APOLLO THEATER ANNOUNCES DETAILS OF 2017 WINTER/SPRING PROGRAMS
The Apollo Theater Presents AFROPUNK Unapologetically Black: The African American Songbook Remixed A Celebration of Black Protest Music Creative and Musical Direction by Robert Glasper Featuring special guests Jill Scott, Bilal, Toshi Reagon and Staceyann Chin Saturday, February 25th, -7:30 p.m.
Africa Now! Presented in Partnership with the World Music Institute Highlighting the Best of the African Music Scene Featuring Musical Force Mbongwana Star, desert punk / blues band, Songhoy Blues, Vocal Powerhouse Lura & House/Afropunk Sensation DJ Nenim Saturday, March 11th, - 8:00 p.m.
The Return of WOW – The Apollo Theater presents Southbank Centre London’s WOW - Women of the World Festival A John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Production with Special Guests Esperanza Spalding and Dee Dee Bridgewater Under the musical direction of Terri Lyne Carrington Bringing Together Women Artists, Activists, and Leaders from Around the Globe Featuring an Evening with The Moth and a Tribute to Legendary Songstress Abbey Lincoln Thursday May 4th - Sunday May 7th
The Return of the Theater’s Signature Programs Apollo Music Café, Apollo Comedy Club, Amateur Night at the Apollo, and Apollo Uptown Hall As well as ongoing Education and Community Outreach Programs
(Harlem, NY – January 18, 2017) – The Apollo Theater today announced additional details for the Winter/Spring programs as part of its 2017 season. The new schedule includes a slate of dynamic programming encompassing festivals, and collaborations with artists and world class arts organizations as well as a wide array of thought-provoking and socially engaging community forums and a host a of education programs for students, young professionals and families. This current season extends the nonprofit institution’s commitment to the creation of new, innovative works that draw upon the Theater’s rich legacy to support emerging and established artists, and to provide a safe space to explore and push boundaries.
A few highlights of the Apollo’s Winter/Spring 2017 programs include:
The Apollo Theater Presents AFROPUNK Unapologetically Black: The African American Songbook Remixed A Celebration of Black Protest Music, which is a partnership with the international cultural movement AFROPUNK (Saturday, February 25, 2017), that pays homage to black protest music and the influential artist activists. Under the creative and musical direction of accomplished pianist and producer Robert Glasper, this big band performance will feature special guests from the popular and alternative music scenes including three-time GRAMMY-Award® R&B star Jill Scott, R&B crooner Bilal, singer/songwriter Toshi Reagon and Staceyann Chin.
The return of the Apollo’s notable series Africa Now!, presented in partnership with the World Music Institute (Saturday, March 11, 2017), celebrates the best of today’s music from across the African continent. This installment of Africa Now! will include performances from Congolese sensation Mbongwana Star, West African desert punk group Songhoy Blues, Cape Verdean vocalist Lura, and the Nigerian born DJ Nenim.
WOW – Women of the World Festival (May 4-7, 2017), marks the Apollo’s second collaboration with London’s Southbank Centre. The festival will honor and recognize the work of women from diverse backgrounds and explore a variety of issues that affect women across cultural, civic, and social boundaries with a mix of performances, conversations, workshops. WOW also includes a special presentation from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts that honors the legendary jazz vocalist and activist Abbey Lincoln featuring three-time GRAMMY-Award® winning jazz songstress Dee Dee Bridgewater and Esperanza Spalding. This performance is under the music direction of multi-talented award-winning composer Terri Lyne Carrington. Additionally, the weekend features an evening of powerful storytelling with The Moth.
The Apollo Salon Series presents Maurice Chestnut’s new Work-In-Progress, “Beats + Rhymes + Tap Shoes.” The Apollo Salon Series is the Theater’s new works program, providing valuable resources and exposure to some of today’s most innovative performing artists. Beats + Rhymes + Tap Shoes is a dance piece that explores and reimagines the music of popular hip hop group, A Tribe Called Quest, through tap and jazz.
Additionally this season, the Theater will host an Open House free to the public (February 4, 2017); a special edition of Apollo Uptown Hall: Trial By Jury, will take on the most provocative, polarizing and debated word in America -The “N-Word”(February 26, 2017); a new season of Amateur Night, now in its 83rd year (beginning February 22, 2017) and the continued celebration continue honoring the centennial of Apollo legend Ella Fitzgerald with Apollo Live Wire – Ella! A Centennial Celebration (Thursday, May 3, 2017).
The Apollo’s popular performance series Apollo Music Café (January 13, 2017) also returns along with Apollo Comedy Club (January 12, 2017), spotlighting the best up-and-coming talent in music and comedy.
