Come Visit The Apollo Theater

In honor of Black History Month, Onboard Real Estate recommends the Apollo Theater.

 Known for its spirited atmosphere (they WILL boo acts off the stage) and its sense of community, the Apollo Theater in Harlem, is a living testament to the vibrant history of African-American culture in New York.

Opened in 1914 as a burlesque theater, it was quickly adopted by the African-American community and — similarly to the Cotton Club — featured some of the greatest entertainers of their time, including Lena Horne, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and many more.

Throughout the 20th century, it was the premier venue for African-American culture and music, regularly featuring jazz, blues, R&B, soul, gospel, and hip-hop artists. From Sam Cooke, Sammy Davis Jr., and James Brown to Jimi Hendrix, Run DMC, and LL Cool J, everyone played the Apollo. It is also a place where civil rights leaders like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. spoke out against racial inequality.

Today, the Apollo continues to be a powerful symbol of African-American culture and remains a landmark venue for up-and-coming artists. The theater also serves as a beacon for the larger African-American community and is dedicated to preserving its legacy through educational programs and cultural events.