Doors Open
Show Starts
Ages
Where
Apollo Mainstage
Price
Share
Event Date
June 19, 2020
Event Time
Awards Presentation & Concert
Dinner & Dancing
Location
Apollo Mainstage
Buy Tickets
Download Program Booklet
Friday, June 19, 2020
Let us march on, ’til victory is won
The Apollo Theater commemorates Juneteenth and the liberation of enslaved African-Americans on June 19, 1865. On this day, we honor the lives and contributions of our ancestors and their fortitude that paved the way for the innovation, thought leadership, creativity and culture that the Apollo embodies today. We offer these resources, performances, and guides for young people based on past Apollo Theater productions, with the hope that they will be useful if you are seeking ways to engage in conversations and activities around race and injustice during this time.
A Statement from Executive Producer Kamilah Forbes:
In 1934, the year the Apollo Theater was founded, W.E.B. DuBois came to New York City and gave a speech stating that it was imperative that the African-American community “found its own institutions, to educate its genius, and at the same time, without mob violence or extremes of race hatred, to keep in helpful touch and cooperate with the mass of the nation.“
It was the same year the country was reeling from one of the highest rates of unemployment in our history and in the midst of the Great Depression, while also reckoning with public lynchings that were taking place across our country.
During that same period, Billie Holiday took to the Apollo Theater stage and sang Lewis Allen’s poem “Strange Fruit,” one of America’s most important protest songs.
The Apollo Theater has a deep history of nurturing Black artistic genius, promoting artistic excellence and Black artistic excellence as a foundation of American culture. We have always understood the relationship to culture and American citizenship.
Long before politicians passed civil rights legislations and voters went to the ballot box to elect the first Black president, Black artists and audiences thrived in the safety and love and creative spaces of the Apollo Theater as a way of celebrating their humanity and heritage.
The Apollo has never wavered, always believing that Black Art is paramount and that All Black Lives Matter.
And today our relevance and urgency couldn’t ring more true.
-Kamilah Forbes
Apollo Theater Resources
Ta-Nehisi Coates' Between the World and Me: A Resource Guide
This Resource Guide was created to integrate the book Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates and the subsequent Apollo theatrical production into classroom curriculum. Each lesson in the Resource Guide references themes discussed in the book. The Guide provides supporting resources and references inclusive of literature and poetry, film and video, works of art and music, and a review and interview with Coates.
View Resource Guide
Apollo Uptown Hall: Movement Required - A Community Conversation
Educators examine racism’s impact on law enforcement, education, and other civil services during Apollo Uptown Hall: Movement Required. This community conversation featured Marc Bamuthi Joseph, founding Program Director of Youth Speaks; Jason Osder, GWU assistant professor; Rachel Shapiro, NYC DOE Manhattan Borough Arts Director for the Office of Arts and Special Projects, and other notable activists and advocates. Apollo Uptown Hall: Movement Required was motivated by the themes from the Apollo and Opera Philadelphia’s October 2017 opera, We Shall Not Be Moved.
Watch Here
Opera Philadelphia's We Shall Not Be Moved
Inspired by the 1985 MOVE crisis in Philadelphia where a standoff between police and a Black liberation group resulted in the deadly bombing of a residential neighborhood, this production explores that legacy today through the lives of five Philly teens who find power in family and resistance. CLICK HERE to view an interactive timeline highlighting social movements and events that occurred in the United States.
CLICK HERE to view the Student Study Guide.
Watch Full Performance
More Friends of the Apollo
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
Friday, June 19, 2pm ET / Virtual Event
This online event will feature music from Rootstock Republic, premiering a new arrangement of “Strange Fruit” the seminal song, made famous by Billie Holiday; an engaging dialogue with Chef and Historian Therese Nelson,Dr. Andrea Roberts, founder of Texas Freedom Colonies Project and two descendants of Texas’s Freedom Colonies–Fred McCray, and Lareatha Clay; and a celebration of Juneteenth through food with Chef and TV personality Carla Hall.
