The violin has not ordinarily been associated with rock ‘n roll or even most pop music. However, you’d never know that if you’ve attended a concert by one of the most dynamic duos to ever clutch a bow and take on everything from Bach’s “Brandenburg” concertos to backing up hip hop hero Kanye West.
Black Violin is attempting to change the sometimes staid image of the violin by introducing the instrument to a younger generation. The classically-trained duo will appear at 8 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center.
Going by their stage names Kev Marcus (Kevin Sylvester) and Will B (Wilner Baptiste), the string duo is taking the world by storm with their distinctive and versatile music style, thereby closing the gap between classical and pop music. Black Violin plays a variety of compositions, utilizing the classical genre combined with their unique interpretations that range from baroque to contemporary standards. The pair often fuses R&B, soul and blues into a unique sound combination.
As high school classmates, the two were reunited after college and have been touring the world for many years. They have performed in Dubai, South Africa, Prague and at the 2013 presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C. Both players are avid producers and writers, having worked with Tom Petty, Lupe Fiasco and Aerosmith among a host of artists.
Tickets for the “one-nighter” are $24 and $19 and may be purchased online at www.LPAC.org, by phone at (661) 723-5950, or at the box office located at 750 W. Lancaster Blvd. The box office is open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
