Get ready for a funky good time when Martha High's Funky Divas, backed by Fred Wesley and The New JBs, perform a power-packed show of hits from those played and sang with the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. Fred Wesley Website Contact/info/tickets: 831-423-7970 | Pulse Productions
Take a 15-time IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Dobro Player of the Year and a Tennessee-born guitar prodigy called “Nashville’s hottest young player” by Acoustic Guitar magazine, and you have Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley, a powerhouse acoustic duo that has electrified the acoustic music scene around the world. Known for their white-hot picking and world […]
Dinner Special: Roast Chicken with Pancetta & Dry Cured Olives Rosemary Roasted Potatoes House Salad & Baguette *meat or veggie chili will be available to order at the counter – – – Gerald Clayton searches for honest expression in every note. The six-time GRAMMY nominated pianist-composer and recent Blue Note Artist began formal studies at […]
Grad Slam is a communication contest hosted by the UC Santa Cruz Graduate Division that is open to all graduate students. Participants have a maximum of three minutes to explain their graduate research or artistic endeavor to a general audience. Prizes First Place, Grad Slam Champion: $3000 Second Place: $1500 People’s Choice: $750 (decided by text message voting, […]
Vocalist Kim Nalley has been heralded as “legendary” and a “San Francisco institution.” With an international reputation as one of world’s best jazz and blues vocalists, she has graced concert halls from Moscow to New York’s Lincoln Center. A true renaissance woman, Nalley has also been a featured writer for JazzWest and San Francisco Chronicle‘s ‘City Brights’, a produced playwright, a former jazz club […]
Téada returns to Santa Cruz, celebrating 24 years as one of Ireland's leading traditional bands. The band includes Oisín Mac Diarmada (fiddle), Paul Finn (button accordion), Damien Stenson (flute), Samantha Harvey (piano/dance), Seán Mc Elwain (bouzouki/guitar), and Tristan Rosenstock (bodhrán). A leading exponent of Irish traditional music, Téada is driven by a fascination for the […]
Join us for this class on The Art of Musical Deference in Duets, tailored for the pairing of piano and guitar. Steinway artist and multi-platinum Grammy Award-winning pianist, songwriter, educator, and studio legend Matt Rollings knows a thing or two about collaboration. Recently, he’s joined a musical adventure with renowned jazz guitarist/President of Benedetto Guitars […]
Dinner Special: Braised Cannellini Beans, Sweet Potatoes, Shiitake Mushrooms and Spinach in a Spicy Coconut Broth House Salad & Baguette *meat or veggie chili will be available to order at the counter – – – Mark Lettieri is a five-time GRAMMY Award-winning guitarist, composer, producer, and instructor based in Fort Worth, TX. He creates acclaimed […]
From the moment they take the stage, it's clear that Broken Compass Bluegrass is something different. Their energy is palpable as they weave intricate melodies with angelic harmonies, creating a wall of sound that transports fans to a place where tradition meets innovation. Whether you're a die-hard bluegrass aficionado or just looking for some foot-stomping fun, Broken Compass […]
We first came to know Peter Asher through the global smash “World Without Love” as one half of the British Invasion duo Peter & Gordon. He returns--now a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire-- in “Peter Asher: A Musical Memoir of the 60s and Beyond” which brings a multimedia experience to […]
Dinner Special (SOLD OUT): Salmon with Tamari, Lemon & Garlic Basmati Rice House Salad & Baguette *meat or veggie chili will be available to order at the counter – – – New Orleans-born Branford Marsalis is an award-winning saxophonist, band leader, featured classical soloist, and a film and Broadway composer. In the process, he has […]
New Orleans-born Branford Marsalis is an award-winning saxophonist, band leader, featured classical soloist, and a film and Broadway composer. In the process, he has become a multi-award-winning artist with three Grammys, a citation by the National Endowment for the Arts as a Jazz Master and an avatar of contemporary artistic excellence. The Branford Marsalis Quartet, […]
