Dave Chappelle is as mysterious as he is hilarious. The stand-up comic and creator of “Chappelle’s Show” stunned fans and the industry alike when he quit production of the third season of his award-winning Comedy Central program the same month it was to air. Then he packed up and left America for South Africa without warning, prompting a wave of speculation over drug use and fears regarding his mental state.
He later returned to the US and began an under-the-radar series of stand-up gigs in Los Angeles before going on tour. Then suddenly, the Web was buzzing with talk of a secret midnight stand-up show in Pioneer Courthouse Square in Portland, Oregon. Over 4,000 people showed up, word having been spread through the power of online social networks like Facebook and Twitter.
Armed with only a microphone and a small, handheld amp, Chappelle addressed the crowd, mostly discussing his appreciation with the peaceful gathering and making small talk. The stand-up never really materialized, but if nothing else, the event clearly showed how effective word-of-mouth can be when promoting an occasion like this.
It’s not known exactly what Chappelle was thinking with this, but you might call it naive that he didn’t expect such a turnout. Come on, if you tell me Dave Chappelle is going to suddenly appear in my hometown to give a free show, do you really think I’m going to keep that to myself? So what’s next for DC? Man-on-the-street reality show? Guerilla stand-up? Rabble-rousing union organizer?
Comments
Lindsay
July 20th, 2009 - 10:47:10 AM
i'd love for this guy to get back in the game. greatest comedian of my generation, bar none. truly legendary
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