birthplace to many greats. Amateur night at the APOLLO brings back many great moments. The actual 125 street is quite GHETTO. read more

First of all, the interior is amazing! It's beautiful. I went on a Wednesday which is ammeter night. It gets very busy so I recommend getting there early. Tickets cost $20. I have such a great night, there were a number of different acts, as well as the house band and MC. I won't recommend buying and drinks at intermission as they are a bit expensive and the show only lasts another 30mins after intermission. read more

Just went with my bike at 9am to take some pictures I forgot is Harlem 125 St. So scary I only spent 5m and go

After a Columbia grad's rooftop party, we swung by approximately 24 hours after Michael Jackson's passing. We didn't know what to expect, yet had only heard that people had gathered here to pay their respects. The Apollo was electric. There were two lines of people: the people singing in revelry and the passerbys. For a moment in time, my friend and I were passerbys turned converts. I will never forget "Rock with You" being chanted by the crowds, and us taking pictures of each other. The Apollo management had put up a Berlin wall-like shrine called "Off the Wall" in tribute to the king of pop. Posters kept filling up, and new ones had to be layered on top so that people could write their messages. After that, I was inspired to cast my dollar vote and buy more Michael Jackson songs from iTunes. read more

I've only been to the Apollo one time but it made a huge impression on me! I live in Brooklyn so I was a bit annoyed that I was going to have to make the trek to Harlem but it was so easy to get to and only a few steps from the subway. We didn't have to wait very long to be let into the venue, which was new since I seem to always be waiting my life away in lines for concerts! We went to see Paul Weller and were bummed because we didn't have great seats near the front, but when we got to our seats we were amazesd at how close they actually were. We could see very well and the seats were fairly comfortable. The Apollo is a lot smaller than I expected but this made seeing the stage a great deal easier than it would have been at a larger facility. I decided to imbibe that night and there were two bars located at the back of the venue. I never had to wait in line more than five minutes for drinks and was happy to see that the venue also takes credit cards, which for whatever reason does not seem to be all that common. (This is a phenomenon I will never understand. It's NYC. Why the hell don't you take credit cards?!) Anyway... And what can I say abotu the staff?! Oh my god, everyone was SUPER nice! Everyone there was so friendly and open, and it just made the experience so much better! I cannot wait to go back to the Apollo! I had a great time and look forward to seeing more artists at a great location! read more

I went for Happy Spring on Wednesday, March 20th. I had a great time. The Apollo Theater have a great sound system. I had great seats in the orchestra. The host was awesome. Nice to bring people on stage and dance during the 10 minute intermission at the famous Apollo Theater. No one got booed off the stage even though some performers had us wondering what is going on and some performers were on their way to the bright lights on Broadway. I recommend to put on your bucket list Amateur Night at the Apollo while visiting NYC. T. Soto New Jersey read more

People its the Apollo.....its history...the marquee gave me goosebumps when we went to see it. The theater is located right in the heart of Harlem....and i was hoping to get a peak inside...but the security guard would not let me get a look inside...even did the song and dance that im from seattle...he would not budge.... Still one of the coolest things i have been to...even if just outside....take the train up here....and see it, if you vacationing in the new york city area read more

My friend was visiting from Austin and she REALLY wanted to see the Apollo theater. I can honestly say I was not that enthusiastic but we hopped on the Subway and I can say I'm glad we did. The only reason I am not giving 5 stars is that my friend and I were grouped into a previously scheduled tour (they don't take less than 20) so the group of rambunctious teens came late and we heard the first 1/3 of the lecture twice. It is hard not to get caught up in the history of the place. It is really beautiful and as with most places is a lot more intimate than it seems on TV (i think because they use a wide angle lens) Will have to make it back for Amateur Night or an event. read more

Checked out Amateur Night last week and I'd say it was equal parts night at the theater, museum trip, and down and dirty party. What a great time! You can feel the energy responsible for making the theater an historic launching pad for great performers of the last century. The crowd was great...I admit it took a few drinks for me to boo somoene off the stage, but the performers take it in stride, and the look of relief if/when someone staves off the booing to survive the performance is priceless. For $10 or $15, it's a unique show I'd like to make more regular than unique. Anyone concerned about the uptown location fo the theater need not worry; at no point did my guest nor I feel anything but perfectly safe and comfortable. Can't wait to go back! read more

I am adding to my bucket list , before the year is out; to take off of work on a Wednesday and go to experience Amateur Night at The Apollo. read more

