Amazing Duo to Share Groundbreaking Music at the Gracie Theatre
Published on: March 28, 2019
International touring sensation Black Violin will be bringing their unique genre-breaking brand of music to Husson University’s Gracie Theatre on Thursday, April 4, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. as part of their 2019 Impossible Tour. Led by classically trained string players Wil B. (viola) and Kev Marcus (violin), Black Violin has created their own unique sound through a daring combination of hip-hop, rhythm and blues, bluegrass and classical music.
“Black Violin is, by far, one of the largest concerts we’ve had on the Gracie stage,” says Jeri Misler, managing director of the Gracie theatre. “Their engaging music will appeal to every person’s musical tastes. It’s a great honor to host this incredible group in Bangor!”
Classically trained violist Wil Baptiste, and violinist Kev Marcus, began their musical journey as a duo in South Florida when the two played together in their high school orchestra class. After attending separate colleges, Kev and Wil reunited and decided to combine their classical training and love for hip-hop music by establishing a distinguished, genre-bending sound that’s often been described as “classical boom.”
Joining Wil B. and Kev Marcus onstage are DJ SPS and drummer Nat Stokes. The band uses their unique blend of classical and hip-hop music to overcome stereotypes while encouraging people of all ages, races, and economic backgrounds to join together and break down cultural barriers. In the past 12 months, these musicians have performed for over 100,000 students in the US and Europe, and collaborated with Yamaha and NAMM (National Association of Music Manufactures) to continue supporting music education.
Black Violin is currently writing and recording their next studio album. It’s expected to be released in late summer 2019. The band recently released their track “Dreamer,” and shortly after, released an accompanying video. Black Violin’s last record, “Stereotypes,” debuted at #1 on the Billboard Classical Crossover Chart and #4 on the Billboard R&B Chart. National Public Radio (NPR) praised the album and band saying, “their music will keep classical music alive for the next generation.”
Creative collaborations other talented artists include Kanye West, the Wu-Tang Clan, Wyclef Jean, Lil Wayne, and Alicia Keys. In 2016, Black Violin composed music for FOX’s hit TV series Pitch and the group has made appearances on HBO’s Ballers, The Tonight Show, The Wendy Williams Show, The Ellen Show and the 2016 Heisman Trophy Presentation on ESPN.
When they’re not performing, this musical sensation advocates for educational outreach. They were the Turnaround Artists for the Mary B. Bethune Elementary School in their hometown of Broward County, Florida.
Turnaround Arts, a national education program affiliated with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, infuses arts into struggling schools to support overall reform efforts. Founded by President Obama’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities in 2012, the program connects schools with musical instrument grants, arts supplies, and professional development.
As part of the process, Turnaround Arts pairs each school with an artist who provides mentorship, inspiration, and support during the program. Many notable musical performers have participated in this initiative. Artists like Elton John, Edward Norton, and Yo-Yo Ma, as well as many other highly acclaimed members of the arts community, have lent their expertise to struggling schools. Additionally, Black Violin continues to perform for more than 100,000 students annually throughout North America and Europe.
To learn more about Black Violin, visit their website at http://blackviolin.net.
Tickets for Black Violin range from $37.00-$49.50. Group discounts are available for groups of 12 or more. Husson University staff and faculty can purchase tickets at a special BOGO (buy one, get one) rate. Faculty and staff can purchase tickets at this rate online using the promo code VIOLIN or in person at the Gracie Box Office.
To purchase tickets or for more information about group rates, call the Gracie Box Office at (207) 941-7888 or visit www.gracietheatre.com. The Gracie Theatre is located at One College Circle in Bangor, Maine.
The Gracie’s season is made possible with support from Bangor Savings Bank. The theatre also gratefully acknowledges the generous support provided throughout the season by additional show sponsors including Downeast Toyota, Pepsi and The Dead River Company.
Completed in October of 2009, The Gracie is Husson University's center for the fine and performing arts. This beautiful 500-seat theatre is considered one of Maine’s premier performance venues. In addition, The Gracie also serves as a learning platform for students from Husson University’s New England School of Communications in digital audio; sound mixing; set design and construction; lighting; acting and electronics.
For more than 120 years, Husson University has prepared future leaders to handle the challenges of tomorrow through innovative undergraduate and graduate degrees. With a commitment to delivering affordable classroom, online and experiential learning opportunities, Husson University has come to represent superior value in higher education. Our Bangor campus and off-campus satellite education centers in Southern Maine, Wells, and Northern Maine provide advanced knowledge in business; health and education; pharmacy studies; science and humanities; as well as communication. In addition, Husson University has a robust adult learning program. According to a recent tuition and fee analysis by U.S. News & World Report, Husson University is the most affordable private college in New England. For more information about educational opportunities that can lead to personal and professional success, visit Husson.edu.