when we thought we were finished, a late request came in for Tanqueray — a song that reliably earns enthusiastic applause and, on occasion, actual gin. Thanks, fans. Hic. 😄

A huge thank-you to the kitchen crew for a terrific meal, our bartender for keeping everyone well looked after, and the meat draw volunteers who keep another favourite Legion tradition running smoothly. And thank you to the Bowser Legion for continuing to provide a welcoming home for live local music. These Friday nights bring musicians and community together while supporting the Legion’s ongoing work for veterans and the broader community.

A new chapter has begun — but the heart of Open Mic remains exactly where it belongs: good music, good people and a room full of reasons to come back next Friday. ♥🎶

Reported from somewhere near the stage by your Underground Open Mic Correspondent

10/23/2026

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR OUR POPPY CAMPAIGN! 🌺

Our Legion needs YOUR help! ❤️🤍💙

We are looking for volunteers to help collect donations for our annual Poppy Campaign at local businesses in the Bowser area:

📍 Bowser Coffeehouse
📍 Tom’s Grocery
📍 Georgia Park Stores
📍 Buckley Bay Gas Station

We need two hours of your time.
All you need to do is sit at the poppy table, greet people with a warm smile 😊, collect donations, and enjoy a friendly chat with community members as they stop by to pick up a poppy.

It’s a simple but meaningful way to show your support and help us honour and remember the brave men and women who served our country. 🌺❤️

🙋 HOW TO VOLUNTEER:
✅ Come to the Legion and sign up for one or two shifts.
📞 Call our Branch number.
💌 Or send me a direct message (DM).

Every helping hand makes a difference, and every hour of your time is truly appreciated!

Let’s come together as a community to support our Poppy Campaign! 🌺

Thank you all so much for your kindness, generosity, and continued support. ❤️🙏

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. 🌺

10/22/2026

Come again! Friday Oct 23. 5-8pm.

10/22/2026

10/21/2026