Todd Marcus Quintet featuring Virginia McDonald

Sat, Jul 12

Todd Marcus and Virginia MacDonald represent two of the most distinctive and compelling clarinet voices in jazz today—each carving bold new paths for their instruments through deeply personal artistry and extraordinary technical command. The Todd Marcus Quintet featuring Virginia McDonald perform two shows at Caffè Vivace next Saturday, July 12 at 7:00 and 9:00. “Mr. Marcus is probably the most inventive bass clarinetist working in straight-ahead jazz today… [and] a guiding light on the city’s jazz scene who doubles as an activist and organizer.” — The New York Times Todd Marcus is one of the few jazz artists worldwide to focus primarily on the bass clarinet, and he has redefined the instrument’s role in modern jazz. While the bass clarinet is often associated with avant-garde or free jazz, Marcus has carved out a singular voice rooted in the straight-ahead tradition—combining hard-swinging energy with lyrical depth, fiery solos, and introspective compositions. Virginia MacDonald, a native of Toronto, has rapidly emerged as one of Canada’s leading clarinetists in modern jazz. Lauded for her soulful sound, rhythmic sophistication, and lyrical phrasing, she brings a deeply expressive voice to her instrument—effortlessly moving between classic swing, post-bop, and contemporary styles. A sought-after collaborator and bandleader, MacDonald has shared the stage with jazz greats across North America and has been celebrated by critics and audiences alike for bringing a new energy to the clarinet’s role in modern improvisation. Together, Marcus and MacDonald embody the full range of the clarinet family—from the warmth and resonance of the bass clarinet to the fluid expressiveness of the soprano—and offer a dynamic and wide-ranging concert experience. Whether performing original works, modern compositions, or standards re-imagined, they challenge expectations and expand the expressive potential of their instruments. Check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qazTUwAFMfQ&list=PLC28B7F4FB70C70EF&index=5 Todd Marcus - bass clarinet Virginia MacDonald - clarinet Silvano Monasterios - piano Blake Meister - bass Eric Kennedy - drums If the total amount of beverages purchased by the party does not meet the minimum, a $15 drink/food minimum is charged per person in the party, per set. Important Notices: If you do not check in by 15 minutes into the start of the set, we reserve the right to resale your seats with no refund. Tickets for this performance are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, a one-time transfer to a future show of equal value will be accepted. The transfer must be requested 24 hours before the start of the performance.