Members of the band Saltydog on West Michigan Street near Bent Paddle Brewing in July 2023: Sam Deters, Owen Mahon, Gavin St. Clair, Jacob Mahon, Calvin Lund and Bryan Johnson. (Photo by Aaron Reichow)

Saltydog isn’t new anymore, hence the dropping of “New” from the band name. The Duluth-born jam band has accumulated an impressive cult following over the past seven years, playing venues across Minnesota and Wisconsin, including Duluth’s Bent Paddle Brewing on Monday nights. An enthusiastic group of funk and blues lovers seem to follow the band from show to show, along for the improvisational ride Saltydog takes them on.