The Apollo announced honorees for this year’s Spring Benefit, the historic theater’s largest annual fundraising event taking place on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Clive Davis, one of the most celebrated creative forces in music history, will receive the Legacy Award and be inducted into The Apollo’s legendary Walk of Fame. Teyana Taylor, the multi-talented singer, songwriter, actor, and director, will receive the inaugural Innovator Award, recognizing her trailblazing contributions to music, film, and culture. The 2025 Spring Benefit will also be The Apollo’s final fundraiser in the historic theater before embarking on the first full-scale renovation and modernization in its 90-year history.
This year’s event will be a multi-generational celebration of The Apollo’s legacy highlighting the significant role the venue has played in the careers of thousands of Black artists; from giving them a literal stage to launch their careers to a place to make a living doing what they love.
The renovation marks a reemergence and true modernization of the iconic venue, honoring its rich legacy while enhancing the audience experience and ensuring it continues to serve as an epicenter of American and global culture. The creative elements of this year’s Spring Benefit will fold in the designs of the soon to be renovated space, offering attendees a preview of what awaits when the Theater reopens in Summer 2026.
“For generations, The Apollo has been a beacon of culture and community in Harlem and around the world,” said Michelle Ebanks, President & CEO of The Apollo. “This year’s Spring Benefit is a celebration of that legacy and the artists and visionaries shaping what’s next. It marks the final time audiences will experience our legendary theater as it stands today, before we begin the first full-scale renovation in our 90-year history. As we honor the past and embrace a bold future, this evening will uplift the trailblazers who have shaped The Apollo and offer a powerful glimpse into the renaissance to come.”
“To be recognized by The Apollo, an institution that has launched and celebrated so many of the artists I’ve admired and worked with throughout my career, is deeply meaningful to me,” said Clive Davis. “I am truly honored to receive the Legacy Award and to join The Apollo’s Walk of Fame.”
“Growing up in Harlem, The Apollo has always been a source of inspiration and Black excellence,” said Teyana Taylor.“Being honored in my hometown, by this iconic institution, is beyond anything I could have dreamed.”
Marking the nonprofit organization’s storied reputation as a home for artists and a champion of Black culture, the evening will feature a tribute to the late Richard Parsons, one of corporate America’s most prominent Black executives and long-time Chair of The Apollo Board of Directors. The tribute will feature an appearance by 8x Grammy nominee, The Baylor Project. The evening will also feature special performances by Deborah Cox, Shoshana Bean, and others performing special tributes to Clive Davis, with multi-platinum Grammy award-winning recording artist Monica presenting the special honor. Martha Redbone and Grammy-winning singer Avery Sunshine will open the benefit show, which will be musically directed by Emmy winning Music Director, Grammy-winning producer, Tony Award nominated orchestrator, two-time Image Award winner, Adam Blackstone. Additional performances by 4x Tony award nominee, Camille A. Brown & Dancers among others will be featured throughout the evening. After the performances, guests will move to the afterparty featuring the return of D-Nice as the DJ for the evening. Additional appearances and performances will be announced in the coming weeks.
The Apollo’s 2024-2025 Season has featured signature programs, audience favorites, and exciting new works from artists pushing the boundaries of their art forms – from music and dance to theater, film, and beyond.
All proceeds will support the non-profit organization’s year-round, world-class artistic, education, and community programs, as well as its commitment to articulating and projecting the African American narrative using arts and culture, and creating a 21st century performing arts canon.
The Spring Benefit begins with red carpet arrivals at 4:30 PM followed by the Benefit concert and awards ceremony at 7:00 PM. The evening will also include the event’s afterparty, designed by celebrated event designer and Apollo Board member Bronson Van Wyck.
Watch for upcoming announcements as The Apollo unveils a thrilling line-up of special honorees and performers. Visit www.ApolloTheater.org for more information. To purchase benefit tickets, make a donation, or for more information, visithttps://www.apollotheater.org/benefit-2025.
