PRESS
For general press, media and photo queries, email press@apollotheater.org

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts today announced the selection of five Honorees who will receive the 47th Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime artistic achievements. Recipients to be honored at the annual national celebration of the arts in Washington, D.C. this December are: acclaimed director and filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola; legendary American rock band the Grateful Dead (Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, Bobby Weir); blues rock singer-songwriter and guitarist Bonnie Raitt; jazz trumpeter, pianist, and composer Arturo Sandoval; and The Apollo, which will receive a special Honors as an iconic American institution. Done+Dusted are Executive Producers of the 47th annual Kennedy Center Honors, which airs on the CBS Television Network for the 47th year and will stream on Paramount+*

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The Apollo unveils designs for full-scale revitalization of its Historic Theater, renovating, restoring, and modernizing the institution for first time in 90 years
Jul 25, 2024
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The Kennedy Center Announces 47th Class of Honorees Francis Ford Coppola, Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt, Arturo Sandoval, and The Apollo
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July 19, 2024
New York Times: Kennedy Center Honorees Include Francis Ford Coppola and The Apollo
July 2, 2024
Caribbean Life: Soca sensation Machel Montano to bring carnival vibes to The Apollo
June 12, 2024
Vogue: The Apollo Celebrates 90 Years With Usher, Babyface, and a Star-Studded Concert
June 12, 2024
New York Times: Kathy Hochul, Usher and Babyface Turn Out for the Apollo
June 11, 2024
Good Morning America 3: D-Nice chats about Apollo Theater's Spring Benefit
View All Press Releases

President StatementS

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Michelle Ebanks
President & CEO, The Apollo

Dear Apollo Family,

As I write this, I am filled with gratitude, excitement, and a deep sense of honor to be a part of this transformative moment with The Apollo.

Six months into my role, I’m consistently moved by our rich history and the steadfast commitment of our incredible team. The collective efforts of my predecessor Jonelle Procope, the Board of Directors, staff, artists, and our beloved audiences have propelled us to new heights, surpassing significant milestones in our capital campaign and setting the stage for our next chapter.

Our mission is clear: to be the epicenter of Black culture, embracing both emerging talents and established legends, supporting artists at every stage of their career. The Apollo Stages at The Victoria, opening this February, will allow us to continue building upon that mission. This is not just a physical expansion, but an expansion of what’s possible—and of the myriad of ways The Apollo might foster artistic expression, inclusivity, and community engagement.

As we conclude this momentous year and prepare to celebrate The Apollo’s 90th anniversary, our commitment extends far beyond the stage. We are dedicated to deepening our roots in the community and expanding our role as a civic and economic cornerstone of Harlem, providing a space for critical conversations, and serving as a cultural leader within New York City and the global community. The enduring spirit and dedication to excellence at The Apollo will propel us into an exhilarating new chapter where culture takes shape.

Your generous, ongoing support enables The Apollo to amplify our impact and adapt to the changing needs of Harlem and the greater cultural community. With your help, we can continue to innovate and expand, providing the experiences that audiences, students, and educators have come to expect. If you are able, please consider supporting The Apollo here or be amongst the first to make The Apollo Stages at The Victoria a part of your legacy with a signature seat here.I look forward to seeing you at The Apollo soon.

Warm regards,
Michelle Ebanks
President & CEO
The Apollo

Dec. 2023
Kamilah Forbes
Executive Producer, The Apollo

Dear Apollo Family,

As I write this, I am filled with gratitude, excitement, and a deep sense of honor to be a part of this transformative moment with The Apollo.

Six months into my role, I’m consistently moved by our rich history and the steadfast commitment of our incredible team. The collective efforts of my predecessor Jonelle Procope, the Board of Directors, staff, artists, and our beloved audiences have propelled us to new heights, surpassing significant milestones in our capital campaign and setting the stage for our next chapter.

Our mission is clear: to be the epicenter of Black culture, embracing both emerging talents and established legends, supporting artists at every stage of their career. The Apollo Stages at The Victoria, opening this February, will allow us to continue building upon that mission. This is not just a physical expansion, but an expansion of what’s possible—and of the myriad of ways The Apollo might foster artistic expression, inclusivity, and community engagement.

I look forward to seeing you at The Apollo soon.

