March 12, 2020
Recognizing the mandate from the Governor of California, Kuumbwa Jazz is cancelling/postponing all concerts through at least March 30th. Ticketholders will be contacted directly, on or by Monday, March 16th, regarding ticket refunds and other ticketing options. We will be working on rescheduling as many concert dates as possible and will provide updates as they become available. We appreciate your understanding and we will continue to follow the direction and guidance provided by official agencies, as the wellbeing of our patrons and community remains our top priority.

Kuumbwa Jazz presents acclaimed co-musical directors Rudresh Mahanthappa (alto saxophone) and Terri Lyne Carrington (drums) celebrating one of the most innovative and influential artists in modern musical history and examine his impact in pop, hip-hop, rap, rock, and jazz. Joined by a superb lineup including Charenée Wade (vocals), Adam O’Farrill (trumpet), Kris Davis (piano), Larry Grenadier (bass) and Kassa Overall (DJ), Mahanthappa and Carrington will honor Charlie Parker’s centennial year by showcasing “Bird’s” uncompromising musical joy, humor, and beauty by mining his deep repertoire and showcasing new, modern compositions. “In a time where the words ‘innovation’ and ‘genius’ are overused, we are excited to celebrate a man who truly embodied both,” says Mahanthappa, “and the best way one shows admiration is not to age their work but to show their influence and how their work resonates in a modern age.” Rather than imitating the original, Fly Higher strives to forward the artform by developing new perspectives on tradition. That is the true substance of contemporary expression and, as Mahanthappa says, “we firmly believe that Bird would have wanted his legacy to resonate in this fashion.” After all, the only way to address the present is to place one foot in the past and one foot in the future.

(5% City of Santa Cruz Admission Tax included, service charge not included)
Sponsored by The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz

“Bird Lives” painting by Vel Verrept based on a photograph by Herman Leonard, © Herman Leonard Photography, LLC