Music

Black Violin Breaking Stereotypes One Note at a Time

WASHINGTON INFORMER — The classically trained viola/violin duo of Wil B. and Kev Marcus return to the DMV, inviting us to take a ride with them on a musical journey that will include a modern blend of classical, hip-hop, rock and R&B sounds. They’ll perform with the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra at the Strathmore, April 9 and 10.

Published

6 years ago

April 7, 2019

D. Kevin McNeir Senior Editor

By D. Kevin McNeir

The classically trained viola/violin duo of Wil B. and Kev Marcus return to the DMV, inviting us to take a ride with them on a musical journey that will include a modern blend of classical, hip-hop, rock and R&B sounds. They’ll perform with the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra at the Strathmore, April 9 and 10.

The celebrated musicians tour the world with over 200 shows a year, collaborating with such superstars as Wu-Tang Clan, Wyclef Jean, Alicia Keys, P. Diddy, Kanye West, 50 Cent, Tom Petty, Aerosmith, Aretha Franklin and The Eagles.

But with the duo connecting with and performing for over 100,000 students each year, it’s obvious that the Florida natives hold education outreach with youth as one of their primary and ongoing goals.

Kev Marcus spoke more about what’s new with Black Violin.

Washington Informer: As two Black men who play violin, I’m sure you and Wil B. have been teased and ribbed a lot. How do you address stereotypes that keep others from going after their dream?

Kev Marcus: We never really set ourselves up to defeat stereotypes. But we believe that when you’re told that you’re too young, or you’re a girl, things like that, we say run toward it — don’t run away from it.

Two Black dudes playing violin — that’s our stereotype that we’re fighting. There will always be other kinds of stereotypes that will need to be broken and we want to shed light on that. Sometimes, breaking those stereotypes is something worth going after because no one else has done so before. For us, Black and classically trained, we through the hip-hop element in too — not so much, however, that our classical roots come in question.

Washington Informer: In your visits to youth across the U.S., what changes are you seeing in arts education?

Kev Marcus: STEAM education in Montgomery County is on a far higher level than in many other parts of the nation. Arts are so important. But ironically, even at the schools where Wil and I received our formative training back in Florida, while they provide classical training, they no longer offer a violin program. They’re still performing arts schools and have band and choir but offer less in terms of classical music training. We just hope our work will help inspire youth — we want to do all we can to push artistic people. And it doesn’t have to be on the violin or even in music. We want youth to have alternatives — options other than mathematics, English or sports. It’s so important to give young people as many opportunities as possible to find themselves. Not everyone is a good reader, an A student. Some have other talents that don’t get enough encouragement. We’ve been involved with talent competitions and performances and have seen some amazingly talented young people.

Washington Informer: What’s on your wish list — your bucket list?

Kev Marcus: I would love to work with Stevie Wonder. The true bucket list guy. Also, we’ve never played Carnegie Hall — not yet … but one day! It’s funny, I was in a barber shop the other day talking to a woman and she asked me about being nervous when I perform. I don’t get nervous anymore. After we were invited to perform for President Obama’s inauguration, I felt like we’d been to the mountain top. Nothing else since then has compared. What an honor and an experience.

Washington Informer: With your feet in both the classical world and the hip-hop world, where have you been earnestly embraced?

Kev Marcus: When we came along, no one was doing what we wanted to do. We wanted to blend the genres without disrespecting either side. But no question, the biggest pushback comes from the classical side today. Some orchestras we play with, they’d put earplug in their ears. Some will say the pop stuff is beneath them. That’s unfortunate. But it hasn’t stopped us. But with the hip-hop world, they always give us much love. We try to prove them wrong but some things and some people never change.

Black Violin will release a yet untitled CD later this year — three of those songs will be performed during their shows next week. On Tuesday, April 2, the duo returned to the Apollo where they got their big break — winning three of their appearances during the 2004-2005 season and then returning to be crowned as the season winner.

