By LEE WARD / THE INDEPENDENT
ASHLAND — The song about New York claims, “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere.”
That also has been said about the Apollo Theater in Harlem, N.Y., where stars including Michael Jackson, The Jackson Five, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, JaRule, Ludicris and James Brown performed and where many who went on to be stars got their start.
In honor of the great heritage of the Apollo, the Highlands Museum and Discovery Center will present its sixth “A Night at the Apollo,” scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 26, part of the museum’s program to celebrate February as Black History Month.
Origins
Bernice Henry, family/community involvement coordinator for Ashland Head Start, remembers the event’s beginnings in Ashland.
“Chris Barr and a few others on the original committee, along with Nancy (Smith, former Highlands director), were those who made the suggestion and, with Nancy’s tenacity and great fundraising techniques, we were able to come up with enough money to use the Paramount,” Henry said. “The first time was in the cafe´and then, because of the enthusiasm of the crowd from the community, we transitioned to the large Paramount.”
Emcee for “A Night at the Apollo” is Brenda Martin.
“It is so much fun emceeing this grand event and everyone seems to have a blast,” she said. “The hostess or emcee at the famous Apollo Theater adds to the overall show, as do the performers themselves. So, I take that to heart and try to do more than just introduce the acts, but I try increasing the entertainment experience along with interviewing some of the performers to add to a diverse show.”
The lineup is always memorable and full of talented performers, Martin said.
“I’m so glad I am the emcee and not a judge,” she said. “Judging is truly the hardest job of the entire evening and we’ve been blessed with some really good ones who are also diverse.”
Memorable acts
Martin said there are a couple of acts that stand out in her mind as emcee.
“There once was a little girl who had on the cutest cowboy boots that seemed as big as she was,” Martin recalled. “I tried to get her to give them to me, but she wasn't going for that!”
Martin also said gospel singer Angela Young was an important performer on the local Apollo stage.
“What impressed me most is that the first time Angela entered, she was a finalist and the next year she just nailed the first place victory — with some tough competition, I might add!” she said. “It’s nice to see people who enjoy honing their craft and are willing to return no matter who wins. To me, that is one of the marks of winners.”
The variety offered in the show is another enticement, Martin said.
“It’s great going to just one show and hearing country songs, pop music, poets, seeing dance groups, guitarists, bands, tap dancers, comedians and more,” she said. “Everything is done at a classy level and it’s the kind of entertainment you can bring the kids and everyone can truly enjoy it. Where else can you get all of that for $5 or less?”
Honoring Michael Jackson
Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children younger than 12 and are available at the door.
Acts can register to appear in the show for $5. Applications are available at the museum. Deadline to register is Feb. 12 to be listed in the program; spaces can be filled prior to that or before the show, Martin said. Cash prizes will be awarded in youth and adult categories and will go to first-, second- and third-place acts, courtesy of Dr. Michael D. Canty. Judging is based on talent, stage presence, appearance and audience appeal.
As emcee, Martin has an additional job.
“The Apollo’s emcees in New York always give tribute to a great artist,” she explained. “This year, I hope to give tribute to Michael Jackson, the world’s greatest entertainer.”
She said anyone interested in practicing the “Thriller” video and performing it should contact her by e-mailing bdrumartin@hotmail.com or visit the Web site ucanchange.webs.com for more information.
In addition, the museum has other events and an exhibit related to Black History Month.
‰The Abraham Lincoln exhibit will continue until Feb. 19.
‰This Friday the museum will open “Abraham Lincoln: The Emancipation and the African American Experience.” The Women of Color Quilter’s Network will present this collection of contemporary African-American quilts from among the finest quilters in the country.
Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi, director of the Women of Color Quilting Network, is one of the event organizers. A Los Angeles native, she took up quilting in the 1970s as an adult and has put together shows around the country, including helping organize an exhibit during President Obama’s inauguration last year.
The exhibit will continue through March. The museum is at 1620 Winchester Ave.
‰Gospel Night is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at Ashland Community and Technical College’s J.B. Sowards Theatre. Special gospel music from several area choirs will be featured. There is no admission charge.
LEE WARD can be reached at lward@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2661.
