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
Watsonville Obon Festival
When: Sunday, July 19
Where: Watsonville Buddhist Temple
Fee: ?
Wharf to Wharf
When: Sunday, July 26
Where: Private Beach
Fee: ?
Tanabata Star Festival
When: Sunday, August 9
Where: Kizuka Hall
Fee: Free!
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/events/
Kuumbwa Jazz
Maruja Limón
Maruja Limón is a female sextet from Barcelona known for their vibrant music that blends flamenco, pop, and Latin rhythms. Formed in 2014, they compose and arrange their own songs and have performed at festivals and venues across Europe, Morocco, and Spain, including Festival Cruilla and Pirineos Sur.
When: Monday, July 13
Where: Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Fee: $40.79/$36.75
Keshav Batish & Friends
Keshav Batish is a performer, composer, and educator based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is trained in Hindustani classical and South Asian folk music by his father, Pandit Ashwin Batish, and his aunt, Shrimati Meena Batish. Batish’s debut album, Binaries in Cycle, was recognized in 2021 as one of 10 Best Bay Area albums by KQED and received critical acclaim from JazzTimes, DownBeat, and the Brooklyn Rail.
When: Monday, July 20
Where: Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Fee: $29.14/$26.25 Door
Moe's Alley
Flor de Caña
Flor de Caña, a septeto from Santa Cruz, CA plays high energy dance music, including Cuban Son, Colombian Cumbia and various other Caribbean styles. They blend the obscure with the known, old time with the new, keeping true to the roots while creating their own sound.
When: Friday, July 17
Where: Moe's Alley, Santa Cruz, CA
Fee: $15 Adv. / $20 Door
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!