Don't worry: This guy was not at Can You Rock at Champp's.

When we last wrote about Can You Rock, Indy's premiere live-band karaoke event, we imbibed enough liquid courage to get up there and (attempt) to belt out one of our signature songs. But as we are currently retired from karaoke (as we often are) and arrived late (as we often do) we were not able to sing when we checked out the current incarnation at Champp's this last Sunday.

Good thing we weren't. After all, karaoke is probably not the best way to describe Can You Rock. Not only does the live band add immediacy and life to the canned version but the performers Can You Rock attracts are light-years ahead of those you'll find at the Mineshaft or the Free Spirt Lounge. As a result, Can You Rock feels a lot like a local American Idol — at least, what we think a local American Idol would feel like, since we're too snooty to watch a show that popular.

Speaking of popular, we're happy to report the Champp's version of Can You Rock doesn't seem to be as crowded as its Moon Dog counterpart. Despite the show's awesome open-air setting on Champp's patio, we were easily able to obtain a table with a clear view of the stage. What's more, the sparse crowd meant that drinks were easily procured from the bar without having to elbow one's way between a 40-something Carmelite and the 20-year-old he's trying to pick up. All that adds up to a great, laid-back environment for hanging with your friends and taking in some music.

As for the music, we were impressed. While we can't comment on the first round, the championship round featured an amazonian Barbie's throaty rendition of Madonna's "Holiday" and a cute-as-pie brunette's touching take on "I Will Always Love You" … plus an eclectic hipster housewife's disco boogie and a wire-haired wildman's Joe Cocker-esque rocker. (The hipster housewife deservedly won.)

Our only complaint — aside from the fact that the MC seemed to be trying to channel Wayne Brady — is that the winner didn't get to deliver a victory song to send the crowd home with a tune instead of a verbal plug for the next show.

Still, we plan to be on hand for that next show as often as possible before the July 19th finale. As far as Sunday night activities in Indy goes, Can You Rock at Champp's, well, rocks.

For more info, check out canyourock.com.