Kuumbwa Jazz Center

Chili and pie was great! Atmosphere and music was super!! Had a great time while visiting from Mississippi.

Best intimate music venue with the best acoustics I have experienced. I love coming, for jazz, Celtic music and more.

I lived in Santa Cruz all my life and Ive never been to this place I finally went the other day for a ceremony for Pete Seeger and I loved it This place is excellent Good atmosphere good ambiance cant say enough.

Great local venue. They hosted a jazz camp for local students, great getting to watch them play in a professional setting.

Nice and vibrant place. But, have no parking spot.

Great place to have an intimate interaction with the performers. Went to see SonoMusette, songs of Edith Piaf and 20th Century Paris. Wonderfully enchanting and all extremely talented musicians

Every December we went and see Charlie Hunter and Scott Amendola perform on this stage 🤩 always super fun!

Kuumbwa Jazz Center is one of the best venues in the Bay Area. World class artists in a homey, intimate, friendly setting. Come casual or dressed to the nines. All ages are welcome and encouraged. One of the best Non Profits you can belong to. Mike Stern, Jeff Lorber, Jimmy Haslip & Dave Weckl blew us away!

A very neat, tucked away little music venue. I really liked how cozy it felt. They served dinner items and sweets before the show, and had a nice little bar to grab drinks before or during. The skylight provided ambient lighting during the show, which was a nice touch. Very good acoustics. Would definitely go to see a show here again!

Very intimate. Parking nearby was easy to find. The acoustics were good. Would come back.

Great venue, been going for decades and every time I leave, Santa Cruz is sooooo fortunate to have a place like this...

Sin sisters is an amazing asset. The staff always make you feel welcome.

First time at Kuumbwa saw Martin Courtney of Real Estate. Excellent acoustics and friendly staff. And not a bad seat in the house.

Food was so good. Watched an amazing jazz performance.

Wonderful experience as always. Been enjoying this club since I was a youngster. The highest quality friendly kind people work and volunteer here. Music is always great. Dont change a thing.

Kuumbwa does it right. Every show has been marvelous and you feel special being in the audience. They have a nice albariño wine priced low at like $35 a bottle. Dessert was great- not too sweet and made with fresh quality ingredients.

I love this place!! An intimate jazz club that happens to get the best musicians constantly. Every show I’ve seen there has been a delight. I recommend becoming a member to get reserved seating. The money spent is well worth it and it’s great to have such a venue in a beach town.

What a great venue.Small, well laid out, full bar and food . Great acoustics and seats 200 max.We saw Kandace Springs who was spectacular. Three hours of bliss in the presence of greatness.

Kuumbwa provides an excellent venue to see local artists and those hailing from other countries. My only complaint is that the seats are actually pew and are a bit uncomfortable for petite folk like me. I recommend bringing a pillow. Also, sit as close as possible because all of the seats are at the same level.

Theres nowhere quite like the Kuumbwa, and I love it that way.For reference, I am biased: my partner is one of the sound guys, and I joined the team in April 2023 as a volunteer. But holy hell, I have never found such a hidden gem quite like the K. This is the spot for jazz in the greater Monterey Bay, and perhaps even beyond that; Tim Jackson has created a master class of jazz venues, and it shows throughout every aspect of the space.If youre coming for a show, make sure to stop by the bar for reasonably priced beers, wines, and non-alc options. Plus, order the special dinner from the cafe (always delightful and expertly crafted) and DO NOT FORGET, I repeat, DO NOT FORGET to get dessert. My favorites? The tofu chocolate mousse pie and/or the carrot cake — hell, GET BOTH!And then theres the jazz! From legends like Oz Noy to Hiromi to Hermeto Pascoal, its time to get into this music! Theres no time like the present — truly, all of those acts are from just this year!

Best venue in the Bay Area hands down.I’d rate kuumbwa 6 stars if I could!!!!Thank you for all the amazing shows, keep them coming 👍

This place might be the best spot to see live music in the county/city. Intimate venue with great acoustics and sight lines. Always friendly local staff. Beer (and more) are available for most (all?) Shows. Nice lil outdoor patio. Located in beautiful downtown Santa Cruz

I came to Kuwumba Jazz to see Hiromi play her new album Sonicwonderland. Cozy atmosphere! Incredible show.

Small, quaint and intimate setting. The sound was not over powering or hard to hear. The seating arrangement was spaced comfortably and if you have a dinner show a table seat had plenty of room for your meal. Wine seemed to be the drink of choice with beer and soft drinks available in smaller selections. I would recommend to my family and friends.

