IN THE NEWS

Source: Jason Robinson

The Apollo Theater to Honor Clive Davis and Teyana Taylor at Star-Studded Spring Benefit on June 4, 2025

Get ready for an unforgettable night of music, culture, and community as Harlem’s iconic Apollo Theater hosts its Annual Spring Benefit on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. This year’s celebration promises to be one of the most momentous yet—not only due to its powerhouse lineup of honorees and performers but also because it marks the final fundraiser held in the Apollo before it undergoes a historic renovation.

Honoring Legends & Trailblazers

At the heart of the evening, the Apollo will present its Legacy Award to the incomparable Clive Davis, a music industry titan whose influence has shaped generations of artists. Also making history is multi-hyphenate artist Teyana Taylor, who will receive the Inaugural Innovator Award, presented by fashion icon Dapper Dan. Taylor’s fearless creativity and dedication to Harlem’s artistic evolution make her a natural choice for this groundbreaking honor.

Adding to the excitement, hip-hop legend Method Man will make a special guest appearance, bringing star power and New York energy to the celebration.

A Musical Affair to Remember

The Benefit boasts a thrilling lineup of performances from some of the biggest names in music and culture. Confirmed appearances include:

• Babyface
• Monica
• Busta Rhymes
• Deborah Cox
• Shoshana Bean
• The Baylor Project
• Martha Redbone
• Avery Sunshine
• Adam Blackstone
• Camille A. Brown & Dancers

Guests will also enjoy an electrifying after-party soundtracked by the legendary D-Nice, curated by acclaimed event designer and Apollo board member Bronson van Wyck.

In a moving tribute, celebrated jazz pianist Jason Moran will join the honors for Richard Parsons, further anchoring the evening in the Apollo’s tradition of artistic excellence and cultural homage.

Red Carpet, Walk of Fame & Celebration

The evening begins with red carpet arrivals at 4:30 PM at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria (233 W. 125th Street), followed by the Walk of Fame induction ceremony at 5:30 PM. The main event—the Spring Benefit awards ceremony—kicks off at 7:00 PM inside the Apollo’s Historic Theater at 258 West 126th Street.

Celebrity attendees and presenters include:

• L.A. Reid
• Larry Jackson
• Kym Whitley (host for the evening)
• Dapper Dan
• And more from the worlds of music, business, and philanthropy

A Night That Gives Back

Known as one of the most sought-after tickets in New York City, the Spring Benefit is The Apollo’s largest annual fundraiser, uniting leaders from the entertainment, business, and philanthropic sectors. All proceeds support the Apollo’s year-round artistic, educational, and community programming, including its mission to amplify the African American narrative through arts and culture.

As the theater prepares for a transformative renovation, this year’s event will not only reflect on the Apollo’s legendary past but also pave the way for its bold future as a cornerstone of Harlem and beyond.

Partners & Sponsors

The event is made possible thanks to the generous support of Premier Sponsors HarbourView Equity Partners and the Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano Initiative, alongside Vice Chairs such as Citi, IBM, and the Horowitz Family Foundation. Leading benefactors include Goldman Sachs, Paramount/BET, JPMorganChase, HSBC Bank USA, and many more.

🎟️ Interested in covering the event? Apply for press credentials 

Location:The Apollo Theater 258 W. 126th Street, New York, NY 10027

📅 Date:Wednesday, June 4, 2025

📸 Schedule:

• 3:30 PM – Press Check-in
• 4:30 PM – Red Carpet Opens
• 5:30 PM – Walk of Fame Ceremony
• 7:00 PM – Benefit Program Begins

Don’t miss this legendary evening as Harlem’s crown jewel raises the curtain on a new era—one note, one award, and one unforgettable performance at a time.

Apollo Theater

253 W 125th St, New York, NY 10027

212-531-5305