2015 FALL/WINTER SEASON
The Apollo Theater launches Apollo Comedy Club The new series marks the extension of the Theater’s late night programming and will kick-off with the Apollo Walk of Fame Induction of comedic legends Redd Foxx, Jackie “Moms” Mabley and Richard Pryor
Other 2015 Season Highlights Include:
The return of the global hip-hop dance theater festival Breakin’ Convention Just added celebrated French dance duo Les Twins Also featuring a new work developed at the Apollo by acclaimed choreographer Rennie Harris
Irvin Mayfield, Dee Dee Bridgewater & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra For the New York Concert Premiere of Bridgewater and Mayfield’s New Album ‘Dee Dee’s Feathers’ A Festive Halloween Weekend Celebration To Include A New Orleans Masquerade Themed Concert and After Party
World premiere of renowned Brazilian choreographer Fernando Melo’s latest work; A co-commission with Ballet Hispanico
Apollo and Jazz à Vienne’s artistic and cultural exchange continues with Je Suis Soul: A Salute To French And African Jazz And Soul A Celebration for the 35th Anniversary of the Jazz à Vienne Festival featuring French soul’s leading artists The Legendary Manu Dibango, Ben l’Oncle Soul with the Monophonics and Les Nubians
The Classical Theatre of Harlem presents The First Noel: A World Premiere Musical; Book, music and lyrics by Lelund Durond Thompson and Jason Michael Webb
(Harlem, NY –September 21, 2015)—On the heels of the recently announced expansion of its daytime programming with the Billie Holiday hologram show, the Apollo Theater today announced another exciting new addition to its 2015 Fall/Winter season with the launch of a new comedy initiative – Apollo Comedy Club. The new series will see the iconic Theater returning to its comedic roots as it further expands its late night offerings. Presented in partnership with the legendary Bob Sumner (producer of Def Comedy Jam, creator of LaffMobb on Aspire), the Apollo Comedy Club will take place on the Theater’s intimate Soundstage space and showcase some the best emerging talent in comedy today. Also to kick-off the series, the Theater will, for the first time, induct non-musical artists into its celebrated Apollo Walk of Fame. On October 1st, the Theater will hold a special ceremony to induct legendary comedians Redd Foxx, Jackie ―Moms‖ Mabley and Richard Pryor into its Walk of Fame and, following the ceremony, Apollo Comedy Club will officially open its doors.
Additionally, the Apollo’s 2015 Season will include: Breakin’ Convention (October 13-18), a global celebration of hip-hop dance theater featuring celebrated French dance duo Les Twins and a new work by acclaimed choreographer Rennie Harris; The New Orleans Jazz Weekend and Masquerade Party (October 30&31), which marks the return of jazz musician Irvin Mayfield and his New Orleans Jazz Orchestra to Harlem for a celebration of the new collaboration album Dee Dee’s Feathers, with legendary jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater; a new ballet by renowned Brazilian choreographer Fernando Melo, co-commissioned with the Apollo and Ballet Hispanico (November 20&21); a celebration of the Jazz à Vienne Festival’s 35th anniversary with Je Suis Soul!: A Salute To French And African Jazz And Soul (December 4&5) featuring many of French soul’s leading artists Manu Dibango, Ben l’Oncle Soul with the Monophonics and Les Nubians; and The Classical Theatre of Harlem presents the world premiere of The First Noel (December 11-30) a new Harlem-based holiday musical, by Lelund Durond Thompson and Jason Michael Webb.
The Fall/Winter calendar will also feature the 2015 season finale of the Apollo’s signature series Amateur Night: Super Top Dog on November 25th and the fifth season opener of Apollo Music Café, which showcases boundary-pushing, emerging and mid-career artists in an intimate club-like setting on the Theater’s Soundstage. As the cornerstone of 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.
APOLLO THEATER Fall/Winter 2015
APOLLO COMEDY CLUB October 2015 - January 2016 The Apollo Comedy Club will see the iconic Theater returning to its comedic roots as it further expands its robust programming offerings. Presented in partnership with the legendary Bob Sumner (producer of Def Comedy Jam, creator of LaffMobb on Aspire), the Apollo Comedy Club will feature an evening of comedy on the Apollo’s intimate Soundstage starring the best up and coming talent in comedy today including Del Harrison, Omar Thompson and Dino Vigo. Hosted by Harlem native Smokey Suarez and with music by the renowned DJ Qool Marv, the comedy shows will precede the Theater’s weekend music series, Apollo Music Café, extending the Theater’s late night offerings.
