Apollo Theater Presents
NINA & ME

Ledisi

Celebrates Nina Simone live at the Apollo

With performances by Patrice Rushen
Crystal Monee Hall, Kimberly Nichole and Wé McDonald

An Apollo Theater & Gregg Field Production
in  Collaboration with Fig Street Films

Soulful singer/songwriter and 12 time Grammy Award ® Nominee, Ledisi, joins special guests in this evening of classic Ledisi hits along with the music of artist, activist and Apollo legend, Nina Simone. 8 time Grammy Award Winner Gregg Field, (Ella 100: The Apollo celebrates Ella Fitzgerald; A Hot Time in Harlem – 70 Years at the Apollo Theatre; The Kennedy Center Honors; The Grammy Hall of Fame Awards; Frank Sinatra, A Man and His Music) returns to the Apollo as concert producer.

In 1959 Nina Simone moved to New York and appeared for a week at the Apollo with Lee Morgan, Al Hibbler and the Buddy Rich Big Band. Apollo legend has it that her first appearance at the Apollo very well could have been her last. Halfway through her spoken introduction of Nat Adderly’s “Work Song,” the then 27-year old Nina thought she heard giggles and chatter, which wasn’t unusual for the notoriously boisterous Apollo audience. But the former Eunice Waymon of Tryon, N.C., commanded, “For the very first time in your lives, act like ladies and gentlemen at the Apollo.” That seemed to have done the trick! Nina Simone returned to the Apollo frequently, performing over 15 times from 1961 – 69. She earned the moniker ‘High Priestess of Soul’ for she could weave a spell so seductive and hypnotic that the listener lost track of time and space as they became absorbed in the moment.

“Her legacy lifted me and reminded me to be proud of my skin and embrace the walk I was given. I hope she can feel how much I love her. She has saved my life so many times. Her music lets me know I am not alone in my journey.” - Ledisi

Ledisi (“Pieces of Me,” “Gonna Be Alright,” “Goin’ Thru Changes,”) is a celebrated R&B recording artist. Her third album, Lost & Found, earned her two Grammy Award nominations, including “Best New Artist” in 2008. This year, she is nominated for three Grammy Awards for her latest album Let Love Rule.

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Special Pre-Performance Film Screening:

The Tale of Four

Doors at 7pm
Screening at 7:30pm

Inspired by Nina Simone’s ‘Four Women,’ Gabourey Sidibe’s directorial debut is a multi-layered story that spans one day in the life of four different women who are connected through their quest for love, agency and redemption.

This 20-minute film interweaves four stories of race-based violence and fatal encounters with the police through a female’s perspective. As a director, Sidibe touches on the importance of bringing black females on screen, at a poignant time where people are demanding a dialogue on race relations in our country.