Diane Reeves! What a fabulous performance!! Wow, what a band she has!!!

Overall its a nice place. The ginger molasses cake was awesome! The seats were a little too hard to sit on for more than an hour and too close to each other. The restrooms are placed in the wrong place. Every time someone got up to go, you notice it because the hallway to the restrooms is next to/ same side as the stage.

Cozy venue. Great sound. Friendly atmosphere. Nice bar selection. Delicious food from their kitchen. Arrive early for open seating (most good seats = reserved for members. Just wish there was a curtain covering the kitchen doorway (bright light, dish noise, & talking)....

Great intimate club to see music. Unless you want to be sitting almost on the stage, dont bother paying for Gold Circle seating. Nice bar and tasty goodies. Acoustics are great and you wont suffer ear ring for the next day. It can be tricky to find because the only sign on Cedar (1street west of Pacific) is a smallish marquee. This is one place worth looking for.

Great intimate venue. They are able to get some of the best musicians in the world and you are no more than 20 ft from the stage in any seat. They also serve great food and wine. Its the perfect date spot!

I attend Sin Sisters Burlesque here every month. Very nice facility, theres a beer and wine bar, plus sweets and nachos are available from the kitchen, and an enclosed courtyard outside the main entrance. Seating is individual chairs set side by side, so it can be a little crowded feeling if youre a bigger person (as some of the folks in my group are) towards the middle of a row. Chairs are reasonably comfortable for what they are (two hours is about my limit), and VIP seats have tables in front of them to rest drink, snacks and cellphones on (dont know if this is the standard set up). Place is all on level ground, so handicapped and wheelchair access should be acceptable (isles do get a bit crowded during breaks).

Didnt try the food, but the entertainment was tops 👌

This is one of the best music venues in not just Santa Cruz, not just California but in the entire U.S. Major jazz artists play here between gigs in San Francisco or Oakland and Southern California. The acoustics are marvelous, the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Fabulous!

A very intimate, small venue that delivers huge performances. Whether it be local acts or international prodigies, you will be thrilled with the music quality. You can get wine and beer and some food selections, including dessert. Reservations are recommended but dont let not having one deter you from coming to this great music spot.

The Kuumbwa is a small well appointed venue with excellent accustics and a very friendly and helpful staff. The seats are sometimes removed providing dance space and the main area is separate from the refreshments by a short wall. The refreshments are has a desert bar, beer and wine bar and coat check. Its easy to move around and get served. The large stage and small seating area insures everyone gets a good view of the performers. Not much parking near by but very worth the short walk.

Music and staff get 5 stars. Seating..could be improved if rearranged. Or with roomier walk space by 5 inches. Its hard to get in seats in narrow rows. Comfortable however, too. Understand the situation. Love the venue. Great acts, sound,food etc. Owners and volunteers all great.

What a lovely venue for jazz performances. The staff are welcoming, acoustics are great, surprisingly good food! If only there was parking…

We really enjoyed spending time in Kuumbwa. The venue is perfect for musical performances. A large stage with awesome acoustics in the room it faces. We were here for a fundraising concert for prostate cancer awareness and felt that the venue was perfect for hosting music of all sorts.

This is a great venue for music. Ive seen Barbara Higbee, Makana, Jeff Coffin and several others at the Kuumbwa. The setting is intimate, the sound is great, the server real food cooked on premise. They have a very good and well priced wine list and a decent beer selection. Its my favorite venue for music.

One of the best venues for live music on the west coast - intimate, great sound quality, engaged audiences, great performers. As you might guess from the name, jazz is a regular on the schedule. But lots of other genres of artists perform here too. If youre looking for a good show in Santa Cruz area, be sure to check who is at kuumbwa. And the quick meals and wine and beer list are great also.

Intimate venue for performances. It was a treat to see performance so close to the stage. Food was interesting, and healthy comfort type cuisine. I would like to give a higher rating, but must admit that I had an uncomfortable situation with a staff member which placed an umbra over my visit.

Small, intimate venue with world-class jazz artists. They typically serve food, beer and wine. Every seat in the house is great, but only the front half has tables, so if you want to eat you should go early and get your seat.

So great to be with other humans(they have their moments). Irish comedy show. Every thing was going well till the last... drunk patron made it about her (suggest convo with therapist) Sean tried to turn it around .Venu really great. So nice to see live acts. Thank you soooo much.

