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. With programming that includes new theatrical works, dance, and musical performances, the Apollo’s forward-looking artistic vision continues to build on this legacy.

Take a look to see why the Apollo continues to be the Soul of American Culture.