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APOLLO THEATER ANNOUNCES FALL/WINTER 2016-2017 DETAILS
NEWLY ADDED
A Season Long Salute to Apollo Legend Ella Fitzgerald, Kicking Off This October with
100: THE APOLLO CELEBRATES ELLA,
A Blockbuster Concert Featuring Powerhouse Vocalists
Patti Austin, Andra Day and Lizz Wright
With the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra
Saturday, October 22nd
, - 8 p.m.
Amateur Night at the Apollo: Making a Star
A Special Showcase of the Theater‘s Signature Show
Featuring the Winners from the Theater‘s Making a Star Competition
Winners will Receive a Trip to New York City to Perform on the Legendary Apollo Stage
Wednesday, September 21st, -7:30 p.m.
Apollo Uptown Hall: Presidential Debate Watch
The Free Event Will Include a Pre-Debate Panel Moderated by Journalist Keli Goff
And Live Entertainment from Hot 97 and WBLS‘s DJ Enuff & More
Monday, September 26th, - 7:30 p.m.
Hendrix in Harlem
A Celebration of Apollo Legend Jimi Hendrix on the Eve of the Rock Icon‘s 74th Birthday
Concert to Include Some of His Early Works in R&B and Classic Material from The Jimi Hendrix Experience,
On the Occasion of the Bands 50th Anniversary
Featuring Rock & Roll Trailblazers Fishbone with Special Guests The Legendary Guitarist Ernie Isley,
Celebrated Vocalist Nona Hendryx & Soul/R&B Singer/Songwriter Liv Warfield
Saturday, November 26th, -7 p.m. & 11 p.m.
The New Holiday Classic The First Noel,
A Collaboration with the Classical Theatre of Harlem,
Returns in an Unprecedented Move to the Theater‘s Mainstage
December 10th
– December 18th
The Return of the Theater’s Signature Programs Apollo Music Café and Apollo Comedy Club,
as well as ongoing Education and Community Outreach Programs
Harlem, NY, September 8, 2016 – The Apollo Theater today announced additional programs as
part of its Fall/Winter 2016-2017 season, including 100:The Apollo Celebrates Ella, a season
long celebration of Apollo Legend Ella Fitzgerald, in honor of the jazz songstress‘s centennial
birthday. The grand celebration will begin with a blockbuster concert featuring Patti Austin,
Andra Day and Lizz Wright on Saturday, October 22nd
. As the season‘s opening concert,
100:The Apollo Celebrates Ella is also the first of the Theater‘s four events that will honor the
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―First Lady of Song‘s‖ centennial birthday. The Apollo‘s celebration of Ella will extend into
Spring 2017 with an Apollo Live Wire discussion commemorating Ella‘s legacy (Thursday,
March 23, 2017); an Apollo Music Café dedicated to the songstress (Friday, April 7, 2017) and a
special edition of Amateur Night at Apollo celebrating Ella, the first female to win the Theater‘s
signature program (Wednesday, April 19, 2017). 100:The Apollo Celebrates Ella will be featured
in the Theater‘s Fall/Winter 2016-2017 lineup of dynamic programs and events consisting of
music performances, dance, comedy, musical theater and artists talks. The season reflects the
nonprofit institution‘s commitment to supporting emerging and established performing artists.
The Apollo continues to engage its legacy to inform contemporary artistic expression, and grow
its role as a creative catalyst for Harlem, New York, the nation, and around the globe.
Additionally, the Apollo‘s Fall/Winter 2016 season will include: a special edition of the Theater‘s
signature talent competition, Amateur Night at the Apollo: Making a Star, featuring the winners
from the Making a Star summer competition (Wednesday, September 21, 2016); Apollo Uptown
Hall: Presidential Debate Watch including a pre-debate panel moderated by journalist Keli Goff
and live entertainment from Hot 97 and WBLS‘s DJ Enuff (Monday, September 26, 2016);
Hendrix in Harlem, a celebration of Apollo Legend Jimi Hendrix on the eve of the rock icon‘s
74th birthday; featuring innovative rock pioneers Fishbone with a lineup of distinguished special
guests including renowned guitarist and member of the iconic The Isley Brothers Ernie Isley,
legendary funkstress and one-third of the pop/soul act LaBelle Nona Hendryx and soul singer
and member of Prince‘s New Power Generation band Liv Warfield; concert to include some of
Hendrix‘s early works in R&B and classic material from The Jimi Hendrix Experience, marking
the bands 50th Anniversary (Saturday, November 26, 2016); Ballet Hispanico, in collaboration
with the Apollo, returns with a trio of works that draw upon the dynamism and versatility of the
premier Latino dance company (Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19, 2016); and
the return of the new holiday classic The First Noel, presented in collaboration with the Classical
Theatre of Harlem, which will make an unprecedented move to the Theater‘s Mainstage
(December 10 – 18, 2016).
