The 11th Annual Apollo Theatre’s Spring Gala raised $1.7 Million Last evening, the Apollo Theater celebrated its 11th Annual Spring Gala raising $1.7M for its year-round artistic and community programming initiatives. The concert portion of the evening was hosted by LL COOL J, and opened with the dynamic dancing duo Laurent & Larry Bourgeois of Les Twins. The concert also featured performances by legendary R&B group, The O’Jays including rousing version of Love Train, The Backstabbers, For the Love of Money and more. Rising star vocalist, Leon Bridges brought the crowd to its feet with a performance of Mustang Sally and vocalist Andra Day performed her hit song City Burns, followed by a touching performance of Unforgettable in tribute to legendary songstress Natalie Cole. Host LL COOL J also joined DJ D-Nice for a tribute to Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest – one of several iconic artists lost in 2016.
The event kicked off with the Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony for Prince. Prince joins previous Apollo Walk of Fame inductees—all legendary musicians, artists, and entertainers whose paths to fame included the Apollo, including: Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson, James Brown, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Little Richard and Ella Fitzgerald. Inductees are honored with a plaque on the Apollo Walk of Fame, installed under the Theater’s iconic marquee on 125th Street.
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 13: CP Lacey poses before Prince Walk of Fame Induction and 2016 Spring Gala at The Apollo Theater on June 13, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Shahar Azran/WireImage) *** Local Caption *** CP Lacey
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 13: Members of New Power Generation, singer Meli’sa Morgan, saxophonist Maceo Parker, singer Andy Allo and president and chief executive officer of the Apollo Theater Jonelle Procope attend Prince Walk of Fame Induction and 2016 Spring Gala at The Apollo Theater on June 13, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Shahar Azran/WireImage)
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 13: Walter Williams, Eric Grant and Eddie Levert of The O’Jays preform during Prince Walk of Fame Induction and 2016 Spring Gala at The Apollo Theater on June 13, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Shahar Azran/WireImage)
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 13: LL Cool J speaks on stage during Prince Walk of Fame Induction and 2016 Spring Gala at The Apollo Theater on June 13, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Shahar Azran/WireImage)