See all

A lot of history comes and goes here. I was fortunate to get the opportunity to go here when MJ pass... it was crazy madness! Thousands and thousands of people came to pay their respect! Parking as always is hard here... and area of the theater is pretty ghetto! But still everything that goes around here... is awesome. Just be careful. read more

I thought I was in great shape... until I climbed Mt. Everest inside the Apollo. Seriously, I have never encountered so many flights of narrow and steep stairs!!! I was huffing and puffing by the time I got to the upper mezzanine. It's a good incentive to drop $10 more bucks for better seats. Whew. The theater is a bit run down. The carpets are dirty and cheap, the "bars" have a limited selection, and the bathroom in the upper mezzanine requires you to bend like a contortionist in order to pee into the toilet. Although the theater is dingy and not very appealing, I've had many fun nights here heckling the amateurs. It's a completely different experience and I'd go back again and again. So 2 stars for the theater itself but 5 for the experience! read more

This is an incredible historic theatre! They still have great shows, and of course their infamous Amateur Nights on Wednesdays! I highly recommend attending a show here. read more

This historical landmark was just as excellent as I remembered it years ago when I went to a show. We took the tour and had a blast. I was honored to have been allowed to perform on the famous Apollo stage during the tour and to rub the wood :-). read more

See all

We attended Amateur Night at the Apollo. This was so much fun! We had seats "on the second floor" row H and the view was fine (except when those in front of us got up to dance, but that was part of the fun.) The crowd was lively and a ton of fun. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a fun night. read more

Enjoy the Show...Skip the Gift Shop! Enjoyed Amateur Night at the Apollo on 10/24 so much that I wanted a "Be Good or Be Gone" T-shirt akin to the one the host (Capone) gave to an audience member. On my way out, I asked the girl working the gift shop if she had a gray "Be Good or Be Gone" T-shirt. She replied, "Yes" and handed me a gray shirt. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of paying in cash without checking the back of the shirt to ensure that she gave me what I asked for (before paying for it). That said, I checked it before leaving the counter and when I said, "You sold me the wrong shirt.", she replied, "Sorry, no refunds or exchanges." Suffice to say, she was terribly rude and pointed to the "No Refunds or Exchanges" sign on the counter and stated, "It's not my fault you didn't check the shirt first before paying for it." Not sure what her deal was, but it would have taken 5 seconds for her to swap out the shirt she handed me which was the same price as the "Be Good or Be Gone" shirt. She was so righteous and disrespectful, that without a doubt this interaction was my worst experience in New York. The Apollo needs to work on its customer service! read more

The Apollo theater was in my top 3 fav places to visit while we were in New York. For those who care, NY Fed tour and AMNH were the two others. Most everyone has heard about this place, but do your self a big favor......... go to amateur night at the Apollo, trust me you will thank me for it. We were fortunate enough to attend the amateur night finale a couple months back, where the winner took home 10k. Sisqo was the guest performer, yes MR THONG himself (it was SCANDALOUS... sorry couldn't help it). The talent level for the show was exactly what you'd expect from amateurs, a bit karaoke at times, but then there were some that really brought their A game. Talent aside, these amateurs must be applauded for their big kahunas, performing in front of a wild crowd like that got my immediate respect. I can see why it's so tough to make it in the business. The crowd is as bi polar as they come, yelling and praising the contestant one moment, then booing them off the stage the next. And that's beauty of the show, crowd participation is what's it's all about. Although I must say if your male, under 30 and remotely attractive you may do well as a contestant.....just saying. Tickets are $20ish and if your going in the summer it's blazing hot in the upper floors so dress accordingly. read more

If you ever do a tour of this theater Billy M is a big story teller :) Believe not all of what you hear him say! Thanks. read more

I FREAKEN HATE YOU PEOPLE! My sister's husband paid for all 3 of us to go see that Bob Marley event. I think the BET channel advertised it, and now everyone and their mommas wanted to go. When we got there we got our reserved tickets. The security/people wearing red(I dont know what their actual job is besides yelling) this hispanic shrew with the loudest annoying voice got all types of loud screaming at people! Also, the line was soooo long, it extended down several blocks!!! We finally left to go see a movie instead and as the taxi drove off we can still see the line down several streets! RIDICULOUS! I hope he got his money back because he paid ALOT! and he was pissed! this is poor service!!! My first and most likely my last time t this craphole! read more