Along with Juneteenth festivities, Schomburg is hosting a teach-in on Tuesday, June 23, at 5 p.m. Brian Jones, Associate Director of Education at the Schomburg Center, will discuss abolitionist education with renowned authors, professors, and leaders from around the nation. In addition to these events, the Schomburg Center has compiled a Black Liberation Reading List, which can be found on their website.
Juneteenth Jubilee
Friday, June 19, 3pm ET / Harlem
The Blacksmiths & Intersectional Voices Collectives welcome all Black people, with special attention to Black queer and Trans people, in commemorating a rich history of Black music and activism in Harlem. Attendees are advised to wear white with a touch of red and remember their masks. The Blacksmiths & Intersectional Voices Collectives remind participants to take safety precautions while embracing the spirit of celebration. Festivities will include song, dance, speech, and a symbolic march.
Performers: Wynton Marsalis, Stretch Armstrong, Vuyo Sotashe, Ayanna Heaven, DJ Bianca, DJ Funmi, Marquis Hill, Michael Mwenso, C. Anthony Bryant, Shenel Johns, Bruce Harris, Jacqueline Acevedo, Linda Briceno, Savannah Harris, Giveton Gellin, Kyle Poole, Mathis Picard, and more.
Grand Marshall: George Faison
Route: Starting at 110th Street and Malcom X Blvd. North on Malcolm X, West on 125 to Frederick Douglass, North to 135, East back to Malcolm X, North to 145, West to St. Nick, down to St. Nick Park entrance at 135.
International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD)
Friday, June 19th, 4pm ET / Virtual Event
In celebration of Juneteenth and Black Music Month, IABD invites you to experience a virtual roundtable discussion celebrating Black Dance and Black Music’s relationship with each other and its connection to Resistance, Revolution, Resilience and Remembrance. With guests Jamal Story (Independent Artist-Lead Guest), Tonya Amos (Grown Women Collective), Cleo Parker Robinson (Cleo Parker Robinson Dance), Melanie George (Independent Jazz Dance Artist/Choreographer), E. Moncell Durden (USC Kaufman School of Dance) and Pat Taylor (Jazz Antiqua).
Tune In
27th Annual Juneteenth Walk
Saturday, June 20th, 10am ET / Harlem
Join this long standing Harlem tradition in recognizing Juneteenth as the oldest known celebration of the emancipation of slavery. The walk will conclude with speakers outside of the State Office Building located at 163 West 125th Street. Masks will be required and social distancing rules apply.
Line up begins: 10am
Walk begins: 11am
Location: 116th Street between Malcolm X Blvd and 7th Ave.
Sponsors
No items found.
Friday, June 19, 2020
Doors Open
Show Starts
Ages
Where
Apollo Mainstage
Event Date
June 19, 2020
Event Time
Awards Presentation & Concert
Dinner & Dancing
Location
Apollo Mainstage
Share
Buy Tickets
Download Program Booklet
Sponsors
No items found.
Let us march on, ’til victory is won
The Apollo Theater commemorates Juneteenth and the liberation of enslaved African-Americans on June 19, 1865. On this day, we honor the lives and contributions of our ancestors and their fortitude that paved the way for the innovation, thought leadership, creativity and culture that the Apollo embodies today. We offer these resources, performances, and guides for young people based on past Apollo Theater productions, with the hope that they will be useful if you are seeking ways to engage in conversations and activities around race and injustice during this time.
A Statement from Executive Producer Kamilah Forbes:
In 1934, the year the Apollo Theater was founded, W.E.B. DuBois came to New York City and gave a speech stating that it was imperative that the African-American community “found its own institutions, to educate its genius, and at the same time, without mob violence or extremes of race hatred, to keep in helpful touch and cooperate with the mass of the nation.“
It was the same year the country was reeling from one of the highest rates of unemployment in our history and in the midst of the Great Depression, while also reckoning with public lynchings that were taking place across our country.
During that same period, Billie Holiday took to the Apollo Theater stage and sang Lewis Allen’s poem “Strange Fruit,” one of America’s most important protest songs.
The Apollo Theater has a deep history of nurturing Black artistic genius, promoting artistic excellence and Black artistic excellence as a foundation of American culture. We have always understood the relationship to culture and American citizenship.
