Riders' O'Day believes positive steps taken in 2024
Nov 21, 2024
The Saskatchewan Roughriders will soon make decisions on how the team will look in 2025. That also includes what the CFL...
Shake the Lake is back for another weekend here in Regina.
It’s a classic-rock music festival hosted by the Conexus Arts Centre with a beautiful backdrop of Wascana Lake.
Neil Donnelly, CEO of Conexus Arts Centre, joined Greg Morgan to chat about the festival.
Donnelly said celebrating Canadian music is a key part of Shake the Lake.
“The Canadian music is really what people come to get here,” he said. “People love their Troopers and their April Wines and that type of thing, so that’s kind of what we stick to.”
He said the weekend is nearly sold out.
“We’re getting closer,” Donnelly said. “Momentum is picking up and we’re seeing that in the daily sales. There’s still a few tickets available so there’s still an opportunity for those who haven’t (purchased tickets) yet. But we’re getting close to that number.”
Fans enjoyed Alfie Zappacosta on Friday afternoon at Shake the Lake. (Nicole Garn/ 980 CJME)
There’s a lot of preparation that goes into the iconic weekend festival. A big safety concern this year is heat — it’s going to be a hot one this weekend.
“The water and ice order just got increased this week when we saw that forecast,” he said.
“We’ll probably sell a bit more water than we normally would. The nice part about having it right out front of the building is that if people are feeling a little hot they can always pop into the building. They can use the washrooms in here and cool down for a bit, just take a bit of a respite from the heat and then go back out into the fun.”
READ MORE:
- Glass Tiger, George Thorogood headline 2024 Shake the Lake lineup
- Stage set for Shake the Lake music festival in Regina
Donnelly reminds concertgoers some items are not allowed on the grounds.
“No outside food or beverage, that’s the main thing,” he said. “Don’t bring anything that might be deemed as weapon, don’t bring any professional type cameras. We discourage umbrellas or anything like that that’s going to block the view of the people behind you. If you bring a backpack, that’s okay, it’s just going to get checked so pack light.”
I’m here at Shake the Lake and things are just getting started. The crowd is slowly starting to grow and drinks are flowing. @CJMENews pic.twitter.com/Mh60UNZbGo
— Nicole Garn (@garnnic) August 23, 2024
He also reminds folks about the importance of bringing a lawn chair, as no other seating is provided.
“The geese have done a number on the lawn out there so you’ve got to step around some of the things they’ve left behind,” he said with a laugh. “So it’s always good to bring a lawn chair.”
Lawn chairs were a must after geese ‘did a number on the lawn’. (Nicole Garn/ 980 CJME)
Nothing will stop the party down at Wascana Lake, the festival runs rain or shine.
Friday’s show will feature artists like Sweet, Streetheart and Glass Tiger.
Saturday will feature Sass Jordan, Steven Page and George Thorogood & the Destroyers to close out the weekend.
Donnelly is already looking forward to booking performers for next year’s festival.
Ticket prices and more information can be found here.
Lines were forming at food trucks on Friday afternoon, with Paddy Wagon seemingly a big hit with festivalgoers. (Nicole Garn/ 980 CJME)
Fans staked their spots early on Friday afternoon, with Alfie Zappacosta on stage at Shake the Lake.(Nicole Garn/ 980 CJME)
Tropezon food truck was serving up tasty Mexican food. (Nicole Garn/ 980 CJME)
Send us your photos and video
Have a great story to tell about Shake the Lake? Great photos, video of your favourite act ?
Send your stories, photos and videos to webnews@rawlco.com