Obviously, the big news in the coming week is Sled Island, and you’re probably pulling your hair out deciding whether to end your Wednesday with Beans at Broken City, C’mon at the Ship & Anchor or locals Sharp Ends at Local 522 (actual answer: shake your ass to Big Freedia at the No. 1 Legion immediately after those wrap up). We mentioned a few of the most promising shows throughout this issue, but your best bet is still to head to sledisland.com and peruse for yourself. There really are no wrong answers.

In the interest of balanced coverage, though, it’s probably worth noting that there are shows happening this week that aren’t put on by Sled Island. Any geek worth their salt will want to check out Star Wars: In Concert at the Saddledome on Saturday, June 26. It will feature live narration from C-3PO himself, along with giant screens and an exhibit of props and costumes from the movie. Much like the movies, if nothing else, at least it’s big.

On Sunday, June 27, a blast from chick-rock past comes to town when Lilith Fair hits McMahon Stadium. Admittedly, a lineup that includes Sheryl Crow and Sarah McLachlan isn’t all that eye-catching, but it’s important to note that Erykah Badu will be there, and she possesses exactly the right mix of brilliance and insanity to ensure that her set will be memorable.

Also on Sunday, Seattle indie-rock outfit Minus the Bear will bring its intricately melodic tunes to the Republik. The band has abandoned the ridiculous song titles that saddled its first few releases, but anyone who’d devote a good chunk of an indie rock album to talking about sex must still have a sense of humour, right?

Canada Day falls smack in the middle of Sled Island this year, but that hasn’t deterred the city from offering a mini-fest to commemorate the one day of the year when we’re allowed to be patriotic. Performers at the Prince’s Island Park daytime stages range from the old-school country of Steve Pineo and Tim Leacock to the blue-collar soul of Dojo Workhorse and Ghostkeeper’s warped blues and roots. After 8 p.m., the festivities will move to Olympic Plaza, with sets by Wil, Souljah Fyah and United Steel Workers of Montreal, plus fireworks.

There’s even still time to catch Deerhoof, Jane Vain, Ted Leo, Why? or any of a couple dozen other Sled highlights after. Best to start your scheduling right now.