Apollo Theater Announces Fall/Winter 2016 Season
Apollo Announces Details for Fall/Winter 2016 Season
APOLLO THEATER ANNOUNCES FALL/WINTER 2016-2017 DETAILS
NEWLY ADDED
A Season Long Salute to Apollo Legend Ella Fitzgerald, Kicking Off This October with
100: THE APOLLO CELEBRATES ELLA,
A Blockbuster Concert Featuring Powerhouse Vocalists
Patti Austin, Andra Day and Lizz Wright
With the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra
Saturday, October 22nd, – 8 p.m.
Amateur Night at the Apollo: Making a Star
A Special Showcase of the Theater’s Signature Show
Featuring the Winners from the Theater’s Making a Star Competition
Winners will Receive a Trip to New York City to Perform on the Legendary Apollo Stage
Wednesday, September 21st, -7:30 p.m.
Apollo Uptown Hall: Presidential Debate Watch
The Free Event Will Include a Pre-Debate Panel Moderated by Journalist Keli Goff
And Live Entertainment from Hot 97 and WBLS’s DJ Enuff & More
Monday, September 26th, – 7:30 p.m.
Hendrix in Harlem
A Celebration of Apollo Legend Jimi Hendrix on the Eve of the Rock Icon’s 74th Birthday
Concert to Include Some of His Early Works in R&B and Classic Material from The Jimi Hendrix Experience, On the Occasion of the Bands 50th Anniversary
Featuring Rock & Roll Trailblazers Fishbone with Special Guests The Legendary Guitarist Ernie Isley, Celebrated Vocalist Nona Hendryx & Soul/R&B Singer/Songwriter Liv Warfield
Saturday, November 26th, -7 p.m. & 11 p.m.
The New Holiday Classic The First Noel,
A Collaboration with the Classical Theatre of Harlem,
Returns in an Unprecedented Move to the Theater’s Mainstage
December 10th – December 18th
The Return of the Theater’s Signature Programs Apollo Music Café and Apollo Comedy Club,
as well as ongoing Education and Community Outreach Programs
Harlem, NY, September 8, 2016 – The Apollo Theater today announced additional programs as part of its Fall/Winter 2016-2017 season, including 100:The Apollo Celebrates Ella, a season long celebration of Apollo Legend Ella Fitzgerald, in honor of the jazz songstress’s centennial birthday. The grand celebration will begin with a blockbuster concert featuring Patti Austin, Andra Day and Lizz Wright on Saturday, October 22nd. As the season’s opening concert, 100:The Apollo Celebrates Ella is also the first of the Theater’s four events that will honor the “First Lady of Song’s” centennial birthday. The Apollo’s celebration of Ella will extend into Spring 2017 with an Apollo Live Wire discussion commemorating Ella’s legacy (Thursday, March 23, 2017); an Apollo Music Café dedicated to the songstress (Friday, April 7, 2017) and a special edition of Amateur Night at Apollo celebrating Ella, the first female to win the Theater’s signature program (Wednesday, April 19, 2017). 100:The Apollo Celebrates Ella will be featured in the Theater’s Fall/Winter 2016-2017 lineup of dynamic programs and events consisting of music performances, dance, comedy, musical theater and artists talks. The season reflects the nonprofit institution’s commitment to supporting emerging and established performing artists. The Apollo continues to engage its legacy to inform contemporary artistic expression, and grow its role as a creative catalyst for Harlem, New York, the nation, and around the globe.
Additionally, the Apollo’s Fall/Winter 2016 season will include: a special edition of the Theater’s signature talent competition, Amateur Night at the Apollo: Making a Star, featuring the winners from the Making a Star summer competition (Wednesday, September 21, 2016); Apollo Uptown Hall: Presidential Debate Watch including a pre-debate panel moderated by journalist Keli Goff and live entertainment from Hot 97 and WBLS’s DJ Enuff (Monday, September 26, 2016); Hendrix in Harlem, a celebration of Apollo Legend Jimi Hendrix on the eve of the rock icon’s 74th birthday; featuring innovative rock pioneers Fishbone with a lineup of distinguished special guests including renowned guitarist and member of the iconic The Isley Brothers Ernie Isley, legendary funkstress and one-third of the pop/soul act LaBelle Nona Hendryx and soul singer and member of Prince’s New Power Generation band Liv Warfield; concert to include some of Hendrix’s early works in R&B and classic material from The Jimi Hendrix Experience, marking the bands 50th Anniversary (Saturday, November 26, 2016); Ballet Hispanico, in collaboration with the Apollo, returns with a trio of works that draw upon the dynamism and versatility of the premier Latino dance company (Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19, 2016); and the return of the new holiday classic The First Noel, presented in collaboration with the Classical Theatre of Harlem, which will make an unprecedented move to the Theater’s Mainstage (December 10 – 18, 2016).
