Marvin "Smitty" Smith
2026-01-10 20:00 - 23:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | The Grape, 2733 E Main St, Ventura, CA, 93003, United States
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
Advanced Tickets $30 GA/$40 Front Row Seating
$35/$45 at the door (subject to availability)
Marvin Smitty Smith – drums/composer/arranger/bandleader
Chris Lowery – trumpet
DeVaughn Durham – alto
Alex Johnson – tenor
Lemar Guillary – trombone
Adam Ledbetter – piano
Edwin Livingston – bass
Christian Moraga – percussion
“It was a very natural inclination for me to play drums,” says Marvin Smitty Smith. A glance at his early life validates that truth.
Born the son of a drummer. Marvin, Sr., he was always surrounded by music in the house. At six months old, he would climb up on the large lounge chair positioned directly in front of his father’s drum set and would watch him practice, intensely. Whenever his father took a break, he would crawl over and press the foot pedals and attempt to emulate his dad. That experience, and banging on pots and pans, was the extent of his playing until he began formal training at the age of three. Today, Marvin Smitty Smith is a young musician extraordinaire whose work has been described as a “comment on invention, firm and adventurous time and technical sufficiency.” He has traveled extensively throughout the Orient, Europe, and the continental USA; and he has toured with varied musical artists such as Sonny Rollins, Frank Foster and Frank Wess, Art Farmer, Benny Golson, Branford Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Sting, Dave Holland, MBASE, Kevin Eubanks, Norman Brown, and Dean Brown. He is a former member of the Ron Carter Quartet, the New York Jazz Quartet, the Art Farmer/Benny Golson Jazztet, Steve Coleman and Five Elements, the M-BASE Collective, the Dave Holland Quintet/ Quartet, and is currently a member of the Kevin Eubanks Group, and co-leads the Swingin’ and Groovin’ Collective, with Jacques Lesure.
Featured on more than 350 albums, additional performances and recordings augmented with Terence Blanchard and Donald Harrison, Ray Brown and Phineas Newborn … George Shearing, Bobby Watson, Hamiet Bluiett, Branford Marsalis, David Murray, Emily Remler, Peter Leitch, Kevin Eubanks, Donald Byrd, Monty Alexander, Joyce, Willie Nelson, Diane Reeves, Michel Camilo, Billy Childs, Grover Washington Jr., Bruce Forman, and Dean Brown.
Smitty conducts seminars and clinics for students in jazz workshops, both in the United States and Europe, and was on staff of the jazz program at the Banff Centre of Fine Arts, Canada, and Drummers Collective, New York City. Smitty has been Downbeat Critics’ Poll winner for Talent Deserving Wider Recognition, 1985 through 1987, and 1989. Smitty performed on the Soundtrack of filmaker Spike Lee’s “School Daze”, and the film “This Christmas”. He also appeared in Sonny Rollins’ documentary “Saxophone Colossus”, and was a member of Sting’s “Nothing Like the Sun” South American tour, 1987. Regarded as a well rounded musician with the ability to play all styles, Marvin Smitty Smith is a formidable composer and arranger, and his success has earned him two albums as a band leader, “Keeper of the Drums” (1987), and “The Road Less Traveled” (1989). Smitty relocated to Los Angeles in January, 1995, and worked as a member of the “Tonight Show Band”, with music director Kevin Eubanks from 1995-2010. Since then, he’s toured and/or recorded with Azar Lawrence, Norman Brown, Delfeayo Marsalis, Jacques Lesure and Dean Brown, and composed 2 songs on Dean Brown’s 2012 release, “Unfinished Business”, as well as 2 songs on Dean’s 2015 release, “RoLaJaFuFu”.
As a versatile drummer, there seems to be nothing be cannot do. It’s been said that he is the “John Coltrane of the drums .. “

Happy Hour with The Collins/Rollins Group
2026-01-10 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-12-18 17:00 - 19:00
Tom Collins – guitar
Kent Rollins – piano
with special guests.
no cover
Happy hour barside

