Fri 6/21 @ 7PM
The violin — or its pop music identity as the fiddle — doesn’t come to mind when one thinks of any form of African-American music. It probably isn’t an instrument most black youngster gravitate toward the way Asian-American kids do (or are encouraged to take up).
That’s why the Florida-based duo Black Violin, formed just under a decade ago, stands out. The two classically trained players — Wilner “Wil B” Baptiste and Kevin “Kev Marcus” Sylvester — tackle a wide range of music from classical to R&B to hip hop to bluegrass.
Their music skills, versatility and background as studio musicians have given them chances to collaborate with artists like Alicia Keys, Gym Class Heroes, Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump, Kanye West, Tom Petty, Aretha Franklin, Aerosmith and the Eagles
The uniqueness of the format has landed them bookings at the Superbowl, the U.S. Open, and President Obama’s Inaugural Ball.
And while they don’t play “kids music” per se, they’re committed to encouraging kids to get involved with music. They do many appearances at schools, and the video for their tune “Triumph,” from their 2012 album Classically Trained, shows a boy torn between street temptations and taking up a musical instrument.
So their show at Cain Park’s Evans Amphitheatre won’t be specifically a children’s show, but it is child-friendly — and Wil B and Kev Marcus would be thrilled if you brought them along.
They’re even offering encouragement: the ticket price is a reasonable $12 for 14 and over; $8 for 13 and under.
The Heights High Barbershoppers open.
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118