Dinner Special: Hawayej Spiced Steelhead Trout Herb Relish with Preserved Lemon Rice Pilaf House Salad & Baguette *meat or veggie chili will be available to order at the counter – – – Together on this concert date, tenor saxophonist Ted Nash, guitarist Steve Cardenas, and bassist Ben Allison honor the music of oft-overlooked pianist/composer Herbie […]
Cello like you've never heard before! Combine the virtuosic wail of Jimi Hendrix, the soul of BB King, and the fire of Bill Monroe, and add a whole lot of cello, and you get the Dirty Cello band. Dirty Cello performs all over the world, from Iceland to Israel, from Scottish castles to underground caves […]
Dinner Special: Gochujang Roast Chicken Black Rice, House Salad & Baguette *meat or veggie chili will be available to order at the counter – – – Joshua Redman is one of the most acclaimed and charismatic jazz artists to have emerged in the decade of the 1990s. The early influences of John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, Cannonball […]
Joshua Redman is one of the most acclaimed and charismatic jazz artists to have emerged in the decade of the 1990s. The early influences of John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, Cannonball Adderley, and his father, Dewey Redman, as well as The Beatles, Aretha Franklin, the Temptations, Earth, Wind and Fire, Prince, The Police, and Led Zeppelin drew […]
Dinner Special: Roast Chicken with Fennel & Mandarins Rice Pilaf, House Salad & Baguette *meat or veggie chili will be available to order at the counter – – – For more than a decade, Sullivan Fortner has been stretching deep-rooted talents as a pianist, composer, band leader and uncompromising individualist. The GRAMMY Award-winning artist and […]
Led by renowned percussionist Marcie Chapa, this class – Keep It in the Pocket – will help improve your fluency with groove, rhythm, and a musical phrasing that is ‘in the pocket’. The term ‘in the pocket’ refers to playing with deep, consistent groove and tight rhythm that locks in with the rhythm section, especially […]
Dinner Special: Black Cod in a Spicy Tomato Sauce with Tahini Roasted Potatoes House Salad & Baguette *meat or veggie chili will be available to order at the counter – – – Bokani Dyer is an acclaimed pianist, composer, and bandleader who has stood as one of the most formidable and creative talents in South Africa. […]
The Bay Area's, micro-label, Punchline Records, working with Santa Cruz comics, Karin Babbitt and DNA, are bringing a celebratory night of comedy to the Kuumbwa Jazz Center. Both comics will be recording their first comedy album for Punchline Records. With host Michael Booth. Comedian Karin Babbitt is the child of a Disney animator and an Auschwitz […]
A local favorite of soul and funk fans, Pawn Shop Soul is delighted to kick off the year at Kuumbwa Jazz Center. With a new lineup that includes founding members, Pawn Shop Soul is ready to practice what they preach with two sets of vintage soul, funk, and Latin dance grooves. New tunes, new players, […]
Dinner Special: Chicken Tagine with Olives & Preserved Lemons Rice Pilaf with Almonds & Sultanas House Salad & Baguette *meat or veggie chili will be available to order at the counter ––– Christian McBride is an eight-time GRAMMY-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader. He is the Artistic Director of the historic Newport Jazz Festival, the New […]
Christian McBride is an eight-time GRAMMY-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader. He is the Artistic Director of the historic Newport Jazz Festival, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the TD James Moody Jazz Festival, and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. McBride is also a respected educator and advocate for youth, and serves as Artistic […]
One of the most highly regarded jazz drummers on the scene today, Joe Farnsworth is known for his blazing speed, precision, musical, and melodic playing. Born in South Hadley, Massachusetts in 1968, Joe grew up in a musical family. He studied with Alan Dawson and Arthur Taylor prior to attending and graduating from William Patterson […]
Brandee Younger is revolutionizing the harp's role in modern music. Over the past fifteen years, she has worked relentlessly to stretch boundaries and limitations for harpists. In 2022, she made history by becoming the first Black woman to be nominated for a GRAMMY® Award for Best Instrumental Composition. That same year, she was also nominated […]
