The Grape Ventura

Down Beat Collective
2026-06-18 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | The Grape, 2733 E Main St, Ventura, CA, 93003, United States
Downbeat Collective is a groundbreaking, hybrid musical project that blurs the line between the DJ booth and the live stage. Bringing together the incredible talent of DJ Defcon alongside the dynamic live musicians and vocalists from Soul Infusion, this collaboration delivers an immersive sonic experience.
Every single performance is entirely unique and fully improvised in real time. Because no two sets are ever the same, it’s a true “you had to be there” experience—you won’t want to miss a single show, because what happens on stage will never be duplicated.
$10 ADVANCED
$15 DOOR
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Happy Hour with The Fred Kaplan Trio
2026-06-19 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-10 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-17 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-24 17:00 - 19:00
West Coast Swing and Boogie Woogie Blues with Fred Kaplan and friends
Every Friday in the bar side Happy Hour 5-7pm.
no cover

Brian Swartz - Quintet
2026-06-19 20:00 - 23:00
Fresh off their acclaimed, KJAZZ broadcast-performance at LACMA, the Brian Swartz Quintet brings their explosive, straight-ahead jazz energy back to Ventura for a premier Friday night hit at The Grape. Led by veteran trumpeter and arranger Brian Swartz, this powerhouse ensemble seamlessly blends hard-bop intensity with deeply soulful grooves and vibrant West Coast lyricism. Featuring some of Southern California’s finest jazz heavyweights, the quintet delivers a dynamic, high-octane set of gripping originals and masterfully reimagined jazz standards. Don’t miss an unforgettable night of world-class, driving acoustic jazz with one of LA’s most compelling trumpet voices.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
$20 PRESALE
$25 DOOR

Olson - Wolfe Band
2026-06-20 14:00 - 17:00
Carla has made her career as a singer, songwriter, bandleader, and producer. Carla appeared in Bob Dylan’s first video (Sweetheart Like You). And he gave her an unreleased song (Clean Cut Kid) first her band The Textones’ debut album, Midnight Mission. The critically acclaimed album included guests Gene Clark, Ry Cooder and Don Henley. in 1986 Gene and Carla recorded what many view as the first Americana album, So Rebellious A Lover. Since then Carla has released many solo albums including three albums with Mick Taylor. She is one of the few currently active women record producers with a long production list of legendary artists.

Todd toured the world in the nineties with Sheryl Crow including writing and recording with Sheryl. Todd has spent the past quarter century touring Europe, the USA, Japan & Canada with his own band, The Todd Wolfe Band, releasing nine solo albums. Todd has also recorded and co- produced with Carla “The Hidden Hills Sessions” an acoustic collection of originals and covers which was followed by a 2019 tour of Europe. Wolfe has also recorded with legendary rock band, Mountain as well as several albums with guitarist Leslie West.

Joining Carla and Todd are veteran musicians, Victor Bisetti on drums who was a member of Los Lobos for over a decade as well as performing with seventies L.A. legendary rock band The Heaters and, Lou Castro on bass who has toured with Mandrill and in recent years performing in the Arthur Adams blues band.
Wow what a line-up!

Happy Hour with The Robert Van Trio
2026-06-20 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-18 17:00 - 19:00
happy hour barside with pianist, Robert Van
Bob Wider- bass
Dave Hunt- drums
No cover

INCENDIO
2026-06-20 20:00 - 23:00
The acclaimed Los-Angeles-based group INCENDIO performs original “world guitar” compositions, featuring incredible guitar-playing across a variety of genres: latin, middle-eastern, and celtic grooves. Formed in 1999, the group has 11 CD’s and 2 DVD’s available internationally, variously hitting the Billboard, CMJ, NAV, and Amazon.com (http://amazon.com/) charts. Averaging over 150 shows a year since 2000 (until the COVID shutdown), INCENDIO’s live performance is an explosive improvisatory journey, garnering tremendous audience response in such diverse venues as the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, California World Festival, Strawberry Music Festival, the Sundance Film Festival, the national Levitt Pavilions and many more across the U.S and abroad.
Their eleventh international release, SUMMONING THE MUSE, came out in June 2019. Their previous release, June 2013’s “The Shape of Dreams”, stayed at or near the top of the Amazon flamenco and world charts for the remainder of that year. They have now reached over 116 million spins on streaming radio and have over 10,000 facebook likes. Their music can be heard on Pandora, Spotify, and other streaming outlets. Incendio is JP Durand (guitar, guitar synth), Jim Stubblefield (guitar), Liza Carbe (bass, guitar) and Tim Curle (drums). http://www.incendioband.com (http://www.incendioband.com/)
$25 ADVANCED TICKETS
$35 AT DOOR
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

CLOSED June 23rd - July 4th - Returning July 7th
2026-06-23 - 2026-07-04
CLOSED June 23rd – July 4th
RETURNING July 7th
-The Grape

