It's like summer camp for Blue Rodeo.

Except they get paid.

The veteran Canadian country rock band has made a habit of touring its albums in the three unsunny seasons of the year, and using its summers, those lazy days in between, to play the outdoor festival circuit.

More specifically, it's almost a certainty that come July they'll be hitting Calgary's folk fest in one incarnation or another -- they're as close as you'll get to a Prince's Island house band.

"It's an hour set, and for us, we're used to playing these long shows," says Blue Rodeo bassist Bazil Donovan of the band's Sunday afternoon performance.

"It's almost like a vacation for us."

They've earned it.

Since the release of their Palace of Gold disc last year, the band has spent most of the time on the road, and will embark in the fall on a U.S. tour to support the forthcoming American release of the record.

Again, that's why Donovan and the gang are looking forward to this vacation -- to kicking back, seeing the sights and catching up with acquaintances.

"Usually, when you're touring, you're just with your own band and whatever other band is on the tour," says Donovan, who's also currently helping Oh Susanna record a gospel song in Blue Rodeo's studio.

"When you get to the festivals, you're seeing friends you haven't seen in a year.

"Backstage is just a big get-together. We also get to see a lot of stuff, too, especially Calgary's festival -- every year seems to be amazing ...

"That's as top shelf as you can get."

Well, normally Donovan would be right, but soon after the Calgary show, Blue Rodeo will be part of a slightly more impressive lineup of musical acts.

The band has been recruited for the Toronto SARS concert, playing with The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Rush and others.

It is, as you'd expect, a thrill of a lifetime for Donovan.

"Oh, of course," he says. "I'm a child of that era. I was in Grade 3 when the Beatles broke and Grade 5 when the Stones broke, and before Blue Rodeo I played in a million cover bands that covered Stones tunes.

"To me, they live up to the name -- they're a fantastic band.

"So, yeah, I'll be starstruck, I admit it."

And even though Blue Rodeo will only get to play three songs before being hurried off the stage to make way for The Flaming Lips or Justin Timberlake, Donovan is especially thrilled by the prospect he may actually get to meet the band.

A friend of his is part of the Stones' crew and has promised to try and get him an audience with the Glimmer Twins.

"He's always says I'll take you back and introduce you to Mick and Keith," he says.

"I don't know if he's going to be there ... but if he is, I have an in. I may get to meet the big guys."