Dave Chappelle Announces D.C. Anthem Show For Friday: Masks Required, No-Cellphone Zone

– Dave Chappelle
The Anthem

Dave Chappelle has announced what is being called a one-night only show at The Anthem in Washington, D.C, with no ambiguity about COVID restrictions.

“Masks are required at all times,” reads the poster in all capitals just below the date of the show, which is July 30 at the 6,000-capacity indoor venue that opened in 2017.

And, just in case anyone was thinking of saving some of the show for later or sharing video with friends: “No cellphones, cameras or recording devices will be allowed at this show.” reads the show announcement. “Upon arrival, all phones and smart watches will be secured in Yondr pouches that will be unlocked at the end of the show. Guests maintain possession of their phones throughout the night, and if needed, may access their phones at designated Yondr unlocking stations in the lobby. All guests are encouraged to print their tickets in advance to ensure a smooth entry process. Anyone caught with a cellphone in the venue will be immediately ejected. We appreciate your cooperation in creating a phone-free viewing experience.”

The show is produced by Live Nation, at the independently operated by DC-based I.M.P. Tickets go on sale today.

Chappelle has long shown the ability to sell tickets in a variety of formats and markets, often multiple-night stands in varied markets, and at times including musical guests such as his Radio City Music Hall run in 2017, which over 16 gigs grossed $11.5 million featuring artists including Kendrick Lamara, Erykah Badu and many others.

During the pandemic he was putting on socially distanced, outdoor, masked events near his home in Ohio, often announcing them on short notice and with only a few hundred tickets available per show.

Bill Blumenreich Presents – Chappelle Foxwoods
DaveCHappelle Photo: Bill Blumenreich Presents Dave Chappelle made a triumphant return to New England with a four-day, six sold-out-show run at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn., that attracted more than 23,000 fans. Pictured from left to right: Sina Sadighi (Tour Manager), Rick Greenstein (Gersh Agency), Dave Chappelle, Bill Blumenreich

More recently, he did a six-show stand at the Shrine at Foxwoods, in Mashantucket, Conn., June 24-27, which grossed $5.7 million and sold 23,500 tickets as reported to Pollstar and promoted by Bill Blumenreich Presents.

“Working with Dave has been an absolute privilege and pleasure for 25 years,” Chappelle’s longtime agent, Rick Greenstein at Gersh, told Pollstar for a feature in 2020 while Chappelle’s socially distanced shows were taking place. “The man I respect to no end, he’s brilliant. The fact he has a platform to perform and get his voice out and also affording the guests he’s had on the show – Michelle Wolf, Michael Che, Donnell Rawlings, several others who have performed – it’s wonderful.”