Chappelle's Show(s)

Controversial comedian Dave Chappelle plots out 4 Texas arena shows, including Austin

Comedian Dave Chappelle will perform four shows in Texas, including at American Airlines Center in Dallas on June 29.

Photo courtesy of Dave Chappelle

Comedian/actor Dave Chappelle will soon bring his "Dave Chappelle Live" stand-up comedy show to arenas in four cities in Texas, including the Moody Center in Austin on July 14.

Other dates include the American Airlines Center in Dallas on June 29, the Toyota Center in Houston on July 1, and the AT&T Center in San Antonio on July 12.

Chappelle is a complicated figure who's been celebrated for his trailblazing comedy and vilified for his controversial stances. Chappelle's Show, which ran from 2003 to 2006 on Comedy Central, was widely praised, and Chappelle remained extremely popular despite the abrupt end of the show and him choosing to recede from the spotlight in the following decade.

His re-emergence in the late 2010s brought success in the form of three straight Grammy wins for Best Comedy Album, but also continued jokes aimed at transgender people. He has been the subject of multiple protests over that material, and has even had a show canceled by a venue in Minneapolis after receiving criticism for hosting him.

As if to underscore the contentious nature of his comedy, no cellphones, cameras, or recording devices will be allowed at any of the four shows. All phones and smart watches will be secured in special pouches that can be unlocked at the end of the show. Anyone caught with a cellphone in the venue will be immediately ejected.

Tickets for the four shows will go on sale at 5 pm on June 5 at ticketmaster.com.

comedy performing-arts

Music Notes

Black Books' album release show, plus more Austin live music picks

Photo courtesy of Black Books

Black Books to play the 13th Floor

Do yourself a favor and put off unfurling Christmas lights for a bit longer. Instead, Austinites can get out for some of the many great local shows happening in the first part of November. Recommendations await here.

Black Books at The 13th Floor – Thursday, November 7
Longtime indie rockers Black Books are set to ring in their new album, Eyes On The Mirror, Head In The Clouds, at the 13th Floor tonight, November 7. The Dead Canyon Family Reunion, who will be celebrating the release of their new single “You’re Gone,” and Chimes are also on the bill. Tickets for the show are $12.26.

Meanwhile Brewing Four Year Anniversary – November 8-10
Meanwhile Brewing will be celebrating their fourth anniversary with a series of events across this weekend from November 8-10. All of the shows are free and will also feature food pop-ups, vendor markets, and more. See here for the lineups:

November 8 - Luna Luna, Hey Cowboy, Deepstate (DJ Set)
November 9 - Golden Dawn Arkestra, Marry Cherry, Daydream Twins, Telecom, Wolf Bradley (DJ Set)
November 10 - Bidi Bidi Banda, Superfónicos, The Point, Dopez (DJ Set)

Great Hope Festival at Radio East – Saturday, November 9
Head to Radio East this Saturday, November 9, for The Great Hope Festival, which is in support of Heal, a local non-profit doing advocacy work for people affected by human trafficking. The event will have solo sets from Ben Kweller and Erika Wennerstrom, plus Lunar Gold and DJ Hoembodi will perform as well. Tickets are $24.54.

Geto Gala at Hotel Vegas – Every Tuesday in November
Jake Lloyd and Deezie Brown are Geto Gala, and you can catch the hip hop duo showcasing songs from their debut album, Major League, at Hotel Vegas every Tuesday this month. The shows will be $12 at the door, and the support for each one can be seen here:

November 12 - Los Desechos, Otis Wilkins
November 19 - Cha'Keeta B, Nubia Emmon
November 26 - Half Dream, Marxus Bell

KVRX 30th Anniversary at The Mohawk – Friday, November 15
Join KVRX at the Mohawk on Friday, November 15, as the radio station celebrates its 30th anniversary with a big lineup that features Garrett T. Capps & The NASA Country, TC Superstar, Gus Baldwin & The Sketch, Matador Sphere, and DJ Gross Y'all. There will also be limited, screen-printed KVRX shirts from FSG Prints and special edition KVRX-dawgs from Grandpa's Glizzy's. Tickets are $20.

Love Is For Evermore at Radio East – Sunday, November 17
Sunday, November 17, is the date that Radio East will host the second annual Love Is For Evermore (LIFE) benefit concert with the Bright Light Social Hour, Parker Woodland, and the Squirrel Show. Tickets for the show are $25 and proceeds will go towards Evermore, which aims to advance social change for bereaved people.