Music with a Mission: BLKBOK Returns to The Block and Muskegon Classrooms
Muskegon, MI — BLKBOK will make his return to The Block on Friday, October 17 at 7:30pm. BLKBOK’s high-energy style seeks to entertain with a live piano based performance that is culturally reflective and encourages dialogue. His stage name is a nod to the legendary J.S. Bach and an embodiment of the diverse influences that have shaped his artistic identity: from classical to hip-hop. BLKBOK has been referred to as equal parts “artist/pianist/composer/lover of humans.” The New York Times has described BLKBOK’s style as “Bach in his left hand, Debussy in his right.” This show is a must see and tickets will go fast. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased by calling 231.726.3231, visiting westmichigansymphony.org or in person at 360 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon.
Born and raised in inner-city Detroit, the artist born as Charles Wilson III grew up in a music-filled home. By the time he was eight, BLKBOK was an acclaimed piano prodigy, winning statewide accolades and college-level competitions. When it came to music, most of his peers pursued hip-hop, adopting rap names. However, Charles chose the name BLKBOK as an homage to one of the greatest composers of all time. The tag also reflects the elements that have contributed to his identity. It encapsulates his journey from hip-hop culture to his acclaimed neo-classical debut album Black Book.
BLKBOK has toured with Justin Timberlake, the Backstreet Boys, Rihanna, John Mayer and Demi Lovato, among others. But after a stint with “Immortal,” Cirque du Soleil’s homage to Michael Jackson, he had an epiphany. “I’d been listening to Michael Jackson in my head every day. Who’s next?” he recalls. “And the only answer I could get was me. So I started on that path.”
“I want more people to understand that classical music is for everyone,” he told Steve Roper on The Today Show. “It’s not just for one group of people.” BLKBOK will not only share his vision with audiences at The Block, but with students at North Muskegon and Muskegon High School when he visits them on Friday morning. He will play for them and talk about how music opens doors and provides hope.
In the Community:
BLKBOK will share his vision and talents with students at North Muskegon and Muskegon High School on Friday, October 17. Part of the Symphony’s Community Music Encounters programs, these school visits provide opportunity for youth to hear the pianist play and talk about how music opens doors and provides hope.
More at The Block:
Dmitri Matheny Quintet – Jazz from the Silver Screen. Flugelhorn virtuoso Dmitri Matheny and his all-star band will deliver timeless classics from the shared history of jazz and cinema. Friday, October 24 at 7:30 pm. The band will deliver innovative jazz renditions of favorites from An Affair To Remember, Casablanca, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Godfather and more. Tickets start at $35. More information at, westmichigansymphony.org.
The Block is West Michigan Symphony’s 115-seat listening room for the musically curious, located on the second floor of the Russell Block Building in downtown Muskegon. Performers include regional, national and international artists as well as WMS musicians. Now in its 12th season, The Block continues to grow and innovate artistically and as a community center for youth music ensembles and a variety of meetings and events.
Media
See image below. If media is interested in attending and covering a WMS event, a limited number of media passes are available. Please contact Carla Flanders for more information. For Media Resources click HERE.
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BLKBOK working with Muskegon student in 2024.
