Immerse yourself in the powerful narratives of Marcus Shelby’s music. This acclaimed bassist leads a group featuring some of the best Bay Area jazz musicians, all of whom are inspired to create electrifying improvisations by Marcus’ compositions. Expect soulful, swinging jazz, rooted in the blues, and infused with Shelby's signature blend of musical mastery and social activism.

This program highlights new music from a suite entitled Variations on a Variant, which is Marcus’ response to the social changes and pressures of the pandemic, including the increased displacement and oppression of the most vulnerable in our society, social protests and the destruction of institutional racism, and the pervasive nature of the virus. The suite includes a variety of styles and forms that evoke the diversity of emotions Marcus experienced during the shutdown.

This event is part of the 2024 Stanford Jazz Festival.  

Admission Information

• SJW Members: $54 | Children (17 and under) & Students: $12
• Non-Members: $62 | Children (17 and under) & Students: $20