Canadian Summer Music Festival Guide -- September

What: Edmonton Sonic Boom Festival
When: September 4
Where: Edmonton, Alta.

If you're looking for a reason to rock out before the cool weather hits, head on down to Sonic Boom. Now in its second year, the one-day festival is sure to be a hotspot for fans of classic SoCal punk, what with Bad Religion on the bill and all. But if you'd rather get nostalgic about jangly guitars and silly song titles like 'Pork and Beans,' don't despair, Weezer just so happens to be headlining as well. There will also be Canadian indie champs lighting up the stage for those of you who pine after bands like Vancouver's Mother Mother and Wintersleep from Halifax. The concert, which is held at Edmonton's Northlands Park, might also be your last chance this year to throw around the beach ball (soccer balls, footballs, Frisbees, an all other projectiles are forbidden according to Sonic Boom guidelines), so don't let this opportunity go to waste.

Can't Miss Acts:

Weezer: Want a sneak peak at the latest batch of feel-good tunes and, of course, wise-cracking lyrics featured on their forthcoming album, 'Hurley?' Check out Weezer in all their glory as Rivers Cuomo and the gang return to Edmonton for the first time in eight years.

Tokyo Police Club: The indie rockers are no doubt eager to keep the hype going for their latest album 'Champ,' so get ready for lots of high energy and playful hooks.

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What: Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival
When: September 14-19
Where: Fredericton, N.B.

Fredericton is your oyster mid-September -- if you're a serious blues and jazz fan, that is. Over the course of six days, concerts light up the city's historic downtown centre as visitors and locals alike are treated to an eclectic mix of sounds, ranging from the traditional to slightly off-the-wall. Keep an eye out -- uh, make that an ear -- for bands like Big Sugar, the Acorn, Elliott Brood and Beast at this year's event.

Can't Miss Acts:

Beast: The experimental hip-hop duo from Montreal is special treat live as they really take their adventurous beats to a whole new level.

Elliott Brood: Even if you've seen this folksy trio countless times, search them out in Fredericton. Their set is always chock full of soulful melodies and riveting hoedown-worthy choruses.

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What: London Ontario Live Arts (LOLA)
When: September 16-19
Where: London, Ont.

With a lineup that ranges from Zeus and Caribou all the way to Sonic Youth guitarist Lee Ranaldo and acclaimed composer Tony Conrad, LOLA is all about mixing it up. Dedicated to visual art and sound, the festival, now in its fifth year, transforms London into what organizers call, "a boundless musical landscape." With most events free, there's no reason not to take advantage of this ultra-imaginative series.

Can't Miss Acts:

Born Ruffians: This is a band that knows how to write a pop hook. What's more, they happen to have one of the most charismatic frontmen going, so it's no surprise that they wind up as a must-see at LOLA.

Lee Ranaldo: The longtime Sonic Youth guitarist has built a career on thinking outside the box, so who better to headline a festival that champions this very same ideal.

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What: Olio Festival
When: September 23-26
Where: Vancouver, BC.

Vancouver seems to be on track to have a music festival in line with Pop Montreal and Calgary's Sled Island, at least that's the assumption now that the Olio Festival is marching into its second year. The showcase, which also covers comedy, art and film, is definitely Vancouver-centric, but still provides plenty of opportunity to ogle talented folks from beyond the city limits. Acts like Babe Rainbow, No Gold, Hard Drugs and Terror Bird will be on hand to represent the local scene, while Calgary's beloved Chad VanGaalen and the Very Best from the UK are just some of the artists descending upon the west coast city for the big cultural bash.

Can't Miss Acts:

Chad VanGaalen: When it comes to amazing pop oddities, the indie rocker is leading the pack. No matter what genre or style he's pulling from, the self-described homebody always manages to come up with a melody that speaks directly to the soul.

Black Wizard: Although relatively unknown outside Vancouver, this group of metallers have been name-checked more than once by the Polaris Music Prize jury as a band to watch. They are indeed riff-tastic.

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What: POP Montreal
When: September 29 - October 3
Where: Montreal, Que.

POP Montreal really needs no introduction. The festival, which was founded in 2002, has grown to be Canada's premier music festival, at least according to those who descend upon Montreal for the soirée each fall. A mix of music and independent art forms, the event attracts bands, both underground and high profile, from all over the world. This year, get your POP on with the likes of Deerhoof, Holy F---, Les Savy Fav, Liars and the D'Ubervilles.

Can't Miss Acts:

Radio Radio: The group describes themselves as a "rap regal gypsy disco pow-wow band," which should be reason enough to check them out. If this off-the-wall description doesn't grab your attention, the fact that they landed a spot on the Polaris Music Prize short list has to.

The XX: If you're going to POP Montreal, you're going to XX. It's as simple as that. The Mercury Music Prize-nominated trio has been touted in just about every music magazine and blog since bursting onto the scene with their self-titled debut last year. If you're going to be in town, don't snooze on this show -- your friends will laugh at you if you do. Seriously.