Kuumbwa Jazz

Kuumbwa Jazz Society annually presents more than 100 performances at the intimate and newly renovated Kuumbwa Jazz Center, as well as limited engagements at the El Rio Theater and Civic Auditorium in Santa Cruz. Kuumbwa draws more than 18,000 annual patrons to its performances, which feature international superstars, national headliners, as well as local and emerging talent. In addition to its performance series, Kuumbwa offers a number of youth and adult education programs, including the Kuumbwa Jazz Honor Band, master classes, and a summer jazz camp.

Kuumbwa Jazz is a venerable Santa Cruz institution providing both locals and tourists opportunities to experience jazz through live performances and education. The organization presents more than 120 performances in its 200-seat theater for more than 44,000people each year. Its Artists in the Schools program provides age-appropriate jazz education to more than 550 school children across Santa Cruz County, and the Summer Jazz Camp serves more than 70 eager young musicians. In addition, Kuumbwa provides outstanding young musicians with intensive jazz education, training, and performance opportunities.