For more about them, visit blackviolin.net.

This article originally appeared the Washington Informer.

D. Kevin McNeir Senior Editor

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Arts and Culture

San Jose Jazz Fest ‘24: Fun, Food and an Unforgettable Frankie Beverly Farewell

SAN JOSE — The sounds of summer echoed through the heart of town during the 3-day-long San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2024, held Aug. 9 – 11. Multiple stages hosted a variety of iconic performers such as Incognito; local favorites like Tia Carroll; and trailblazers such as Herbie Hancock. Guests enjoyed dozens of vendors featuring art, gifts, and clothing. Tasty bites included flame-grilled barbeque, seafood and a variety of desserts

Published

3 weeks ago

September 16, 2024

Oakland Post

Frankie Beverly performing at the San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2024. Photo Courtesy of Frankie Beverly.

By Carla Thomas

SAN JOSE — The sounds of summer echoed through the heart of town during the 3-day-long San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2024, held Aug. 9 – 11.

Multiple stages hosted a variety of iconic performers such as Incognito; local favorites like Tia Carroll; and trailblazers such as Herbie Hancock.

Guests enjoyed dozens of vendors featuring art, gifts, and clothing. Tasty bites included flame-grilled barbeque, seafood and a variety of desserts.

Oakland entrepreneur Ava Carrie and several friends said it was great to get out, enjoy the sun and hear great music. “This is a wonderful festival and just a great time with friends,” said Carrie.

Festival goer Cin-Dee said she flew in from Virginia to celebrate her birthday in the Bay Area. She was saddened that she missed Frankie Beverly’s farewell tour that kicked off in March when he performed in her area on the east coast, capping a 50-year career. When Cin-Dee noticed Maze would feature Beverly in the line up at the San Jose Jazz Festival, in a tribute to him, she made sure to cut short her touring of Santa Cruz to not miss the performance on Sunday evening. “I am so happy to be here and have this opportunity to see Frankie with Maze,” she said, dancing to the music. “This is really special and it’s great to see Frankie on stage and hear my favorite songs.”

Maze performed favorites in tribute to Beverly while introducing their new lead singer, Tony Lindsay. During the last stretch of the concert, Beverly performed, “Happy Feelings,” and “I Wanna Thank You.” The performance was emotional for Beverly as the audience stood up and danced during the entire performance, capturing the historic moment on their cell phones.

Maze was founded by Beverly in 1970 in Philadelphia and was recognized by Marvin Gaye when they relocated to the Bay Area in 1971. The group went on to earn nine gold albums between 1977 and 1993 with mega hits such as “Happy Feelin’s” and “Before I Let Go.” Beverly, known for his soulful baritone voice, wrote hit after hit during his five-decade career. Beverly said he was initially inspired by the pacesetting R&B doo-wop group Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers.

Performances at the San Jose Jazz Summer Fest also included the John Santos Sextet, the San Jose Jazz High School All Stars, Faye Carol, Delfaeyo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, David Benoit Quartet, Andre Thierry Accordion Soul, Ayo Brame, The Family Stone, and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra.

Oakland Post

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Arts and Culture

World Arts West Dance Festival Puts Culture and Joy Center Stage

The 45th World Arts West Dance Festival performance at Presidio Tunnel Tops opens with a joyous and colorful procession on Sept. 8. Kiazi Malonga from the Oakland-based group Fua Dia Kongo will lead over 100 cultural performers to the stage with Congolese dance and drum rhythms, setting the mood for an afternoon trip around the world through music and dance.

Published

1 month ago

August 28, 2024

Oakland Post

Fua Dia Kongo. Photo by D. Kelly Images

By Lisa Petrie

The 45^th World Arts West Dance Festival performance at Presidio Tunnel Tops opens with a joyous and colorful procession on Sept. 8.

Kiazi Malonga from the Oakland-based group Fua Dia Kongo will lead over 100 cultural performers to the stage with Congolese dance and drum rhythms, setting the mood for an afternoon trip around the world through music and dance.