The Fall/Winter calendar will also feature the Apollo’s signature series including Apollo Music Café which showcases boundary-pushing, independent artists and Apollo Comedy Club the new initiative which features the best up-and-coming talent in comedy. As the cornerstone for the Harlem community, the Apollo will also present public conversations, education programs for students and families and other community events to complement the season’s artistic offerings; including Apollo Live Wire – Legendary: A Conversation with Melba Moore, Leslie Uggams, and Dionne Warwick (Tuesday, October 11, 2016).
The Theaters 2016-2017 season will continue in the spring with dynamic programs in partnership with world-class performing arts institutions. The Apollo partners with the international cultural movement AFROPUNK to present Unapologetically Black: AFROPUNK’s Race Music which pays homage to black protest music (Saturday, February 25, 2017). The Theater also continues its relationship with World Music Institute for the fifth installment of its popular Africa Now! concert (Saturday, March 11, 2017); and the second presentation of Southbank Centre London’s WOW – Women of the World Festival, celebrating the formidable strength and inventiveness of women and looking at the obstacles they face across the world, with performances, conversations, workshops, and a presentation of a John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts production that honors the legendary jazz vocalist and activist Abbey Lincoln (Saturday, May 4-7, 2017). Additional information about the Apollo Theater’s full 2016-2017 season of programming can be found at www.apollotheater.org.
Fall/Winter 2016-2017 season programming calendar follows below.
Apollo Uptown Hall: Presidential Debate Watch
Monday, September 26, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Panelists: Keli Goff, Derek Dingle, Amy Holmes, Scott McConnell, Mariela Salgado and Rob Nelson
Entertainers: DJ Enuff, Charisa the Violin Diva and Diverse Concert Artists
The Apollo’s 2016-2017 season kicks off with a viewing party of the first 2016 general election presidential debate between Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump. This Apollo Uptown Hall will include a panel discussion amongst several respected political analysts considering the impact of the election on the Harlem community, followed by a Q&A with the audience. Moderated by Keli Goff of the Greene Space at WNYC and WQXR’s “Political Party with Keli Goff,” the panel includes Derek Dingle editor-in-chief of Black Enterprise, Amy Holmes renowned political analyst, Scott McConnell founding editor of the American Conservative and Mariela Salgado award-winning journalist for Univision 41 News. Following the panel discussion, Rob Nelson, ABC7 Eyewitness News anchor, will lead a Q&A session, inviting the audience to participate in the dialogue.
The will also include live entertainment provided by Hot 97 and WBLS’s DJ Enuff and performances from soul jazz violinist/vocalist Charisa the Violin Diva and string quartet Diverse Concert Artists.
In addition to the live performances and panel discussion, this Apollo Uptown Hall will also include exhibitor booths in the Theater’s lobby. The New York Public Library will showcase politically-themed books, CD’s and DVD’s. The Women’s Political Caucus of New York will be onsite to register eligible non-registered New Yorkers.
The Apollo continues to be a natural gathering place and “town hall” for local community residents as well as people across New York City. Immense crowds assembled under the Theater’s iconic marquee in response to such events as the 2008 presidential election outcome and the passing of James Brown and Michael Jackson. Launched in September 2012, the Apollo Uptown Hall is a forum for presenting and discussing timely issues pertinent to the community, the country, and the world, incorporating video, texting and live performance to enhance and develop discussion.
Apollo Uptown Hall is free and pre-registration is strongly suggested. Registration is open now. To register, visit www.apollotheater.org
Apollo Live Wire – Legendary: A Conversation with Melba Moore, Leslie Uggams, and Dionne Warwick
Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.
Featuring: Melba Moore, Leslie Uggams, Dionne Warwick and Christian John Wikane
Music journalist and essayist Christian John Wikane interviews three unparalleled artists whose longevity and careers have bridged decades and performance genres including music, theater, stage and screen—Melba Moore, Leslie Uggams, and Dionne Warwick. Each has a unique history with the Apollo Theater and New York; together they represent a generation of women whose careers blossomed during a time of societal change. Their varied achievements allowed them to push past the categorizations frequently imposed upon Black female performers.
Melba Moore is a Tony Award-winning singer and actress who appeared in Hair, Purlie, and Timbuktu on Broadway, and also achieved success as a performing and recording artist. Leslie Uggams’ professional performing career started at the Apollo when she was just nine years old. A Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress known for her work as a stage performer, television, and film actress, she remains a giant in the industry to this day. Dionne Warwick’s voice helped define the sound of the 1960s. The Grammy Award-winner first appeared at the Apollo, in 1957, during Amateur Night as part of the singing group The Gospelaires. After leaving the gospel group to go solo her career flourished. She made numerous appearances at the Apollo showing off her poised, classic where her poised style and powerful voice made her an audience favorite.