Chickenbone Slim & The Biscuits
2026-01-10 14:00 - 17:00
$10 cover at the door

Chickenbone Slim is an original Roots Rock/ Blues artist based in San Diego, CA. Signed in 2021 to Vizztone Records, Chickenbone is garnering national and international attention with his unique roots sound. Mixing blues with west coast swing, rockabilly and roots rock and inspired by local roots artists The Paladins, Candye Cane and dedicated to blues legend Tomcat Courtney, Chickenbone’s 4th all original album, “Serve It To Me Hot” showcases Chickenbone’s songwriting and the wide range of the band’s talent, and is a solid artistic updating of roots music for the 21st century. The band has toured nationally and in Europe
“Serve It Too Me Hot” was released on November 19, 2021 by Vizz-tone Records, and in December climbed to #4 on the Living Blues Album Charts. The album also reached #2 on the Roots Music Contemporary Blues charts. Recorded at the famous Greaseland Studios in Campbell, CA with Christoffer “Kid” Andersen, reviews are strong across the United States and Internationally. The album won the 2022 San Diego Music Award for best Blues/Jazz album of the year.
Chickenbone Slim’s next all original album “Damn Good and Ready,” also recorded with Kid Andersen at Greaseland was released in 2023 on Vizztone
Chickenbone Slim and the Biscuits are a four piece band that features 2023 Blues Music Awards winner for Guitar Player of the Year, Laura Chavez on lead guitar, Marty Dodson on drums (Fabulous Thunderbirds) and 21 year old roots music prodigy Justice Guevera on electric and standup bass.

The BBB Featuring Bernie Dresel
2026-01-09 20:00 - 23:00
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
Advanced Tickets $45/$50 door (subject to availability)
BERN BERN BERN
Bern Bern Bern is the second album release and first studio recording of The BBB Featuring Bernie Dresel in stereo, surround, and Auro-3D® Native 9.1 Immersive Sound. The DIG•IT Recordings release features over 72 minutes of new compositions and arrangements recorded in a state-of-the-art, multi-track Immersive Sound production. Featuring an energetic stereo spread and aggressive surround extension, Bernie Dresel leads his powerhouse jazz orchestra in a controlled studio performance. As a special guest, nine members from The Los Angeles Clarinet Choir played on “BBB Opener” and “Bern Bern Bern.”
THE BBB FEATURING BERNIE DRESEL
Established in 2014, The BBB Featuring Bernie Dresel plays monthly at jazz clubs and concert venues in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The BBB has earned a reputation as one of LA’s most exciting large jazz ensembles, if not on the planet. The BBB provides potent testimony to the sheer exhilaration of big band jazz… a combination of intense swing and fiery soloing, as well as tight ensemble playing, powered by Bernie Dresel’s extraordinary drumming talents. This jazz orchestra is comprised of 16 seasoned pros on the Los Angeles studio scene. The ensemble delivers a contemporary, highly original sound featuring the witty, intricate, and hard-swinging compositions of established and up-and-coming composers and arrangers. The sound has a contemporary and dynamic energy with a focused edge to it that is like no other jazz orchestra. At times, it is reminiscent of drummer-led ensembles of the past. The instrumental makeup is unique in that there is no piano, but jazz/rockin’ acoustic and electric guitar instead. However, for this studio session, Bernie augmented the sound with keyboards, played by Jeff Babko. In addition, there are four trumpets, four trombones, five saxophones, upright slap bass, and Bernie on drums and percussion. When people hear this exciting combination, the first thing that hits them is its energy and intensity.
BERNIE DRESEL – DRUMMER/PERCUSSIONIST, CREATIVE DIRECTOR & PRODUCER –
At the helm of The BBB is jazz drummer extraordinaire Bernie Dresel. He has been one of the busiest studio and live musicians in the world as both a drummer and percussionist since moving to Los Angeles in 1983 after graduating from the prestigious Eastman School of Music. Dresel’s rendering style is nothing less than exciting, driven by one of the most accomplished jazz drummers in the world. Prior to forming his own jazz orchestra, Bernie backed Maynard Ferguson, the Brian Setzer Orchestra, and Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band. Bernie served 15 years for both Setzer and Goodwin. He has been the drummer on numerous Brian Setzer Grammy Award®-winning recordings, and prior to forming his own orchestra, he had played on every recording that Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band had released, including the Grammy Award winners. Modern Drummer magazine’s readers’ poll named Bernie “Best Big Band Drummer” and Drum! Magazine has put him on their list of “53 Drummers Who Made a Difference in the ’90s” as well as honoring him with a Drummie® for Best Big Band Drummer. Bernie’s credits with respect to motion picture and television soundtracks represent “A” movie projects, such as Incredibles 2, and such television work as The Simpsons and Family Guy.

