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

Did You Know?

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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.