Warm regards,

Aldo Scrofani
President & CEO
The Apollo

Dec. 2023
Kamilah Forbes
Kamilah Forbes
Executive Producer, The Apollo
2022

THE NEXT MOVEMENT

Dear Apollo Family,

Over the past several years, our lives have changed in many ways. Faced with a range of challenges, we forged new paths, tried new things, and found new ways to move forward. I am proud to be part of a historic institution that has always met the challenge of advancing our culture forward. The Apollo has built a dynamic platform for the elevation of Black voices and creativity through inspired innovation and a commitment to artistic excellence—forging a powerful legacy of forward movement. This fall we celebrate that ongoing tradition and look to the future with a season titled The Next Movement.  

The Next Movement’s vibrant programming is led by trailblazing Black artists and thought leaders. Camille A. Brown and Dancers continue our commitment to dance culture with ink, part of Brown’s canon-building movement trilogy celebrating self-empowerment and resilience—now presented in full for the first time, in partnership with the Joyce Theater and featuring Brown’s final performances as a dancer in this repertory.

Tomorrow, we launch our Arts & Ideas series, its mission is providing resonant access to groundbreaking thinkers and cultural figures. The series kicks off with fashion industry icon Edward Enninful, who, in advance of his coming memoir A Visible Man, discusses his unprecedented career path and role as a champion of inclusivity with renowned Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o.  Later in the season, and in recognition of the upcoming 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, multi-platinum artist, philanthropist, and South Bronx native Fat Joe will share intimate stories from his new memoir, The Book of Jose.

Moving forward in our mission to amplify Africa’s rich influence on worldwide contemporary culture, next month Malian musician Oumou Sangaré, in partnership with World Music Institute, makes her Apollo debut—and a rare U.S. appearance—in a one-night-only performance.

Nothing speaks more meaningfully to forward movement than broadening the experiences of young people. Our School Day Live program this fall looks at the origins and history of the blues, with a live orchestra, and following a two-year hiatus, our teaching artists return to meet NYC students in their schools.  Because learning is a lifelong process, we invite educators and the public to workshops led by Camille A. Brown & Dancers, and as part of the Apollo’s Live Wire series, we’ll take a deep dive into Hip Hop Style with local choreographers and the Fashion Institute of Technology.

We invite you to discover or revisit Apollo favorites including Amateur Night at the Apollo, the incubator of major talent and one of America’s longest-running events; the Kwanzaa:Regeneration Celebration featuring Abdel R. Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre; the Apollo Music Café; Comedy Club; and community events for all ages.

Our three-year Master Artist in Residence program, inaugurated with Ta-Nehisi Coates and now in its second iteration, supports the creation of new artistic and civic works moving us all towards a diverse 21st century American performing arts canon. The program continues with current resident, Grammy and Emmy-nominated musician/producer Kamasi Washington.

Speaking of next movement, The Apollo will soon expand, welcoming audiences to an exciting new space just down the street. The Apollo’s Victoria, a renovated former movie and vaudeville house, will house two new black-box theaters for a range of Apollo programs, add administrative offices, and offer subsidized rental opportunities for community and non-profit arts organizations. Like all New Yorkers, we couldn’t be happier to have more space!

The Apollo is always in motion, offering illuminating and joyful experiences that center and amplify Black voices. We invite you to experience The Next Movement and join us on our amazing journey forward!

Kamilah Forbes
Executive Producer

2021

THE RENAISSANCE IS NOW

We build our temples for tomorrow, strong as we know how, and we stand on top of the mountain, free within ourselves.”  The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain, Langston Hughes

I believe that history is cyclical.  Like the Harlem Renaissance – which emerged out of the darkness of an authoritarian leadership regime, a major migration that dramatically impacted the demographics of who we are as America, and a global health pandemic – this moment in time again stands as a turning point for a new revival of artistic, creative, and innovative expression that has been inspired by the truths exposed in the wake of our current pandemics.

For the past few months, I have been inspired and motivated by the work and words of critically acclaimed dramaturg, director, historian and Apollo New Works artist Talvin Wilks, who shared:

Does a movement exist if there is no one to write about it, to document it, to claim it? The genius of Alain Locke and W.E.B. Du Bois and the impact of Crisis Magazine and Opportunity curated one of the greatest foundations of beauty, art, and propaganda. Let us remind ourselves that the anti-Black machinery in this nation was profound – restrictions on voting to the defense of lynchings – all happening at the same time as the Harlem Renaissance. It is against this backdrop that the Harlem Renaissance rises and flourishes, forged by the firebrand of Marcus Garvey, infused by the spirituality of Father Divine, instigated by the marching syncopation of Major James Reese Europe and the Harlem Hellfighters Band (369th Infantry Regiment), the beat of the Tom Tom, the Blues of Bessie Smith, Swing at the Savoy, The Duke at the Cotton Club, and the voices of Ida B. Wells and the anti-lynching movement. 

