Black Violin Redefines Musical Stereotypes at Nazareth College Arts Center, October 12

Rochester, NY (09/20/2017) —An infusion of classical music and hip-hop abounds as the Nazareth College Arts Center presents Black Violin, Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. in the Callahan Theater. To most people, jazz, hip-hop, funk, and classical are musical genres, but to revolutionary music group Black Violin, they're nothing but ingredients.

Combining an array of musical styles, Black Violin breaks down the confines of traditional music genres, and create music that does not fit neatly into any box. The classically trained violist and violinist, Wil B. and Kev Marcus, are long-time hip-hop lovers who have been bridging the gap between two distinctively different music worlds for 15 years. The duo, who gather inspiration from Shostakovich and Bach to Nas and Jay-Z, have shared the stage with Kanye West, Aerosmith, and Tom Petty and collaborated with Alicia Keys, Wyclef Jeff, and Wu-Tang Clan; they served as the house band for the 82nd Annual Heisman Memorial Trophy Presentation on ESPN and their track "Stereotypes" was selected to promote the 2017 US Open.

"We are thrilled to be bringing Black Violin to Rochester audiences for the first time ever," said Rita Mannelli, executive director of the Nazareth College Arts Center. "Their innovative, signature sound gives the audience - no matter their musical tastes - an enthralling adventure from start to finish."

With a strong passion for inspiring a love for music in all ages, Black Violin has partnered with the National Association for Music Manufacturers (NAMM) to continue their advocacy for accessible music education. Prior to their performance, Black Violin will be hosting students from Rochester City School District (RCSD) No. 19 at their sound check and students from RCSD No. 19 and School of the Arts will attend the performance at a greatly reduced rate through a sponsorship from Nazareth College.

Visit naz.edu/arts-center/newsroom/ for photos. Wil B. and Kev Marcus are available for advance phone interviews.

TICKETS

Single tickets to Black Violin are $35-$50. For tickets call - or visit - the Box Office: 585-389-2170 or order online: naz.edu/arts-center.

The Nazareth College Arts Center Box Office is located on campus at 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, New York, 14618. Regular box office hours are Monday-Friday, 11am-5pm and 11am until curtain time on performance days.

SPONSORS

The Nazareth College Arts Center is a non-profit institution whose series sponsors are The Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation and M&T Bank. Black Violin is sponsored by Larry and Nancy Peckham.

Since 1967, the NAZARETH COLLEGE ARTS CENTER has served as a venue and educational resource for students, educators, artists, and audiences of all ages to create, study, and experience the visual and performing arts. The Arts Center's subscription series and K-12 school performance series provide area residents of all ages with opportunities to experience world-class dance, multi-cultural entertainment, family programming, music, theatre, and special events. The Departments of Art, Music, and Theatre and Dance present exceptional productions, recitals, and exhibitions, which are open to the public, while preparing students for successful careers in arts-related fields.

The Nazareth College Arts Center is the performance home of the Rochester City Ballet and world-renowned Garth Fagan Dance; and is home to the Bach Children's Chorus.

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.

• published: 2017 September
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