Blues At The Bow welcomes Chicago legend Maurice John Vaughn

Posted on August 20, 2026 by admin

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Local blues fans have a real treat coming their way. On Saturday, August 22, Bow Island’s Blues At The Bow will host Chicago blues legend Maurice John Vaughn, joined by special guests Grammy Award winner Donald Ray Johnson, Russell Jackson, and Sam Goode. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the show gets underway at 8:30 p.m.

For anyone who loves authentic, soulful blues rooted in the Chicago tradition, this is not a show to miss.

Maurice John Vaughn – From the City to the Stage

Maurice John Vaughn is the real thing. A triple threat on guitar, saxophone, and vocals, Vaughn came up on the south side of Chicago, shaped by the sounds of Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, James Brown, and black Top 40 radio. Those influences became the foundation of a style that is uniquely his own.

Living Blues described Vaughn’s guitar playing as “nasty, tasty and very fluid,” calling his performances “an unpretentious joy to the soul.” Guitar World put it simply: “great playing, great singing, bits of humorous storytelling and that deep, deep feeling.”

Vaughn’s career spans decades. He has shared stages and recording credits with some of Chicago’s finest, including Luther Allison and Son Seals, and has released music on the Alligator Records label. His most recent release, In the Shadow of the City, showcases the full range of his musical vision—from funky, full-band arrangements to stripped-back solo acoustic blues.

What sets a Maurice John Vaughn live show apart is the connection he builds with an audience. He performs as if everyone in the room is sitting in his living room. Expect humour, storytelling, and the kind of passionate, lived-in vocals that can only come from an artist who truly means what he sings.

Blues At The Bow: Over 30 Years of Bringing World Renowned Artists to Bow Island

Blues At The Bow has been a cornerstone of live music in southern Alberta for more than 30 years. The non-profit organization has made it its mission to bring Grammy, Juno, W.C. Handy Award, and International Blues Challenge award-winning and nominated artists to the region.

The venue offers something that larger venues cannot—an intimate setting where the audience and the artists are genuinely close. That proximity makes the music feel personal, and with an artist like Vaughn, that intimacy only amplifies the experience.

Don’t Miss an Unforgettable Evening of Blues

Tickets for the August 22nd show are available at http://www.bluesatthebow.com. Act now, as this show is very likely to sell out.

Secure your seat and get ready for an unforgettable evening with the legendary Maurice John Vaughn.