“We’re excited to present a season filled with such great original programming that ties in directly to the Apollo’s DNA of innovation, collaboration and community,” said Kamilah Forbes, Executive Producer of the Apollo Theater. “This season embodies our commitment to bringing in programming that is as diverse as our audiences and that builds upon the Apollo’s rich legacy in contemporary ways.”
Winter/Spring 2017 season programming calendar follows below:
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The Apollo Theater Presents AFROPUNK Unapologetically Black: The African American Songbook Remixed A Celebration of Black Protest Music Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 7:30pm Creative and Musical Direction by Robert Glasper Featuring special guests Jill Scott, Bilal, Toshi Reagon and Staceyann Chin
From Billie Holiday’s Strange Fruit, to Public Enemy’s Fight the Power, to James Brown’s Say it Loud, and Bob Marley’s iconic call-to-action, War, the Apollo stage has been an incubator and platform for music that sparks consciousness, celebrates empowerment, and births revolutions.
The Theater continues in this tradition by partnering with the international cultural movement, AFROPUNK, to present Unapologetically Black, an all-star big band performance experience under the creative and music direction of jazz pianist and composer Robert Glasper. The evening, featuring special guests from both the popular and alternative music scenes including soul music chanteuse Jill Scott, Bilal, Toshi Reagon and Staceyann Chin will pay homage to black protest music and artists who have celebrated the power of being unapologetically black.
Described by the New York Times as “The most multicultural festival in the US,” AFROPUNK began as a web magazine dedicated to celebrating alternative culture and activism, reaching millions across its social networks. Aside from having festival stops in Brooklyn, NY, Atlanta, GA, and Paris, this event marks the first time AFROPUNK will be making a stop in Harlem, NY, bringing two world-renowned institutions of arts and culture together.
Africa Now! : Presented in Partnership with World Music Institute Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 8:00 p.m. Featuring: Mbongwana Star, Songhoy Blues, Lura and DJ Nenim
The Apollo’s fifth installment of this popular concert series celebrates the best of today’s African music scene and features Kinshasa born music sensation Mbongwana Star, whose eclectic melodies combine a perfect blend of Congolese rhythms and European post-punk bass. Songhoy Blues’ unique sound honors the essence of the Mali people, while fusing elements of contemporary rock and hip hop. Labeled as one of the most vibrant and charismatic singer’s in Cape Verdean’s new generation of singers, Lura brings the power in her up-tempo and energizing performance. Afrofunk sensation DJ Nenim is no stranger to the stage. His eclectic playlists have placed him in some of the biggest clubs in Nigeria.
The Apollo Theater Presents Southbank Centre London’s WOW – Women of the World Festival Thursday, May 4 –Sunday May, 7 2017 Presented by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Featuring Esperanza Spaulding and Dee Dee Bridgewater Musical Direction by Terri Lyne Carrington
WOW – Women of the World Festival - returns to the Apollo main stage this spring after a successful premiere at the Apollo in 2015. Founded in 2011 by Southbank’s Artistic Director Jude Kelly and originating at Southbank Centre, London, the international festival celebrates women’s achievements and explores the issues that women face globally. The Apollo’s WOW Festival will feature a unique mix of performances, discussions, workshops, and celebrates the work of women from diverse backgrounds.
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Highlights of the WOW Festival include a tribute to civil rights activist and legendary songstress Abbey Lincoln presented by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; under the musical direction of Grammy Award-winning composer and producer Terri Lyne Carrington, and featuring jazz singers Esperanza Spalding and Dee Dee Bridgewater. The NEA Jazz Master was beloved for her powerful and unique voice, as well as for pursuing her art with integrity and turning music into a genuine celebration of life.
Additionally, the weekend features an evening of powerful storytelling with The Moth. The Moth is dedicated to promoting the art & craft of storytelling and celebrates the ability of stories to honor both the diversity and commonality of human experience, and to satisfy a vital human need for connection. The Moth has presented over 18,000 stories to standing-room-only crowds worldwide. The evening includes five true stories, told live and without notes.
The festival schedule includes special presentations of Apollo Signature Programs (Live Wire, Apollo Comedy Club, Apollo Music Café, and Apollo Uptown Hall) among other sessions and workshops.
SIGNATURE PROGRAMS
Amateur Night at the Apollo Sponsored by Coca Cola Opening Night February 22, 2017 Weekly, Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. through November2017
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. Now in its 83rd year, 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 and Machine Gun Kelly. Amateur Night is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company.