About The Apollo
The legendary Apollo—the soul of American culture—plays a vital role in cultivating emerging artists and launching legends. Since its founding, The Apollo has served as a center of innovation and a creative catalyst for Harlem, the city of New York, and the world. In 2024, The Apollo opened The Apollo Stages at the Victoria Theater, marking the first ever expansion
in its 90-year history. The Apollo also has plans to renovate its Historic Theater. For more information about The Apollo, visit www.ApolloTheater.org.
With music at its core, The Apollo’s programming extends to dance, theater, spoken word, and more. This includes the world premiere of the theatrical adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates’s Between the World and Me and the New York premiere of the opera We Shall Not Be Moved; special programs such as the blockbuster concert Bruno Mars Live at the Apollo; 100: The Apollo Celebrates Ella; and the annual Africa Now! Festival. The non-profit Apollo is a performing arts presenter, commissioner, and collaborator that also produces festivals, large-scale dance and musical works organized around a set of core initiatives that celebrate and extend The Apollo’s legacy through a contemporary lens, including the Women of the World (WOW) Festival as well as other multidisciplinary collaborations with partner organizations.
Since introducing the first Amateur Night contests in 1934, The Apollo has served as a testing ground for new artists working across a variety of art forms and has ushered in the emergence of many new musical genres—including jazz, swing, bebop, R&B, gospel, blues, soul, and hip-hop. Among the countless legendary performers who launched their careers at The Apollo are Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, H.E.R. D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, Jazmine Sullivan, Machine Gun Kelly, and Miri Ben Ari; and The Apollo’s forward-looking artistic vision continues to build on this legacy. For more information about The Apollo, visit www.ApolloTheater.org.
If you’re even thinking about facial sculpting, lifting, or rejuvenation without going under the needle, there’s one name you need to know: Lydia of Esthetics Embassy in Katonah, NY.
Lydia is a true expert in natural face-lifting techniques and offers some of the most sought-after treatments in Westchester. Her FaceGym & Buccal Massage for Lifting and Sculpting is the go-to for those looking to tone facial muscles, drain lymphatic fluid, and boost circulation—all in one deeply relaxing session. She also offers the coveted Biologique Recherche Signature Bespoke Facial, tailored to each client’s unique skin concerns for maximum glow and firming.
Her approach? Thoughtful, hands-on, and seriously transformative. With a devoted client base and a reputation for results, Lydia has made facial fitness a luxury ritual—and something that actually works.
💪 Let’s Break It Down: What Exactly Is Face Exercise?
Think of it like Pilates for your face. Your face has over 40 muscles, and just like the rest of your body, those muscles can be strengthened, toned, and sculpted through movement. That’s the basic idea behind face exercise—also known as face yoga or the face gym approach.
There are a few popular variations:
- Face Yoga: Gentle poses, stretches, and facial expressions to release tension and improve tone.
- Face Gym: More vigorous techniques like kneading, tapping, and even microcurrent stimulation.
🔍 What Does It Actually Do?
Face workouts can help:
- Stimulate circulation — bringing oxygen-rich blood to the skin’s surface
- Boost lymphatic drainage — flush out toxins and reduce puffiness
- Strengthen muscles — helping to tone and subtly lift the face
- Relieve tension — especially helpful for jaw clenchers and furrowed-brow scrollers
- Enhance product absorption — skincare sinks in deeper with better circulation
With regular treatment, it can improve skin tone and give your face a fresher, more sculpted look—especially with consistency.
Need proof? A small Northwestern study in 2018 showed that women aged 40–65 who practiced face yoga for 20 weeks looked, on average, three years younger. That’s a pretty impressive return on a free workout you can do in front of the mirror.
✨ Fab, Fad… or Functional?
Let’s be clear—face exercise is fab, as long as you’re realistic. It won’t freeze wrinkles like Botox or fill volume like filler, but it will support a firmer, healthier-looking complexion. It’s one of those “why not?” beauty rituals that pairs beautifully with good skincare and the occasional trip to someone like Lydia (who, let’s be honest, can work magic).
