Black Violin coming to SKYPAC on Friday

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The duo Black Violin is known for mixing classical string instruments with hip-hop beats, creating a unique sound that has taken them from school classrooms to major venues across the country, including a stop at Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center this Friday.

But for the performers, the mission goes beyond music.

Wil Baptiste, violist and vocalist for Black Violin, said the group aims to inspire young people who may not see themselves represented in classical music.

“We tell the kids that look like us, you can do the same thing,” Baptiste said. “You don’t have to pick up an instrument necessarily. Just understand whatever it is that you love, you can do it, and you belong in any space that you occupy.”

Education is a major part of the duo’s work. Through school visits and outreach programs, they encourage students to embrace creativity and individuality.

With a stop in Bowling Green scheduled for Friday night, Baptiste said each performance is about building a connection with the audience.

“I love when you don’t know what to expect and you come to the show and you see us, you see the violin and all the instruments on stage,” Baptiste said. “We kind of break people down song by song. By the end, they’re standing up, putting their hands in the air and having a good time.”

Baptiste said Black History Month also provides a moment for reflection and growth.

“It brings attention to understanding historically what we as Black folks have gone through,” he said. “We owe it to ourselves to focus on ourselves this month and see what we can do as a collective moving forward.”

Black Violin will perform at SKYPAC on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

For tickets, click here.