Apollo Theater, a historic music venue known for launching the careers of many famous artists

Did You Know?

Did you know that New York City is often called the "Big Apple"? The origins of this nickname are not entirely clear, but it gained popularity in the 1920s and '30s. It is believed that it was popularized by jazz musicians who referred to New York City as the "big apple" to mean the grandest city in the country.

Did you know that New York City's iconic skyline was significantly shaped by the construction of skyscrapers? The city is famous for its impressive collection of towering buildings, including the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and the Chrysler Building. These skyscrapers contribute to the city's unique and recognizable silhouette.

Did you know that New York City is made up of five boroughs? Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island are the five boroughs that make up the city. Each borough has its own distinct character, culture, and attractions.

Did you know that New York City is home to the largest park in the United States? Central Park, located in the heart of Manhattan, covers an impressive 843 acres (341 hectares). It offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city streets and is a popular destination for outdoor activities, picnics, and cultural events.

Did you know that New York City is a melting pot of cultures and languages? Over 800 languages are spoken in the city, making it one of the most linguistically diverse places on Earth. People from all over the world have made New York City their home, creating a vibrant and multicultural atmosphere.

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Apollo Theater

Although it has opened and closed a few times, and changed its name, the Apollo Theater in the Harlem neighbourhood of Manhattan, has been an institution since 1914. It began its amateur nights performances in 1934, and some superstars rose out of those events, namely (among many others):

Ella Fitzgerald
Sarah Vaughan
Sammy Davis, Jr.
Billie Holiday
James Brown

For those of us outside New York, many of us first heard of the neo-classical Apollo couched in the lyrics of the Lou Reed song, “Walk on the Wild Side.” Seating about 1,500 audience members, the Apollo hosts music, comedy, performing arts, and events or celebrations like Barak Obama’s 2007 campaign fund-raiser and a tribute to Michael Jackson in 2009.

Home of American music like the blues, gospel, original R&B, jazz and swing, the Apollo Theater is now a not-for-profit venue, fully equipped to record (audio and video) events on its stage. It lists what’s on stage on its website, so plan ahead and get your tickets before you go.