Following a hugely successful debut in spring 2011, the Apollo Theater announces the highly anticipated line-up for the 2012 season of its Apollo Music Café series. Sponsored by Heineken. 

Apollo Music Café features performances by groundbreaking artists in the intimate, lounge-like setting of the Theater’s third floor Soundstage. The series, which continues the Apollo’s longstanding commitment to presenting diverse and innovative artistic voices, has become a favorite destination for music lovers of all kinds—from Harlem tastemakers to tourists to the downtown hipster set.  Apollo Music Café audiences will experience a mix of unique and creative programs, including live music, and powerful performances by vocalists, spoken word artists, and masterful DJs.  

 

Apollo Music Café Line-Up January – March 2012

Soul Journey: Life in Song featuring Esnavi and Heston

Friday, January 13, 2012*            

Life is the muse inspiring the passionate and soulful sounds bursting from the amazingly talented songstress Esnavi, and heart-warming crooner Heston.  In her sultry, yet electrifying way, Esnavi’s voice wraps around you like a warm blanket, stimulating every pore until the final note.  A guitar-wielding troubadour, whose tenor is as melodious as the island accent of his native tongue, Heston’s music soothes, cajoles, and ultimately envelopes listeners into a sensual atmosphere rich with whispered promises. Curated by Lisa Yancey. 

 

From Urban Soul to Nu Blues featuring Steve Wallace and Muddy Wallace, Jr.

Saturday, January 14, 2012                           

This evening will be a musical journey and musical education, beginning with "The Ambassador of Urban Soul," Steve Wallace moving through the various aspects of soul using his music as a "teaching tool."  The night concludes with an homage to one of the building blocks that Urban Soul is built on, Blues Music.  Performed in the Nu Blues style of Muddy Wallace Jr. Curated by Marko Nobles, InJoy Enterprises.

Pre and post performance music will be provided by Supa DJ King James.

 

Left of Acoustic, Right of Soul featuring Candice Anitra and Jeremy James

Friday, February 10, 2012*                            

A delicious mix of acoustic soul, neither Candice Anitra nor Jeremy James can be put in a box.  When Candice Anitra opens her mouth, thoughts of Joan Armatrading and Meshell Ndegeocello are immediately triggered, but then she lures you into her own unique sound with a seductively raspy voice.  Jeremy James’s melodious soul titillates every fiber of your being.  The harmonious conversation between his voice and guitar creates an authentically groovy sound and completely enriched experience. Curated by Lisa Yancey.   

 

Hip-Hop Revolutionized featuring Bugnanas and MC Invincible                       

Saturday, February 11, 2012  

Pairing hip-hop duo Asa Buchanon and Phase-One of Bugnanas with the spitfire poetics of Detroit-based, social change agent and lyricist MC Invincible, yields an evening of galvanizing beats and scientific wordplay.   All three of these artists are pure alchemists when it comes to taking the fundamentals of hip-hop and remixing it with innovative style and progressive content.  Multi-talented songwriters, producers, and performers, Bugnanas brings masterful storytelling with a touch of soul to hip-hop.  Arguably one of the best MC’s coming out of Detroit, Invincible is a wordsmith genius rooted in community organizing, empowerment, and movement building. Curated by Lisa Yancey.

 

Savory Sounds of R&B featuring Abby Dobson & Bradd Marquis                       

Friday, March 16, 2012*                                

There are artists who sing lovely songs that you enjoy in the moment; but then there are artists whose songs leave imprints on your soul.  They trigger feelings of unabashed excitement, joy, love, and even pain.  Abby Dobson and Bradd Marquis embody these “imprint” type of artists. Abby Dobson’s vocal range and multi-genre influences create captivating sound, and songs are always filled with substance.  Bradd Marquis is this generation’s Sam Cooke and Donny Hathaway.  His performance passion is inspired by lessons learned. Curated by Lisa Yancey. 

 

Betty’s Story: A Tribute to Betty Davis featuring Nucomme                       

Saturday, March 17, 2012*

Staying true to the delightfully raunchy, raw, and lascivious essence of jazz funk innovator Betty Mabry Davis, the ex-wife and muse of Miles Davis, and contemporary of Jimi Hendrix and Sly Stone— this show ain’t for the faint of heart.  Heavily influenced by soul, jazz and blues rhythms, Nucomme performs a classic tale regarding a dynamic artist who struggled during an era when it was not popular to be outspoken about female desires, societal standards, and the politics of the music industry.  Unabashed, sexually charged, and richly layered in funk, soul and R&B, Betty’s Story is a blushingly risqué culmination of all of Nucomme’s musical influences. Curated by Lisa Yancey.  THIS SHOW IS AGE APPROPRIATE. 

  

 

Apollo Music Café is made possible by generous support from Heineken. This program is also supported by the Ford Foundation and  public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.