I just love the Apollo theater this is a landmark this is where a lot of legends first perform like the legend Michael Jackson,Beyoncé,Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Sammy Davis Jr., James Brown, Bill Cosby, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, D'Angelo, Lauryn Hill, and many many more artists just wanted to name a few Apollo has been hear for over 100 years I remember when I was a kid we use to come hear for amateur nights and concerts and still to this day 20plus year's later I am a adult and they still do amateur nights and I always come and I just love coming hear this place is the heart of Harlem read more

Lots of black history here at the Apollo ... I felt the energy of the generations before my own , trying to break it big in music and entertainment in NYC.... place is way smaller than it looks on TV... had a great time ! Please support this historical establishment in Harlem ! I would again read more

New York my favorite city, which is by now no longer a secret. It radiates 24/7 and there is so much to do. Take for instance all shows on and off Broadway. So much to choose from, that it spins your head. But what do we think is the most fun event in The big Apple? I dare share our secret with you: Amateur Night At The Apollo Theatre. The Voice, X-Factor, Soundmixshow...it has its origins all here in the theatre in the Harlem district. A theatre with great impact on the population. A very important entertainment venue for the Afro-American, who had no access to the theatres until 1934, and later also the Latino's. Here they came together regardless their backgrounds, professions and political preference. Since that same year they started the Amateur Night every Wednesday. This was broadcasted live on 21 channels. Many of our stars were discovered on these famous nights. Big names such as: Ella Fitzgerald, then 15 years old when she won the talent show, Gladys knight and The Pips, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Michael Jackson and many other famous singers and performers. The Amateur Night is still hot every Wednesday evening from January until the end of October. The atmosphere is almost indescribable. Upon entering everyone is dancing to the music of a DJ. Many exciting things take place before the talent show actually starts. When the audience is warmed up, the first candidate appears. The boehoehoehoe cry at the first poor performing artist is a little shameful, but soon you automatically join, if you do not want to listen to caterwauling any longer. The judgement of the tap-dancing 'executioner' is relentless but received a lot nicer then the Simon Cowells we see on tv. This really is by far the best night out in NY and you have to experience it yourselves! In the months the Amateur Nights do not take place, check their agenda for great performances with big names that take place on stage here. And do you want to have dinner before or after a show, make sure you book a table at 'Red Rooster', the coolest place of Harlem just around the corner. And so delicious too! read more

Wow! A nice clean up job to the theatre- clean, updated and stage looks great. We attended a taping of the new 'live at the apollo' with Steve Harvey. Cast and crew were helpful and awesome. Rest rooms, elevators and nice lobby with private tours. The only complaint is that if you are over 5-5" or so your knees will not fit on the seats up in the mezz areas. We happened to score nice stage side parlor seats right next to Steve and crew. Great experience and awesome eateries all over the area. We will go back for another show. read more

There is nothing that screams "Original NY" than the Apollo Theater. The place is legendary and if this place gets torn down to make space for hipster yuppie condos, I am giving up on life. This is a piece of history no one should touch! I have been here on three different occasion and I feel blessed that I can say I have visited a piece of history. The stadium seating makes it easy to see the live shows. You never feel like you are too high up on the nose bleeds because of how the stage is set up. Maybe because it is a legendary place, but concerts seem much more lively up here. This last visit I got to see Mana live and even the band mentioned how important it was that they performed in the Apollo! The show was sponsored by Chivas Regal so the liquor was definitely flowing. The staff was friendly and let me take pictures of the old school decor in the establishment. If you want to visit a legendary place in NY, make it your business to see a show here! read more

