Be honest. When you see two African-American guys dressed in hip-hop clothes, you probably don’t think “classical string players.” Nevertheless, that describes Black Violin, the duo that has forged a whole new genre of music. Violinist Kev Marcus and violist Wil B attended the same high school in Florida, though they attended different universities. As children, they were forced to study stringed instruments — Kev Marcus’ mother wanted to keep him out of trouble, while Wil B wanted to play saxophone but was put into viola class by mistake. As adults, they formed a band while scrounging for studio work. Since then, they’ve grown up to record their own music and play alongside the likes of DMX, b.o.b., and The Wu-Tang Clan, as well as performing for President Obama at his inauguration.
This Saturday evening, they’ll bring their unique blend of music to the Levitt Pavilion. They’ve performed covers of Sam Smith and Bruno Mars, but most of their act is made up of original compositions, ranging from the hip-hop flavored “A Flat” to the orchestral number with rap “The End of the World.” Merely seeing these two promises to expand your definition of what either classical or hip-hop music can be.
Black Violin plays at 8pm at Levitt Pavilion, 100 W Abram St, Arlington. Admission is free. Call 817-543-4301.