Face workouts aren’t just a trend—they’re a smart, feel-good addition to your skincare routine. And if you’re ready to level up, a session with Lydia at Esthetics Embassy will have your skin lifted, sculpted, and glowing like never before.
Ready to try….Lydia works miracles, and I promise you will see a major difference even after just one time. I am on my third treatment,t and it is NIGHT AND DAY!!!! Contact Lydia HERE for more information or to book your appointment!!!
As technology advances at an exponential rate, industries across the globe are beginning to embrace the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and foster innovation. While AI has already made significant strides in industries such as healthcare, automotive, and entertainment, one area that has yet to be fully explored is the world of luxury jewelry design. So, what would happen if AI took over the design of luxury jewelry? Let’s imagine the future of jewelry creation in an AI-driven world.
The Rise of AI in Jewelry Design
AI has already started making its way into the creative realms of design. From fashion to architecture, AI is helping designers create products that are not only efficient but also aesthetically pleasing. In the context of jewelry, AI could be used to predict trends, automate intricate design processes, and even generate entirely new concepts by analyzing vast amounts of historical and contemporary data. With AI’s ability to work quickly and precisely, jewelry designers could potentially create pieces with unprecedented speed and accuracy.
AI-driven software can already generate digital renderings of jewelry pieces, exploring different combinations of materials, shapes, and gemstones. By utilizing machine learning algorithms, AI could learn to replicate the unique design language of individual artists or brands, offering an innovative way to create designs that resonate with modern consumers. In theory, AI could use data from consumer preferences and fashion trends to generate designs tailored to the desires of individual buyers, such as stunning designer bracelets.
Will AI Replace Human Designers?
The idea of AI completely replacing human designers in the luxury jewelry industry raises an important question: can AI truly capture the artistry and emotion that human designers bring to their creations? While AI can be incredibly precise, it lacks the intuition and deep emotional understanding that a human designer can inject into each piece. Jewelry is not just about aesthetics—it often carries deep personal significance. Whether it’s a wedding ring symbolizing eternal love or a family heirloom passed down through generations, jewelry is deeply connected to the human experience.
For a brand like Carter Eve Jewelry, the art of jewelry making is not just about producing pieces—it’s about creating wearable expressions of meaning, elegance, and intention. Carter Eve’s designs, for example, are handcrafted with care, using ethically sourced materials and gemstones that are imbued with symbolic significance. AI might be able to produce beautiful designs, but it’s difficult for a machine to understand the deep emotional connection that consumers have with their jewelry.
Combining Human Craftsmanship with AI Innovation
Rather than completely replacing human designers, the future of luxury jewelry creation may lie in a collaboration between AI and traditional craftsmanship. Imagine a scenario where AI is used to generate innovative designs and streamline the production process, while skilled artisans bring the human touch that makes each piece unique. Designers could use AI to explore a wide range of creative possibilities, then apply their expertise to refine and personalize each piece, such as those designer bracelets.
Additionally, AI could play a crucial role in sustainable jewelry creation. By utilizing AI-powered tools to optimize the use of materials, reduce waste, and predict trends that align with eco-conscious values, the jewelry industry could embrace both technological innovation and environmental responsibility.
The Future of Luxury Jewelry
In the coming years, we may see a future where AI plays a more significant role in the design and production of luxury jewelry, but it’s likely that human creativity, emotion, and craftsmanship will remain central to the creation of truly meaningful pieces. Jewelry will continue to serve as a symbol of personal expression, connection, and legacy, and no amount of technological advancement will ever replace the artistry that goes into crafting a truly exceptional piece.
At Carter Eve Jewelry, the focus remains on blending artistry, intention, and sustainability to create pieces that are not only beautiful but meaningful. While technology continues to evolve, Carter Eve’s commitment to handcrafted, ethically sourced jewelry ensures that every piece carries a personal touch that machines simply cannot replicate.
