By Debbie Ditton
The Ellen Eccles Theatre in Logan was truly rocking Monday night with Black Violin’s blend of classical violin, hip-hop, jazz, pop, and funk. Kev Marcus (violin) and Wil-B (viola) are classically trained musicians who team up with Nat Stokes on drums and DJ SPS to create a one of a kind musical experience. The concert comes complete with huge speaker towers that rumble the bass, making you feel like you are sitting next to a speeding train, as well as a dynamic, “in your face” lighting design that dances with the music and transports you to a stadium rock concert. I’m not sure Cache Valley has ever experienced anything like it. I know I haven’t.
From the first bow across Marcus’ violin, the music is completely enthralling. Both musicians’ technique is flawless and the blend of seemingly unrelated sounds creates something fresh and new as it brings classical music into the present decade. They get sounds out of their instruments, that I didn’t know violins and violas could make, with unbelievable ease and obvious enjoyment. Will-B even plays the piano and sings like a rock star. Their skill level is through the roof, both with the fast-rhythmic passages as well as the slow melodic ones. Their instruments truly come to life and Will-B even sings to his, much to the delight of the audience.
The opening of the show makes you feel like you are heading into another dimension. Their first original composition, “A Flat,” brings down the house and lets the audience know that this concert will not be what they are expecting. Not only do they perform original compositions, they totally capture the audience when they add their unique sound to songs such as “Believe,” by Imagine Dragons and “Thinking Out Loud,” by Ed Sheeran. The show is just the right mix of original songs, classical violin music, and top 40 hits with their special touch. I loved being able to hum along with the classical music from my piano lesson days as well as the songs I hear daily on the radio. What fascinated me the most, however, was the intricate and perfectly timed work of DJ SPS, with his vinyl records, digital music, recorded loops, drum machines, etc. That was totally new to me and exciting to watch as he created much of the magic in each number. Stokes also shows his personality and talent on the drums and especially shines when he has his solo improv moments. I can imagine that he is exhausted after every show.
Both Will-B and Marcus, from Florida, are remarkable showmen. They are comfortable with each other (they have known each other for 22 years) and make the audience feel a part of the show from top to bottom. It is obvious that they enjoy the music they are playing and that they are passionate about sharing it with the younger generation. Their encore number, at least in Logan (and I suspect everywhere), included 30 string musicians from two of the local high schools. It was powerful to watch the faces of those teens as they played their instruments with Black Violin on the stage. It is an experience that I am sure they will never forget. The duo also did a matinee performance for 900 elementary aged students earlier in the day. I know that this kind of educational outreach is a part of Black Violin’s impact on every city they visit and that adds to their charm. According to Marcus, although they love showing youth how cool playing the violin can be, their true message is about “thinking outside the box and breaking down stereotypes.” I know their concert did that for me.
Black Violin is part of the CacheArts Presents season. I want to congratulate Wendi Hassan and her team for the impact their carefully curated shows have had on this community. The historic Ellen Eccles Theatre is an important part of Logan City and is truly at the center of the arts scene in Cache Valley. Thank you for reminding patrons of the beauty of diverse art forms and encouraging them to think outside of the box as well. A special thank you also goes to Colin Brennan for all the great photos used within this review.
However, one must not viagra purchase on line be disappointed as this particular disease is completely curable and there is nothing to worry about it. Now we know that systemic inflammation may be the most important components unica-web.com get viagra are Javitri, Ashwagandha, Samudra Phal, Jawadi Kasturi, Sona Patha, Kapur, Tulsi, Jaiphal, Buleylu oil, Dalchini and Nirgundi. Clinically proven, sibutramine is a central nervous system depressant, has excitement, suppressing food and other effects, and may cause high buy cialis canadian blood pressure. But before taking unica-web.com viagra pills for sale it is important to be checked out by a doctor to receive treatment.
CacheArts Presents Black Violin – Classical Boom Tour
Ellen Eccles Theatre, 43 South Main Street, Logan, UT
February 26 7:30 PM
Tickets: $30
Box Office: 435-752-0026
Ellen Eccles Theatre Facebook Page
Black Violin Facebook Event page
Black Violin Facebook Page
0 Comments