(New York, NY) It’s been four years since production of Showtime At The Apollo ceased, but BET is staging a revival of the popular show in the form of Apollo Live with its broadcast premiere on November 29th at 8p/7c.
(New York, NY) It’s been four years since production of Showtime At The Apollo ceased, but BET is staging a revival of the popular show in the form of Apollo Live with its broadcast premiere on November 29th at 8p/7c.
Birthplace of legends and home of future stars, The Apollo Theater shines anew for the next generation. Brought to you by the brilliant creative trio and executive producers Jamie Foxx, Marcus King, and Don Weiner who put a fresh spin on the classic “Amateur Night” variety show, Apollo Live is both a talent showcase and a singing competition. And there's some serious talent in the judges seats with the legendary Gladys Knight, veteran emcee Doug E. Fresh, and New Edition’s Michael Bivins as judges. Hosted by comedian Tony Rock, Apollo Livepromises to entertain with a bevy of special guest appearances and performances.
ABOUT THE CAST
Tony Rock: Being the brother of an established entertainer can be tough, but Brooklyn native Tony Rock has been able to successfully elude the shadows of his older sibling and step into his own limelight as a skillful comedian, actor, and executive producer. After four successful seasons on the Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith executive produced sitcom, “All of Us” (2003-2007), he has gone on to star in a series of movies, including “Hitch,” "Three Can Play That Game," HBO’s “Life Support,” and the box-office hit, “Think Like A Man.”
Gladys Knight: Gladys Knight is a legend who’s unparalleled career has spanned over the last fifty years have artistry. This eight-time Grammy winner has enjoyed #1 Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, performance. Knight, known as the "Empress of Soul," Last fall she was received the "Legend Award" at the 2011 Soul Train Awards to add to her long list of accolades.
Michael Bivins: Hefirst stepped onto the music scene at the young age of 13 as the founding member of the legendary R&B group New Edition. In 1990, Bivins, along with N.E. members Ricky Bell and Ronnie DeVoe branched out to form the hip-hop trio Bell Biv DeVoe/BBD, releasing the platinum selling album, Poison, and garnering the 1991 Billboard Award for Best New Artist.
Doug E. Fresh: Dubbed the "World's Greatest Entertainer" for his unrivaled ability to rock a crowd, Harlem native Doug E. Fresh began his musical career at age 13. The originator of the human beat box (vocally simulating the sound of drums and other musical instruments), he spawned an international hip-hop trend. Throughout his 20 plus years in music, Fresh has collaborated with the world's biggest artist including Tupac Shakur, Biggie Smalls, Eminem, P. Diddy, Dr. Dre, Prince, Roberta Flack, Chaka Kahn, and Stevie Wonder.
ABOUT THE APOLLO THEATER
The Apollo Theater is a national treasure that has had significant impact on the development of American culture and its popularity around the world. Since introducing the first Amateur Night contests in 1934, the Apollo Theater has played a major role in cultivating artists and in the emergence of innovative musical genres including jazz, swing, bebop, R&B, gospel, blues, soul, and hip-hop. Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Sammy Davis, Jr., James Brown, Michael Jackson, Bill Cosby, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, and countless others began their road to stardom on the Apollo’s stage. The Apollo Theater’s new artistic vision builds on its legacy. New Apollo programming has music as its core, driving large scale and more intimate music, dance and theater presentations. The Apollo will continue to present historically relevant presentations, as well as more forward-looking, contemporary work. Based on its cultural significance and architecture, the Apollo Theater received state and city landmark designation in 1983 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For more information, visit http://www.apollotheater.org.
"APOLLO LIVE LOUNGE" TOUR, LOCATIONS AND SCHEDULE
The "Apollo Live Lounge" tour is coming to a city near you, transforming local venues in every tour city to capture the vibe and spirit of the historic Apollo Theater. Local performers will strut their stuff for a chance to win a Cash Prize! Similar to the classic Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater variety show, the top performance will be decided by a live audience, whose cheers and jeers will determine who has what it takes to take the top prize! A trio of local celebrity judges will also be on hand to assist if necessary, as well as a live Emcee to keep the night moving and shaking!
Now you can get a front row seat and experience the show firsthand. See tour locations and schedule below.
Baltimore, MD: 11/15/12, 6pm – 8pm @ Eden’s Lounge
Washington, D.C.: 11/16/12, 6pm – 8pm @ Bar 7
Raleigh, NC: 11/23/12, 9pm – 11pm @ Zydeco Downtown
Charlotte, NC: 11/24/12, 7pm – 9pm @ Tempo
Atlanta, GA: 11/26/12, 7pm – 9pm @ Museum Bar
Memphis, TN: 11/27/12, 5pm – 7pm @ The Ice Bar
Detroit, MI: 11/28/12, 7pm – 9pm @ Flood's Bar & Grill
Chicago, IL: 11/29/12, 9pm – 11pm @ Funky Buddha Lounge
Philadephia, PA: 11/30/12, 9pm - 11pm @ Mezzanine SuperClub