ApolloTheater's Blog

Thousands of Michael Jackson fans gathered at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem where a memorial celebration was held in the King of Pop's honor on June 30, 2009. Jackson died on Thursday, June 25, 2009, after he was found unresponsive in bed at his Los Angeles home. Read more here.

NEW YORK (CBS)- Michael Jackson Memorial At The Apollo Fans from all over gathered to pay tribute to Michael Jackson at Harlem's historic Apollo Theater on Tuesday, where more than 40 years ago, the Jackson Five launched its career, and effectively, a new era in pop music with the introduction to Michael. Read more here.

This is going be the event of the year!! Do you love the Apollo Theater? Have you been watching Showtime At The Apollo since you were an infant? Would you just LOVE LOVE LOVE the opportunity to attend the 75th Anniversary Gala??

Share your memories, stories, thoughts about this historic landmark and this wonderful occasion in a 75-word essay and post it as a comment HERE. On June 7th, 2009 we will announce a winner who will receive TWO (2) tickets to attend the Gala and get a chance to shmooze with some of the biggest names in Black entertainment!!!

*Note: Comments to this post will NOT be eligible. You MUST visit the above link and post your comment there to be considered for the prize.

CLICK HERE FOR OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES.

The Apollo Theater will celebrate its 75th anniversary with a benefit tribute concert and an awards ceremony, among other festivities, on June 8 at the historic venue.

Hosted by comedian/actor/radio personality Steve Harvey, the gala will feature the induction of Quincy Jones and Patti LaBelle, who will be presented with their awards by Jamie Foxx and Mariah Carey. Past inductees into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame include Smokey Robinson, James Brown, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Little Richard and Ella Fitzgerald.

That will be followed by the Ruby Dee & Ossie Davis Arts and Humanitarian Award presented this year to Bill and Camille Cosby. This award, named after the late Ossie Davis and his wife, is given annually to a couple who have shown a commitment to their community and a strong bond amongst each other and their families. Previous award recipients have included Pauletta and Denzel Washington; Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon; Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance; and Tonya Lewis Lee and Spike Lee. The theater's annual corporate award recognizing superior corporate leadership will be presented to The Coca-Cola Company for its ongoing commitment to the Apollo and the Harlem community.

The evening will also feature a performance by the O'Jays. Ray Chew, musical director for the Inaugural Neighborhood Ball television special (ABC-TV), NBC's "The Singing Bee," "Showtime At The Apollo" and the weekly Amateur Night show, will serve as the night's musical director.

The event will culminate with the Apollo Supper Club, a lounge created by designer David Monn, where DJ D-Nice will provide music.

The Gala's sponsors include The Coca Cola Company and sponsors Bloomberg, TV One, Belvedere, Hennessy and Moet & Chandon.

Individual tickets for the Apollo's 75th Anniversary Gala are $1,000 (tax deductible amount $850).

To purchase tickets, or to make a donation to the Apollo Theater Foundation CLICK HERE

Or call 800.618.3444

This event is the Apollo's largest annual fundraiser and all proceeds of the event will benefit the Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc., a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, dedicated to preserving and developing the Apollo Theater and its initiatives for performing artists, educational programs, and community outreach efforts in New York City and beyond. From Billboardbiz.com