The Bad Plus live in Irvine

Experience The Bad Plus live on September 26th

The Bad Plus will perform at the Irvine Barclay Theatre on September 26, 2026. The Bad Plus is a jazz trio known for its unconventional approach to the genre, blending elements of post-bop improvisation with influences from rock, pop, and avant-garde music. Formed in 1990, the group initially gained recognition for their deconstructed interpretations of popular songs by artists like Nirvana and Blondie alongside original compositions. Throughout their career, they have consistently challenged traditional jazz boundaries with their energetic performances and unique arrangements.

The Irvine Barclay Theatre opened in 1981 as a key component of the Irvine Center (now known as the Irvine Spectrum Center). Designed by William Pereira, the architect also responsible for the Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco, the theatre is renowned for its excellent acoustics and intimate 750-seat capacity. It functions as a multi-disciplinary performing arts venue hosting a diverse range of events including dance, theatre, classical music, and contemporary jazz performances. The theatre is owned by the City of Irvine and operated through a partnership with UCI Claire Trevor School of the Arts; it serves both as a professional performance space and a teaching facility for students.