Black Violin, a Grammy-nominated American hip hop duo, will perform at WCU’s Bardo Arts Center Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m., bringing an electric, energy-filled performance as part of WCU’s Black History Month events.
Black Violin consists of two classically trained musicians, Kev Marcus, who plays the violin, and Wil B., who plays the viola. The two combine their classical musical training and hip hop appreciation to create a genre-bending style of music called “classical boom.” The two mix classical arrangements with hip hop beats and vocals, infusing different sounds and styles to create a unique experience.
The group strives to break stereotypes in the music industry, including how classical musicians should look, play and present themselves.
“The stereotypes are always there, embedded so deep in our culture. Just by [the] nature of our existence we challenge those ideas. It’s a unique thing that brings people together who aren’t usually in the same room, and in the current climate, it’s good to bring people together,” said Wil B. in the Black Violin press kit.
Black Violin strives to be a movement, not just a musical group. The two work to give back through educational outreach and empowering youth through creativity. The group has founded Black Violin Foundation to invest in promising young musicians.
The performance will be hosted by the Bardo Arts Center as well as by DegreePlus. This event is designated as a DegreePlus event for the Cultural Responsiveness Skill because Black Violin works to break cultural stereotypes relating to music, explained Marti Newbold, Associate Director of DegreePlus.
The director of Bardo Arts Center, Denise Drury Homewood, said that WCU has been trying to bring Black Violin to campus for years because of their lively performance.
“Wil and Kev are incredible musicians that break stereotypes of what classically trained musicians look and sound like. Anyone interested in live music that’s full of energy will love their performance,” Homewood told WCJ via email.
Tickets are $5 at the door for WCU students if they scan their CatCards, or students can order their tickets online. In compliance with WCU policies, masks will be required indoors and no food or drinks are permitted in the performance hall. For more information about Black Violin, visit blackviolin.net. For more information about the event, go to engage.wcu.edu.
