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Read the press release here.

Jazz Legend Billie Holiday to be Honored at One-Night-Only Apollo Show

 Apollo Theater is hosting an
Apollo Theater is hosting an "Homage to Billie Holliday" to honor the jazz great.
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Apollo Theater

HARLEM— It’s showtime for Lady Day.

The famed Apollo Theater will host a one-night-only concert spectacular honoring jazz legend Billie Holiday on May 16.

The event will showcase 10 different acts, including singers and dancers, who will cover to the iconic singer’s discography, the theater said.

Holiday got her start in Harlem and performed at the iconic theater at age 19, before she was propelled into stardom, according to The New York Times.

The event will be hosted by radio and television personality Bevy Smith.

The performers include jazz singer Lizz Wright, singer-songwriter Ruthie Foster, singer Bettye LaVette, among many others.

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will perform an updated piece, called “Portrait of Billie,” which originally premiered in 1959.

The event will also officially kick off the third year of the Harlem EatUp! Festival, which showcases the food, culture and music of Harlem. The festival runs from May 15 to 21.  

“As a festival that celebrates Harlem's art and artists, we are thrilled to have these amazing performers honor the iconic Billie Holiday,” said celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, the festival’s co-founder.

“This feels like an iconic way for us to kick off our third year, and we are so excited to be able to do it at the Apollo.”

“Homage to Billie Holiday” will premiere on Tuesday, May 16 at the Apollo Theater, at 253 W. 125th St., at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $40 to $1,500 and are on sale at www.apollotheater.com.