Experience an unforgettable night of music, cultural celebration, and extraordinary art with Samba Ngo, Mandjou Koné, and renowned visual artists from Santa Cruz. These world-class musicians unite to bring you a powerful fusion of African rhythms and soulful melodies. Samba Ngo, the internationally acclaimed guitarist, singer, and songwriter from the Congo, blends traditional African sounds […]
Named for an ancient Celtic harvest festival in honor of the Irish god Lugh, patron of the arts, Lúnasa is indeed a gathering of some of the top musical talents in Ireland. Its members have helped form the backbone of some of the greatest Irish groups of the decade. Bassist Trevor Hutchinson was a key […]
The career of Bob James is long, varied and continues to evolve at every turn. From his first days in Marshall, Missouri, the music of Bob James has captivated audiences throughout the world. Discovered by Quincy Jones at the Notre Dame Jazz Festival in 1963, James recorded his first solo album, Bold Conceptions, that year for […]
Preserving her musical past, Sona Jobarteh innovates to support a more humanitarian future. The spirit of Sona Jobarteh’s musical work stands on the mighty shoulders of the West African Griot Tradition; she is a living archive of the Gambian people. With one ear on the family’s historic reputation, one on the all-important future legacy, and […]
Kuumbwa Jazz's Spirit of '75 Series celebrates our 50th anniversary with performances by local/community artists and $19.75 tickets commemorating our founding year. San Jose, CA-based bassist Ken Okada began arranging big band charts during his college years in the '90s in Japan and has been composing music ever since. His work is heavily influenced by […]
Benmont Tench Website (((folkYEAH!))) Website More info: info@folkyeah.com
Award-winning singer songwriter, Keith Greeninger, and legendary guitarist, Nina Gerber, join forces for a powerful night of music in one of the finest listening rooms on the West Coast. Both artists share deep roots in the rich California music scene and are well known for their dynamic, improvisational performances and musical collaborations. Keith Greeninger is […]
Get ready for a funky good time when Martha High's Funky Divas, backed by Fred Wesley and The New JBs, perform a power-packed show of hits from those played and sang with the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. Fred Wesley Website Contact/info/tickets: 831-423-7970 | Pulse Productions
Take a 15-time IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Dobro Player of the Year and a Tennessee-born guitar prodigy called “Nashville’s hottest young player” by Acoustic Guitar magazine, and you have Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley, a powerhouse acoustic duo that has electrified the acoustic music scene around the world. Known for their white-hot picking and world […]
Dinner Special: Roast Chicken with Pancetta & Dry Cured Olives Rosemary Roasted Potatoes House Salad & Baguette *meat or veggie chili will be available to order at the counter – – – Gerald Clayton searches for honest expression in every note. The six-time GRAMMY nominated pianist-composer and recent Blue Note Artist began formal studies at […]
Grad Slam is a communication contest hosted by the UC Santa Cruz Graduate Division that is open to all graduate students. Participants have a maximum of three minutes to explain their graduate research or artistic endeavor to a general audience. Prizes First Place, Grad Slam Champion: $3000 Second Place: $1500 People’s Choice: $750 (decided by text message voting, […]
Vocalist Kim Nalley has been heralded as “legendary” and a “San Francisco institution.” With an international reputation as one of world’s best jazz and blues vocalists, she has graced concert halls from Moscow to New York’s Lincoln Center. A true renaissance woman, Nalley has also been a featured writer for JazzWest and San Francisco Chronicle‘s ‘City Brights’, a produced playwright, a former jazz club […]
Téada returns to Santa Cruz, celebrating 24 years as one of Ireland's leading traditional bands. The band includes Oisín Mac Diarmada (fiddle), Paul Finn (button accordion), Damien Stenson (flute), Samantha Harvey (piano/dance), Seán Mc Elwain (bouzouki/guitar), and Tristan Rosenstock (bodhrán). A leading exponent of Irish traditional music, Téada is driven by a fascination for the […]