Now, in its third year with support from the Presidio as a partner, the 2024 theme Dance as Activism underscores the power of cultural dance to challenge societal norms, preserve heritage, and inspire social change. The broad range of performances will reflect both traditional and contemporary styles – reflecting the rich and diverse aesthetics of the Bay Area’s cultural dance community.

From Chinyakare Ensemble’s presentation of traditional dance from Zimbabwe and Southern Africa to Destiny Arts Youth Performance Company’s original modern show combining hip hop, theater and rap, dance as an art form can keep cultural narratives or see them evolve through a new generation. Thirteen groups will present performances from South Asia, the Middle East, Mexico, the Caribbean, China and the Philippines, with music from Eastern Europe and Eurasia by the women’s vocal ensemble Kitka.

Festival director Dr. Anne Huang is committed to giving these artists a platform to express their identities. She says: “Each performance is a coded blueprint for survival, resilience, and evolution. The festival is a testament to the power of social change through dance — more persuasive than shackles and guns, fear and violence.”

The World Arts West Dance Festival will be held Sunday, Sept. 8, 1pm – 4pm at The Presidio Tunnel Tops. Admission; FREE. Visit this page for more information and see the complete artist lineup. Watch a performance video here.

Oakland Post

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Arts and Culture

Triumphant Return of Oakland Native Richard Curtis IV: Inspiring the Next Generation on Missy Elliott’s ‘Out of This World’ Tour

Oakland, California, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and history of producing great athletes and artists, celebrates another homegrown success. Richard Curtis IV, an Oakland native and renowned dancer, made a triumphant return as a featured performer on the “Out of This World” tour starring hip-hop legend Missy Elliott. The tour captivated a nearly sold-out crowd at the Oakland Arena on Tuesday, July 9.

Published

2 months ago

August 19, 2024

Oakland Post

Missy Elliott performs at the Oakland Arena on July 9 with Oakland native Richard “Swagg” Curtis IV, Taylor Edwards, Brandon Trent. Photo taken by Alexis Vaughn. Richard “Swagg” Curtis IV, Oakland native inventor of SwaggBounce dance style. Photo by Wes Klain.

Richard “Swagg” Curtis IV, Oakland native inventor of SwaggBounce dance style. Photo by Wes Klain.

By Dr. Maritony Jones

Special to The Post

Richard Curtis IV, the creative force behind the SwaggBounce dance style, shared the stage with hip-hop icons Missy Elliott, Ciara, and Busta Rhymes. The “Out of This World – The Experience” tour has been making waves across major U.S. cities, and the special performance in Oakland resonated deeply with the community.

Known by his social media handle @yoitswagg, Curtis has garnered a massive following online for his unique dance style that blends precision, energy, and innovation. His SwaggBounce dance has revolutionized the dance community, solidifying his status in urban music culture.

Curtis attended St. Paul’s Episcopal School and graduated from the Oakland School for the Arts’ School of Dance. His early dance training began at the age of 4 at Oakland’s New Style Motherlode Dance Studio and Culture Shock Oakland.

Since then, he has performed with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Janet Jackson, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Childish Gambino, and Ozuna. His dynamic choreography and high-energy performances have taken him from the United States to Europe, leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

Reflecting on his return to Oakland, Curtis said, “I am thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to dance for the legendary Missy Elliott on her tour and to inspire my community in Oakland. Missy’s music has been a source of inspiration for me throughout my career, and it’s a blessing to bring the SwaggBounce to the stage alongside such an iconic artist.”

Curtis’ journey from local dance studios to international stages serves as a powerful reminder to young people in Oakland to follow their dreams. His success story is a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

For more information about Richard “Swagg” Curtis IV and his upcoming performances, follow @yoitswagg on all social media platforms. For inquiries and interviews, please contact his public relations manager, Sherron Hogg, at 510-719-3753.