After a short hiatus, Apollo in the Hamptons returned this past weekend for the first time since 2019 and it wasn’t just another summer soirée. It was a celebration of culture, history, and community that reminded us all why preserving legacy matters.

For generations, there’s been a natural connection between Harlem and the Hamptons—especially through Sag Harbor’s historic Black beachfront community. This event Apollo in the Hamptons carried that thread beautifully, bringing Harlem’s heartbeat out East for one unforgettable night at EHP Resort & Marina (Si Si Restaurant) in East Hampton.

A Feast for the Senses

From the moment cocktail hour began, the night set the tone: mini lobster rolls, crab cake sliders, Korean chicken lettuce wraps, carne asada skewers, and yakitori Japanese sweet potato. Dinner stations followed with Moroccan halibut, spicy rigatoni, lobster Cobb salad, and couscous with veggies.

But the highlight? The dessert station! Mini sweet potato pies, mini bread pudding, and mini banana pudding—all those Harlem-inspired flavors in bite-sized form—made it feel like home. It was a perfect fusion of East End elegance and Harlem soul. Honestly, it felt like the Hamptons and Harlem were in the same place.

Music That Moved the Room

Apollo in the Hamptons performances lit up the night: Doug E. Fresh, Crystal Waters, Dres, Chubb Rock, and a high-energy DJ Cassidy set that had guests on their feet. Then came Wé Ani—an Amateur Night at the Apollo winner who went on to place Top 5 on American Idol 2023. Her voice soared through the Hamptons air. Personally, my favorite track of hers is Disgusted, though truthfully, her entire album is worth a listen.

Adding even more Harlem flavor, Café Wha? delivered a genre-spanning set that paid tribute to the Apollo’s iconic stage and the spirit of 125th Street.

Real Talk with Wé Ani 🎤

I had the chance to connect with Wé Ani after the event, and her reflections were as powerful as her performance.

Hamptons Mouthpiece: Performing at the Apollo Theater is legendary—how did that experience prepare you for your journey on American Idol?

Wé Ani “I always say this: the scariest thing I’ve ever done in my life, hands down, was performing at the Apollo. Scarier even than singing for Tony Bennett at the Library of Congress in front of Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan, and Josh Groban. Because at the Apollo, you know at any moment you could get booed off stage. And I thought to myself, if I can handle that—if I can survive the Apollo—I can handle anything, even Simon Cowell. That experience made me fearless.”

HM: Is there anything new on the horizon that your fans can look forward to—music, performances, or collaborations?

Wé Ani: “Absolutely. I’m in the middle of rebranding my artistry and working on a lot of new music. People can definitely expect new songs and collaborations that stretch my sound in different directions. I want to reach new audiences and step into spaces that challenge me as an artist. I’m very excited about what’s coming next.”

HM: Did you get a chance to explore Sag Harbor during Apollo in the Hamptons?

Wé Ani: “I would have loved to just stick around and see what that would have been about, because I don’t get to go to a lot of places whenever I travel. Nine times out of ten, it’s hotel to venue, then back to the hotel, back on a plane or in a car. So it really means a lot when people who are native to a place give me the full experience—because then I get to go and tell people about it, which is so important for me. I’ll definitely be back, and next time I’d love the full Sag Harbor tour.

A Night of Support & Star Power

The crowd reflected the Apollo’s reach and influence, with notable attendees including Michelle Ebanks (President & CEO, The Apollo), Kamilah Forbes (Executive Producer, The Apollo), Joy Profet (Chief Growth Officer, The Apollo), Star Jones, Gayle King, and actor/musician Leon.

The evening was made possible thanks to generous sponsors such as The Phillips, Gibson and Dunn/Orin Snyder, Nina & Frank Cooper/VISA, and Tameem Hourani, with additional support from Apollo’s dedicated Board of Directors. Their commitment reinforced the importance of cultural institutions like the Apollo in shaping society for the better.

The Real Star of the Night

While the celebrities and performances shined, the true star was The Apollo itself. The fundraiser raised critical funds for the theater’s first full-scale renovation and restoration. This isn’t just a facelift. It’s about preserving a cultural legacy that stretches from Ella Fitzgerald’s big break to James Brown’s electrifying performances to today’s rising stars.

Real Talk, Real People ✨

I wasn’t able to attend this year, but as someone who grew up in Harlem, the Apollo has always been more than a theater. It’s the soul of 125th Street—a place where culture, music, and history converge. Preserving it means ensuring the next generation can stand on that stage, feel that same electricity, and carry that legacy forward.

So yes, Apollo in the Hamptons was about great music, celebrity sightings, and a perfect summer night. But more than anything, it was about history—keeping it alive, honoring it, and making sure the story of Black excellence, creativity, and resilience is never forgotten.

To learn more or support the mission, visit apollotheater.org