Apollo Theater New York
Historic theater in Harlem
Geoffrey from New York
There's a kind of corny anachronism that might tempt you to go to 125th Street in Harlem on a Wednesday night so that you can witness its flashback style talent show where the not so talented are hauled off stage---before they can finish their act---by a shepherd’s hook wielding, tap dancing ‘executioner’. It all happens to the screams, hoots and jeers of an enthusiastic but merciless audience.
The thing is---and this is what you’re hoping to see---famous entertainers (Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill, Michael Jackson, even Jimi Hendrix, they say) have performed in this show, so you can’t know until you go whether you will be witnessing history being made.
Further, there is no lip-syncing, track vocals, high tech fakery, nada. It's only live.
A few years ago I was in a panel discussion at the Apollo and afterward went backstage to view the wall of autographs. Wow! The signatures of so many well known Afro-American artist are there all protected with a sheet of plexiglass, but aren't part of the public tour. If you can finagle your way in, go for it!
The amateur show has its own season and is presented on most Wednesdays. Check the website because there are many other events worth noting. I'm looking forward to a couple of upcoming Soul/R&B concerts. I saw Sharon Jones and Charles Bradley, backed by the Dap-Kings, perform there in 2016. What a stirring concert that was. Then, Mavis Staples 80th birthday celebration in the Spring of 2019!
New York Spotter Geoffrey
About this spot
Our New York City Guide
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
The Old Print Shop
Flatiron District Gallery
"The Old Print Shop" in New York is my hands-down, hands-on museum/gallery of choice. I love mid-twentieth century 'industrial' or 'city' art...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sea & Sea
Fried fish takeout
"Sea & Sea " in NYC is a traditional-looking fish shop with wet, tiled floors, cool air, grated ice on every hand, busy with customers from near and far...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Modern Bread and Bagel
Extreme gluten-free bagels
"Modern Bread and Bagel" in NYC has surfaced as exemplary, using criteria such as size and texture, seed and salt density. Here are some more top picks...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Pain d’ Epices
French / American patisserie
"Pain d' Epices" is a French bakery in NYC that makes croissants so flaky & buttery, the only way to avoid the crumbs is to 'put your back to the wind...'
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Django
Tribeca jazz boîte
"Django" in NYC is proof that the city's jazz club world is recovering. I celler/cavern is intimate enough that after performances I walk over to engage...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Dublin House
Irish Bar Centenarian
"The Dublin House" in NYC has been around since Prohibition and it still is neighborhood-sized. By the end of the night, everyone speaks Irish here...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Pastrami Queen
Traditional kosher Jewish deli
"Pastrami Queen" in NYC has if not the best, among the very best pastrami sandwiches in the city. It's the kind of American excess you just can't miss...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sisters Uptown Bookstore
African diaspora hub
"Sisters Uptown Bookstore" in NYC is a hidden shop/cultural center w/ an eye-opening trove of books by African diaspora authors. A true neighborhood spot!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Grandma's Place
Inclusive Books and Toys
I stumbled across a store about which I had read but never visited—the very inviting and colourful playground of Dawn Harris-Martine), retired teacher, now famous—named Grandma’s Place.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Color World
Curb Side BBQ
Color World sets up on the corner of 116th and 2nd Avenue, rain or shine. There they serve beef, pork, goat, oxtail, and chicken for $10 a plate.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Don Alejo Coffee
Coffee, toasts and burritos
Their prices are in keeping with the neighborhood: a plate of two eggs, two pancakes, 'home' fried potatoes and your choice of sausages or bacon, is $12.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Icons' Homes
James, James & Dorothy
There are three houses not far from each other in NYC of three icons: James Dean, James Baldwin, and Dorothy Parker...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to New York?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 308 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
