Apollo Theater — Attraction in New York

We visited this black centric establishment on Wednesday, August 10, 2022. I booked tickets prior to online for the 7:30 PM Amateur Night Show. Upon arrival the doors opened at 6:30 PM for this event. Once we reached the building, there were security guards outside who checked our belongings and had us walk through metal detectors. Once we entered the actual Apollo Theater, our tickets were checked/verified and we were sent inside. They have plenty of professional and helpful staff walking around to assist patrons. We saw that they have a gift shop in the front selling various paraphernalia, such as T-shirts and other products. We also saw a couple of gallery walls of famous stars who have gotten their start, road to success, and have had iconic performances at the Apollo Theater. We entered the theater and were provided assistance by a couple of employees that took us to our seats. We were provided with fans that stated boo on one side and yes on the other side. This was for us to give our denial or approval of stage performers during the show.The theater itself is beautiful, historic, and well-maintained. They also have a bar once you get inside of the actual theater, near the stage area selling various drinks and snacks. Shortly before we began the show, the lively and entertaining DJ came out. He played a lot of great popular songs that most of us knew, which we danced and sung to. The theater itself kind of reminded me of the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. It had different levels and intricately beautiful designs in gold. This gave it a bit of a regal theme. The seats also were like the Fox Theatre, which are all on one level. It can be a bit difficult to see around the person in front of you since everyone is sitting on the same level. We had great seats and sat in the center orchestra in Row G. We felt this wasn’t too close or too far from the stage. The first stage man came out was dressed to the nines, he sung renditions of Michael Jackson, and greatly entertained the crowd. He also brought out the sand man who had on tap dancing shoes and was super energetic. The show also started right on time with no delays, which we greatly appreciated. The entire night ran very efficiently and smoothly. The band was also comprised of four musicians: an electric guitar player, drums player, piano player, and bass guitar player. All of these musicians were very talented and each of them had a solo set. Their short intricate performances showcased their immense solo talent. The Amateur Night host was named Capone. He was very funny, entertaining, and engaging with the crowd. He did ask that during the children’s section of performances, we didn’t boo the kids who ranged in age from 5 to 17. There were three groups of kids that performed, including two solo vocalists and one dance troupe. This was a great part of the show since all the talented kids worked very hard. Ultimately we determined a winner by our level of applause which Apollo measured with a crowd noise meter. I will note that Apollo had some beautiful stage backgrounds. This included the Amateur Night sign, Apollo sign, and the famously world renowned tree stump. It is well known that performers rub the tree stump for good luck. During the adult section, there were about 67 performers. We were allowed to praise or boo them. One man did get booed off the stage. The sand man came out to throw him off the stage for his poor performance. There was a 10 minute intermission. During this part of the performance, the DJ once again came out and played a great set full of popular songs that we knew. Once the show resumed, we were allowed to pick a winner out of this group as well using the praise volume meter. I do feel like this was one of the highlights of our trip in New York. It is a must do for everyone who comes to Harlem. I do highly recommend that everyone who visits New York come to Amateur Night at the Apollo on a Wednesday night. This event is showcased every week. I did feel like most of the performers were talented, but the show was also...

Visiting the Apollo Theater is an electrifying experience that immerses you in the rich history and vibrant culture of Harlem. Known as the birthplace of American soul, jazz, R&B, and hip-hop, the Apollo has been a launchpad for some of the most legendary artists in music history, including Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson. The moment you step inside, you can feel the energy and legacy of countless performances that have shaped not just Harlem, but global music culture.

The theater’s historic marquee and Art Deco interior set the tone for an unforgettable evening. One of the most iconic experiences is attending Amateur Night at the Apollo, where aspiring performers take the stage in front of an enthusiastic audience. The crowd plays an active role—cheering for favorites and good-naturedly booing those who miss the mark—creating an interactive, lively atmosphere that’s unlike any other performance venue. It’s a night of discovery, as you might witness the rise of the next big star.

Beyond Amateur Night, the Apollo hosts a variety of concerts, festivals, film screenings, and community events that celebrate the diversity and creativity of African American culture. The Apollo Music Café series, for instance, offers an intimate setting for emerging artists across genres to showcase their talents.

For those interested in the theater’s storied past, I highly recommend taking a guided tour, which offers behind-the-scenes insights into the Apollo’s history, its role in the Harlem Renaissance, and the legends who’ve graced its stage. The Walk of Fame outside the theater is also worth exploring, honoring the artists who have left an indelible mark on its history.

Located on 125th Street, the Apollo is surrounded by Harlem’s rich cultural landmarks, including the Studio Museum in Harlem and a variety of soul food restaurants that offer the perfect pre- or post-show dining experience.

Whether you’re a music lover, history enthusiast, or simply looking to experience one of New York City’s most iconic venues, the Apollo Theater offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of American music...

I attended the Apollo Theater for a live panel discussion, on the topics of black music, media, entrepreneurship, and what aspiring artists need to know to best prepare themselves for career success. The panel consisted of three very young successful entrepreneurs Young Sav, Shari Bryant, and Rico Beats, hosted by Ashlee Muhammad.

Let me start by saying, I was a plus one of my nieces, who owns a creative agency called “Fashion Designers Life” she produces NYFW events and extended fashion and creative events in the fashion industry. Please check out her Instagram page that haves over 8,000 followers @FashionDesignersLife.

Now back to my Apollo Theater review😁

I was born and raised in Harlem. I have attended the Apollo Theater for many shows: Concerts, Comedy, Amateur Night, etc. Over the years the historical Apollo Theater has been restored and updated to keep up with the times but is still one the most historical showpieces of Harlem that brings a joyful, proud, feeling over me every time I enter this place for an event, I know it's home.

For the 1st time, I got to see one of the Apollo Theater smaller rooms, located on the 3rd floor called the studio. It was small, quaint, and up-close in person. I enjoyed being here and attending this very informative event to uplift and inspire our young, black youth to keep reaching for the success that they seek because even with some setbacks they will reach the stars by believing in themselves and working hard. The event was great!

Thank you Apollo Theater for remaining a pillar in the community, as well as, still, being an aspiring and proud place to go in the community that has positive great events for people from all walks of life to attend. To know that there are still places in Harlem that are uplifting and still home. Makes me want to sing (Lol). Keep up the great work, I look forward to attending another successful...