Apollo Theater, New York City

The experience was amazing. The theatre is beautiful and it’s part of Harlem’s History. I’m glad it’s still open and continuing on the legacy, however, the audience is not serious about booing people who really aren’t good. At one time you really had to be good to make it on the Apollo but now it seems like people are doing it for fun. I have been going at least twice a month it’s a beautiful experience for first timers but we need to bring back the Old Apollo, maintain the culture and get serious about pushing true Raw talent!

We visited this black centric establishment on Wednesday, August 10, 2022. I booked tickets prior to online for the 7:30 PM Amateur Night Show. Upon arrival the doors opened at 6:30 PM for this event. Once we reached the building, there were security guards outside who checked our belongings and had us walk through metal detectors. Once we entered the actual Apollo Theater, our tickets were checked/verified and we were sent inside. They have plenty of professional and helpful staff walking around to assist patrons. We saw that they have a gift shop in the front selling various paraphernalia, such as T-shirts and other products. We also saw a couple of gallery walls of famous stars who have gotten their start, road to success, and have had iconic performances at the Apollo Theater. We entered the theater and were provided assistance by a couple of employees that took us to our seats. We were provided with fans that stated boo on one side and yes on the other side. This was for us to give our denial or approval of stage performers during the show.The theater itself is beautiful, historic, and well-maintained. They also have a bar once you get inside of the actual theater, near the stage area selling various drinks and snacks. Shortly before we began the show, the lively and entertaining DJ came out. He played a lot of great popular songs that most of us knew, which we danced and sung to. The theater itself kind of reminded me of the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. It had different levels and intricately beautiful designs in gold. This gave it a bit of a regal theme. The seats also were like the Fox Theatre, which are all on one level. It can be a bit difficult to see around the person in front of you since everyone is sitting on the same level. We had great seats and sat in the center orchestra in Row G. We felt this wasn’t too close or too far from the stage. The first stage man came out was dressed to the nines, he sung renditions of Michael Jackson, and greatly entertained the crowd. He also brought out the sand man who had on tap dancing shoes and was super energetic. The show also started right on time with no delays, which we greatly appreciated. The entire night ran very efficiently and smoothly. The band was also comprised of four musicians: an electric guitar player, drums player, piano player, and bass guitar player. All of these musicians were very talented and each of them had a solo set. Their short intricate performances showcased their immense solo talent. The Amateur Night host was named Capone. He was very funny, entertaining, and engaging with the crowd. He did ask that during the children’s section of performances, we didn’t boo the kids who ranged in age from 5 to 17. There were three groups of kids that performed, including two solo vocalists and one dance troupe. This was a great part of the show since all the talented kids worked very hard. Ultimately we determined a winner by our level of applause which Apollo measured with a crowd noise meter. I will note that Apollo had some beautiful stage backgrounds. This included the Amateur Night sign, Apollo sign, and the famously world renowned tree stump. It is well known that performers rub the tree stump for good luck. During the adult section, there were about 67 performers. We were allowed to praise or boo them. One man did get booed off the stage. The sand man came out to throw him off the stage for his poor performance. There was a 10 minute intermission. During this part of the performance, the DJ once again came out and played a great set full of popular songs that we knew. Once the show resumed, we were allowed to pick a winner out of this group as well using the praise volume meter. I do feel like this was one of the highlights of our trip in New York. It is a must do for everyone who comes to Harlem. I do highly recommend that everyone who visits New York come to Amateur Night at the Apollo on a Wednesday night. This event is showcased every week. I did feel like most of the performers were talented, but the show was also entertaining.

Cane here to see Lawrence Flowers and the intercession, check them out seriously! So excited when I got there friendly staff letting us know where to go ...long stairway to the cafe but cool fresh air blowing when you enter. Friendly staff ready to assist you in anyway...they are the only friendly people in New York. Food choices were few but glazed buffalo wings were really good and your food is received shortly after you order. Need more food choices and options for dessert. Bar staff very friendly as well just order and they will bring to your chair. Nice experience. Sound was amazing!!! Lighting was amazing!! Very professional and high quality!!! So proud of Lawrence Flowers and the intercession...cant wait to come back.

An honor to be in that hollowed space. I was there for The Root 100's Awards show. Wonderful event! Keeping the love of Blacks celebrating their own! Positive, Rich Vibes!

Great experience all around. The host was funny, the Band was amazing and the contestants were good as well. If you bring enough family members and friends you can definitely make your way to the next round...lol!! Harlem is a Beautiful place...