What we learn from the Harlem Renaissance is that revolution has to be curated, it doesn’t just happen. It is conjured, believed, doubted, debated. It is established and elusive. As we mark nearly 100 years since the start of this historic era, we know that without it the very foundation upon which we stand would be sinking sand. The Harlem Renaissance serves as a significant moment of collective witnessing, collective contemplation, and collective action holding firm the tradition of celebrating Blackness. It is an essential anchorage, an essential movement in a long lineage of many movements, setting the stage for the Black Arts Movement, the Hip Hop Movement, and the Afrofuturistic movement. We hold this era in the highest esteem, in all of its contradictions and triumphs.

Thank you, Talvin, for those deep and powerful words and connections that I hope resonate with you as much as they resonated with me.

And so, it is at this intersection of artistry and activism that The Apollo responds with a season of signature programs, audience favorites, and a preview of the first of a series of commissioned projects and new works by artists who are pushing the boundaries of their artforms while expanding the cannon of African American works.  We embrace the notion of our duty as artists, to lead, to reflect, and to respond. As much as this is a motion of growth and resurgence, it is also a moment of healing and reflection.  After 19 months of physical and emotional isolation, it is artists who will lead the way – a path to begin to feel again with the fullness of our unspoken humanity.

As we continue to welcome you back to the theater or engage with us digitally, we believe we are entering a new renaissance – an era that will propel the next century with extraordinary breath of cultural creativity. That is why we are thrilled to launch our fall season, “The Renaissance is Now,” which serves as a reminder that The Apollo has long been a hub of Black creativity, expression, and artistry and continues to be a trailblazer as we reimagine our future in pushing the culture forward and beyond.

– Kamilah Forbes

2020

If the past twelve months have shown us anything, it is the importance of making the most of the present, making our voices heard, and leaving a legacy that we as individuals and a as community can be proud of. It is in this vein that I introduce The Apollo’s all digital Spring season line up of film, festivals, music, comedy, and more.

Our work this season is centered around what it means to be Black and alive. In a society where we’ve been forced to affirm our humanity through rallying cries like Black Lives Matter, we celebrate the joy and historical legacy of The Apollo, while marking our presence in the social and cultural commentary of today’s society. We’re shifting the narrative from reverence to relevance. We honor the ritual and tradition of the past as we chart a path forward with our incredible roster of artists and audiences into the unknown. The works presented this season not only ask questions, but answer questions about who we are and want to be as Black people in America.

The performing arts are critical to our connection to one another and extending our work into the digital space offers an invitation to connect a global audience across time and space. Whether it be through our WOW – Women of the World Festival Festival, featuring brilliant women across the world, or giving us a glimpse back in time as we celebrate hip hop culture of the 80s and 90s with 30 years of House Party. We also continue to amplify and highlight the brightest among us through our Apollo Late Nights, Apollo Film series and Apollo Theater education programs. No matter where you are in the world, we welcome you to experience the magic of The Apollo.

Even virtually, the theater has unwaveringly remained a home and landing place for Black culture, innovation and truth telling. This moment is no different. Through all of the works this season and beyond, we seek to explore the myriad of individual identities that make up Black culture and how these identities come together to create a collective. Through each event we present, we acknowledge where we’ve been—and continue to— chart a path for where we plan to go. It is our goal to serve as a beacon of Black creativity and excellence.

It is from this space that artists, audiences, young people and our global communities will see themselves powerfully reflected in the works we present on our Digital Stage and know that……we are here… we are important…. we are a force… and we are the shape of things to come.

I look forward to continuing the journey with you and seeing you on the Apollo Digital Stage!

– Kamilah Forbes

Dec. 2023
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Celebrating The Apollo's 90th Year

Michelle Ebanks
President & CEO

Dear Apollo family,  

Together we have experienced an extraordinary 90th year at The Apollo, and as we continue the celebration and look forward to the dynamic programs and initiatives ahead in the coming months, we are grateful to you - our audience of supporters and friends - who continue to share the thrill of our historic stage with us year in and year out. This year, we embarked on the institution’s first large-scale expansion and modernization in its history. We expanded into the neighboring Victoria Theater in March, and we will soon begin renovation and restoration of our iconic Historic Theater. This will include a fully renovated and expanded lobby reimagined with a cafe and bar for performances and communal gatherings, a design that harkens back to the architecture of the theater’s original lobby, and additional enhancements to serve audiences and artists alike.