In the future, we might see AI complementing the jewelry design process, but the artistry and craftsmanship of human designers will always remain at the heart of luxury jewelry creation.
If you’ve always been interested in beauty, you might have been considering starting an online beauty blog. This is a great way for you to get your love for beauty out there, offering a creative outlet and a fantastic way for you to share your advice with others. It might be that you want to start a beauty business and this is a great place to start, or it might just be that you want a place to write about what you love. From articles on how to care for a dimple piercing to the best lipsticks to wear for different occasions to winter skin care tips, there are so many things you can write about and share your inspiration of. If you are considering starting an online beauty blog, we’ve put together some top tips that can help you to make it a success. Keep reading to find out more and get inspired.
Photo by Ron Lach from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-with-cosmetic-mask-using-facial-roller-8142211/
Think of your branding
The first thing you need to think about when starting an online beauty blog is your branding and your image. You should make a logo and design your blog around these colors and the image you want to give off. Think about the tone of voice you want to portray, it should be friendly, relatable and personal, but also knowledgeable so people trust what you are talking about and you are a credible source. You also need to consider what platform you want your site to be on – WordPress tends to be the most widely used.
Plan your content ahead of time
When you are running a blog you need to be consistent and have a plan. You want a content calendar which you can use to prepare your content on and have your different articles on. This will mean you’ll know what should be published when and can correlate your articles depending on what is going on. For example, around February you might want to publish Valentine’s Day make-up ideas and in Spring, advise people on how to get their skin ready for the warmer weather.
Consider ways to monetise your blog
Once you’ve got your blog up and established, think about ways you can monetise it. You might want to add affiliate links for products that people can purchase, sponsored posts and more. This can make it more of a side hustle than just a hobby and you can earn a supporting income with it.
These are just a few things you need to think about when you are starting an online beauty blog. It can be a fantastic way to write all about the different things you love and know about beauty, but also can turn into a side hustle alongside your everyday business. Are you looking to start an online beauty blog, or is it something you’ve done recently? If so, what are some top tips you have? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.
Garages are usually one of the most ignored spaces in a home. People walk through them every day but rarely stop to think about how useful they could actually be. Instead of letting it turn into a dumping ground for random stuff, it might be time to look at the garage in a different way.
A garage can be more than just a place to park the car or store holiday decorations. With a bit of attention, it can become a neat, usable space that adds value to your home and makes daily life easier. You don’t need to spend a lot of money or time to see the difference either.
Source: Unsplash (CC0)
Clean it out and clear it up
The first step to showing your garage some love is giving it a proper clean. That means getting rid of things that don’t belong, sweeping the floor, and wiping down shelves or storage bins.
Once things are cleared out, it becomes much easier to see what space you have to work with. You might even find tools or supplies you forgot were there. A clean garage feels more welcoming and makes everything else that comes next much easier.
Organize things by how often you use them
One smart trick is to set up your storage so that things you use often are within easy reach. Items like bikes, tools, or recycling bins should go near the entrance or along the walls so you don’t have to dig through boxes to find them. Stuff you only use once in a while, like holiday decorations or camping gear, can go on higher shelves.
Using clear plastic bins, labels, and even pegboards for tools can help keep everything in its place. When things have a home, it’s easier to put them back, and you won’t waste time searching for something you know is “in there somewhere.”
Take care of the garage door
Garage doors get used more than most people realize. They go up and down almost every day, sometimes multiple times, and that wear adds up. If the door sticks, makes loud noises, or doesn’t seal properly, it might be time to think about garage door repair before it turns into a bigger problem.
Fixing the door not only makes things run more smoothly, but it also keeps your garage safer from wind, rain, or even pests. A working garage door helps with security and can even make the garage more comfortable if you’re spending time in there.
Think about what you really want from the space
It helps to decide what the garage should be used for. Maybe it’s just parking and storage, or maybe you’d like a space to work on bikes or build small projects. Some people even use part of the garage as a gym, music room, or hangout spot.