Apollo Comedy Club will open its doors on Thursday, October 1, 2015. Directly preceding opening night, the Theater will induct non-musical artists into the Apollo Walk of Fame, for the first time. Groundbreaking comedians Jackie ―Moms‖ Mabley, Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor, all of whom had a longstanding relationship with the Theater and are considered Apollo Legends, will officially be inducted into the Walk of Fame to kick off the comedy series.
Recognized primarily for its role in launching the careers of some of the world’s biggest music artists, the Apollo also has a long and storied history with comedy. Since the Theater first opened its doors in 1934, comics were a central part of the Theater’s variety shows. From the 1930’s through the early 1950’s, comedy at the Apollo consisted of situational, sketch humor and evolved to include stand-up monologues and social commentary from the mid-1950’s and on. The Apollo’s roster of comic artists who graced its legendary stage, adding to its already rich legacy include: Lincoln Perry (Stepin Fetchit), Eddie ―Rochester‖ Anderson, Pigmeat Markham, Mantan Moreland, Tim ―Kingfish‖ Moore, Butterbeans and Susie, Flournoy Miller, Timmie Rogers, Moms Mabley, Slappy White, Redd Foxx, Nipsey Russell, George Kirby, Dick Gregory, Flip Wilson, Richard Pryor, Paul Mooney, to name a few.
Apollo Comedy Club’s first season will run from October 2015 to June 2016. Doors open for bar, food and music by DJ Qool Marv at 9pm and the show begins at 10pm. Upcoming performances include:
Thursday, October 1, 2015 Del Harrison (DEL), Marshall Brandon and Davian Velez Thursday, November 5, 2015 Angelo Lozada, Hadiyah Robinson and Omar Thompson Thursday, December 3, 2015 GL Douglas, Dino Vigo and Rashaun Reese Thursday, January 7, 2016 John Moses, Shatara Curry and Eddie Bryant
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 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.
Breakin’ Convention—An International Festival of Hip-Hop Dance Theatre Featuring: Les Twins (France), Rennie Harris Puremovement (Philadelphia/USA), BirdGang Dance Company (UK), NL2 Formerly known as Next Level Squad (Brooklyn/USA), Compagnie Phorm (France/Argentina), The Ruggeds (Holland), Tito Lockers from Soulsations! (New Jersey/USA), Antoinette Gomis (France), Klassic and Havoc (Brooklyn/US), Street Justice Crew (New York City/USA), Rep Your Style (New York City/USA) and Legendary Twins (Bronx/USA) October 13 - 18, 2015
The Apollo presents Breakin’ Convention, an International Festival of Hip-Hop Dance Theater and a Sadler’s Wells London project, for a week of hip-hop dance theater performances, workshops and other activities featuring the best dance artists and companies from New York City, the U.S., and around the globe. Curated and hosted by Sadler's Wells Associate Artist Jonzi D, Breakin’ Convention is a celebration of hip-hop culture and its global impact and is part of the international festival’s first U.S. tour. This year, popular French hip-hop dance duo Les Twins – comprised of twin brothers Larry and Laurent Bourgeois – will make their Apollo debut during Breakin’ Convention. Les Twins are known for their eclectic hip-hop style and having worked with mainstream music artists, including Beyoncé, Jay Z and Missy Elliott. Also, new to this year’s Festival is the inclusion of an original work commissioned for Breakin’ Convention by the Apollo and created by acclaimed choreographer Rennie Harris, in May 2015, as part of the Apollo’s new works incubation program - the Apollo Salon Series. The Philadelphia- based Rennie Harris Puremovement and the Brooklyn-based NL2, both standout participants in the Theater’s first Breakin’ Convention, will perform 100NAKEDLOCKS, a new piece inspired by the sci-fi genre.
