The Grape Ventura

RJ Mischo's 1st Wednesday Blues Showcase
2026-10-07 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | The Grape, 2733 E Main St, Ventura, CA, 93003, United States
6:30pm Doors
7PM Show
$15 cover
RJ Mischo’s monthly “First Wednesday” Blues Showcase, featuring an all-star lineup of blues musicians.

Tom Collins and Friends
2026-10-07 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-30 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-23 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-16 17:00 - 19:00
🎷 Tom Collins & Friends 🍷
Ease into your evening with the timeless sounds of Tom Collins & Friends, a classic jazz ensemble featuring outstanding musicians from Ventura and beyond. Each performance brings together exceptional talent, tasteful improvisation, and the relaxed sophistication that makes Happy Hour at The Grape so special.
Join us for Wine Wednesday from 5–7 PM and enjoy 10–20% off select premium wines while soaking in an evening of world-class jazz, great company, and the perfect after-work atmosphere. 🍷✨

The Grape Gratitude Jazz Jam
2026-10-06 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-09-29 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-09-22 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-09-15 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 w/ Monte Montgomery & Friends
2026-10-06 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-29 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-22 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-15 17:00 - 19:00
no cover
bar side
Happy Hour with multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Monte Montgomery and special guests

Jimmy Calire Happy Hour
2026-10-03 17:00 - 19:00
Jimmy Calire and Friends Happy Hour

Happy Hour with The Fred Kaplan Trio
2026-10-02 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-25 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-18 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-11 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

Special EFX featuring Chieli Minucci
2026-10-01 19:00 - 22:00
Special EFX
featuring Chieli Minucci
Lao Tizer, Anthony Crawford & Joel Rosenblatt
THE HITS TOUR
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Guitarist, composer, producer, and arranger Chieli Minucci is longtime leader of the Grammy-nominated jazz-fusion group SPECIAL EFX featuring Chieli Minucci, a major force on the jazz and world music scene for over 40 years.
Chieli has just released his first full CD in 3 years, the long-awaited, Special EFX featuring Chieli Minucci – “The Hits”! This ambitious project is comprised of 14 songs, including re-mastered favorites and chart-toppers from the band’s long multi-decade career, as well as brand new songs, and a few surprises!
Chieli has just released the powerhouse new single, Been So Long. With its relentless groove combined with Minucci’s nonstop melodic fretboard acrobatics, as well as Eric Marienthal’s distinctive, soaring alto, the composition conjures up images of a heated, passionate affair, and the anticipation of a love reunion. Been So Long also features the melodic vocalizations of American Idol finalist, Elliott Yamin. Chieli’s melodies and recognizable guitar playing caps off the imagery with its ultra-smooth, high energy performance.
In the summer of 2024, their previous single, “Cool Summer”, reached the #1 spot on Billboard, as well as a total of 5 charts simultaneously!
Chieli has also recently released 3 unique projects – “Return to Budapest With Love”, is an archived, 1990 live concert recording of Special EFX from their early days on tour in Europe; the solo, and mainly acoustic release, “Someone’s Singing”; as well as the 40th anniversary Special EFX CD, “Twenty Twenty 2”.
Chieli & Special EFX’s previous release saw title track, “Deep as the Night”, win Billboard Magazine’s 2018 top honors, best-song-of-the-year.
Besides writing and performing his own music, Chieli shares his guitar brilliance throughout the entertainment world. He has recorded and performed with many top artists, such as Celine Dion, Lou Reed, Lionel Richie, Jennifer Lopez, Jewel, Marc Anthony, Michael Bolton, Rupert Holmes, Anastasia, even classic artists Eartha Kitt, and Eddie Fisher. He’s collaborated and worked alongside contemporary jazz artists Kirk Whalum, Maysa, Jeff Lorber, Norman Brown, Bernie Williams, Marion Meadows, Lao Tizer, Mindi Abair, Rick Braun, Gerald Veasley, Omar Hakim, and many others.
Although renowned in the jazz and pop world, Chieli is also a gifted television and film composer. He has won 3 Emmy Awards and been nominated 10 times for his eclectic compositional work. His music can also be heard on the soundtracks of the films No Country for Old Men, Bowfinger, Legally Blonde, Panic, and others. Chieli’s original scoring work can be heard in live stage productions of Peter Pan, Dora the Explorer, Thomas the Tank Engine, and others.
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Keyboardist Lao Tizer is one of today’s rising stars of the world-fusion genre. Tizer’s original music has spurred comparisons of a modern twist to the 1970s and early 1980s heyday of jazz fusion, when trailblazing ensembles like Return to Forever, Mahavishnu Orchestra and Weather Report set the aesthetic standard. Lao’s music has a multi-genre, multi-national appeal and his group, The Lao Tizer Band, has toured the USA and the world while being nominated “Jazz Group of the Year”! Their 2018 CD/DVD combo release, Songs from The Swinghouse has received acclaim across the industry while debuting near the top of the Billboard Jazz Album Chart! Lao’s most recent release was just released in 2025, the blue-eyed soul, Amplify, featuring American Idol finalist, Elliott Yamin on vocals.
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Also joining the Special EFX Allstars will be bassist Anthony Crawford, best known for working with Allan Holdsworth, Justin Timberlake, Peabo Bryson, Kirk Whalum. Crawford also played bass for the National Democratic Convention for president Bill Clinton in 2000.
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Joel Rosenblatt is a world-renowned drummer and producer. He has performed and recorded with such greats as: Spyro Gyra, Special EFX, Lee Ritenour, Freddy Jackson, Robben Ford, Larry Carlton. Eileen Ivers, Michel Camilo, Chick Corea,