The Fall/Winter calendar will also feature the Apollo‘s signature series including Apollo Music
Café which showcases boundary-pushing, independent artists and Apollo Comedy Club the new
initiative which features the best up-and-coming talent in comedy. As the cornerstone for the
Harlem community, the Apollo will also present public conversations, education programs for
students and families and other community events to complement the season‘s artistic offerings;
including Apollo Live Wire - Legendary: A Conversation with Melba Moore, Leslie Uggams,
and Dionne Warwick (Tuesday, October 11, 2016).
The Theaters 2016-2017 season will continue in the spring with dynamic programs in partnership
with world-class performing arts institutions. The Apollo partners with the international cultural
movement AFROPUNK to present Unapologetically Black: AFROPUNK’s Race Music which
pays homage to black protest music (Saturday, February 25, 2017). The Theater also continues
its relationship with World Music Institute for the fifth installment of its popular Africa Now!
concert (Saturday, March 11, 2017); and the second presentation of Southbank Centre London‘s
WOW - Women of the World Festival, celebrating the formidable strength and inventiveness of
women and looking at the obstacles they face across the world, with performances, conversations,
workshops, and a presentation of a John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts production
that honors the legendary jazz vocalist and activist Abbey Lincoln (Saturday, May 4-7, 2017).
Additional information about the Apollo Theater‘s full 2016-2017 season of programming can be
found at www.apollotheater.org.
Fall/Winter 2016-2017 season programming calendar follows below.
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Apollo Uptown Hall: Presidential Debate Watch
Monday, September 26, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Panelists: Keli Goff, Derek Dingle, Amy Holmes, Scott McConnell, Mariela Salgado and Rob Nelson
Entertainers: DJ Enuff, Charisa the Violin Diva and Diverse Concert Artists
The Apollo‘s 2016-2017 season kicks off with a viewing party of the first 2016 general election
presidential debate between Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee
Donald Trump. This Apollo Uptown Hall will include a panel discussion amongst several
respected political analysts considering the impact of the election on the Harlem community,
followed by a Q&A with the audience. Moderated by Keli Goff of the Greene Space at WNYC
and WQXR‘s ―Political Party with Keli Goff,‖ the panel includes Derek Dingle editor-in-chief of
Black Enterprise, Amy Holmes renowned political analyst, Scott McConnell founding editor of
the American Conservative and Mariela Salgado award-winning journalist for Univision 41
News. Following the panel discussion, Rob Nelson, ABC7 Eyewitness News anchor, will lead a
Q&A session, inviting the audience to participate in the dialogue. The will also include live entertainment provided by Hot 97 and WBLS‘s DJ Enuff and
performances from soul jazz violinist/vocalist Charisa the Violin Diva and string quartet
Diverse Concert Artists.
In addition to the live performances and panel discussion, this Apollo Uptown Hall will also
include exhibitor booths in the Theater‘s lobby. The New York Public Library will showcase
politically-themed books, CD‘s and DVD‘s. The Women’s Political Caucus of New York will
be onsite to register eligible non-registered New Yorkers.
The Apollo continues to be a natural gathering place and ―town hall‖ for local community
residents as well as people across New York City. Immense crowds assembled under the
Theater‘s iconic marquee in response to such events as the 2008 presidential election outcome
and the passing of James Brown and Michael Jackson. Launched in September 2012, the Apollo
Uptown Hall is a forum for presenting and discussing timely issues pertinent to the community,
the country, and the world, incorporating video, texting and live performance to enhance and
develop discussion.
Apollo Uptown Hall is free and pre-registration is strongly suggested. Registration is open now.
To register, visit www.apollotheater.org
Apollo Live Wire - Legendary: A Conversation with Melba Moore, Leslie Uggams, and Dionne Warwick
Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.
Featuring: Melba Moore, Leslie Uggams, Dionne Warwick and Christian John Wikane
Music journalist and essayist Christian John Wikane interviews three unparalleled artists whose
longevity and careers have bridged decades and performance genres including music, theater,
stage and screen—Melba Moore, Leslie Uggams, and Dionne Warwick. Each has a unique
history with the Apollo Theater and New York; together they represent a generation of women
whose careers blossomed during a time of societal change. Their varied achievements allowed
them to push past the categorizations frequently imposed upon Black female performers.
Melba Moore is a Tony Award-winning singer and actress who appeared in Hair, Purlie, and
Timbuktu on Broadway, and also achieved success as a performing and recording artist. Leslie
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Uggams‘ professional performing career started at the Apollo when she was just nine years old.
A Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress known for her work as a stage performer, television,
and film actress, she remains a giant in the industry to this day. Dionne Warwick‘s voice helped
define the sound of the 1960s. The Grammy Award-winner first appeared at the Apollo, in 1957,
during Amateur Night as part of the singing group The Gospelaires. After leaving the gospel
group to go solo her career flourished. She made numerous appearances at the Apollo showing
off her poised, classic where her poised style and powerful voice made her an audience favorite.
The Apollo Live Wire series was created to invite deeper engagement with the Apollo‘s artistic
programming. The discussions are recorded and transformed into archived podcasts accessible to
the public.
Apollo Live Wires are free and pre-registration is strongly suggested. Registration opens Monday, September 12. For more
information visit www.apolloeducation.org
100: The Apollo Celebrates Ella
Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 8 p.m.
