For a place that prides themselves on “Amster’dam Good Beer” they put on a damn good party too.

The other night I was in attendance at the final Open Roof Films of the season, where The Junction played followed by a screening of the documentary Eco-Pirate. Amsterdam provided Blonde, Big Wheel and 416 Wheat on tap in abundance.

I feel a little cheated that this is the first time I had heard The Junction, who are finishing up their third album. Local to Toronto, they have an approachable pop-rock sound that’s really catchy and fun. Framed by the white movie screen and the CN tower in the background, it was an excellent performance. I’m always wary of going to concerts where I don’t know the band, but the great sound quality and memorable tracks The Junction played made even the uninitiated feel as comfortable as a super fan. If I had to pick something wrong about the night it would be that the chairs set up for the film screening were in the way of getting up and enjoying the concert on your feet. It feels a bit unnatural to sit when the band is so easy to get up and move to.

As for Eco-Pirate, I have to admit I went in not expecting to enjoy the film. The Hot Docs People’s Choice pick chronicles Captain Paul Watson and the crew of the Sea Shepherd as they hunt for illegal whaling operations around the globe. From his early days at Greenpeace to breaking out on his own, the picture gives an interesting look at a very unconventional environmentalist. Expecting a gushing, sappy, save-the-whales film that painted Watson as a folk hero, I was pleased to see him presented as human and flawed. Controversial (and illegal) as his tactics may be, it’s hard to disagree with his cause and that’s what makes the film interesting. I also found it interesting how the movie showed his relationship with his daughter and ex-wife. Watson is a man so hell-bent on a singular goal that his personal relationships seem to suffer for it.

Thanks again to Amsterdam for the free pass. They, along with many other breweries in this city have figured out that while beer is good, beer with culture and food is better.