Amateur Night at the Apollo returns in 2015 with new music director Michael Mitchell.
February 18 marks opening night of the amateur season and special guest, R&B singer Jazmine Sullivan is scheduled to perform. This will also mark a full 81 years of the Apollo’s weekly live shows. Amateur night will also feature other talented artists competing for the title of Super Top Dog and the grand prize of $10,000. Amateur Night has played a pivotal role in brining to light some of the best artists in Jazz, Swing, Bebop, R&B, Gospel, Blues, Hip-Hop and Soul. Amateur Night has launched the careers of Lauryn Hill, Michael Jackson, James Brown and Ella Fitzgerald who won the very first year. The show’s new music director was associate conductor for the Broadway hit, “Motown the Musical” and has worked with a variety of artists including Wayne Brady, Kid Cudi, Michael J. Fox, Bob Mintzer, Hinton Battle, Joan Jett, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Billy Porter, LaChanze, Capathia Jenkins, Lillias White, Joan Osborne, Christian McBride, The Boys and Girls Choir of Harlem Alumni Ensemble, and many more. As the new director, Mitchell will lead the Apollo house band and provide support and advice to contestants during rehearsal.
The Amateur Night producer, Marion J. Caffey said, “Mitchell’s experience and creativity as a music director will help ensure that Amateur Night continues to be one of New York’s most popular live entertainment experiences and that it remains an important launching pad and defining experience for emerging artists.” Mitchell said, “I am always amazed at the talent that graces the Apollo stage, from the 5-year-olds to the 85-year-olds – all with the same hopes and dreams. I am honored to be able to be a catalyst to help the contestants achieve, grow, and learn from their Apollo experience.”
Opening Amateur Night will be hosted by comedian Capone and special guest star Jazmine Sullivan, returning after a 4 year hiatus. Sullivan has recetly released her third studio album “Reality Show.” The Grammy-nominated singer first stepped on the Apollo Stage at the age of 11 on the popular show “Showtime at the Apollo.”
Ticket Information
Tickets for Amateur Night begin at $20 and are available at The Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125th Street. Ticketmaster at 1-800- 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.
Amateur Night’s 2015 Season runs from February 18th through November 25th on Wednesday nights at 7:30pm.
Box Office Hours
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri – 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday – 10:00 am – 8:30 pm
Saturday – 12:00 pm – 6:00pm
-Nishat Baig
