(AllHipHop News) For 80 years, 253 West 125th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard and Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Harlem, New York has been the home of one of the most highly acclaimed proponents of Black art. In celebration of their 80th anniversary, the legendary Apollo Theater will be developing new programming with the help of public crowdfunding.
The Apollo Theater has already raised $10 million of its $20 million goal. Some of the original programming international tour of Apollo Theater production, James Brown: Get on the Good Foot, a contest for amateur singers to create Theater’s Signature Program theme song amongst a variety of others.
One in particular is the Apollo Theater’s Annual Spring Gala, which is scheduled to be held on June 10th. The event, hosted by Wayne Brady, will celebrate the the Theater’s 80th birthday and feature performances from Smokey Robinson, The Isley Brothers, Natalie Cole and many others.
Originally built in 1913-1914 as a whites-only establishment named the Hurtig & Seamon’s New Burlesque Theater, the Apollo Theater has been a consistent hub for African American art.
The public is encourage to donate at the Apollo Theater Support Page.