Black Violin is pictured. Photo by Colin Brennan

The Reg Lenna Center for The Arts will kick off its 2017-18 season on Friday at 7 p.m. when Billboard-charting crossover band Black Violin performs as part of its Classical Boom Tour.

Prior to the concert the Reg is hosting a block party in front of its entrance on Third Street between 4 and 7 p.m. for the general public.

“The first event of the season is a good time to celebrate and thank the community for their continued support,” said Len Barry, Reg Lenna Center for the Arts marketing director. “Black Violin’s musical message of unity couldn’t arrive at a better time.”

Composed of classically-trained violist and violinist Wil B. and Kev Marcus, Black Violin will make their Western New York debut. The duo combine their classical training and hip-hop influences to create a distinctive multi-genre sound that is often described as “classical boom.” Black Violin has shared stages with top names including Kanye West, Aerosmith and the late Tom Petty, and has creatively collaborated with the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Wyclef Jean and Alicia Keys. Tickets start at $5 for children aged 18 and under and $10 for adults. The concert begins at 7 p.m.

Reg Lenna Center for The Arts’ block party on Third Street in front of the theater entrance begins at 4 p.m. and continues up to the start of the Black Violin concert. Food trucks, Reg merchandise, refreshments, a musical instrument petting zoo hosted by Chautauqua Music and Reg Lenna Plinko, with chances to win tickets and other prizes, will be available to attendees. Though there is no admission charged to attend the block party. Money is required for food, merchandise, beverages and Reg Lenna Plinko.

An outdoor stage across from the theater entrance will feature string musicians from the region performing live. The music starts at 4:30 p.m. and features Suzuki at Lutheran, Regis Singing Strings, student musicians from Jamestown Public Schools under the direction of Gina Wakefield and Katherine Derrenbacher, and the duo Aaron and Boaz Mecham.

Near the end of the live outdoor music selections, Mayor Sam Teresi will unveil the newly enhanced marquee at the Reg Lenna Center for The Arts. A digital screen is replacing the original milk glass portion of the classic marquee to allow high definition video and image displays.

Black Violin: Classical Boom is sponsored by Comfort Inn of Jamestown.

For tickets visit reglenna.com or call 484-7070. The Reg Lenna Center for The Arts is located at 116 E. Third St. in Jamestown.