Black Violin

Black Violin is a blend of classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and bluegrass music. When performing live, they are accompanied by their incredible band, featuring ace turntable whiz DJ SPS and a drummer. Named one of the hottest bands at SXSW in 2013, Black Violin was invited to perform at Bonnaroo and returned to SXSW this year to standing-room-only crowds.

Since creating Black Violin a decade ago, Wil Baptiste and Kevin “Kev Marcus” Sylvester have performed an average of 200 shows a year in 49 states and 36 countries, as far away as Dubai, UAE; Prague, Czech Republic; and South Africa. They have also had appearances at official NFL celebrations for three Super Bowls and at last year’s U.S. Open in Forest Hills with Jordin Sparks. They've played their music for everybody from the troops in Iraq to both the President’s Inaugural Ball and the Kids Inaugural in Washington, D.C., where Barack Obama himself gave each member a hearty handshake. Individually and together, Black Violin has collaborated with the likes of P. Diddy, Kanye West, 50 Cent, Tom Petty, Aerosmith, Aretha Franklin, and the Eagles.