BLACK VIOLIN
TUESdAy, FEB. 8 – 7:30 p.m. Free entry to tonight’s after-party with Black Violin at the Cave inside The Oread with your ticket stub (all ages)
THE ELDRIDGE & THE OREAD Tonight’s performance is sponsored by the hotels of The Olivia Collection – The Oread, The Eldridge and The Eldridge Extended – representing the finest in Lawrence hospitality. Enjoy the performance! This presentation is supported by Mid-America Arts Alliance with generous underwriting by the National Endowment for the Arts, Kansas Arts Commission, and foundations, corporations and individuals throughout Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. This program is presented in part by the Kansas Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, which believes that a great nation deserves great art. This event is sponsored, in part, by the Lied Performance Fund. Audio description services and recorded program notes are provided through a partnership between the Lied Center and Audio-Reader Network. Please turn off or silence cellular phones and other electronic devices during performances. Food and drink are not allowed inside the hall. Performing Arts Cameras and recordinglied.ku.edu devices are strictly prohibited in the auditorium.
Black Violin Kev Marcus, violin Wil-B, viola TK, DJ Tonight’s program will be announced from the stage. This 60-minute concert will be performed without an intermission.
black violin To most people, jazz, hip-hop, funk and classical are musical genres. But to revolutionary music group Black Violin, they’re nothing but ingredients. Combining a daunting array of musical styles and influences to produce a signature sound that is not quite maestro, not quite emcee, this group of two classically trained violinists and their DJ is redefining the music world, one string at a time. With influences ranging from Shostakovich and Bach to Nas and Jay-Z, Black Violin breaks all the rules, blending the classical with the modern to create something rare—a sound that nobody has ever heard, but that everybody wants to feel. When the members of Black Violin first learned to play their signature instruments—Wil-B on the viola at 14 years old and Kev Marcus the violin at the tender age of 9—neither could have foreseen that it would become their livelihood, though it was already becoming their passion. The two Florida natives first met while attending the Dillard High School of Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, a school whose exceptional music programs served to nurture the duo’s already budding talents. It was not until the two were exposed to the work of legendary violinist Stuff Smith that the seeds that would one day become Black Violin were truly planted. Smith, born in Portsmouth, Ohio in 1909, was one of the pre-eminent jazz violinists of the swing era, and performed with other luminaries including Alphonse Trent, Coleman Hawkins, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and Sun Ra throughout a long and storied career. His final and most black violin
soulful album, Black Violin, so inspired and influenced Kev Marcus and Wil-B that they named their band in honor of the man who had shown them that there are no limits to what the violin can do. After graduating from high school, both Wil and Kev were granted full music scholarships to college, Florida State and Florida International University, respectively. Kev met the group’s future manager, Sam G, at FIU and formed the production company, DKNEX. With a platform for their dream, and the talent and inspiration to back it up, Black Violin was born. Once formed, the group wasted no time in making a name for itself, starting with the rigorous touring that would soon become a Black Violin trademark. The group made ripples in the music industry, and it wasn’t long before the ripples became waves. In 2004, the group joined superstar Alicia Keys onstage at the Billboard Music awards, delivering a performance that made the tastemakers and music enthusiasts of America sit up and take notice. The next year, the group was awarded the coveted title of Apollo Legend by the esteemed Apollo Theatre in Harlem, effectively confirming what many were beginning to suspect—Black Violin was on its way to the top. The next step in Black Violin’s journey came in the form of Mike Shinoda, lead singer of legendary rock act Linkin Park, who had had his eye on the two virtuosos for a while. Impressed by their imaginative composition and finely tuned musicianship, he invited Kev and Wil along on a world tour with his hip-hop side project, Fort Minor. Finally granted the worldwide platform
their talents deserved, the members of Black Violin now introduced their own brand of genius to audiences across the globe. In addition to Shinoda, Black Violin has worked with musicians as diverse as Diddy, Kanye West, 50 Cent, Aerosmith, Tom Petty, Aretha Franklin and the Eagles, among many others. Black Violin is only getting started. The group recently released its eponymous debut album, a record whose top notch production and musical cohesion make it feel like the work of seasoned veterans rather than industry upstarts, as many patrons of the iTunes store and Amazon.com are discovering for themselves. The group continues to tour far and wide, opening for hip-hop mainstays like Fat Joe, Akon and the Wu-Tang Clan in locations including Prague, Dubai and South Africa. The group’s rising fame has also made it a highly desired act for celebrity events—Black Violin recently provided the music at both Minister Lois Farrakhan’s 75th birthday and at NFL star Santana Moss’ wedding.
