THE APOLLO THEATRE
The world-renowned Apollo Theatre opened its doors in 1914 and was known as Hurtig and Simon's New Burlesque Theatre. Like many places, African Americans were not allowed entrance as customers or performers. The theatre was shut down in 1933 when Fiorello La Guardia launched his campaign against burlesque, and it was re-opened as the 125th Street Apollo Theatre. In 1934, the theatre launched its famous Amateur Night as a live version of Ralph Cooper's "Amateur Nite Hour," which still occurs to this very day, every Wednesday at 7:30 pm.
When re-opening the theatre, the owners decided to shift the focus to be on expanding the African-American community in Harlem. He changed the content from burlesque to concerts, education, community outreach, and performing arts. It became about growing the culture and being inclusive. The Apollo is world-renowned and recognized for launching the careers of beloved stars such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, James Brown, and Lauryn Hill, among many others.
The Apollo is iconic in New York history and today hosts political events, concerts, teen events, and much more. However, their most notable and longest-standing event remains their Amateur Night. If you're at a loss for something to do on a Wednesday evening, prices start at $21. You might be lucky to witness the start of the career of the next Beyonce, Sammy Davis Jr, or Ella Fitzgerald. Whatever event you choose to go to, you are sure to have a fantastic time and feel completely immersed in a culture and history. Depending on the night's theme, you might find yourself back in the twenties, the forties, or even the eighties. Learn more about upcoming events on the Apollo Theatre website!
https://www.apollotheater.org/event/amateur-night-3-1-23/