The Apollo Live Wire series was created to invite deeper engagement with the Apollo’s artistic programming. The discussions are recorded and transformed into archived podcasts accessible to the public.
Apollo Live Wires are free and pre-registration is strongly suggested. Registration opens Monday, September 12. For more information visit www.apolloeducation.org
100: The Apollo Celebrates Ella
Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 8 p.m.
Featuring: Patti Austin, Andra Day, Lizz Wright, the Count Basie Orchestra and Afro Blue
In honor of Apollo Legend Ella Fitzgerald’s centennial birthday, the Apollo presents this blockbuster concert featuring performances by some of the greatest vocalists in jazz and R&B including Patti Austin, Andra Day and Lizz Wright, with musical backing by the legendary Count Basie Orchestra, led by Scotty Barnhart, with a special performance by Howard University’s vocal ensemble Afro Blue. Patti Austin is best known for her classic R&B duet with James Ingram, “Baby Come to Me.” Andra Day is considered soul music’s brightest new star having been nominated for two Grammy Awards this year, for her debut album and her hit single, “Rise Up.” Known for her vocal blend of R&B, jazz, blues and gospel, The New York Times calls Lizz Wright “a smoky-voiced goddess.”
Ella Fitzgerald’s history with the Apollo dates back to the fall of 1934, when she won the opportunity to compete in Amateur Night. The then 17-year old went to the Apollo planning to dance, but changed her mind and sang. Apollo legend has it that she was so nervous that she began to improvise the lyrics to the song by imitating its instruments. This became known as scatting and Ella won the Amateur Night title, making her the first female performer to earn that distinction. Soon after her Amateur Night win, she joined the Chick Webb Orchestra and began touring with the group in some of the most famous jazz venues in the city. Over the course of her legendary career, Ella would go on to perform at the Theater numerous times. In 2006, Ella Fitzgerald was inducted into the Apollo Walk of Fame in honor of her history with the Apollo and her influence on the American music landscape.
Music highlights for 100: The Apollo Celebrates Ella include “A Ticket A Tasket,” “Blues in the Night,” “Miss Otis Regrets,” “You’ll Have to Swing It” and more. The concert is produced in collaboration with seven-time Grammy winning producer Gregg Field, who at the age of 24 toured as the drummer for both Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald. Field also produced the Emmy nominated PBS special “Great Performances: We Love Ella,” for Ella’s 90th birthday.
This extraordinary concert is the first of the Theater’s four events that will honor the “First Lady of Song’s” centennial birthday. The Apollo’s celebration of Ella will extend into Spring 2017 with an Apollo Live Wire discussion commemorating Ella’s legacy (Thursday, March 23, 2017); an Apollo Music Café dedicated to the songstress (Friday, April 7, 2017) and a special edition of Amateur Night celebrating the first female to win the Theater’s signature program (Wednesday, April 19, 2017).
Tickets for 100: The Apollo Celebrates Ella are $30 – $125. Tickets will be available at The Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets go on sale Friday, September 9.
Hendrix in Harlem
Saturday, November 26, 2016 at 7 p.m. & 11 p.m.
Featuring: Fishbone with special guests Ernie Isley, Nona Hendryx and Liv Warfield
The Apollo presents a special concert celebrating rock legend Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix’s star was born on the Apollo stage when he became an Amateur Night winner in 1964. He followed his Amateur Night win with additional appearances at the Apollo as the lead guitarist for The Isley Brothers, and a sideman for Little Richard, King Curtis and Wilson Pickett in 1964 and 1965. After The Animals (“We Gotta Get Out Of This Place”) played the Apollo, their bassist Chas Chandler met with Hendrix, and in September, 1966 they headed to England—with Chas as Jimi’s new manager and formed The Jimi Hendrix Experience that same year. The Jimi Hendrix Experience released the iconic debut album Are You Experienced in 1967.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the formation of The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Hendrix In Harlem will celebrate the guitar great’s strong roots and connection to the Apollo, and his music, from the early years on 125th Street as well as classic material from the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Hendrix in Harlem will feature funk/ska-punk/rock originators Fishbone with special guests the legendary Ernie Isley, ground breaking music icon Nona Hendryx and R&B/soul artist Liv Warfield.
Tickets for Hendrix in Harlem are $35 – $95. Tickets will be available at The Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are on sale now.
Ballet Hispánico
November 18 & November 19, 2016 at 8 p.m.
Ballet Hispánico in collaboration with the Apollo Theater presents a trio of works that draw upon the dynamism and versatility of the premier Latino dance company. The world premiere of Línea Recta, by Belgian-Colombian choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, pairs the hallmark passion of flamenco dance with innovative and intricate partnering, performed to live Spanish classical guitar. The evening will also include Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro’s Danzón, which puts a contemporary spin on the national dance of Cuba, and Gustavo Ramírez Sansano’s colorful, amusing and fast-moving Flabbergast, set to music by Juan García Esquivel.
