Start your Melissa Etheridge night at Palace! Just two blocks from the Coronado, Sophie Coyote makes her Palace debut with a raw, rootsy blend of Americana, classic rock & roll, honky-tonk country and blues. Catch Sophie live from 5–7 PM, grab a glass or explore a flight, and take advantage of $5 off ALL wine flights for Tuesday Flight Night. Then stroll down Main Street for Melissa Etheridge: RISE at 7:30 PM. Come early, grab that downtown parking spot, discover a new local favorite, and make a whole night of it!

Spend a Saturday celebrating the best of Rockford’s creative scene! After exploring the 78th Annual Greenwich Village Art Fair, head downtown to Palace as Ronald Jessen brings his soulful, bluesy vocals and looping guitar riffs to the wine bar from 5–7 PM. Then, continue the evening just two blocks away as the Rockford Symphony Orchestra opens its 2026/27 season with The Planets at the Coronado at 7:30 PM. Art, blues, wine, and symphony—all in one incredible Rockford Saturday.

BRB Trio makes their Palace debut for Downtown After Dark! Join us Friday, September 18 for an evening of live jazz featuring three exceptionally accomplished musicians. Pianist Behrens holds a degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Illinois, bassist Crystal Rebone is an orchestra director with a Doctorate in Jazz Performance from U of I, and saxophonist Jim Buennig holds his Doctorate in Jazz Performance from the University of Iowa. Settle in with a glass of wine, share a board, and experience this talented new trio from 8:30–10:30 PM. No cover—just great jazz in downtown Rockford!

One of Rockford's favorites is making his Palace debut.

Join us Saturday evening as Andrew Robinson brings his bluesy, soulful sound to Local Sounds. Expect expressive riffs, serious guitar jams, and the kind of music you can settle into and get lost in for a while.

Find a cozy spot, pour something delicious, order a few snacks, and let Andrew provide the soundtrack for your Saturday night.

Andrew Robinson
Saturday, September 12
7–9PM
Palace Wine Bar | Downtown Rockford

Reservations are strongly recommended, as seating is limited. Walk-ins are always welcome as space allows.

Late Night Jazz rolls on at Palace as we welcome powerhouse saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist Amanee “The Sax Chick” Avery for her Palace debut! Join us Friday, September 11 from 8:30–10:30PM for an evening of soulful sax, serious talent, great wine, and all the late-night vibes in downtown Rockford. Reservations strongly recommended!

Settle in and stay awhile.

This Saturday, Local Sounds welcomes Paul Bronson to Palace for an evening of ethereal, atmospheric guitar—the perfect backdrop for sinking into a cozy spot, discovering a new bottle, and letting the evening unfold.

Dreamy, immersive, and effortlessly cool, Paul’s sound was made for a night at Palace.

Paul Bronson
Saturday, September 5
7–9PM
Palace Wine Bar | Downtown Rockford

Reservations are strongly recommended, as seating is limited. Walk-ins are always welcome as space allows.

City Market may be winding down for the season, but the vibes at Palace are still swinging! 🍷🎶 Downtown After Dark: Late Night Jazz continues into September with the return of crowd favorite Samuel Caiola Trio. Settle in with a glass of wine and enjoy an evening of incredible live jazz from 8:30–10:30PM. Reservations strongly recommended!

Join us for another installment of Local Sounds at Palace, featuring Rockford’s own Steve McClanahan on Saturday, August 29 from 7–9 PM.

Steve is a solo acoustic guitarist and singer with a repertoire spanning a wide variety of familiar songs—the kind you know, love, and might just find yourself singing along to.

Grab a glass, settle in, and spend your Saturday evening enjoying live local music in the warm, intimate atmosphere of Palace.

LOCAL SOUNDS: STEVE McCLANAHAN
Saturday, August 29 | 7–9 PM
Palace Wine Bar
No cover

Reservations are strongly encouraged and are available for parties of 1–6. Walk-ins are always welcome as space allows, including seating at our bar. For those hoping to join us specifically for the music, we recommend reserving in advance—Saturday evenings at Palace tend to fill up quickly.

