The Apollo Theater
If you only had time to do one thing in Harlem my recommendation to you is not difficult to decide on. The Apollo Theater is the easy choice. In fact my time spent at the historical Apollo Theater is easily one of my favorite things that I have done here since arriving in New York.
The Apollo Theater first opened it's hallowed doors in the year of 1914, and since it's emergence into popular entertainment has had a big impact on the shaping of jazz, swing, R&B, gospel, blues, and soul music. The Apollo Theater has enacted cultural movements, and even seen artists like Bill Cosby, Gladys’s Knight, Lauren Hill, Sarah Vaughan, and Billie Holiday on their way to stardom.
Throughout my research I conducted on the theater my favorite piece of information that I found was originally as was custom in America at the time, people of color were not allowed to attend or preform in the theater. However, in 1934 this was changed when the theater was reopened as a facility focused towards the steadily growing African-American population in Harlem. Since the reopening The Apollo Theater has thrived by introducing Amateur Night, which was the perfect way to showcase the African American talent and for almost the first time show the world their skills in a public entertainment system.
Today The Apollo Theater is known as a historical gem. The place is a non-prophet organization dedicated to discovering and launching the careers and success of talented individuals who otherwise would likely not have the chance. Amateur Night features performers of all different skill sets including singers, dancers, and poets, all of whom share one thing in common, an unbridled passion and joy for what it is that they do. This energy is infectious, and upon entering the performance for Amateur night I immediately felt alive and happy.
I highly recommend attending, but be sure to come with an attitude to participate as in doing so will give you the very best experience possible. The Apollo Theaters website says, “Amateur Night at the Apollo is one of New York’s most popular live entertainment experiences, attracting performers and audiences the world over. The classic competition is known for its notoriously “tough” audience, gleefully deciding who will “be good or be gone” to win the grand prize. Who will be the next Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown or Michael Jackson? At Amateur Night, you decide.”
Judging by my own experience, this couldn’t be more accurate. Amateur Night is the most fun you can have for a small price of fewer than 30 dollars. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance, as the theater is almost always sold out. Check out the website at www.apollotheater.org for more updates and information on events coming up in the near future.