Because this unprecedented renovation will progress in phases, The Apollo’s doors will remain open to the public and the dynamic programming of our stages will continue.  Our restoration is slated to be fully complete in 2026, and we invite you to stay tuned for updates at https://www.apollotheater.org/renovation.  

In addition to these major upgrades to our beloved theater, The Apollo’s 90th year has truly overflowed with captivating and unforgettable programs. We inducted acclaimed producer and singer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds into The Apollo Walk of Fame as an Apollo Legend, and honored global superstar, USHER with The Apollo’s Icon Award at our annual Apollo Spring Benefit. We closed out the summer with a monumental celebration of Soca music with the sensational Machel Montano for a first-of-its-kind, four-day residency bringing Caribbean culture centerstage, capped off with a star-studded lineup of special guests including Patrice Roberts, Lord Nelson, Rikki Jai, Mical Teja, Gypsy.  Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson discussed her new memoir with Gayle King, and even sang a little bit, from The Apollo stage, and we welcomed author, activist, and Apollo Artist-in-Residence alumnus Ta-Nehisi Coates to discuss his new book, The Message. And as part of The Apollo New Works initiative that supports emerging and established artists in the development of a new work, we co-presented the New York premiere of The Divining by Ebony Noelle Golden with National Black Theatre

Alongside our dedicated Apollo team, I hope you can join us for more of these special programs and our hallmark Amateur Night at The Apollo, Comedy Club, Music Café performances and so much more to be announced in the coming weeks.  

Finally, I am filled with deep gratitude that The Apollo will be recognized with a  Kennedy Center Honor – the first organization to receive such an honor in the history of the Kennedy Center Awards, emphasizing The Apollo’s impact on the past, present, and future of American culture and the performing arts. We are being recognized alongside director and filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola; American rock band The Grateful Dead; blues rock singer-songwriter and guitarist Bonnie Raitt; and jazz trumpeter, pianist, and composer Arturo Sandoval. The ceremony will air on CBS on December 23, 2024.

I thank you for being a part of The Apollo family, and hope you’ll join us as we continue to celebrate 90 years of artistry, culture, and community! 

 

Sincerely, 

Michelle Ebanks 

President & CEO 

The Apollo

Dec. 2023

President's Statement

Michelle Ebanks
President & CEO

Dear Apollo Family,

As I write this, I am filled with gratitude, excitement, and a deep sense of honor to be a part of this transformative moment with The Apollo.

Six months into my role, I’m consistently moved by our rich history and the steadfast commitment of our incredible team. The collective efforts of my predecessor Jonelle Procope, the Board of Directors, staff, artists, and our beloved audiences have propelled us to new heights, surpassing significant milestones in our capital campaign and setting the stage for our next chapter.

Our mission is clear: to be the epicenter of Black culture, embracing both emerging talents and established legends, supporting artists at every stage of their career. The Apollo Stages at The Victoria, opening this February, will allow us to continue building upon that mission. This is not just a physical expansion, but an expansion of what’s possible—and of the myriad of ways The Apollo might foster artistic expression, inclusivity, and community engagement.

As we conclude this momentous year and prepare to celebrate The Apollo’s 90th anniversary, our commitment extends far beyond the stage. We are dedicated to deepening our roots in the community and expanding our role as a civic and economic cornerstone of Harlem, providing a space for critical conversations, and serving as a cultural leader within New York City and the global community. The enduring spirit and dedication to excellence at The Apollo will propel us into an exhilarating new chapter where culture takes shape.

Your generous, ongoing support enables The Apollo to amplify our impact and adapt to the changing needs of Harlem and the greater cultural community. With your help, we can continue to innovate and expand, providing the experiences that audiences, students, and educators have come to expect. If you are able, please consider supporting The Apollo here or be amongst the first to make The Apollo Stages at The Victoria a part of your legacy with a signature seat here. I look forward to seeing you at The Apollo soon.

