The Apollo Theater and The Howard Theatre Co-Present Best of The Apollo in Washington, D.C. With Special Performance by Legendary Hip-Hop Duo Clipse
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Chris Spencer to Host Musical Evening Featuring Performances by Matthew Whitaker, Wé Ani, Gabby Samone, and Black Alley
Best of The Apollo brings together two of the most influential stages in American music for one extraordinary night in Washington, D.C., with a portion of the proceeds benefiting The Howard Theatre Foundation and its ongoing commitment to preserving the theatre’s history and cultural impact. The event also celebrates the legacy of Amateur Night at The Apollo, presented by Coca-Cola, and the artists who have shaped the sound of American music across generations. Download assets: HERE
As The Apollo renovates its historic Harlem home, Best of The Apollo brings the energy and tradition of Amateur Night to the Howard Theatre, a natural and significant stage for this moment.
Best of The Apollo featured performers and host include:
Clipse — The Virginia Beach duo returned in 2025 with Let God Sort Em Out, a Pharrell Williams-produced comeback album distributed by Roc Nation that debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200.
Matthew Whitaker — Grammy-winning composer and multi-instrumentalist who won Amateur Night at the Apollo at age 9. He has since performed globally and collaborated with Jon Batiste, Christian McBride, and Anderson .Paak. Videos
Wé Ani — Four-time Amateur Night at the Apollo winner and standout finalist on The Voice and American Idol. Video
Gabby Samone — Top-seven finalist on American Idol. She has performed at the Apollo Theater, appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show and The Kelly Clarkson Show, earning praise from Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, and Missy Elliott, among others. Video
Black Alley — Southeast D.C.-born band known for blending hip-hop, rock, and go-go into their signature “Hood Rock” sound. They are champions of go-go’s recognition as the official music of Washington, D.C. Video
Chris Spencer — The comedian and actor with credits including Uptown Comedy Club, All of Us, The Chris Spencer Show, You Got Served, and Ride Along.
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.
