Apollo Theater Concert: Gary Clark Jr and 'Captain' Kirk Douglas come together for star-studded benefit event
The Apollo Theater is getting its own virtual benefit concert during the coronavirus pandemic. Kool & The Gang, The Roots' 'Captain' Kirk Douglas and Gary Clark Jr are among several artists slated to perform on 'Let's Stay (In) Together: a Benefit to Support the Apollo Theater'. The event will live stream on the Apollo Theater's website for free and on Tidal at 7.30 pm ET on June 2.
The lineup will also include Dionne Warwick, Teddy Riley, Robert Randolph, Michael McDonald, DJ D-NICE, Roy Wood Jr, Doug E Fresh, Lil Buck and Jon Boogz, Infinity’s Song, Ray Chew, Warren Haynes, Celisse Henderson, Keb 'Mo', Marc Bamuthi Joseph and DJ Reborn. Additional special guests will be announced soon. According to Rolling Stone, the lineup will perform music from the likes of iconic artists who have appeared on the Apollo stage before, including BB King, Patti LaBelle and Stevie Wonder.
A statement on the theater's website reads, "Music has the incredible power to connect, transform and heal. We hope you’ll support the Apollo Theater and join us for a special event featuring music that lifts our spirits, shapes our lives, and continues to unite us all." 'Let’s Stay (In) Together: a Benefit to Support the Apollo Theater' aims to benefit both the theater and the community. "A portion of the funds raised will be allocated for micro grants to support local merchants and small businesses in the 125th Street neighborhood impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic," the statement reads. Like the numerous music venues throughout the US, the prestigious Harlem theater was forced to close due to the Covid-19 pandemic in March.
Apollo Theater president and CEO Jonelle Procope said in a statement, "For more than eight decades, the Apollo Theater’s strength and resiliency have been as constant as the talent on our stages, but like non-profit organizations around the world, we are facing an unparalleled challenge. Immediate additional funding is critical for us at this time, and I am incredibly grateful to the generous donors and friends who have supported the Theater since we closed our doors in March." She added, "I hope this online celebration inspires people across the globe to come together and enjoy the sounds of the Apollo, as well support the Theater’s mission to champion Black culture and the arts of the African diaspora. Through such generosity, we will be able to give back directly to the vibrant Harlem community that has supported us for many years."