Pharrell Williams. Independent/Joe Schildhorn for BFA.com
On Saturday, August 3, the 10th annual (and final) “Apollo in the Hamptons” was held at the East Hampton home of Apollo Vice Chairman, Ronald O. Perelman, to benefit the non-profit Apollo Theater. This year’s event raised millions of dollars to support the Apollo’s artistic, educational, and outreach programs, while building on the theater’s rich history as a cultural and economic anchor to Harlem, and as a nurturer of emerging talent.
Since its inception, “Apollo in the Hamptons” has raised nearly $30 million for the Apollo’s artistic, education, and community programs. Thanks to the support from this event, the institution has expanded its education initiatives, both in schools and at the historic Apollo Theater, engaging more than 20,000 students, teachers, families, and scholars annually. The theater has been able to double its impact, now welcoming more than 200,000 patrons each year.
The 10th annual fundraiser featured a blowout concert produced by Mark Ronson with performances by the Black Eyed Peas, Dave Matthews Band, The Isley Brothers, Maggie Rogers, Patti LaBelle, Pharrell Williams, Jamie Foxx, Jon Bon Jovi, and Joseph Simmons from Run-DMC, along with special appearances by Gary U.S. Bonds and Vusi Mahlasela, and The Roots as the live house band.