S small intimate review with great seating and great acoustics. The best part is the quality of the performers. I saw Geoff muldaur and Jim kweskin playing acoustic guitar and banjo plain Classics as well as brand new creations. I didnt stop smiling through the whole evening. A memorable night in a great venue.

Kuumbwa Jazz Center is a topnotch venue ranging from the acoustics, ambiance and the intimacy of a smaller venue. Management is friendly and welcoming. Superb food and wine available makes for a fun evening. Theres a reason theyve been thriving since 1975. Highly recommend it.

Another great show at Kumbwa. Chris Cain is crazy good.

Venue is great. The sound system here is very good and sound is great. Seating is a little hard as no one can get past when your saeted but that a small price. They have very good music acts here so give it a try especially for jazz.

Very nice, intimate venue.. Felip Walker Trio was awesome. Next time I will order the chili...it smelled delicious.

If I could give this place more than 5 stars, I would! The talent that walks through that door is mind-blowing! I saw Kandace Springs last night and this woman (and the drummer, Taylor and the bass, Caitlin) are going straight to the top. WOW!!!

Wonderful intimate venue. Lots of music to choose from...mostly jazz but Ive seen wonderful local bands and out if town Celtic performers here. Great sound. Food, beer and wine available. $$$ based on performer.

Cozy; yes, too cozy! I wont go anymore after assessing it as a firetrap. They cram in too many seating rows and sometimes dont unlock the back door (second exit). The entertainment is great.

We come here whenever theres Grateful Dead music on the bill. They finally figured out that we need room to dance, and they now remove most of the tables and chairs :). They serve a good chili dinner, veg or meat, with yummy cornbread. Dessert, coffee, wine and beer. The GF chocolate cake is delish! Thank you, Kuumbwa, for a real good time. ;)

Great place to listen to live music. The theater is small so everyone gets a great view. Prices are reasonable. Nice variety of jazz and folk musicians; some pretty well known.

Best jazz venue in the bay area. Kuumbwa offers an intimate night club experience, has great food, and hosts (in my opinion) the very best modern jazz artists on the planet.

Intimate venue. A bit crowded when you cram everybody in for a popular show, but probably my favorite spot to see an artist play here in town. Surprisingly good food from the kitchen, if you didnt get to eat before the show.

The hidden musical gem of Norcal, showcasing everyone from big name jazz acts to local aspirationals for over 30 years. Add the tiny but excellent menu and the well-curated wine and beer lists, and youve got a cant-miss venue.

Fantastic local nonprofit jazz venue. The greats have and do play here. Plus the fantastic Sin Sisters Burlesque every second Saturday.Not a bad seat in the house.

A Santa Cruz treasure. Known worldwide but grown locally! Great music and best of all its run by a group of dedicated staff and volunteers that bring extremely cozy and warm vibes to all that visit this musical oasis.

Well ,first time there and I must say I got a first time attack of Vertigo,followed by Nausea followed by the attendant public display of illness on my part.Staff was wonderfully kind and solicitous.I am grateful for their concern and I hope when I do return , I wont be remembered to for my display of public sickness

Perfect intimate venue. Excellent music. Heard an amazing performance one night at the Kuumbwa. Their next stop was the Lincoln Center in NY. So lucky to have this club in our town.

Iconic venue attracts the best jazz performers (and more) because the audience is always great, the sound is great, and it all runs beautifully. Almost certainly the best place to listen in the San Francisco region.

Always great music to be enjoyed at Kuumbwa Jazz Center. A marvelous non- profit that gives so much to the community, with amazing shows in an intimate setting, educational programs for youth, and scrumptious food made in house, and a well stocked bar as well. WE 🤗💟KUUMBWA!

We have seen many different artists at Kuumbwa and have not been disappointed. It is a cozy venue where the audience can connect with the artists. At times finding parking can be an adventure, but its worth it.

Good dessert menu and fine beers, but the seating was a bit unkind to my upper back pain. By the time the 2 hour show I attended let out, I needed time on a yoga roller to realign.

This review is meant for people between the ages of 25 and 35. Those outside of that range please take this opportunity to leave the room. Ill wait.Okay. So listen. You may be the only one in your generation in the room. I know that can be weird, like you went to visit your parents but then they were going to a dinner party and your plans fell through and you didnt feel like cooking so you just went with them for the food.But.The music is great. Just grit your teeth and try not to feel too uncomfortable. You can do it. Youre an adult. Trust me.Oh wait, nobodys even in here.