In addition, the Theater will also present special Apollo Education performances, including an Apollo School Day Live: Ballet Hispánico show of mixed repertory for schoolchildren on the morning of Friday, November 18 and an Apollo Family Workshop: Flamenco, on Saturday, November 19. Apollo School Day Live shows are an interactive experience providing new generations of theater-goers with exciting opportunities to learn about the arts, history, and culture. Apollo Family Workshop is designed to provide families with hands-on experience in art-making. For more information on Apollo School Day Live and Apollo Family Workshop visit www.apolloeducation.org.
Tickets for Ballet Hispanico are $35 – 65. Tickets are available at The Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are on sale now.
Classical Theatre of Harlem and the Apollo Theater Present The First Noel
Preview Performances: Saturday, December 10 & Sunday, December 11, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Opening Night: Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Performances December 10 – 18, 2016; 7:30 p.m. (Matinee at 2 p.m.)
The Classical Theatre of Harlem returns after a successful run last holiday season with The First Noel, in collaboration with the Apollo. This year the holiday spectacular makes an unprecedented move to the Apollo’s 1,500-seat Mainstage Theater, having played the Theater’s soundstage for its world premiere in 2015. The Harlem-based holiday musical features music that crosses genres—from pop to jazz to gospel — to tell a universal story of love and belonging. This presentation follows three generations of a Harlem family affected by the tragic loss of a loved one. Time is slow to heal this family’s wounds, until an unexpected visit from Grandma reveals some long-absent Christmas joy. This story is about how a community is healed, one family at a time, as everyday people do extraordinary things to help one another receive the gift of love during the holiday season.
Book, music, and lyrics by Lelund Durond Thompson (founder, YellaFella Entertainment and CTH Artistic Associate) and Jason Michael Webb (Brooklyn Tabernacle, Broadway’s The Color Purple, Motown the Musical, Violet). Steve H. Broadnax III (Dominique Morisseau’s Blood at the Root) serves as director and Brian Harlan Brooks (Motown: The Musical) as choreographer.
Tickets for The First Noel are $30 – $85. Tickets are available at The Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are on sale now.
SIGNATURE PROGRAMS
Amateur Night at the Apollo
Weekly, Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. through November 23, 2016
The Apollo Theater’s signature program, Amateur Night, continues to be a resource for discovering new talent and a defining experience for many emerging artists. The show has launched countless careers since 1934—from Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Michael Jackson, D’Angelo, Jazmine Sullivan, and Lauryn Hill to recent winners like Matthew Whitaker, Machine Gun Kelly, and Matthew Hashimoto. Amateur Night is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company.
Tickets for Amateur Night begin at $21 and are available at The Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are on sale now.
Amateur Night’s 2016 Season runs through November 23 on Wednesday nights at 7:30 p.m. and will feature the following special editions:
Amateur Night Fall Auditions
This season the Apollo extends its search for the next Apollo legend by holding auditions in New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Contestants chosen from these auditions will secure a spot in the Amateur Night season line-up. Singers, dancers, musicians, actors, spoken-word poets and comedians are all encouraged to try out.
Auditions for Amateur Night are as follows:
September 17th in Philadelphia (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Location: Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
300 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
September 24th in NYC (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Location: Apollo Theater
253 West 125th Street
New York, NY 10027
October 1st in Washington, D.C. (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Location: Cramton Auditorium – Howard University
2455 6th St NW
Washington, DC 20059
Amateur Night at the Apollo: Making a Star Edition
Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
On Wednesday, September 21st, the Apollo Theater, in partnership with the Coca-Cola Company, will present Amateur Night at the Apollo: Making a Star, a special edition of the Theater’s signature initiative supporting emerging performing artists. The performance is the culmination of the Theater’s recent nationwide search for the next Apollo legend. Hundreds of up-and-coming vocalists competed in a special New Orleans audition followed by an online audition component for the opportunity to perform on the legendary Apollo stage, where musical icons such as Michael Jackson, James Brown and Lauryn Hill honed their craft. Five Amateur Night: Making a Star winners were chosen from the crop of hopefuls including – Shakar Brumfield (New York, NY), Markus Chatman (Atlanta, GA), Anastia Johnson (Miami, FL), Arrianne Keelen (New Orleans, LA) and Belle Lundon (Houston, TX).
The winners will receive an all-expenses paid trip to New York City where they will perform in the Amateur Night at the Apollo: Making a Star showcase on September 21st. During their stay, they will also receive a recording session in a New York City production studio, a coaching session with Amateur Night producers, and consultations with industry professionals on vocal training, stage presence, make up and styling. The winners’ journey will be filmed by the Apollo for inclusion in the Theater’s first webisodes series.
