Ella at the Apollo Highlights Historic Night in Jazz History

On Nov. 21, 1934, the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem held its first Amateur Night. Backstage, a 17-year-old dancer stood nervously waiting her turn to perform. After seeing the dancers before her, she decided she wasn't good enough to compete as a dancer, but thought she'd at least go on stage and sing a song. So, 17-year-old Ella Fitzgerald stepped on the Apollo stage and sang "Judy"- and the jazz world was never the same.

Arlington Heights venue Hey Nonny and the Heritage Jazz Orchestra featuring Alysha Monique will celebrate the 88th anniversary of that famous night with an "Ella at The Apollo" concert at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 22.

"This night is going to be a blast," said Hey Nonny Co-owner Chip Brooks. "The Heritage Jazz Orchestra really cooks and Alysha Monique is an incredible singer. This is not an impersonation of Ella Fitzgerald. It's a wildly talented singer bringing her own version of Ella's swing and style to the stage."

The Heritage Jazz Orchestra is led by well-known trombone ace Luke Malewicz. The band was formed in 2016, to play the best big band charts from Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, and the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis band.

"The band loves playing Hey Nonny," said Malewicz. "The audiences are always so dedicated and fired up."

Singer Alysha Monique started out life as a saxophone player, but switched to singing in high school, and continued to hone those skills during her Elmhurst College stint. Since then, she's become a favorite here in Chicago as well as in New York City.

"This is one of those shows I can't wait to see," said Brooks. "Being able to re-imagine the early days of Ella Fitzgerald in front of a top-notch ensemble is going to be a real treat for everyone in the house that night."

For tickets, visit www.heynonny.com and click on "Ella At The Apollo."