Amazing treasure that pulls in world class acts in an intimate venue. Also has great food and drink available during the sets. Get there early to get the best seats.

Oldest jazz club on the West Coast. One of the greatest venues, in the bay area.All the greats play here.

The mucic is amazing, the sound quality is super the venue is do intimate. snd the food healthy, yummy and reasonable. Support art!!

An intimate venue for Jazz and other musical performances...I have seen comedy there as well. There are no bad seats in the house and they serve local wines and beers! Love it!

Fun, great staff sin sisters is the best show!

Very small intimate venue, seating a couple hundred max. Super friendly staff and audience. Beer and wine, light meals. Most of all, fantastic music.

This place is so nice!It was a serendipitous discovery when I went for Charlie Hunters performance.Its now in my watch list for interesting concerts ;)Definitively recommended!

Seating at the high top by the bar was very crowded at times but it also made it very enjoyable to see the whole show(being short and all). Overall clean and well set up.

Amazing ambience and acoustics with high level musicianship constantly rolling through. Tucked away off an alley in downtown makes it a fine location with surprising great access to parking.

LOVE LOVE LOVE KUUMBWA🎹🎺🎷🎙️🎶🎼🎻🎹🪕🎶We saw Hiromi and Sonic Wonderland!!!! Awesome

Intimate, compelling, great acoustics, nice wine, friendly volunteer staff. A go to for great jazz.

Great music but seats were packed in very close together with barely room to breath. Id like to return when it is not a sold out performance like Lee Rittenour and Dave Grusin!!

Great spot, good sound, no bad seats. -1 because the lighting technician left one of the spotlights and the glare in my eyes required me to keep my eyes closed for much of the show..

Kuumbwa is the best jazz center for miles! Go there to enjoy performances by talented music artists. Have a dinner date in this rare Santa Cruz gem.

A nice small venue where you get to experience performances up close and personal. Snacks, dessert, beer and wine available.

This is the Jazz venue for miles around! U have to make sure U attend a live concert at the Kuumbwa! Food and drinks round out great entertainment experiences at the Kuumbwa!

Awesome jazz and live music shows all the time. Good food, great service, and very cool people who run the place.

Major figures in modern American jazz play at the small yet wonderful club in Santa cruz. They have beer.

First Class food, music, and staff. We love it here.

Nice small club. Parking is sparse, but a garage is a few blocks away. Good atmosphere and customer service.

Cool venue in a strange location. No parking except on the street. Drinks seemed overpriced but the sound was excellent. Seating was a little cramped and they need a second exit.

Amazing world class concert venue. Every seat in the room is great and the sound is phenomenal. All concerts are seated.

Amazing atmosphere, small bites, and good wine along with music. Cant complain!

Great community resource for outstanding performances and true appreciation for music and artists. Love the educational programs and outreach, too! A gem for our community!

Love the Kuumbwa. Great shows, friendly staff, nice (private) bathrooms, really good selection of snacks, food, and drink to round out your night.

Intimate jazz venue. Many seats have small tables so you can get something to eat and/or a drink to enjoy with the performance.

Saw Ramblin Jack Elliott live, aside from the doors opening later than expected, the venue was clean, audio good, and all around enjoyable.

Best jazz club venue

Saw Lunasa, beautiful Irish band!Excellent. Such fun to be back at Kuumbwa.

Always a good time at Kumbwa, artists, acoustics, ambience.

Wonderful venue! Weve seen many shows here over the years, many excellent musicians.

Nice venue, the food is really bland, expensive for what it is and regrettable. I had the unsalted chili, unimpressive corn bread, and lettuce salad.

This place is the perfect size for comedians...very clean and well cared for by all the hard working staff...thanks for a great night

Great place to listen to music. Small plate dinners prepared and served by a volunteer staff are nearly always good.

Warm, human music is made here, with wine and food offered by volunteers, totally charming and often frequented by major musicians en route to SF or LA

Fabulous in every way! I love this venue and the show, Catherine Russell, was magnificent!

Great music venue. No bad seat. Good sound. A fun evening

Carrot cake and coffee, great show and sound

Saw irish music concert. No food.

Gem of a venue. Great staff, excellent sound, super joint for jazz.

Easily the coolest jazz club in the bay area

Billy Holiday Tribute ... Great Show !!

Small but fun venue. We really enjoy the shows here.

