Canadian Summer Music Festival Guide - August

What: Edmonton Folk Festival
When: August 4 - 8
Where: Edmonton, Alta.

Waving the folk music banner since 1980, the Edmonton Folk Festival highlights homegrown talent while still showcasing exciting international headliners. Over the years stars like Tracy Chapman, Iron & Wine, Neko Case and Steve Earle have all graced the stage in Alberta's capital. While folk festivals have a longstanding tradition of encouraging political debate, the one in Edmonton asks performers to leave their personal agendas at the door so as not to distract for the main focus of the event: world-class music.

Can't Miss Acts:

Jakob Dylan & the Three Legs: With the iconic Dylan name betraying his incredible lineage, the New York musician draws crowds with little effort. That's not to say, though, that the dashing troubadour relies on his famous father Bob alone to drum up fans. The singer-guitarist would enrapture fans just the same without his iconic surname.

Van Morrison (pictured): With quintessential records like 'Astral Weeks,' 'Moondance' and 'Wavelength' to his credit, Van the Man doesn't need much of an introduction. A legend no matter who you ask, the prolific musician dazzles in almost every genre. Blue-eyed soul, rustic folk, rock, swinging R&B -- the guy has mastered them all.

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What: Wolfe Island Music Fest
When: August 6 - 7
Where: Wolfe Island, Ont.

Held on the largest island in the Thousand Islands chain, Wolfe Island Music Fest boasts an action-packed schedule with musical sensations like Cuff the Duke, Bahamas and Justin Bird. While Friday offers more of a welcome-to-the-party type of event, the big show happens on Saturday with bands playing throughout the day at the island's community centre. Camping is encouraged, so load up your cooler and enjoy roughing it after you're done enjoying the fest's sights and sounds.

Can't Miss Acts:

Shad: The Toronto rapper is a serious contender for this year's Polaris Music Prize so make sure you're front and center when he breaks out his slick rhymes.

The Weakerthans: Royalty of sorts when it comes to the summer festival circuit, the Weakerthans are always a hit with Canadian concert-goers. If you've never seen them in action, rectify this travesty while at Wolfe Island by checking out Winnipeg's pride and joy in all their glory.

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What: Wakestock
When: August 6-9
Where: Collingwood, Ont.

Bikinis, babes, boards and Alexisonfire -- this is basically the gist of Wakestock, the renowned international wakeboard competition that takes over the town of Collingwood, Ont. in early August. Billed as an "Action Sports & Music Festival," the adrenaline-fueled party boasts an amazing array of performers in addition to Dallas Green and the gang. Hip-hop legends Public Enemy will be there as will legendary Toronto rapper Maestro Fresh Wes and budding superstars Hollerado. As far as full-throttle entertainment goes, it doesn't get much more intense than Wakestock.

Can't Miss Acts:

Public Enemy: What better way to party than alongside hip-hop innovators like Chuck D, Flavor Flav and Professor Griff? Still ripping up the stage after almost 30 years, the crew is untouchable when it comes to old-school raps and edgy political commentary.

Alexisonfire: Always a good time, the tenacious punks know how to work a crowd lakeside or otherwise. The band will no doubt score a perfect ten with their hardcore tunes.

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What: Ottawa Folk Festival
When: August 13 - 15
Where: Ottawa, Ont.

The focus is on eclecticism when it comes to the lineup at this year's Ottawa Folk Festival. Enjoy Canadian indie staples like Hidden Cameras before taking in more traditional folk festival fare like Ramblin' Jack Elliott -- the three-day showcase aims to please all types of music lovers. Rounding out the 2010 bill is Calexico, Arrested Development, Jim Bryson & the Weakerthans and Bahamas.

Can't Miss Acts:

Carolyn Mark & the New Best Friends: The queen of the Canadian country scene, Mark is always a treat for the folk-loving set. Often compared to her friend Neko Case, the vivacious singer-songwriter offers an instant pick-me-up for worn-out festival goers.

The Jim Cuddy Band: Blue Rodeo's frontman proves that he can do no wrong with this marvelous side project. Always ready with swinging melodies, heart-tugging lyrics and a blue ribbon voice, the alt-country icon is, no surprise, a crowd favourite.

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What: Salmon Arm Roots and Jazz Festival
When: August 13 - 15
Where: Salmon Arm, B.C.

Salmon Arm isn't exactly a major destination for music fans, but this festival is hoping to change all that. Featuring everyone from Gord Downie and Juno Award-winner Julian Fauth to beloved children entertainer Fred Penner, the annual showcase, which takes place at the Salmon Arm Fairgrounds, promises loads of music-related fun for everyone. Don't be surprised when you start fantasizing about the festival's 2011 installment on the ride home.

Can't Miss Acts:

Martha Wainwright: Folk-rock never sounded so good -- that seems to be the general consensus when people hear the brilliant songbird perform. Mixing classic folk sensibility with modern flourishes, the sister of Rufus Wainwright and daughter of the late Kate McGarrigle is a wonder to behold.

Ohbijou: A sleepy pop band from Toronto may not be the most obvious choice for a festival towing the 'Roots and Jazz' line, but Ohbijou will be a real show-stopper all the same. It's impossible not to fall under the spell of frontwoman Casey Mecija with her ever-so-romantic vocals.

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What: The Big Time Out!
When: August 14 - 15
Where: Cumberland, B.C.

Nestled in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, you'll find the location of the Big Time Out! The annual festival is back to the two-day format for 2010, which means even more time to check out stellar performances by Hannah Georgas, Winter Gloves, the Acorn and Ohbijou, among others. Whether you decided to take advantage of the on-site camping or stay at a cozy B&B nearby, enjoy the magic of Cumberland with a little help from your favourite Canadian artists.

Can't Miss Acts:

Broken Social Scene: You can count on the beloved collective to deliver the goods from their Polaris Prize Short List-nominated album, 'Forgiveness Rock Record.' There's never a dull moment when Kevin Drew, Brendan Canning and cohorts are around, so don't sit this one out or you'll, er, never forgive yourself.

K'Naan: If the name doesn't ring a bell (unlikely) maybe his smash-hit 'Wavin' Flag' will. The Toronto-based rapper is a must-see on any bill, and amongst the heavy indie-rock showing at the Big Time Out!, K'Naan will offer a nice genre twist.