Cape Coral’s 47th Terrace area has no shortage of live bands, especially on a Saturday night. Most are small combos, except for the Riverside Band which is a sextet. I heard the band play recently at Big Blue Brewing. This six-piece band puts out a big sound more suited to large arena venues than to a unique eating and drinking establishment. Their big sound drew many people off the street to come in and listen, then stay. I couldn’t help but notice how just about everyone got up to dance when they played. Even the servers danced while tending their tables. Both young and old at this newer Cape Coral brew house were out on the floor having a good time dancing to the music.
I was met there by the band’s unofficial greeter and rhythm guitarist, Kevin Kuhlman. He walked around the eatery taking song requests while playing his wireless mandolin.
The Riverside Band was formed by Evelio Rodriguez around 2002 in Cape Coral as a garage band trio. Evelio, known as “EV,” told me that over the years the band has grown to be quite popular and that every year they have a full schedule of gigs. Most of the band live and work in and around the Cape.
EV is a local banker and plays bass; Kevin Kuhlman plays a variety of instruments and works in the medical industry; Jim Lindley is primary lead guitar and is a school teacher. Kevin Poelker is a physician’s assistant and also plays lead guitar. Steve MacDowell plays keyboard and works in Lee County administration. Brad Smith, their great percussionist, is retired and plays the drums. Most everyone in the band is an experienced vocalist.
As I listened intently, I was impressed by the sharp harmony between the two lead guitarists that could only be achieved by musicians who have played together for a long time. These six artists have a true talent and a natural ear for music.
The selection of music they played was broad, and their ability to slide from one song genre into another was very smooth. They played the Beetles, the Stones, and the Doobie Brothers, then followed with songs from the Goo Goo Dolls and The Who. They performed with such enthusiasm that even diners seated out on the veranda stopped eating and focused on music from this high energy band.
I asked EV how they choose their music selections. He said “My approach is to read the crowd. If they don’t seem to like the song or the beat, I change it. If one of the guys thinks we should move to another song, he must have another one ready to go. The key is to play music people recognize and want to dance to. We want them to have a great time and stay around and, hopefully, come back. It’s a win for everybody!”
I watched the band interact with its audience, inspiring them to sing along and clap to the music. Some of their guitar solos were so good that it made me think of Eric Clapton or Eddie Van Halen. EV shared, “One night, just before closing, we had a large group come in who wanted to hear salsa music, so we played only salsa so they could dance. In some places, we play more of one type of music than another. Whether it’s at the Paradise Tiki Hut, Big Blue Brewing or Fathoms, we do our best to play what best suits the crowd.”
I always ask groups whom I interview to recall a memorable or outrageous occasion and EV had one. “A few years ago, we were playing at a Fort Myers Beach bar. It was late in the evening and the place was packed when two babes got into a fight. No one could break it up as they tore at one another’s clothing. They finally crashed to the floor in the middle of my band as we continued playing ‘Sweet Home Alabama’.”
The Riverside Band has played at many of our popular Cape Coral eateries and, according to EV, have a great following of fans. Riverside has also played at large private parties in Cape Coral and Fort Myers. I look forward to seeing them again later this month.
If you are looking for some great local dance music, follow this band next time you go out to eat or party. Their music will not disappoint you.
For bookings, go to the Riverside Band website or Facebook, or call EV at (239) 850-3311.
