Due to popular demand, the classically-trained multi-genre duo Black Violin has added a 4 p.m. matinee performance to its Jan. 27 concert date at the Ponte Vedra Concert hall. The 8 p.m. evening performance is sold out.
Black Violin is composed of Wil-B. and Kev Marcus, who have combined their classical training and hip-hop influences to create a multi-genre sound often described as "classical boom." Black Violin has shared stages with top names including Kanye West, Aerosmith and Tom Petty, and the group has creatively collaborated with Wu-Tang Clan, Wyclef Jean and Alicia Keys. Additionally, the duo has composed music for the 2016 FOX television series, "Pitch." and appeared on HBO's "Ballers," "The Tonight Show," "Travis Smiley Show," "The Wendy Williams Show" and "The Ellen Show."
Along with public concerts, Black Violin has performed for more than 100,000 students in the last year throughout North America and Europe. The band received an endorsement from Yamaha Music, and has partnered with the National Association for Music Manufacturers (NAMM) to continue their advocacy for accessible music education.
Black Violin started when Marcus heard the music of Stuff Smith, the first violinist to use electrical amplification techniques on a violin, who Marcus once described as "unbelievable." He shared Smith’s music with Wil-B and eventually formed a band together named after Smith's soulful solo album. Inspired by Smith’s music, the two decided to synthesize the styles they loved such as classical, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, reggae and gypsy music to form Black Violin.
The Jan. 27 Ponte Vedra concert is part of Black Violin's “Classical Boom Tour," which is a follow-up to the "Unity Tour" that saw 28 sold-out public performances. After serving as the house band for the ESPN-hosted 82nd Annual Heisman Memorial Trophy Presentation, the network selected Black Violin's "Stereotypes" track to promote the 2017 U.S. Open.
Black Violin is currently writing and recording its next studio album due out in 2018. The band’s most recent record, "Stereotypes," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Classical Crossover Chart and No. 4 on the Bill-board R&B Chart. NPR stated Black Violin's music "will keep classical music alive for the next generation.”
Tickets for the Black Violin Matinee Performance, which range between $40 and $50, can be purchased at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall and St. Augustine Amphitheatre Box Offices, Ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000. For more information, visit www.pvconcerthall.com or www.blackviolin.net.
