By Malcolm White

It was date night for me on the second Monday of October, but my girlfriend got sick, so I ended up taking my daughter instead. It was a first for both of us: her first major theatrical performance and my first time in the Ohio Theatre as an adult. Though I’m invested in Columbus’ art scene, there was always something mystic about that beautiful facility that made it feel inaccessible to me. I was very happy to be able to take my daughter there at such a young age so that that feeling of not being good enough would never even entreat her.

That sentiment of exploring spaces that might not stereotypically belong to you re-occurred throughout the Black Violin performance. It was an incredible show. Their resume includes performing at President Barack Obama’s inauguration, so you can rightfully assume that the pair of violinists were talented. More than that though, they were unapologetically black. I don’t know what I expected when I first saw the trailers—I imagined there would be a violin performance backed by some hip hop instrumentals, not unlike an act I remember from my childhood called Nuttin But Stringz. There was something transcendental about Black Violin.

It was an incredible show. Their resume includes performing at President Barack Obama’s inauguration, so you can rightfully assume that the pair of violinists were talented. More than that though, they were unapologetically black.

Their performance didn’t feel like they were trying to take the violin somewhere it’d never been before; instead, I felt like their instruments were an extension of their culture. To start the show, they called out, “This is not a typical strings performance. We don’t want you to sit in your seat. This is a party!” They made good on that declaration. It was such a pure expression of emotion that, at parts of the show, I was moved to tears. They infused Donald Glover’s “This Is America” with Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow” and chills went down my spine. My daughter jumped out of her seat when they tackled Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk.” People in the crowd strutted up and down the aisles, doing line dances while Black Violin broke it down on stage. Each member of the band had multiple chances throughout the show to showcase their solo talents, and one of the violinists took that opportunity to sing a classic R&B song to the love of his life: his instrument. It was touching. The DJ and drummer even got chances to jam out. It was pure and electric energy, and I loved it.

But, what inspired me the most was the speech that one of the members gave about 90 percent through the performance. He acknowledged how they were dressed (he wore a fitted cap, jeans and tennis shoes instead of the stereotypical formal wear, something that I had noted to myself earlier), that black people don’t normally occupy these spaces, that their show stepped outside of a lot of traditional boundaries, and that picking up strings when they were younger was the less popular option when given choices like basketball and football.

His message was: Think Outside The Box, You Can Do Anything.

His message was: Think Outside The Box, You Can Do Anything. That was the perfect conclusion for the night and succinctly wrapped up what I’d felt throughout the evening. I was proud of the excellence that exuded from the stage, and overjoyed that I was able to present such a positive impression on my baby queen’s mind. I hope that it’s an experience she will remember for the rest of her life because it certainly feels like one that I will remember for the rest of mine.

Black Violin is a blend of musical styles performed by two classically-trained string instrumentalists: Wil Baptiste and Kevin “Kev Marcus” Sylvester. On stage, the violinists are accompanied by turntable artist DJ SPS. They performed an ovation-worthy set on Mon., Oct. 8 at the Ohio Theatre.

Thursday, July 26 at 5:30 p.m. on the Columbus Commons Stage

Photos by Kathryn D. Studios

The Momentum University dancers want to take you on a journey, with movements that transport you to another time and another place: Harlem in the ’20s.

Every year, Momentum University students put on a free, summer performance at the Columbus Commons. But Thursday’s presentation is unique. This year they’ve challenged their students to create a show that tells the story of the Harlem Renaissance.

“I think the key thing for this year is that they will be part of this larger, community-wide event,” Liane Egle, executive director of Momentum-Excellence, says. “For many of these kids, this will be their first exposure to this important historical time.”

This show is the product of an arts summer camp called “Momentum University.” For the past two weeks, a group of about 60 students participated in different types of dance and performing arts classes.

The students also had the chance to listen to speakers such as Larry James, Barbara Fant and Suzan Bradford Kounta. The students have taken all that they learned and created a unique performance.

At the end of the day, though, this show is about more than dance.

“Even though we’re a dance program, it’s really about using dance as a vehicle to impart life skills like self confidence and perseverance and discipline,” Liane says. “The goal is not to teach kids the dance steps. The goal is to help them feel better about themselves and have confidence. That’s what the program is all about.”

“The goal is not to teach kids the dance steps. The goal is to help them feel better about themselves and have confidence. That’s what the program is all about.”

Liane says that performances are an excellent time to witness the impact that this program has on the kids.

“It’s so powerful to see kids all doing the same choreography when they come from very different backgrounds,” Liane says. “Talking about it gives me chills. You see the smiles on their faces and the confidence and that pride.

“Our mantra with the kids is the big four: Work hard, do my best, never give up and be healthy. They know that if they work hard, then this is the result of that. And that’s something that transfers beyond just dancing on a stage. That’s a life lesson.”

The Momentum University performance takes place Thursday, July 26 at 5:30 p.m. on the Columbus Commons Stage. It is free and open to the public. Here is where you can find more information.