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.
Held at EHP Resort & Marina (Si Si Restaurant) in the Hamptons, the evening featured unforgettable live performances by Doug E. Fresh, Crystal Waters, Wé 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 Phillips, Gibson and Dunn/Orin Snyder, Nina & 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. Zollar, Aaron Holiday, Michelle Gadsden-Williams, Mark Getachew, Derek Jones, Racquel Oden, Karen L. Pavlin, Carlos 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 Ebanks, Kamilah 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 theater's first full-scale renovation.
Image credit: Danté Crichlow for The Apollo