Featuring: Patti Austin, Andra Day, Lizz Wright, the Count Basie Orchestra and Afro Blue
In honor of Apollo Legend Ella Fitzgerald‘s centennial birthday, the Apollo presents this
blockbuster concert featuring performances by some of the greatest vocalists in jazz and R&B
including Patti Austin, Andra Day and Lizz Wright, with musical backing by the legendary
Count Basie Orchestra, led by Scotty Barnhart, with a special performance by Howard
University‘s vocal ensemble Afro Blue. Patti Austin is best known for her classic R&B duet
with James Ingram, ―Baby Come to Me.‖ Andra Day is considered soul music‘s brightest new
star having been nominated for two Grammy Awards this year, for her debut album and her hit
single, ―Rise Up.‖ Known for her vocal blend of R&B, jazz, blues and gospel, The New York
Times calls Lizz Wright ―a smoky-voiced goddess.‖
Ella Fitzgerald‘s history with the Apollo dates back to the fall of 1934, when she won the
opportunity to compete in Amateur Night. The then 17-year old went to the Apollo planning to
dance, but changed her mind and sang. Apollo legend has it that she was so nervous that she
began to improvise the lyrics to the song by imitating its instruments. This became known as
scatting and Ella won the Amateur Night title, making her the first female performer to earn that
distinction. Soon after her Amateur Night win, she joined the Chick Webb Orchestra and began
touring with the group in some of the most famous jazz venues in the city. Over the course of her
legendary career, Ella would go on to perform at the Theater numerous times. In 2006, Ella
Fitzgerald was inducted into the Apollo Walk of Fame in honor of her history with the Apollo
and her influence on the American music landscape.
Music highlights for 100: The Apollo Celebrates Ella include ―A Ticket A Tasket,‖ "Blues in the
Night,‖ ―Miss Otis Regrets,‖ ―You‘ll Have to Swing It‖ and more. The concert is produced in
collaboration with seven-time Grammy winning producer Gregg Field, who at the age of 24
toured as the drummer for both Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald. Field also produced the Emmy
nominated PBS special ―Great Performances: We Love Ella,‖ for Ella‘s 90th birthday.
This extraordinary concert is the first of the Theater‘s four events that will honor the ―First Lady
of Song‘s‖ centennial birthday. The Apollo‘s celebration of Ella will extend into Spring 2017
with an Apollo Live Wire discussion commemorating Ella‘s legacy (Thursday, March 23, 2017);
an Apollo Music Café dedicated to the songstress (Friday, April 7, 2017) and a special edition of
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Amateur Night celebrating the first female to win the Theater‘s signature program (Wednesday,
April 19, 2017).
Tickets for 100: The Apollo Celebrates Ella are $30 - $125. Tickets will be available at The
Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th
Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-
745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets go on sale Friday, September 9.
Hendrix in Harlem
Saturday, November 26, 2016 at 7 p.m. & 11 p.m.
Featuring: Fishbone with special guests Ernie Isley, Nona Hendryx and Liv Warfield
The Apollo presents a special concert celebrating rock legend Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix‘s star was
born on the Apollo stage when he became an Amateur Night winner in 1964. He followed his
Amateur Night win with additional appearances at the Apollo as the lead guitarist for The Isley
Brothers, and a sideman for Little Richard, King Curtis and Wilson Pickett in 1964 and 1965.
After The Animals (―We Gotta Get Out Of This Place‖) played the Apollo, their bassist Chas
Chandler met with Hendrix, and in September, 1966 they headed to England—with Chas as
Jimi‘s new manager and formed The Jimi Hendrix Experience that same year. The Jimi Hendrix
Experience released the iconic debut album Are You Experienced in 1967.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the formation of The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Hendrix
In Harlem will celebrate the guitar great's strong roots and connection to the Apollo, and his
music, from the early years on 125th Street as well as classic material from the Jimi Hendrix
Experience. Hendrix in Harlem will feature funk/ska-punk/rock originators Fishbone with
special guests the legendary Ernie Isley, ground breaking music icon Nona Hendryx and
R&B/soul artist Liv Warfield.
Tickets for Hendrix in Harlem are $35 - $95. Tickets will be available at The Apollo Theater Box
Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th
Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000,
www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are on sale now.
Ballet Hispánico
November 18 & November 19, 2016 at 8 p.m.
Ballet Hispánico in collaboration with the Apollo Theater presents a trio of works that draw upon
the dynamism and versatility of the premier Latino dance company. The world premiere of Línea
Recta, by Belgian-Colombian choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, pairs the hallmark
passion of flamenco dance with innovative and intricate partnering, performed to live Spanish
classical guitar. The evening will also include Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro’s Danzón, which
puts a contemporary spin on the national dance of Cuba, and Gustavo Ramírez Sansano’s
colorful, amusing and fast-moving Flabbergast, set to music by Juan García Esquivel.