Happy Hour with The Fred Kaplan Trio
2026-01-09 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

The Grape Gratitude Jazz Jam
2026-01-06 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 Tom McMorran (piano).
You are guaranteed to find SOMETHING during this night that will butter your biscuit. It’s the best variety night this side of the Canejo 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 Monte Montgomery & Friends
2026-01-06 17:00 - 19:00
no cover
bar side
Happy Hour with multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Monte Montgomery and special guests

Groove Legacy
2026-01-03 20:00 - 23:00
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
Advanced Tickets $25 GA/$35 Front Row Seating
$30/$40 at the door (subject to availability)
The name says it all . Groove Legacy is an exciting band with a sound forged out of love and respect for great American, jazz, R&B and soul music. A sound that fills the void left in today’s contemporary instrumental, music scene. Focusing on original compositions, groove legacy it definitely pays homage to some of their favorite musical influences. Such as the Crusaders, Stuff , The Meters, and the JB horns. with a hard hitting lineup that includes a unique conglomerate of some of the Los Angeles, finest musical talent. Groove legacy has exploded onto the scene as a truly powerful, exciting and commanding live band.
Groove Legacy is :
Paulie Cerra – Sax and Vocals
Derrick Murdock – Bass
Billy Steinway – Keyboards
Michael White – Drums
Ido Meshulam – Trombone
Sam Meek – Guitar
Collectively the fantastic musicians have played with a virtual who’s who of Jazz, Blues, Soul, and Pop artists. Including Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Annie Lennox, The Crusaders, Larry Carlton, Joe Bonamassa, Robben Ford, Rickie Lee Jones, Eros Ramazzotti, Sara Bareilles, Boz Scaggs, Carrie Underwood, Rod Stewart, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Natalie Cole, Patti Austin, Sergio Mendes, Jeffrey Osborne, Lenny Kravitz, and many more.

Happy Hour with The Robert Van Trio
2026-01-03 17:00 - 19:00
happy hour barside with pianist, Robert Van
Bob Wider- bass
Dave Hunt- drums
No cover

Shawn Jones Trio
2026-01-03 14:00 - 17:00
$10 cover at the door
Shawn Jones is an international touring Roots/Americana/Blues/Rock musician of over 30 years based in Southern California. Shawn tours with his band of “A level” touring/studio musicians as well as having a very dynamic solo show. Shawn performs over 200+ dates a year in the USA, UK, and EU.

There are six studio album releases including Shawn’s new album “In My Blood” out early 2024. The upcoming album is produced by legendary producer/engineer Niko Bolas and mastered by multi-Grammy winning mixing/mastering/producer Richard Dodd. The new release features world renowned musicians: Herman Matthews, Ramon Yslas, The Memphis Horns, Sam Bolle, Josie Aiello, and Philip Parlapiano.

In recent years Shawn was invited to guest as opener for the five time Grammy winning legend Robert Cray on a 16 date theater tour of the UK and several shows in California.

Shawn’s skills as a seasoned songwriter, guitarist and vocalist make him one of the most dynamic and relevant artists on today’s Americana/Roots/Blues/Rock music scene. Growing up in the heartland of Southern California, one of Shawn’s earliest recollections as a boy was playing guitars and harmonizing with his late father Danny Jones. That formidable experience led him to follow his dreams as a professional musician.

He’s shared bills with many renowned musicians, including B.B. King, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Leon Russell, Derek Trucks, Robben Ford, Joe Bonamassa, and many others. Shawn was also managed by the late great country music legend Waylon Jennings for a time, toured in his band, and played on his 1996 release “Right For The Time”.

His variety of performances capture his audience whenever he’s playing an acoustic set that highlights his soulful voice and incredible guitar skills or rocking the crowd with his band of world class musicians.

