Open Mic night brought people together at downtown Riverside's coffee shop, Back to the Grind, on September 25. That night, in the basement of the shop, people were in their seats ready to get another taste of the community's talent. In the crowd sat four friends, Dylan Mayer, Michael DeSantos, J.J. Garcia and Lori Knight, who came out to support their community. "I love everything about Open Mic nights--the talent, the people, the ambiance, the support--it's what people need to get away from the real world for a while," shared Knight. Open Mic nights are known for hosting a diverse array of talent ranging from poetry to live music. "Even though I don't come all the time, … [Read more...] about Riverside’s Open Mic: Coffee & Creativity
Back to the Grind
Saddentines Day returns
By Robert Klimper |Staff Writer| Broken lovers and lonely hearts celebrated Saddentimes Day at Back to the Grind in Downtown Riverside on Feb. 11. Saddentimes Day was for those who had no one to share their love with, and those brokenhearted. Regardless, people involved in relationships were also welcome. The event itself has been held in different locations around the Inland Empire, initially starting at the Katz Alley in Redlands. The fourth annual event was offered free of charge and open to all ages. “Originally [Saddentimes Day] was my efforts to go against the Valentine's Day holiday, cause to be honest, to me, Valentine's Day is not a real holiday, so I thought it would … [Read more...] about Saddentines Day returns
Floasis at Back to the Grind
By Veronica Vicente |Staff Writer| On Oct. 21 the Riverside coffee shop, Back To the Grind, held its monthly poetry slam competition, called "Floasis." Upon arriving at about 7 p.m., the coffee shop's first floor was full of people who appeared to be studying or on the couch socializing with their friends. I ordered a caramel Frappuccino, although it was not on the menu, the barista happily created the drink I asked for . As the barista prepared drinks for the customers, the room was filled with the coffee aroma. The cover charge was $7 dollars and included a raffle ticket to be entered in a drawing to win prizes. "Floasis" started an hour late, at 9 p.m., the host Tiana … [Read more...] about Floasis at Back to the Grind
Saturation Fest..Back to the Grind supports local artists
By Jose Alvarez |Staff Writer| The sign reads Back to the Grind a place for all to come together, to leave all labels outside. Stepping into Back to the Grind, I found myself trying to wiggle into the crowd and unfortunately missing out on the strong aroma of coffee because I was sick. When I finally managed to take a seat, the band Gemini Fiction took the stage. Although there was another band downstairs, I did not find out until several bands had played. You can enjoy the show from either downstairs or upstairs where framed art pieces are displayed all over the walls and some even hang from the ceiling. The signs and artwork did a great job in adding to the presence and … [Read more...] about Saturation Fest..Back to the Grind supports local artists
Seaside Audio & The Fathomless Feel rock Back to the Grind
By Nadia Ahmad |Staff Writer| Back to The Grind, a venue known for its open mics and local gigs, featured two charming bands: Seaside Audio and The Fathomless Feel. Seaside Audio is a band that will cause you to get lost in the moment, and The Fathomless Feel will have you dancing around your room or rocking out in your car. The intimate crowd consisted of loyal Seaside Audio and The Fathomless Feel fans who heard about the show through the grapevine. The rest of the crowd seemed to be a few coffee lovers who were there to catch up on some homework on a Saturday night. As soon as Seaside Audio took the stage everyone immediately looked up from their screens and never looked back … [Read more...] about Seaside Audio & The Fathomless Feel rock Back to the Grind
Back to the Grind infused the audience with eclectic sounds
By Lily Perez |Staff Writer| The coffee shop, Back to the Grind located in downtown Riverside welcomed Indie artists to their basement stage on Jan. 11. This coffee shop draws in many because of its atmosphere, amazing coffee and support of the arts. Great Ghosts, Sheep’s Head, Suzie’s Dead, Ancient Crux, and The Big Nothing all infused the audience with their eclectic sounds. Electric beats, soothing acoustic folk ballads to the overpowering sound of drums and bass for all those mosh pit enthusiasts. Each band had something unique to offer the audience . “I don’t know any of the bands but I have been here once before and needed something to do tonight, so I knew this would … [Read more...] about Back to the Grind infused the audience with eclectic sounds
CSUSB students win awards at 48 Hour Project Film Festival
By Andy Quintana |Staff Writer| Lights, camera, and 48 hours. CSUSB students received honors and awards in the area of creating a short film; and the kicker is that they only had 48 hours to work. The 48 Hour Project competition brought together the Inland Empire filmmakers to create a short film, given guidelines and specifications. The project concluded on Wednesday, Sept. 25, with a small award ceremony that took place at a coffee house, Back to the Grind, located in Downtown Riverside. Out of the 25 films nominated, two awards Best Director and Best Cinematographer, as well as one runner up, the Audience Award, were handed out to students from CSUSB. Best Director … [Read more...] about CSUSB students win awards at 48 Hour Project Film Festival
CSUSB students aspire to make music universal
By Desirae Contreras |Staff Writer| Make way for the newest Inland Empire band hitting the music scene, the Backseat Pilots. CSUSB seniors and brothers Jason and Joshua Recinos, alongside alumnus Jarrold Chang, started their band in 2010. Ever since then, the Fontana musicians have performed all across the Inland Empire. From community shows, churches, benefit concerts and school events to venues like Back to the Grind and the Big Time, the band has established a steady fan base for themselves in the electronic dance, rock and indie music scene. “We strive for freedom with our music. We don’t like limitations and ultimately aim for a new-age style of ‘80s sound scape smashed … [Read more...] about CSUSB students aspire to make music universal
IE’s local acts to saturate downtown Riverside
By Matthew Bramlett |Asst. A&E Editor| The Inland Empire's most interesting and entertaining acts are set to convene on Memorial Day weekend in Riverside for Saturation Fest. The music and arts festival, which runs from May 26-30, will feature dozens of local musicians and artists for an overload of alternative culture. The festival heavily promotes a do-it-yourself ethic, meaning that it is completely participant created. According to the festival's press release, Saturation Fest “pushes for the de-commodification of culture, concentrating instead on the value of the experience.” The festival is in it's tenth year, and it has steadily grown from only a couple hundred … [Read more...] about IE’s local acts to saturate downtown Riverside
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