All the Way To Heaven with Doug E. Fresh at the Apollo (video)

Legendary Apollo Theater Opens the 2010 Season of its Signature Show on Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Featuring a Special Performance by Hip-Hop Legend Doug E. Fresh

New Season Will Feature a Revamped Show With a New Apollo Amateur Night Theme Song, Themed Competition Nights, and Significant Cash Prizes to Winning Contestants

The legendary Apollo Theater today announced details of the 2010 season of its signature program, Amateur Night, the world’s most famous and enduring amateur talent competition. After going on hiatus through the run of the production of Dreamgirls at the Theater last fall, Amateur Night will return bigger and better than ever for the 2010 season with a special Opening Night Show featuring new enhancements and hosted by the comedian Capone on Wednesday, January 27^th at 7:30pm. Opening Night will also feature a performance by the ultimate party starter – hip-hop legend Doug E. Fresh. The Apollo Theater’s Amateur Night has long been revered by artists as a transformative experience where up and coming talent feels the power of the legendary performers who have come before them, and where audience response can help make or break a career.

For the past 75 years, the Apollo’s Amateur Night has reigned as one of New York City’s ultimate live entertainment experiences, attracting performers and audiences from all over the world and establishing the Apollo as a cultural anchor. While fans of the show can still expect the return of show staples like C.P. Lacey in the role of the “Executioner” (the character who sweeps unworthy contestants off the stage) and celebrated Music Director Ray Chew and his band “The Crew,” the opening night of Amateur Night will introduce several exciting new features designed by producer Marion J. Caffey to give the ever popular show a fresh look and feel. Highlights of the enhancements include: a pre-show jam fest led by one of New York’s hottest DJ’s – DJ Jess; a new Amateur Night theme song; and, a brand new segment that allows audience members to prove on the spot if they have what it takes to make it on the Apollo stage. The new season of Amateur Night will start Wednesday, January 27^th at 7:30pm and will occur every Wednesday through October, 2010. Amateur Night is sponsored by Coca-Cola.

“Amateur Night has always been about the connection between the audience and the artist, and about what’s next,” said Amateur Night producer Marion Caffey. “We decided to take a look at the show to find new ways to keep it fresh and exciting for performers and audiences alike. We think the enhancements we’re implementing will complement Apollo traditions like the executioner and the house band, and will only add to the freshness of the event.”

Enhancements include:

• A new pre-show element, “Amateur Night Pre-Show Jam Fest” featuring DJ Jess, one of NY’s hottest DJ’s, who will be accompanied by a multimedia presentation incorporating footage of past Apollo performances and other historic Apollo moments;
• A new segment entitled Now You Know about Apollo trivia;
• A new segment called “Step Up to the Mic”, which will allow audience members to prove on the spot if they have what it takes to make it on the Apollo stage
• A brand new Amateur Night Theme song entitled “Beautiful Music” written by NY native Dunn;
• Special guest artist appearances throughout the season;
• Theme Nights, including a Broadway, New York City Teachers, Latin, and Gospel;
• Cash prizes totaling more than $40,000 for the ultimate season winners;
• Fans will be able to follow their favorite Amateurs and keep track of their progress on the Apollo’s web site by viewing YouTube videos and other related content.

Additionally, along with its annual New York auditions and to open the competition to a wider pool of candidates, the Apollo held national auditions in Atlanta this past fall and plans to hold future auditions in Washington, DC. Dates to be announced.

Tickets and Information

Tickets for Amateur Night begin at $17 and are available at The Apollo Theater Box Office: (212) 531-5305, 253 West 125^th Street. Ticketmaster at (212) 307-7171 or www.ticketmaster.com/venue/6

Amateur night 2010 Season runs from January 27, 2010 through October 2010 on Wednesday nights at 7:30pm.

Video of Doug E. Fresh’s Come Again video filmed at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York City. For more videos and to download tracks, visit www.DougEFresh.com from Youtube.com