IN THE NEWS

Source: Harlem World Magazine

Last night, The Apollo—America’s cultural cornerstone for Black artistry—brought together New York’s elite in business, entertainment, fashion, and philanthropy.

They were brought together to celebrate its 2025 Spring Benefit, the institution’s largest annual fundraising event and their last before the historic theater closes to begin full-scale renovations to modernize the iconic space.

The evening kicked off with an intimate cocktail reception at The Apollo Stages at the Victoria where storied music industry veteran Larry Jackson and Pat Houston inducted music legend Clive Davis into The Apollo’s legendary Walk of Fame. This ceremony set the tone for an unforgettable night celebrating legacy, innovation, and the enduring power of Black creativity.

Following the induction ceremony, guests moved to The Apollo’s Historic Theater for the evening’s main program where GRAMMY-nominated vocalist Martha Redbone opened the show with a soul-stirring tribute to the words of Bell Hooks. The energy rose as GRAMMY Award-winning singer Avery Sunshine followed with a vibrant medley honoring the musical giants who helped shape The Apollo’s indelible history.

Shortly after, comedian, actress and benefit host Kym Whitley, welcomedguests before ushering Michelle Ebanks to the stage for opening remarks.  

The Apollo President and CEO, Michelle Ebanks formally kicked off the show with a commemoration of The Apollo’s recent milestone community impact – from the institution’s new work and education programs, to the Kennedy Center Award earned this past December – before previewing what The Apollo’s new era has in store through its upcoming renovation. Michelle was also joined by The Apollo Board of Directors Chair Charles Phillips to announce a special contribution of $2.5 million made by Bloomberg Philanthropies in support of The Apollo’s community, education and capital initiatives.

The stage opened up for a special dance performance choreographed by 4x Tony nominated director Camille A. Brown & Dancers. 

Rev. Al Sharpton joined the stage to offer words celebrating close friend Richard Parsons who served as The Apollo’s Chairman of the Board of Directors from 1999-2020.

Adam Blackstone joined 8x GRAMMY nominated group, The Baylor Project who performed a moving tribute featuring songs like, “Walk With Me,” in celebration of the late Richard Parsons. 

Premier Sponsor and Board of Directors member, Kwanza Jones shared her personal experience with The Apollo and heartfelt remarks as she introduced the Innovator Award presentation.

New York rap icon Method Man quickly followed with a special performance over Teyana Taylor’s “Gonna Love Me” and “I’ll Be There” which energized a standing ovation from the crowd.

Fashion icon, designer, and fellow Harlem native, Dapper Dan joined Sherri Shepherd on stage to present Teyana Taylor with the inaugural Innovator Award.

Inaugural Innovator Award Honoree, Teyana Taylor celebrated her full circle moment by reflecting back on her first performance on the Apollo stage at just 8 years old. 

Sherrese Clarke made a special appearance to introduce the Legacy award presentation which took a look back at Clive Davis’ storied legacy. 

13x GRAMMY award winner Babyface joined multi-platinum GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist Monica to present Clive Davis with the Legacy Award.

Legacy Award Honoree and Walk of Fame Inductee, Clive Davis delivered an inspiring acceptance speech that memorialized his extraordinary career and all the artists he helped shape. 

Shoshana Bean dazzled the room opening Clive Davis’ musical tribute with a jazz rendition of Alicia Keys’ “Fallin.” Deborah Cox followed with her classic, “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here,” before both came together for a duet of Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” Busta Rhymes closed out the show and tribute performance with “Ante Up,” “I Know What You Want” and his famous verse in “Look At Me Now.”

Tony Award-nominated orchestrator and 2x Image Award winner, Adam Blackstone served as the musical director for the evening’s meticulously crafted show.  

After the concert, guests danced the night away to music by DJ D-Nice at the afterparty, one of the most talked about events of the season, set in a space beautifully designed by celebrated event designer and Apollo board member Bronson van Wyck. Guests were treated to special surprise performances from Black Sheep, Deborah Cox, and others during D-Nice’s set.

Guests also enjoyed drinks provided by Armand de Brignac champagne, Tito’s and D’USSÉ.

This year’s event stands as a multi-generational celebration of The Apollo’s legacy highlighting the significant role the venue has played in the careers of thousands of Black artists. Proceeds from the fundraiser will support the non-profit organization’s year-round, world-class artistic, education, and community programs, as well as its commitment to articulating and projecting the African American narrative using arts and culture, and creating a 21st century performing arts canon. 

The legendary Apollo—the soul of American culture—plays a vital role in cultivating emerging artists and launching legends. Since its founding, The Apollo has served as a center of innovation and a creative catalyst for Harlem, the city of New York, and the world. In 2024, The Apollo opened The Apollo Stages at the Victoria Theater, marking the first ever expansion in its 90-year history. The Apollo also has plans to renovate its Historic Theater. For more information about The Apollo, visit www.ApolloTheater.org.

With music at its core, The Apollo’s programming extends to dance, theater, spoken word, and more. This includes the world premiere of the theatrical adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates’s Between the World and Me and the New York premiere of the opera We Shall Not Be Moved; special programs such as the blockbuster concert Bruno Mars Live at the Apollo; 100: The Apollo Celebrates Ella; and the annual Africa Now! Festival. The non-profit Apollo is a performing arts presenter, commissioner, and collaborator that also produces festivals, large-scale dance and musical works organized around a set of core initiatives that celebrate and extend The Apollo’s legacy through a contemporary lens, including the Women of the World (WOW) Festival as well as other multidisciplinary collaborations with partner organizations.