Based in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains of California, Grampa’s Chili has been redefining and reinvigorating the west coast Jamband scene with their own brand of ‘neo-Americana’ music for over 20 years.
Combining elements of jazz, rock, bluegrass, folk, and westcoast psychedelic, Grampa’s Chili shows feature a vast repertoire of original tunes that thrive on intelligent songwriting, exploration and liberal doses of serendipity. A Grampa’s Chili show is a celebration of positive vibes, rockin’ jams, warm smiles and unbridled joy!
Please wear comfortable shoes.
Band History
Grampa's Chili has a long history of creating music in the San Francisco bay area. From our roots in the south bay "Soup Kitchen", we have continuously performed our music at festivals, bars, and various gatherings all over Northern California and the West Coast.
The genetic roots of Grampa's Chili started with the the very first incarnation of musicians who called themselves "Sporadic Greetings", with Michael Palladino, Aaron Shock, Suzy Baker, Josh Baker. Shortly thereafter, the band "Soup" was formed:
Soup I: (Nov '93) Michael Palladino (Drums), Mike Boston (Vocals), Aaron Shock (Guitar), Nick Langston (Guitar), Robert Hubanks (Bass)
Soup II: (Sep '94) Michael Palladino (Drums), Mike Boston (Vocals), Nick Langston (Guitar), Robert Hubanks (Bass), Mikey Henderson (Mandolin/Fiddle)
Soup III: (Oct '94) Michael Palladino (Drums), Mike Boston (Vocals), Nick Langston (Guitar), Mikey Henderson (Mandolin/Fiddle), Jerry H. Brown (Bass)
Soup IV: (Aug '95) Michael Palladino (Drums), Mike Boston (Vocals), Mikey Henderson (Mandolin/Fiddle), Jerry H. Brown (Bass), Tom McQuillen (Guitar), Steve Hunt (Keys)
Soup V: (Jun '96) Michael Palladino (Drums), Mike Boston (Vocals), Mikey Henderson (Mandolin/Fiddle), Jerry H. Brown (Bass), Tom McQuillen (Guitar), Gregg Montgomery (Keys)
In the Summer of 1996, due to trademark issues with another band, we changed our name to Grampa's Chili, and new era was born!
Grampa's Chili I: (Sep '96) Michael Palladino (Drums), Mike Boston (Vocals), Mikey Henderson (Mandolin/Fiddle), Jerry H. Brown (Bass), Tom McQuillen (Guitar), Gregg Montgomery (Keys)
Grampa's Chili II: (Apr '97) Michael Palladino (Drums), Mike Boston (Vocals), Mikey Henderson (Mandolin/Fiddle), Tom McQuillen (Guitar), Gregg Montgomery (Keys), Josh Baker (Bass)
Grampa's Chili III: (Jul '97) Michael Palladino (Drums), Mike Boston (Vocals), Mikey Henderson (Mandolin/Fiddle), Tom McQuillen (Guitar), Eric Monsuno (Bass)
Grampa's Chili IV: (May '98) Michael Palladino (Drums), Mike Boston (Vocals), Mikey Henderson (Mandolin/Fiddle), Tom McQuillen (Guitar), Pete Novembre (Bass)
Grampa's Chili V: (Dec '01) Michael Palladino (Drums), Mike Boston (Vocals), Mikey Henderson (Mandolin/Fiddle), Tom McQuillen (Guitar), Jerry H. Brown (Bass)
(From Feb '05 until May '08, Grampa's Chili took a hiatus from performing)
Grampa's Chili VI: (Sep '09) Michael Palladino (Drums), Mike Boston (Vocals), Tom McQuillen (Guitar), Jerry H. Brown (Bass), Steve Hunt (Keys), Victor Manning (Guitar)
Grampa's Chili VII: (Oct '13) Michael Palladino (Drums), Mike Boston (Vocals), Tom McQuillen (Guitar), Jerry H. Brown (Bass), Victor Manning (Guitar)
Grampa's Chili VIII: (Aug'15 - May'19) Michael Palladino (Drums), Mike Boston (Vocals), Tom McQuillen (Guitar), Victor Manning (Guitar), Josh Baker/Chris Pack/Bill Ward (Bass)
Grampa's Chili IX: (June'19 - Present) Michael Palladino (Drums), Mike Boston (Vocals), Tom McQuillen (Guitar), Steve Hunt (Keys), Mikey Henderson (Mando, Fiddle, Sax)