Back to All Events

Zakir Hussain: Masters of Percussion

  • Rio Theatre for the Performing 1205 Soquel Ave Santa Cruz, CA, 95062 United States (map)

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols

"Hurray! We have adult beverages!

The Rio is proud to partner with our friends at Moe's Alley to provide a selection of great beers, Venus canned cocktails, hard cider and sparkling wine at this show. You must be 21 and present a valid ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. We prefer cash, but will accept cards as well!"


Every other year since 1996, Zakir Hussain has served as curator, conductor and producer to bring the very cream of Indian music and world percussion to tour America and Europe with his series, Zakir Hussain and Masters of Percussion. Growing out of his renowned international tabla duet tours with his father, the legendary Ustad Allarakha, Masters of Percussion began as a platform for both popular and rarely heard rhythm traditions from India. While performing and collaborating in India for a few months every year, Hussain has sought and unearthed lesser-known folk and classical traditions which feed into the greater stream of Indian music, playing an educational role in affording them greater visibility, as well as introducing them to audiences in the West.

Over time, the constantly changing ensemble has expanded to include great drummers and percussionists from many world traditions, including jazz. The 2023 version will be no exception, presenting American audiences with extraordinary, exciting and spontaneous combinations of percussive, as well as melodic, performances. Past years have included master drummers from Central Asia, India, and the U.S.

Sponsored by The Center for South Asian Studies and The Humanities Institute at UCSC


Show time: 7:30 PM, doors 6:30 PM
Tickets: $47.25 Gen, $68.25 Gold Circle
Advance tickets: www.kuumbwajazz.org

Earlier Event: March 11
Thomas Farm Films Film Festival
Later Event: March 18
REEL ROCK 17