Posted on 15 October 2026 by Chris Brown.
Montreal-born, Manitoba-based, and on the way to Medicine Hat. That's Bobby Dove, who will perform in the Medicine Hat Public Library theatre on Oct. 20.
Dove is singer-songwriter who has staked a magnetic presence in the world of country and Americana music, drawn to the genres by the music of Hank Williams Sr., Townes Van Zandt, Patsy Cline, and Bob Dylan, as well as someone closer to our little corner of the world.
"It’s also thanks to my mentor, the late Bobby Hill (1932-2015) originally from Twin Butte, Alta. I met him in 2011 at the Wheel Club in Montreal, where he was playing the lap steel," Dove explains. "He was a pioneer in Canadian country music and taught me so much - made me mix tapes, printed out lyrics, and coached me on singing old country songs. He is a big part of my honkytonk story."
Dove has been hailed as a powerful songwriter - with a voice to match - who crafts original and emotionally charged songs.
"Overall, I think the links that connect the songs I love to listen to and the songs I write and perform are honesty, storytelling and an emphasis on poetry, simplicity, and twang."
Dove is the second performer in MHPL's 2026-27 Home Routes Concert Series lineup. It will be their first time performing in a library.
They're preparing just as you'd think someone used to making a lot of noise would.
"The way I’m picturing it is I will have to get over the need to shush myself the entire time, hah!," they say. "But I’m really looking forward to it. I love books. Books (and music/art) saved my life as a teenager. Libraries are generally safe and inclusive spaces and I think that is pretty rare."
Dove is relishing this tour and the chance to perform in smaller communities and unique venues. Eastend, Sask., and Coaldale, Alta., bookend their Medicine Hat show. Dove says these smaller places allow them to make an impact and learn from the audience, and notes a level of appreciation toward the artist for performing outside the big centres.
"I also think that as a trans person it is satisfying to reach new audiences that may not encounter as much 2SLGBTQ+ representation in their community," they say.
This isn't a solo gig or trip for Dove. Bob Blair is on pedal steel for all the shows and Dove also has a four-legged travel companion. They say Judge, a Catahoula/shepherd mix, who is a true road dog who brings lots of joy to them and everyone he meets.
Dove performs in the Library Theatre on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m. Tickets are only $10 and can be purchased at the library in advance or at the door.
Next up in this Home Routes series is HuDost on Nov. 27. Tickets for that show will be available on Oct. 19.
Follow the library on social media: @mhpubliclibrary