Riverside, California, boasts a vibrant live music scene, with numerous venues hosting both emerging local talents and seasoned tribute acts. On a recent Saturday night, I embarked on a musical journey through the city, visiting three notable establishments: Back to the Grind, Lake Alice Trading Co., and The Concert Lounge.

Established in 1996 by Darren Conkerite, Back to the Grind is more than just a coffeehouse; it's a cultural hub for Riverside's creative community. Located at 3575 University Avenue, this independent venue offers a cozy ambiance with high ceilings, brick walls adorned with local art, and an eclectic mix of seating options. Beyond its inviting atmosphere, Back to the Grind hosts a variety of events, including open mic nights and live performances, particularly in its basement stage—a space reminiscent of a welcoming, artistic sanctuary. On this particular evening, the basement stage featured performances by three local up-and-coming bands: The Noble Trip, Crimson Revolver, and Citrus Park.

Citrus Park is a fresh alternative rock band that began as a side project in 2021. Fronted by Josie Lopez, with Maxwell Curren and Amanda on guitar, Luke Borja on bass, and Danny on drums, Citrus Park brings a youthful, indie-inspired sound to the Riverside scene. With a growing presence on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, they have been attracting fans through both live performances and social media engagement. Recently, they performed at the Glass House in Pomona on March 14, further cementing their reputation as a rising act in the Southern California music scene.

The Noble Trip is a hard rock trio from California's Inland Empire, known for blending rock, blues, metal, and psychedelic influences. The band consists of Anthony Noble on lead guitar and vocals, Omar De La Cruz on bass, Jonathan Ramos on keyboards, and Tyson Alvarado on drums. Their music aims to inspire and energize, with tracks like "Unorthodox Blues" and "Jupiter Tears" capturing their dynamic essence. Their performances at Back to the Grind and other local venues have helped solidify their presence in Riverside’s growing music scene. They recently released a new single, "Mischief in Color", which is now available on Spotify.

Crimson Revolver has been gaining traction as an exciting new act in the local circuit. With a raw and energetic sound, they recently performed at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, opening for legendary acts like The Strawberry Alarm Clock and The Rockyts. Their set at Back to the Grind showcased their knack for blending classic rock with a modern, hard-hitting edge.

A short walk from Back to the Grind led me to Lake Alice Trading Co., a bar and grill situated in the heart of Riverside. Known for its lively atmosphere, Lake Alice offers a range of entertainment options, including karaoke nights, pool tables, and arcade games. The venue also features a menu filled with classic pub favorites, making it a popular spot for both dining and entertainment.

That night, the stage was graced by The Napstars, a '90s cover band whose name cleverly nods to the early music-sharing platform, Napster. Their setlist transported the audience back to the grunge and alternative rock era, delivering nostalgic renditions of hits that had the crowd singing along and dancing. With faithful renditions of songs from bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Smashing Pumpkins, they turned the bar into a time machine for fans of the decade’s music.

Concluding the evening, I ventured to The Concert Lounge, located in the Mission Grove neighborhood. This venue is renowned for hosting a diverse array of live music acts offering an intimate setting with excellent acoustics. The lounge provides both general admission and VIP seating options, catering to various audience preferences. Formally in the downtown area, many have mistakenly thought that the Concert Lounge has closed, but instead, it's moved to its new digs up in Mission Grove.

Lighting up the Concert Lounge stage was Nirvanish, a tribute band dedicated to authentically recreating the music and energy of Nirvana. Specializing in performances of entire albums like Nevermind, In Utero, and Unplugged in New York, Nirvanish captures the essence of Nirvana’s live shows. Their set began with a faithful rendition of the iconic Unplugged performance, followed by an electrifying selection of the band's greatest hits. The seamless transition from acoustic intimacy to full-fledged grunge fury made for a captivating experience.

This musical tour through Riverside underscored the city’s rich and diverse live music offerings. From intimate coffeehouse stages to bustling bar scenes and dedicated concert venues, Riverside provides a platform for both emerging local talents and seasoned tribute acts. For anyone looking to experience the pulse of the city’s music scene, a Saturday night out in Riverside offers an unforgettable journey through sound and culture.

Beyond these venues, and the bigger ones like the Fox Theatre, and RMA with their new Garden Room, there are a ton of places in Riverside to hear great live music such as Pixels Bar, The Hideaway Cafe, Arts Bar & Grill, Packinghouse Brewing Co, and several others that provide an intimate setting for performances. Notably, the newest addition to the live music scene is the Farm House Collective, on University Ave, which also held its grand opening last night featuring a concert. Keep an eye on their calendar of events for more great shows coming. Whether you're into rock, indie, blues, or alternative sounds, there's always a stage in Riverside waiting to be explored.