Experience the Soulful Artistry of John Violinist Live at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center
John Violinist is more than just a performer—he’s a storyteller who speaks volumes through the strings of his instrument. The virtuoso violinist rose to popularity as a social media sensation after his rendition of the Alicia Keys song “Unthinkable” hit it big on TikTok. He is widely known for his performances of R&B classics, but masterfully blends contemporary, hip hop, pop, and soul music genres, making him a versatile player.
Music aficionados across New Jersey can experience the dynamic artistry of John Violinist Live!, Saturday, August 2, 2025, 7:30 PM, at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC). Having captivated audiences worldwide, John is touted for leaving crowds hyped up. “I love the performance aspect. I love to interact with the crowd. I got to bring the energy to audiences when I perform,” he adds. “I vibe with them and they have a great time vibing with me.”
Since he first picked up a violin and started playing at age 5, John Randolph (aka John Violinist) has honed his craft to create performances that resonate deeply with audiences. A native of New Britain, Connecticut, his introduction to the world of music came from his mother who was a talented pianist and piano teacher. Needless to say, he learned the fundamentals of the piano first before ever playing the violin.
It really was by happenstance that he ended up picking up the fiddle. It was at a music exhibition where he came upon a violin that was surrounded by several other musical instruments. Still, it was something about it that caught his eye. “It looked cool,” he recalls. So, “I was drawn to it visually at first. Nothing more than that, believe it not. Once I started playing it though, I liked the sound of the violin as well,” he adds.
As a child, John attended the Hartt School’s Suzuki Program at the University of Hartford. The Hartt School is known for its strong music education programs, while the Suzuki method, which was developed by Japanese violinist and composer Shinichi Suzuki, is a philosophy and pedagogy for teaching music to young children.
“But it wasn't until around high school, I really started honing my skill at a higher level,” John says. Following high school, he enrolled at nearby Central Connecticut State University in New Britain to further his education. He fiddled around campus, with a concentration in psychology and a minor in music. He graduated from CCSU, eventually joining the Department of Social Services as an Eligibility Service Worker for the State of Connecticut.
Soon after, he decided to become a full-time musician. “I grew up in the church (where my mother played the piano) and initially my foundation was gospel music (by artists) like Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Donnie McClurkin and Smokie Norful,” he says. “After a while, I got into R&B and then soul and jazz music. I ended up fusing those sounds,” says John.
He was playing at open mics and small community events, often at the requests of family and friends, when he began posting videos of himself playing the violin on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Then, in late 2019, his soul-stirring violin performance of the song “Un-thinkable” by Alicia Keys went viral. It was his first video to surpass one million views on TikTok. It wasn’t long before he had a string of videos that went viral, and he was welcomed into TikTok’s Creative Center. Recognized for his ingenious flair, John was also selected in 2020 for TikTok's First 100 Black Creatives Program, an incubator program for creators and emerging music artists of color.
John has since become a TikTok partner, having amassed over 50 million views on his social media platforms. He has showcased his talent on VH1, BET, and MTV and has formed partnerships with Paramount and JBL Pro, all of which highlight his growing clout as an influencer. He graced the stage with CBS media powerhouse Gayle King, performing during a segment of her “Talk of the Table.” He dazzled crowds at the Soul Luncheon for the BET Soul Train Music Awards 50th Anniversary and the 114th National NAACP Gala.
In 2023, John released his first album, “Rise,” featuring seven musical selections with his band. Each track reflects his deep connection to melody and his passion for storytelling, giving his fanbase a different experience than what they may have become accustomed to through his videos across social media. “Rise” is described as being not just an album, but also an emotional journey crafted by John, “blending the timeless beauty of the violin with the modern sounds of contemporary, hip hop, pop, R&B, and soul.”
John booked his first citywide concert series in 2024, where he played in front of sold-out audiences in Hartford, Orlando, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. In 2025, he held concerts in various cities and venues, most notably two sold-out shows at The Blue Note in Napa, California.
From performing at intimate gatherings to grand concert halls, John’s journey has taken him through a diverse array of musical experiences. He is currently working on another studio project and will be announcing new music for a tour slated for sometime next year. It will feature originally published John Violinist musical pieces.
Tickets range from $56.50 to $81.50 for the John Violinist Live concert at NBAC on Saturday, August 2, at 7:30 PM. Local enthusiasts can gather with the artist up close and personal during a special “Meet and Greet” to be held in the NBPAC Donor Lounge from 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM that Saturday. The ticket price to attend the “Meet and Greet” is $50 and does not include admission to the live concert, which is sold separately.
To buy tickets to the John Violinist Live concert, go to https://secure.nbpac.org/johnviolinist25. To learn more about the John Violinist “Meet and Greet” and to buy tickets, visit https://secure.nbpac.org/johnviolinist25meet.