Beyond all the glitz and glamour, the members of Black Violin just want to give children the same opportunities they had. With school music programs being culled all across the country, Kev and Wil are concerned that urban youth will not have the benefit of music as a positive alternative to other, more destructive pursuits. With this in mind, they have embarked upon a campaign of social change, using youth orchestras and reinvigorated music programs to show children and teens that they are capable of expressing themselves in ways they have never dreamed. In an age where music is coming to be more and more defined by the labels given to it, Black Violin shows that music does not exist within a box, but rather exists in another space—one as open and unrestrained as the minds that produce it. — Black Violin
ABOUT THE ARTISTS Kev Marcus was born in Florida, and began playing the violin at 9 years old. He participated in local orchestras and performing ensembles in addition to attending the Dillard High School for the Performing Arts. His influences as a violin player have ranged from Bach, Brahms, Mozart and Herbie Hancock to Nas, Mos Def, Jay-Z and Dr. Dre. Wil-B unintentionally became a viola player when he tried to join his school band, but instead was placed into the school string program. Wil-B’s musical abilities span multiple instruments from the viola to trumpet, drums and bass guitar. In addition to attending the Dillard High School for the Performing Arts in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., he has also performed with many pop orchestras. His influences are Chaka Khan, Talib Kweli, George Benson and Jill Scott.
lied.ku.edu
Performing Arts
PERFORMING ARTS Upcoming 2011 performances
Alexander String Quartet BEETHOvEn in THE Hands OF MasTERs
TUEsday, FEB. 15 – 7:30 p.m.
William Inge’s Bus Stop MOnTana REPERTORy THEaTRE saTURday, FEB. 19 – 7:30 p.m.
The Spencers: Theatre of Illusion a MaGiCaL sPECTaCULaR FOR THE EnTiRE FaMiLy THURsday, FEB. 24 — 7:30 p.m.
Kansas City Symphony MaEsTRO MiCHaEL sTERn COndUCTs BRaHMs and MORE
sUnday, MaRCH 6 – 7:30 p.m.
An Evening with Garrison Keillor HOsT OF A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION
WEdnEsday, MaRCH 9 – 7:30 p.m.
Carnival of the Animals & Peter and the Wolf MUsiCaL JOURnEy FOR THE FaMiLy sUnday, MaRCH 13 – 2:30 p.m.
Alpin Hong EXCiTinG yOUnG PianisT FRiday, aPRiL 8 — 7:30 p.m.
Jay Ungar & Molly Mason Family Band MUsiC OF THE CiviL WaR and BEyOnd
WEdnEsday, aPRiL 13 – 7:30 p.m.
American Legacies The Del McCoury Band & The Preservation Hall Jazz Band THURsday, aPRiL 14 – 7:30 p.m.
785-864-2787 lied.ku.edu
SOMETHING EXCITING IS HAPPENING AT THE LIED CENTER AND YOU HAVE A FRONT-ROW SEAT! The main-floor lobby is expanding to double its current size to provide a more people-friendly space. And, an education pavilion is being constructed on the southeast side of the Lied Center. These projects are made possible by gifts from the Lied Foundation Trust and the William T. Kemper Foundation. PLEASE NOTE: During construction, you will only be able to enter through the main doors of the Lied Center. Construction walls have been erected and side entrances are temporarily closed.