Long before politicians passed civil rights legislations and voters went to the ballot box to elect the first Black president, Black artists and audiences thrived in the safety and love and creative spaces of the Apollo Theater as a way of celebrating their humanity and heritage.
The Apollo has never wavered, always believing that Black Art is paramount and that All Black Lives Matter.
And today our relevance and urgency couldn’t ring more true.
-Kamilah Forbes
Apollo Theater Resources
Ta-Nehisi Coates' Between the World and Me: A Resource Guide
This Resource Guide was created to integrate the book Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates and the subsequent Apollo theatrical production into classroom curriculum. Each lesson in the Resource Guide references themes discussed in the book. The Guide provides supporting resources and references inclusive of literature and poetry, film and video, works of art and music, and a review and interview with Coates.
View Resource Guide
Apollo Uptown Hall: Movement Required - A Community Conversation
Educators examine racism’s impact on law enforcement, education, and other civil services during Apollo Uptown Hall: Movement Required. This community conversation featured Marc Bamuthi Joseph, founding Program Director of Youth Speaks; Jason Osder, GWU assistant professor; Rachel Shapiro, NYC DOE Manhattan Borough Arts Director for the Office of Arts and Special Projects, and other notable activists and advocates. Apollo Uptown Hall: Movement Required was motivated by the themes from the Apollo and Opera Philadelphia’s October 2017 opera, We Shall Not Be Moved.
Watch Here
Opera Philadelphia's We Shall Not Be Moved
Inspired by the 1985 MOVE crisis in Philadelphia where a standoff between police and a Black liberation group resulted in the deadly bombing of a residential neighborhood, this production explores that legacy today through the lives of five Philly teens who find power in family and resistance. CLICK HERE to view an interactive timeline highlighting social movements and events that occurred in the United States.
CLICK HERE to view the Student Study Guide.
Watch Full Performance
More Friends of the Apollo
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
Friday, June 19, 2pm ET / Virtual Event
This online event will feature music from Rootstock Republic, premiering a new arrangement of “Strange Fruit” the seminal song, made famous by Billie Holiday; an engaging dialogue with Chef and Historian Therese Nelson,Dr. Andrea Roberts, founder of Texas Freedom Colonies Project and two descendants of Texas’s Freedom Colonies–Fred McCray, and Lareatha Clay; and a celebration of Juneteenth through food with Chef and TV personality Carla Hall.
Along with Juneteenth festivities, Schomburg is hosting a teach-in on Tuesday, June 23, at 5 p.m. Brian Jones, Associate Director of Education at the Schomburg Center, will discuss abolitionist education with renowned authors, professors, and leaders from around the nation. In addition to these events, the Schomburg Center has compiled a Black Liberation Reading List, which can be found on their website.
Juneteenth Jubilee
Friday, June 19, 3pm ET / Harlem
The Blacksmiths & Intersectional Voices Collectives welcome all Black people, with special attention to Black queer and Trans people, in commemorating a rich history of Black music and activism in Harlem. Attendees are advised to wear white with a touch of red and remember their masks. The Blacksmiths & Intersectional Voices Collectives remind participants to take safety precautions while embracing the spirit of celebration. Festivities will include song, dance, speech, and a symbolic march.
Performers: Wynton Marsalis, Stretch Armstrong, Vuyo Sotashe, Ayanna Heaven, DJ Bianca, DJ Funmi, Marquis Hill, Michael Mwenso, C. Anthony Bryant, Shenel Johns, Bruce Harris, Jacqueline Acevedo, Linda Briceno, Savannah Harris, Giveton Gellin, Kyle Poole, Mathis Picard, and more.
Grand Marshall: George Faison
Route: Starting at 110th Street and Malcom X Blvd. North on Malcolm X, West on 125 to Frederick Douglass, North to 135, East back to Malcolm X, North to 145, West to St. Nick, down to St. Nick Park entrance at 135.
