IN THE NEWS

Source: The City Life

Benefit Raises Nearly $3.2 Million for Year-Round, World-Class Artistic, Education and Community Programs, Marking 2025 One of the Most Successful Benefits in Apollo History

Method Man, Busta Rhymes, Deborah Cox, Sherri Shepherd, Dapper Dan, The Baylor Project, Camille A, Brown & Dancers, Shoshana Bean, Martha Redbone and Avery Sunshine Join Evening’s Star-Studded Performance Lineup; with Musical Direction by Adam Blackstone; Hosted by Comedian Kym Whitley

‍Apollo Thanks Premier Sponsors Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano Initiative and HarbourView Equity Partners for Leading in Their Support 

‍D-Nice Returns for Iconic Afterparty Celebration

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

‍Key quotes can be found below:

• As Clive Davis accepted the Legacy Award, he shared: 
  • “Receiving the Legacy Award and being inducted in the Walk of Fame is a true cultural treasure.”  
  • “Black music is an essential part of American culture.”
  • “I’m so proud to have played a role in helping bring previously unheard voices out in the world.”
  • “I had the privilege of working with great artists whose impact has changed music forever.”
  • “In my autobiography I wrote that music has no color, but it does have heart and it must have truth. And that’s what my music has always brought to the world, truth. And there is no single institution that champions the truth of Black music than The Apollo.” 
• In accepting the inaugural Innovator Award, Teyana Taylor disclosed personal stories of performing at just 8 years old on Apollo stage and how this evening’s event stood as her personal full circle movement.
  • During her speech she gave thanks back to The Apollo by saying “Thank you for the village you have placed in my life. I’m filled with so much gratitude.”
• Michelle Ebanks, President and CEO of The Apollo, reflected on The Apollo’s milestone achievements and previewed what’s to come from its upcoming renovation:
  • “The Apollo’s new work program continues to break ground, nurturing the next generation of creators. And our education program is reaching more young people than ever… December was a very special recognition for The Apollo, where this institution was the first ever to receive a Kennedy Center Award honor.”
  • On the renovation, she reflected it “is part of an evolution that was set in motion more than a decade ago. And we’re incredibly excited for this next transformational phase.” She also detailed, “there will be new orchestra seats, enhanced acoustics, fully modernized lighting and sound systems, and for the performers out there, enhanced dressing rooms, and state of the art backstage facilities. And lastly, the renovations include a full restoration of our iconic Apollo Theater marquee.” 

‍The Apollo thanks this year’s event sponsors, as follows:

• Premier Sponsors
  • Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano Initiative
  • HarbourView Equity Partners
• Vice Chairs
  • Citi
  • Goldman Sachs / Lou D’Ambrosio
  • Horowitz Family Foundation
  • IBM
  • Karen and Charles Phillips
• Leading Benefactors
  • GCM Grosvenor / Derek Jones
  • HSBC Bank USA / Racquel Oden
  • JPMorganChase
  • Natasha and Aaron Holiday
  • Paramount/BET
  • Patricia M. Zollar
  • Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
  • Peter and Katie O’Neill
  • Providence Equity Partners
  • Schulte, Roth + Zabel LLP / Howard Schiffman
• Benefactors
  • American Express
  • Bally’s
  • Hearst
  • Bloomberg Philanthropies
  • Gibson Dunn
  • Morgan Stanley
  • Clarence Otis and Jacqueline Bradley Otis
  • JoAnn H. Price
  • TD Securities
  • Adora and Carlos Whitaker
  • Nat Zilkha

About The Apollo

The Apollo is an American cultural treasure. It is a vibrant non-profit organization rooted in the Harlem community that engages people from around New York, the nation, and the world. Since 1934, The Apollo has celebrated, created, and presented work that centers Black artists and voices from across the African Diaspora. It has also been a catalyst for social and civic advocacy. Today, The Apollo is the largest performing arts institution committed to Black culture and creativity.