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Kuumbwa Jazz Center Tickets
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About Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Welcome to Kuumbwa Jazz Center, Santa Cruz's nonprofit hub for intimate, world-class jazz. Located at 320-2 Cedar Street, this venue offers a close-up listening experience with a storied history of legendary artists and groundbreaking contemporary performers. Most shows are general admission, with reserved seating available for members. Whether you’re a longtime jazz aficionado or exploring live music in Santa Cruz for the first time, we’ve got you covered with practical tips and trusted nearby partners to enhance your visit.
Kuumbwa is more than a venue—it's a community. Plan ahead for parking, transit, and dining to make the most of your night in downtown Santa Cruz. For a comfortable stay, consider nearby hotels like Dream Inn Santa Cruz and Hotel Paradox, both within easy reach of the venue. We recommend secure, hassle-free booking through our affiliate partners for smooth lodging and dining reservations. If you’re curious about who’s on stage, check the latest 2026 lineups featuring artists like Omar Sosa & Yilian Canizares, and revisit the magic of past performances by Dizzy Gillespie, Pat Metheny, Esperanza Spalding, and Hiromi. See you at Kuumbwa—where great jazz meets a welcoming community.
Good to know
Seating, Parking & Venue Information
- Address: 320-2 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
- Venue type: nonprofit jazz center / performance venue.
- Capacity: 200 seated theatre style (3,000 sq ft venue; stage ~13.5' x 15', with diagram available).
- Seating chart/policy: Most shows are general admission; reserved seating available only for $500+ annual members.
- Parking: Downtown Santa Cruz parking includes metered street parking and pay garages; meters run daily until 8:00 PM.
- Transit: Served by Santa Cruz METRO fixed-route buses; additional local shuttle service (The Santa Cruzer) operates on weekends/seasonal schedules.
- Nearby hotels: Dream Inn Santa Cruz (175 W Cliff Dr); Hotel Paradox (611 Ocean St).
- Notable events: Kuumbwa celebrated its 50th anniversary with all-star concerts in December 2025; historically hosted artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Pat Metheny, Esperanza Spalding, and Hiromi; 2026 programming includes artists like Omar Sosa & Yilian Canizares.