In addition to the Mainstage performances, Apollo’s Breakin Convention will also feature a variety of artistic, education and community events including a special Amateur Night at the Apollo performance, an Apollo Live Wire discussion along with workshops and an Apollo Master Class led by pioneers in the hip-hop dance field. The six-day Festival will bring a mix of renowned performers from around the globe, DJ’s spinning tunes and graffiti artists creating unique artwork. Additionally, the Festival will feature interactive dance lounges and other programs to take place on the Apollo’s Mainstage, Soundstage and under the iconic marquee. The Apollo Theater first presented Breakin’ Convention, its first global festival, in June 2013. The Festival provides a platform to celebrate the Theater’s hip-hop roots while highlighting the development of the culture around the world. (For more information on Apollo Live Wire and Master Class see EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY EVENTS starting on page 9.)
Tickets for Breakin’ Convention are $25 - $45. Apollo Advantage: $17.50 - $31.50. 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.
The New Orleans Jazz Weekend and Masquerade October 30 & 31, 2015 Featuring: Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Brass-A-Holics and More
Grammy Award-winning jazz musician and newly appointed Apollo Jazz Artist-in-Residence Irvin Mayfield returns to the Theater to bring the spirit of his hometown, New Orleans, to Harlem for a special Halloween weekend of events. The weekend will include a special performance by the renowned trumpeter with legendary jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater in the New York concert premiere of Bridgewater’s and Mayfield’s new album, Dee Dee’s Feathers. The masquerade-themed concert will be followed by an after-party as part of Apollo Music Café in the Theater’s Soundstage and will feature the New Orleans Go-Go brass funk band the Brass-A-Holics. The weekend will also include a special Apollo Music Café on that Friday night with Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse, curated by Bridgewater and featuring a jam-inspired set with some of the best young female jazz vocalists including Jazzmeia Horn, Camille Thurman and Glorious, a School Day Live performance and a Halloween mask and instrument making workshop as part of the Apollo Education Family Workshop series. (For more information on School Day Live and Family Workshop see EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY EVENTS starting on page 9.)
Tickets for New Orleans Jazz Masquerade Mainstage concert are $35 - $75. Premium tickets (which include the Mainstage concert and access to the exclusive after-party with the Brass-A-Holics) are $95. Apollo Advantage: $24.50 - $45.50.
Tickets for Friday night’s Apollo Music Café are $20. Apollo Advantage and A-list: $15 in advance. 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.
Ballet Hispanico Presents: A Brazilian World Premiere A Co-Commission of the Apollo Theater and Ballet Hispanico November 20 & 21, 2015; 8pm
The nation’s leading Latino dance organization brings to the Apollo stage the world premiere of a stunning new work by the young, highly theatrical Brazilian choreographer Fernando Melo. A co- commission of the Apollo and Ballet Hispanico, the work is choreographed to a live medley of Brazilian sounds, electronic and acoustic, and explores Melo’s homeland—a land of soccer, samba and sensuality but also inequality and disorder—with abstract and poetic subtlety.
Additional Ballet Hispanico programs include Ballet Hispanico Presents: Saturday en Familia featuring excerpts from Ballet Hispanico’s diverse repertory with a Q&A led by the dancers. Also, there will be a special Apollo Education performance of mixed repertory celebrating Latin American dance and culture with Apollo School Day Live. (For more information on Saturday en Familia and Apollo School Day Live see EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY EVENTS starting on page 9.)
Tickets for Ballet Hispanico are $28 - $58. Apollo Advantage: $19.50 - $40.50. 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
Amateur Night at the Apollo - Super Top Dog Wednesday, November 25, 2015, 7:30 pm Get ready for the final showdown of the 2015 Amateur Night season: Super Top Dog. Hundreds of up- and-coming musicians, dancers, comedians and other entertainers have vied all season for the opportunity to compete on the legendary Apollo stage, home to musical icons such as Michael Jackson, James Brown, D’Angelo and Lauryn Hill. The contestants competing in this Super Top Dog finale have won over the notoriously tough Apollo audience in three rounds of competitions to advance to this point. The winner will receive the title of Super Top Dog and a grand prize of $10,000. And the Child Star of Tomorrow winner will receive $2,000. Amateur Night is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company.
Tickets are $25, $34, and $43. Groups & families (10 or more): $23, $31, and $43. 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.
