Grammy-Nominated Black Violin To Headline ArtsWestchester’s Benefit On November 7
Photos: Rachel Bennett|Wikimedia Commons White Plains, N.Y. (July 7, 2026)—The genre-defying, classical-meets-hip-hop duo Black Violin will headline ArtsWestchester’s Benefit on November 7 at the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College. ArtsWestchester’s major annual fundraiser is a premier celebration of regional arts and culture. The evening features gourmet dinner stations, an open bar, live and silent auctions, a world-class musical performance, and an exclusive dessert after-party. Hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Black Violin features classically trained string instrumentalists Kevin Sylvester (Kev Marcus) on violin and Wilner Baptiste (Wil B.) on viola. Over the past two decades, the duo has created a distinct, high-energy sound that resonates across generations. “Black Violin delivers an electrifying take on the great American tradition of musical cross-pollination,” said Kathleen Reckling, CEO of ArtsWestchester. “By challenging cultural stereotypes surrounding both classical and hip-hop music, these remarkable artists create an uplifting, party atmosphere that brings diverse audiences together for an unforgettable night.” The duo has earned two Grammy Award nominations: one for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for their acclaimed 2019 release Take the Stairs, and another for Best Americana Performance for their hit single The Message, a powerful collaboration with the Blind Boys of Alabama. Proceeds from the 2026 ArtsWestchester Benefit directly fund ArtsWestchester’s extensive roster of community arts programs and cultural services, helping to keep the arts accessible throughout Westchester and Rockland. Local businesses and arts lovers can support ArtsWestchester’s largest annual fundraiser by purchasing VIP Ticket Packages, single VIP Tickets or Playbill ads, which are available now on at artsw.org/benefitconcert About ArtsWestchester Founded in 1965, ArtsWestchester is New York State’s largest private, not-for-profit arts council. The organization plays a leading role in funding, advocating for, and supporting arts and culture throughout Westchester County. By providing vital grants, offering teaching artist programs in schools and community centers, and building audiences through robust marketing initiatives, ArtsWestchester enriches the creative and economic lives of everyone in the region.
Black News 
Photos: Rachel Bennett|Wikimedia Commons
White Plains, N.Y. (July 7, 2026)—The genre-defying, classical-meets-hip-hop duo Black Violin will headline ArtsWestchester’s Benefit on November 7 at the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College.
ArtsWestchester’s major annual fundraiser is a premier celebration of regional arts and culture. The evening features gourmet dinner stations, an open bar, live and silent auctions, a world-class musical performance, and an exclusive dessert after-party.
Hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Black Violin features classically trained string instrumentalists Kevin Sylvester (Kev Marcus) on violin and Wilner Baptiste (Wil B.) on viola. Over the past two decades, the duo has created a distinct, high-energy sound that resonates across generations.
“Black Violin delivers an electrifying take on the great American tradition of musical cross-pollination,” said Kathleen Reckling, CEO of ArtsWestchester. “By challenging cultural stereotypes surrounding both classical and hip-hop music, these remarkable artists create an uplifting, party atmosphere that brings diverse audiences together for an unforgettable night.”
The duo has earned two Grammy Award nominations: one for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for their acclaimed 2019 release Take the Stairs, and another for Best Americana Performance for their hit single The Message, a powerful collaboration with the Blind Boys of Alabama.
Proceeds from the 2026 ArtsWestchester Benefit directly fund ArtsWestchester’s extensive roster of community arts programs and cultural services, helping to keep the arts accessible throughout Westchester and Rockland.
Local businesses and arts lovers can support ArtsWestchester’s largest annual fundraiser by purchasing VIP Ticket Packages, single VIP Tickets or Playbill ads, which are available now on at artsw.org/benefitconcert
About ArtsWestchester
Founded in 1965, ArtsWestchester is New York State’s largest private, not-for-profit arts council. The organization plays a leading role in funding, advocating for, and supporting arts and culture throughout Westchester County. By providing vital grants, offering teaching artist programs in schools and community centers, and building audiences through robust marketing initiatives, ArtsWestchester enriches the creative and economic lives of everyone in the region.