In addition, the Theater will also present special Apollo Education performances, including an
Apollo School Day Live: Ballet Hispánico show of mixed repertory for schoolchildren on the
morning of Friday, November 18 and an Apollo Family Workshop: Flamenco, on Saturday,
November 19. Apollo School Day Live shows are an interactive experience providing new
generations of theater-goers with exciting opportunities to learn about the arts, history, and
culture. Apollo Family Workshop is designed to provide families with hands-on experience in art-
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making. For more information on Apollo School Day Live and Apollo Family Workshop visit
www.apolloeducation.org.
Tickets for Ballet Hispanico are $35 – 65. Tickets are available at The Apollo Theater Box
Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th
Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000,
www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are on sale now.
Classical Theatre of Harlem and the Apollo Theater Present The First Noel
Preview Performances: Saturday, December 10 & Sunday, December 11, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Opening Night: Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Performances December 10 - 18, 2016; 7:30 p.m. (Matinee at 2 p.m.)
The Classical Theatre of Harlem returns after a successful run last holiday season with The First
Noel, in collaboration with the Apollo. This year the holiday spectacular makes an unprecedented
move to the Apollo‘s 1,500-seat Mainstage Theater, having played the Theater‘s soundstage for
its world premiere in 2015. The Harlem-based holiday musical features music that crosses
genres—from pop to jazz to gospel — to tell a universal story of love and belonging. This
presentation follows three generations of a Harlem family affected by the tragic loss of a loved
one. Time is slow to heal this family‘s wounds, until an unexpected visit from Grandma reveals
some long-absent Christmas joy. This story is about how a community is healed, one family at a
time, as everyday people do extraordinary things to help one another receive the gift of love
during the holiday season.
Book, music, and lyrics by Lelund Durond Thompson (founder, YellaFella Entertainment and
CTH Artistic Associate) and Jason Michael Webb (Brooklyn Tabernacle, Broadway‘s The
Color Purple, Motown the Musical, Violet). Steve H. Broadnax III (Dominique
Morisseau‘s Blood at the Root) serves as director and Brian Harlan Brooks (Motown: The
Musical) as choreographer.
Tickets for The First Noel are $30 – $85. Tickets are available at The Apollo Theater Box Office:
(212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th
Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000,
www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are on sale now.
SIGNATURE PROGRAMS
Amateur Night at the Apollo
Weekly, Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. through November 23, 2016
The Apollo Theater‘s signature program, Amateur Night, continues to be a resource for
discovering new talent and a defining experience for many emerging artists. The show has
launched countless careers since 1934—from Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Michael Jackson,
D‘Angelo, Jazmine Sullivan, and Lauryn Hill to recent winners like Matthew Whitaker, Machine
Gun Kelly, and Matthew Hashimoto. Amateur Night is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company.
Tickets for Amateur Night begin at $21 and are available at The Apollo Theater Box Office: (212)
531-5305, 253 West 125th Street and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.
Tickets are on sale now.
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Amateur Night‘s 2016 Season runs through November 23 on Wednesday nights at 7:30 p.m. and
will feature the following special editions:
Amateur Night Fall Auditions This season the Apollo extends its search for the next Apollo legend by holding auditions
in New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Contestants chosen from these
auditions will secure a spot in the Amateur Night season line-up. Singers, dancers,
musicians, actors, spoken-word poets and comedians are all encouraged to try out.
Auditions for Amateur Night are as follows: September 17
th in Philadelphia (10 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
Location: Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
300 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
September 24th in NYC (10 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
Location: Apollo Theater
253 West 125th Street
New York, NY 10027
October 1st in Washington, D.C. (10 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
Location: Cramton Auditorium - Howard University
2455 6th St NW
Washington, DC 20059
Amateur Night at the Apollo: Making a Star Edition
Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
On Wednesday, September 21st, the Apollo Theater, in partnership with the Coca-Cola
Company, will present Amateur Night at the Apollo: Making a Star, a special edition of
the Theater‘s signature initiative supporting emerging performing artists. The
performance is the culmination of the Theater‘s recent nationwide search for the next
Apollo legend. Hundreds of up-and-coming vocalists competed in a special New Orleans
audition followed by an online audition component for the opportunity to perform on the
legendary Apollo stage, where musical icons such as Michael Jackson, James Brown and
Lauryn Hill honed their craft. Five Amateur Night: Making a Star winners were chosen
from the crop of hopefuls including - Shakar Brumfield (New York, NY), Markus
Chatman (Atlanta, GA), Anastia Johnson (Miami, FL), Arrianne Keelen (New
Orleans, LA) and Belle Lundon (Houston, TX).
The winners will receive an all-expenses paid trip to New York City where they will
perform in the Amateur Night at the Apollo: Making a Star showcase on September 21st.
During their stay, they will also receive a recording session in a New York City
production studio, a coaching session with Amateur Night producers, and consultations
with industry professionals on vocal training, stage presence, make up and styling. The
winners‘ journey will be filmed by the Apollo for inclusion in the Theater‘s first
webisodes series.