Je Suis Soul!: A Salute To French And African Jazz And Soul A Celebration for the 35th Anniversary of the Jazz à Vienne Festival Featuring: Manu Dibango, Ben l’Oncle Soul and the Monophonics and Les Nubians Saturday, December 5, 2015, 8pm
Apollo Theater and Jazz à Vienne continue their partnership and artistic exchange with a weekend in celebration for the 35th anniversary of the Jazz à Vienne Festival. Through the sounds of French and African jazz and soul, Je Suis Soul!: A Salute to French and African Jazz and Soul will explore the influences of soul on jazz, funk, and other popular music from around the globe. Featured artists include: the legendary Cameroonian saxophonist Manu Dibango, who made his Apollo debut in the 1970s and is best known for his hit "Soul Makossa"; French soul superstar Ben l’Oncle Soul performing with San Francisco’s foremost retro-soul group, Monophonics; and Les Nubians, the Grammy-nominated duo whose unique mix of neo-soul, hip-hop and African music is epitomized in their most recent hit, ―Nü Revolution.‖ The celebration will also include Apollo Music Café performances on December 4th and 5th in celebration of Jazz à Vienne.
The Apollo Theater and Jazz à Vienne’s partnership began in July 2014 when the Festival celebrated the Apollo Theater’s 80th anniversary in its 7,500-seat Roman amphitheater. Soul Night at the Apollo was a full day of programming dedicated to the Apollo and its musical legacy. Founded in 1980, Jazz à Vienne is one of the world’s premier music festivals. This annual, three-week festival stretches from mid-June to July and features a mix of gospel, soul, funk, blues, groove and, of course, jazz.
Tickets for Je Suis Soul!: A Salute To French And African Jazz And Soul are $25 - $65. Apollo Advantage: $17.50 - $45.50. 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
HOLIDAYS AT THE APOLLO A celebration of holiday traditions and special programming that includes:
The Classical Theatre of Harlem’s—The First Noel: A World Premiere Musical Preview Performances: December 11 & 12, 2015; 7pm Opening Night: December 13, 2015; 7pm Performances: December 15 – 30, 2015; 7pm (Matinees at 2pm)
In this world premiere, The Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) presents The First Noel, a new Harlem-based holiday musical. Presented in the Apollo’s Soundstage, The First Noel follows three generations of a Harlem family affected by the tragic loss of a loved one until an unexpected visit reveals some long-absent Christmas joy. It is a story 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 at Christmas time. The First Noel features music that crosses genres— from jazz to pop to gospel — to tell a universal story of love and belonging.
Book, music and lyrics by Lelund Durond Thompson (founder, YellaFella Entertainment and CTH Artistic Associate) and Jason Michael Webb (Motown the Musical, Violet). For The Classical Theatre of Harlem: Artistic Director Ty Jones and Managing Director David Roberts.
Tickets for The First Noel are $25 for previews, $75 for opening night, $35 for weekday performances and $50 for weekend performances. 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
Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland December 19, 2015; 2pm-6pm
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 will offer a variety of holiday-themed activities and performances free and open to the public.
Free and open to the public.
Apollo Amateur Night Holiday Special With the Apollo Stars of Tomorrow and special guest performances Saturday, December 19, 2015; 7:30 p.m.
The Apollo Theater lights up this holiday season with the Apollo Amateur Night Holiday Special, the 4th 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 $20, $26, and $32. 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.
Kwanzaa Celebration: Regeneration Night Featuring: Abdel Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre and more Sunday, December 27, 2015; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The Apollo’s popular annual Kwanzaa Celebration: Regeneration Night will include two performances and feature renowned New York-based dance company, Abdel Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre and various special guest artists. This joyful evening of dance and music will honor the principles of Kwanzaa—family, community, and culture. Radio host Imhotep Gary Byrd will host the performances.
Tickets for Kwanzaa Celebration: Regeneration Night are $20 - $35. Groups: $17 - $24.50. Apollo Advantage: $14. 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.
APOLLO MUSIC CAFE October 2015 - January 2016 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 favorite destination for music lovers of all kinds—from Harlem tastemakers, to tourists, to the downtown hipster set. The Apollo Music Café 2015 season will feature special editions including the New Orleans Jazz Weekend and Masquerade and Je Suis Soul, a partnership with Jazz à Vienne.
