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
<--- Click on image to watch video.
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: Saturday November 8th, 2025Where: Unity Spiritual Center of San Francisco
Fee: ?
More info for Dave Dillulo's events at https://globaldrumcircles.com/event-schedule
Watsonville Taiko
WTG's Holiday Boutique
When: Sunday, November 2Where: Kizuka Hall, Watsonvell CA
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/upcoming-events/
Kuumbwa Jazz
Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper
TBallaké Sissoko is the greatest kora virtuoso in the world, a seminal improviser with an ability to unlock every possible nuance on the kora with subtleties rarely heard on any instrument – let alone the kora which is over 700 years old.
Derek Gripper‘s love of the kora set him transcribing and recording some of the greatest works of the instrument, changing the face of classical guitar and giving the instrument its very first African repertoire.
Their performances and recordings are all achieved without any verbal communication, just a mutual love of their shared repertoire and the possibilities of the plucked string.
When: Saturday, January 24
Where: Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Fee: $51.95 Adv.
Moe's Alley
AJ Lee & Blue Summit
AJ Lee & Blue Summit are an award-winning, energetic, charming, and technically jaw-dropping band quickly rising on the national roots music scene. Based in Santa Cruz, California, the group met as teenagers, picking and jamming together as kids at local bluegrass festivals until one day, they decided they would be a band.
When: Janurary 23 & 24
Where: Moe's Alley, Santa Cruz, CA
Fee: $52.91 two nigts / $31.80 each night