The Apollo Celebrates Its Next Chapter with Apollo in the Hamptons Weekend
(East Hampton, NY - August 3, 2026)— The Apollo expanded its annual Apollo in the Hamptons benefit into a vibrant weekend of programming that brought together artists, philanthropists, business executives, and cultural leaders to celebrate the institution's growing momentum as it prepares for the reopening of its Historic Theater in 2027.
The weekend featured anexclusive donor appreciation dinner, the inaugural Young Patrons Day Party, andthe annual Apollo in the Hamptons benefit, welcoming hundreds of supporters andgenerating critical support for the Apollo's mission. Together, these eventsunderscored the institution's commitment to championing Black artisticexcellence, deepening community engagement, and investing in the future of oneof America's most iconic cultural landmarks.
"Apollo in the Hamptons demonstrates the extraordinarycommunity that continues to champion The Apollo and our mission. From longtimesupporters to a new generation of patrons, this weekend reflected a sharedbelief in the power of Black artistry, culture, and community. As we looktoward reopening our Historic Theater later this year, we're excited to welcomeeven more artists and audiences into The Apollo's next chapter." said MichelleEbanks, President & CEO of The Apollo.
The weekend commenced on Friday evening with a Private Donor Appreciation Dinner honoring thevisionary philanthropists whose generosity continues to fuel The Apollo'sartistic programming, education initiatives, community impact, and HistoricTheater restoration. Accompanied by a musical journey curated by acclaimedmusician and composer Damien Sneed, the intimate gathering celebrated theenduring partnerships, cultural legacy, and shared commitment shaping TheApollo's future.
On Saturday afternoon,The Apollo welcomed more than 250 philanthropists, entrepreneurs, creatives,and community leaders to its inaugural Young Patrons Day Party. Designedto engage a new generation of supporters, the event brought together emergingleaders for an afternoon of music, connection, and conversation, reflecting TheApollo's commitment to expanding its community of champions and investing inthe institution's future.
The weekend culminatedwith the annual Apollo in the Hamptons benefiton Saturday evening, welcoming nearly 300 artists, philanthropists, businessleaders, elected officials, and cultural visionaries to Si Si at EHP Resort& Marina. The signature event raised critical support for The Apollo'syear-round artistic and educational programs, community engagement efforts, andthe restoration of its Historic Theater, while celebrating the institution'senduring legacy and bold vision for the years ahead.
Guests enjoyed performances by DJ Aktive, Brownstone, Estelle, Bobby Brown, and DJ Cassidy, alongside remarks from Charles E. Phillips, Chair of The Apollo Board of Directors; Patricia M. Zollar, Vice Chair of The Apollo Board of Directors; Michelle Ebanks, President and CEO, and Joy Profet, Chief Growth Officer.
Held just weeks after the relighting of The Apollo's iconic marquee—the first public milestone in the Historic Theater transformation—the annual benefit celebrated The Apollo's enduring legacy while reflecting the extraordinary momentum leading into its next chapter.
Designed by acclaimed architect George Keister and constructed in 1913–1914, The Apollo's Historic Theater has stood as one of the nation's mostinfluential cultural landmarks and has been a New York City Landmark since1983. The restoration and modernization project—the most comprehensive in theinstitution's history—will expand opportunities for artists, audiences, and the Harlem community through improved infrastructure, enhanced accessibility,greater artistic flexibility, and new artistic, educational, and communityinitiatives, ensuring The Apollo continues to inspire future generations ofartists and audiences.
Apollo in the Hamptons was made possible through the generous support ofCharles and Karen Phillips, American Airlines, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Carlosand Adora Whitaker, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, Howard Schiffman and KristyLe, HSBC Bank, Influence Media Partners, JPMorganChase, PNC Bank, andVisa/Frank and Nina Cooper.
About The Apollo
The Apollo is an American cultural treasure. It is a vibrant non-profit organization rooted in the Harlem community that engages people from around New York, the nation, and the world. Since 1934, The Apollo has celebrated, created, and presented work that centers Black artists and voices from across the African Diaspora. It has also been a catalyst for social and civic advocacy. Today, The Apollo is the largest performing arts institution committed to Black culture and creativity.
The Apollo is a commissioner and presenter; catalyst for new artists, audiences, and creative workforce; and partner in the projection of the African American narrative and its role in the development of American and global culture.
The Apollo envisions a new American canon centered on contributions to the performing arts by artists of the African diaspora, in America and beyond.
