Worldbeat Center

I was interested in the drumming and dance classes. I’ve have not been able to partake in any classes here because my calls and emails were never returned. Over the summer the offered a kids camp. Same deal, multiple calls and emails with no response. On the first day of camp I took my kids anyway and there was room for them. They really enjoyed playing and dancing, but don’t go expecting a bunch of communication from the leaders. I’d even say, don’t send your kids unless they are smart enough to not run off with strangers cause supervision or a check out procedure is lacking. Twice I picked up my kids and did not see an adult. There were several older kids, including one of my own, who were unofficial camp leaders. If she wasn’t there to look out fr her siblings I would not send them. No one got hurt and they had a good time, so guess that’s what matters. At the end of camp they had a mini-​recital to show what they learned. It was hot as a sweatbox.

Who can take an organization seriously when they do not return phone calls or reply to emails? ! They offer all these classes and events, but if you have a question about something, forget about it– no one is gonna return your call or email

Stumbled upon this african artist oasis while having lunch in Balboa Park. What an incredible space! The murals are expansive and luring.
Walking through the interior, they serve vegan/​vegetarian noshes and a swell selection of Kombucha on tap and herbal teas. GREAT VIBE!
The stage looks very pro and now is on my radar as a must see live music venue. I think i’m gonna sign up for one of their african drum classes!

After years of living in San Diego, I finally had the opportunity to attend an event here. The center itself is nice enough, cozy, decorated with a good dance floor and food vending area — although it does feel like you stepped into a live graffiti mural — because everything, I mean everything is painted. Interesting, definitely.
Not my first choice for a show because things got crowded towards the end and warm to boot, but for someplace that aims to be sustainable, arty, and green minded, I’ve got to hand it to them because SD could use more places like these.

Three years of living in San Diego and two previous visits to San Diego and not once had we been here.
This place is tiny but has so many colorful things to see. Additionally they have an area where they serve drinks together with events which take place.
They have two birds outside which talk away
Which was a big plus for my daughter together with the drumming which was going on.

Worldbeat Center is at the heart of many movements and serves to cultivate peace for all living beings. I would compare this place to the museums of Balboa Park, yet it is so very much more.
I love so many things about this place: the lively dance parties, the sustainable garden, the children’s program, international school and the charismatic leader’s passion for speaking to the rich indigenous history uniting the roots of all people. There is Kombucha on tap which is fresh and delicious. There is a café and kitchen open on select days. Also, you can rent the space for events! All generations and cultures are at home here. This is a place for the people.
So I consider this a living museum and a place where culture and science collide in the dance of life. From the Earth to the Stars, Worldbeat Center brings wisdom into cultural consideration. As a center of expanding concern the subjects «curated» in this cultural nexus run the gamut from sustainable gardening to astronomy as the history of wisdom is given voice. Peace is a practice and in San Diego, Worldbeat Center keeps the heart beat of unity alive and well situated in this living museum of soul, spirit and sustainable prosperity.

I don’t know what it’s like in the day time, but I came here to watch a concert and it was pretty cool. I liked how small the venue was, but big enough for a good-​sized crowd.
I don’t know what else they provide here, but to be honest it didn’t seem like much. I’m only rating this place based on my experience at a small gig. I had a great time here, which is why I gave it 4 stars. Plus they have free parking across the street! Overall, I thought that this was a pretty good venue for artists who are just starting out or aren’t too big yet.

This place is a absolute joke! Went there two weeks ago to volunteer my time for the children garden center. I figured it would be very beneficial for my daughter and I to experience our culture together and to learn horticultural techniques. Two weeks later I hear absolutely nothing, so I took the initiative to call them the day before to confirm our meeting. The director had the nerve to insinuate that I was being emotional because I expressed to her the lack of professionalism on her part. I’m looking for another place to have our cultural experience!