Warm regards,
Michelle Ebanks
President & CEO
The Apollo

Dec. 2023

Artistic Statement

Kamilah Forbes
Executive Producer

THE NEXT MOVEMENT

Dear Apollo Family,

Over the past several years, our lives have changed in many ways. Faced with a range of challenges, we forged new paths, tried new things, and found new ways to move forward. I am proud to be part of a historic institution that has always met the challenge of advancing our culture forward. The Apollo has built a dynamic platform for the elevation of Black voices and creativity through inspired innovation and a commitment to artistic excellence—forging a powerful legacy of forward movement. This fall we celebrate that ongoing tradition and look to the future with a season titled The Next Movement.  

The Next Movement’s vibrant programming is led by trailblazing Black artists and thought leaders. Camille A. Brown and Dancers continue our commitment to dance culture with ink, part of Brown’s canon-building movement trilogy celebrating self-empowerment and resilience—now presented in full for the first time, in partnership with the Joyce Theater and featuring Brown’s final performances as a dancer in this repertory.

Tomorrow, we launch our Arts & Ideas series, its mission is providing resonant access to groundbreaking thinkers and cultural figures. The series kicks off with fashion industry icon Edward Enninful, who, in advance of his coming memoir A Visible Man, discusses his unprecedented career path and role as a champion of inclusivity with renowned Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o.  Later in the season, and in recognition of the upcoming 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, multi-platinum artist, philanthropist, and South Bronx native Fat Joe will share intimate stories from his new memoir, The Book of Jose.

Moving forward in our mission to amplify Africa’s rich influence on worldwide contemporary culture, next month Malian musician Oumou Sangaré, in partnership with World Music Institute, makes her Apollo debut—and a rare U.S. appearance—in a one-night-only performance.

Nothing speaks more meaningfully to forward movement than broadening the experiences of young people. Our School Day Live program this fall looks at the origins and history of the blues, with a live orchestra, and following a two-year hiatus, our teaching artists return to meet NYC students in their schools.  Because learning is a lifelong process, we invite educators and the public to workshops led by Camille A. Brown & Dancers, and as part of the Apollo’s Live Wire series, we’ll take a deep dive into Hip Hop Style with local choreographers and the Fashion Institute of Technology.

We invite you to discover or revisit Apollo favorites including Amateur Night at the Apollo, the incubator of major talent and one of America’s longest-running events; the Kwanzaa:Regeneration Celebration featuring Abdel R. Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre; the Apollo Music Café; Comedy Club; and community events for all ages.

Our three-year Master Artist in Residence program, inaugurated with Ta-Nehisi Coates and now in its second iteration, supports the creation of new artistic and civic works moving us all towards a diverse 21st century American performing arts canon. The program continues with current resident, Grammy and Emmy-nominated musician/producer Kamasi Washington.

Speaking of next movement, The Apollo will soon expand, welcoming audiences to an exciting new space just down the street. The Apollo’s Victoria, a renovated former movie and vaudeville house, will house two new black-box theaters for a range of Apollo programs, add administrative offices, and offer subsidized rental opportunities for community and non-profit arts organizations. Like all New Yorkers, we couldn’t be happier to have more space!

The Apollo is always in motion, offering illuminating and joyful experiences that center and amplify Black voices. We invite you to experience The Next Movement and join us on our amazing journey forward!

Kamilah Forbes
Executive Producer

Dec. 2023

Artistic Statement

Kamilah Forbes
Executive Producer

THE RENAISSANCE IS NOW

We build our temples for tomorrow, strong as we know how, and we stand on top of the mountain, free within ourselves.”  The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain, Langston Hughes

I believe that history is cyclical.  Like the Harlem Renaissance – which emerged out of the darkness of an authoritarian leadership regime, a major migration that dramatically impacted the demographics of who we are as America, and a global health pandemic – this moment in time again stands as a turning point for a new revival of artistic, creative, and innovative expression that has been inspired by the truths exposed in the wake of our current pandemics.

For the past few months, I have been inspired and motivated by the work and words of critically acclaimed dramaturg, director, historian and Apollo New Works artist Talvin Wilks, who shared:

Does a movement exist if there is no one to write about it, to document it, to claim it? The genius of Alain Locke and W.E.B. Du Bois and the impact of Crisis Magazine and Opportunity curated one of the greatest foundations of beauty, art, and propaganda. Let us remind ourselves that the anti-Black machinery in this nation was profound – restrictions on voting to the defense of lynchings – all happening at the same time as the Harlem Renaissance. It is against this backdrop that the Harlem Renaissance rises and flourishes, forged by the firebrand of Marcus Garvey, infused by the spirituality of Father Divine, instigated by the marching syncopation of Major James Reese Europe and the Harlem Hellfighters Band (369th Infantry Regiment), the beat of the Tom Tom, the Blues of Bessie Smith, Swing at the Savoy, The Duke at the Cotton Club, and the voices of Ida B. Wells and the anti-lynching movement. 