Ro James Friday, October 2, 2015; 10 pm (doors open for bar and food at 9 pm) Apollo Music Café kicks off its fifth season with the New York City native and R&B singer/songwriter Ro James. A tenor whose vocals are reminiscent of Donnie Hathaway, Ro has made a name for himself since the release of his 3-part EP, "Coke, Jack and Cadillacs" in 2013. Following the success of that project, Ro signed with RCA records where he is preparing to release his debut project, ―Eldorado.‖
Bradd Marquis Saturday, October 3, 2015; 10 pm (doors open for bar and food at 9 pm) Bradd Marquis will end the Apollo Music Café opening weekend with a tribute to soul legend Sam Cooke. The soul singer/songwriter will enchant the audience with covers of some of the legendary artist’s greatest hits. Known as the ―Spiritual Troubadour,‖ Marquis’s musical style has often been compared to the likes of Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye and Donny Hathaway.
Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse featuring Glorious, Jazzmeia Horn and Camille Thurman Friday, October 30, 2015; 10 pm (doors open for bar and food at 9 pm) As part of the New Orleans Jazz Weekend and Masquerade, this special Apollo Music Café presents Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse featuring New York jazz scene’s hottest new vocalists. Jazzmeia Horn’s soulful sound has received accolades from top critics and musicians, earning her comparisons to classic vocalists like Betty Carter, Sarah Vaughan and Nancy Wilson. Camille Thurman is a saxophonist and flute players whose vocal range and ability to perform vocalese is reminiscent to the sounds of Minnie Riperton and Ella Fitzgerald. Glorious is a vocalist who produces her own style of livetronica, a full drum kit played to electronic dance music.
Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse featuring The Brass-A-Holics Saturday, October 31, 2015 - 10 pm (doors open for bar and food at 9 pm) The New Orleans weekend concludes with a Masquerade and dance party featuring New Orleans Go-Go brass funk band Brass-A-Holics. This eight-piece ensemble’s sound consists of the traditional New Orleans brass and Go-Go elements.
Yummy Bingham and Rasul A-Salaam Friday, November 6, 2015; 10 pm (doors open for bar and food at 9 pm) This night features two staples of the independent music scene. Yummy Bingham, best known for her single featuring Jadakiss titled ―Come Get It,‖ has done background vocals for De La Soul, Christina Aguilera and Mary J Blige. Soul singer, Rasul A-Salaam has shared stages with a plethora of artists including Shirley Caesar, Lyle Lovett and Fantasia Barrino.
The Reminders and Johnny Popcorn Saturday, November 7, 2015; 10 pm (doors open for bar and food at 9 pm) This Music Café celebrates message music with two lyrically driven musical groups. The Reminders, consisting of Brussels-born emcee Big Samir and Queens-born emcee/vocalist Aja Black, are a rare and remarkable musical duo seamlessly blending soulful sounds and roots music with insightful messages and thoughtful lyrics. Johnny Popcorn is a progressive soul trio from Philadelphia, made up of emcee/producer/singer, Hezekiah; producer/bassist Tone Whitfield and vocalist Jani Coral.
Je Suis Soul!–Marine Futin and Stevy Mahy Curated by France Rocks Friday December 4, 2015; 10 pm (doors open for bar and food at 9 pm) This special Apollo Music Café features two French female artists whose lyrical sound blends French and English language. Marine Futin is a newcomer to the international Francophone pop scene whose sound has influences of jazz, pop and folk music. Stevy Mahy will enchant the audience with her French, English and Creole folk music as she lyrically flows between the three languages over acoustic melodies.
Je Suis Soul!– Cheick Tidiane Seck Saturday, December 5, 2015; 10 pm (doors open for bar and food at 9 pm) This special Apollo Music Café features an intimate evening with the internationally renowned musician Cheik Tidiane Seck. Known as ―the warlord of the keyboard,‖ Seck is well-versed in the performance of jazz, rhythm and blues, soul, and other types of global music.
Mad Satta Friday, January 8, 2016; 10 pm (doors open for bar and food at 9 pm) Mad Satta is future-soul band held down by edgy bass lines and a mix of guitar, organ, drums and horns that support the powerful, smoky vocals of front woman Joanna Teters.
Karina Pasian Saturday January 9, 2016; 10pm (doors open for bar and food at 9pm) Before signing to Def Jam Records Karina Pasian was already making a name for herself. The Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter has worked with an array of artists including Chris Brown, The Dream, Tricky Stewart, Gordon Chambers and Lil Mama.
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 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.
EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS The Apollo Theater Education and Community Program extend the Apollo’s commitment to serve as a resource and gathering place for the entire community. The nonprofit Theater’s education and community programs include events for school children and families; career development for teens and adults through the Apollo Theater Academy; and 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.