Amateur Night’s 2017 Season runs through November on Wednesday nights at 7:30 p.m. and will feature the following special editions:
Amateur Night at the Apollo: Opening Night Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.
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 such as Matthew Whitaker, Machine Gun Kelly, and Matthew Hashimoto.
Auditions for Amateur Night March 18th in New York City at the Apollo (10 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
Amateur Night at the Apollo: Jazz Edition Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. In continuation of the year-long celebration of legendary singer Ella Fitzgerald, the Apollo Theater will present a special jazz edition of its signature talent competition.
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Amateur Night at the Apollo: Nothin’ But Soul Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.
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.
Apollo Music Cafe Apollo Soundstage 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 to experience daring and diverse performances 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. The Apollo Music Café 2017 season runs monthly on Fridays and Saturdays from January to June 2017. The new series features a special Apollo Music Café: Celebration of Ella Fitzgerald.
APOLLO MUSIC CAFÉ: 2017 Grace Weber and Russell Taylor Friday, February 3, 2017 at 10 p.m.
Featured on VH1 “"You Oughta Know" series, Russell Taylor is a highly sought after Harlem based soul-singer who has shared the stages with Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, India.Arie, Isaac Hayes and Patti LaBelle. Named New Music Seminar’s #1 Unsigned Artist and listed on NPR’s “One To Watch,” Grace Weber returns to the Apollo after her triumphant 2004 Showtime performance.
House Unplugged with Dawn Tallman & Friends Curated by InJoy Enterprises Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 10 p.m.
House Unplugged will feature International Dance Music Award winning artist Dawn Tallman performing with a live band along with special guests to create a unique high energy live music experience that audience members will feel deep in their soul.
LaJune and Rahbi Friday, March 3, 2017 at 10 p.m.
Inspired by artists as diverse as Prince, Grace Jones, Rick James and Lady Gaga, Rahbi’s electrifying performances has gained the admiration of Eryakh Badu and Janelle Monae. Rapper/singer, LaJune was the first female to be inducted into BET’s “106 & Park” Freestyle Friday Competition.
Ensemble Mik Nawooj Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 10 p.m.
Led by classically trained composer/pianist JooWan Kim, Ensemble Mik Nawooj, the 10 piece postmodern Hip-Hop orchestra with MCs/lyricists Do D.A.T. and Sandman, a
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soprano, winds, strings, funky drums, and piano, injects classical compositional techniques into hip-hop. The Oakland based Hip-Hop Orchestra will preview the music portion of their immersive hip-hop/classical hybrid work, Death Become Life which deconstructs classic Hip-Hop tracks.
Charenee Wade – A Celebration of Ella Fitzgerald Friday, April 7, 2017 at 10 p.m.
Soulful jazz vocalist, Charenee Wade celebrates Ella Fitzgerald’s 100th birthday with a joyous evening of song. A notable singer, composer and arranger, Wade is known for expert vocal improvisational ability and her seriously swinging groove. Her classic jazz sound landed her the First Runner-Up in the 2010 Thelonious Monk International Vocal Competition which launched her touring career, performing regularly on both local and international stages.
Theo Croker Curated by Dwight Jordan Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 10 p.m.
Trumpeter, composer, and arranger Theo Croker is an adventurous musician whose adept skills find him at home whether playing standards, swinging post-bop, or more groove- oriented electric jazz. Grandson of the late great jazz trumpeter Doc Cheatham, Croker has made himself a staple in the NYC jazz scene.
Lindsey Webster with opening act Koku Apollo Music Café Celebrates WOW Curated by Jodine Dorce Friday, May 5, 2017 at 10 p.m.
Lindsey Webster is an American contemporary jazz singer-songwriter. Her song Fool Me Once reached number one on Billboard's Smooth Jazz Songs chart in February and March 2016. She is also an advocate for battered women and is an active fundraiser for the shelter, Family of Woodstock - Washbourne House.
This event will be a part of the Women of the World Festival.
Carmen Rodgers and Zo! Apollo Music Café Celebrates WOW Curated by Jodine Dorce Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 10 p.m.
Carmen Rodgers is a neo-soul singer who is deeply involved in the fight to end homelessness. Pushing the bounds of creativity, Carmen has carved out her own lane since her debut solo, Free (2004) to her most recent album, Stargazer (2015), hailed by AllMusic as, “… one of the most enjoyable mid-2010s R&B albums.” This event will be a part of the Women of the World Festival.
Killiam Shakespeare and Nicholas Ryan Gant Curated by Soul Factory Presents Friday, June 2, 2017 at 10 p.m.
