The annual Apollo in the Hamptons fundraiser recently took place at the Si Si Restaurant located at the EHP Resort in East Hampton. DJ Cassidy returned, this time with special guest Bobby Brown, while Brownstone and Estelle had their own sets for the attendees.
For the second year in a row, the event was held at the East Hampton marina to help raise money for the world-famous Harlem theater. It’s been a triumphant comeback after the long-time event took a hiatus from 2018 until 2025. The fundraiser carries particular weight since last year with the Apollo undergoing its first major renovation after over 90 years in existence.
Si Si Restaurant was packed with over 300 business leaders, artists, philanthropists, elected officials, and celebrities. Former NBA superstar Kevin Johnson was among the elite who attended the event. Record executive Kevin Liles was in the house as well, along with TV personality Star Jones, who attended the 2025 fundraiser in East Hampton. Everyone was dressed to the nines in their summer cocktail chic attire.
DJ Aktive presided over the music to start the evening. As guests piled into the Si Si Restaurant, Aktive was in rare form on the 1’s and 2’s, playing R&B dance classics like Michael Jackson’s “Rock with You,” Alicia Myers’ “I Want to Thank You,” and Prince’s “Pop Life.” Aktive’s crossfading alchemy was impressive as he fused songs like Sade’s “Nothing Can Come Between Us” with Kenny Burke’s “Risin’ to the Top.” Attendees enjoyed the classic music as they partook in tiny lobster rolls and champagne with the comforting breeze of the marina engulfing them.
Brownstone was the first to come up. Founding member Nicci Gilbert anchored the trio during their brief but captivating set, starting with their signature ballad, “Grapevyne.” Before singing their hit “5 Miles to Empty,” Gilbert gave a shout-out to the late co-founder Maxee Maxwell for inspiring her to pen the tune about toxic romantic heartbreak. The ladies performed covers of Aretha Franklin’s “Day Dreaming” and Whitney Houston’s “I’m Your Baby Tonight,” before ending things with their biggest hit, “If You Love Me.”
In what seemed like less than a minute after Brownstone said goodbye, DJ Aktive was introducing Estelle to the stage. While Brownstone gave a classic presentation of classy girl-group choreography, Estelle was holding court among the audience. Performing songs from the Caribbean diaspora, the Grammy-nominated songstress stepped off-stage and danced with the people, with a mic in one hand and a bottle of Dobel in the other. Some of them even joined her back onstage while the Soca staple “Nany Wine” played.
DJ Cassidy, decked out all in white, brought the night to its climax as the sun set on the marina and people were drinking their blood orange margaritas and finishing their gourmet dinner of fried chicken, bass fish, macaroni and cheese, and steak. Cassidy did what he does best, turning everywhere he arrives into a dance floor, playing songs like Earth, Wind and Fire’s “September,” Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” and Prince’s “I Wanna Be Your Lover.” Soon enough, Brown emerged with him, flanked by two dancers, singing his classic hits with Cassidy providing the tracks and the energy in spades.
Apollo officials were on hand to update the crowd on the progress of the theater’s renovation, which commenced 15 months ago. Main construction will come to an end in September and the theater will reopen in 2027, with a new lobby, restaurant, and gift shop. In the interim, much of the Apollo’s programming has taken place at its sister venue, The Victorian, located just a few doors down on 125th Street.
“Apollo in the Hamptons demonstrates the extraordinary community that continues to champion The Apollo and our mission,” said Michelle Ebanks, President & CEO of The Apollo. “From longtime supporters to a new generation of patrons, this weekend reflected a shared belief in the power of Black artistry, culture, and community. As we look toward reopening our Historic Theater later this year, we’re excited to welcome even more artists and audiences into The Apollo’s next chapter.”
The 2027 version of the Apollo will look new and improved, but will still retain the hallowed traditions of its peerless history as incubator and safe haven for Black artists and audiences alike. The 2026 Apollo at the Hamptons event was just further proof that the spirit of the World Famous theater is only strengthening with time.
