this year.

Rock show after rock show, they just keep coming. Up this time, Sam Roberts. All he asks is that you give your soul to rock and roll. Are you okay with that?

I like to think that performers like Sam Roberts relish in the opportunity to play unique venues, and none is more unique than Rocktoberfest at Queensmount arena. Oktoberfest meets rock and roll here, and it is a friendship forged in beer and catchy guitar riffs, layered with lyrics destined to drive teenage rebellion. Where Have All The Good People Gone? provides an audience favourite “Traffic jam but I’m on the shoulder / took 10 cops to pull me over / Bangkok to Babylon / Where have all the good people gone?” The band loves what they do, and that is obviously rockin’ out. Stand out tracks were: Dead End, Taj Mahal, Where Have All The Good People Gone? and the encore Don’t Walk Away Eileen.

The unique twist Rocktoberfest brings to the table is combining the Rock with the Oktoberfest. They accomplish this by teaming up a rock band with Canada’s Polka King, Walter Ostanek. Nothing makes for a more entertaining evening then to see the accordion champion of the Juno’s playing with rock bands. I’m pretty sure he thinks everything sounds better with a little polka — and a little beer. This was the fourth Rocktoberfest, and my second. Last year the Trews graced the stage, and it pains me to say it, provided a more enjoyable show. I like both bands for different reasons, and find it difficult to draw loyalty lines in the sand. The reason for the better show last year was that Walter joined in the rock, while this year Sam joined in the polka. Don’t get me wrong, seeing Sam play polka is amusing, and fun, but it’s old hat. Now, seeing Walter rock out on Big Sugar and Trew’s tracks is a sight to behold.

A great event, and even greater seeing as my ticket was free. I’m game for any free shows.

I believe in rock and roll.