Ceci n’est pas a column about white-water rafting, but maybe it should be. Regardless, getting dumped into the river isn’t the only reason to get out to the Alberta foothills these days. This weekend, from August 13 to 15, a plethora of mostly local talent — including, but not limited to, Joe Crocker, Ghosts of the Land, Free Nude Celebs and Saskatoon’s Sheepdogs — descend upon Sundre for a weekend of music at the Mukwah Jamboree. Now in its fifth year, the Jamboree’s roster reads like a stacked Saturday night bill — but with the added benefits of camping, river-hopping and yes, even rafting.

If you’re willing to travel further for your music, though, there’s the Peppermill Fest, also taking place from August 13 to 15. It’s a five-hour drive from the city — the fest is happening at the paradisiacal Kootenay rockies, a hop and a skip from Cranbrook — but well worth it. A brisk hike through the mountains will get you hot springs, glaciers, and Ghostkeeper, Heartstrings and The Ditchweeds — all playing around a campfire. Food, beer, and yes, mead (mead!) are included with the $200 admission. The only downside? Space is limited to 60 people. Don’t sleep, Calgary.

Then again, city-slickin’ ain’t always a bad thing, especially when you’ve got acts such as New Brunswick’s Cop Shades stopping through town. Playing at the Palomino on Saturday, August 14, the scuzzy Atlantic trio blends the incisive, buzz-saw basslines of Death from Above with the discordant grind of Lightning Bolt. And if that’s not a selling point, its song titles (“North Korean Arts Degree” and “Gentlemen’s Concentration Camp?” Really?) are worth the cover charge alone. Quirkily-relaxed IDM mastermind Bonnaventure James and Manchild open.

If you’re of the belief that something said loudly isn’t something said right, head over to catch Brendan McGuigan — best known for his work with local bluegrass outfit Homebound Runaways — perform at the Ironwood on Monday, August 16. He handles guitar and banjo for the traditional roots act, but as a rare treat, he’ll also be joined by Toronto finger-picking vet Sean Patrick McDonald for the set. And along with McGuigan’s Appalachian bag of tricks, McDonald’s white freightliner blues will most certainly steal away your mind. Not that he’s Van Zandt, or anything.