Black Violin brings its electrifying “Be Free Tour” to Mercyhurst Nov. 10
Classical strings meet the pulse of hip-hop when two-time GRAMMY-nominated duo Black Violin bring their “Be Free Tour” to Mercyhurst University’s Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 7:30 p.m.
For more than two decades, violinist Kev Marcus and violist Wil Baptiste have built a musical world where Bach meets hip-hop, soaring strings collide with hard-hitting beats, and the boundaries of classical music are continually reimagined.
From intimate clubs to concert halls around the world, Black Violin have cultivated an international following with a genre-defying sound and an unmistakable message: the freedom to be yourself.
The Freedom to Be Yourself
At the heart of the “Be Free Tour” is a celebration of individuality, self-expression, and connection—a philosophy rooted in the duo’s own musical journey.
Marcus and Baptiste met as students at Dillard High School of the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where they studied classical music while immersing themselves in the hip-hop they loved outside the classroom. Rather than choosing between those musical identities, they brought them together.
They began performing hip-hop covers on strings in South Florida clubs, later winning “Showtime at the Apollo” and attracting the attention of Alicia Keys’ management.
Performances and collaborations with artists across genres followed, launching a career built around a deceptively simple idea: classical technique without classical boundaries.
The “Be Free Tour” brings that philosophy to life through virtuosic strings, infectious beats, dynamic visuals, and a high-energy concert experience that moves effortlessly among classical, hip-hop, R&B, and pop.
But Black Violin’s commitment to breaking boundaries extends far beyond the stage. Through performances, educational programs, and community partnerships, the duo reaches more than 100,000 students annually, inspiring young people to embrace their individuality, think creatively, and pursue their passions. In 2019, Marcus and Baptiste established the Black Violin Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to high-quality music education and fostering creativity and innovation.
“Black Violin is so much bigger than just the music,” Baptiste says. “You inspire people to be better versions of themselves, and that’s incredible.”
Special Guest Jon Muq
Opening the evening is Ugandan-born singer-songwriter Jon Muq, whose remarkable journey has taken him from the streets of Kampala to stages alongside some of the biggest names in music.
Muq first picked up a guitar at 19. Years later, a video of him singing for homeless children on the streets of Kampala opened the door to performing aboard a cruise ship and, eventually, pursuing a music career in the United States.
After settling in Austin, Texas, Muq caught the attention of The Black Keys guitarist Dan Auerbach, who produced his 2024 debut album, “Flying Away,” blending his Ugandan roots with Western pop and folk influences. Muq has since shared stages with artists including Billy Joel, Van Morrison, Mavis Staples, Norah Jones, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Valerie June.
Ticket Information
Tickets, priced $20–$45, may be purchased online at https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/miac/7945, by phone at 814-824-3000, or in person at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center box office, open Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 5 p.m. A $5 per-ticket processing fee applies to all orders, regardless of purchase or payment method.
Mercyhurst University students receive free admission with their student ID.
This performance is made possible through the generous support of Alan & Patti Schaal, VNET, the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, the Erie Community Foundation, and Make It Fabulous Catering & Events.