Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Santa Cruz, CA 95060-4362
Phone: (831) 427-2227
Editorial Review for Kuumbwa Jazz Center – by Jocelyn Broyles
Hours of Worship:
Kuumbwa is refined. The crowd knows it and so do the musicians. That's why many of them return happily to play a 200-seat venue on a Monday night in Santa Cruz. (The ingenious booking of acts on their way from L.A. to the Bay Area who don't play at such small venues on the weekend doesn't hurt either.)
The Space:
Get there early and you may have to move out of the way at the door while the band brings its equipment into the room that is Kuumbwa. Yup, room. Just one. Except for the musician's little "dressing" room. If you wait for them to come and go here, you're very likely to get an autograph or even a conversation from someone like Wynton Marsalis or Ray Brown.
The Vibe:
There's high-quality sound, no smoke, little booze, and under 21s are allowed in.
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Insider Tips
One of Silicon Valley's Best:Nominated for best live music club for its incredible jazz acts.
To Dine or not to Dine:The seating that curves around the stage includes some tables, for Kuumbwa serves simple dinner items, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages, but never while musicians are onstage.
The Players:Kuumbwa has seen the likes of Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, Bob James, and Joshua Redman.
User Reviews for Kuumbwa Jazz Center
11/19/2006 Posted by crafttileinc
Alot of talent comes to this small place. Get there early to enjoy the food. Make it regular hangout. You will meet alot of new friends that share your similar interests. Save room for the desert but get it when you first order. The good stuff goes fast.
Pros: romantic
Cons: parking and waiting in line
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