It’s time. Time to dig out that faded, XL Chixdiggit shirt, that is. For those pining for Calgary’s bygone golden era of power pop, do yourself a favour: Head down to the Palomino on Friday, September 17 to catch JJS3 and The Great Evil. Ever wondered where Field Day’s Jonas J. Smith ended up? Yeah, he’s doing the blues-rock thing with JJS3. And Wagbeard’s Chris Temple? He’s still got the pogo going with The Great Evil. As an added bonus, if you missed Cinema L’Amour at Tubby Dog last week, they’re on the bill, too.

For the more precious-inclined, head over to Broken City, also on September 17, to catch relentlessly pleasant Winnipeg collective Boats. Building its found-soundscape around nasal singalongs, delightful synths and irrepressible glockenspiel, the group released one of the most addictive (and unapologetically whimsical) releases of the year in Cannonballs! Cannonballs! Its Myspace page lists corn chips and really warm coats as influences. Heck, it’s just an adorable overload — we admit it, we’re blushing. Oh, and Toronto alt-country stompers Great Bloomers open.

Once you’ve had your fill of aw-shucks charm, head to The Marquee Room to catch the significantly skronkier Hunter Gatherer, one of Calgary’s newest (and best) additions to its growing weird-pop stable. Not that the local foursome doesn’t offer up handfuls of pleasant melodies, but its music — and kinetic stage show — is awash in delay pedal wizardry and lo-fi scuzz. Quirkily relaxed ambient enchanters Memory Screen and Raleigh get the night started.

Alternatively, head to Dickens Pub to secure a spot at the bar. And stay there. Regina bass-and-drum duo Molten Lava set up shop on September 18, bringing its loud-louder brand of beefy scuzz-punk in tow. Look out for bassist Liam Bryant (of Mothra), who could trade dirty, blues-inflected bass riffs with Death From Above’s Jesse Keeler any day. And hell, he might even come out on top. Next up, arrive early for Helmet’s show, happening on Sunday, September 19. Thundering, bearded groove overlords in Bison B.C. open, and you won’t want to miss the ever-talented, ever-rising Calgary progressive metal act The Unravelling, either. Show up the next day to catch the infectious garage-sass of Edmonton’s Hot Panda, which is sure to première plenty of tracks from its forthcoming album, How Come I’m Dead, set for release in October.

Finally, there are few venues in Calgary better than Palomino to host Texas songsmith Hayes Carll, where he’ll play on Wednesday, September 22. Best known for his outlaw-leaning country — indeed, the Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark comparisons just won’t die — Carll will be playing with a full band, so expect a little honky-tonk swing and Bakersfield jitter, too. Best served with pulled pork and whisky (chased with even more whisky).