Apollo Family Showtime Over the course of its history, the Apollo has served as a source to discover live music, dance, and theater. Apollo Family Showtime is designed to continue this legacy and to provide families with the opportunity to experience live performances at the Apollo. Planned Apollo Family Showtime events for the 2015 Season include:
Breakin’ Convention Sunday, October 18, 2015; 3pm This special presentation will feature excerpts from Breakin’ Convention featuring Ahjani (USA), Street Justice Crew (New York City/US), Rennie Harris Puremovement (Philadelphia/USA) & NL2 (Brooklyn/USA) and The Ruggeds (Holland). Hosted by Mayhem Poets and Jonzi D.
Breakin’ Convention Family Showtime tickets are $10 - $40. For more information visit www.apolloeducation.org.
Ballet Hispanico Presents: Saturday En Familia Saturday, November 21, 2015; 2pm A 90-minute journey through Latin American dance and culture featuring excerpts from Ballet Hispanico’s diverse repertory and a Q&A with the dancers.
Ballet Hispanico: Saturday En Familia Family Showtime tickets are $15. For more information visit www.apolloeducation.org.
Apollo Family Workshop Apollo Family Workshops provide families with an opportunity to learn more about the music, movements and moments that define the Apollo's contributions to American history and culture through interactive activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Adults must be accompanied by a child. Planned Apollo Family Workshops events for the 2015 Season include:
Halloween Mask-a-rade Mask & Instrument Making Saturday, October 31, 2015; 1pm Presented as part of the New Orleans Jazz Weekend and Masquerade, this festive afternoon will feature New Orleans style music and art. Participants will use recycled compact disks, paper cups, mung beans, wire, raffia and a variety of other materials to create colorful masks and rattles. The event will culminate with participants showing off their tricks and treats under the Apollo marquee.
Apollo Family Workshops are free and pre-registration is strongly suggested. For registration information visit www.apolloeducation.org
Apollo Live Wire Discussion Live Wire discussions invite deeper engagement with the Apollo’s artistic programming. Apollo Live Wire Discussions are recorded and podcasts created to extend the audience reach and for inclusion in the Theater’s archives. Planned Apollo Live Wire Discussion events for the 2015 Season include:
Breakin’ Convention: Hip-Hop Dance Theater - How We Get Down Now Thursday, October 15, 2015; 6:30pm Performing artists from around the world discuss how they integrate hip-hop dance and theater in their work. Artists include Jonzi D., Antoinette Gomis, Ana ―Rokafella‖ Garcia and Ukweli Roach. Moderated by Thomas DeFrantz
Apollo Live Wire Discussions are free and pre-registration is strongly suggested. For registration information visit www.apolloeducation.org
Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown Film Screening Thursday, November 12, 2015; 6:30pm A screening of Alex Gibney’s highly acclaimed HBO documentary, Mr. Dynamite: the Rise of James Brown. The film covers the arc of James Brown’s career with never-before-seen photographs and video from his estate and interviews with some of Brown’s closest personal and musical associates. The film gives new insight into a man whose life and career made an indelible and everlasting impact on entertainment. Harry Weinger, special consultant to the film’s producers, will lead a panel discussion following the screening.
Apollo Live Wire Discussions are free and pre-registration is strongly suggested. For registration information visit www.apolloeducation.org
Apollo Master Class The Master Class Talent Development Seminars continue the legacy of the Apollo as a place where artists and entertainers learn informally about the principles and ethics of show business. Planned Apollo Master Class events for the 2015 Season include:
Breakin’ Convention: Hip Hop Dance Theatre Tuesday, October 13, 2015; 6:30pm Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director Jonzi D. facilitates this intensive workshop for dancers and choreographers seeking to take a theatrical approach to hip-hop dance. The workshop will cover how to develop movement with character and structure.
Tickets for Breakin’ Convention: Hip-Hop Theatre Master Class are $30 per person. Registration is open. For more information visit www.apolloeducation.org.
Vocal Music with Janice Pendarvis Saturday, November 14, 2015; 10:30am Renowned singer and voice-over actor Janice Pendarvis facilitates this workshop for vocalists. Participants will receive guidance on caring for their voice, vocal technique, breath and resonance exercises. Participants are welcome to share their voice with the class for review and feedback. For accompaniment, participants may sing a cappella, play keyboard available in the classroom, acoustic instrument, or provide a track on audio CD, MP3 player (such as an iPod). Feedback will be provided to as many as possible as time permits.
