JANUARY 2026

Their music will keep classical music alive for the next generation. – NPR

Step into the engaging world of Black Violin, where GRAMMY-nominated duo Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus redefine the possibilities of music by merging classical depth with hip-hop’s pulse. This show captures the essence of returning to where it all began—transformed and reimagined. Each powerful performance invites audiences to reflect on their own journeys, discovering that even as we evolve, we’re often drawn back to our roots with renewed purpose.

From high school orchestra classmates to groundbreaking artists, Black Violin’s path reflects resilience, creativity, and the courage to challenge expectations. With their Black Violin Foundation reaching over 100,000 students each year, they’re building a legacy that transcends the stage, inspiring a new generation to dream boldly. Join them for an unforgettable night that celebrates growth, music, and the beauty of coming full circle.

Wil-B immigrated to the United States from the Bahamas with his family at the age of 11. He hoped to join the school band to play saxophone but accidentally was placed in the string program. He grew to love the viola and mastered it as well as the trumpet, drums and bass guitar.

Kev Marcus began playing violin at age 9, with the encouragement of his mother. He and Will-B met while attending the famed Dillard High School of the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where they were trained in the classical tradition. During their class and practice time, they developed firm classic techniques and in free time listened to hip hop and rhythm and blues.

Both Wil-B and Kev Marcus attended college on full music scholarships. Wil-B attended Florida State, and Kev Marcus went to Florida International University.

Black Violin was born when Marcus heard the music of violinist Stuff Smith, considered to be the first violinist to use electrical amplification techniques on a violin. His professor sat him down at a lesson and told him to listen. Marcus said Smith’s music was “unbelievable,” saying “classical violin with soul and fire. I loved it.” He passed the music on to Wil-B and together they decided to form a band, calling it Black Violin, named after Smith’s eponymous soulful solo album. Inspired by Smith’s music, the two realized that they could synthesize all the styles they loved: classical, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and even reggae and gypsy music.

Kev and Will-b have forged a powerful fusion of classical and Hip Hop music, creating an extraordinary opportunity to connect with young children. Among their achievements, Black Violin clinched the Showtime at the Apollo 2005 Legend title, performed on the same bill with some of the industry’s biggest artists and performed at the official President’s Inaugural Ball in 2013. They even scored an episode of CSI: New York, adapting the finale of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly for an on-screen murder. The two are also avid producers and writers, and have released several albums of original music.

Coming Soon!