Downtown After Dark: Naomi Patten Collective
Downtown After Dark: Late Night Jazz returns on Friday, July 17, from 8–10 PM with the Naomi Patten Collective. Keep the evening going after City Market with an unforgettable night of live jazz, thoughtfully curated wines, and artisan charcuterie. Led by acclaimed trumpeter and vocalist Naomi Patten, this talented ensemble brings a fresh, dynamic sound you won't find every day in the Rockford area. Seating is limited—RSVP today!
Live Music: Ronald Jessen
Spend the evening with Ronald Jessen, a local blues guitarist and live loop artist whose soulful performances are equal parts intimate and captivating. Building layered guitar arrangements live on stage, Ronald creates a warm, atmospheric sound that's perfect for slow sips, thoughtful conversation, and settling into the rhythm of the night. Join us for an evening of exceptional wine, artisan charcuterie, and music that lingers long after the last note.
Left Coast: Right Here
Join us for an afternoon exploring the acclaimed wines of Left Coast Cellars, one of Oregon's premier family-owned wineries nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley. Known for their sustainably farmed vineyards and elegant, expressive wines, Left Coast crafts bottlings that beautifully showcase the character of Oregon's world-renowned terroir.
Sample a curated selection of wines, discover what makes the Willamette Valley one of the world's great wine regions, and find a new favorite to enjoy at Palace or take home. Pair your tasting with artisan charcuterie and Palace provisions for an afternoon of exceptional wine and warm hospitality.
Deep Dive: Novovino
Travel the wine world in one evening at our first Deep Dive tasting! Explore wines from Spain, France, Croatia, Chile, Napa Valley, Paso Robles, and more with special guest Alan Doughty of Novovino. Your $20 tasting glass is credited toward any wine purchase that evening. Friday, July 25 • 7–9 PM at Palace Wine Bar. Stay after for Downtown After Dark featuring live jazz from the Jodi Beach Trio.
Downtown After Dark: Jodi Beach Duo
Downtown After Dark continues on Friday, July 24, from 8–10 PM with the Jodi Beach Duo. Keep the evening going after City Market as acclaimed vocalist Jodi Beach and bassist Jim McDowell bring timeless jazz standards, soulful vocals, and effortless musicianship to Palace Wine Bar. A featured concert artist who has performed throughout the United States and Europe, Jodi has also appeared with the Moonlight Jazz Orchestra, Rockford Concert Band, and numerous regional ensembles. Join us for an intimate evening of live jazz, thoughtfully curated wines, and artisan charcuterie. Reservations are encouraged.
Live Music: Elysian Stew
Join us for an evening with Elysian Stew (Patrick Zyduck), a gifted singer-songwriter known for blending alternate tunings, intricate guitar work, and rich melodies into a sound that's uniquely his own. Weaving together original music with thoughtfully reimagined favorites, Patrick creates an intimate, engaging performance that's the perfect accompaniment to curated wines, artisan charcuterie, and a relaxing summer evening at Palace Wine Bar.
Voices by the Fire: Mary Oliver
A New Monthly Poetry Series at Palace Wine Bar
Voices by the Fire: Mary Oliver
Join us for the debut of Voices by the Fire, a new monthly gathering celebrating poetry, conversation, and community. Held on the fourth Monday of every month, each evening features a different host and featured poet, followed by original readings from local writers and an open Q&A—all enjoyed with a great glass of wine.
Our first evening, Voices by the Fire: Mary Oliver, celebrates one of America's most beloved poets, whose beautifully simple, nature-inspired poems invite us to slow down, pay attention, and find wonder in the everyday.
Hosted by Susan Goldberg, a Midwest-based writer and audiobook narrator known for her warm, welcoming, and engaging storytelling style.
Monday, July 27
7:00 PM
📍 Palace Wine Bar
Free to attend. No reservations required, but seating is limited, so we recommend arriving early.
Come for the poetry. Stay for the conversation. 🍷📖
Downtown After Dark: Feestet
Keep the party going after City Market with another swingin' installment of Downtown After Dark at Palace Wine Bar. Hailing from Madison, Feestet (pronounced Feestet (FEEST-tet)) is a self-described "gateway jazz" project—perfect for those who think they don't like jazz but can't resist the timeless charm of Dionne Warwick. Fronted by vocalist Helen Feest alongside co-songwriter and guitarist Anthony, the duo blends the phrasing of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Julie London with the soul of Stevie Wonder and Roberta Flack. Think American Songbook roots with a 1960s pop heart. Since forming in 2021, they've developed a fresh, approachable sound that culminated in their 2025 vinyl debut. Pair an unforgettable evening of live jazz with thoughtfully curated wines and artisan charcuterie. Reservations are encouraged.
Live Music: Andrew Robinson
Experience live music with Andrew Robinson at Palace Wine Bar in downtown Rockford. This talented singer-songwriter and acoustic loop artist creates a full-band sound live—without backing tracks—blending original music and familiar favorites alongside curated wines and artisan charcuterie.
Caruso & Minini: A Taste of Sicily
Spend an afternoon exploring the sun-soaked vineyards of Sicily with Caruso & Minini, one of the island's celebrated family wineries. Discover how Sicily's unique grapes, coastal climate, and rich winemaking heritage come together in five beautifully crafted wines that capture the spirit of the Mediterranean in every glass.
Your $20 ticket includes a guided tasting of five Caruso & Minini wines, with your ticket price credited toward any wine or food purchase during the event. Browse the featured wines, stock up on your favorites, and enjoy Palace Wine Bar's artisan charcuterie and provisions thoughtfully paired alongside the tasting.
Whether you're a longtime Sicilian wine enthusiast or simply looking to discover something new, this is the perfect opportunity to experience exceptional wines, warm hospitality, and an afternoon of exploration.
Tickets: $20 (credited toward any purchase during the event)
Downtown After Dark: Samuel Caiola Trio
Our new series, Downtown After Dark kicks off on Friday, July 10, from 8–10 PM with the Samuel Caiola Trio. Keep the evening going after City Market and experience one of life's best pairings—jazz and wine. This rising jazz trio brings remarkable talent, fresh energy, and an impressive musical résumé to an intimate evening of live jazz, thoughtfully curated wines, and artisan charcuterie. Reservations are recommended, as seating is limited.
Grand Opening
Celebrate the Grand Opening of Palace Wine Bar in downtown Rockford with curated wines, artisan charcuterie, live jazz, and fun specials.

