The Bad Plus live in Santa Cruz

Experience The Bad Plus live on December 7th

The Bad Plus will perform at Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz, California on December 7, 2026. The Bad Plus is a jazz trio known for its unconventional approach to the genre, incorporating elements of rock, pop, and avant-garde music into their interpretations of jazz standards and original compositions. Formed in 2000, the group initially gained recognition for their deconstructed covers of songs by artists like Nirvana, Blondie, and Radiohead alongside traditional jazz repertoire. Their instrumentation consists of piano, bass, and drums, and they are recognized for their energetic performances and improvisational skills.

Kuumbwa Jazz Center has been a significant venue for jazz and world music on the central California coast since 1976. Originally founded as a collective by musicians seeking a dedicated performance space, Kuumbwa (“a place for gathering” in Swahili) operates as a non-profit organization committed to presenting diverse musical programming. The center has hosted numerous internationally renowned jazz artists throughout its history while also supporting local and emerging talent. It’s known for its intimate setting fostering close interaction between performers and audiences. Kuumbwa actively contributes to music education through workshops and outreach programs within the community.