"Fully Integrated And Beautifully Subsumed" (Philadelphia Inquirer): Black Violin Classical/Hip-Hop Blend + 2016 US Tour

December 9, 2015 - "Here's the remarkable thing about Black Violin. Unlike a lot of crossover concepts, this one never sounds like an arranged marriage... fully integrated and beautifully subsumed," said the Philadelphia Inquirer about Black Violin, who are bringing their singular blend of hip-hop and classical music on the road for an extensive 2016 US tour, including performances for 20,000 fifth grade students on February 17, 18 and 19, at the Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA.

The tour follows an explosive 2015 for the duo: they just performed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon - performing the string part on a new song by Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz.  They've also performed on Ellen with Alessia Cara, have recently been profiled on NPR's Morning Edition and in The Miami Herald, performed on Wendy Williams, Good Day NY and Skee TV, will appear on a forthcoming PBS Newshour episode, and saw their new album 'Stereotypes' debut at peak positions on the Billboard charts in between the likes of The Weeknd, Prince and Yo-Yo Ma, including #1 on the Classical and Classical Crossover and Top 5 on R&B Albums.

Listen to the NPR Morning Edition segment: http://n.pr/1LiTWeN

Watch them perform on The Wendy Williams Show: http://bit.ly/1gGFlNm 

With Alessia Cara on Ellen: https://youtu.be/XFb-gwZ6mkc

On 'Stereotypes,' Wilner "Wil B" Baptiste (viola) and Kevin "Kev" Marcus Sylvester (violin) imbue everything from dancefloor-igniting R&B to subwoofer-bursting rap with masterful instrumental flourishes and a positive social message.

Classically trained musicians, Black Violin have opened for such diverse top names in music as Kanye West, 50 Cent, Aerosmith and Tom Petty, and also creatively collaborated with the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Linkin Park, Wyclef Jean and Alicia Keys, the latter for the Billboard Music Awards. They also performed for President Obama at his second inauguration.

Live, Black Violin are joined onstage by a drummer and turntablist, transforming their recordings into a visceral, virtuosic experience. While on tour, Black Violin often visit schools to perform and speak about the importance of music education. Demonstrating their commitment to the cause, they have performed for over 100,000 students over the last year.

Praise for Black Violin:

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

"Remarkable...Unlike a lot of crossover concepts, this one never sounds like an arranged marriage. The classical material, while clearly secondary to the hip-hop, becomes fully integrated and beautifully subsumed." -- Philadelphia Inquirer

"The duo elicits brilliant music with a poignant message for the world." -- Essence

"Marries the virtuosic playing of Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus with hip-hop beats and R&B arrangements...the strings simply take front stage as they so richly deserve." -- Electronic Musician

Tour Dates:

01/12 - Sarasota, FL - Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

01/15 - Chandler, AZ - The Chandler Center For The Arts

01/16 - Saratoga, CA - Montalvo Arts Center

01/17 - Oakland, CA - Yoshi's Oakland

01/19 - Lancaster, CA - Lancaster Performing Arts Center

01/21 - Goldsboro, NC - Paramount Theater

01/22 - Durham, NC - Carolina Theatre

01/23 - Greenville, NC - East Carolina University

02/03 - Tampa, FL - Straz Center For The Performing Arts

02/05 - Fort Lauderdale, FL - Broward Center For The Performing Arts

02/09 - Lufkin, TX - Angelina Arts Alliance

02/12 - Lubbock, TX - Allen Theatre

02/20 - San Diego, CA - Jacobs Center For The Neighborhood

02/22 - Santa Rosa, CA - Wells Fargo Center For The Arts

02/23 - Santa Rosa, CA - Wells Fargo Center For The Arts

02/24 - Portland, OR - Newmark Theatre

02/25 - Tacoma, WA - Pantages Theatre

03/03 - Jacksonville, FL - Ritz Theatre and Museum

03/04-6 - Tallahassee, FL - Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

03/11 - Dayton, OH - Victoria Theatre

03/24 - Charlotte, NC - Blumenthal Performing Arts

03/25 - Charleston, SC - Music Farm 

03/26 - High Point, NC - High Point Theatre

03/30 - Vienna, VA - The Barns at Wolf Trap

03/31 - Vienna, VA - The Barns at Wolf Trap

04/01 - Blue Bell, PA - Montgomery Science Center Theatre

04/05 - Durham, NC - The Carolina Theatre

04/07 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse

04/08 - Nashville, TN - City Winery  

04/09 - Memphis, TN - The Orpheum Theatre

04/15 - Mt. Airy, NC - Historic Earle Theatre

04/16 - Asheville, NC - The Orange Peel

04/22 - Bell Glade, FL - Dolly Hand Cultural Art Center

04/29 - Austin, TX - The Long Center

04/30 - Dallas, TX - The Kessler Theater