The Theater launched the first phase of the Amateur Night at the Apollo: Making a Star competition in the summer of 2016 with live auditions in New Orleans, during the 2016 Essence Music Festival. Contestants selected from the live auditions advanced to a semi-final round, where two performers were chosen to perform on the Essence Music Festival mainstage. Judges chose one finalist, the Coca-Cola ‘Share a Coke and a Song’ winner, Arrianne Keelen. The second phase of the competition continued through an online submission process via the competition’s website, and viewers were able to vote on their favorites. Winners were chosen on August 5th and include Shakar Brumfield, Markus Chatman, Anastia Johnson and Belle Lundon.
Tickets for the Amateur Night at the Apollo: Making a Star are $21, $27 and $33. Tickets will be available at The Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are on sale now.
Amateur Night: Super Top Dog
Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Amateur Night culminates its season with the final showdown: Super Top Dog. The winner will receive the title of Super Top Dog and a grand prize of $10,000. In addition, the Child Star of Tomorrow winner will receive $2,000.
Tickets for the Amateur Night Super Top Dog are $23, $34, and $42. Tickets will be available at The Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are on sale now.
Amateur Night Holiday Special
Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Featuring: Apollo Stars of Tomorrow and Special Guest Performers
The Apollo Theater lights up this holiday season with the Apollo Amateur Night Holiday Special, the 6th Annual event under its signature program Amateur Night, showcasing recent winners of the show’s “Apollo Stars of Tomorrow” category. Featuring an incredibly talented array of instrumentalists, singers, and dancers from ages 11-18, this program captures the spirit of young performers all hoping to follow in the footsteps of Apollo Legends like Michael Jackson and Ella Fitzgerald, whose careers were launched on the stage of the Apollo.
Tickets for the Amateur Night Holiday Special are $21, $27, and $33. Tickets will be available at The Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are on sale now.
Apollo Music Café
Monthly, Fridays and Saturdays at 10:00 p.m. (doors open for bar and food at 9:00 p.m.)
Hosted by Jodine Dorce with DJ Hard Hittin Harry
The Apollo Music Café presents forward-thinking artists and draws out equally adventurous audiences, and features diverse performances across a myriad of genres from R&B, hip-hop, soul, jazz, pop, funk, to rock. Presented in the Theater’s intimate Soundstage, the series continues the Apollo’s longstanding commitment to presenting diverse and innovative artistic voices. Since its debut in February 2011, the series has become a staple for a variety of music lovers—from Harlem tastemakers, tourists, to downtown creatives. The Apollo Music Café 2016-2017 season will run monthly on Fridays and Saturdays from October 2016 to June 2017 and feature special editions including Apollo Music Café: Celebrating Ella and Apollo Music Café: Women of the World.
Def Jam at Apollo Music Cafe
Featuring Earl St. Clair and JAHKOY
Friday, October 7, 2016 at 10 p.m.
Def Jam Recordings was founded in 1984 and has represented the very best in cutting edge music and youth culture for over 30 years. The global brand, whose iconic roster included the likes of LL Cool J, Slick Rick, The Beastie Boys and Public Enemy, Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West, began as a maverick independent label inspired by a punk ethos and the emerging sound of hip-hop. Now with more than 30 years under its belt, the legendary label continues to bring in new talent with a current roster of marquee and emerging stars that include Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Nas, Alessia Cara, Frank Ocean, Vince Staples, Big Sean, Jhene Aiko and others.
The iconic label will take over Apollo Music Café on opening night to present their hottest new artists, Earl St. Clair and JAHKOY. With the release of his debut album, Songs About a Girl I Used to Know, Earl St. Clair puts a refreshingly modern twist on the classic soul sound. Laced with grit, his voice has won over fans like Jeremih, Rick Ross and Machine Gun Kelly. Toronto born singer/songwriter and producer, JAHKOY walks well beyond the line of triple threat. Having been labeled as “Artist to Watch” by Billboard and at “The Top of our Playlist” by The Fader, the prowess of his playful genre-blurring productions seems only to be matched by his infectious lyrics and sultry vocals. As a part of the creative collective “1234,” which includes Willow and Jaden Smith, JAHKOY has an expertly crafted collision between R&B and electronic-house. Co-Curated by Def Jam Recordings and Nina Flowers.
Louis York and Friends
Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 10 p.m.
Louis York is the musical collaboration of GRAMMY Award-nominated artists songwriter Claude Kelly and producer Chuck Harmony. The duo have racked up an impressive list of credits including worked with megastars Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Britney and Mary J. Blige. Following up on their debut single “Clair Huxtable,” the pair will release a new EP Fall 2016.
Tank and the Bangas
Friday, November 11, 2016 at 10 p.m.
Award winning New Orleans based band, Tank and The Bangas, reflect all the flair of the swinging city that birthed them. Led by poet Tarriona Tank Ball, this energetic R&B and spoken word band blends the power of a Mississippi revival with the edgy cool of a poet’s cafe.
