What do Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Luther Vandross, James Brown and Michael Jackson have in common? Well, yes, they are all African-American musical artists. But more important to NYC Program students, all of these artists have competed in the famous Apollo Theater's Amateur Night, which the students attended on April 22.
After enjoying a "soul-food" buffet dinner at Manna's Restaurant on E. 125th St., students rushed to the theater to be on time for the 7:30 show. The evening of musical entertainment consisted of a few opening numbers from the master of ceremonies and his band, followed by performances from amateur competitors. After three young singers captured the hearts of the audience members, the host of the competition invited spectators to express both their approval and disapproval for the adult contestants to follow. While the audience seemed to enjoy a contortionist, a guitar-wielding curly-haired guy, and a variety of crooners, they vigorously expressed their disdain for a dance group, a handful of other singers, and all "spoken word" artists.
Located on W. 125th St. in the historically black Manhattan neighborhood of Harlem, the Apollo Theater has played an important cultural role since its conversion from a burlesque house in the early 20th century. Although it saw a period of decline after the Harlem Renaissance and was even converted to a movie theater during the 1970s, the Apollo has had an impressive record of launching successful careers and is now experiencing a dramatic revival along with its surrounding neighborhood.
-- by David Foster '10
New York City Program
After enjoying a "soul-food" buffet dinner at Manna's Restaurant on E. 125th St., students rushed to the theater to be on time for the 7:30 show. The evening of musical entertainment consisted of a few opening numbers from the master of ceremonies and his band, followed by performances from amateur competitors. After three young singers captured the hearts of the audience members, the host of the competition invited spectators to express both their approval and disapproval for the adult contestants to follow. While the audience seemed to enjoy a contortionist, a guitar-wielding curly-haired guy, and a variety of crooners, they vigorously expressed their disdain for a dance group, a handful of other singers, and all "spoken word" artists.
Located on W. 125th St. in the historically black Manhattan neighborhood of Harlem, the Apollo Theater has played an important cultural role since its conversion from a burlesque house in the early 20th century. Although it saw a period of decline after the Harlem Renaissance and was even converted to a movie theater during the 1970s, the Apollo has had an impressive record of launching successful careers and is now experiencing a dramatic revival along with its surrounding neighborhood.
-- by David Foster '10