Join us for this class on The Art of Musical Deference in Duets, tailored for the pairing of piano and guitar. Steinway artist and multi-platinum Grammy Award-winning pianist, songwriter, educator, and studio legend Matt Rollings knows a thing or two about collaboration. Recently, he’s joined a musical adventure with renowned jazz guitarist/President of Benedetto Guitars […]
Dinner Special: Braised Cannellini Beans, Sweet Potatoes, Shiitake Mushrooms and Spinach in a Spicy Coconut Broth House Salad & Baguette *meat or veggie chili will be available to order at the counter – – – Mark Lettieri is a five-time GRAMMY Award-winning guitarist, composer, producer, and instructor based in Fort Worth, TX. He creates acclaimed […]
From the moment they take the stage, it's clear that Broken Compass Bluegrass is something different. Their energy is palpable as they weave intricate melodies with angelic harmonies, creating a wall of sound that transports fans to a place where tradition meets innovation. Whether you're a die-hard bluegrass aficionado or just looking for some foot-stomping fun, Broken Compass […]
We first came to know Peter Asher through the global smash “World Without Love” as one half of the British Invasion duo Peter & Gordon. He returns--now a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire-- in “Peter Asher: A Musical Memoir of the 60s and Beyond” which brings a multimedia experience to […]
Dinner Special (SOLD OUT): Salmon with Tamari, Lemon & Garlic Basmati Rice House Salad & Baguette *meat or veggie chili will be available to order at the counter – – – New Orleans-born Branford Marsalis is an award-winning saxophonist, band leader, featured classical soloist, and a film and Broadway composer. In the process, he has […]
New Orleans-born Branford Marsalis is an award-winning saxophonist, band leader, featured classical soloist, and a film and Broadway composer. In the process, he has become a multi-award-winning artist with three Grammys, a citation by the National Endowment for the Arts as a Jazz Master and an avatar of contemporary artistic excellence. The Branford Marsalis Quartet, […]
Dinner Special: Hawayej Spiced Steelhead Trout Herb Relish with Preserved Lemon Rice Pilaf House Salad & Baguette *meat or veggie chili will be available to order at the counter – – – Together on this concert date, tenor saxophonist Ted Nash, guitarist Steve Cardenas, and bassist Ben Allison honor the music of oft-overlooked pianist/composer Herbie […]
Cello like you've never heard before! Combine the virtuosic wail of Jimi Hendrix, the soul of BB King, and the fire of Bill Monroe, and add a whole lot of cello, and you get the Dirty Cello band. Dirty Cello performs all over the world, from Iceland to Israel, from Scottish castles to underground caves […]
Dinner Special: Gochujang Roast Chicken Black Rice, House Salad & Baguette *meat or veggie chili will be available to order at the counter – – – Joshua Redman is one of the most acclaimed and charismatic jazz artists to have emerged in the decade of the 1990s. The early influences of John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, Cannonball […]
Joshua Redman is one of the most acclaimed and charismatic jazz artists to have emerged in the decade of the 1990s. The early influences of John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, Cannonball Adderley, and his father, Dewey Redman, as well as The Beatles, Aretha Franklin, the Temptations, Earth, Wind and Fire, Prince, The Police, and Led Zeppelin drew […]
Dinner Special: Roast Chicken with Fennel & Mandarins Rice Pilaf, House Salad & Baguette *meat or veggie chili will be available to order at the counter – – – For more than a decade, Sullivan Fortner has been stretching deep-rooted talents as a pianist, composer, band leader and uncompromising individualist. The GRAMMY Award-winning artist and […]
Led by renowned percussionist Marcie Chapa, this class – Keep It in the Pocket – will help improve your fluency with groove, rhythm, and a musical phrasing that is ‘in the pocket’. The term ‘in the pocket’ refers to playing with deep, consistent groove and tight rhythm that locks in with the rhythm section, especially […]
Dinner Special: Black Cod in a Spicy Tomato Sauce with Tahini Roasted Potatoes House Salad & Baguette *meat or veggie chili will be available to order at the counter – – – Bokani Dyer is an acclaimed pianist, composer, and bandleader who has stood as one of the most formidable and creative talents in South Africa. […]
