Organizers of the summertime series, Apollo Nights, will hold auditions for the big 10th anniversary show on July 27.

The event will be dedicated to one of the series’ late organizers, Roger “Dollar Bill” John­son.

Apollo Nights is every Sun­day in July at Fred Moore Park, at Wilson and Lakey streets in Southeast Denton. The event stages DJ music every other Sunday night, with a talent show on the alternate Sundays, leading to a grand finale on the last Sunday of July.

“I’m proud of it,” said organizer and co-founder Harold Jackson.

Jackson started the summer evening event, an all-ages gathering for children and teens, with Johnson and a handful of people.

“When I came to him with the idea, he said he noticed we were getting more people coming to the park when we were playing good music, and it really went from there,” Jackson said.

The music at Apollo Nights is appropriate for all ages, and organizers ban performers from suggestive dancing or using R-rated lyrics. The idea is for neighborhood parents to know their children are in the park performing or enjoying music with their peers.

The winner of each talent show is determined by crowd response, and the first-place winners automatically get a time slot in the grand finale. The winner of the grand finale is determined by judges in the crowd, and crowd response plays into the scoring. This year, City Council member Charleye Heggins will judge with Judge Carmen Rivera-Worley and Constable Ken Jannereth.

Jackson said he wants young people to try out for the final show, too.

“We’re looking for musicians, magicians, singers, people who tell jokes. As long as they keep it clean, they can have a shot at the last show,” Jackson said. “We want a nice variety of people.”

When Apollo Nights started, Jackson would mow lawns for cash prizes. He still does, but the series has earned sponsorships and donations. It’s also co-sponsored by the city of Denton.

—Lucinda Breeding

What: Auditions for the 10th anniversary talent show July 27

When: Auditions for the July 27 finale will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Apollo Nights is from 5 to 10 p.m. each Sunday in July.

Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 1300 Wilson St.

Details: Winner of the July 27 showcase takes the $500 cash prize.