Todd Marcus is one of the few artists worldwide to focus on the bass clarinet as a main instrument inmodern jazz with his small and large ensembles. His straight-ahead playing and compositions swing withfiery intensity balanced with delicate introspection. Self-taught in jazz, his music offers a strong melodicsensibility, draws from elements of his community work, and often incorporates the Middle Easterninfluences of his Egyptian-American heritage. Juno Award-nominated clarinetist Virginia MacDonald has established herself as a rising star of her generation with for her lyrical and soulful clarinet playing. As a highly in-demand bandleader, sidewoman, and composer, Virginia regularly performs across Canada, the United States, and Europe.