The long weekend is the traditional wrap up for summer, but the weather showed no sign of ushering in fall on Sunday for the finale of this year’s Manitou Music Fest. The show ran for two days on the grounds of the Little Manitou Art Gallery to a packed house.
Following the Saturday evening showcase, the Sunday lineup started with local favourite Bruce Rawlings and his beautifully crafted set of original tunes. Matt Tote brought his husky country flavoured songs to the stage followed by Manitou frequenter Brian Paul DG, along with his musical friends.
Folk rockers Christopher and the Saints followed up with a set of originals and some well-known classics. Saskatoon’s The Great Fuss hit the stage with a vibrant set of their own. The are no screaming shreds with the Fuss, just great low-end riffs, catchy rhythms and melodies, and enough energy to power the beach.
The lights dimmed for the mesmerizing routing presented by Salty Circus, the amazing fire dancing troupe from Saskatoon. Their name is an homage to the salty shores of Manitou with the troupe's members having spent time at the resort village honing their craft. The dancing flames and the deft maneuvers captivated the audience on the clear and warm summer evening.
The show hit a true frenzy with the Steadies, Saskatoon’s purveyors of reggae, funk and Latin beats. From the opening notes of their spectacular cover, Come and Get Your Love, to the high energy encore, fans hit the dance mats and celebrated into the night.
It was the eighth year for the closeout festival, signalling a wrap for the weekend music shows at the Gallery. With a string of stellar performances showcasing Saskatchewan music and culture, the Manitou Music Fest was a great wrap to the summer’s entertainment at the Beach.