For the latest updates: lied.ku.edu/about/construction.shtml
R E N DE R I NGS oF th E 2,400 SquaR E-Foot E DucatIoN pavI lIoN aDDItIoN
2010-11
Friends of the Lied Update This list includes individuals and businesses that have initiated or renewed their Friends of the Lied membership since the original list was published.
BUSINESS FRIENDS Benefactor ($1,000+) Bigg’s Barbecue Patron ($500+) Capital City Bank Commerce Bank The Chiropractic Experience Sponsor ($250+) Orchards Drug Dr. Jim & Vickie Otten Piersol Foundation, Inc. Friend ($100+) 715 Restaurant Hamm, Inc. Maceli’s Mariscos Petefish, Immel, Heeb and Hird, LLP
INDIVIDUAL FRIENDS Fellow ($2,500+) Phil & Phoebe Godwin Benefactor ($1,000+) Ken & Katie Armitage Keith & Karen Ely Becky & Harry Gibson Ken & Sheila Martinez Jeannot & Todd Seymour Kevan & Gail Vick
Patron ($500+) Karen & Dennis Christilles Chris & Kaye Drahozal John & Rosemary Elmore Francois Henriquez & Laura Stephenson Terrence & Polly Jones Daniel & Annie Merriam Charlotte A. Mueller Kenneth & Annette Wertzberger Sponsor ($250+) Don Fambrough Steve & Bobbie Gish Larry & Susan Krische Margaret Mahoney Lucy Price G.E. & Ruth Rutledge Judy & Jack Wright Robert & Barbara Wunsch Contributor ($100+) Jan-Eric & Cara Anderson Carladyne Knox Conyers Doug & Becky Eason Cap & Kitty Gray Alice Clayton & Bob Honea Sharon Graham & Anthea Scouffas Ted & Nancy Haggart Kristin & Blake Hedges Russ & Jackie Hilton C. Shaffia Laue Jerry & SanDee Nossaman Jesse & Kitty Pacheco Chris & Amy Phalen Mary Miller Ross lied.ku.edu
Mary Ann & Norman Saul Barbara & Richard Schowen Gary Schwartzkopf Fred & Lilian Six Steve & Jung Spooner Steve & Pat Sublett Tom & Helen Sullivan Frances Van Blaricum Sandra & Allen Wiechert Friends ($50+) Frank & Betty Baron Elaine & Virgil Brady Rex Buchanan Jim & Yun Butler Jerry & Kathy Clausing Willis Dr. Mark & Gretchen Edwards Cheri Esmond Diane Frankenfield Sheri & Alex Hamilton Alan & Lareeda Hickey Christine Kenney Ellen Loomith Charles & Laurie McLane-Higginson Terry & Mary Beth Miller Carol Thompson Sara Trautman-Yenenoglu Sarah Trulove & James Woelfel Alice M. Weis
Performing Arts
A salute to our VIP Sponsors
We proudly recognize our very important partners. Not only do our VIP Sponsors offer essential financial contributions, they also provide valuable and enthusiastic promotion of Lied Center performances to their customers, employees and the community. Their commitment to the performing arts allows us to provide education activities, free school performances and high-quality events each year. We honor our VIP Sponsors throughout the season on our electronic sign and with onstage recognition at their selected performances. We hope you will also thank them when you visit their businesses. For more information regarding our sponsorship program, contact the Lied Center Director of Development, Megan Poindexter, at 785-864-2788.
Alpin Hong
Legally Blonde The Musical
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Carnival of the Animals & Peter and the Wolf
THE ELDRIDGE & THE OREAD American Legacies: The Del McCoury Band & The Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Black Violin
Fiddler on the Roof
Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company
An Evening with Garrison Keillor
Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys
Jim Brickman 15th-Anniversary Holiday Concert
A salute to our Media Sponsors Media sponsors provide important underwriting for Lied Center performances. Their contributions give invaluable support for advertising, promotions and marketing. For information on becoming a media sponsor, please call 785-864-2794.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
sponsors
An Evening with Garrison Keillor
William Inge’s Bus Stop