Two of the most influential stages in American music will come together this spring as the Apollo Theater and the Howard Theatre present a special live event celebrating their shared cultural legacy.
The organizations announced “Best of the Apollo,” a live music showcase scheduled for April 26, 2026, at the Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C. The evening will be hosted by comedian and actor Chris Spencer, with performers expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The event marks the first time the historic venues will appear together as official co-presenters, bringing together institutions that helped shape the sound and business of American music for more than a century.
Both venues played central roles in the network of performance spaces known as the Chitlin’ Circuit, which provided opportunities for Black artists to tour and build careers during segregation. Over decades, the Apollo Theater in Harlem and the Howard Theatre in Washington welcomed many of the most influential performers in music history.
Artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Marvin Gaye performed on both stages, helping define live performance standards and carry American music to global audiences.
“The Apollo and the Howard have long shared artists, audiences, and a cultural lineage that shape Black music in America,” Michelle Ebanks, President and CEO of the Apollo, said in a press release.
She noted that while the institutions have collaborated in the past, the upcoming event represents their first official co-presentation, strengthening cultural ties between Harlem and Washington while creating opportunities for new artists.
Reggie Van Lee, chair of the Howard Theatre Foundation Board, said the collaboration honors the historic impact both venues have had on American entertainment.
“Few stages have shaped American music and entertainment as profoundly as The Apollo and the Howard Theatre,” Van Lee said. “From launching the careers of artists who transformed the sound of the nation to setting the standard for live performance, these institutions continue to influence culture in powerful ways.”
The partnership also highlights Washington, D.C.’s deep musical heritage. Mayor Muriel Bowser said hosting the event at the Howard Theatre underscores the neighborhood’s historic role in shaping American culture.
“These two institutions defined American music and entertainment and continue to influence audiences across the country and around the world,” Bowser said. “Hosting this collaboration at the Howard honors the legacy of Black Broadway and the lasting role this neighborhood has played in shaping our nation’s artistic heritage.”
“Best of the Apollo” also pays tribute to Amateur Night at the Apollo, the iconic talent competition presented by Coca-Cola that has launched the careers of countless performers and continues to spotlight emerging artists.
Spencer, who will serve as host for the evening, said bringing the two legendary venues together promises a memorable night for audiences.
“The Apollo and the Howard are places where legends are born,” Spencer said. “When you bring those stages together, you know something unforgettable is about to happen.”
Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show beginning at 7 p.m. Early-bird tickets start at $60 and are available through the Howard Theatre.
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