I went to the University of Guelph in the early 90’s which meant a yearly tradition became a trip to Kitchener for some kind of Octoberfest celebration. I remember stumbling through Lulu’s begging for constant refills of watery draft using my commemorative plastic mug somehow thinking I was honouring the longstanding German tradition. Years later I rarely attend the festivities but a buddy of mine managed to score a couple of free tickets Kim Mitchell at Bingeman’s..the current hub of Octoberfest festivities in the area.
After a few pints and live music (including traditional German) on the smaller stages inside the beer tent, we headed outside for main event. It was a crisp but comfortable evening and there was plenty of space to have good view of the stage. Kim, who had just turned 70, hit the stage opening with Rockland Wonderland and proceeded to knock out a number of his solo hits as well as a Max Webster song or two. I don’t recall his exact playlist but it included Go for a Soda, Patio Lanterns, Rock and Roll Duty, the audience interactive I Am a Wild Party and the ballad All we Are which he performed alongside longtime collaborator Peter Fredette. At one point during the show he jokingly invited the crowd to hit the washroom while he performed a newer and much less recognized song…in this case the “Best I Never Had”. It was a humorous way to deal with the conundrum that faces all long standing artists; the balance between playing new music and what most of the fans want and expect to hear. The encore song, Lager and Ale, was an almost obvious fitting end to a concert celebrating the historic beer festival.
In the end, Kim sounded great. Sure, the long, flowing mane and OPP hat is long gone but he still engaged the crowd with a greatest hits performance which brought me back to the days when I never went for a soda and was never the first to kiss under those patio lanterns.
Fare..Eat..Ales 