The Theater launched the first phase of the Amateur Night at the Apollo: Making a Star
competition in the summer of 2016 with live auditions in New Orleans, during the 2016
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Essence Music Festival. Contestants selected from the live auditions advanced to a semi-
final round, where two performers were chosen to perform on the Essence Music Festival
mainstage. Judges chose one finalist, the Coca-Cola ‗Share a Coke and a Song‘ winner,
Arrianne Keelen. The second phase of the competition continued through an online
submission process via the competition‘s website, and viewers were able to vote on their
favorites. Winners were chosen on August 5th and include Shakar Brumfield, Markus
Chatman, Anastia Johnson and Belle Lundon.
Tickets for the Amateur Night at the Apollo: Making a Star are $21, $27 and $33. Tickets
will be available at The Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th
Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are on sale
now.
Amateur Night: Super Top Dog Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Amateur Night culminates its season with the final showdown: Super Top Dog. The
winner will receive the title of Super Top Dog and a grand prize of $10,000. In addition,
the Child Star of Tomorrow winner will receive $2,000.
Tickets for the Amateur Night Super Top Dog are $23, $34, and $42. Tickets will be
available at The Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street, and
Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are on sale now.
Amateur Night Holiday Special Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Featuring: Apollo Stars of Tomorrow and Special Guest Performers
The Apollo Theater lights up this holiday season with the Apollo Amateur Night Holiday
Special, the 6th
Annual event under its signature program Amateur Night, showcasing
recent winners of the show‘s ―Apollo Stars of Tomorrow‖ category. Featuring an
incredibly talented array of instrumentalists, singers, and dancers from ages 11-18, this
program captures the spirit of young performers all hoping to follow in the footsteps of
Apollo Legends like Michael Jackson and Ella Fitzgerald, whose careers were launched
on the stage of the Apollo.
Tickets for the Amateur Night Holiday Special are $21, $27, and $33. Tickets will be
available at The Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street, and
Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are on sale now.
Apollo Music Café Monthly, Fridays and Saturdays at 10:00 p.m. (doors open for bar and food at 9:00 p.m.)
Hosted by Jodine Dorce with DJ Hard Hittin Harry
The Apollo Music Café presents forward-thinking artists and draws out equally adventurous
audiences, and features diverse performances across a myriad of genres from R&B, hip-hop, soul,
jazz, pop, funk, to rock. Presented in the Theater‘s intimate Soundstage, the series continues the
Apollo‘s longstanding commitment to presenting diverse and innovative artistic voices. Since its
debut in February 2011, the series has become a staple for a variety of music lovers—from
Harlem tastemakers, tourists, to downtown creatives. The Apollo Music Café 2016-2017 season
will run monthly on Fridays and Saturdays from October 2016 to June 2017 and feature special
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editions including Apollo Music Café: Celebrating Ella and Apollo Music Café: Women of the
World.
Def Jam at Apollo Music Cafe
Featuring Earl St. Clair and JAHKOY
Friday, October 7, 2016 at 10 p.m.
Def Jam Recordings was founded in 1984 and has represented the very best in cutting
edge music and youth culture for over 30 years. The global brand, whose iconic roster
included the likes of LL Cool J, Slick Rick, The Beastie Boys and Public Enemy, Jay-Z,
Rihanna and Kanye West, began as a maverick independent label inspired by a punk
ethos and the emerging sound of hip-hop. Now with more than 30 years under its belt, the
legendary label continues to bring in new talent with a current roster of marquee and
emerging stars that include Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Nas, Alessia Cara, Frank Ocean,
Vince Staples, Big Sean, Jhene Aiko and others.
The iconic label will take over Apollo Music Café on opening night to present their
hottest new artists, Earl St. Clair and JAHKOY. With the release of his debut album,
Songs About a Girl I Used to Know, Earl St. Clair puts a refreshingly modern twist on
the classic soul sound. Laced with grit, his voice has won over fans like Jeremih, Rick
Ross and Machine Gun Kelly. Toronto born singer/songwriter and producer, JAHKOY
walks well beyond the line of triple threat. Having been labeled as ―Artist to Watch‖ by
Billboard and at "The Top of our Playlist" by The Fader, the prowess of his playful
genre-blurring productions seems only to be matched by his infectious lyrics and sultry
vocals. As a part of the creative collective ―1234,‖ which includes Willow and Jaden
Smith, JAHKOY has an expertly crafted collision between R&B and electronic-house.
Co-Curated by Def Jam Recordings and Nina Flowers.
Louis York and Friends
Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 10 p.m.
Louis York is the musical collaboration of GRAMMY Award-nominated artists
songwriter Claude Kelly and producer Chuck Harmony. The duo have racked up an
impressive list of credits including worked with megastars Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Britney
and Mary J. Blige. Following up on their debut single ―Clair Huxtable,‖ the pair will
release a new EP Fall 2016.
Tank and the Bangas Friday, November 11, 2016 at 10 p.m.
Award winning New Orleans based band, Tank and The Bangas, reflect all the flair of
the swinging city that birthed them. Led by poet Tarriona Tank Ball, this energetic
R&B and spoken word band blends the power of a Mississippi revival with the edgy cool
of a poet‘s cafe.
Kwame Binea Shakedown Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 10 p.m.
Kwame Binea Shakedown's brings a night of rhythmic rock and roll, folk, silky soul,
screaming blues and funk. Curated by Dwight Jordan
Marcus Machado and Friends
Friday, December 2, 2016 at 10 p.m.
