As a celebration of Black History Month, our 2019 Apollo Open House will explore the rich history of the Apollo Theater as we celebrate our 85th anniversary. Throughout the afternoon, artists and thought leaders will examine the Apollo’s cultural legacy and our upcoming season through dance, music, storytelling, and film.

Hosted by Billy Mitchell, whose memories and knowledge are so great that he’s known as “Mr. Apollo,” the afternoon will include clips from the Apollo’s upcoming Africa Now!, the Women Of the World (WOW) Festival, a reflective conversation with the children and grandchildren of Apollo legends, and performances.

This event is FREE, family-friendly, and open to the public. RSVP here. 

Featured guests:

Abrams ComicArts presents: "Picturing the Apollo"- Author Ted Fox and illustrator James Otis Smith will do a presentation on the graphic novel version of Showtime at the Apollo based off Fox’s original text work that brought to life the theater’s legendary significance to the culture of New York City, black pride, and music history.

Brad San Martin - Apollo Digital Archivist, featuring "Treasures from the Archives" photos from our 85 years

Hard Hittin' Harry - The DJ for the Apollo Music Café series that features diverse performances across a myriad of genres (R&B, hip hop, soul, jazz, pop, funk, and rock). He can also be heard on WBAI, 99.5FM

Jazzmobile - A nonprofit organization with the mission to present, promote, propagate and preserve America's classical music and jazz through free live performances and music education programs, will present a history of Jazz at the Apollo

JSWISS - hip-hop artist and musician who has hared the stage with 2 Chainz, Big K.R.I.T, EPMD, and Rakim

Rachel Kara Pérez - an award-winning multidisciplinary artist and activist celebrating Latin music in conjunction with the Apollo's 85th anniversary

Stuart Hudgins - a multi-media artist, illustrator and film archivist and consultant who has presented at the Kennedy Center and the Apollo Theater

Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling - a space for children and their families to grow and learn about the world at large, presenting an interactive musical moment by Reza Salazar

Urban Word NYC - the forefront of the youth literary arts movement in the United States, and the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, home of groundbreaking works of literature, music, theater, performance art, poetry slam and champions present: Sergio Jimenez, a spoken word artist who has been featured on Telemundo, NY1 News, and more.