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Killiam Shakespeare is a Philadelphia based collective whose blend of soul, jazz and R&B puts them in a league of their own. The band is led by music duo Steve Mckie, (drummer for Jill Scott, Bilal, and Common) and Corey Bernhard, whose toured with Talib Kweli, Marsha Ambrosius, and Snarky Puppy.
Nicholas Ryan Gant is a New York based singer/songwriter who has sung support vocals for artists including Mariah Carey, Ledisi, and Michael McDonald.
Next2Shine Takeover Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 10 p.m.
The Apollo closes out its 2016/17 Café season with a line-up of exciting new artists curated by Next2Shine. Next2Shine is an A&R music platform dedicated on discovering and showcasing emerging unsigned talents.
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.)
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 2017 season will run monthly on Thursdays from January until June 2017.
February 2nd Host: B-Phlat Jonathan Martin Marlon Randolph Anton Shuford
March 2nd Host: Gina Yashere Shawn Harvey Brandon "Hotsauce" Glover Oscar Collazos
April 6th Host: Mugga Lawrence Killebrew Bob-A Fini Jackson Comedian Jackson
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May 4th Host: Mugga Tacarra Carthan Vernita Bostick Kate Wolff
June 1st Host: Meshelle "The Indie-Mom of Comedy” Purnell Holloway Denny LIVE! Martini Harris
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.
The Apollo Salon Series The Apollo Salon Series is the Theater’s new works program that specializes in supporting innovative artists and works-in-progress projects that combine a variety of musical forms with other disciplines, including spoken word, poetry, dance, and theater.
Maurice Chestnut “Beats + Rhymes + Tap Shoes” Performances: April 21-22, 2017
Beats, Rhymes and Tap Shoes is a dance piece that explores and reimagines the music of popular hip hop group, A Tribe Called Quest, through tap and jazz.
One of tap's brightest young stars, Maurice Chestnut is an original member of the New Jersey Tap Dance Ensemble. His extensive list of credits includes his appearance at Carnegie Hall and throughout Europe with the Geri Allen trio as a featured soloist, and his performances in productions with Savion Glover such as Bring In 'Da Noise, Bring In 'Da Funk, Improvography, Classical Savion, Tappin' Into Monk, Invitation to the Dancer and on "ABC- TV's Dancing With The Stars." At the turn of the 21st century, the Newark Star Ledger's arts reviewers named Maurice "one of the twenty New Jersey faces to watch for in the new century."
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:
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Open House Saturday February 4, 2017
In celebration of Black History Month, the world famous Apollo Theater will host an afternoon of programming with our legendary Theater opening its doors to give members of the Harlem community, New York City residents and visitors alike a unique and FREE glimpse at the Apollo’s rich history and current programs. Hosted by Billy Mitchell, whose memories and knowledge are so great that he’s known as “Mr. Apollo!”
Open House will feature performances and presentations from youth activists and artists. Highlights include: Co-hosts Devon Arnold and Beverly Danquah from the Apollo Theater Academy, Tre Trax as our guest DJ, and Esther Aloba and Sergio Jimenez presenting relevant poetry and spoken word from the dynamic youth organization Urban Word NYC.
For centuries, historically black colleges and universities have provided fertile ground for students willing to devote their careers - and lives - to social justice. An excerpt from Stanley Nelson’s Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities will show how these institutions have continually served as incubators and facilitators for advocacy on behalf of the African American community.
Stemming from a manuscript by Harlem literary giant James Baldwin and narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, we’ll show an excerpt from Raoul Peck’s I Am Not Your Negro, a journey into black history that connects the past of the Civil Rights movement to the present of #BlackLivesMatter.
Both filmmakers will be here to speak about their films and related subjects in a panel moderated by entrepreneur April R. Silver.
The Apollo’s Open House provides a platform for other cultural organizations and companies to share information including: Apollo Theater Academy, Firelight Media, Independent Lens, Magnolia Pictures, National Action Network’s Youth Huddle, THE POINT, Urban Word NYC and Word Up Bookstore.
The events are free and open to the public, as space allows. Join us for an afternoon that will inform and uplift.
The Apollo Theater’s Open House is from 2PM-6PM on February 4th. For more information visit www.ApolloTheater.org/calendar.
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.
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Apollo Uptown Hall: Trial By Jury: Case of The N-Word Sunday, February 26, 2017 at 3 p.m.
The Apollo collaborates with creator Kyle Bowser to present Apollo Uptown Hall: Trial By Jury- Case of the N-Word, an interactive community conversation to investigate one of the most provocative, polarizing, and debated words in America. This dramatically staged program includes a fictional case and the audience serving as a jury to decide the outcome. Special guests will include: radio personality EMEZ, psychologist Dr. Jeff Gardere, comedienne Stephanie McRae, CCNY Black Studies Director Dr. Cheryl Sterling, filmmaker Darryl Stith and writer, TV host and podcaster Touré will join the discussion to explore the word’s historic and current day resonance.
