Apollo Theater Showcases Wide Range Of Talent At Open House
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Most of New York may have been focused on showtime in Indianapolis Sunday, but it was already "Showtime at the Apollo" with a variety of free events this weekend in honor of Black History Month. NY1's Kafi Drexel filed the following report.From tributes to classics like Stevie Wonder to the Broadway classic "Porgy & Bess," the Apollo Theater opened its doors for an annual Open House Weekend Community Jam.
With its nearly 100-year history built on displaying the talents of black artists, theater goers and performers said they couldn't think of a better way to help acknowledge Black History Month.
"This is a dream come true. I brought my son here. He doesn't know the magnitude of The Apollo. But he felt it as soon as he came in. For me I've seen artists, Stephanie Mills, Whodini, classic hip hop artists," said performer Asa Buchanon.
"I'm happy to share this moment. I haven't been to the Apollo since I was 12. I'm bringing one of my mentees who is 12," said attendee Tammie Williams.
In-house historian Billy Mitchell known as "Mr. Apollo" himself was on-hand to host the weekend.
"I've been involved with this theater off and on for 48 years. I started coming here back in 1965 to run errands for the performers. So now I am able to give the history and share the history and knowledge of this theater to the world," said Mitchell.
While performances went on in the main auditorium, children learned about where much of the great music comes from by making African rattles called kashishis.
"I like doing it because I like doing art and they make a really cool sound too," said one young participant.
The theater seats just over 1,500 and they say this weekend alone they've had more than 4,000 visits -- perhaps a testament to the fact that opening the doors for free generates a lot of renewed interest.
"It brings people to this theater that never would have come here before. It brings different communities together," said Mitchell. "This theater is the epicenter of black culture but every race and every culture has contributed the to the Apollo Theater's wonderful history to environment the world to come in."