Winner of Rolling Stone‘s Next Young Gun contest, Marcus Machado has played along
with greats like Buddy Miles, Robert Glasper, Marcus Miller and many more. His unique
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style blends jazz, funk, hip hop and rock with jaw dropping technique reminiscent of Jimi
Hendrix.
Vox Sambou Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 10 p.m.
Hatian native and founding member of the hip hop collective, Nomadic Massive, Vox
Sambou writes and performs traditional rhythms of Haiti mixed with elements of
afrobeat, reggae, and hip-hop in Creole, French, English, Spanish and Portuguese.
Dwight and Nicole
Friday, January 13, 2017 at 10 p.m.
Multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter Dwight Ritcher and vocalist Nicole Nelson
make up the critically acclaimed indie-soul band DWIGHT & NICOLE. Their recent
single ―I Need Love‖ was named one of the top 100 Songs of the Year by the Boston
Herald. Nelson has received major accolades with her haunting version of Leonard
Cohen's ―Hallelujah,‖ which became a nationwide hit at #24 on the iTunes pop charts.
JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound
Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 10 p.m.
JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound is a Chicago based soul quintet led by singer JC
Brook with guitarist Billy Bungeroth, drummer Kevin Marks, keyboardist Jeremy
Tromburg, bassist Theodore Berry and percussionist Jovia Armstrong.
Additional performers and dates for the Apollo Music Cafe season (February 2017 – June 2017) will be
announced at a later date.
Tickets for Apollo Music Café are $20 and $15 in advance for the Apollo’s A-List. There is a $10
drink/food minimum for each show. Tickets will be available at the Apollo Theater Box Office:
(212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000,
www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are on sale now.
Apollo Comedy Club
Monthly, Thursdays at 10 p.m. (doors open for bar and food at 9 p.m.)
Music by Qool DJ Marv
The Apollo has returned to its comedic roots with Apollo Comedy Club, which launched in
October 2015. Presented in partnership with the legendary Bob Sumner (Co-Executive Producer
and Talent Producer of Def Comedy Jam, creator of LaffMobb on Aspire), the Apollo Comedy
Club features an evening of comedy on the Apollo‘s intimate Soundstage starring the best up-
and-coming talent in comedy today. The Apollo Comedy Club 2016 – 2017 season will run
monthly on Thursdays from October 2016 to June 2017.
Thursday, October 6, 2016 at 10 p.m.
Featuring Lawrence Owens, Trev Houston and Esther Ku
Hosted by Tommy Too Smoov
Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 10 p.m.
Featuring Pat Brown, Nate Jackson and Topp Fliight
Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 10 p.m.
Featuring Larry Lancaster, Kleon Da Comedian and Raydiva
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Thursday, January 1, 2016 at 10 p.m.
Featuring Kate Wolff, Suga Sean Riley and Nore Davis
Additional performers and dates for the Apollo Comedy Club season (February 2017 – June 2017) will be
announced at a later date.
Tickets for Apollo Comedy Club are $20 and $15 in advance for the Apollo’s A-List. There is a
$10 drink/food minimum for each show. Tickets will be available at the Apollo Theater Box
Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th
Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000,
www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are on sale now.
HOLIDAYS AT THE APOLLO
A celebration of holiday traditions and special programming that includes:
Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland
Saturday, December 3, 2016 from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Before the Apollo Amateur Night Holiday Special, the Apollo and Coca-Cola are partnering to
bring the magic of the holiday season to Harlem. Under the Apollo‘s iconic marquee, Coca-Cola
offers a variety of holiday-themed activities and performances free and open to the public. Hosted
by Billy Mitchell, Apollo tour director and in-house historian, festivities include photo
opportunities with Santa Claus and free performances by ARC Choir, Backtrack and the St.
Luke A.M.E. Church Praise Team.
In the spirit of giving, the Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland also marks the final day of the Apollo‘s
toy and book drive for children serviced by Our Children’s Foundation, a Harlem-based
cultural, social and educational organization. Accepted donations include new or used books,
CDs, clothing and toys that are in good condition, suitable for boys and girls ages 3 to 18.
This event is free and open to the public.
Amateur Night Holiday Special
Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Featuring: Apollo Stars of Tomorrow and Special Guest Performances
(For description see page 8, SIGNATURE PROGRAMS: Amateur Night at the Apollo.)
Classical Theatre of Harlem and the Apollo Theater Present The First Noel
December 10 – 18, 2016
(For description see page 6, The First Noel.)
Kwanzaa Celebration: Regeneration Night – Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Forces of Nature Dance Theatre
A Special New Year‘s Eve Edition
Saturday, December 31, 2016; 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Featuring: Abdel R. Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, Imhotep Gary Byrd & more
The Apollo Theater celebrates its 10th annual Kwanzaa Celebration, on New Year‘s Eve with the
renowned New York-based dance company Abdel R. Salaam‘s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre
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as well as guest performances. Since 2006, the Apollo has established an annual show to
celebrate this festive tradition on one day within the week of Kwanzaa. The Apollo‘s celebration
honors family, community, and culture through of a joyful evening of dance and music. Hosted
by radio personality Imhotep Gary Byrd,.
