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Riverside Music Café
By C'est Le Nanan
Translated by April Lin

      Riverside Music Café, a basement hangout for music lovers, is located right next to the Taipower Building in Kungkuan. From 9:30 every night, live performances attract eager fans who pile in and enjoy a night listening to their favorite band or singers.

Walking down the staircase leading to the café, you can see posters and pictures of past performers covering both sides of the wall. Geddy Lin, the owner of Riverside Music Café, is an experienced guitarist and passionate lover of music. Open for two years now, Riverside has earned a reputation for being THE spot for quality music.

     You can hear a variety of music styles: jazz, standard jazz, fusion, alternative rock, pop rock, native rock, and experimental music. J.E.G. and Delta on the Main Street are two jazz bands that perform here regularly. Others include such well-known rock bands as Backquarter, Lighting Soul Group, the Chairman, and some newer talents. Musicians from the past include Denise Juan, Panai, and Sandee Chen. Almost every day of the year Riverside features live band performances that will bring satisfaction to your ears.

Monday nights are Open Jam nights. Every musician in the building is welcome on stage to share and show off their musical talents. Another interesting feature Riverside has to offer is its live recording system. Last year, Sandee Chen recorded a live album here.

     On regular weekdays, before 9:30 pm, there are no cover charges. After 9:30 pm you pay NT$250 to get in. On Fridays and Saturdays the cover is NT$300, which includes one drink per person. Prices vary when there are special events.

      If you travel by MRT, get off at either the Taipower Building Station or the Kungkuan Station. Riverside is located in the alleyway next to Watson's.