D.C.’s Howard Theatre celebrates historic Harlem stage in ‘A Toast to the Apollo’
By Patricia McDougall
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.
“A Toast to the Apollo,” an event honoring Harlem’s legendary theatre, is held Dec. 6 at The Howard Theatre in D.C.
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.
Tony and Grammy Awardwinning singer and actress Jennifer Holliday performs live at the Howard Theatre in the nation’s capital.
Violinist Leanne Holmes entertains guests on the red carpet of the VIP Reception at the Howard Theatre “A Toast to the Apollo.”
En Vogue, the R and B group made up of Rhona Bennett (left), Terry Ellis and Cindy Herron, deliver their signature harmonies and timeless.
Laisha Dougherty (left), Dr. Steven Johnson and Aaron Myers
Trumpet Player Donvonte McCoy delivers a tribute to Quincy Jones, who died on Nov. 3.
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.
Urban Jazz Harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet performs live at the Howard Theatre on Dec. 6.
Angie M. Gates, president and chief executive officer of Events DC, delivers remarks.
Marvin Bowser (left), Mike Yates, Gretchen Wharton and JR Clark
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.
AFRO Photos / Patricia McDougall
Ballet After Dark hosts holiday dinner
serves as CEO. The
By James Fields
Ballet After Dark, the Baltimore nonprofit that uses dance to address trauma, held their holiday dinner for community members, volunteers and beneficiaries at the Eubie Blake Center on Dec. 6. The night was led by Mistress of Ceremony Tracie Jiggetts, and included multiple performances.
Poet Mecca Verdell offered her sage words in honor of the organization, founded by TydeCourtney Edwards, who currently
a
those gathered and disclosed a major announcement: Ballet After Dark has secured a one million dollar grant to further heal members of the community through movement.
Jordan Stanford, a Ballet After Dark dancer (left) and Poet Mecca Verdell share a moment at the Ballet After Dark holiday dinner and fundraiser.
Left: Isaiah Williams, a guest of Ballet After Dark dancer Nalani Brown, shows support for the organization.
Briana Thomas is a dancer with Ballet After Dark.
Kyaira Ware is executive director of Black Women Benefit, an organization that works to provide free mental health services.
Beionka Scruggs (left) and Monte Huggins attend the 2024 holiday dinner.
Mila Mitchell (front, left) and Zuri Mitchell (front, right) enjoy the event with Iris Jay (back, left), Gene Kelly and Tempest Mitchell.
Kalin Schultz (left), Walida Colon and Robin Lee
Mistress of Ceremony Tracie Jiggetts
Khy (left) and Zorah Simon
Tyde-Courtney Edwards is founder and CEO of Ballet After Dark.
Anna Evans-Goldstein (left) takes a moment with Ballet After Dark Founder and CEO Tyde-Courtney Edwards and Afro Charities Executive Director Savannah Wood, all former classmates at The Baltimore School for the Arts.
organization was formed as a way to help women heal from sexual assault using
variety of forms of dance, from ballet to jazz and hip hop. Edwards spoke to
AFRO Photos/ James Fields Graphic courtesy Bing Images