INFORMATION FOR
Damien Escobar, a contemporary violinist whose music mixes classical, jazz, pop, R&B, and hip hop, will bring his unique style to William Paterson University in Wayne for a high-energy concert on Wednesday, November 9 at 8 p.m. as part of William Paterson University’s WP Presents! series.
A native of Jamaica, Queens, Escobar first gained attention as part of Nuttin but Stringz, a group comprised of Damien and his brother, Tourie. Known in New York City for playing their violins on the subway, they gained global recognition when they appeared as contestants and placed third on the 2008 season of America's Got Talent.
The duo separated in 2012, and for a time Escobar stopped playing the violin and was homeless for a time. But he returned to his love for making music, and in 2013 he released his first album as a solo artist, Sensual Melodies, which landed on the iTunes Top 100 chart and served as a springboard for a successful national tour.
Since then, Escobar has released three albums, including Boundless, which was nominated for a 2018 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Album, and is currently working on album for release in 2023. He has told his story to People magazine and the Huffington Post; appeared on The Today Show; and performed at notable events such as Oprah Winfrey's “The Life You Want” tour. He has also published a children's book, The Sound of Strings; built his own line of custom-designed violins; and continues to spread a message based on making an impact and inspiring social change.
Tickets are $55, Gold Circle; $50 for orchestra/front loge, and $40, rear loge. Tickets are $10 for WP students with an ID. There is a 10 percent discount for William Paterson faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as senior citizens. All tickets are an additional $5 on the day of the show. To purchase tickets, or for additional information, call the Shea Center for Performing Arts Box Office at 973-720-2371 or visit wp-presents.org.