Happy Hour w/ Monte Montgomery & Friends
2026-07-07 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-14 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-21 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-28 17:00 - 19:00
no cover
bar side
Happy Hour with multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Monte Montgomery and special guests

The Grape Gratitude Jazz Jam
2026-07-07 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-07-14 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-07-21 19:00 - 22:00
$10 cover at the door
Ventura County’s hottest jazz night! Hosted By Tyler Hammond (drums) with the hottest rotating house band around, often featuring Karl Hunter (saxophone), Guil Juliao (bass), and friends.
You are guaranteed to find SOMETHING during this night that will butter your biscuit. It’s the best variety night this side of the Conejo Grade.
21+
Doors and signup at 6:30 pm
Jazz Jam Guidelines:
1. The focus of this jam is to play Jazz music. It is NOT live band Karaoke.
2. Be prepared/ Know the tune/Know what key you’d like to play the tune in.
3. Bring charts for the band if you’re going out of standard Jazz repertoire.
4. After the melody is finished, allow room for everyone to solo.
5. Please don’t come onto the stage unless you are called up.
6. Be kind and supportive to other performers.
7. After 9pm, there’s no guarantee you’ll get a turn.
8. Whatever Tyler says, goes.

Happy Hour with Collins & Rollins Quartet
2026-07-09 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-16 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-23 17:00 - 19:00
barside
No cover
Kent Rollins – piano
Tom Collins – guitar

Michael Rivers Jazz Combo
2026-07-09 19:00 - 22:00
Michael Rivers Jazz Combination
Michael Rivers – Drums
Jonathon Maxon – Bass
John Boyd – Piano
Dan Willard – Trumpet
Patrick Martin – Tenor Sax
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Phatback, Earl & Me!
2026-07-10 20:00 - 23:00
$30 Advanced/$40 Door
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
Phatback, Earl & Me! is an American Blues, Blues Rock, and Rhythm & Soul band based out of Los Angeles, CA. Formed in 2022, the band features a group of ALL-STAR musicians who have played with and/or toured with Tower of Power, Bruce Springsteen, Bruce Hornsby, Kenny Loggins, Stevie Wonder, Richard Marx, Jason Mraz, Shawn Covin, Chicago, Snoop Dog, Blood, Sweat, & Tears, Joe Walsh, Celine Dion, Tears for Fears, Elton John, Bonnie Raitt, Tom Jones, Whitney Houston, John Legend, Bruno Mars, The Doobie Brothers, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Isley Brothers and so may more… As “Sidemen and Women” with individual solo recordings to their names, this group of musicians looks for any opportunity to play music together.

BULLDAWG BLUES BAND
2026-07-11 14:00 - 17:00
`The Bulldawg Blues Band was formed in 2012 in Burbank, CA.
Individually they are:
Lexi Nicole, Lead Vocals and Keyboard.
Harry “The Professor” Fink Lead Guitar and Lead Vocals
Mark “The Walking Boss” Bass guitar and Vocals
Dock Johns Drums and three Vocals

The Bulldawgs have opened many National touring acts including TOWER OF POWER, JEFFERSON STARSHIP (twice) and THE FABOULAS THUNDERBIRDS.
Many more upon request.

The Bulldawgs have headlined ROCK n BREWS at YAAAMA CASINO, ROSENTHAL WINE PATIO in MALIBU, GOLD STRIKE HOTEL& GAMBLING HALL in Jean, NV,
The WATERMELON FESTIVAL (3 times) The QUEEN MARY in Long Beach SHORELINE VILLAGE SUMMER CONCERTS (multiple times) in LONG BEACH,
LAKE ARROWHEAD CUSTOM CAR & MOTERCYCLE SHOW (multiple times)more upon request times)

The Bulldawg Blues Band has appeared at the HARD ROCK CAFE many times and are excited to announce that we will be bank at the HARD ROCK in 2026!

$10 DOOR

Happy Hour with the Franklin and Mercedes Duo Show
2026-07-11 17:00 - 19:00
The Franklin and Mercedes Duo show featuring traditional swing and modern jazz.

TD Lind & The Aviators
2026-07-16 20:00 - 23:00
$20 Advanced/$25 Door
GET TICKETS HERE
TD Lind & The Aviators is an indie rock band out of Southern California driven by old-soul storytelling, brawny vocals, and larger-than-life sound.
Born in England, TD Lind signed a record deal at 19 years old and has since toured America and Europe for the last 30 years, sharing the stage with Sting, Bad Company, Wilco and many others. He has 4 critically-acclaimed albums, the last being produced by legendary producer Glyn Johns.
In 2022, TD Lind joined up with producer and bassist David Franz (Iyeoka, Underground Sun), saxophonist Karl Hunter (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy), drummer Greg Weiser (Danny McGaw), and guitarist Sam Kulchin (The Caverns). They are known for their unforgettable live shows, as featured on their “Into the Light” album, recorded and released in 2023.
Their debut studio album “Golden” was released on August 21, 2024.