Kwame Binea Shakedown
Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 10 p.m.
Kwame Binea Shakedown’s brings a night of rhythmic rock and roll, folk, silky soul, screaming blues and funk. Curated by Dwight Jordan
Marcus Machado and Friends
Friday, December 2, 2016 at 10 p.m.
Winner of Rolling Stone’s Next Young Gun contest, Marcus Machado has played along with greats like Buddy Miles, Robert Glasper, Marcus Miller and many more. His unique style blends jazz, funk, hip hop and rock with jaw dropping technique reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix.
Vox Sambou
Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 10 p.m.
Hatian native and founding member of the hip hop collective, Nomadic Massive, Vox Sambou writes and performs traditional rhythms of Haiti mixed with elements of afrobeat, reggae, and hip-hop in Creole, French, English, Spanish and Portuguese.
Dwight and Nicole
Friday, January 13, 2017 at 10 p.m.
Multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter Dwight Ritcher and vocalist Nicole Nelson make up the critically acclaimed indie-soul band DWIGHT & NICOLE. Their recent single “I Need Love” was named one of the top 100 Songs of the Year by the Boston Herald. Nelson has received major accolades with her haunting version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” which became a nationwide hit at #24 on the iTunes pop charts.
JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound
Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 10 p.m.
JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound is a Chicago based soul quintet led by singer JC Brook with guitarist Billy Bungeroth, drummer Kevin Marks, keyboardist Jeremy Tromburg, bassist Theodore Berry and percussionist Jovia Armstrong.
Additional performers and dates for the Apollo Music Cafe season (February 2017 – June 2017) will be announced at a later date.
Tickets for Apollo Music Café are $20 and $15 in advance for the Apollo’s A-List. There is a $10 drink/food minimum for each show. Tickets will be available at the Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are on sale now.
Apollo Comedy Club
Monthly, Thursdays at 10 p.m. (doors open for bar and food at 9 p.m.)
Music by Qool DJ Marv
The Apollo has returned to its comedic roots with Apollo Comedy Club, which launched in October 2015. Presented in partnership with the legendary Bob Sumner (Co-Executive Producer and Talent Producer of Def Comedy Jam, creator of LaffMobb on Aspire), the Apollo Comedy Club features an evening of comedy on the Apollo’s intimate Soundstage starring the best up-and-coming talent in comedy today. The Apollo Comedy Club 2016 – 2017 season will run monthly on Thursdays from October 2016 to June 2017.
Thursday, October 6, 2016 at 10 p.m.
Featuring Lawrence Owens, Trev Houston and Esther Ku
Hosted by Tommy Too Smoov
Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 10 p.m.
Featuring Pat Brown, Nate Jackson and Topp Fliight
Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 10 p.m.
Featuring Larry Lancaster, Kleon Da Comedian and Raydiva
Thursday, January 1, 2016 at 10 p.m.
Featuring Kate Wolff, Suga Sean Riley and Nore Davis
Additional performers and dates for the Apollo Comedy Club season (February 2017 – June 2017) will be announced at a later date.Tickets for Apollo Comedy Club are $20 and $15 in advance for the Apollo’s A-List. There is a $10 drink/food minimum for each show. Tickets will be available at the Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are on sale now.
HOLIDAYS AT THE APOLLO
A celebration of holiday traditions and special programming that includes:
Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland
Saturday, December 3, 2016 from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Before the Apollo Amateur Night Holiday Special, the Apollo and Coca-Cola are partnering to bring the magic of the holiday season to Harlem. Under the Apollo’s iconic marquee, Coca-Cola offers a variety of holiday-themed activities and performances free and open to the public. Hosted by Billy Mitchell, Apollo tour director and in-house historian, festivities include photo opportunities with Santa Claus and free performances by ARC Choir, Backtrack and the St. Luke A.M.E. Church Praise Team.
In the spirit of giving, the Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland also marks the final day of the Apollo’s toy and book drive for children serviced by Our Children’s Foundation, a Harlem-based cultural, social and educational organization. Accepted donations include new or used books, CDs, clothing and toys that are in good condition, suitable for boys and girls ages 3 to 18.
This event is free and open to the public.
Amateur Night Holiday Special
Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Featuring: Apollo Stars of Tomorrow and Special Guest Performances
(For description see page 8, SIGNATURE PROGRAMS: Amateur Night at the Apollo.)
Classical Theatre of Harlem and the Apollo Theater Present The First Noel
December 10 – 18, 2016
(For description see page 6, The First Noel.)