Join us for Downtown After Dark at Palace Wine Bar, featuring the Mark Malin Trio from 8:30–10:30 PM. Keep the night going after City Market with this instrumental jazz trio of seasoned musicians, bringing a fresh groove and their own flavor to jazz standards, contemporary jazz, blues, and R&B. Grab your favorite glass, settle in, and enjoy an evening of live jazz in the heart of downtown Rockford. No cover. Reservations are encouraged for those who want to guarantee a table, and walk-ins are always welcome as space allows. Come spend your Friday night with us at Palace!

Join us for an evening celebrating the revolutionary voices of the Beat Generation—poets who challenged convention, embraced spontaneity, and explored themes of freedom, identity, spirituality, travel, jazz, and the search for authentic living. Guided by host Paul Goddard, we'll journey through works by iconic Beat writers before opening the floor for original poetry inspired by the spirit of the movement.

The evening unfolds in three parts: a curated reading of Beat poetry, an open invitation for guests to share original work, and a casual conversation and Q&A to close the night.

Seating is limited, and reservations are strongly encouraged. Due to our intimate setting, we are only able to accommodate a limited number of parties of 6–8 guests. We look forward to gathering by the fire for another unforgettable evening of poetry and community.

Join us for another evening of Local Sounds at Palace Wine Bar on Saturday, August 15, from 7–9 PM, featuring cellist, vocalist, and composer Peter J. Thomas. Blending live looping, layered cello, expressive vocals, and original compositions, Peter creates immersive performances that weave together classical, folk, indie, and contemporary influences. A performer with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, he brings exceptional artistry and musicianship to every show. Pair this one-of-a-kind musical experience with thoughtfully curated wines, artisan charcuterie, and the warm atmosphere of downtown Rockford's newest wine bar. No cover. Reservations are encouraged. 🍷🎻

Keep the evening going after City Market with Downtown After Dark at Palace Wine Bar. On Friday, August 14, from 8–10 PM, enjoy an unforgettable performance by Evon J. Sams, whose soulful vocals and effortless style bring jazz standards, Motown favorites, R&B classics, and timeless hits to life. Settle in with a thoughtfully curated glass of wine, artisan charcuterie, and the warm, intimate atmosphere that makes Palace the perfect place to spend a summer evening. Whether you're ending the night or just getting started, this is live music at its finest. No cover. Reservations are encouraged. 🍷🎶

Join us for another evening of Local Sounds at Palace Wine Bar on Saturday, August 8, from 7–9 PM, featuring singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Despina. Blending Americana, folk, bluegrass, and country, her heartfelt originals and beautifully reimagined favorites create the perfect soundtrack for a relaxing summer evening. A member of Chicago's acclaimed Fox Crossing Stringband, Despina brings expressive vocals and exceptional musicianship to every performance. Pair live local music with thoughtfully curated wines, artisan charcuterie, and the warm atmosphere of Palace Wine Bar. No cover. Reservations are encouraged. 🍷🎻

Keep the evening going after City Market with Downtown After Dark at Palace Wine Bar. On Friday, August 7, from 8:30–10:30 PM, enjoy the timeless sounds of Alex Christopher, whose smooth vocals and vintage style bring Sinatra-era classics to life. Sip thoughtfully curated wines, share an artisan charcuterie board, and settle into an evening of unforgettable music in the heart of downtown Rockford. Whether you're winding down after City Market or making Palace your destination for the night, this is the perfect soundtrack for a summer evening. No cover. Reservations encouraged. 🍷🎶

Join us on Saturday, August 1, from 7–9 PM as we welcome Gilded Cages, one of Rockford's premier original rock bands.

Known for their powerful live shows and unmistakable sound, Gilded Cages has shared the stage with national acts including Saving Abel, Tantric, The Black Moods, Wayland, and Lockjaw. They'll be bringing selections from their debut album, Real and Human, along with new music from their upcoming release.

Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering them for the first time, it's the perfect opportunity to experience another side of Palace, where outstanding local music meets thoughtfully curated wines, artisan charcuterie, and an intimate downtown atmosphere.

📍 Palace Wine Bar
🗓️ Saturday, August 1
🕖 7–9 PM
🎟️ No cover • Reservations encouraged

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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)

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.

Celebrate the Grand Opening of Palace Wine Bar in downtown Rockford with curated wines, artisan charcuterie, live jazz, and fun specials.