The Bay Area's, micro-label, Punchline Records, working with Santa Cruz comics, Karin Babbitt and DNA, are bringing a celebratory night of comedy to the Kuumbwa Jazz Center. Both comics will be recording their first comedy album for Punchline Records. With host Michael Booth. Comedian Karin Babbitt is the child of a Disney animator and an Auschwitz […]
A local favorite of soul and funk fans, Pawn Shop Soul is delighted to kick off the year at Kuumbwa Jazz Center. With a new lineup that includes founding members, Pawn Shop Soul is ready to practice what they preach with two sets of vintage soul, funk, and Latin dance grooves. New tunes, new players, […]
Dinner Special: Chicken Tagine with Olives & Preserved Lemons Rice Pilaf with Almonds & Sultanas House Salad & Baguette *meat or veggie chili will be available to order at the counter ––– Christian McBride is an eight-time GRAMMY-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader. He is the Artistic Director of the historic Newport Jazz Festival, the New […]
Christian McBride is an eight-time GRAMMY-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader. He is the Artistic Director of the historic Newport Jazz Festival, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the TD James Moody Jazz Festival, and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. McBride is also a respected educator and advocate for youth, and serves as Artistic […]
One of the most highly regarded jazz drummers on the scene today, Joe Farnsworth is known for his blazing speed, precision, musical, and melodic playing. Born in South Hadley, Massachusetts in 1968, Joe grew up in a musical family. He studied with Alan Dawson and Arthur Taylor prior to attending and graduating from William Patterson […]
Brandee Younger is revolutionizing the harp's role in modern music. Over the past fifteen years, she has worked relentlessly to stretch boundaries and limitations for harpists. In 2022, she made history by becoming the first Black woman to be nominated for a GRAMMY® Award for Best Instrumental Composition. That same year, she was also nominated […]
Experience an unforgettable night of music, cultural celebration, and extraordinary art with Samba Ngo, Mandjou Koné, and renowned visual artists from Santa Cruz. These world-class musicians unite to bring you a powerful fusion of African rhythms and soulful melodies. Samba Ngo, the internationally acclaimed guitarist, singer, and songwriter from the Congo, blends traditional African sounds […]
Named for an ancient Celtic harvest festival in honor of the Irish god Lugh, patron of the arts, Lúnasa is indeed a gathering of some of the top musical talents in Ireland. Its members have helped form the backbone of some of the greatest Irish groups of the decade. Bassist Trevor Hutchinson was a key […]
The career of Bob James is long, varied and continues to evolve at every turn. From his first days in Marshall, Missouri, the music of Bob James has captivated audiences throughout the world. Discovered by Quincy Jones at the Notre Dame Jazz Festival in 1963, James recorded his first solo album, Bold Conceptions, that year for […]
Preserving her musical past, Sona Jobarteh innovates to support a more humanitarian future. The spirit of Sona Jobarteh’s musical work stands on the mighty shoulders of the West African Griot Tradition; she is a living archive of the Gambian people. With one ear on the family’s historic reputation, one on the all-important future legacy, and […]
Kuumbwa Jazz's Spirit of '75 Series celebrates our 50th anniversary with performances by local/community artists and $19.75 tickets commemorating our founding year. San Jose, CA-based bassist Ken Okada began arranging big band charts during his college years in the '90s in Japan and has been composing music ever since. His work is heavily influenced by […]
Benmont Tench Website (((folkYEAH!))) Website More info: info@folkyeah.com
Award-winning singer songwriter, Keith Greeninger, and legendary guitarist, Nina Gerber, join forces for a powerful night of music in one of the finest listening rooms on the West Coast. Both artists share deep roots in the rich California music scene and are well known for their dynamic, improvisational performances and musical collaborations. Keith Greeninger is […]
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