Apollo welcomes new board members, celebrates 90 years of cultural legacy
The Apollo Theater, an iconic cultural and musical institution celebrating its 90th anniversary, has appointed four distinguished individuals to its board of directors. Apollo’s chairperson, Charles Phillips, and President and CEO Michelle Ebanks made the announcement.
André Branch, Michelle Gadsden-Williams, Aaron Holiday, and Carlos Whitaker join the board at a pivotal moment as the Apollo undertakes a significant expansion with the Apollo Stages at the Victoria and prepares for the renovation of its historic theater.
The new board members bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization, reflecting the Apollo’s commitment to diversity and community engagement. This strategic move aligns with the Apollo’s vision for growth and evolution, aiming to expand the scope and scale of its programs on four stages. The Apollo Stages at the Victoria, designed by Kostow Greenwood Architects (KGA), is set to play a crucial role in this expansion. Plans are also underway to renovate the theater to ensure a sustainable model for artistic expression and community support for the next 90 years.
Photos courtesy of the Apollo Theater
“The Apollo’s board of directors has been unwavering in supporting this important cultural and social treasure as it continues to grow and shape culture in Harlem, New York, and globally,” said Phillips. “We are thrilled that André, Michelle, Aaron, and Carlos have joined to share their depth of knowledge and relationships as we launch an exciting new season of change and growth.”
The Apollo marked its 90th anniversary with a vibrant celebration that included inviting the community to participate in a social media campaign, #Apollo90. The campaign encourages individuals to share their special moments under its marquee, contributing to a digital mosaic that captures the diversity and vibrancy of the Apollo’s impact over the decades.
To participate, individuals were urged to find their special moments, whether it’s a photo under the Apollo’s marquee or experiencing a show. Participants could share their special moments on social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook) using the hashtags #TheApollo and #Apollo90, tagging the official account @ApolloTheater.
The campaign ran from January 26 to January 31, with participants encouraged to spread the word to friends, family, and neighbors.
As part of the 90th-anniversary celebrations, the Apollo is launching a series of concerts, comedy shows, and educational programs on its stages for the winter and spring 2024 season. The newly announced programming at the Apollo Stages at the revitalized Victoria Theater, scheduled to open on February 1, promises an array of exciting performances.
Noteworthy events include Stefon Harris and his band, Blackout (February 18), and “In the Same Tongue” (April 12–14), a movement, sound, and language-based work by choreographer Dianne McIntyre.
In celebration of the Apollo’s inaugural season at the Victoria, all tickets to Apollo-presented programming in those spaces will be capped at $20, thanks to generous support from the Jerome L. Greene Foundation. This commitment ensures that the community can access and enjoy the rich cultural experiences the Apollo has to offer in its renewed spaces.
For more info, visit www.apollotheater.org.
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