Geller Jazz Series sounds the note on climate change in upcoming concert

The global climate emergency has been a major preoccupation for Boston-based guitarist and composer Eric Hofbauer.

In 2019, at the UN Summit for Climate Action, climate activist Greta Thunberg threw down a challenge to big business and world leaders to look beyond greed and meet the crisis head-on, declaring “How dare you!” Aside from being deeply moved and galvanized by the speech, Hofbauer found himself drawn to the rhythms and phrases in Thunberg’s delivery and her distinctly non-native English.

The spark was lit for Waking Up!, Hofbauer’s newest project with Seth Meicht on tenor sax, Anthony Leva on bass, trumpeter Jerry Sabatini, and drummer Curt Newton. All are close colleagues and, as veterans of many a Hofbauer-led project, are well-versed in his approach, which brings a wealth of tonal color and narrative focus.

“Thunberg’s speech was so honest, blunt, and authentic,” Hofbauer says. “I think of her as an icon and inspiration for someone like my daughter and the younger generation, who have to bear the brunt of what’s coming. In her delivery there’s so much pain, frustration, and worry. It’s very moving, and I wanted to use that emotional space as a jumping-off point for improvisation.”

Immediately following the performance, Eric Hofbauer and Curt Newton will present a talk-back on arts activism.

Admission is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required. For more information, please email ClarkArts@clarku.edu or call 508-793-7349.

This event is presented as part of the Geller Jazz Series and is co-sponsored by the Higgins School of Humanities at Clark University.

The Geller Jazz Series is supported by generous gift to the Visual and Performing Arts Department from the Estate of Selma Geller. The biannual jazz concert series pairs new and emerging artists with jazz legends, and supports audience development programming. Previous featured artists in Geller Jazz Series and recipients of the Selma B. Geller Foundations of Jazz award include Ron Carter, Dave Liebman, Tom Harrell, Christian MacBride, Ravi Coltrane & Joe Lovano, Trio da Paz, Bill Charlap with John Faddis, Omar Sosa, and Donald Harrison.