The Apollo Theater today announced details for its 2018-2019 Fall/Winter lineup for Apollo Music Café, part of its Late Nights at the Apollo. The Apollo Music Café presents forward-thinking, innovative artists and features diverse performances across a myriad of genres: R&B, hip-hop, soul, jazz, pop, funk, and rock. Past Café artists have included: PJ Morton, Jesse Boykins III, Avery Sunshine, Jon Batiste, Cody ChesnuTT and Tank and the Bangas many more. The monthly program runs on the Apollo’s intimate soundstage Fridays and Saturdays at 10pm. Doors open for bar and food at 9pm.
Apollo Music Café’s weekend opens with performances by Kyla Jade and Cecily Friday October 5 and concludes with a special performance of James Brown Live by Broadway favorite Nick Rashad Burroughs on Saturday, October 6. The series continues November 2 with Sy Smith & November 3 with The Hamiltones; December 14 featuring Liz Vice with Kyle Shedrick & December 15 with Angela Johnson; January 11 with Revive Night Featuring Freelance & January 12 with Michelle Brooks-Thompson.
The program is hosted by Jodine Dorce with music supplied by DJ Hard Hittin Harry.
Tickets for Apollo Music Café are $22 and $15 in advance for the Apollo’s A-List. There is a $10 drink/food minimum for each show. Tickets will be available at the Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street, and Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are on sale now.
Apollo Music Café Schedule: October 2018 – January 2019
Apollo Music Café: Kyla Jade and Cecily
Friday, October 5, 2018, 10 p.m.
Kyla Jade has graced audiences all over the country with her unique blend of Jazz, Gospel, R&B and Soul. In 2018, Kyla captured the heart of the nation while competing for Team Blake on season 14 of NBC’s The Voice.
Known for her sweet soprano, honest lyrics and pure vocals, DC based vocalist, Cecily brings her own vulnerability to each song. This intimate set will feature new music from her debut album, Songs of Love and Freedom.
Apollo Music Café : Nick Rashad Burroughs is James Brown Live
Produced by Michael Borges
Saturday, October 6, 2018, 10 p.m.
Broadway favorite, Nick Rashad Burroughs celebrates the work of the Hardest Working Man in Show Business, Soul Brother Number One, and the amazing Mister Please, Please, Please, himself, James Brown and the Famous Flames.
This show will recreate two iconic performances, James Brown & The Famous Flames live on the T.A.M.I show in 1964 and James Brown and the J.B.’s live in Italy in 1971.
Apollo Music Café : Sy Smith
Friday, November 2, 2018 10 p.m.
Often called the “Queen of Underground Soul,” critically acclaimed vocalist, Sy Smith, treats audiences to music from her fifth studio album, Sometimes A Rose Will Grow In Concrete. Experience this rare up close glimpse as Sy shares her soaring soprano, whimsical approach to melodies, her remarkable musicianship and quick wit.
Apollo Music Café : The Hamiltones
Saturday, November 3, 2018, 10 p.m.
As the background vocalists for Grammy-Award Winner Anthony Hamilton, The Hamiltones have thrilled audiences all across the world. This year the trio celebrates a joint nomination with Hamilton for “Best Traditional R&B Performance.” The North Carolina natives have appeared on The Breakfast Club, The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Good Morning America, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and more.
Apollo Music Café : Liz Vice with Kyle Shedrick
Friday, December 14, 2018, 10 p.m.
Best known for her Gospel, soul, and R&B-infused album entitled, There’s A Light, Portland, Oregon bred vocalist, Liz Vice has won fans over with her genuine approach to music and playful interaction with audiences. With over one million Spotify listens of title track, “There’s A Light,” Liz Vice has gained recognition from publications such as OPB’s One Song, World Cafe, eTown, NPR’s Live Wire, and Relevant Magazine amongst others.
Kyle Shedrick is a singer/songwriter from Clinton, SC. He has independently released two EPs, Who I Am and HigherPlane.
Apollo Music Café : Angela Johnson
Saturday, December 15, 2018, 10 p.m.
Angela Johnson brings in the festive season with a soulful set blending her high octane sound with classic holiday hits. A prolific songwriter, her music has appeared on television programs including HBO’s The Wire, UPN’s Kevin Hill, FX’s The Shield, the WB’s Roswell, A&E’s The Glades, HBO’s Oz, and FOX’s The Mindy Project. She recently collaborated with the legendary Wu-Tang Clan member, Ghostface Killah, on his critically acclaimed, 36 Seasons album.
Apollo Music Café : Revive Night Featuring Freelance
Friday, January 11, 2019, 10 p.m.
Harlem based collective Freelance is a band of independent leaders with an expansive sound and encyclopedic knowledge of musical genres. Influenced by the creative footprints of Mint Condition, Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Fela Kuti, Radiohead and Robert Glasper, founding leaders, Tim “Smithsoneon” Smith (vocals) and Chad “Ausar the Ambassador” Selph (keyboards) penned the forthcoming full-length debut album, Yes Today.
Apollo Music Café : Michelle Brooks-Thompson
Saturday, January 12, 2019, 10 p.m.
This evening features a performance from the winner of the 2017 Amateur Night at the Apollo, Michelle Brooks-Thompson.
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