Kwanzaa Celebration: Regeneration Night – Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Forces of Nature Dance Theatre
A Special New Year’s Eve Edition
Saturday, December 31, 2016; 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Featuring: Abdel R. Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, Imhotep Gary Byrd & more
The Apollo Theater celebrates its 10th annual Kwanzaa Celebration, on New Year’s Eve with the renowned New York-based dance company Abdel R. Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre as well as guest performances. Since 2006, the Apollo has established an annual show to celebrate this festive tradition on one day within the week of Kwanzaa. The Apollo’s celebration honors family, community, and culture through of a joyful evening of dance and music. Hosted by radio personality Imhotep Gary Byrd,.
Tickets for Kwanzaa Celebration: Regeneration Night are $20 – $35. Tickets are available at The Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are on sale now.
COMMUNITY & EDUCATION PROGRAMS
The Apollo Theater’s Community and Education Programs extend the Apollo’s commitment to serve as a resource and gathering place for the entire community. The nonprofit Theater’s education program includes events for school children and families, as well as career development for teens and adults through the Apollo Theater Academy. Both the Apollo’s education program and its community program include discussions on cultural and civic issues important to the Harlem community that highlight the history of the Apollo and its impact on American art, culture, and entertainment. Events and programs include:
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Apollo Live Wire
The Apollo Live Wire series was created to invite deeper engagement with the Apollo’s artistic programming. The discussions are recorded and transformed into archived podcasts accessible to the public. Planned Apollo Live Wire events for the Fall/Winter 2016 Season include:
Legendary: A Conversation with Melba Moore, Leslie Uggams & Dionne Warwick
Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.
(For description see pages 3&4 Apollo Live Wire: Legendary)
Apollo Live Wires are free and pre-registration is strongly suggested. Registration opens Monday, September 12. For more information visit www.apolloeducation.org .
Apollo Family Workshop
Apollo Family Workshops are designed to provide families with hands-on experience with the arts. Planned Apollo Family Workshop events for the Fall/Winter 2016 Season include:
Ballet Hispánico: Olé! Flamenco – A Family Flamenco
Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 1 p.m.
Ballet Hispánico presents their signature Flamenco lecture and demonstration for families with children ages 6 and over. The program will include a presentation by two Flamenco dancers and opportunities for audience participation.
Apollo Family Workshops are free and pre-registration is strongly suggested. For registration information visit www.apolloeducation.org.
Apollo Master Class
Apollo Master Class provides half or full day intensives for artists led by arts and entertainment industry professionals. The talent development seminars continue the legacy of the Apollo as a place where artists and entertainers learned the principles and ethics of show business. The seminar curriculum provides participants with guidance on the basic elements of their craft including business and legal considerations, marketing and publicity. Planned Apollo Master Classes for the Fall/Winter 2016 Season include:
Stand-Up Comedy with Leighann Lord
Tuesday, October 18, 2016, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Comedian and author Leighann Lord leads this intensive three-hour class on stand-up comedy through scene study and lively discussion. The class will cover creating and selecting material, delivery and stage presence.
Named one of New York’s 10 Hottest Comics and one of the top 15 comedians in Queens, Leighann Lord has performed all over the world. Leighann’s comedy album, I’ve Got Connections, is played regularly on Sirius satellite radio. She has been a radio/TV co-host on the Emmy-nominated Star Talk with Neil de Grasse Tyson. Leighann is also contributor to the Huffington Post and her blog, The Urban Erma, is the longest running column on StageTimeMag.com. Lord also has writing credit on the pilot of The Chris Rock Show.
This event is $35 p/p. RSVP at www.apolloeducation.org. Registration is open now. Space is limited.
Apollo School Day Live
Apollo School Day Live shows are an interactive experience, which provides new generations of theater-goers with exciting opportunities to learn about the arts, history and culture. Planned Apollo School Day Live events for the Fall/Winter 2016 Season include:
Ballet Hispánico, Performances for Young People
Friday, November 18, 2016 at 10:30 a.m.
Ballet Hispánico, the nation’s premier Latino dance company, returns to Apollo School Day Live with Performances for Young People. The mixed repertory program is presented on the Friday morning of the performance, Línea Recta, a world premiere presented by the Apollo Theater in collaboration with Ballet Hispanico.
For more information on Apollo School Day Live visit www.apolloeducation.org.
Behind the Scenes Career Panels
Career Panels at the Apollo are free and open to the public and take place on-site at the Apollo Theater. Planned Behind the Scenes Career Panels for the Fall/Winter 2016 Season include:
Career Day at the Apollo
Saturday, October 15, 2016, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Apollo will host a career day geared toward high school students interested in careers in the performing arts, media and entertainment. Career Day at the Apollo will provide a full day of workshops and panel discussions alongside additional resources and information for students considering academic or professional pursuits in these industries.
Apollo Career Panels are free and pre-registration is strongly suggested. For registration information visit www.apolloeducation.org.
BMI Latin/How I Wrote That Song
Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.
