NEDERLAND — Born in a cabin in Ward, where his dad delivered him, and then transitioning from being a mountain kid to contributing to a Grammy-nominated album, Joshua Eagle Bows, or Jeb, has walked an interesting, challenging, and grateful path in life.

According to Bows’ father, Robert Bows, playing the violin runs in the family. His son started playing via the Suzuki method at age four. He did not find instant fame. In fact, the journey was anything but easy. 

Bows’ message to the students at Nederland Middle-Senior High School (NMSHS) on November 2 was about trusting your heart and seeking happiness. When life is dark you have to dig deep, he said, and choose the path that will lead you to true happiness. 

Musician Jeb Bows played and spoke to the students at Nederland Middle-Senior High School about choosing music and happiness.

Photo by Sara Sandstrom

When Bows touched the bow to his violin a warm, rich sound came from his instrument. He said the first song he learned was “Mississippi Hotdog” which turned into “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” 

Some years later he was playing Vivaldi. Bows stopped speaking at this point in his presentation, and played a piece by Vivaldi, to the delight of the audience. 

After graduating from high school Bows attended CU Boulder for a time. Then the lure of going to Los Angeles, California, presented itself. He got into a vehicle with some friends and they were California bound. 

In California Bows played jazz, punk rock, and other genres. As he spoke he stopped and played tunes that went with the kind of music he was speaking about. He said, “Music brings me happiness.”

There was also darkness in his life. At first it was small and seemingly harmless. It was only a little marijuana. Bows told the students, “Even the legal stuff can be bad.”

He struggled with substance abuse. Heroin and alcohol were a part of his life. He was losing touch with friends, family, and himself. “I was lost,” said Bows. 

Bows continued, “I had to go to a dark place to realize I was meant to be here.” He hit a moment that he can only explain as finding a "higher power."

“I had to choose to not be here or be here and make the best of life.” He made the choice. Bows moved back to Colorado and put his focus completely on music. 

Twenty years on he has gone from playing in coffee shops for a few people to huge crowds on the biggest of stages. He plays multiple nights at Red Rocks every year. 

Bows has been performing and recording with his friend Gregory Alan Isakov for two decades. The album they worked on, “Evening Machines,” was nominated for a Grammy (Best Folk Album) in 2019. 

In his career so far, Bows has played with Brandi Carlile, The Lumineers, Mumford & Sons, Dave Matthews, Zack Bryan, Nathaniel Rateliff, The Avett Brothers, Indigo Girls, Ani DiFranco, Ray LaMontagne, and more. 

Bows told students that they will face many choices in life. He advised them, “You have to trust your heart. Be honest with yourself. Find things you love to do and keep your eyes open for what you are excited to do. Music brings me true happiness.” He wants everyone to find their true happiness.

Responding to questions from the NMSHS students, Bows revealed that playing the violin and other instruments is the way he expresses himself. He feels the vibrations and energy around him. He connects with the environment, nature, and people around him, and plays with that energy. 

The audience asked him to play more and Bows willingly obliged. His bow danced on the strings and music poured from his soul. 

Bows’ message: Find what brings you happiness in life. If you find yourself lost and in a dark place, be honest and trust your heart to find the right and healthy path. You have the choice.