Babyface + Usher To Receive Awards at ‘Apollo’s Spring Benefit’

The Apollo has announced this year’s honorees for its Spring Benefit, the historic theater’s largest annual fundraising event on Tuesday, June 11th.

Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, one of the most celebrated creative forces in music history, will receive the inaugural Legacy Award at the Spring Benefit and be inducted into The Apollo’s legendary Walk of Fame the day prior, on Monday, June 10th. Multi-platinum global superstar and eight-time Grammy Award-winning artist Usher will be honored at the celebratory benefit concert with the Icon Award.

“I am humbled to receive the inaugural Legacy Award. For nearly a century, the theater has been a constant symbol of excellence in Black entertainment. So for The Apollo to honor my legacy feels nothing short of amazing,” said Babyface.

“It’s an honor to be receiving this award from such an iconic and historic cultural institution in New York City – one that has hosted and paved the way for so many prominent people. I’m humbled to be this year’s recipient and look forward to seeing everyone soon,” Usher states.

Marking the nonprofit organization’s 90th anniversary as a home for artists and a champion of Black culture, the evening will feature special appearances by Hip Hop legend Big Daddy Kane, with Music Direction by Grammy and Emmy Award-winner Adam Blackstone and more to be announced.

The Apollo’s 2023-2024 Season has featured signature programs, audience favorites, and exciting new works from artists pushing the boundaries of their art forms – from music and dance to theater, film, and beyond.

All proceeds will support the non-profit organization’s year-round, world-class artistic, education, and community programs, as well as its commitment to articulating and projecting the African American narrative using arts and culture, and creating a 21st century performing arts canon.

The Apollo has been a place of dynamic energy and forward motion for more than 90 years. This year, the nonprofit organization celebrates its first-ever expansion with The Apollo Stages at The Victoria at 233 West 125th Street, just down the block from its Historic theater, which will undergo restoration later this year, further solidifying the organization as a civic and economic cornerstone of Harlem and New York City.

The Spring Benefit begins with red carpet arrivals at 5:00 PM followed by the Benefit concert and awards ceremony at 7:00 PM. The evening will also include the event’s legendary afterparty designed by celebrated event designer and Apollo board member Bronson Van Wyck.

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