Well, that was an interesting New Years Eve party. Instead of smashing my lips against another person’s at midnight, I filled the room with music as part of a big and boisterous drumming circle!
It’s amazing how many musical instruments they have in the back room, because they kept bringing out more and more drums, tambourines and other sound makers so that just about everyone who was there was using one.
The drumming circle was the evening’s grand finale, but earlier in the evening, there had also been Qigong healing and Kirtan chanting. It was all so new and different to me! Pretty interesting way to immerse myself in the traditions of Africa and Asia. Thanks to the quick overviews before every activity (and the brief summaries and discussions afterwards), the experiences were educational.
Great place to visit if you’re interested in spirituality, consciousness, African culture/​music/​dance and alternative healing. From emails that they send out regularly, it looks like they have a lot of events, classes and workshops here.

In the park? Stop by this very cool building: actually, not a building at all, but a re-​purposed water container: it literally used to hold over 1 million gallons of water. Many different things happen at this venue, however, they’ve got a great little coffee/​snack bar and are very willing to show off the facility.

Could not have timed my move to San Diego any better. Got here right in time for African restaurant week. Had an amazing time taking free cooking classes, learning african dance, and listening to soulful music. Best of all was learning about the spiritual practices and beliefs present in all of African culture. Being from Hawaii, Regge is a part of the island vibe as much as anything else but I never thought that deeply about the spiritual and healing within the music that I love to dance to. It is not just happy music the joy comes from a deep spiritual well of soulful seeking and living. The stories of the ark, Ethiopia, Egypt, origins of the bible, prophets and priests, are all present in the music culture and soulful beats of the African hearts. I am a fan of world beats and deeply appreciative to the incredible generosity, education and celebration they offer.

Watched Etana & Morgan Heritage. Rare to be so close to Carribean artist such as these two of their caliber at an intimate venue. The Ginger Beer was just as lovely

Very negative vibes. unprofessional caddy administrative panel.
unconscious litter bugs.
NO RASTA DONT GO HERE

First time at this venue and I was über eggcited to hear that San Diego was having their very first vegetarian/​vegan festival. Woohoo !
The goal of this event was to build a healthy and sustainable movement of conscious San Diegans. It was in support of a compassionate, plant-​based, animal-​friendly lifestyle. Opened to anyone: first time or long time vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, flexitarian, locavorian, or curious foodies.
Partnered up with the nonprofit organization, Animal Protection and Rescue League, the festival featured speakers, live food demonstrations, tons of giveaways, Veg leadership awards, Q&A sessions, and free food samples. Unfortunately, the live documentary screening could not be played due to technical difficulties. Hopefully, that will be resolved since I was looking forward to it.
Very educational ! There was a family area which showcased San Diego County Master Garderner’s Association, San Diego Seed Company, San Diego Hydroponics and Organics, and Back to Roots Mushroom Planters. Workshops included: Planting Station for Children’s Seedling and Pea Pots, Children’s Garden Bugs Coloring, 101’s of Organic Gardening, How to Make Worm Compost Tea. Great to get the kids involved !
Indoor activities consisted of: Free Blood Pressure and Glucose Screenings provided by Operation Samahan, Acupuncture Information provided by Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, Chiropractic information provided by Biophysics Chiropractic, Photo Booth Area, Interactive Art Wall Area and more.
‘Southern Fried Vegan’ and ‘Peace Pies’ were amongst the food vendors there, but the lines seemed too long and I just didn’t have the patience to wait. Recommend eating prior unless they are able to accommodate large groups with less wait. I’m optimistic this will improve.
Overall, it was a pretty good show-​up of people. It was a warm day and the venue got a bit stuffy and barely any circulation inside so perhaps another venue to accommodate more people in an open air setting.
A few kinks here and there, but as their inaugural event, I thought it was a success. Hope San Diego continues to hold this event. I’m already looking forward to the next one.
Get VEGUCATED peeps !

Ive been here a few times a couple years ago and I enjoyed it. They hold spoken word events here from local artists and I’m always left in thought after each show. It has been years since Ive been in the spoken word scene and knew of events but it makes me reminiscent of those times.
The site is small and you sit on folded chairs but otherwise it’s a great little venue, which I feel is fitting for shows like these. Parking isnt bad, especially during the evening and though the site is small, you dont feel claustrophobic. It attracts very diverse, open-​minded and chill as hell people so everytime I’ve come Ive always met super friendly people.
If and when I ever have the time and they still hold spoken word events, Ill definitely bring my husband to a show.
But then again, it’s just my opinion.