International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD)
Friday, June 19th, 4pm ET / Virtual Event
In celebration of Juneteenth and Black Music Month, IABD invites you to experience a virtual roundtable discussion celebrating Black Dance and Black Music’s relationship with each other and its connection to Resistance, Revolution, Resilience and Remembrance. With guests Jamal Story (Independent Artist-Lead Guest), Tonya Amos (Grown Women Collective), Cleo Parker Robinson (Cleo Parker Robinson Dance), Melanie George (Independent Jazz Dance Artist/Choreographer), E. Moncell Durden (USC Kaufman School of Dance) and Pat Taylor (Jazz Antiqua).
Tune In
27th Annual Juneteenth Walk
Saturday, June 20th, 10am ET / Harlem
Join this long standing Harlem tradition in recognizing Juneteenth as the oldest known celebration of the emancipation of slavery. The walk will conclude with speakers outside of the State Office Building located at 163 West 125th Street. Masks will be required and social distancing rules apply.
Line up begins: 10am
Walk begins: 11am
Location: 116th Street between Malcolm X Blvd and 7th Ave.
suggested Events
No available events at the moment.
Join THE A-LIST
Plus, get 5% off at The Apollo Gift Shop!
Subscribe and be the first in line! Receive updates for your favorite events and stay in the know about Apollo news and initiatives.
Register Now
The Apollo mainstage
Accessible Seating
The Apollo’s Historic Theater has 12 wheelchair seating locations available for every show, all on the Orchestra seating level. Tickets for wheelchair seating locations can be purchased at The Apollo Theater box office or on Ticketmaster.
Four wheelchair seating locations will be reserved until the day of each performance.Each seating level is accessible via the elevator inside The Apollo’s Historic Theater. Guests should be aware of the small steps leading toward the Mezzanine and Balcony seating levels. Depending on the guest’s ticket location for these two levels, additional walking may be required. If guests are not able to travel up and down steps, tickets for events should be purchased for the Orchestra level.
Four wheelchair seating locations will be reserved until the day of each performance.Each seating level is accessible via the elevator inside The Apollo’s Historic Theater. Guests should be aware of the small steps leading toward the Mezzanine and Balcony seating levels. Depending on the guest’s ticket location for these two levels, additional walking may be required. If guests are not able to travel up and down steps, tickets for events should be purchased for the Orchestra level.
VICTORIA THEATER 1
Accessible Seating
Victoria Theater 1 is a 199-seat flexible black box theater that can be transformed into a myriad of configurations and styles. It features an intimate lounge-like space that is ideal for stage productions, concerts, panel discussions, commercial shoots and private functions.
JONELLE PROCOPE THEATER
Accessible Seating
The Jonelle Procope Theater, named in honor of the former Apollo President/CEO, is a 99-seat flexible black box theater that can be transformed into a myriad of configurations and styles. It features an intimate lounge-like space that is ideal for intimate concerts, panel conversations, commercial shoots, private functions, exhibits, or installations.
The Apollo mainstage
Accessible Seating
The Apollo’s Historic Theater has 12 wheelchair seating locations available for every show, all on the Orchestra seating level. Tickets for wheelchair seating locations can be purchased at The Apollo Theater box office or on Ticketmaster.
Four wheelchair seating locations will be reserved until the day of each performance.Each seating level is accessible via the elevator inside The Apollo’s Historic Theater. Guests should be aware of the small steps leading toward the Mezzanine and Balcony seating levels. Depending on the guest’s ticket location for these two levels, additional walking may be required. If guests are not able to travel up and down steps, tickets for events should be purchased for the Orchestra level.
Four wheelchair seating locations will be reserved until the day of each performance.Each seating level is accessible via the elevator inside The Apollo’s Historic Theater. Guests should be aware of the small steps leading toward the Mezzanine and Balcony seating levels. Depending on the guest’s ticket location for these two levels, additional walking may be required. If guests are not able to travel up and down steps, tickets for events should be purchased for the Orchestra level.
Upcoming Events
Aug 11
Aug 11 to Jun 30, 2026
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria Laura and Frank Baker Gallery
Got To Be There: The Apollo, Its People, and Its Stories
Step behind the curtain of the world-famous Apollo Theater. Located at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria’s Laura & Frank Baker Gallery, Got To Be There: The Apollo, Its People, and Its Stories is a first of its kind exhibition curated by The Apollo Archives. This collection of rare photographs, video recordings, and artifacts offers a rare glimpse into The Apollo’s 91 year history.
