Issue date: 5/28/08 Section: News

Violinists Kev Marcus and Wil B dueled at a concert Tuesday.

After University Activity Board (UAB) Street Team members heard Black Violins' music, their enthusiasm spread across campus, but the sound at UAB's last major concert this year on Tuesday was hard to describe.

"Different in a good way. It's like upbeat classical," said Krystin Cantabrana, a UAB Street Team member.

"It's got a classical feel from the violin and it's the songs everyone knows; it's got a good beat to it," said Kip Myers, a UAB Street Team member.

"The way they remix it with their electric violins is a really neat sound," said Mike George, UAB president.

The Black Violins - two classically trained violinists and a D.J - play violin over hip hop beats to songs by artists like Kanye West, Nelly Furtado and Mims.

"Say real good music!"

"Real good music!" called back the crowd who stood and "rocked their hands to the beat."

During a remix of recent hits, violinist Kev Marcus jumped off the stage and entered the crowd. Then in a "history lesson," the group strung together songs by The Tempatations.

Everyone laughed when violinist Wil B introduced his girl Tiffany-his violin-before breaking into The Fugees. Rocking out the violins like a guitar solo, between raps, the notes often spoke familiar lyrics.

"Give it up for Tiffany," said Marcus.

"That's why she's my baby," said B.

Student Julian Oliver had a good time and liked "everything." His favorite part was the violin battle.

George said, "I'm so surprised. The crowd was amazing, you know. It's a Tuesday night."

Black Violins won the 2005 Apollo Legends and are graduates of Dillard Center for the Arts.

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