Pulse Performing Arts Series presents classically trained hip hop duo Black Violin Feb. 18

Hip hop duo Black Violin, a pair of classically trained musicians who bridge the gap between the two musical genres, will perform a concert celebrating Black History Month on Thursday, Feb. 18, as part of the 2009–10 season of Syracuse University’s Pulse Performing Arts Series. The concert will take place at 8 p.m. in the Schine Underground of the Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center.

Tickets for the performance are required and cost $5 for students with SU I.D.; $16 for SU faculty, staff, alumni and Pulse Partners; and $20 for the general public. Tickets can be purchased at the Schine Student Center Box Office; for more information, call (315) 443-4517. Free parking for the concert is available in the Lehman, Harrison, Marion and Waverly lots.

Black Violin features Kev Marcus on violin and Wil B. on viola. Together with their DJ, the pair is attempting to let hip hop and classical music enthusiasts appreciate each other’s music by bridging the gap between the genres. Combining a daunting array of musical styles and influences to produce a signature sound that is not quite maestro, not quite emcee, the duo is redefining the music world one string at a time. With influences ranging from Shostakovich and Bach to Nas and Jay-Z, Black Violin is creating a sound that no one has ever heard but that everyone wants to feel.

“I am very excited about Black Violin’s upcoming performance on our campus,” says Thomas V. Wolfe, senior vice president and dean of student affairs. “The Pulse Performing Arts Series continues to bring a variety of innovative artists to our community, and I look forward to enjoying the unique sounds of this talented duo.”

Pulse, presented by SU’s Division of Student Affairs, provides SU undergraduates and, in turn, the Central New York community with out-of-classroom opportunities to attend and participate in programs, performances, exhibitions and events in the performing and visual arts. It is a model program, recognized for quality, diversity, innovation and collaboration, while it celebrates and expands the cultural climate of Syracuse University.

The Pulse series seeks to raise the caliber of cultural programming while increasing the number of participating students, and programs the best offerings of local arts organizations with performances of internationally renowned visiting artists. For more information, visit http://pulse.syr.edu, e-mail pulse@syr.edu or call 443-2718.