Baltimore-based Todd Marcus is one of the most prominent, renowned bass clarinetists in the world. As one of only a few players who solely focuses on the instrument, Marcus has carved out a unique sound world which thrusts his bass clarinet virtuosity into the realm of modern, straight ahead jazz. His music abounds with an overwhelming reverence for lineage, while also having a thoroughly modern sensibility.  Yet music is only a part of what makes Marcus and his music so special.

For the past 20 years, Marcus has lived and worked in west Baltimore at the community based non-profit Intersection of Change alongside Reverend Elder C.W. and Amelia Harris. Together they have transformed the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Presstman Street, converting abandoned buildings and 18 vacant lots from an open air drug market, to a place of hope and opportunity with programs offering  supportive recovery housing for women overcoming substance abuse and homeless; arts  classes and community beautification projects for children and adults; and employment to citizens returning from incarceration.  This work –along with the creation of community green spaces, over three dozen prominent murals and an urban farm –have resulted in real, tangible, positive change in a community otherwise neglected and overlooked.

The ongoing relevance of Marcus’ work at Intersection of Change was punctuated in 2015 in the midst of the unrest following the death of community member Freddie Gray. The unrest highlighted the anger and frustration over the community’s decades of poverty related struggles but also affirmed Marcus’ commitment to serving his neighborhood.

Marcus brings his quintet to Joe’s Movement Emporium to perform the music of his 2018 album On These Streets: A Baltimore Story.  The music channels all aspects of his experience living in Sandtown-Winchester; becoming deeply enmeshed within the fibre of the community through his nonprofit;  the community itself; its resident’s various struggles, hopes, aspirations, and much much more.

SHOW TIME

Saturday, April 16 at 7pm

Tickets: $20

About Todd Marcus

Self taught in jazz theory and composition, Marcus’ compositions draw largely on straight-ahead jazz and classical influences but over recent years have also increasingly explored the Middle-Eastern sounds from his Egyptian-American heritage. Join this conversation for insight in his work, cultural insights about Egypt, and approach to the challenges of fusing Middle-Eastern music with jazz.