Todd Marcus is one of the few jazz artists worldwide to focus their work primarily on the bass clarinet. Though use of bass clarinet in jazz typically leans heavily towards avant-garde and free-jazz styles, Marcus’ straight-ahead playing has carved out a unique voice for the instrument in modern jazz. His music swings hard with both a fiery and introspective intensity but also maintains a strong lyrical sensibility. Marcus has annually been voted a Rising Star in Downbeat Magazine’s Annual Critics Poll since 2013 and The New York Times writes, “Mr. Marcus is probably the most inventive bass clarinetist working in straight-ahead jazz today.”

Todd is based in Baltimore, MD, where he is a guiding light on the city’s jazz scene, doubling as an activist and organizer. He leads several small groups, as well as his nine-piece band The Todd Marcus Jazz Orchestra. Self taught in jazz theory and composing, Marcus’ original compositions draw largely on straight-ahead jazz and classical influences. He has performed with other jazz artists such as Gary Bartz, Bennie Maupin and Don Byron.

Marcus balances his music career by running Intersection of Change, a nonprofit addressing poverty related issues in his Baltimore neighborhood.

This tour/performance is made possible with the support of Jazz Road, a national initiative of South Arts, which is funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, with additional support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.