Manitou Beach is home to the Salt Shaker this weekend. It’s one of the unique summer events that draws festival goers together for music, dancing and an all-around great time. The cleverly branded two-day music festival pays homage to Little Manitou Lakes well-known mineral salt properties, but weekend visitors can both soak and shake to some of the prairie’s hottest musical acts. 
The festival kicks off on Friday night at historic Danceland with three beachside staples, says Sarah McKen, community development officer for Watrous/Manitou Beach Tourism. 
“Friday night is focussed on Danceland and finishing off at Mike’s Beach Bar,” McKen explains, “And Saturday has a sprinkling of performances throughout the community.”
The Local Group hails from nearby Saskatoon and has honed its bluegrass harmonies at many roots festivals throughout the province. McKen says many people are unaware that the group is named after a star cluster. The band performs both time tested standards and their own quirky and deliciously humorous brand of bluegrass originals.
They are followed up by popular surf inspired sisters, The Garrys. The group has made its mark travelling in the states and abroad with a throwback of Duane Eddy guitar twang and surfside harmonies that also speak to their prairie roots. 
Friday evening’s Danceland set wraps up with the high energy, honky-tonkin’ Alley Dawgs. Denizens of honky tonks in Regina and roots festivals across the province, the band runs the gamut from Merle Travis standards to a rockin’ rendition of Steve Earle’s Copperhead Road. 
Friday night’s festivities don’t end at Danceland, says McKen.
“There is an after party at Mike’s Beach bar which is free. There you have Sargeant Jackson’s DJ show.” 
The Beach Bar is just one of the venues for performances on Saturday, along with the Manitou Springs Terrace, Little Manitou Art Gallery stage, and Oda Coffee and Wine Bar. Again, McKen says there’s something for all tastes from electronica to roots and folk, saxophone stylings, and for those adventurous souls who want to join in, karaoke shows. The event wraps up on Sunday with the Red Eye Brunch at the Manitou Beach Golf Course and an evening showing of the classic “Night of the Living Dead” horror flick at the Drive In. 
This is the first Salt Shaker event for the Beach, says McKen, but the festival has its roots with the Manitou Boogaloo, the seasonal musical celebration that was put on hold during the pandemic. Residents and visitors will find that Boogaloo spirit alive and well with 2022’s offering, the Salt Shaker. For all the details and access to tickets, check out the Salt Shaker Facebook page.