Apollo Uptown Halls are free and open to the public but tickets are required. For more information visit www.apollotheater.org
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 Winter/Spring 2017 Season include:
Ella! A Centennial Celebration Thursday, March 23, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. The Apollo continues its year-long celebration of Ella Fitzgerald with a discussion led by Farah Jasmine Griffin, professor of English and comparative literature and African American Studies at Columbia University. Live Wire’s celebration of Fitzgerald’s centennial will explore “The First Lady of Song” through her music, her musicianship, and as a woman revered in an art form predominated by men.
WOW –The Politics of Performance Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. Live Wire celebrates the contributions of women performers. This discussion will look at women in the performance arena and consider some of the iconic performers whose politics have influenced their work both on and off stage. The discussion will explore performance as both an intentional and unintentional political stance, and the impact that women of color in particular have had on performing arts and entertainment.
Black Men/Soul Music II: Soul Revolution Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. Led by Award winning writer and journalist Herb Boyd, Black Men/Soul Music II: Soul Revolution, will look at the work of artists such as Stevie Wonder, The Isley Brothers, The Last Poets, Cutis Mayfield, Gil Scott Heron, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, and how writers and producers like Mayfield, Wonder, and others helped to define the sound of a revolution in popular music.
Apollo Live Wires are free and pre-registration is strongly suggested. For more information visit www.apollotheater.org.
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Apollo Family Programs Family Workshops are designed to provide families with children an opportunity to engage in hands-on art-making activities. Family Showtime is a revived initiative of the Apollo Education Program, designed to provide families with young children and teens the opportunity to experience live performance at the Apollo in a community setting.
Planned Apollo Family Programs events for the Winter/Spring 2017 Season include:
Family Workshop: Harlem Swing Dance Society Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 1:00 & 2:30 p.m. An intergenerational dance workshop for ages 6 and over. The afternoon will include history of classic social dances associated with Harlem and the Savoy Ballroom, demonstration of traditional jazz steps from the Charleston to Lindy Hop and Swing dancing, film clips, and a Q & A. Led by The Harlem Swing Dance Society. Presented as part of Open House Weekend. Appropriate for families with children ages 6 and older.
Apollo Family Workshops are free; pre-registration is strongly suggested.
Family Showtime: Music & Storytelling with Africa Forestdance and Griots in Concert Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. Africa Forest dance performs traditional and contemporary music from the western to the southern regions of Africa featuring instruments such as bala, mbira, kora, djembe, and shekere. Griots in Concert combine music, song and storytelling in an inspirational and educational show providing a unique musical journey into African culture. Presented as part of Africa Now!
Tickets: $10 per person Appropriate for families with children ages 5 and older. For more information visit www.apollotheater.org.
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 Winter/Spring 2017 Season include:
Harlem Symphony Orchestra Friday, March 31, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. Led by music director Amadi Azikiwe, the Harlem Symphony Orchestra was brings symphonic music to diverse communities and to encourage youths of all ethnic origins to pursue careers in the field of classical music. This performance marks HSO’s return to the Apollo Theater for a concert that will delight students. Target audience: Grades 3 – 12
A Journey Through Rhythm & Blues with the Michael-David Band Friday, May 12, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. This performance will take students on a musical journey through Rhythm & Blues and highlight the contributions of R&B pioneers and innovators such as Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, James Brown and others who performed at the Apollo Theater. Target audience: Grades 3 – 12
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For Apollo School Day Live ticket information visit www.apollotheater.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 Winter/Spring 2017 Season include:
BMI Latin/How I Wrote That Song Tuesday, April 4, 2017 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.apollotheater.org
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.
Africa Now is sponsored by Merrill Lynch.
The Apollo's Salon Series is sponsored by Time Warner Inc.
Lead support for the Apollo's Women of the World Festival provided by Citi, Time Warner Inc., the National Endowment for the Arts, and the New York State Council on the Arts.
Leadership support for Apollo Education Programs provided by the Ronald O. Perelman Family Foundation, Coca-Cola Foundation, and The Jerome L. Greene Foundation.
Public support for the Apollo Theater is 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.
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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, spoken word, 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, 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 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.
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For more information, please contact: Nina Flowers Director of PR and Communications 212-531-5334 [email protected]
Jarred Hopkins Manager of PR and Communication 212-531-5340 [email protected]
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