At the MVAAFF screening of Dave Chappelle: Live in Real Life, the genius comedian’s film about the comedic and musical concerts he put on during the COVID-19 pandemic, a fellow David dropped words of advice for aspiring comedians seeking their spotlight. Special audience guest David Letterman advised, “If you’re not going to be as good as David Chappelle, save the plane fare.”
It’s not a deterrent, but a testament to the genius of Chapelle, who was live and in person to host a screening of his documentary at the 2025 Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. The afternoon event benefited his high school alma mater, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts.
Comedians need an audience like the rest of us need air. So, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020 and George Floyd’s brutal murder was streamed for all to see, Chappelle had to find an outlet to express his rage and disbelief. The longtime Ohio resident petitioned his state’s governor to host a socially distanced, one-night show with himself and a few fellow comedians, including Michelle Wolf and now Chappelle’s Yellow Stone neighbor Donnell Rawlings. That one night turned into 50-plus evening performances featuring a roster of comedians who came to perform and unexpected guests who took to the stage.
In true Chappelle fashion, no phones were allowed at the screening. Chappelle hit the stage to reflect on his covid concert series and how he wasn’t afraid of its cost. “What do I have money for,” he shared about wanting to do the experience. “If I have to, I’ll pay for it.”
The documentary chronicled how Chappelle flew in performers on private jets and housed and fed a growing staff for the concerts. It revealed how the community flourished during the existence of these shows, increasing foot traffic to local restaurants and shops that were suffering due to social distancing and employing roadies who needed the tour work. It detailed the strict COVID protocols that were put in place during by Chappelle’s team, run by nurses who revolutionized testing procedures. It also showed irate neighbors and one dogged zone inspector who fought for the concerts to end.
What was most intriguing, however, was Chappelle himself. Opening his art and his wallet to build this experience, he gave people a little bit of hope and a whole lot of humor during a scary time. He nourished and mentored his fellow comedians and guests, including Chris Rock, Tiffany Haddish, Kevin Hart, Common and Erykah Badu, becoming a champion of connection in a scary time. His experiment brought $9 million in revenue to Yellow Springs in 2020.
Chappelle has returned to the Wirrig Pavilion in that cornfield for his Summer Camp series, with several shows starting again on August 10. Through an electrifying blend of comedy and music, he’ll do what he did five years ago: bring together community and communion through a lens of comedy and art.
By Delaina Dixon/Ebony
