With their bumping bass and classical concertos Black Violin showcases a variety of hip-hopand rap put together with classical and funk to create a sound that appeals to everybody.

Black Violin performed at the Everett Civic Auditorium Monday night to a house filled with a variety of music lovers. The audience was packed with both young and old, showing the broad spectrum of people that Black Violin appeals to. "What we do is definitely something everybody can like," Wil-B said in an interview.

The music during the concert encompassed a variety of artists: Jay-Z, Fergie, Danity Kane, but all with classical scores overtop instead of words.

Kev Marcus and Wil-B along with their DJ, djtk, have played all over the U.S., performing on stages at colleges, sporting events, concerts and elementary schools. Wil-B said that they had actually just came to Everett after doing several shows in Alaska for a week.

The duo says they have been playing together since 8th grade, or for about 6 to 7 years. Kev Marcus and Wil-B both attended Dillard High School of Performing Arts in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Then Wil-B went on to receive a full scholarship from Florida State University and Kev Marcus received a scholarship from Florida International University. "We branched out and did our own things," Wil-B said.

After college Wil-B says the duo played at a lot of Miami clubs and, after being noticed, they went on to win the Showtime at the Apollo 2005 Legend title. Black Violin opened for Alicia Keys at the 2004 Billboard Awards, have toured with Linkin Park for a couple months, performed in the U.A.E. at the Dubai Desert Rhythm Festival in 2005, and have opened for the Wu-Tang Clan, Aerosmith, and many others.

They have collaborated with many notable people like Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty, Arethra Franklin, Jay-Z, Kanye West, 50 Cent, P. Diddy, Paris Hilton, Brooke Hogan, Jessica Simpson, and the Eagles.

During the performance many may have noticed the difference between the two instruments that Kev Marcus and Wil-B played. Wil-B clarified that he played an acoustic viola, while Kev Marcus played the electric violin. This electric violin can look anyway it wants, hence the holes in violin, but it won't play unless it's plugged in.

Black Violin has a new album coming out this summer. A previously released album is already available on their website www.blackviolin.net.

This summer they will play 12 to 13 shows with a total of more than 50 shows within the year, said Kev Marcus. They plan to perform with artists, 50 Cent, the Game and Kanye West.

When asked why Everett? Wil-B replied, "Wherever there's an auditorium for us to perform, we will be there." Kev Marcus said Black Violin will continue their stay in the Pacific Northwest as they perform at Central Washington University tonight, Friday, April 10.