Upcoming Events › Kuumbwa Jazz Presents

One of the most esteemed and charismatic artists of our time, the ceaselessly innovative saxophonist Joshua Redman has become a legend in his own right. As JamBase says, “When the conversation ensues about who is carrying on the great tradition of jazz musicianship today…if Joshua Redman’s name does not come up, the conversation is not worth having.” Critics and fans alike are blown away by Redman’s passionate live performances and acclaimed recordings. In the Joshua Redman Trio, Redman evokes a sound that can be challenging,…

For the past decade, Sullivan Fortner has been stretching deep-rooted talents as a pianist, composer, band leader and uncompromising individualist. The GRAMMY Award-winning artist received international praise as both key player and producer for his collaborative work on The Window, alongside multi-GRAMMY winner, vocalist-composer Cecile McLorin Salvant. As a solo leader, he has released Moments Preserved and Aria to critical acclaim, and he’s only getting started. Recently, Fortner has earned recognition in multiple DownBeat Critics Poll categories, winning first place in the Rising Star…

Wil Blades is revered as one of the essential torchbearers for the Hammond B-3 organ-jazz tradition (not to mention for the Clavinet, as well). Scott Amendola is one of the rare drummers whose pure groove is in the pocket, yet simultaneously and delightfully angular and skewed. Add guitarist Jeff Parker of Tortoise and saxophonics visionary Skerik, and you have a group that reveals itself in new and explosively colorful ways with each tune played. Amendola vs. Blades Website (Ticket Includes…

GRAMMY Award-winning drummer, producer, educator, activist and 2019 Doris Duke Award recipient, Terri Lyne Carrington debuts new band Social Science, to boldly confront social justice issues with their eclectic collaborative double album, Waiting Game. Galvanized by seismic changes in the ever-evolving social and political landscape, Carrington and Social Science confront a wide spectrum of social justice issues. The band’s stunning debut album, Waiting Game, immediately takes its place in the stirring lineage of politically conscious and activist music, expressing an unflinching, inclusive, and compassionate view…

Since Dr. Molly Miller picked up a guitar at age seven, she’s been captivating audiences with her sophisticated and raw style. She’s one of Los Angeles’ most sought-after musicians, recording and touring with artists such as Jason Mraz, Black Eyed Peas, Donna Missal, and Morgxn, at venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, Royal Albert Hall, Coachella, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and Walt Disney Concert Hall. In her feature in the renowned magazine, Guitar, Michael James Adam notes that Miller “slings the…

Awarded "Most Influential African American in the Bay Area" in 2005 and the Bay Area’s "Best Jazz Group" in 2013, vocalist Dr. Kim Nalley is already being called a legendary San Francisco institution. Nalley hwas discovered by Michael Tilson Thomas while singing to packed audiences live with no amplification. Thomas subsequently recorded her singing live with no amplification and invited her to sing with the San Francisco Symphony. Nalley then became a Rounder Records recording artist and went on a…

A veteran of the Chicago music scene, drummer John Hanrahan has made a strong and versatile impression in jam bands throughout the country, as well as with his jazz quartet. This evening with the John Hanrahan Quartet celebrates the music of John Coltrane, featuring Andrew Dixon on woodwinds, Dahveed Behroozi on piano, Giulio Cetto on bass, Hanrahan on drums, plus special guest Henry Kaiser on guitar. Over the course of two sets the group will present unique renditions of Coltrane's works.…