Apollo Theater New York
Historic theater in Harlem
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!
Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
New Plaza Cinema
Art house cinema
"New Plaza Cinema" in NYC has one mission: to show independent, foreign and classic films. It is run by a grassroots group; how long will it survive?
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Manny's Bistro
French bistro, UWS
"Manny's Bistro" is a French bistro in my neighborhood in New York. Susan & I prefer to sit at the bar, which makes us belong & contribute to the scene...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Elevated Acre
Quiet, hidden elevated park in FiDi
"The Elevated Acre" is in the middle of the Financial District in NYC, but you would never see it when passing by - this park is hidden above street level!
by
Christian
Neely
John's Pizza / Times Square
Pizza Tabernacle
John's Pizza is situated inside a former tabernacle with a domed stain glass ceiling about 50 feet above, and ‘sliced’ into 8 sections, just like a pizza.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
'Fearless Girl'
Wall Street History
On Broad Street stands a bronze sculpture named Fearless Girl which exudes bravery, pride and strength but not, according to the artist, 'defiance'...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Hungry and Healthy Marketplace
Comedy / Deli
The space functions day to day as a bright and modern-looking upscale deli and on certain evenings, it doubles as a performance space for stand-up comics.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Manhattan Community Boathouse
Free kayaking
It’s all free, on a first-come, first-served basis. You'll get a life jacket, a paddle, a 'kayak', and a locker, for a session of approximately 20 minutes.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Cage in West Village
Hoops & handball
The Cage in West Village is a chain link fenced, bagel-sized basketball court in New York. Here you can also find handball, a citywide spectacle...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
TAP - NYC
Brazilian tapioca's 'home base'
"TAP - NYC" makes Brazilian tapioca from yuca! I really love their Pão de Queijo, tangerine-sized, feather-weight bread-puffs with molten cheese...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Seasoned Vegan
Food you love, veganized
"The Seasoned Vegan" in New York is crowded (in a good way), energizing and really fun. I got the Harlem Chopped Cheeseburger, and I'd order it again...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Bethesda Terrace
Central Park
"Bethesda Terrace" in New York's Central Park is home to Bethesda Fountains, sculptural balustrades and breathtaking magical depictions of wild animals...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
304 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
✓ 304 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:
