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Jazz drummer Claire Arenius

Claire Arenius is one of those rare people who is universally loved. She is a shining star, committed to bringing good energy into the world. Most of us have experienced her “vibrations” through the power of her drumming and the haunting beauty of her intense compositions. Claire lives her life focusing on the good and bringing a positive outlook to every situation.
Claire’s is now being challenged by her biggest obstacle yet: on August 5th, her life partner of over thirty-five years past away unexpectedly in his sleep. Bob Laclair and Claire were inseparable. They belonged together. All who knew them would agree - they were soul mates whose comfort served as a role model to all who knew them.

Bob’s sudden death has left a whole community bereaved – we grieve for the loss of a dear friend, we miss our daily dose of his fractal art and wonder how Claire will be able to survive economically on a handful of $100 gigs. Not only had Bob been the primary bread-winner in their relationship, he had taken early retirement from his career  to care for Claire who had been hospitalized in 2008 with pulminary emoblisms due to undiagnosed Lyme disease. They spent their savings and went into debt searching for cures.

Claire is now “finally on her feet after the healing journey” but she has no back up; it has all been spent. Although Claire and Bob had been living together for more than three decades, they were never married in the eyes of the state. Therefore, Bob’s small pension is unavailable to her, their car is tied up in probate, the rent is unpaid and there are numerous expenses pending. Claire is struggling to survive. She has already put herself out there looking for work, but she is desperately in need of income for basic living expenses.

As a revered musician, Claire “gives back” every time she performs. Her sounds are gifts to all who hear her them. As a drummer, she is a direct descendent to the actual roots of the bebop style and conveys that authentic torch to her cherished students. She is a proud member of an elite musical community but she is never pretentious. She is humble beyond words.

These circumstances give Claire no recourse but to ask directly for money from those who love her, those who have experienced her positive energy and those who sympathize with her difficult situation. That’s all of us.

Here’s a saying that epitomizes Claire’s philosophy:

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” ― Dalai Lama

To see Bob’s brilliant fractal work, check out his page “Creative Arts by Bob Laclair:”

https://www.facebook.com/Creative-Arts-by-Bob-Laclair-1561276040763268/?fref=ts



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Donations 

  • Michael Adachi
    • $50 
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Vermont Jazz Center
Organizer
Northampton, MA
Claire Arenius
Beneficiary

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