Gibson the iconic, American-made, leading instrument brand is proud to partner with the legendary Apollo Theater for the “Let’s Stay (In) Together: A Benefit To Support The Apollo” benefit concert. The celebration marks the launch of a partnership between Gibson and the Apollo Theater which will include collaborations on future show programming, music education initiatives, music preservation and support established and emerging talent. The LIVE, free virtual benefit concert will kick off Black Music Month in June and will offer critical support to safeguard the ground-breaking institution’s future following the unprecedented cancellation of more than 100 programs due to COVID-19. Tune in to watch the “Let’s Stay (In) Together: A Benefit To Support The Apollo” livestream this coming Tuesday, June 2 at 7:30p ET/4:30p PT at www.apollotheater.org.

“Let’s Stay (In) Together: A Benefit to Support the Apollo Theater” is sponsored by Gibson, through the Gibson Gives foundation. The free benefit concert will showcase an array of special guests delivering poems and performances dedicated to the memory of those who have lost their lives due to COVID-19. The landmark livestream event features performances by “CAPTAIN” KIRK DOUGLAS OF THE ROOTS, KOOL & THE GANG, GARY CLARK JR., ROBERT RANDOLPH, RAY CHEW, MICHAEL MCDONALD, LIL BUCK & JON BOOGZ, KEB MO, CELISSE HENDERSON, INFINITY’S SONG, MARC BAMUTHI JOSEPH and DJ REBORN as well as special appearances from DIONNE WARWICK, DOUG E. FRESH, ROY WOOD JR. and more to be announced. During the show, artists will perform the music of Apollo legends such as B.B. King, Patti LaBelle, and Stevie Wonder, and highlight the Apollo’s 86-year contribution to arts and culture. The “Let’s Stay (In) Together: A Benefit to Support the Apollo Theater” concert will also be available for free streaming by media partner, TIDAL.

“Let’s Stay (In) Together: A Benefit to Support the Apollo Theater” is part of Apollo Sound, which celebrates Black Music Month in June and illuminates the power of music to transform, build community, and heal. DJ D-Nice--the resident DJ for the Apollo’s annual benefit for eight years--will kick-off the month-long Apollo Sound celebration on Monday, June 1 by dedicating his wildly popular Instagram Live Club Quarantine dance party to the Apollo Theater.

The “Let’s Stay (In) Together: A Benefit to Support the Apollo Theater” event is part of the non-profit Theater’s campaign to raise $4 million in immediate funding support. In addition to raising funds for the Apollo’s innovative artistic and educational programs--which serve more than 200,000 people annually--a portion of the resources raised will go towards a micro-grant initiative for local small businesses. Support for the Apollo Theater remains crucial as we all continue to navigate the negative economic effects of COVID-19 on the performing arts and entertainment fields. The Apollo Theater is committed to providing virtual programming and preparing for the next season of world-class live performances, community, and education programs. Any contribution over $75 qualifies for an Apollo Membership and supports staff salaries, teaching artists, performers and artistic and educational programs. To make a tax-deductible donation to the Apollo Theater, visit: https://www.apollotheater.org/donate.

“For more than eight decades, the Apollo Theater’s strength and resiliency have been as constant as the talent on our stages, but like non-profit organizations around the world, we are facing an unparalleled challenge. Immediate additional funding is critical for us at this time, and I am incredibly grateful to the generous donors and friends who have supported the Theater since we closed our doors in March,” said Jonelle Procope, Apollo Theater President & CEO. “I hope this online celebration inspires people across the globe to come together and enjoy the sounds of the Apollo, as well support the Theater’s mission to champion Black culture and the arts of the African diaspora. Through such generosity we will be able to give back directly to the vibrant Harlem community that has supported us for many years.”

“Music is one of the world’s enduring gifts, and its power to connect, transform, and heal have always been center stage at the Apollo,” said Kamilah Forbes, Apollo Theater Executive Producer. “Although our stages remain dark, the Apollo sound has never been more vibrant, and I’m grateful to DJ D-Nice for sharing it, and to Gibson for its support in helping us amplify our musical soundtrack while also raising funds for the Theater and our neighbors in Harlem.”

“We are thrilled to shine a light on the history of the Apollo, an American institution that needs our attention and support to stay intact during these times,” says Nat Zilkha, Partner at KKR and Chairman of Gibson Brands. “Gibson gives artists the tools they need to re-imagine American music and the Apollo gives artists the iconic space to entertain generations to come. We look forward to a long partnership with the Apollo Theater supporting their programs and the artists who inspire our entire culture.”