AMATEUR NIGHT EVERY WEDNESDAY 7:30PM AT THE WORLD FAMOUS APOLLO THEATER
TICKETS at the BOX OFFICE
1-212-531-5305
253 W. 125th St. Harlem, NY
The world famous Apollo Theater is so much more than a historic landmark - it is a source of pride and a symbol of the brilliance of American artistic accomplishment. With its rich history and continued significance, the Apollo Theater , considered the bastion of African- American culture and achievement, is one of the most fascinating chronicles in American history.
It all started in 1914 when the theater was constructed on 125th Street, the heart of Harlem. Originally, it was named
Hurtig and Seamon€™s New Burlesque Theatre and African-Americans were not allowed in the audience. In 1934:
Ralph Cooper, Sr. decided to do a live version of his already popular radio show, Amateur Nite Hour at the Apollo„, at the Apollo Theater , then owned by the
Schiffman family .
Ella Fitzgerald was one of the first Amateur Night winners. That same year,
Cooper, Benny Carter and
€œ16 Gorgeous Hot Steppers€? dazzled the crowds with the theater€™s first
€œColored Revue.€? Then in 1935,
Bessie Smith made her Apollo debut followed by an unknown vocalist by the name of
Billie Holiday who graced the Apollo stage and mesmerized the audience with her undeniable style and talent. Soon thereafter, the Apollo Theater quickly became known the place
€œWhere Stars are Born and Legends are Made€?„ and €œhome€? to thousands of major performance artists, fans, and patrons of the arts from around the world. The legendary venue has launched the careers of icons such as
Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, James Brown and
Lauryn Hill and continues to maintain its position as the nation's most popular arena for emerging and established African-American and Latino performers.
