“We are delighted to be back and I think the community is delighted to be back with us,” said Gary Makowski, member of the board of directors. “In 2020, a virtual Laborfest took place and people can still access this event on YouTube.”

Makowski added that while there is an excellent lineup planned for this year, some bands were unable to make it.

“The headliners ‘Here Comes the Mummies’ and ‘Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers’ were due to appear this year, but instead they will be shown at Laborfest 2022 and the contracts have already been signed,” said Makowski.

However, the big headlining lineup this year is “Airborne or Aquatic? Michigan Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members Jake Kershaw and “Band X” from Manistee. Other local bands scheduled include “Headwind”, “Big Jer and Friends”, “Sufferin Succotash” and the John and Angela duo.

Music starts at 1 p.m. and is free until 5 p.m. Those wishing to attend the evening musical performances that run until 11 p.m. will need a ticket.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $ 10 from the TJ Pub, area, Sports Ink, and the Manistee Visitors Bureau. They can also be purchased online at mynorthtickets.com.

There will be a limited number of tickets to be purchased at the door at a cost of $ 12. Participants will also be able to purchase food and drinks throughout the day.

Salt City Rock and Blues concert funds have been used to help many interesting projects in the Manistee community. Currently, the group is focused on building an amphitheater at First Street Beach.

“The band’s mission is to create community through music,” said Dave Greve, SCR & B board member. “To that end, our goal now is to lead efforts to build a state-of-the-art amphitheater on the shores of Lake Michigan. “

Greve stressed that this was only the first step in the process.

“Once built, we will continue our fundraising efforts to fully fund the annual maintenance of the facility,” he added.

Over the past nine years, the Manistee Community Salt City Rock and Blues has donated funds it has raised to many worthy local causes. These include the restoration of the North Pier Lighthouse, the Homeward Bound Animal Shelter and the Feed the Fight Manistee campaign which provided meals to first responders and healthcare workers during the pandemic. They also covered much of the cost of a feasibility study for the construction of the amphitheater adjacent to the Lions Pavilion at First Street Beach.

The organizers remind the public that music is only part of Laborfest and that there are other activities in coordination with it. They include a Labor Day Parade that will start at noon in the Armory Youth Project parking lot and continue to the Lions Pavilion at First Street Beach.

A classic / antique auto show will also be held at First Street Beach. Those wishing to display their classic car, volunteer to help out at Laborfest, or participate in the parade should call 231-690-2635 for more information.

Those who need transportation to get to the event can use the Dial A Ride service free of charge throughout the day.