Drumming Events
And the beat goes on...
Those of us with the karma points to live in the space in time called Santa Cruz wallow in an ocean of talent. Our small oasis, cradled within the San Francisco Bay Area, San Jose/Silicon Valley, Salinas Valley and the Monterey Bay, affords that talent ample opportunity for creative self expression. On this page, we 'beat the drums' for these celebrations, and we encourage you to share with us your knowledge of such events.
Our focus is on local drumming, but we do not discriminate.
Please let us know of any noteworthy events coming up by dropping us a line at DrTom@DrumDr.com, calling or texting us at +1 (831) 428-6626 or filling out a contact form.
In the meantime, please stay safe and take good care of those around you.
A Drumming Event Not To Be Missed
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Jim Greiner's Hands-On Drumming
Interactive Drumming Sessions locally and worldwide for Corporate Team Building, Conferences & Meetings, Community Groups & Events, Schools & Youth Groups, and Private Celebrations of all types and sizes. Meditation Drumming Sessions for individuals and Groups.
Meditation Drumming Classes
Meditation Drumming sessions use drumming and rhythm-play as a vehicle to help us reinforce positive Life Rhythms. Jim will provide Frame Drums, and you are welcome to bring your own. Please come and join us for tranquil and uplifting meditation rhythms!
When: Contact JimWhere:
Fee: ?
Rhythm Power Hand Drumming Class
Beginning to intermediate hand drumming techniques and rhythms, customized for each member's level of experience. We will focus mostly on the African Djembe, but I will also integrate other instruments into the class, depending upon your area of interest. Other instrument options are: Congas, Bongos, Doumbek/Darabouka, Frame Drums, Shekere and other hand-held percussion instruments..When: Contact Jim
Where:
Fee: ?
Conga Class - Beginning to Intermediate levels
We cover traditional and contemporary Caribbean rhythms and techniques, staying relaxed while playing, and playing with other people.When: Wednesdays, 7:00PM to 8:30PM
Where: Soquel Village, just outside the city of Santa Cruz, California
More info for Jim's events at www.handsondrum.com
Global Drum Circles
David DiLullo founded Global Drum Circles in 2005 to bring the joy and power of drumming to as many people as possible. He leads custom drumming events for companies and groups of all kinds
GLOBAL DRUM CIRCLE
A transformational drumming experience that ranges from calming and meditative to powerful and uplifting. No experience is required and we bring the drums!
When: March 7, 2026Where: Unity Spiritual Center, SF
Fee: ?
More info for Dave Dillulo's events at https://globaldrumcircles.com/event-schedule
Watsonville Taiko
Hanamatsuri - Flower Festival
When: Saturday, April 11
Where: Watsonville Buddhist Temple
Fee: ?
Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival
When: Sunday, April 25
Where: Cupertino Memorial Park
Fee: ?
Big Sur International Marathon
When: Sunday, April 26
Where: Big Sur
Fee: Free!
UCSC JSA Matsuri
When: Saturday, May 9
Where: Porter Dining Hall
Fee: ?
Taiko Classes
Watsonville Taiko offer classes and worksops for children of all ages and at a variety of locations. Please visit http://www.watsonvilletaiko.org/classes.html to learn how to get in on the fun!When: Varies
Where: Varies
Fee: Varies
More info for Watsonville Taiko's events at www.watsonvilletaiko.org/upcoming-events/
Kuumbwa Jazz
Scottish Fish
Scottish Fish present a fresh take on traditional and contemporary Scottish and Cape Breton music. After growing up steeped in the Boston Celtic music scene, these five young women began touring at an early age, quickly enchanting domestic and international audiences with their youthful enthusiasm, creative arrangements, and sensitive performances. Described as “both very traditional and highly flexible” by Folkworld Magazine, this powerhouse quintet of Ava Montesi (fiddle), Caroline Dressler (fiddle), Giulia Haible (cello, piano), Julia Homa (fiddle, piano), and Maggie MacPhail (fiddle, piano) wows audiences with a luscious and exciting sound, at times five instruments sharing one voice and at other times a dynamic orchestra of harmony. Their years of friendship created a truly unique musical bond, that sends their music soaring from the stage.
When: Friday, May 1
Where: Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Fee: $29.25
Ablaye Cissoko & Cyrille Brotto
Senegalese kora master Ablaye Cissoko shares the stage in a mesmerizing collaboration with French accordionist and composer Cyrille Brotto. Together, they create an exotic, yet strikingly modern sound that melds the deep traditions of their very different musical cultures and showcases their unique artistry.
When: Wednesday, May 13
Where: Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Fee: $49 Door
Olas Perdidas
Olas Perdidas is an innovative new band that fuses the vibrant, rhythmic traditions of Son Jarocho from Veracruz, Mexico, with the cinematic, evocative sounds of spaghetti Western music. Blending the lively strums of the jarana and requinto jarocho with the haunting twang of guitars and dramatic flair of Ennio Morricone-inspired compositions, Olas Perdidas creates a unique soundscape that bridges coastal Mexican folk and the rugged, dusty trails of the Wild West. Get ready for a musical journey that’s both soulful and adventurous!
When: Saturday, May 30
Where: Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Fee: $39.90
Moe's Alley
Mario y su Timbeko
TimbeKO incorporates elements of Ramp&;B, Gospel, Jazz and Funk into the sounds of popular Cuban Salsa, also known as Timba.
When: April 23
Where: Moe's Alley, Santa Cruz, CA
Fee: $20 Adv. / $25 Door
SambaDá
While Brazilian natives Papiba Godinho and Dandha da Hora bring their profound knowledge and respect for the roots of Afro-brazilian song and dance, the entire band has developed a type of samba-reggae-funk with a universal appeal. SambaDá musically unites the Americas, drawing from percussion based styles of South and Central America, and blends it with that good old funk and reggae back beat so familiar to crowds of North America.
When: May 2
Where: Moe's Alley, Santa Cruz, CA
Fee: $24.65
Woodhouse Blending & Brewing
CMENA presents AZA
Don’t miss this powerful celebration of Amazigh heritage through music presented by the Center for the Middle East & North Africa!
When: Friday, May 15
Where: Woodhouse, Santa Cruz, CA
Fee: Free!