After being displaced by redevelopment on 12th Ave. S.W., Mikey’s juke joint has found a new home in the heart of Bowness.
For nearly two decades, Mikey’s has been a beloved hub for live blues and a strong sense of community. While saying goodbye to its former location was bittersweet for the owner and its loyal customers, the new venue opens its doors to a fresh chapter—offering music lovers and community members an inviting space to gather, connect, and groove.
Business owner and renowned blues musician Mike Clark is embracing the opportunity to reinvent his venue and see new faces. Chatting with people in his new community, Clark has been happy to hear that many folks in Bowness and surrounding areas are excited to have Mikey’s closer to them.
“From what I’m hearing, people are excited to have live music back,” Clark said.
Since its opening in 2007, Mikey’s has built a rich history, hosting everything from lively music events and first dates to unforgettable wedding receptions. For many, it has become more than just a music venue — it’s a cherished gathering place.
“We’ve become a huge community, and that’s what kept me going to start this new place,” said Clark. “After the other place closed, I just kind of went, ‘yeah, I’m done,’ but then there was such an outcry from the community… and I said, ‘okay, I’ll do it. It’s crazy, but I’ll do it!’”
Clark isn’t just the owner of Mikey’s — he’s also a regular performer on its stage. As a saxophonist with the Mike Clark band, he brings his own flair to the live music experience. Every Saturday afternoon, they host a jam session, and this has become something he and many others look forward to.
Doug Waite, a loyal customer, is happy to see Mikey’s full of people enjoying the jam session. He has no doubt it will continue to thrive in Bowness.
“It brings back live music, which is the key,” says Waite. “That’s what’s drawing everyone in. It’s going to bring some real vibrancy to this little strip.”
Clark’s love for music has created a welcoming venue for blues and jazz musicians to connect and showcase their craft. He takes great pride in the comfortable atmosphere, with many visitors noting how warm and homey the new space feels.
The venue has the same inherited furniture, and the walls are decorated with keepsake items from his previous location. The stage is low and close to the dancefloor, which is a great bonus for Clark.
“You get the vibrations of the whole thing, from the soul of the musician to the soul of the audience. That’s what live music’s all about,” Clark says.
The new Mikey’s features live music every day of the week, with a 20-piece woodhouse big band performing on the last Sunday of each month.
The Bowness venue has an updated capacity of 220 people, and Clark encourages music lovers to come and enjoy the live performances.
For anyone new to Mikey’s, Clark says they’re in for a heartfelt experience. “The passion and the soul that comes out—it’s the real deal,” he says.