What we learn from the Harlem Renaissance is that revolution has to be curated, it doesn’t just happen. It is conjured, believed, doubted, debated. It is established and elusive. As we mark nearly 100 years since the start of this historic era, we know that without it the very foundation upon which we stand would be sinking sand. The Harlem Renaissance serves as a significant moment of collective witnessing, collective contemplation, and collective action holding firm the tradition of celebrating Blackness. It is an essential anchorage, an essential movement in a long lineage of many movements, setting the stage for the Black Arts Movement, the Hip Hop Movement, and the Afrofuturistic movement. We hold this era in the highest esteem, in all of its contradictions and triumphs.

Thank you, Talvin, for those deep and powerful words and connections that I hope resonate with you as much as they resonated with me.

And so, it is at this intersection of artistry and activism that The Apollo responds with a season of signature programs, audience favorites, and a preview of the first of a series of commissioned projects and new works by artists who are pushing the boundaries of their artforms while expanding the cannon of African American works.  We embrace the notion of our duty as artists, to lead, to reflect, and to respond. As much as this is a motion of growth and resurgence, it is also a moment of healing and reflection.  After 19 months of physical and emotional isolation, it is artists who will lead the way – a path to begin to feel again with the fullness of our unspoken humanity.

As we continue to welcome you back to the theater or engage with us digitally, we believe we are entering a new renaissance – an era that will propel the next century with extraordinary breath of cultural creativity. That is why we are thrilled to launch our fall season, “The Renaissance is Now,” which serves as a reminder that The Apollo has long been a hub of Black creativity, expression, and artistry and continues to be a trailblazer as we reimagine our future in pushing the culture forward and beyond.

– Kamilah Forbes

Dec. 2023

Artistic Statement

Kamilah Forbes
Executive Producer

If the past twelve months have shown us anything, it is the importance of making the most of the present, making our voices heard, and leaving a legacy that we as individuals and a as community can be proud of. It is in this vein that I introduce The Apollo’s all digital Spring season line up of film, festivals, music, comedy, and more.

Our work this season is centered around what it means to be Black and alive. In a society where we’ve been forced to affirm our humanity through rallying cries like Black Lives Matter, we celebrate the joy and historical legacy of The Apollo, while marking our presence in the social and cultural commentary of today’s society. We’re shifting the narrative from reverence to relevance. We honor the ritual and tradition of the past as we chart a path forward with our incredible roster of artists and audiences into the unknown. The works presented this season not only ask questions, but answer questions about who we are and want to be as Black people in America.

The performing arts are critical to our connection to one another and extending our work into the digital space offers an invitation to connect a global audience across time and space. Whether it be through our WOW – Women of the World Festival Festival, featuring brilliant women across the world, or giving us a glimpse back in time as we celebrate hip hop culture of the 80s and 90s with 30 years of House Party. We also continue to amplify and highlight the brightest among us through our Apollo Late Nights, Apollo Film series and Apollo Theater education programs. No matter where you are in the world, we welcome you to experience the magic of The Apollo.

Even virtually, the theater has unwaveringly remained a home and landing place for Black culture, innovation and truth telling. This moment is no different. Through all of the works this season and beyond, we seek to explore the myriad of individual identities that make up Black culture and how these identities come together to create a collective. Through each event we present, we acknowledge where we’ve been—and continue to— chart a path for where we plan to go. It is our goal to serve as a beacon of Black creativity and excellence.

It is from this space that artists, audiences, young people and our global communities will see themselves powerfully reflected in the works we present on our Digital Stage and know that……we are here… we are important…. we are a force… and we are the shape of things to come.

I look forward to continuing the journey with you and seeing you on the Apollo Digital Stage!

– Kamilah Forbes

Dec. 2023
TODAY
Dec 5
| 10:00PM EDT
Dec 5
-
Dec 5
Apollo Comedy Club
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Apollo Comedy Club

Presented in partnership with Bob Sumner (producer of Def Comedy Jam, creator of Laff Mobb on Aspire), the Apollo Comedy Club celebrates these rich comedic roots with an evening of comedy on the Apollo’s Stages at the Victoria to serve as a late-night hotspot featuring the best emerging talent in comedy today.

