Most people who know me well know that I love music of all kinds, from folk to jazz to blues. However, sometimes I just need some of that rock and roll music. 

When I learned about the Rockin' Thunder Festival taking place a short distance north of the McCauley and Boyle Street neighbourhoods, my heart filled with nostalgia when I saw the lineup. 

I had the chance to relive my tween/teen years by enjoying acts like Queensryche and Bret Michaels (who I knew best as a member of Poison). "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" holds a special place in my heart even though I was never really into hair bands. It is a beautiful song regardless of hairdo. 

Joan Jett was the only woman on the list of headliners and she meant a lot to me in terms of representation when I was younger and getting into music. I never thought I would ever get to experience "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" live - but there I was. Unfortunately, she did not allow any media so I don't have any photographic evidence. 

More of a generational contemporary, Sam Roberts Band had me grooving to songs like "Don't Walk Away Eileen" and "Brother Down."

During the two days I also got to know a couple of bands of which I knew the names, but not the music: Toque (which does covers of classic Canadian rock tunes) and The Trews (melodic, intelligent songs that I am going to have to look up now).

One of the event's emcee's was Rick Campanelli. Those of us who used to be addicted to MuchMusic would remember him as "Rick the Temp." He still looks the same and has that great energy he brought to the station. 

Overall, Rockin' Thunder was a lot of fun and I am already looking forward to next year!