Arts & Entertainment

Dave Chappelle brings laughter, community at new comedy venue

It was a bad night to be Brian Housh, but a good night to be Dave Chappelle.

Yellow Springs’ most famous – or depending on your take on some of his feelings about certain communities and politicians, infamous – resident performed two sold out shows this week at the YS Firehouse. The YS Firehouse is the former Miami Twp. Fire Station on Corry Street, a mere few blocks away from his Chappelle Shop where dedicated fans can (and have) buy the comic’s merchandise in droves.

In much the same manner of his shows during the pandemic, entry into the YS Firehouse came with several rules that can make you feel like you’re entering a secret comedic society. Patrons paying the $90 ticket entry (before fees) were advised to leave all phones, smart devices, purses and anything else that could house a recording device in the car. Yondr bags and a coat check ensured none of the evening’s affair would be transmitted without Chappelle’s OK, the release form notifying all those entering the show would be recorded, however, by Chappelle’s team. Where that footage ends up remains to be seen; what was clear, however, was everyone in attendance was there to see what would transpire. 

Chicken wings and french fry baskets were available just outside the venue courtesy of Let’s Eat Food Truck, which, based on constant presence of both inside the showroom, apparently lives up to its motto that it’s “food be slappin’.” It was clear aesthetics were carefully considered in the construction of what looked to be the 200-250 seat venue. As opposed to traditional tables, the inside of the YS Firehouse featured rows of chairs arranged in an elongated “C” shape around the stage, perhaps in honor of the venue’s owner. The natural brick gave the building a fancy lodge feel, the lighting and wood floor working in concert to create exactly what Chappelle wanted: A vibe where all those in attendance felt like they were part of the coolest party in town.

With DJ Fatty Lumpkin spinning classic golden era hip-hop pre-show – it’s hard to imagine another Ohio venue where Grand Puba and Camp Lo receive extended playtime in 2024 – the building was abuzz upon entry. As the clock rolled past 8 p.m., stagehands began taping down cords and cables; a woman brought two stools on stage, one featuring the comedian’s signature pack of cigarettes and an ashtray he would remember he could use later in the show. 

Despite all pre-show’s hush-hush nature, Wednesday night’s show didn’t feel anything like a secret society akin to Katt Williams recently alluded to on Shannon Sharpe’s podcast. Chappelle would, however, mention the Ohio native/cornfield show alumni several times throughout the night. 

Taking the stage just before or right at 8:30 p.m., Chappelle swiftly maneuvered through a litany of topics hosting the show, doing time before introducing the night’s three other performers. In addition to Williams, topics included Chappelle’s purchase of Yellow Springs property, Donald Trump … And the debut of a Chewbacca-like voice for a specific segment of a community that has voiced displeasure with him. The events leading up to/following the aforementioned Yellow Springs council member’s removal as Village President would bear the brunt of the comic’s vitriol Wednesday night, Chappelle at one point (genuinely?) apologizing for the repeated blows. 

It was one of a few moments of the night that makes the comedian so conflicting for some: While the laughs came fast and furiously from the audience, determining the line between what is simply joke fodder and his true feelings about Housh might still be blurred for Chappelle himself. Would anything Chappelle said Wednesday change his critics’ thoughts about him? Probably not. Was it clear to anyone in attendance that he can be a comedic powerhouse in his element? Most definitely.

While some in attendance were clearly hoping for quote-unquote “big” name comics to round out the evening’s bill, those concerns were alleviated as the night played out. DJ Cipha Sounds – who is quick to let you know he’s “very famous in New York” – has clearly dedicated himself to stand-up comedy as much as he did hip-hop during his days on WQHT-FM “Hot 97.” At times, Sounds’ set almost felt like watching a developing version of a young Chappelle himself, especially when re-assuring all the straight white males in attendance he knows they’ve had it rough. 

Connecticut native and BET/TV One alumni Marshall Brandon would take the stage next, weaving intricate wordplay with stories about sex, parenting, family and relationships. While Sounds brought a high energy model to the stage, Brandon was much more of a relaxed orator, delivering jokes in a way that felt like Bob Newhart-meets-Franklin Ajaye-with-just-a-touch-of-middle-finger attitude underneath.

Closing out Wednesday’s show was musical guest Issa Ali, engaging the crowd in traditional block party fashion with two songs, “Levels to This” and “Clap to This.” 

The building with the big “C” on its side in the heart of downtown Yellow Springs has now opened for business. Wednesday night’s sold out affair would seem to make a strong case it may be for quite some time.