Kool & The Gang, Gary Clark Jr Among Performers At Apollo Benefit
‘Let’s Stay (In) Together: A Benefit to Support the Apollo Theatre’ kicks off Black Music Month with remote performances from a cross-generational lineup.
This Tuesday, 2 June, nearly 20 artists will appear at a virtual benefit to support Harlem’s legendary Apollo Theatre. Presented by Gibson, via the Gibson Gives Foundation, Let’s Stay (In) Together: A Benefit To Support The Apollo Theater will celebrate June’s Black Music Month with performances by Kool & The Gang, “Captain” Kirk Douglas of The Roots, Gary Clark Jr, Robert Randolph and Michael McDonald, among many others. Appearances will also be made by the likes of Dionne Warwick, Doug E Fresh and Roy Wood Jr as well as the acclaimed dance duo, Lil Buck & Jon Boogz. The event will be available to stream for free on TIDAL, as well as on the Apollo’s website, beginning at 7:30 pm EST.
Throughout the evening, guests will deliver poems and performances dedicated to the memory of those who have lost their lives due to COVID-19, while funds raised by the benefit will support the pioneering institution’s future, amid the months of cancellations that ensued, following the pandemic’s outbreak. Although the live-stream will be free, donations will be encouraged, and any contributions of $75 or more will qualify the donor for an Apollo membership.
The evening’s musical performances will focus on the hallowed New York venue’s 86-year history and the numerous legends that launched their careers there, including Stevie Wonder, Billie Holiday, James Brown, and Lauryn Hill.
“For more than eight decades, the Apollo Theater’s strength and resiliency have been as constant as the talent on our stages, but like non-profit organisations around the world, we are facing an unparalleled challenge”, said Jonelle Procope, Apollo Theater President & CEO.
She continued, “I hope this online celebration inspires people across the globe to come together and enjoy the sounds of the Apollo, as well support the Theater’s mission to champion Black culture and the arts of the African diaspora. Through such generosity we will be able to give back directly to the vibrant Harlem community that has supported us for many years.”
“Music is one of the world’s enduring gifts, and its power to connect, transform, and heal have always been centre stage at the Apollo”, added Kamilah Forbes, Apollo Theater Executive Producer. “Although our stages remain dark, the Apollo sound has never been more vibrant.”
Ahead of the benefit, the theatre will kick off its Black Music Month celebrations on 1 June with a set from Club Quarantine host DJ D-Nice, who has also stood as the resident DJ for the Apollo’s annual benefit for nearly a decade. The DJ will be dedicating his Monday night set, via his Instagram, to the theatre.
For more information, visit the Apollo Theatre’s official website.
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