Oregon Public Broadcasting

If you were up late enough in downtown Portland last night, you’d have caught a surprise show.

April Baer reports a crowd of several thousand people came out in the middle of the night to see comedian Dave Chappelle made a rare appearance.

When the Tweets started popping up yesterday afternoon, some people didn’t believe it. Chappelle hasn’t been seen in public much since his iconic TV show ended—a critically acclaimed 2006 concert film notwithstanding.

But show he did, in Pioneer Courthouse Square, at about 1 a.m. Speaking through a tiny, battery-powered amplifier, Chappelle said repeatedly he told only four people about his plans.

Dave Chappelle   “I don’t know about you but I’ve learned something tonight. Don’t tell a secret in Portland.”

Chappelle struggled to be heard. In the end, the logistical problems prevented him from saying very much. But he did get the crowd safely dispersed—no arrests were made.

And Chappelle promised to return to Portland sometime soon.