Whatever you decide, the setup should match your goals. If you’re into fixing things, keep a workbench and tools handy. If it’s more about storage, use shelves, hooks, and bins to keep it all organized and easy to find.
Use the ceiling and walls
Most people forget how much space is sitting right above their heads. Ceiling-mounted storage racks are perfect for storing long items like ladders, fishing poles, or seasonal gear you don’t use often. The walls can hold shelves, hooks, or even fold-down tables.
Using vertical space helps free up the floor so you can walk around or park the car without dodging boxes. It also helps keep the space neat and reduces the chance of something getting knocked over or broken.
Use the space for more than storage
A garage doesn’t have to be boring. With a little creativity, you can turn it into something more useful. Think about setting up a game corner, a spot to do crafts, or a simple home gym. That way, you’re not just storing things–you’re actually making use of your garage in a way that fits your life.
For example, laying down a simple mat and bringing in a speaker can turn a corner into a workout spot. Even just having a chair and good lighting can make the garage feel more like a part of the home.
Don’t forget the little things
Small upgrades can make a big difference. Better lighting, a fresh coat of paint on the walls, or even adding a fan can change how the garage feels. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just a bit more comfortable and useful.
A space that looks good is a space you’ll actually want to use. Taking time to fix the small stuff helps the whole garage feel more finished and more connected to the rest of your home.
Gardening doesn’t seem unsafe, but countless safety risks lurk around every corner. If you’re not careful, you can very easily end up with injuries or cause damage to your property. You need to learn how to garden safely – so let’s start with three very easy tips as spring planting is just around the corner!!
Wear Protective Gear
You’ll come into contact with all sorts of things that can hurt you during your regular gardening tasks. Even something like de-weeding can be a safety hazard if you accidentally pick up some thorns or stinging nettles. Then, you have tasks like pruning trees or trimming bushes that can cause debris to rain down on your head – not to mention mowing the lawn or strimming, both of which throw tiny particles into your eyes.
That’s why protective gardening gear exists. Find and buy as much gear as possible to protect you from all of these potential safety concerns. Key things to add to your shopping list include:
- Gardening gloves
- A hard hat
- Safety goggles
- Gardening sleeves
You probably won’t need to wear all of this every time you’re gardening; pick and choose the right protection depending on the tasks.
Do Away With Any Cables
Electric cables are a massive safety hazard in your garden, yet you use them all the time. Whenever you need to mow the lawn or chop something down, you’ll get out your motorized equipment that plugs into a wall socket. There are already safety concerns when using equipment like this, and you gain an additional trip/electrical hazard from the cables.
Get rid of them ASAP!
You will find loads of cordless gardening equipment that’s just as good, if not better, than the corded stuff. Pick up a Worx battery lawn mower for cordless grass cutting, and get battery-powered strimmers or hedge trimmers. You retain all the functionality, but the lack of cables reduces the safety concerns. There’s nothing for people to trip over – and you don’t worry about sockets overcharging and causing blown fuses, etc.
Manually Remove Small Stones
Who’d have thought that small stones were one of the biggest gardening safety risks? Imagine you’re mowing the lawn or trying to strim away some weeds, and there’s a small stone hiding nearby. If you go over it with your powered tools, it can cause all sorts of problems, such as:
- Flinging out at rapid speeds, possibly hitting someone or something
- Blocking and damaging your tool
Stones are a much bigger problem than they seem, so get into the habit of removing them manually before you do any garden maintenance tasks like the ones above. Use a rake – or your hands – to scour your lawn and any weeded areas, picking up or gathering as many small stones as possible. This clears the way to get on with your tasks without worrying about a small stone going crazy.
A regular maintenance routine will take your garden to the next level and ensure it looks vibrant throughout the year. Of course, you don’t want to skimp on the safety factors! Use the tips in this blog to sure up garden maintenance safety and avoid all injuries and property damages.