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  • bike friendly
  • bug spray available
  • community event
  • food vendors on-site
  • live music
  • no dogs
  • picnics allowed

In Partnership With Newport Jazz Presents

Helmed by Academy and Emmy Award-winning director Roger Ross Williams, The Apollo chronicles the unique history and contemporary legacy of the New York City landmark, the Apollo Theater. The documentary weaves together archival footage, music, comedy and dance performances, and behind-the-scenes verité with the team that makes the theater run. The Apollo features interviews with artists including Patti LaBelle, Pharrell Williams, Smokey Robinson, and Jamie Foxx.

The Apollo covers the rich history of the storied performance space over its 85 years and follows a new production of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Between the World and Me as it comes to the theater’s grand stage. The creation of this vibrant multi-media stage show frames the way in which The Apollo explores the current struggle of black lives in America, the role that art plays in that struggle and the broad range of African American achievement that the Apollo Theater represents.

The Apollo Theater is internationally renowned for having influenced American and pop culture more than any other entertainment venue. The space has created opportunities for new talent to be seen and has served as a launchpad for a myriad of artists including Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, Luther Vandross, Dave Chappelle, Lauryn Hill, Jimi Hendrix, and more.

Photographs and/or video will be taken at this event. Images may be used by newportFILM for promotional purposes. 

6:10 PM : Gates Open
7:10 PM: Live Music by Chris Vaillancourt Band
8:25 PM: Film followed by Q&A with film producer Lisa Cortes, moderated by Newport Jazz Festival artistic director Christian McBride
Food Vendors: Boru Noodle Bar, Bella's Pizzeria, Diego's, Brunch Belly, La Forge's Food Truck, Tricycle Ice Cream, Lemons Aid
Back-Up: Restoration Hall at IYRS
Run time: 98 mins
Director: Roger Ross Williams
Producers: Lisa Cortes, Nigel Sinclair, Jeanne Elfant Festa, Cassidy Hartmann, Roger Ross Williams
Cast: Pharrell Williams, Jamie Foxx, Patti LaBelle, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Smokey Robinson
The Apollo
This is a past event

... a bracing and moving look at how a parade of extraordinary popular artists redefined black America — and America, period — from one stage.

Presenting sponsor of newportFILM Outdoors

Official Newport Hotel of newportFILM Outdoors

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