It appears the enigmatic Dave Chappelle actually did show up at Portland, OR’s Pioneer Square last night (well, early this morning) for a free impromptu appearance. Thousands of fans gathered at the square after rumors of a midnight performance spread via text message, Facebook, and Twitter. Chappelle arrived at around 12:53 a.m., according to Oregon Live, though unfortunately, few actually heard anything he said because he only came equipped with a tiny amplifier. Chappelle repeatedly praised the peaceful crowd for coming out, cracking a few jokes about the chaotic scene around him, including people (in various stages of undress) congregating up on rooftops at the square. The video available online early this morning is of poor quality, and due to the amplifier issue, the audio is even worse — below is the best we found so far. But if you were at Pioneer Square last night and saw Dave, please share the experience (and video) with us, because Lord knows we miss the guy.
UPDATE: Fuller, better-quality video embedded below, courtesy of the fine folks at Oregon Live.
| Dave Chappelle at Pioneer Square |
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Dave seemed to be really grateful of everyone that came out, and really sorry that he wasn’t able to put on a better performance. He talked about how nothing like this had happened before in his career, and that it was amazing that all of us Portlanders made it out and stayed around to see him. Unfortunately, there was no power in the square, so he said his goodbyes and was almost mobbed down on his way out.
Good to know that he’s still alive though.
I was right by the stage and it was such a huge crowd. He was totally cool and couldn’t believe anyone would come see him that last especially since he hasn’t done anything in 5 years!
The one night where I am sick and go to bed early and I miss this.
I stayed for his whole speil. Aside from his horrible vocal amp, the night was fun regaurdless. It was just nice to be in his presence, and what you could hear was great!
Some people think cucumbers taste better pickled. Oh, and there seems to be a really high quality video at oregonlive now, from pretty close up.
http://videos.oregonlive.com/oregonlive/2009/07/dave_chappelle_in_pioneer_squa.html
Dave…please come back, we need to laugh again.
It was crazy! Unbelievable how many people had heard the rumor. Cops had to close off the surrounding streets. People sat on the rooftop of a nearby Starbucks, and on every available pillar and table, in order to get a better view. We all thought we were probably getting punked, but the feeling of anticipation was palpable.
A lot of folks — myself included — went home before he showed. I left at about 12:30. My roommate and I were still thrilled to be a part of such a crazy, fun, random flash mob. Imagine our disappointment when we discovered Dave had showed up after all! I’m glad to read other peoples’ comments that he was grateful and pleased that so many people came. I was so excited to hear he was performing again. We love you, Dave!
I hope the time off got his mind right. Nothing wrong with getting $50 million. Just don’t let it change you. Come back Dave.
It was amazing. I was even close enough to hear him! most of the time that is.
I found out about it from a friend at around 10:00pm that night. I wasn’t going to miss that for the world. what an amazing site to see. Dave said that he had only told four people about it. The rest came from a massive display of how fast word can travel these days.
Im just so stoked that i got to be there!!!
It was great seeing all those people taking off their clothes for Dave!
Last night just shows how much Portland loves Dave Chappelle. I hope he wants to come back soon!
You can watch Dave’s impromptu performance here; it worked for me:
http://televission.blogspot.com/
It asks you to do a little survey but then it takes you right to the show! Enjoy
I heard about it from a friend and headed down there at about 11 pm. We walked around the square to try to find the best vantage point. We ended up on some large brick blocks on the side of the square by the courthouse. I have never seen so many people in once place downtown in my life!! After 12:30 many people started to leave. I asked a cop what was up and he said “nothing anymore, the park closes at 12″. Went back to my perch and at about 12:53 my friend was scoping the street and said “Why does that guy have a mike?”, we all looked and at the same instant I recognized him, my husband shouted “It’s Him!!!” I was about 10 feet away from him…would’ve jumped down, but I was wearing stillettos! The sound system was awful, but it sounds like he didn’t expect so many people!! A once in a lifetime experience I am proud to say I was part of of!! Totally surreal!! I will remember last night for the rest of my life!! We miss you Dave, make us laugh again!!!! (PS Portland ROCKS!)
I heard about it from a friend and headed down there at about 11 pm. We walked around the square to try to find the best vantage point. We ended up on some large brick blocks on the side of the square by the courthouse. I have never seen so many people in once place downtown in my life!! After 12:30 many people started to leave. I asked a cop what was up and he said “nothing anymore, the park closes at 12″. Went back to my perch and at about 12:53 my friend was scoping the street and said “Why does that guy have a mike?”, we all looked and at the same instant I recognized him, my husband shouted “It’s Him!!!” I was about 10 feet away from him…would’ve jumped down, but I was wearing stillettos! The sound system was awful, but it sounds like he didn’t expect so many people!! A once in a lifetime experience I am proud to say I was part of of!! Totally surreal!! I will remember last night for the rest of my life!! We miss you Dave, make us laugh again!!!! (PS Portland ROCKS!)
i REALLY MISS THAT GUY!!!