Free and open to the public with select viewings and conversations throughout the season, this stunning exhibition offers a glimpse into the many roles that The Apollo has played and continues to play in service to the arts, the Harlem community, and global pop culture at large.
Open Daily 10am – 6pm & 2 hours before curtain during performances
Dec 11
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Apollo Comedy Club - December
Featuring PAULA "THE TROPHY WIFE" CLARKE, UNCLE G. & MARK GREGORY
HOSTED BY MEMPHIS WILL
Jumpstart your weekend with a fun night of laughter, drinks, and tasty bites with the best up and coming talent in comedy today. Curated by Bob Sumner (legendary producer of Def Comedy Jam, creator of Laff Mobb on Aspire), The Apollo Comedy Club presents a night of comedic sets that will have you rolling in laughter.
Perfect for date night, or a night out with friends, don’t miss your chance to heat up your Thursday with the hottest ticket in Harlem.
Dec 12
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Du’Bois A’Keen
Singer and songwriter Du’Bois A’Keen and friends perform a mix of contemporary gospel in this spirt-lifting night of music. The concert includes excerpts from Du’Bois’ commissioned work with the dance company Alvin Ailey entitled “Sacred Songs”. A’Keen’s effortless range accompanied by guests vocalists creates an experience that is a salve for the soul.
Dec 13
Procope Theater
Ayana George Jackson
Broadway’s acclaimed vocalist AYANA GEORGE JACKSON takes the stage to deliver a night of pop, soul and gospel. Ayana (fresh from MJ on Broadway) takes center stage for a powerful night of music and down-to-earth ‘sangin!
Dec 15
Dec 15 & 16
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Shoshana Bean
Straight from her Carnegie Hall headlining debut and the release of her 4th studio album Only Smoke, Shoshana Bean returns to The Apollo to continue her holiday tradition with an evening of Christmas favorites.
This time in the intimate café style setting of The Apollo Stages at The Victoria, don’t miss the opportunity to bring in the holiday season with this Grammy Award-winning, Tony-nominated powerhouse. Tickets will sell out, don’t wait!
Show Times:
Dec 15 - 7:30 PM (Sold Out)
Dec 16 - 7 PM & 9:30 PM
Dec 19
Dec 19 & 20, 2025
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Amateur Night Holiday Special
Bring in the holiday season with this very special edition of Amateur Night Holiday Special at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria. This family-friendly evening showcases talented alumni of the Apollo’s long-running signature series. The program captures the spirit of young performers all hoping to follow in the footsteps of Apollo Legends like Ella Fitzgerald and H.E.R., whose careers were launched on the stage of The Apollo.
Feb 12
Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Apollo Comedy Club - February
Featuring ONIKA MCLEAN, MARK SIMMONS, STEPHON RAICKETT
HOSTED BY MUGGA
Jumpstart your weekend with a fun night of laughter, drinks, and tasty bites with the best up and coming talent in comedy today. Curated by Bob Sumner (legendary producer of Def Comedy Jam, creator of Laff Mobb on Aspire), The Apollo Comedy Club presents a night of comedic sets that will have you rolling in laughter.
Perfect for date night, or a night out with friends, don’t miss your chance to heat up your Thursday with the hottest ticket in Harlem. Doors open at 9pm; Showtime is 10pm. There is a $10 food/beverage minimum.
Apollo Comedy Club is part of The Apollo’s Winter/Spring 2026 season.
Feb 13
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Nia Drummond
Singer, songwriter, pianist, and historian Nia Drummond moves fluidly through opera, jazz, soul, gospel, and spirituals — genres that form the living archive of Black musical expression. In this month of Black History and Love, join Nia for an evening of music that lives at the crossroads of tradition and transformation.
Mar 5
Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Apollo Comedy Club - March
Featuring JOEY B., KHRISTIN Y.S.F. BROOKS, COMEDIAN BUDDY LOVE
HOSTED BY DREW FRASER
Jumpstart your weekend with a fun night of laughter, drinks, and tasty bites with the best up and coming talent in comedy today. Curated by Bob Sumner (legendary producer of Def Comedy Jam, creator of Laff Mobb on Aspire), The Apollo Comedy Club presents a night of comedic sets that will have you rolling in laughter.