The Apollo has a long history of launching the careers of countless legendary artists and performers in a variety of genres, including comedy. Comedic legends Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, Monique, Jamie Foxx and Jackie Mabley (a.k.a. Moms) have all delighted audiences from the Apollo stage.

Dec 5
| 7:00PM EDT
Dec 5
-
Dec 5
The Root 100 2024
Apollo's Historic Theater
The Root 100 2024

For one legendary night, The Root—the foremost digital media publisher covering Black news and Black views—is taking over the mainstage of The Apollo for a star-studded evening of comedy, music, and inspiring speeches celebrating the brilliance and beauty of Blackness.


Hosted by acclaimed comedian and Emmy® Award nominee Roy Wood Jr, the night will honor influencers on The Root 100 list — an annual newsroom ranking of African Americans who are breaking down barriers and paving the way for the next generation. In addition, there will be a number of high-profile musical performances, including singer-songwriter Ledisi, among others.

The night will also spotlight The Root’s talented editorial staff, with the site’s Editor-in-Chief Tatsha Robertson introducing a select few surprise guest honorees to accept the distinction live.

Dec 6
| 10:00PM EDT
Dec 6
-
Dec 6
Apollo Music Café: Luedji Luna
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Apollo Music Café: Luedji Luna

Herald as one of the most powerful new voices in Brazil, Luedji Luna makes The Apollo the first stop on her U.S. tour. In this rare, intimate setting, the Grammy-nominated vocalist performs music from the albums Bom Mesmo É Estar Debaixo D'água and Um Corpo no Mundo. Her versatile repertoire flows like water and includes piano-led ballads, jazz fusion, candomblé-inspired Brazilian pop and African polyrhythms backed by West African spinning guitars. Luedji Luna closes out the year with the global message of peace, unity, hope and love.

Dec 6
| 6:30PM EDT
Dec 6
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Dec 6
A Toast To The Apollo
Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC
A Toast To The Apollo

On the occasion of the Apollo Theater receiving a Kennedy Center Honor this year, the Historic Howard Theatre will host “A Toast to the Apollo” on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 6:30 pm until 10:30 pm at the Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington,DC.


While the Kennedy Center has never honored an organization in its 47 year history, the Apollo will receive a special Honor as an iconic American institution, emphasizing the Apollo’s impact on the past, present, and future of American culture and the performing arts.


“A Toast to the Apollo” will be hosted by star of screen and stage, Phylicia Rashad, and will feature an evening of tributes from Apollo icons, including performances by local and national artists including renown urban harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet, American vocal girl group En Vogue, and a special tribute performance by Tony and Grammy award winning artist and icon Jennifer Holliday.


The night promises to be as iconic as these two legendary theaters — and the beginning of an artistic bond between The Apollo and the Howard Theatre!

Dec 7
| 10:00PM EDT
Dec 7
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Dec 7
Apollo Music Café: Josiah Bell
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Apollo Music Café: Josiah Bell

As we close out the year, singer, songwriter and DJ Josiah Bell rings in a night of music for you to dust-off, reset and remix! This spirit-lifting evening opens with Josiah performing songs from his new release Give It To God Go To Sleep. Then put on your dancing shoes as Josiah gets behind the DJ booth and shifts the room to a house party that blends music from Aretha to Marvin. It’s a night of renewal and release with the aim to take you higher!

Dec 7
| 1:00PM EDT
Dec 7
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Dec 7
Double Dutch Holiday Classic
Apollo's Historic Theater
Double Dutch Holiday Classic

In 1973, David A. Walker, then a New York City Police Community Affairs Detective, developed the street game of Double Dutch into the World Class Sport that it is today. Since that initial tournament in 1974, competitive Double Dutch has expanded with citywide and national championships. Nearly 100,000 girls and boys representing schools and community centers throughout the United States and the world compete for team positions at the national and international events. The NDDL 33rd Annual, David A. Walker Memorial, Double Dutch Holiday Classic makes possible speed and music fusion events for the best Double Dutch teams in the world. Each year, since 1991, the Double Dutch Holiday Classic has sold out to parent supported, standing room only audiences.

get in touch

The Apollo's Historic Theater
253 W 125th Street,
New York, NY 10027
The Apollo Stages

at The Victoria
233 W 125th Street, Third Floor,
New York, NY 10027