Tickets for Master Class Vocal Music with Janice Pendarvis are $30 per person.
Songwriting with Gordon Chambers Saturday, November 14, 2015; 2pm Multi-award winning singer/songwriter/producer Gordon Chambers leads this songwriting workshop for aspiring and experienced lyricists on the essentials of writing a great song. Topics covered will include song structure and presentation, understanding royalties, and how to market and promote your songs. Participants may submit samples of lyrics for review. Feedback will be provided as time permits.
Tickets for Master Class Songwriting with Gordon Chambers are $30 per person.
Tickets to attend both the Vocal Music and Songwriting Master Class are $50 per person. For registration and more information visit www.apolloeducation.org.
Apollo School Day Live Apollo School Day Live 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 2015 Season include:
New Orleans Jazz Orchestra: Meeting Dee Dee’s Voice Friday, October 30, 2015; 11:30am Vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra will highlight the human voice as a key instrument in a jazz ensemble. By ―meeting‖ Dee Dee’s voice, students will learn more about the art form of jazz, the rich musical history of New Orleans and the ability of the human voice to build narratives and spark imagination, both with and without the use of words.
For tickets and information visit www.apolloeducation.org
Ballet Hispanico Friday, November 20, 2015; 10:15am & 11:30am This special performance featuring Ballet Hispanico dancers will feature mixed repertory celebrating Latin American dance and culture.
For tickets and information visit www.apolloeducation.org
Behind the Scenes Career Panel Career Panels at the Apollo feature interviews and discussions with theater, music, and media industry professionals. Events are free and open to the public and take place on-site at the Apollo Theater. Planned Behind the Scenes Career Panel for the 2015 Season include:
BMI/Latin How I Wrote That Song Tuesday, October 27, 2015; 6:30pm Apollo Education partners with Broadcast Music, Inc. ® (BMI®) again to present BMI’s series "How I Wrote That Song®" at the iconic Harlem Theater. HIWTS provides an opportunity for aspiring songwriters and composers to learn about the craft of songwriting from today’s Latin music hit makers.
Career Panels are free and pre-registration is strongly suggested. For registration information visit www.apolloeducation.org
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.
Apollo Uptown Hall: A Martin Luther King Tribute Sunday, January 17, 2016; 3pm
In celebration of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, 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. Apollo Uptown Hall: A Martin Luther King Tribute is a WNYC and Apollo Theater presentation
Apollo Uptown Hall is free and open to the public with first admittance given to those who have registered.
You can follow the Apollo Theater on Twitter and Instagram at @apollotheater and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/apollotheater
Amateur Night at the Apollo is sponsored by Coca-Cola.
Leadership support for Apollo Education programs from Ronald O. Perelman Family Foundation. Additional support from the Mitsubishi UFJ Foundation, Coca-Cola Foundation, Con Edison, Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, General Motors Foundation, Insperity, The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation, Pinkerton Foundation, the QBE Foundation and public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
Holidays at the Apollo, including the Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland and Kwanzaa Celebration are sponsored by Coca-Cola.
The Apollo's 2015-2016 season is made possible by generous support from American Airlines, BNY Mellon, Citi, Coca-Cola, Troy and Keisha Dixon, EmblemHealth, Frederick Wildman, The Howard Gilman Foundation, Carla A. Harris, Robert K. Kraft, The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation, The Parsons Family Foundation, the Ronald O. Perelman Family Foundation, JoAnn Price, Earl W. and Amanda Stafford, Time Warner Inc., the Reginald Van Lee New Works Fund, the Apollo Board of Directors and many other generous donors.
Lead annual support is also provided by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts, and 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 upcoming 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, D’Angelo, 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 and currently in the midst of fundraising for its 21st Century Apollo Campaign, created 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.
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For more information, please contact: Nina Flowers Cynthia Tate Apollo Theater Foundation Apollo Theater Foundation 212-531-5334 212-531-5340 [email protected] [email protected]
Chelsea Bruck Isabel Sinistore Resnicow + Associates Resnicow + Associates 212-671-5164 212-671-5175 [email protected] [email protected]