WARREN - Deborah Summers sat inches from the Warren Community Amphitheatre bowl, large black speakers just a few feet in front of her as she swayed and sang along to the lyrics of Tom Petty's "You Don't Know How it Feels.''
Summers, arms raised high in the air, turned and looked appreciatively at fellow concert-goers also singing along Saturday with Full Moon Fever frontman Todd Sharman.
The light cold rain that had fallen did nothing to dampen the mood of the hundreds of others who attended the Rocktoberfest celebration.
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Tribune Chronicle / Raymond L. Smith
Autumn rain and cold did not keep concert fans from attending Saturday’s Rocktoberfest at the Warren Community Amphitheatre, where tribute bands Full Moon Fever, Hollywood Nights and 7 Bridges entertained.
It was the last of 2012's River Rock at the Amp concerts and attendees were determined to have a good time.
The bands - 7 Bridges, Hollywood Nights and Full Moon Fever - did not disappoint.
"I've come to several of these concerts this year," Steve Davis of East Palestine said. "I drive about an hour. They have good bands and the concerts are not over-priced."
"I saw 7 Bridges at an earlier concert and I was impressed," he said.
Full Moon Fever is a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute band. 7 Bridges is a tribute to the Eagles, and Hollywood Nights covers Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band.
Marty Cohen, co-founder of River Rock promoter Sunrise Entertainment, said the promotion decided to add its first Rocktoberfest this year to extend the summer concert season.
Dan and Teresa Knight of Leavittsburg, sitting on lawn chairs in front of the stage on Saturday, said the concerts have provided them with a chance to bond with their children in a fun atmosphere. The family attended four concerts this year.
"They've gotten to learn about our music," Teresa Knight said. "They like it."
"It is better than rap they make us listen to around the house," Dan added with a smile.
Mimi Broz says she enjoys the concerts but wishes the police would have sobriety checkpoints after the concerts.
"It really would be a good idea," she said.
Warren resident Jeff Jeffries believes the concerts bring people into the city who typically would not come on Saturday nights.
"The venue is beautiful," he said. "People are friendly. I usually attend three times a year."
Jerry Boyce of Niles and Kim Patrnchak of Boardman said they both like the concerts because of the family atmosphere.
"I wish they could continue this series of concerts at some indoor venue over the winter months," said Stanley Butler of Warren. "I think people would come."