Happy Hour with Collins & Rollins Quartet
2026-10-01 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-24 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-17 17:00 - 19:00
🎹🎸 Collins Rollins Quartet – Happy Hour 🍷
Join us for an elegant evening of live jazz with the Collins Rollins Quartet, featuring the exceptional musical partnership of pianist Kent Rollins and guitarist Tom Collins. Together with a stellar rhythm section, the quartet performs a tasteful blend of classic jazz standards, modern jazz, blues, and groove with the effortless chemistry that only seasoned musicians can deliver. Kent Rollins has shared the stage with artists including Bill Champlin and Doug Webb, while Tom Collins has performed with many of Southern California’s finest jazz musicians.
✨ Relax with Happy Hour from 5–7 PM, enjoy 10–20% off featured drinks, and let the smooth sounds of world-class jazz set the tone for your evening. Great music, great drinks, and great company—only at The Grape. 🍷🎶

Benjie Porecki - Pianist, Organist, Keyboardist
2026-09-26 20:00 - 23:00
Benjie Porecki – Pianist, Organist, Keyboardist
7:30pm Doors
8pm Show
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!
$20 – Advance
$25 – At The Door
*One drink minimum per person
Internationally acclaimed keyboardist, Hammond B-3 organist,
composer, and recording artist Benjie Porecki has built a career defined
by soulful musicianship, inventive improvisation, and an unmistakable
groove. Blending jazz, soul, blues, gospel, and funk, Benjie has earned
recognition as both a dynamic bandleader and a sought-after
collaborator, performing with artists including Carlos Santana, Buddy
Guy, Chaka Khan, Maysa, Patti LaBelle, and Pieces of a Dream.
His latest album, Faster Than We Know, reached the JazzWeek Top 25
and continues to receive airplay on jazz stations throughout the United
States and internationally. Whether performing on piano or Hammond
B-3 organ, Benjie delivers an engaging live experience that combines
original compositions with inspired improvisation, deep grooves, and
genuine connection with audiences.
Band:

Organ, Piano, Keyboards – Benji Porecki
Drums-Greg Clark (Stanley Clarke, Snarky Puppy, John Mellencamp)
Bass-CJ Alexander (Toni Braxton, Lana Del Rey, Flo Rida)

The Shawn Jones Big Band
2026-09-25 20:00 - 23:00
The Shawn Jones Big Band
7:30pm Doors
8pm Show
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!
$30 – General Seating
$40 – VIP Seating
+$10 All Ticket Tiers – 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” due 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, 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.
Featuring:
Shawn Jones – Guitar, Vocals Herman Matthews – Drums
Sam Bolle – Bass
Marc Hugenberger – Keys
Lois Mahalia – Vocals
Ed Wynne – Sax
Justin Kirk – Trombone
Mike Fortunato – Trumpet