Cafe at Apollo - Upclose - Music Venues Near Me - New York, New York

See all

I was so excited to finally go here. I grew up watching Showtime! At the Apollo every Saturday night. I couldn't believe I was about to see in person the legendary amateur talent competition and the famed piece of wood that each performer touches. I left so sad and disappointed after my experience. I have never felt so singled out in my life. The group of friends I went with (all mixed nationalities) were astounded at the behavior we received. Things started out bad before we even got into the theater. I walked towards the sidewalk and began framing up a shot of the outside of the theater. Before I could snap the photo an African man selling Shea butter products and incense started cursing at me and slapped my camera out of my hand. Luckily I had the strap on my wrist and it prevented the camera from shattering on the ground. He began cursing at me telling me: "Who the f%ck do you think you are!? Don't take my f$cking picture man! F#uck you! Get the f$uck out of here!" I was literally in shock because he came out of nowhere and I managed to apologize to him and tell him that I couldn't even see him in the frame of the shot. I have no idea why he was so angered by the fact that he thought I was taking his photo, especially considering the fact that he is in broad daylight and in front of the theater. Walking into the ancient theater I found the staff to be very nice and they helped our group locate our seats. We were high up in the balcony and even though we were so far away from the show, I was still excited to be there. At one point the host singled out the oldest person in attendance. An elderly woman stood up and announced she was 94 years old. Everyone stood up to give her a respectful and well deserved standing ovation. I stood up in my seat to show my respect and was promptly told to "Sit the f$ck down a$$hole!' and had several bottle caps thrown at me. I was surprised that people behind me would have this reaction especially considering we were sitting so far away from the action. I also could not figure out why I would be screeched at when it was clear to the entire audience that it was this elderly woman's moment. Upon sitting the group of gentlemen that had screamed at us shouted: "That's right a$$holes!" Absolutely no one in our vicinity payed any mind and everyone pretended not to hear. One woman even had a smirk on her face as if we had deserved the screeching. I tried to enjoy the rest of the show but feared what would happen if I stood up and applauded for any of the amazingly talented child performers that were on stage. It's amazing how the crowd can really affect how good a time you have when you go out. I will stick to watching it on tv for now. read more

When I was little, and was allowed to glut myself on television only on Friday and Saturday nights, Live At The Apollo would save me from the sinking feeling that TV time after Saturday Night Live was over. My sister and I would laugh and shriek as the host would shout, "Liiiiiiive at the Apollo" and invoke the soul train, then pretty much roll on the floor when The Executioner would come out and pull away the boo'd. But oddly, those are the things I remember rather than the contestants themselves or their various talents. Three years into my five years in NYC, I finally decided to go to the REAL Apollo Theater to see a live Amateur Night (mostly always on Wednesday nights). This time, obviously, the performances left more of an impression, but even more important was the air of hallowed history pervading this grand, plush, three-layered house of music and culture. I don't really have to rattle off the names of the legends who have filled this space with the musical product of their minds and hearts - the same people whose portraits line either side of the wide stairways up to the mezzanines...it might be enough to talk about the people I have seen there, and the circumstances of these experiences. After Amateur Night, I kept scoping out the venue's calendar and realized that not only jazz and soul luminaries, but also some pretty damn popular acts roll through here, which is a big deal in a spot where even a seat in the first row of the upper balcony can make you feel simultaneously that you're in a huge theatre and a private snow globe with the artist. Who cares that there's very little leg room or that the expensive-ish, limited selection drinks at the bars at the back of each seating section are served in little wobbly plastic cups - you can bring them right down to your seat (an astounding risk taken by the part of the establishment)? Cozy as it is, it oozes the kind of Harlem, old New York, jazz and soul class that only time can cultivate, and the kindly ushers makes sure you don't get lost...without breathing down your neck. Two winters ago, I was sitting up there watching a holiday special with Michael McDonald. i was sitting with someone I'd just had a very traumatizing, catastrophic breakup with, but the concert and the gentle cradle of the building where it was delivered managed to create pleasant memories in spite of tremendous awkwardness and sadness of my personal life at the time. Hell, it was probably the only really good and true time we every shared, sitting next to each other while being separately fulfilled by an incredible and festive show. Then last November, I saw the Irvin Mayfield, Jr. and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra were coming to town. In my haste to get tickets for my friend (with whom I discovered the Irvin Mayfield, Jr. Playhouse down in New Orleans), her husband, my mom, and my aunt, I somehow read the glaringly obvious Ticketmaster seating chart backwards and snapped up five seats...in the very back row of the lower mezzanine. I almost threw up in my mouth when I (luckily) realized this. Expecting to be rebuffed and referred to the heartless Ticketmaster, I called the Apollo box office anyway, and a very kind agent took mercy on me, conferenced in Ticketmaster for a full refund, and helped me find five tickets in the FIRST row of the lower mezzanine at the member's price. This was an exception, of course, and all five of us sure did appreciate it as the likes of Jon Batiste and Aaron Neville popped up to parade around onstage and all around the ground floor as surprise guests to an already over-the-top lineup that was doubly festive in light of Louis Armstrong's induction into the Hall of Fame walk outside the building. Recently, I received a calendar in the mail that alerted me to the fact that John Mellencamp is going to be in town at the Apollo at the end of April. This time, I did it right. Completely skipped Ticketmaster all together and took the one-stop, 13 minute A-train ride from Columbus Circle to 125th Street and walked right up to the box office to get tens of dollars off on taxes, fees, etc. and glide away with all four tickets in my hot little hand. Seriously, it took longer to get food at Popeye's on the way back to the train. This is one of my favorite venues in New York City and all the world (the parts that I've seen of it, anyway). You can't say that you've seen the city or have been much of anywhere at all until you be a lucky guest of this sacred place and its amazing staff, and bask in the education of the Theater's formidable history and respectable involvement in the Harlem community, the music community, and well beyond. Bottom line, you could be a neutral music appreciator who blindly selects an event here and still be assured of a worthwhile experience here. Simply put, everyone must go. read more

