Concert picks for Riverside, Calif.

My article originally appeared in the April-May 2013 issue of Riverside Magazine. 

Here are some upcoming shows in town worth checking out...

Maps & Atlases 
Appearing: May 1, at The Barn, UC Riverside, 900 University Ave.
Backstory: These quirky and expermental Chicago indie rockers started in the mid-2000s, but first gained widespread attention with 2010's math rock-leaning, full-length debut "Perch Patchwork." On last year's NPR Music-approved "Beware and Be Grateful" album, Maps & Atlases continued to weave complex rhythmic patterns and African-inspired melodies. They recently toured with St. Vincent and Yo La Tengo and had a tune featured in NBC's "Parenthood."
Noteworthy: Limited edition copies of "Beware" came with Maps & Atlases Selects, whole-bean coffee from Chicago coffeemaker Intelligentsia.

Matt Costa
Appearing: May 15 at The Barn, UCR, 900 University Ave.
Backstory: Signed to Brushfire Records - the label owned by Jack Johnson - Huntington Beach native Costa (pictured above) has been crafting breezy alt-folk and pop tunes since 2005. His ambitious new self-titled fourth album utilizes horn and string arrangements with Sandy Denny, Stephen Stills and Serge Gainsbourg as stylistic touchstones.
Noteworthy: Costa wanted to be a pro skateboarder before a high school leg injury turned his attention to music.

Groove Session
Appearing: May 17 at Lake Alice Trading Co., 3616 University Ave.
Backstory: Together since 2006, Groove Session definitely lives up to its name. The Inland Empire Music Award-winning trio from Ontario specializes in a laid-back, funk/jazz/rock sound that recalls early Santana, with nods to Primus and George Clinton. New album "Live at Winston's" was recorded last year in San Diego and features a Stevie Wonder cover song.
Noteworthy: Groove Session has opened for Little Feat, Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Ivan Neville.

The English Beat
Appearing: June 8 at Romano's, 5225 Canyon Crest Drive
Backstory: Hailing from England, this influential band started in 1978. It quickly became a dominant force amid the Birmingham 2Tone ska scene, thanks to the albums "I Just Can't Stop It" and "Wha'ppen," plus American college radio and early MTV faves like "Mirror in the Bathroom," "Save it for Later" and "I Confess."
Noteworthy: Singer/guitarist Dave Wakeling once worked for Greenpeace and helped spearhead the organization's all-star solar-powered charity CD, "Alternative NRG."