Everyone but Chappelle Makes It to the Powell Fundraiser

NO LAUGHING MATTER Powell, Chappelle Wednesday night's fundraiser for Democratic congressional candidate and Real World alum Kevin Powell, billed as "An Evening with Dave Chappelle," was notable not only for the young, fresh crowd it drew, but also for two, more principle, sidenotes: the many well-placed whispers that Barack Obama might actually make an appearance, and the absence of Dave Chappelle.

But as a testament to Kevin's appeal to his would-be constituency, the crowd didn't show any outward signs of disapproval. While echoing Senator Obama's message for change, Powell still managed in a classic manner to berate (rightly) incumbent Ed Towns for being hopelessly out of touch with the shifting face of the New Brooklyn. Particularly effective was his shout out to all the 80's babies, and a pledge to bridge the gap between old and new hip-hop heads, which was preceded by an appearance by Fab Five Freddy. Other celeb sightings were Chris Rock, ?uestlove from The Roots, and The Great Debaters actress Jurnee Smollet. Which was great—exciting even. Only, where in the hell was Chappelle?!