LOVE THE KUUMBWA JAZZ CENTER!!! We saw HIROMI🥰🥰🥰🥰

Intimate jazz club, great sound. Beer and wine, and dinner is usually available with a limited menu.

Great chef and the friendliest staff in Santa Cruz. Especially that kitchen crew!

Great jazz venue. Intimate. Very friendly staff and good food!

Practically grew up, musically, here! Have seen the best of the best!

Saw Lunasa. Excellent, soulful Irish band! Sold out house.

Great venue for music. Some times big names in a small venue . Great time every time.

No bad seats here. Chester Thomson Quartet was fire! Wonderful place.

THIS IS WHERE TO GO FOR JAZZ!!! GOOD FOOD TOO. GO EARLY TO GET IN LINE GOT THE OPEN SEATINGll, BUT THERE ISNT ACTUALLY A BAD SEAT IN THIS FAIRLY SMALL VENUE.

Santa Cruz is so lucky to have the Kuumbwa!

Went in search of live music and found this place offering the Sin Sisters. Fantabulous.... dont miss em.

Great music and great food!

Great music venue, seen lots of shows there. 200 max occupancy

Great venue, always good musicians and the staff is outstanding.

Nice comfy, cozy smallish venue to see great acts.

Great show, nice venue, good food, friendly staff!

Best jazz room on the west coast.

Do you like seeing artists in small, intimate venues? You will LOVE the Kuumbwa.

Great, small music venue. Sound is good everywhere.

Kuumbwa is the place to be. Great show last night!

Great acoustics, the music booked there is always good.

Super nice place. I shall return

Fun small venue. Food and drinks on site. Many restrooms!!!

Great music in a small venue; can still see from worst seat in house.

Best opportunity to hear world class jazz in a small intimate venue almost anywhere

Great venue , wonderful music! Poor parking options.

Great performances, and nice place to see them.

Downbeat magazine rates it one of the 100 best jazz clubs in the world.

Great, cozy venue! Seats very close to artists.

Saw knower here. Great environment, great sound. Tons of fun

Nondescript venue actually is one of the best jazz houses in the US

Intimate venue, love the vegan chili!

Best jazz club in the Bay area...comparable to Yoshis.

One of the greatest spots for music in all of Santa Cruz. A true treasure.

Very good acoustics, not too loud.

The Kuumbwa Jazz Center is an absolute treasure.

Uniquely Santa Cruz. Classy jazz acts, in an intimate venue.

Small place big names lots of fun cant get better.

Great venue. Need to vary the food options.

A wonderful, intimate venue to see any artist!

Dam Good times their

Great little jazz club. Michael Brecker called it the Jazz Oasis

Everything is good. Chairs could be a tad more comfortable.

Long line for drinks. Got warm in there by end of show

Nice place that serves great beans and corn bread.

Great place for Jazz music while having dinner.

Absolutely the best Listening Room in the county.

Wonderful venue, a treasure of Santa Cruz, musically, educationally, and culturally

Sin sisters

Cool venue, pretty intimate, talented musicians!

Intimate Jazz Club! Great ambiance and sound!

Great space for music, food and drinks

Awesome show tonight with the Billy Cobham Project!

Good seating everywhere. Good Santa Cruz vibe.

Very enjoyable, intimate experience with Tuck and Pattie.

Great club for the best jazz in central California.

Great small, intimate concert venue.

Very nice intimate jazz club in Santa Cruz.

Amazing atmosphere, has the best chili!

Classic. Hang with your favorite artists mere feet away

Great music, too many seats

Great Jazz.

Good venue for listening to music.

Amazing quaint place with great friendly staff.

Great place to hear Jazz. Family oriented

Fun place, comfortable venue.

Great Shows,. Sleepy John You Rock !!!

Nice venue for great music.

Intimate, very close, not too loud

Had a great tyme watching Stanley Clark

Clean...friendly...intimate..

Great space for the Grad Slam.

Tim has brought a treasure to life, thank you!

Fabulous music from Booker T Jones!

Magical setting for enjoying excellent music.

Amazing place for great music!

Sin Sisters show was amazing!!!

Acoustics good friendly crowd

This is the best music revenue in town.

Burlesque third Saturday of the month Sin Sisters Burlesque

Good place for small performance.

Always a good show

The perfect venue!!

Wonderful show at the Kuumbwa!

Had a great time there

Local gem

Fabulous!

Great

Always a pleasure

Great music venue

Fantastic jazz venue.

Place is Amazing!