I was here a couple weeks ago to watch Sola Rosa perform. (Sola Rosa is an awesome band from New Zealand; definitely check them out!) We weren’t really sure what to expect, but once Sola Rosa was on stage and got people out on the dance floor, we had a great time. They were only on for maybe 1 – 1.5 hours but were part of a larger show. I noticed some others mentioned they don’t serve alcohol here, but there was alcohol at this show. We didn’t purchase any, but it was there for us if needed.
The facility was a decent size and we had plenty of room to dance. They were recording the show and had it displayed on a large screen as well. There wasn’t much of a crowd at the show and we were dancing right in front of the stage, so we didn’t really look to the screen. Spragga (from Sola Rosa) mentioned that the sound system there was pretty good even though they did run into some sound problems during the show. Everything sounded great to me!
If you go to the Worldbeat Center, be prepared to park on the street (or in one of the nearby Balboa Park lots). Also, incense seems to be always burning there, so be prepared for this very noticeable scent. I could still smell the incense for a couple days after the show (even after showering).
The show itself was 5 stars; the facility 3.5 stars. I do appreciate that Worldbeat Center hosted this event and Sola Rosa made it down to SD to close out their world tour here though… so 4 stars it is!

Makeda… YOU ARE AWESOME LIKE YOU’RE FOOD! Veggies straight outta the garden man!
Anytime I return to SD I will make sure to stop in and get full off awesome food, convo and souvenirs. I hate that I missed the drumming event that was happening on the day I was leaving. GO! …you won’t be disappointed!

Terrible! Never been to a one love place with ppl w more negative vibes and attitudes. The staff is terrible, the main lady, the old black woman w the dreds is prob the most negative person u’ll EVER meet!
UPDATE: The comment was negative because you were negative, lol of course the comment is negative. Good observation tho! lol

I came to a rave here and it was very well managed. I knew the people who had organized the event and I quizzed them about their interaction with the management– everything thing went smoothly.
It’s def. a DIY vibe– I heard snarky comments about «being at a high school dance» but you know what, I’d come to see a million events here before I’d go a single time to a gaslamp douche bag factory. DIY FOREVER.
Personally, I would consider doing an event here– seems like the easiest way to get a venue in Balboa Park. The lack of air conditioning would make it hot in the summer time.

I came here last night to see my friend perform and was pretty excited cuz I’ve always wanted to check this place out.
The rent a cops here are an absolute joke! They were just sitting around texting and I noticed a lot of the guys flirting with VERY young female patrons.
I absolutely cannot believe what I saw last night. For starters, there is NO ventilation and it gets hotter than a sauna in there. On top of that, I’m pretty sure it’s all ages — my friends and I are all in our early twenties and we felt ancient being there.
No joke, there must have been a few 12 year olds. These kids were so young! And they were messed up on ecstasy! These kids weren’t drinking any water and were grinding against each other and it was just… it was so sad/​difficult to see. There was one girl who was belligerently out of her mind, wasn’t drinking any water, cross eyed, her jaw looked dislocated… I tried informing security so that maybe they could get her outside for some fresh air but no one did anything!
I don’t know where these 12 – 15 year old gutter trolls came from, but I won’t be coming back here ever again. I wouldn’t even come back if you paid me! I hope this event (Scream) gets shut down asap because last night was absolutely disgusting. I can’t remember the promoter’s name but his underlings were all messed up on ecstasy as well and so hard to communicate with! I wanted water for my friend who was performing and it seriously took over 20 minutes because they were too busy sniffing Vick’s VapoRub!
Now, I’m no perfect angel and I’ll admit I’ve done my experimentation here and there… but doing drugs and not facing any consequences from what should be responsible adults = low. This event was more ghetto than the underground raves that I used to hit up in downtown Los Angeles.
I WISH I COULD GIVE THIS PLACE ZERO STARS.