News Summary
Black Violin, the dynamic duo of Wilmer Baptiste and Kevin Sylvester, is set to electrify audiences in Nashville and Knoxville with their innovative blend of classical and contemporary music. Performing at the historic Ryman Auditorium and Bijou Theater, they promise captivating shows filled with their unique fusion of jazz, rock, and hip-hop influences. As they tour the country, Black Violin is also dedicated to empowering youth through music education, showcasing their commitment to inspiring the next generation of musicians.
Nashville and Knoxville Get Ready for Black Violin’s Exciting Performances!
In an electrifying blend of classical and contemporary sounds, the dynamic duo known as Black Violin is bringing their unique style to Tennessee this week. The talented musicians, Wilmer Baptiste (known as Will B.) on viola and Kevin Sylvester (aka Kev Marcus) on violin, are set to perform at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and the Bijou Theater in Knoxville, captivating audiences with their innovative sound and inspiring message.
Breaking Musical Boundaries
Black Violin is not your typical classical music group. The duo combines jazz, rock, pop, and hip-hop influences into their performances, making music that appeals to a wide range of fans. Their name pays homage to the legendary jazz violinist Stuff Smith and his album titled “Black Violin.” The inspiration behind their music extends beyond just the notes; it’s about opening doors for the next generation of musicians. The duo aims to show young people that both acoustic and electric instruments can spark creativity and passion.
A Journey of Togetherness
Their journey began at the Dillard School of Performing Arts, where both musicians were classmates who shared the same music teacher. With a solid foundation in classical music, they found their true calling in blending genres, particularly influenced by jazz and collaborative projects with various artists. This path led to their early success, where they gained attention by covering popular hip-hop songs using their viola and violin.
With their distinct fusion style, Black Violin caught the eye of notable figures in the music industry, including Alicia Keys’s manager. This connection catapulted them into the spotlight, culminating in a breakthrough performance alongside Alicia Keys at the Billboard Awards. Since then, they have shared the stage with big names such as Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, and have opened for the legendary Wu-Tang Clan.
Non-Stop Performing
With an impressive schedule, Black Violin typically plays over 200 shows a year. Their upcoming performances promise to be just as thrilling, with the Knoxville show scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. Central time (8 p.m. Eastern). Fans can expect a captivating experience that showcases their ability to challenge traditional music conventions.
New Music on the Horizon
As they continue to evolve, Black Violin is busy working on new material for what will be their upcoming album. Listeners can look forward to a fresh sound that integrates the full band, diving deeper into their artistic evolution. The duo plans on exploring the blues genre, an area they have not delved into extensively before. This adventurous step marks yet another instance of their commitment to pushing boundaries in music.
Empowering Youth Through Music
Beyond their performances, Black Violin is dedicated to making a difference in the community. Through the newly launched Black Violin Foundation, the duo seeks to empower youth by providing them with music education opportunities. Their initiatives focus on engaging over 100,000 students across the nation, especially in underserved schools and communities. Programs like Turnaround Arts have become critical to their mission of bringing more music into children’s lives.
Join the Musical Journey!
With their commitment to innovation and community engagement, Black Violin continues to exceed audience expectations, inspiring future generations of musicians. So whether you’re in Nashville or Knoxville this week, be sure not to miss out on a chance to catch this remarkable duo live. It promises to be an unforgettable experience filled with captivating performances that highlight the beauty of music’s diverse genres.
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Additional Resources
- Tennessee Tribune: Acclaimed Duo Making Inroads Among Black Youth
- WATE: These Instruments Have Voices
- The Urban Music Scene: Black Violin Releases New Single ‘Drama’
- WBIR: About Town – East TN Events
- Bandsintown: Blue Violin at Bijou Theatre
Author: HERE Nashville
The NASHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENashville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Nashville, Davidson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as CMA Fest, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and Nashville Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Health Care Council, plus leading businesses in healthcare, automotive, and technology that power the local economy such as HCA Healthcare, Bridgestone Americas, and Asurion. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HEREMemphis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
