Wobbly World
Wobbly World brings together distinguished musicians from Cuba, Morocco, Peru, Palestine, Lebanon, Bolivia, Vietnam, and the United States for an extraordinary celebration of international musical collaboration. Founded by guitarist Freddy Clarke, this ethno-fusion ensemble creates what critics describe as "a synergistic sound that emphasizes cultural unity," blending jazz, funk, world music, and Afro-Cuban rhythms into a cohesive yet wildly diverse musical experience.
The rotating ensemble features artists who, in the band's own words, "left their country for the American dream, became citizens, and fully embraced the spirit of freedom and American traditions" while bringing their rich musical heritage to the collaboration. Past members have included Grammy-winning violinist Mads Tolling from Denmark, Lebanese violinist Georges Lammam, Cuban vocalist and percussionist Erick Barberia, and Moroccan vocalist Bouchaib Abdelhadi. The lineup shifts with each performance, creating a different musical conversation every night.
Musically, expect an "ethno-layering of melodic, rhythmic and poetic ideas" where Eastern and Western scales flow naturally together. Clarke calls their approach "Extra Century Perception" — a philosophy that envisions what the world could create when people collaborate across borders. Their original compositions and innovative covers incorporate instruments like the Vietnamese dan bau, Iranian santur and ney, Moroccan percussion, Bulgarian bagpipes, and Lebanese violin alongside guitar, bass, and drums.
Live performances are described as riveting experiences where the band doesn't blend their diverse influences but rather foregrounds them, creating what one reviewer called "an enthralling musical tapestry." The freedom to enjoy music without borders becomes a metaphor for understanding people without borders. Clarke and his collaborators perform songs in multiple languages — English, Arabic, Spanish, Cuban Yoruba — with lyrics that explore themes of love, environmental consciousness, and the struggle against bigotry.
This is their return to Local Edition, where they believe deeply in "the power of collaboration, unity, and equality" — values they live and breathe on stage.