Tickets for Kwanzaa Celebration: Regeneration Night are $20 - $35. Tickets are available at The
Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-
745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are on sale now.
COMMUNITY & EDUCATION PROGRAMS
The Apollo Theater‘s Community and Education Programs extend the Apollo‘s commitment to
serve as a resource and gathering place for the entire community. The nonprofit Theater‘s
education program includes events for school children and families, as well as career
development for teens and adults through the Apollo Theater Academy. Both the Apollo‘s
education program and its community program include discussions on cultural and civic issues
important to the Harlem community that highlight the history of the Apollo and its impact on
American art, culture, and entertainment. Events and programs include:
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Apollo Live Wire
The Apollo Live Wire series was created to invite deeper engagement with the Apollo‘s artistic
programming. The discussions are recorded and transformed into archived podcasts accessible to
the public. Planned Apollo Live Wire events for the Fall/Winter 2016 Season include:
Legendary: A Conversation with Melba Moore, Leslie Uggams & Dionne Warwick
Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.
(For description see pages 3&4 Apollo Live Wire: Legendary)
Apollo Live Wires are free and pre-registration is strongly suggested. Registration opens
Monday, September 12. For more information visit www.apolloeducation.org .
Apollo Family Workshop
Apollo Family Workshops are designed to provide families with hands-on experience with the
arts. Planned Apollo Family Workshop events for the Fall/Winter 2016 Season include:
Ballet Hispánico: Olé! Flamenco – A Family Flamenco
Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 1 p.m.
Ballet Hispánico presents their signature Flamenco lecture and demonstration for
families with children ages 6 and over. The program will include a presentation by two
Flamenco dancers and opportunities for audience participation.
Apollo Family Workshops are free and pre-registration is strongly suggested. For
registration information visit www.apolloeducation.org.
Apollo Master Class
Apollo Master Class provides half or full day intensives for artists led by arts and entertainment
industry professionals. The talent development seminars continue the legacy of the Apollo as a
place where artists and entertainers learned the principles and ethics of show business. The
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seminar curriculum provides participants with guidance on the basic elements of their craft
including business and legal considerations, marketing and publicity. Planned Apollo Master
Classes for the Fall/Winter 2016 Season include:
Stand-Up Comedy with Leighann Lord
Tuesday, October 18, 2016, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Comedian and author Leighann Lord leads this intensive three-hour class on stand-up
comedy through scene study and lively discussion. The class will cover creating and
selecting material, delivery and stage presence.
Named one of New York‘s 10 Hottest Comics and one of the top 15 comedians in
Queens, Leighann Lord has performed all over the world. Leighann‘s comedy album,
I‘ve Got Connections, is played regularly on Sirius satellite radio. She has been a
radio/TV co-host on the Emmy-nominated Star Talk with Neil de Grasse Tyson.
Leighann is also contributor to the Huffington Post and her blog, The Urban Erma, is the
longest running column on StageTimeMag.com. Lord also has writing credit on the pilot
of The Chris Rock Show.
This event is $35 p/p. RSVP at www.apolloeducation.org. Registration is open now.
Space is limited.
Apollo School Day Live
Apollo School Day Live shows are an interactive experience, which provides new generations of
theater-goers with exciting opportunities to learn about the arts, history and culture. Planned
Apollo School Day Live events for the Fall/Winter 2016 Season include:
Ballet Hispánico, Performances for Young People Friday, November 18, 2016 at 10:30 a.m.
Ballet Hispánico, the nation‘s premier Latino dance company, returns to Apollo School
Day Live with Performances for Young People. The mixed repertory program is
presented on the Friday morning of the performance, Línea Recta, a world premiere
presented by the Apollo Theater in collaboration with Ballet Hispanico.
For more information on Apollo School Day Live visit www.apolloeducation.org.
Behind the Scenes Career Panels
Career Panels at the Apollo are free and open to the public and take place on-site at the Apollo
Theater. Planned Behind the Scenes Career Panels for the Fall/Winter 2016 Season include:
Career Day at the Apollo
Saturday, October 15, 2016, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Apollo will host a career day geared toward high school students interested in careers
in the performing arts, media and entertainment. Career Day at the Apollo will provide a
full day of workshops and panel discussions alongside additional resources and
information for students considering academic or professional pursuits in these industries.
Apollo Career Panels are free and pre-registration is strongly suggested. For
registration information visit www.apolloeducation.org.
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BMI Latin/How I Wrote That Song
Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.
The Apollo partners again with Broadcast Music, Inc. ® to present BMI‘s series ―How I
Wrote That Song®". The popular series provides an opportunity for aspiring songwriters
and composers to learn about the craft of songwriting from today‘s Latin music hit
makers. Featured as part of the Apollo‘s Behind the Scenes Career Panels, aspiring
songwriters and composers will hear about the art of songwriting from some of the
industry‘s most talented Latin music creators.
