I LOVE NY 5 of 28 Places to Visit

The Apollo Theater
Photos courtesy of Kennected

The Apollo Theater in New York City is one of the most famous music halls in the United States, and the most famous club associated almost exclusively with African-American performers. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is the home of Showtime at the Apollo, a nationally syndicated variety show consisting of new talent.

The theater is located at 253 W. 125th Street in the New York City borough of Manhattan, specifically in Harlem, one of the United States' most historically significant traditionally black neighborhoods. The Apollo was revived in 1983, when Inner City Broadcasting, a firm owned by former Manhattan borough president Percy E. Sutton purchased the building. It obtained federal, state, and city landmark status, and fully reopened in 1985. The Little Rascals, produced by former actor Jimmy Hawkins, performed at a fiftieth anniversary show at the Apollo that year. The musical duo Hall & Oates played the grand reopening in 1987, which was released on an album that year.

In 1991, the Apollo was purchased by the State of New York.

On December 15, 2005, the Apollo Theater launched the first phase of its refurbishment, costing estimated $65 million. The first phase included the facade and the new light-emitting diode (LED) marquee. Attendees and speakers at the launch event included President Bill Clinton, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Time Warner CEO Richard Parsons.

On December 28, 2006, the body of James Brown, who had died a few days before, was displayed at an Apollo Theater memorial covered heavily by the news media. As of 2009 it is run by the nonprofit Apollo Theater Foundation Inc., and draws an estimated 1.3 million visitors annually.

It's Audition Time at The APOLLO: 75th ANNIVERSARY

The world famous Apollo Theater will hold open auditions for Amateur Night in both New York and Atlanta! The audition is open to singers, dancers, comedians and musicians of all ages and musical styles.

AMATEUR NIGHT OPEN AUDITIONS IN ATLANTA Date: October 10, 2009 from 10am to 6pm Where: Rialto Center for the Arts - Georgia State University – 80 Forsyth Street, NW - Atlanta, GA 30303
Come Early!!! - Only the first 300 acts will be seen in Atlanta!

AMATEUR NIGHT OPEN AUDITIONS IN NY Dates: October 17th & 18th from 10am to 6pm each day Where: The World Famous Apollo Theater – 253 West 125th Street - New York City Apollo Theater Soundstage (3rd floor).

PLEASE NOTE: We will see the first 600 people over the span of two days (October 17th & 18th) at a maximum of 300 people each day. We will give out as many numbers as possible on the 1st day (October 17th). If we reach a total of 600 people on the first day, we will not give out any additional numbers on the 2nd day (October 18th).

• Each contestant will have up to 90 seconds to audition.

• Singers can bring a track or sing a cappella. We will NOT have a band in house.

• Musicians should bring their own instruments.

• Dancers should bring a cassette or CD for their performance.

• All auditions should be in good taste and with no profanity.

• Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

For more information, please call our Amateur Night Hotline (212) 531-5370.

APOLLO AMATEUR NIGHT ANNOUNCES A NEW GRAND PRIZE OF TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE 2010 75th ANNIVERSARY SEASON!

Since 1934, aspiring artists and performers have graced the stage of the Apollo Theater hoping the
approval of the infamous audience will launch their entertainment careers. Apollo Amateur Night has
been home to an impressive, ever-expanding roster of world class talent including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, James Brown, Ben E. King, Jackie Wilson, The Isley Brothers, Luther Vandross, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5, Fat Joe, Lauryn Hill, Dru Hill, Blu Cantrell and many
others.

The Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation 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.
Sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company

An Artist on the Rise: Nathaniel

By Giovanni Centurione

At only 19 years of age, standing 5'6 in height, a humble, singer, songwriter, and producer, known simply as "Nathaniel" or aka: Nate Fly is getting the attention of many. And if you ever get the chance to hear his music or meet him in person, you see why... Nathaniel started singing in local churches and talent competitions with the encouragement of his mother. At one time, Nathaniel was singing with two of this brothers and called their group, "No Identity" The group were signing songs by the likes of Boyz II Men and The Drifters, and even performing at the world famous Apollo Theater.

The three brothers eventually branched out and Nathaniel went solo with a goal of putting his hometown of Brooklyn, NY back on the map. Staying true in the R&B genre, his style is both club banger as well as influential. Nate has given his talent away at movements such as the Annual Week of People hosted by HUB Ent. Newarks campaign to Stop the Violence; Another Peace Night/No Time for Crime in Boston, Ma sponsored by Chez Vous' community activist, Greer Toney and hosted by 106.1 Touch FM; "Cover Up" an event by Silent Voices to increase HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention in which Nathaniel performed the memorable Get Tested; Covenant House's first Annual "Youth Explosion" raising awareness of the services offered by Covenant House to troubled youth and families.

So far, 2009 has been a busy year for Nathaniel with lots more planned for the near future. From winning the 'Battle of the Boroughs' on June 28Th at the Times Square Arts Center to opening the Brooklyn Community Pride Concert for Papoose on July 25Th in Tompkins Park. Performing at Best Buy in Chelsea to Amachi Lounge in Brooklyn and many more. It's almost daily he and his dancers are out performing and/or rehearsing.

On August 6th, Nathaniel introduced the world to his first ever music video, "Let Me In". Filmed in Boston, Ma at the Chez Vous Ice Rink. People from Boston, Philly, Baltimore and beyond came to his premier at Bamboo 52 in Midtown Manhattan to support and meet this rising star in person. With the increased exposure, his fan base is definitely growing.

What's next for Nathaniel? Well, he and his team, "Fly Nate Team" are booking shows here in NYC and beyond. In the meantime, the next show is August 17Th. for The 1st Annual Marcus Mosiah Garvey Festival in Harlem; A performance at the Times Square Arts Center on August 28Th for the Annual Jambalaya event; September 12Th. at Indiana State College's' Annual Dream Chasa Event.A second music video is in the works, so stay tuned and so many more exciting shows and other projects soon to come. To follow Nathaniel, you can check out:

www.myspace.com/flynate

www.youtube.com/toflynate

Facebook under: Nathaniel

Brooklyn Community Pride @ Tompkins Park 7.25.09

Signing Autographs at the Video Release Party for 'Let Me In'. 8.6.09