Black Violin brings classical-modern music blend to North Central College

Black Violin - a violin duo offering a unique blend of classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B and bluegrass music - will perform in November at North Central College.

Classically trained viola and violin players, Wilner "Wil B" Baptiste and Kevin "Kev Marcus" Sylvester are Black Violin with an ability to meld classical and popular music. The duo began together in high school orchestra. Since then, they've brought their groundbreaking sound to Broadway, the White House, Dubai and Prague.

With 200 shows each year, the artists remain committed to promoting arts education and bridging the gap between classical and popular music for the younger generation.

Their most recent album, "Classically Trained," follows their 2007 self-titled debut on their own Di-Versatile Music Group label. They've collaborated with the likes of P. Diddy, Kanye West, 50 Cent, Tom Petty, Aerosmith, Aretha Franklin and the Eagles, and opened for Fat Joe, Akon and the Wu-Tang Clan. Recently signed with Universal Classics, the group will have its national symphonic debut this fall with the Imperial Symphony Orchestra.

The concert begins at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, in the college's Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Tickets are $30 and $20; call (630) 637-7469 or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.