D4 The Afro-American December 14, 2024 - December 20, 2024
D.C.’s Howard Theatre celebrates historic Harlem stage in ‘A Toast to the Apollo’
“A Toast to the Apollo,” an event honoring Harlem’s legendary theatre, is held Dec. 6 at The Howard Theatre in D.C.
By Patricia McDougall
Chip Ellis (left), owner the Howard Theater, honors Kamilah Forbes, executive producer for the Apollo, and Jonelle Procope, past president and CEO of the Apollo, alongside Reggie Van Lee, chairman of the board for the Howard Theatre.
On Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, Reggie Van Lee, chair of the Howard Theatre joined Chip Ellis, owner of the iconic Howard Theatre, to produce “A Toast to the Apollo,” a glittering celebration featuring an extraordinary lineup of performers. The event was a precursor to the 47th Kennedy Center Honors, where the Apollo Theatre became the first organization to be recognized by the institution. The Howard Theatre event was hosted by Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress Phylicia Rashad, who lent her grace and charm to the event. The night featured powerhouse performances by Tony and Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Holliday, whose commanding vocals captivated the audience. The ladies of En Vogue, the chart-topping R and B group, delivered their signature harmonies and timeless hits, while urban jazz harmonicist Frederic Yonnet added a soulful, innovative sound to the program. Attendees included Events DC President and CEO, Angie M Gates; OCTFME Director, LaToya Foster, Former First Lady of D.C., Cora Masters Barry, and Mrs. Virginia Ali, owner of the Historic Ben’s Chili Bowl, all of whom made the spectacular evening of Black excellence an unforgettable night.
Tony and Grammy Awardwinning singer and actress Jennifer Holliday performs live at the Howard Theatre in the nation’s capital.
Laisha Dougherty (left), Dr. Steven Johnson and Aaron Myers
En Vogue, the R and B group made up of Rhona Bennett (left), Terry Ellis and Cindy Herron, deliver their signature harmonies and timeless.
Trumpet Player Donvonte McCoy delivers a tribute to Quincy Jones, who died on Nov. 3.
Violinist Leanne Holmes entertains guests on the red carpet of the VIP Reception at the Howard Theatre “A Toast to the Apollo.”
Urban Jazz Harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet performs live at the Howard Theatre on Dec. 6.
Marvin Bowser (left), Mike Yates, Gretchen Wharton and JR Clark
Chip Ellis (left) takes a moment with singer and actress Jennifer Holliday; Reggie Van Lee, chairman of the board for the Howard Theatre; Actress Phylicia Rashad and former First Lady of D.C., Cora Masters Barry at the Howard Theatre. AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall
Angie M. Gates, president and chief executive officer of Events DC, delivers remarks.
Shown here: Award-winning artist and entertainer (left), DJ D-Nice, award-winning social impact strategist and Crown Act Champion, Dr. Adjoa B. Asamoah, and actor Omar Dorsey.
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