Embellished with yellow and blue fluorescent light, the stage floor shone with brilliance.
The words “APOLLO” and “AMATEUR NIGHT” were plastered across the display screen on stage. Cheers rang across the room.
It was beautiful.
The legendary Apollo theatre presented itself in all it’s glory. It creaked, produced odd smells, had adorned fixtures and symbols reminiscent of times long past. The theatre even exhibited devices that were in the presence of singers and artists lost to time: anything from paintings, to pictures, to tributes.
People — patrons, visitors, guests of the establishment — became embroidery among the sea of reddish-violet seating. We perched on the chairs. Eyes glued to the stage.
This wonderful and renowned historic site had featured yet again a show commemorating the ethnic reverence and diversity it represents: black culture in all it’s excellence. And it was executed wonderfully.
Wednesday’s avenue of entertainment: in celebration of Black Music Month, the Apollo presented a special rendition of it’s traditional ‘Amateur Night’, titled: “Amateur Night: Nothin’ But Soul,” featuring special guest Deborah Cox,ย Canadian R&B singer and actress.
Amateur Night is one of New York’s most popularย ย live experiences, having the winners of the evening move on to subsequent performancesย Show Offย andย Top Dog,ย with the opportunity to win $100,000.
Festivities began with DJ Jess’ pre-show performance, which invigorated life into the audience. From there, we were graced with several child acts. The talent, aging from 8 to 15, each conducted amazing performances, enriching the audience with various states of musical and tactical prowess — after which, the real amateur acts began to take the stage.
Seven contestants performed for the Apollo Wednesday evening. A symphony of voices, guitar riffs and step-dancing mercilessly tackled the placid air. Onlookers went along for the show. Many of the acts that demanded attention were met with fervent silence and subsequent praise.
The music was headed off by the melodic assembly in the back of the stage. Armed with bass, keyboard, drums and guitar, their presence was prominent.
With respect to customaryย Apollo Amateur Night fashion, viewersย were given the pleasure to assess the performance of each act. Loud screams indicated, more or less, positive reception — disapproval was recognized with “Boos!”ย or a simple thumbs-down. By the end of the evening, three contestants were placed and liable to take the next step towards the prize.
The intermission was proceeded by Deborah Cox singing her hit single: “Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here,” with nothing less than extremely positive responses from the audience.
The talent was coupled with riotous input from in-house star comedian, Caponeย and master impressionist C.P. Lacey.
“Nothin’ But Soul” had been a fantastic display; a show full of feeling and passion. Competitors that made it through the audience’s judgement stood side by side with Capone and C.P. Lacey as they made their closing statements.
The night concluded as the curtain closed among a flurry of clasped hands and a ringing of applause.
The next show depicting Wednesday’s winners,ย Show Off,ย will premiere on July 6th, at the Apollo.
