Black Violin in Washington

Black Violin is an American classical hip-hop duo formed in Fort Lauderdale in 2004 by violinist Kev Marcus and violist and vocalist Wil B. They write for violin and viola over hip-hop rhythms, heard on tracks such as “A-Flat” and “Stereotypes” and on the albums Stereotypes and Take the Stairs. In 2005, Black Violin won the Apollo Legend title on Showtime at the Apollo. The duo later played U.S. theaters and performing-arts centers on the Classical Boom Tour, then took material from its 2019 album on the Take the Stairs Tour. Their concert lineup features Kev Marcus on violin and Wil B on viola and vocals, supported by DJ SPS and drummer Nat Stokes.

Braxton Cook is an American saxophonist, singer and composer whose music places alto saxophone and vocals in modern jazz, neo-soul and hip-hop settings. A Juilliard-trained musician, he is known for albums including Somewhere in Between, No Doubt and Fire Sign. Braxton Cook toured as a member of trumpeter Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah’s band before developing his own work as a bandleader. In 2017, he performed songs from Somewhere in Between with his band for NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert.