Denise Kaufman

Music + Yoga + History

Growing up in San Francisco during the 1960s placed Denise Kaufman at the center of a cultural revolution. Her commitment to social justice and exploratory approach to life led her to adventures in counterculture: from being arrested at UC Berkeley's Sproul Hall protests during the Free Speech Movement, to "getting on the bus” (as "Mary Microgram") with Ken Kesey, the Merry Pranksters and the Grateful Dead; to forming the legendary Ace of Cups—an all-girl band that opened for Jimi Hendrix, The Band, and Janis Joplin; to being one of the seven founding mothers of Island School on Kauai; to studying with Robert Nadeau Shihan, Yogi Bhajan, Bikram Choudhury, Pattabhi Jois, and Paul Grilley and to teaching yoga to Madonna, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Quincy Jones, and Jane Fonda.

Denise lives between Venice Beach and Kauai - playing music, teaching yoga, surfing and continuing to learn, channel inspiration and connect all those around her.

SUMMER 2023
DENISE IS OUT ON TOUR WITH HER GRANDSON, ELI SMART AND HIS BAND!!
SUPPORTING DECLAN MCKENNA - TOUR DATES BELOW

This summer Denise, aka Tutu, was tapped by her grandson Eli Smart to play bass in his band that’s on tour in support of Declan McKenna! Tickets can be found at https://www.declanmckenna.net/

The Beloved All-Female Rock Group from the 1960s San Francisco Psychedelic Scene

From 1967 to 1972, the Ace of Cups were at the epicenter of the ‘60s cultural and social revolution. From the Acid Tests to the protests, from the free concerts in Golden Gate Park to the ballrooms of San Francisco, they shared stages with everyone from The Band to the Grateful Dead, and were chosen to open for Jimi Hendrix the week after his groundbreaking performance at The Monterey Pop Festival.

Despite eliciting music industry interest for their exceptional songs, sublime harmonies and exuberant live performances, the Ace of Cups never got the chance to make a record…until now.

VISIT THE ACE OF CUPS' WEBSITE