It was the year 1876, with President Ulysses S. Grant in the White House, when several citizens in Riverside, California formed a band to celebrate the nation’s Centennial. This was the beginning of what became the Riverside Concert Band, although it has been known by other names over the years such as The Riverside Brass Band, The Riverside Band and The Riverside Military Band.
In its 148 years of existence, the band has performed at many dedications of state, county, city parks, buildings and other events including the very first Lighting Ceremony at the Mission Inn, the Nixon Memorial Library and at the placing of the time capsule in the Riverside County Courthouse in 1892 and 100 years later when the capsule was opened in 1992. Annually, on Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day, the band is honored to perform at the National Cemetery in Riverside, California.
Now known as The Riverside Concert Band, the group welcomes people of all ages and walks of life. In 2010, the Riverside Swing Ensemble was formed within the band to provide access to smaller venues specializing in swing music of the 1920’s to 1940’s providing the nostalgic music of the Big Band Era.
The Riverside Concert Band and Swing Ensemble is a volunteer, non-profit organization providing its members with the opportunity to play and perform jazz and concert band music for enjoyment and to develop their musical skills. Membership is free of charge. The Riverside Concert & Swing Band is supported by city grants, honorariums and donations.
Please click on the links above to find out more about our history, rehearsal schedule and how to join, concert calendar, our members page or enjoy the pictures in our Gallery. Thank you for visiting and we welcome you.
Mission Statement
The Riverside Concert Band and Swing Ensemble is a volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which provides its members a lifelong opportunity to play and perform jazz and concert band music for enjoyment and to develop their musical skills. These bands provide both cultural and historical enrichment in the community by inspiring and entertaining our audiences at free performances.