The tap handles weren’t the only things getting a workout Friday night June 14 at Route 30 Brewing Co. in Riverside. With pints in hand and plates of pub grub on tables, a packed house roared through an evening of gut-busting stand-up and laid-back local jams for “Comedy Night,” hosted by Silly Mannered and emceed by comic Mike James.
Stephen Day
The night kicked off with Route 30’s own house band, Rock 30 Collective, a rotating group of brewery employees—yes, including the owner—who bring garage-band heart to crowd-pleasing covers. Whether they hit every note was beside the point; their endearing, DIY vibe set the perfect mood for an intimate night of laughter, beer, and community.
Stephen Day
Mike James proved a natural as emcee, keeping the energy high between sets and teasing just enough to make each comic feel welcome—and just a little roasted.
Stephen Day
Mike Baker was first to the mic, drawing big laughs with stories about his Korean wife, bi-racial triplets, and an unforgettable hot tub incident that spiraled quickly into gastrointestinal chaos. His fearless approach to taboo subjects set the tone for a night that didn’t hold anything back.
Stephen Day
Melissa Nehme followed with a tight, sharp set centered on her Arabic roots and the assumptions people make about her white-passing appearance. Her deadpan delivery and quiet confidence landed well with a crowd ready to go deep and laugh hard.
Stephen Day
Juan Cias brought a burst of energy to the room, riffing on his family dynamics—his mom, his underdog little brother, and the absurdities of modern masculinity. His pacing and punchlines were crisp, and the audience ate it up.
Stephen Day
Then came Ceez Reynozo, who leaned hard into his San Bernardino upbringing and his day job as a mortician. He danced right on the edge of decency with a necrophilia bit that—thanks to his earnest charm and sharp timing—somehow kept the audience laughing instead of gasping.
Stephen Day
Wendy Wilkins closed out the show with bold, unapologetic swagger. Fresh off a trip to Alaska, she launched into a fearless, body-positive set that mixed raunch with relatability. From cheeky confessions to her unique ability to read people’s bedroom tendencies based on seating order, Wilkins commanded the stage with veteran ease.
Stephen Day
The beer flowed, the laughs echoed, and the kitchen at Route 30 churned out the kind of comfort food that pairs perfectly with comedy. From the lineup to the venue, the night felt like a Riverside original—unfiltered, funny, and full of flavor.
