The Apollo Series enters second year with best of the emerging acts

In just a year, The Apollo Series became one of the top recurring live music events in Kingston and, on Saturday, January 19, it celebrates its first anniversary at The Haven, 12 Hillcrest Avenue. This fifth edition of the event, known for its unique format, will feature Reggae artiste Eesah, upcoming Dancehall performer Reido and poet Arabella Blain.

Each featured performer at The Apollo Series performs not once, but twice, as part of what is referred to as ‘rotating sets’, allowing late-comers to still see the show’s line-up and the early birds to experience two distinct sets. Another signature characteristic of the event is the open stage, which showcases poets, musicians, singers and any kind of talent that seeks an outlet.

Some of the most intriguing individuals in Kingston’s close-knit creative scene are scheduled for January 19. In addition to being a poet, Arabella Blain is also a mental health advocate, and she is expected to come with a message. Eesah has been garnering attention with his recently released EP, Masterpiece, while Reido has been making his mark at stage shows across the island and on social media with his viral videos.

“As we enter our second year, we continue to develop and expose talent,” says Simon the Writer, organiser of The Apollo Series. “Both Arabella Blain and Reido are acts that have been a part of our open stage and have impressed the audience each time, so we saw it as fitting for them to be our special features.”

The audience at The Apollo Series usually features artists from all artforms, ranging from established professionals to upcoming amateurs. “We always have a solid turnout and a fairly smooth show,” says Simon the Writer. “Our patrons will experience even better productions this year and we will kick start it right on January 19.”

Gates for The Apollo Series open at 7 p.m. and showtime is 8 p.m. Admission is only $500.

The Apollo Series is presented by A.C.T.I.O.N. Jamaica and is sponsored by The Haven, Main Event Entertainment Group and Marketing Plus Communications.