(Posted March 21, 2011)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- This is no April Fools stunt. The pop-rock quartet We the Kings will check yes in coming to Juniata in a concert at 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 1 in the upper Intramural Gym of the Kennedy Sports and Recreation Center on the Juniata campus.

The opening act for the show will be Black Violin, a group of classically trained musicians who create hip-hop tinged music that stretches the envelope of the urban musical genre. Black Violin previously performed at Juniata in 2008.

We The Kings, all of whom met at King Middle School in Bradenton, Fla., has charted several hit singles, including "Say Yes Juliet" and "Secret Valentine."

Tickets are $15 for Juniata students and $20 for the general public. The doors will open for seating at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online by going to the website http://clubs.juniata.edu/jab/majorevent/2011, calling (814) 641-3000, or by coming to the Juniata campus and purchasing tickets at the Information Desk in Ellis Hall.

The concert is organized and sponsored by the Juniata College Activities Board.

We The Kings, all of whom met at King Middle School in Bradenton, Fla., has charted several hit singles, including "Check Yes Juliet" and "Secret Valentine." Their self-titled debut album came out in 2009 and they are touring in support of their new album, "Smile Kid." The single from that album is "Heaven Can Wait," and the cut "We'll Be a Dream" features guest vocals by Disney star Demi Lovato.

The band has marketed itself wisely through social media such as MySpace, Facebook and other outlets, which in turn has fueled their touring schedule.

The band members are Travis Clark, guitar and lead vocals; Hunter Thomsen, guitar and vocals; Drew Thomsen, bass; and Danny Duncan, drums. Lead vocalist Clark also blogs at whoistravisclark.com.

Black Violin is comprised of two classically trained violinists, Kev Marcus and Wil B, and a DJ named TK. In 2005, the duo won the 2005 Apollo Legends talent show at Harlem's Apollo Theater. The group has toured with Linkin Park singer Mike Shinoda and also played on albums by Jessica Simpson and Li'l Kim.

Both musicians Kev Marcus and Wil-B attended Dillard Performing Arts High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The band named itself after the final album released by legendary jazz violinist Stuff Smith. Wil-B has played in the Young Artist Contemporary Orchestra and plays a variety of instruments.

In addition to touring, Black Violin has accompanied Alicia Keys at the 2004 Billboard Awards and performed with such groups as the Eagles, Stevie Nicks, Linkin Park, 50 Cent, Kanye West, Nas and Fat Joe. They have appeared on "The Tonight Show," "Jimmy Kimmel Live," and the "Carson Daly Show."

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.