ASC Presents Black Violin

Genre-defying duo Black Violin takes the stage at the Alys Stephens Center on October 18 for an electrifying performance that reimagines the possibilities of classical music.

Black Violin’s Be Free Tour is a high-energy, genre-defying experience that merges the duo’s classical training with the pulse of hip-hop, creating a performance that is both powerful and deeply inspiring. GRAMMY-nominated duo Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus invite audiences into a night of boundary-breaking music, where soaring strings, bold beats, and messages of authenticity and self-expression take center stage.

More than a concert, the Be Free Tour is a celebration of individuality, creativity, and connection — encouraging audiences to let go, be fully themselves, and experience the transformative power of music together. From electrifying performances to moments of reflection and joy, Black Violin creates an atmosphere where freedom of expression is not only welcomed, but celebrated.

Known for challenging expectations and redefining what string music can be, Black Violin continues to inspire audiences around the world while reaching over 100,000 students annually through the Black Violin Foundation. Join them for an unforgettable evening of music, movement, and the freedom to be unapologetically yourself.

For nearly two decades, Black Violin has been merging string arrangements with modern beats and vocals and building bridges in communities along the way. Members Kev Marcus and Wil Baptiste first met in orchestra class at Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., becoming classically trained on the violin and viola through their high school and college careers. Post-college, they reconvened to produce beats for South Florida rappers and began building an audience in local clubs. They later went on to win Showtime at the Apollo in 2005 and eventually sold out headline performances at venues across the country, including a two-night run at The Kennedy Center in 2018. NPR took note and declared “their music will keep classical music alive for the next generation.” Black Violin’s 2019 album release, Take the Stairs, earned a Grammy Award nomination for “Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.” The band also recently received their second-ever Grammy Award nomination for the track “The Message” as Best Americana Performance, in collaboration with The Blind Boys of Alabama.  

Black Violin has played roughly 200 shows a year, many of which are performances for young, low-income students in urban communities. In the last year alone, the group has played for over 100,000 students with the goal of challenging stereotypes and preconceived notions of what a “classical musician” looks and sounds like. “The stereotypes are always there, embedded so deep in our culture,” Baptiste says. “Just by nature of our existence we challenge those ideas. It’s a unique thing that brings people together who aren’t usually in the same room, and in the current climate, it’s good to bring people together.” 

In 2019, the group launched the Black Violin Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth by providing access to quality music programs in their community. BVF believes that music and access to music programs should not be determined by race, gender, or socio-economic status. Black Violin Foundation’s inaugural program, the Musical Innovation Grant for Continuing Education, will provide scholarships to young music students to attend a program of their liking that fosters musical creativity and innovation. 

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Buy Tickets

Artist VIP Add-On available:

• Access to view a portion of the soundcheck
• Q&A session
• Photo opportunity with Kev and Wil
• Commemorative VIP laminate
• VIP access to the merchandise booth* and a 20% discount on any available item

Note: An event ticket is required to purchase the Artist VIP Add-On.

If you have already purchased tickets, you can purchase the Artist VIP Add-On below.

Artist VIP Add-On