JOLIET, IL – The extraordinary musical duo, Black Violin, renowned for their boundary-breaking fusion of classical melodies and hip-hop rhythms, is set to grace Joliet with their distinctive performance next week.
Hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this twice-Grammy-nominated act has been captivating audiences for over two decades with their unique blend of musical styles. Black Violin will take the stage at the prestigious Rialto Square Theater on March 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Black Violin’s music seamlessly weaves together the elegance of classical string arrangements with the pulse of contemporary beats and vocals. They’ve not only created extraordinary compositions but have also built bridges between musical genres and communities, a testament to their remarkable talent and vision.
The duo, consisting of Kev Marcus and Wil Baptiste, initially crossed paths in their orchestra class at Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale. Here, they honed their skills as classically trained violinists and violists throughout their high school and college years. After college, they reconvened and began producing beats for South Florida’s emerging rap scene, amassing a devoted following in local clubs.
Their journey led them to a historic win on “Showtime At The Apollo” in 2005, a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of their ascent to fame. Black Violin achieved sold-out headline performances across the nation, including a remarkable two-night headline run at The Kennedy Center in 2018. Notably, NPR recognized their work, declaring that “their music will keep classical music alive for the next generation.”
In 2019, Black Violin’s album “Take the Stairs” earned a well-deserved Grammy Award nomination for “Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.” The group continued to make waves in the music industry and secured their second Grammy Award nomination for “The Message,” recognized as the Best Americana Performance, in collaboration with The Blind Boys of Alabama.
The Black Violin Experience Tour delivers a mesmerizing musical fusion orchestrated by the two-time Grammy-nominated duo, Black Violin, composed of the remarkable talents of Marcus and Baptiste. Their performance is a breathtaking combination of classical elegance and heart-pounding hip-hop energy. Audiences can anticipate a concert experience that transcends musical boundaries, conveying messages of hope and limitless potential.
On stage, Kev Marcus delivers an electrifying violin performance, perfectly complemented by Wil Baptiste’s captivating viola and vocal talents. The ensemble also features Nat Stokes on drums, DJ SPS on the turntable, and Liston Gregory on keys. Together, they are reimagining the traditional violin concert, establishing a captivating soundscape where the timeless beauty of Mozart, the soulful melodies of Marvin Gaye, and the contemporary rhythms of Kendrick Lamar harmoniously coexist.
Don’t miss this unforgettable performance, a testament to the transformative power of music, and the unyielding belief that anything is possible through creativity and innovation. Black Violin invites you to join them on a musical journey that knows no boundaries and celebrates the boundless possibilities of human ingenuity.