Apollo Career Panels are free and pre-registration is strongly suggested. For
registration information visit www.apolloeducation.org.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland
Saturday, December 3, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
(For description see pages 11&12: HOLIDAYS AT THE APOLLO)
Apollo Uptown Hall The Apollo continues to be a natural gathering place and ―town hall‖ for local community
residents as well as people from across New York City. This was demonstrated by the huge
crowds that gathered under the Theater‘s iconic marquee in response to world events such as the
2008 presidential election outcome and the passing of James Brown and Michael Jackson.
Launched in September 2012, the Apollo Uptown Hall is a forum for presenting and discussing
timely issues relevant to the community, the country, and the world, incorporating video, texting,
and live performance to enhance and develop an interactive forum for community gathering and
discussion.
Presidential Debate Watch
Monday, September 26, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
(For description see page 3 Apollo Uptown Hall)
Apollo Uptown Hall is free and pre-registration is strongly suggested. Registration is
open now. To register, visit www.apollotheater.org .
A Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute
Sunday, January 15, 2017 at 3 p.m.
WNYC’s annual Martin Luther King Day celebration will return to the Apollo for a
special edition of the Apollo‘s Uptown Hall series. The series brings together community
members, leaders, scholars and activists to engage in conversation about Dr. King‘s
legacy and how his teachings affect us today. WNYC‘s Brian Lehrer will co-host this
free event.
Apollo Uptown Hall: A Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute is a WNYC and Apollo Theater
presentation.
Apollo Uptown Halls are free and open to the public. Registration is strong suggested. For more
information visit www.apollotheater.org
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Follow the Apollo Theater:
Facebook.com/apollotheater
Twitter.com/apollotheater
YouTube.com/apollotheater
Instagram.com/apollotheater
Amateur Night at the Apollo is sponsored by Coca-Cola.
Citi is the Proud Sponsor of Ella100.
The Apollo's co-presentation of Ballet Hispanico is sponsored by Citi.
Holidays at the Apollo, including the Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland and Kwanzaa Celebration
are sponsored by Coca-Cola.
The Apollo's co-presentation of The First Noel is sponsored by Citi, Time Warner, and Coca-
Cola.
Special thanks to the Jerome L. Greene Foundation for their generous support and establishment
of a Ticket Subsidy Fund for School Day Live performances.
Leadership support for Apollo Education Programs provided by the Ronald O. Perelman Family
Foundation, Coca-Cola Foundation and The Jerome L. Greene Foundation. With generous
support from Apollo EmpowerHer, Conscious Kids Inc., Con Edison, Ella Fitzgerald Charitable
Foundation, Insperity, The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation, Ellis L. Phillips Foundation,
Pinkerton Foundation, and public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs
in partnership with the City Council.
The Apollo's 2016-2017 season is made possible by leadership support from Citi, Coca-Cola,
Troy and Keisha Dixon, Ford Foundation, The Howard Gilman Foundation, Jerome L. Greene
Foundation, Robert K. Kraft, The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation, Merrill Lynch, The Parsons
Family Foundation, the Ronald O. Perelman Family Foundation, JoAnn Price, Earl W. and
Amanda Stafford, Time Warner Inc., the Reginald Van Lee Fund for New Works, the Apollo
Board of Directors, and many other generous donors.
Public support provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on
the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature,
and from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
ABOUT THE APOLLO THEATER
The legendary Apollo Theater—the soul of American culture—plays a vital role in cultivating
emerging talents and launching legends. Since its founding, the Apollo has served as a center of
innovation and a creative catalyst for Harlem, the city of New York, and the world.
With music at its core, the Apollo‘s programming extends to dance, theater, performance art,
spoken word initiatives, and more. This includes the October 2014 premiere and 2015
international tour of the dance celebration project James Brown: Get on the Good Foot, the
annual Africa Now! Festival, Apollo Club Harlem, and the recent New York premiere of the
opera Charlie Parker‘s YARDBIRD. The Apollo is a presenting organization that also produces
festivals, large-scale dance and music works organized around a set of core initiatives: Apollo
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Music Signature Programs—Amateur Night, Salon Series, Apollo Music Café; Legacy Series—
work that celebrates and extends the Apollo‘s legacy through a contemporary lens; Global
Festivals including the Women of the World (WOW) Festival and Breakin‘ Convention,
international and U.S.-based artist presentations focused on a specific theme; and Special
Projects, multidisciplinary work with partner organizations.
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. Among the countless legendary performers who launched their careers at the Apollo
are D‘Angelo, Lauryn Hill, Machine Gun Kelly, Miri Ben Ari, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan,
Billie Holiday, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, and Stevie
Wonder; and the Apollo‘s forward-looking artistic vision continues to build on this legacy.
The Apollo Theater is a not-for-profit organization with the mission to extend the institution‘s
role in fostering artistic innovation and in building appreciation of American culture around the
world. For more information, visit www.apollotheater.org .
Apollo Theater Information
Box Office Hours:
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri – 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday – 10:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Saturday – 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
# # #
For more information, please contact:
Nina Flowers Cynthia Tate
Director of PR and Communications PR Manager
212-531-5334 212-531-5340
