Damien Escobar

2026 Winter Park Jazz Festival (Day 1) - Patti LaBelle, Damien Escobar, Najee, Purple Magic featuring Marcus Anderson, BK Jackson, Adrian Crutchfield Hailed as one of the most influential and impactful violinists in modern history— two-time Emmy award-winning artist, Damien Escobar, has spent nearly two decades cementing his legacy as the “King of Strings”. He’s inspired listeners, broke barriers, and created a blueprint for other contemporary violinists who aspire to top the charts and make their way onto main stages around the world. And his work is just getting started. The Jamaica, Queens native who is known for his charisma, sincere humility, and undeniable talent— has always believed the key to his success is rooted in his humble beginnings. It is the main source that keeps him connected to his fans, and cultivates his unending love for performing. And if you’ve heard his story you know that Escobar’s journey after Juilliard (from which he graduated at the age of 12) wasn’t easy! But his passion and vision took him from playing for straphangers on NYC subways to serenading everyone from Oprah to the Obamas while achieving several lifetime goals in between— including an NAACP award nomination, billboard chart topping album releases, and sold out tours around the world. In 2022 Escobar introduced his “Life Out Loud” tour — an inspiring experience intended to affirm audiences to live authentically and unapologetically. And with new ventures, including new music being developed, Escobar is letting it be known that his reign as the King of Strings will not cease. With an upcoming album slated to drop in 2023, Escobar is on a mission to prove there’s astonishing power in instrumental music and his intention is to motivate listeners and make an impact on mainstream music like never before. After the fall, Damien is reveling in the climb. Since re-launching his career, Escobar boasts of 200K downloads from his first R&B mixtape, "Sensual Melodies"; and has more than a few notable solo headliner performances under his belt including: CBS Upfront Presentation, Food & Wine Magazine’s Best New Chef Awards, Indy Car Championship Awards, Major League Baseball Annual Golf Fundraiser Event, Angela Simmons "Electric Daze" Fashion Show, Russell Simmons’ Hip Hop Inaugural Ball, and corporate concerts for FRIDAYS, Walmart, Target, and more. Escobar, once a self-proclaimed retired violinist, is now on everyone’s radar; and has even obtained online success with viral videos picked up by media giants such as WorldStarHipHop.com, Huffington post, CNN, and Allhiphop.com. A recent feature in PEOPLE Magazine elevated Escobar to new heights in his solo career; highlighting his movement of giving back to others by doing random acts of kindness.The star even found his way back on national television, accepting an invitation to appear as a performer in WEtv’s “David Tutera’s: Unveiled”. And since then invitations to appear on television haven’t ceased; landing Escobar in the interviewee chair at Fox News and NBC, with other appearances lined up for the remainder of 2014. As a veteran, knowing the ups and downs of the industry, Escobar has committed to centering his career around the loyal fans he refers to as "good people," who constantly remind him of why he got back into music. His appreciation for the support system he feels sustains him, spawned his Pop-Up Performance campaign. Armed with a giant speaker, a mic, and his violin, Escobar set out to surprise unsuspecting New Yorkers with a pop-up concert experience. The response to his documented journey was overwhelmingly positive, and resulted in Damien announcing a seven city pop-up performance tour this summer. Currently, Escobar is appreciating his journey as a fresh new artist, with the recent release of his high-energy, inspirational single "Freedom" which he debuted on The Katie Couric show in support of Kennedy’s Cause, that single subsequently went on to open up at #15 on the iTunes dance charts. The artist has also tapped into the book industry, penning his first children’s book entitled “The Sound of Strings.” He will begin his book tour at the start of the new school year. In 2012 Nuttin' But Stringz disbanded and Damien Escobar emerged as a solo artist out to make a name for himself. Humble in his dealings but confident in his craft, Damien makes it no secret that he's determined to gain recognition for being the "dopest" violinist to crossover into mainstream music. In an industry not overpopulated by instrumentalist, the Hip-Hop violinist is looking to change the game. He's a pioneer with a plan, and the future of music rest in his hands.