For Immediate Release
September 06, 2025
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apollotheater.org

(BPRW) Apollo in the Hamptons Returns with a Powerful Evening Celebrating Culture, Community & Creativity

(Black PR Wire) East Hampton, NY — This past weekend, Apollo in the Hamptons once again lit up the East End with a vibrant evening celebrating Black excellence, creativity, and community impact. The fundraiser brought together influential voices from entertainment, philanthropy, business, and politics to raise critical support for Apollo’s year-round artistic and educational programs, as well as the theater’s first full-scale renovation and restoration of its historic home. Photos from the evening can be downloaded HERE. (Photo credit: Danté Crichlow for The Apollo).

Held at EHP Resort &Marina (Si Si Restaurant) in the Hamptons, the evening featured unforgettable live performances by Doug E. FreshCrystal WatersWé Ani, Dres, and Chubb Rock, with a high-energy DJ set by DJ Cassidy that kept guests on their feet into the night. Guests were also treated to a special set by iconic New York music collective Café Wha?, whose genre-spanning setlist paid tribute to the spirit of Harlem and Apollo’s legendary stage.

Notable guests in attendance included: Michelle Ebanks, President & CEO, The Apollo; Kamilah Forbes, Executive Producer, The Apollo; Joy Profet, Chief Growth Officer, The Apollo; Tysus Jackson, Chief Development Officer, Star Jones, media personality and philanthropist; Gayle King, author, broadcast journalist and philanthropist, and Leon, actor and musician.

The event was sponsored by: The PhillipsGibson and Dunn/Orin SnyderNina & Frank Cooper/VISA, and Tameem Hourani, and others committed to the power of cultural and music institutions shaping society for the better. The Apollo Board of Directors supporting the event included: Board Chair Charles E. Phillips, Board Vice Chair Patricia M. ZollarAaron Holiday ,Michelle Gadsden-WilliamsMark GetachewDerek JonesRacquel OdenKaren L. PavlinCarlos Whitaker, and Dawana Williams.

In addition to its musical highlights, the evening served as a platform to elevate The Apollo’s mission of expanding access to the arts and amplifying Black voices across generations. Remarks from Michelle EbanksKamilah Forbes, Joy Profet, and Charles E. Phillips underscored Apollo’s work in Harlem and beyond, including programs that support emerging artists, youth mentorship, cultural leadership initiatives, and the theaters first full-scale renovation.

About The Apollo

The Apollo is an American cultural treasure. It is a vibrant non-profit organization rooted in the Harlem community that engages people from around New York, the nation, and the world. Since 1934, The Apollo has celebrated, created, and presented work that centers Black artists and voices from across the African Diaspora. It has also been a catalyst for social and civic advocacy. Today, The Apollo is the largest performing arts institution committed to Black culture and creativity.

Source: The Apollo