CLOSED FOR NEW YEAR
2026-01-02 17:00 - 23:30, 2026-01-01 17:00 - 23:30, 2025-12-31 17:00 - 23:30
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL OF US AT THE GRAPE!
We will re-open for business on January 3rd, 2026

CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
2025-12-30 17:00 - 23:30, 2025-12-27 13:30 - 23:30, 2025-12-26 17:00 - 23:30, 2025-12-25 17:00 - 23:30, 2025-12-24 17:00 - 23:30, 2025-12-23 17:00 - 23:30
Happy Holidays from all of us at The Grape!

The Phoenyx Big Band
2025-12-20 20:00 - 23:00
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
$15 advanced/ $20 at the door
A local favorite, Phoenyx Big Band plays Swinging standards and unique Pop arrangements. Big band era jazz and swing with a modern twist as the Phoenyx performs standards by Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin and spices things up with pop classics by Stevie Wonder, Van Morrison, Carole King,and more!
With Featured vocalists Eliya Frantz and Bill A. Jones (GLEE). Led by Burt Gutierrez on guitar.

Magician Shawn McMaster
2025-12-20 18:00 - 20:00
Roving magic tricks to entertain during happy hour on the bar side and prior to the evening show 6-8pmShawn McMaster has presented his wild style of comedy and magic in clubs and theatres around the world. He has appeared in Las Vegas, off-Broadway, on cruise ships, and is a favorite performer at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. Becoming interested in magic at the age of six, Shawn’s early inspirations were not only magicians, but also classic comedians. His ability to blend the astonishing with the absurd has delighted countless audiences all over the world, making him a highly sought-after act. You may have caught Shawn’s appearances on America’s Got Talent or on Masters of Illusion where he presented one of that program’s most memorable and hysterical moments. You’re sure to enjoy the magic and comedy of Shawn McMaster.

Happy Hour with Robert Van Solo Piano
2025-12-20 17:00 - 19:00
happy hour barside with pianist, Robert Van
No cover

Hot Roux's Rock'n Holiday Show Ft. Albert Lee & Katie Skene
2025-12-20 14:00 - 17:00
$10 cover at the door
Hot Roux Holiday Show with special guests: Albert Lee and Katie Skene (guitars/vocals)
Louisiana Blues & Swampy Rock ‘N Roll
Jerry McWorter- drums/vocals
Ed Berghoff- guitar
Brent Harding – bass/vocals
Kyle Jester – guitar

Reservations for parties of 6 or more only. First come, first seated.
Email info@thegrape.club or call 805-212-6130

Happy Hour with The Fred Kaplan Trio
2025-12-19 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
Friday 12/19 Featuring James Geng saxophone / Fred Kaplan, piano / Ryan Embola, bass / John Abernethy, drums

Gregg Karukas Holiday Jazz & More
2025-12-18 19:00 - 22:00
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
Advanced Tickets $20 GA/$30 Front Row Seating
$25/$35 at the door (subject to availability)
Feat. Charlean Carmon (John Legend, Stevie Wonder, Am. Idol) – vocals
John Leftwich – bass
Joel Taylor – drums

Grammy winning keyboardist and composer Gregg Karukas brings an intimate, unplugged jazz piano trio concert experience to complement his international touring; Holiday Jazz and More with special guest vocalist Charlean Carmon (Stevie Wonder, John Legend), playing some of his best known songs along with Brazilian and jazz classics. A prolific, genre-crossing veteran of the Contemporary Jazz scene, Gregg was a founding member of The Rippingtons (Moonlighting) in 1986, and has toured with Larry Carlton, Boney James, Dave Koz (Both Boney James and Dave Koz were members of Gregg’s early bands, and decades later Gregg became musical director and featured artist on The Dave Koz Music Cruises), Sergio Mendes, Dori Caymmi, Ricardo Silveira, Peter White, Rick Braun, Shelby Flint, Melissa Manchester, Ronnie Laws, Alphonse Mouzon, Brenda Russell and Jeffrey Osborne. Originally from Bowie, MD, Gregg has lived in the Los Angeles area since 1982.

