LAKELAND (Nov. 12, 2008) --
Branscomb Auditorium was rockin’ this morning as Black Violin took the stage and did previously unimaginable things to the Brandenburg concertos.

The crowd loved it.

The classically trained duo of Kev Marcus and Wil B. have fused classical music and hip-hop to create an unusual and irresistible sound. After being named 2005 Apollo Legends, Black Violin skyrocketed to international fame and has performed with the likes of Alicia Keys and Linkin Park’s lead singer, Mike Shinoda. Most impressively, the pair – both graduates of a performing arts high school -- have used their celebrity to promote music education and to turn young children and teenagers on to classical music.

The FSC crowd was treated to “Brandenburg” off Black Violin’s self-titled debut album, a remix of J.S. Bach’s famous Brandenburg concertos but featuring screaming violins and a heavy thumping bass courtesy of DJ TK. The crowd was primed for what they heard, screaming in response when Kev Marcus asked if it was OK to play a little “classical music.”

Wil B. added, “Ladies and gentlemen, cover your noses. It’s going to get a little funky in here.”