Perfect for date night, or a night out with friends, don’t miss your chance to heat up your Thursday with the hottest ticket in Harlem. Doors open at 9pm; Showtime is 10pm. There is a $10 food/beverage minimum.
Apollo Comedy Club is part of The Apollo’s Winter/Spring 2026 season.
Mar 6
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Alex Tyree
Turn down the lights and get ready for a night of Quiet Storm with singer and songwriter Alex Tyree. With lush vocals and unhurried melodies, Alex creates a night of music written in the sacred language of life and love.
Mar 26
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Melanin Madness Film Screening
Celebrate Women’s History Month with The Apollo and Harlem-based film collective Melanin Madness. After a sold-out 2025 Halloween-themed screening, we’re running it back, this time for the ladies. As always and in true Apollo fashion, the audience is a part of the experience so grab your crew and get ready to talk back, cheer and join the party in this evening of community, culture, and fun.
About Melanin Madness:
MELANIN MADNESS interactive screenings turn classic and cult films into full-on cultural celebrations! With props, character cards, and playful hosts, audiences shout lines, sip on keywords, and dive into the joy of cinema—loud, proud, and in community! Led by Obie-Award Winner Eric Lockley (The Movement Theatre Company, Harlem9), his team of multidisciplinary artists have been creating immersive theater collectively for over 5 years. Featuring: Jovany Andujar (NYC Educator), Dolores Pereira (Culture curator, Co-founder of Loud and Lyfted and DND:Two Queens Doing Things) and Jordon Waters (TheyGotTime Productions, creator of The Art of Killin’ It and Party Killer). Past partnerships include Maysles Cinema with screenings of Octavia Spencer’s villainous turn in MA, the hilarious Halle Berry cult-classic BAPS and the spectacular Jenifer Lewis’ Jackie’s Back as a tipsy sing-along. Come have a drink, laugh and engage!
Apr 9
Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Apollo Comedy Club - April
Featuring SOFIA NEGRON, DEZZ WHITE, SHAWN HARVEY
HOSTED BY LARRY LANCASTER
Jumpstart your weekend with a fun night of laughter, drinks, and tasty bites with the best up and coming talent in comedy today. Curated by Bob Sumner (legendary producer of Def Comedy Jam, creator of Laff Mobb on Aspire), The Apollo Comedy Club presents a night of comedic sets that will have you rolling in laughter.
Perfect for date night, or a night out with friends, don’t miss your chance to heat up your Thursday with the hottest ticket in Harlem. Doors open at 9pm; Showtime is 10pm. There is a $10 food/beverage minimum.
Apollo Comedy Club is part of The Apollo’s Winter/Spring 2026 season.
box office
Support The Apollo
VISITOR INFORMATION
WEEKDAYS
10AM - 5PM
WEEKEND
Closed
*Tickets: Get tickets online through Ticketmaster.com or in person at The Apollo Stages at the Victoria Box Office
*Group Sales: To book your group of 10 or more, contact group.sales@apollotheater.org
(212) 531-5305
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
233 W 125th St, Third Floor
New York, NY 10027
New York, NY 10027
*Tickets: Get tickets online through Ticketmaster.com or in person at The Apollo Stages at the Victoria Box Office
*Group Sales: To book your group of 10 or more, contact group.sales@apollotheater.org
WEEKDAYS
10AM - 5PM
WEEKEND
Closed
Accessibility
The Apollo is here for everyone. Artists, audiences, and all supporters should be able to experience The Apollo fully and in a way that is comfortable for them.
The Apollo has taken comprehensive steps to ensure that entrances, seating, restrooms, and more are as accessible and compliant as possible. Learn more about accessibility options and support services that might be right for you.
Learn More
All persons and bags are subject to search. Bags that have passed inspection must fit comfortably under your seat. Oversized bags are prohibited.
No outside food or beverage. Accommodations are made for patrons with medical needs. Please email access@apollotheater.org or call the box office at (212) 531-5305 for assistance.