Theater: Well-maintained, relatively intimate venue with an incredible history (which you can and should go learn about by May 1, 2011 at an exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York: http://www.mcny.org/). My first time here I sat in the orchestra, but my second time I was in the second-to-last row of the first balcony, and because there's a second balcony above, we felt as if we were looking at the stage through a viewfinder. If I were to see a show here again, I'd get only first or second row balcony or orchestra seats. Shows: I saw Dreamgirls here a couple of years ago, and thought it was an excellent production. Amateur Night: I have memories of seeing this on TV years and years ago, and maybe it always was this way, but it appeared to my young and naive eyes to be more authentic than was my live experience a few weeks ago. The audience today is chock-full of foreign tourists, and it felt a little bit like the cast was going through the motions. It was clear that at least one of the contestants that was booed off the stage was a plant -- a Japanese guy with bleach blonde hair playing guitar and singing Nirvana. One other contestant was booed off -- a guy singing "Let's Get It On." The other contestants were all vocalists, none of whom played an instrument, but most had nice voices. The kids' singing competition, which precedes the main show, was cute -- everyone cheers for the kids. There's also a funny but random dance-off with people plucked from the audience at the very beginning. The house band was really, really good, and the "executioner" was fun to watch. The show is relatively short, and there's a 15-minute intermission in the middle so they can make more money on drinks, which, by the way, are quite expensive. A plastic cup of mediocre beer is $7 or $8. You can buy drinks at any time and bring them to your seat (no rules about caps or cups with tops), and if you're in a back row near the bar, as we were, you can go back and forth from the bar throughout the show and no one complains. read more

You can't help but feel the history enveloping you. So so many greats have performed here...even launched their careers here. We came for Amateur Night on the night before Thanksgiving. Turns out that is the "finals" of the contests year round. OMG! Not a mediocre act to be found. Each performer was more talented and impressive than the next. A few times the audience launched into spontaneous standing ovations. You won't find a more diverse and more talented group of performers competing ANYWHERE. The middle of the pack was better than the finalists on AGT and Idol. We'll be back. read more

It is Legen...wait for it...dary! Based on its rich history and its successful track record of catapulting some of our finest musical legends into fame, I have nothing negative to say about this place. I mean I was disappointed that I didn't see Kiki Shepard, but I didn't go to see a taping of Showtime at the Apollo, so all is forgiven. It's much smaller than what I had envisioned, but watching a performance by the the little tykes of Uptown Dance Academy made me wonder if one day maybe they too will follow the same path that many of their predecessors that performed on that very stage. read more

Have been here for Amateur night (a hoot- and definitely worth it) and then came to see Ryan Adams (my secret idol) on Halloween night. Beware, the staff here is superfriendly but they will put the smackdown on your behind if they catch you taking pictures- no matter how stealth you think you are being. They will make you delete your pix on your camera right in front of them, and I heard rumors they were confiscating cameras. I don't know what the deal is-- it apparently is the venue's issue, not the artist's- as RA does not give a crap about such. Having said all that, by comparison to another similar sized venue-- Town Hall, which SUCKS(also saw Ryan there)- the Apollo is terrific. There are not many bad seats and so it is pretty intimate, and the sound system is great. We sat on the front row of the upper mezzanine, and thought our vantage point was just fine. read more

Saw Amy Shumer here live with a friend and it was an awesome experience. The theater is beautiful and rich with history. I want to go back and attend a jazz performance or something - this place is great. Acoustics are pretty solid too. The audience layout is also very well planned out. read more

Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater is hands down one of the best evenings out in NYC. It has it all...enjoyable entertainment, a hilarious host(Comedian Capone), audience participation and the little kid acts to warm your heart. The Theater has got all the energy, the excitement and the history behind it to produce one spectacular evening. The Apollo is a great escape from the mundane and a good way to get a true hearty belly laugh. Everybody that is there is ready to have a good time and no one is holding back. I promise you that you will not be disappointed with the show in any way shape or form. My friends and I haven't laughed that hard for a long time..we were laughing at the host who was laughing at the audience and the talent. We were laughing at "The Executioner" who boots the amateur talent off stage if they are bad enough to get booed. The Executioner happens to also be an amazing tap dancer with some serious costume changes. The live band that backs-up the talent is also top-notch. All of us self-declared foodies on yelp that have been Uptown, Downtown, East Side, West Side, over to Brooklyn and across to Queens searching out the most delicious authentic food spots need to take an evening and participate in the 70 year tradition that is Amateur Night at the Apollo. Their alumni is impressive and they have an ever expanding roster of world class talent including such legends as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, James Brown, Ben. E. King, Jackie Wilson, The Isley Brothers, Luther Vandross, Michael Jackson, Fat Joe and Lauryn Hill You could be a part of it..all for under $30. read more

Wait a miniute?? Am a barbian because I want to scream and boo people off the stage? Because that is the real reason I primarily go to the apollo.Ya know this place is a piece of american history for all the talented undiscovered acts and legends that have graced the stage. Of course established musical acts, comedians, and other performers do thier performances there now adays as well , which Ive attented. Ive just personally had way more fun at the tapings of Amateur Night at the Apollo. They do have two weeks of the event/preliminaries and then the best or worst of the best gets to on to be on the television show. The auditions are way easier to get tickets to than the actual TV tapings and ive experienced & enjoyed both. The people are so much fun, the crowd is sort of electric just very real and energetic, emotional and non biased. It's just a very honest- non pretensious set up, in a PC society, its quite liberating to boo and scream and hiss, or cheer and yell and say what you feel. The excitement a little bit is in when the contestant comes out, because you just NEVER have a clue of what they are going to do and its just so amazing!! Some of them wow you. Some of the talent totally blows you out of your seat. The Apollo Theatre is great- the historical photos inside and evidence of all the legends that got thier start there.Interesting one of a kind decor. read more

Let me start by saying the acoustics in the Apollo theater cafe are excellent...and I do mean excellent. If you're into great sound this is the place for you. The two stars are for the cafe...the nonexistent cafe in Apollo Cafe. Poor liquor selection, no martinis ???? decent beer, and tostinos quality food...if you call microwaved buffalo spring rolls food. There isn't even a burger on the menu. Go for the music...but eat before you get there. read more

there is no way of writing anything bad here.... its Apollo, you know it is before you get there, and once you're there... yeah.... "it's show time at the Apollo!!!" read more

Unf*cking believable show!! Amateur Night was the NY thing I didn't know I was missing. Go. Go now. Seriously go! Amazing!!!!!!

There is nothing more iconic in visiting Harlem, NY than going into the original Apollo theater. If you are ever in NYC, make it your plan to come and visit. The staff is very friendly and you can even take a picture of the actual "wood stump that you rub for good luck." The only minus is that the gift shop is very small and mostly only consists of t-shirts and some kind of maracas but hopefully we can add more money to places like this to keep them open. read more

Amateur Night at the Apollo is a sight to witness. The amateurs themselves were average: nobody got booed off, which is what I was hoping for - some really trashy fun - but the actual cast and the energy of the place were a blast. The orchestra section is the tourist section, so for a more genuine experience hit the upper decks. read more

We went for Amateur Night and really enjoyed ourselves. It did take the show a while to get started in between the pre-show with the DJ and the opening act that was some song about being at the Apollo. When the show did get started Capone took the stage that's really what made the night. Capone is a great comedian and his jokes and humor are genuine, natural and kind. He really did a great job of hosting and keeping the crowd engaged. The talent we saw was a mixed bag but C.P. Lacey only had to come out and sweep one person off the stage, if that means anything haha. All-in-all it was a good time and I would definitely do it again if Capone was hosting. read more

Amateur Night at the Apollo - A night to put on the bucket list. I have wanted to go to amauteur night for so long and was not disappointed! Unfortunetly we got there a little late. - an hour late - but we only missed one performance so that was a releif. That being said I would definetly go early the next time. There is apparently a bar open before hand and then an hour of entertainment. Well worth it to get you and the rest of the crowd in the mood. We went during a "top dog" show, so every performer was so talented. There were a lot of vocalists, nsome beatboxers and then some other miscellaneous talent. It is true that if you do not like the act then you "boo". This serves as more entertainment rather then to get the act off the stage. Amateur night is well worth the hike to Harlem! read more