Matterform
2026-09-23 19:00 - 22:00
Matterform
6:30pm Doors
7pm Show
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!
$15 – Advance
$20 – At The Door
*One drink minimum per person
Matterform is a Ventura-based instrumental groove band living at the intersection of deep pocket, cosmic improvisation, and jazz harmony. Matterform draws from jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop, and dance music to build immersive instrumental journeys. Psychedelic guitar leads, wailing sax lines and floaty piano which thread through lush jazz harmonies, swirling textures, and rhythm sections that stay deep in the pocket.
Whether stretching out live or locking into tightly composed sections, the band thrives on momentum, patience, and release. It’s music for moving bodies, open minds, and listeners who appreciate groove-driven improvisation, rich harmony, and collective energy over flash. Featuring: Drew Espejo (Drums) Javi Avila (keys) Tony Pelosi (guitar) Zach Manpearl (Bass/organ) Chet Toner (saxophone/ guitar) Taylor Hopkins (bass) Rafa Langa (percussion)

Phoenyx Big Band - Broadway Night!
2026-09-19 20:00 - 23:00
Phoenyx Big Band – Broadway Night!
7:30pm Doors
8pm Show
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!
$20 Advance
$25 At the door
Broadway Night at The Grape! The Phoenyx, a 17-piece big band, will be fronted by two amazing vocalists, Eliya Frantz and Bill A. Jones. In addition to its jazz classics and modern songs with a big band flare, the Phoenyx will be showcasing tunes from some of your favorite Broadway musicals!
Vocalist Eliya Frantz w/ Special Guest Bill A. Jones

Phatback, Earl & Me!
2026-09-18 20:00 - 23:00
Phatback, Earl & Me!

7:30pm Doors
8pm Show
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!
$30 – General Seating
$40 – VIP Seating
+$10 on all ticket tiers – At The Door
*One drink minimum per person
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.

Rock Sundays with Colonel Agnus (AC/DC Tribute) & 2L (Tool Tribute)
2026-09-13 19:00 - 22:00
Rock Sundays with Colonel Agnus (AC/DC Tribute) & 2L (Tool Tribute)
Doors: 7pm
Show: 7:15pm
Purchase Tickets Here!
$15 – Standing
$20 – General Seating
$25 – Table Seating
+$10 on all ticket tiers at the door
*One drink minimum per person
⚡ ROCK SUNDAYS ARE HERE! ⚡
We’re kicking off our first Rock Sunday on Sunday, September 13 with a double dose of heavy-hitting tribute rock!
🔥 COLONEL AGNUS — Santa Barbara’s tribute to AC/DC, bringing the riffs, swagger, and high-voltage rock ’n’ roll.
🔥 2L — A tribute to TOOL, delivering the crushing grooves, intricate rhythms, and intensity of one of heavy music’s most iconic bands.
Come help us launch Rock Sundays the right way — AC/DC + TOOL all in one night. 🤘

Freddie Ravel Quartet
2026-09-12 20:00 - 22:00
Freddie Ravel Quartet
7:30pm Doors
8pm Show
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!
$30 – General Seating
$40 – VIP Seating
+$10 – At The Door
*One drink minimum per person
Pianist, composer, and #1 recording artist Freddie Ravel seamlessly bridges classical, jazz, rock, and Latin-infused soul. With over 1,500 performances across 84 countries, Ravel has captivated global audiences through his solo releases and collaborations with legends like Earth, Wind & Fire, Carlos Santana, Prince, and Madonna. Join thefounder of Life In Tune™ and his band of virtuosos for an extraordinary night of world-class piano artistry.

Freddie Ravel – Keys and Vocals
Michael O’Neill – Guitar and Vocals
Jerry Watts – Bass
Lucio Viera – Drums

Happy Hour with the Franklin and Mercedes Duo Show
2026-09-12 17:00 - 19:00
The Franklin and Mercedes Duo show featuring traditional swing and modern jazz.
