Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College opens its 2016-17 season on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016 at 8 pm with the return of three-time Amateur Night at the Apollo winners Black Violin.
Composed of classically trained violist and violinist Wil B. and Kev Marcus, these two combine their classical training and hip-hop influences to create a distinctive multi-genre sound that is often described as “classical boom.”
“Through the message of Black Violin’s music, we’ve spent the last 10 years working to encourage and empower people of all ages, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds to find what connects us, rather than shine a light on what divides us,” the duo stated in a recent announcement about their upcoming fall 2016 UNITY tour.
“This past year alone, we’ve played for nearly 100,000 students and over 125 public shows across the United States and Europe. We’ve taken this opportunity to spread a message that challenges the world’s view of what it means to rise above labels, be daring enough to follow their passion and most of all, be true to themselves. As black men living in America, we understand challenges and we also understand the power of ‘I can’t’, yet we decide to live by and promote the power of ‘I can.’ We realize that every opportunity to connect our diverse fans is an opportunity to break down the barriers that separate us, empower individuality, and encourage progress. Today, we are announcing our fall 2016 UNITY tour with concert dates throughout the United States for our most energetic and inspired shows yet.”
About Black Violin
Black Violin released their major label debut “Stereotypes” (featuring Black Thought of The Roots and MC Pharoahe Monch) on Universal Music which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Classical Crossover Chart and #4 on the Billboard R&B Chart. The band has shared stages with top names including Kanye West, Aerosmith, and Tom Petty, and has creatively collaborated with the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Wyclef Jean, and Alicia Keys. They are currently touring the U.S. and Europe, as well as composing the score for Fox’s new series, Pitch, which will premiere Fall of 2016.
Other noteworthy appearances include official NFL functions for three Superbowls, President Barach Obama’s Inauguration, Showtime at the Apollo (2005 winners), The Billboard Music Awards, The Ellen Show, The Wendy Williams Show, the Tavis Smiley Show, The Queen Latifah Show, NPR Morning Edition, and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
Wil and Kev place heavy emphasis on educational outreach and have performed for more than 100,000 students in North America and Europe in the past 12 months, including the featured musical act for the Blue Ribbon Festival at the Music Center in Los Angeles, where they performed for 19,000 fifth grade students from the Greater Los Angeles area over three days. The band is endorsed by Yamaha Music and has partnered with the National Association for Music Manufacturers (NAMM) to continue their advocacy for accessible music education.
