Jazz Society Showcase at Kuumbwa Jazz Center

Schedule

Sun Sep 07 2025 at 04:00 pm to 07:00 pm

UTC-07:00

Location

Kuumbwa Jazz Center | Santa Cruz, CA

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A benefit featuring guitarist Bruce Forman followed by outstanding local jazz musicians and special guests
About this Event

Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening listening to the Santa Cruz jazz sound while helping the Jazz Society preserve and support the rich legacy and future of the distinctive local jazz experience. Held at world-class Kuumbwa Jazz Center, the Jazz Society presents three exciting sets with high caliber, well-known musicians.

Set One: acclaimed guitar virtuoso Bruce Forman will open the show with an entertaining solo guitar concert that blends his jazz roots, deep immersion in American culture, and signature storytelling ability into a unique one-man performance.

Set Two: The first of two groups of outstanding local musicians takes the stage, this one led by keyboardist Joe Willis, bringing together an eclectic group of local pros, music educators, and new generation players for a 45-minute set of jazz played their way.

Set Three: The capstone set, led by keyboardist Jon Dryden, features pro jazz players from Santa Cruz who are making their names on the national scene.

Tickets are $30.00 for General Admission and $55 for Reserved Seating in the prime viewing spots. Ticket prices include all fees and local taxes.

The famous Kuumbwa kitchen will also be open serving light snacks and beverages available for purchase.

All ages are welcome.

Doors will open at 3:00.

There is plenty of accessable neighborhood metered street parking and pay parking garages in the area.

Sponsors
William H. Nadeau Memorial Foundation

If you're interested in becoming a sponsor of this event, go to https://givebutter.com/JazzSocietySponsorships

The Jazz Society of Santa Cruz County is a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to expanding the community of jazz-lovers through activities that offer playing opportunities, learning, and networking. In existence since 2000, the Jazz Society runs the longest continous professional public jam session in the area. Held twice monthly, the "Backbeat Jam" is open to players at all levels. This fundraiser will help pay for the Jam house band and other Jam expenses, "Jazz for Everyone" educational sessions, and numerous communication and networking activities that build on the deep jazz legacy in Santa Cruz to keep the music going.

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Where is it happening?

Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

USD 30.00 to USD 55.00

Jazz Society of Santa Cruz County

Host or Publisher Jazz Society of Santa Cruz County

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