Nick Mancini - John Storie - Quartet
2026-07-17 20:00 - 23:00
Vibraphonist Nick Mancini and Guitarist John Storie will make a rare appearance at The Grape in Ventura CA on Friday 07/17/2026 with sets at 8 and 9:30, tickets are $25 ea. The quartet will be rounded out by Frank Ojeda on bass and Shawn Baltazor on drums. Together, they will explore the timeless guitar and vibraphone driven collaborations of Milt Jackson and Wes Montgomery, and Gary Burton and Pat Metheny; leaving room for original compositions by both leaders. With decades of shared musical experiences between these veteran musicians, audiences can expect insightful, fearless, and spontaneous performances throughout.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
$25 PRESALE
$30 DOOR

Sean Riddle - "The Grape All Stars"
2026-07-18 20:00 - 23:00
Original Graper Sean Riddle is back in town to celebrate their 30th birthday and is putting on a show with some stalwarts of The Grape to celebrate. Come and enjoy a night of musical reunion filled with exciting and emotional renditions of classics from the jazz canon.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

$20 PRESALE
$25 DOOR

Carlo Alfonso
2026-07-24 20:00 - 23:00
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Carlo Alfonso is a Cuban-Mexican
saxophonist, composer, arranger, producer,
and multi-instrumentalist based in Los
Angeles. With more than 17 years of musical
experience, his sound brings together modern
jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythm, Latin music, R&B,
funk, pop, and contemporary production.

Known for his expressive saxophone sound, rhythmic sensitivity, and ability to move
naturally across musical worlds, Carlo’s artistry extends beyond the saxophone. His
creative voice includes woodwinds, piano, keyboards, electric bass, guitar, arranging,
and production, allowing him to approach music as both a performer and a complete
creator.
Since relocating to Los Angeles in 2024, Carlo has quickly built momentum across the
city’s live music and creative scenes, performing at venues such as Catalina Jazz Club,
Vibrato and The Music Center.
His performance credits include Karol G, Emmanuel, Tony Succar, Wayne Linsey, Raúl
Pineda, Fausto Cuevas, and other respected artists and musicians.
As an Official Eastman Artist, Carlo represents a new generation of musicians building
bridges between tradition and modern identity. His work reflects the perspective of a
young artist building a sound that honors tradition while speaking clearly to the
present.

The Jay Smith Group
2026-07-25 20:00 - 23:00
Jay Smith Group
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Called a “fixture in the Central Valley” (NPR), Hammond Artist Jay Smith has had a wide variety of talent flow through his band. From jazz fusion to pop, the band has channeled a wide spectrum of musical genres to stay working and relevant. He is an Alum of California State University Bakersfield and Fresno City College where he earned his Bachelors of Arts and Associates of Arts Degree.
He has opened up for groups and musicians as Carl Saunders, Poncho Sanchez, Jeff Coffin,
Allan Holdsworth, Malo, Ozomatli, Clayton Cameron, and worked with Kelulu, Mento Buru, The Fresno Philharmonic,
Andre Bush, Mike Dana, Velorio, and Patrick Contreras to name a few.
His current projects include Mento Buru which was voted best band of 2018 by Bakersfield Magazine and
The Jay Smith Trio/Group which features a variety of players including Cesareo Garasa, Paul Perez, Jay Jay Hicks,
Fernando Montoya, Steve Eisen, and Patrick Contreras to name a few.
His first album, Unashamed Portrayal, (available now on iTunes and 30 other retailers)
features Grammy Nominated Guitarist Andre Bush, Jay Jay Hicks, Saxophonist Chris Nguyen,
trombonist Joe Vazquez, trumpeter Mark Manda, Fernando Montoya on acoustic and electric bass,
Jonathan Weinmann on drums, and Jorge Nunzio Urbina on percussion. It’s been featured on
ALL ABOUT JAZZ as their download of the day.
Smith’s second record, Too Many Notes, was titled by his fans based on his reputation for a blisteringly fast
playing style. Patrick Contreras on electric violin, Jay Jay Hicks on 8 string bass, Cesareo Garasa on drums,
Fernando Montoya on electric bass, Gary Rink on bass, Jonathan Weinmann on drums, and Marlon Mackey on vocals.
Smith’s third and fourth album are Just Stop and The Trio Showed Up.
Just Stop is an album encompassing the time the group spent with Marlon Mackey (vocals) featuring Paul Perez (sax), Justin Kirk on (trombone), Patrick Contreras (violin), Cesareo Garasa (drums), Fernando Montoya (bass), Caleb Moore (bass on “I’m Yours”), Salvador Galindo (guitar on “Torture”) James Russell (auxiliary sax on Have I Told You), and Jay Smith (keys).
The Trio Showed Up is a live album that Smith produced when the band was performing trio dates throughout 2018 and 2019. Jay Smith (keys, ROLI Seaboard Rise 49), Fernando Montoya (bass) and Cesareo Garasa (electric drums).