The Apollo partners again with Broadcast Music, Inc. ® to present BMI’s series “How I Wrote That Song®”. The popular series provides an opportunity for aspiring songwriters and composers to learn about the craft of songwriting from today’s Latin music hit makers. Featured as part of the Apollo’s Behind the Scenes Career Panels, aspiring songwriters and composers will hear about the art of songwriting from some of the industry’s most talented Latin music creators.
Apollo Career Panels are free and pre-registration is strongly suggested. For registration information visit www.apolloeducation.org.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland
Saturday, December 3, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
(For description see pages 11&12: HOLIDAYS AT THE APOLLO)
Apollo Uptown Hall
The Apollo continues to be a natural gathering place and “town hall” for local community residents as well as people from across New York City. This was demonstrated by the huge crowds that gathered under the Theater’s iconic marquee in response to world events such as the 2008 presidential election outcome and the passing of James Brown and Michael Jackson. Launched in September 2012, the Apollo Uptown Hall is a forum for presenting and discussing timely issues relevant to the community, the country, and the world, incorporating video, texting, and live performance to enhance and develop an interactive forum for community gathering and discussion.
Presidential Debate Watch
Monday, September 26, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
(For description see page 3 Apollo Uptown Hall)
Apollo Uptown Hall is free and pre-registration is strongly suggested. Registration is open now. To register, visit www.apollotheater.org .
A Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute
Sunday, January 15, 2017 at 3 p.m.
WNYC’s annual Martin Luther King Day celebration will return to the Apollo for a special edition of the Apollo’s Uptown Hall series. The series brings together community members, leaders, scholars and activists to engage in conversation about Dr. King’s legacy and how his teachings affect us today. WNYC’s Brian Lehrer will co-host this free event.
Apollo Uptown Hall: A Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute is a WNYC and Apollo Theater presentation.Apollo Uptown Halls are free and open to the public. Registration is strong suggested. For more information visit www.apollotheater.org
Follow the Apollo Theater:
Amateur Night at the Apollo is sponsored by Coca-Cola.
Holidays at the Apollo, including the Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland and Kwanzaa Celebration are sponsored by Coca-Cola.
Leadership support for Apollo Education Programs provided by the Ronald O. Perelman Family Foundation, Coca-Cola Foundation and The Jerome L. Greene Foundation. With generous support from Apollo EmpowerHer, Conscious Kids Inc., Con Edison, Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, Insperity, The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation, Ellis L. Phillips Foundation, Pinkerton Foundation, and public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
The Apollo’s 2016-2017 season is made possible by leadership support from Citi, Coca-Cola, Troy and Keisha Dixon, Ford Foundation, The Howard Gilman Foundation, Jerome L. Greene Foundation, Robert K. Kraft, The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation, Merrill Lynch, The Parsons Family Foundation, the Ronald O. Perelman Family Foundation, JoAnn Price, Earl W. and Amanda Stafford, Time Warner Inc., the Reginald Van Lee Fund for New Works, the Apollo Board of Directors, and many other generous donors.
Public support provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
ABOUT THE APOLLO THEATER
The legendary Apollo Theater—the soul of American culture—plays a vital role in cultivating emerging talents and launching legends. Since its founding, the Apollo has served as a center of innovation and a creative catalyst for Harlem, the city of New York, and the world.
With music at its core, the Apollo’s programming extends to dance, theater, performance art, spoken word initiatives, and more. This includes the October 2014 premiere and 2015 international tour of the dance celebration project James Brown: Get on the Good Foot, the annual Africa Now! Festival, Apollo Club Harlem, and the recent New York premiere of the opera Charlie Parker’s YARDBIRD. The Apollo is a presenting organization that also produces festivals, large-scale dance and music works organized around a set of core initiatives: Apollo Music Signature Programs—Amateur Night, Salon Series, Apollo Music Café; Legacy Series— work that celebrates and extends the Apollo’s legacy through a contemporary lens; Global Festivals including the Women of the World (WOW) Festival and Breakin’ Convention, international and U.S.-based artist presentations focused on a specific theme; and Special Projects, multidisciplinary work with partner organizations.
Since introducing the first Amateur Night contests in 1934, the Apollo Theater has served as a testing ground for new artists working across a variety of art forms, and has ushered in the emergence of many new musical genres—including jazz, swing, bebop, R&B, gospel, blues, soul, and hip hop. Among the countless legendary performers who launched their careers at the Apollo are D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, Machine Gun Kelly, Miri Ben Ari, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, and Stevie Wonder; and the Apollo’s forward-looking artistic vision continues to build on this legacy.
The Apollo Theater is a not-for-profit organization with the mission to extend the institution’s role in fostering artistic innovation and in building appreciation of American culture around the world. For more information, visit www.apollotheater.org .
Apollo Theater Information
Box Office Hours:
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri – 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday – 10:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday – 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.