We were at home watching the news on TV @ 11:45PM we saw the helicopter view of the crowd of 4000 people at pioneer square, and they talked about the rumor of Dave Chappelle showing up at 12AM We said what the heck lets go. I actually parking was hectic but we finally found a spot, people started giving up leaving and other stayed, so we got to the front stage and I actually got to be right in front of him and shook his hand and got video with my Iphone 3GS, you can actually see my hand holding the phone on this vid. Anyway, this was really cool out 4000 people I got to be right in front and recorded a whole bunch. I will put it on youtube Love to share this vid with the rest of the great fans. CHAPPELLE ROCKS!!!
We were at home watching the news on TV @ 11:45PM we saw the helicopter view of the crowd of 4000 people at pioneer square, and they talked about the rumor of Dave Chappelle showing up at 12AM We said what the heck lets go. I actually parking was hectic but we finally found a spot, people started giving up leaving and other stayed, so we got to the front stage and I actually got to be right in front of him and shook his hand and got video with my Iphone 3GS, you can actually see my hand holding the phone on this vid. Anyway, this was really cool out 4000 people I got to be right in front and recorded a whole bunch. I will put it on youtube Love to share this vid with the rest of the great fans. CHAPPELLE ROCKS!!! Remember fans YOUTUBE “DAVE CHAPPELLE PIONEER SQUARE”
We were at home watching the news on TV @ 11:45PM we saw the helicopter view of the crowd of 4000 people at pioneer square, and they talked about the rumor of Dave Chappelle showing up at 12AM We said what the heck lets go. I actually parking was hectic but we finally found a spot, people started giving up leaving and other stayed, so we got to the front stage and I actually got to be right in front of him and shook his hand and got video with my Iphone 3GS, you can actually see my hand holding the phone on this vid. Anyway, this was really cool out 4000 people I got to be right in front and recorded a whole bunch. I will put it on youtube Love to share this vid with the rest of the great fans. CHAPPELLE ROCKS!!! remember youtube : “Dave Chappelle Pioneer Square Portland” Dave if you need and amp and heavy speakers let me know next time I will hook you up.
He is really really missed on TV. Too bad he had a burn-out, but hopefully he’s better now.
Do you think he’ll get his own show again? I think he should get a hosting job first to get his feet wet again. Slow steady…back on TV.
http://tvdonewright.com/
last nite was a fun way to peoplewatch and see how portland actually DOES have the ability to represent. it was fun, even though my two hour wait was fruitless. the cops were being really chill so that was pretty nice. overall a fun time and an interesting experiment. yay!
http://www.youtube.com/user/maxbauske2707#play/all/uploads-all/2/fV0rmtmCcGQ
Here, I was in the front row and caught his speech clearly.
Man, I just drove the wrong car down to see Chappelle – if i would have had my truck, I would have had the perfect sound gear ready to set up in five minutes so he could rock the entire square! I was pretty close, but could barely hear him when he faced the back of the crowd where I was. I heard that cool girl singer that sounded great (who was she?), and then I decided to drive all the way back to Troutdale doing, eh hem, ‘the speed limit’ in my Mercedes, to get my sound gear and come back, hoping I could save the day for Chappelle and the crowd. No such luck – he was gone when I got back at 3 A.M. Oh well, it’s awesome that Dave took the time to even appear before his numerous fans in Portland. Next time Dave, look me up and I’ll have my mobile sound company set you up in minutes, on me of course. Thanks again Dave. – JF
The night was incredibly fun! I’m very proud of the people of Portland for being patient, calm & cordial to each other with no incidences of fights or vandalism. Dave was so blown away at the support of turnout and very sorry that he couldn’t get the sound worked out but said he’d love to return soon. He’s definitely appreciated here in Portland & I hope we helped convince him that the world is eager for his return.
The night was incredibly fun! I’m very proud of the people of Portland for being patient, calm & cordial to each other with no incidences of fights or vandalism. Dave was so blown away at the support of turnout and very sorry that he couldn’t get the sound worked out but said he’d love to return soon. He’s definitely appreciated here in Portland & I hope we helped convince him that the world is eager for his return.
Sounds like Dave Chappelle owes the city of Portland a free show that he is actually perpared for! And to make up for last night, maybe an open bar or free DVDs or something.
You are Sorely missed!!!!
@Jeannette
Chappelle doesn’t owe anyone anything. He told 4 ppl his hotel was next to the square and he was thinking of doing a free mini show, and they should invite their friends. He thought maybe a hundred people would show up. Who could imagine that kind of turnout?
Dove Dove Dove…
http://www.nowgoal.com/21.shtml
That cool girl singer was Kamaria Wilson. You can learn more about her at http://www.supportkamaria.com or visit her myspace page http://www.myspace.com/tablarosakamaria. She has some shows coming up soon, everyone should check them out!
check my videos I was right in front, I decided to show up at 12:15 after sitting at home on the couch watching TV it was one of my best decisions I have ever made.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-3Q9qZq1Bo