Home For The Holidays / Nightowl Records
Many contemporary jazz artists are criticized for their lack of inventiveness and lack of improvisation that marks a true jazz player, but even as keyboard whiz Gregg Karukas has topped the pop/jazz charts, his skill with improv and harmonic surprises has never ceased to amaze.Those looking for more of Karukas’ jazz roots will find them on this lush, glorious holiday treat, which strips away the synthesizer and other electric appliances for a tender yet energetic trio date that truly captures the warmth and intimacy of the season, plus a softer side of Karukas his Positive albums only hint at. Eased along by the rhythm section of John Leftwich and Joel Taylor, Karukas weaves freshness into well-worn standards, offering a Vince Guaraldi-like treatment of “Oh Tannenbaum,” simplifying “White Christmas” to haunting effect, and saving his most spirited improvs for a swinging, mind boggingly speedy tour through “Winter Wonderland.” His acoustic piano touch has never been sweeter, crisper or more emotional than these interpretations. The ultimate in “Unplugged!” Jonathan Widran -LA JAZZ SCENE REVIEW

The Grape's Big Magic Show
2025-12-17 19:00 - 22:00
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
Advanced Tickets $20 GA/$30 Front Row
$25/$35 at the door (subject to availability)
Featuring Shawn McMaster, George Tovar, and Jonathan Levit

Shawn McMaster has presented his wild style of comedy and magic in clubs and theatres around the world. He has appeared in Las Vegas, off-Broadway, on cruise ships, and is a favorite performer at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. Becoming interested in magic at the age of six, Shawn’s early inspirations were not only magicians, but also classic comedians. His ability to blend the astonishing with the absurd has delighted countless audiences all over the world, making him a highly sought-after act. You may have caught Shawn’s appearances on America’s Got Talent or on Masters of Illusion where he presented one of that program’s most memorable and hysterical moments. Here at The Grape, you can experience Shawn performing amazing close-up magic right at your table and behind the bar. You’re sure to enjoy the magic and comedy of Shawn McMaster.

George Tovar has been a performing member of The Magic Castle in Hollywood for over 40 years and is a past nominee for “Magician of the Year” honors in The Magic Castle’s Parlour of Prestidigitation showroom.
In his teens, Tovar was amongst a chosen few selected to be a member of The Magic Castle’s Junior Program.
He was a featured performer at Caesars Magical Empire at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and has traveled the world performing on the Crystal Cruises line of ships, as well as appearing in nightclubs throughout the country.
You may also recognize him from his many appearances as an actor on such television shows as Murder She Wrote, S.W.A.T., and Dexter.

Jonathan Levit brings over 45 years of magical expertise to the stage as a multifaceted entertainer.
He has graced screens across prominent networks like FOX, NBC, ABC, CW, and VH1 showcasing his talent as a magician, actor, and television host. Having performed for A-list celebrities such as Sean Penn, Cindy Crawford, Johnny Depp, and Nicolas Cage, and boasting an impressive client list such as Apple, Google, Boeing, and Disney, Levit has solidified his place in Hollywood and is a highly sought-after performer and speaker.
He is a regular performer at the Magic Castle in Hollywood and recently completed his residency at the Venetian Resort and Casino in Las Vegas in the show Legerdemain.
Jonathan’s expertise also extends beyond live performances. As a magic consultant, he has lent his skills to television and film productions globally. His creative contributions can be seen in hit films and TV shows like Now You See Me, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, and The X-Files among many others.

Happy Hour with Kent Rollins & Friends
2025-12-17 17:00 - 19:00
Happy Hour with Pianist, Kent Rollins and friends
bar side, no cover

The Gratitude Jazz Jam
2025-12-16 19:00 - 22:00
Ventura County’s hottest jazz night! Hosted By Tyler Hammond (drums) with the hottest house band around, Karl Hunter (saxophone), Guil Juliao (bass), and Tom McMorran (piano). You are guaranteed to find SOMETHING during this night that will butter your biscuit. It’s the best variety night this side of the Canejo Grade.
21+
$10 cover
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 Monte Montgomery & Friends
2025-12-16 17:00 - 19:00
Happy hour barside with multi-instrumentalist, Monte Montgomery & special guests!
No cover
