From Student to Star: Dave Chappelle and Duke Ellington School of the Arts Shine together on Martha’s Vineyard

Duke Ellington School of the Arts is celebrating 50 years of excellence in arts education. As part of this milestone, The Ellington Fund invites you to a series of events supporting the next generation of artists. During the week of the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, we are proud to present a special screening of Dave Chappelle: Live In Real Life, an unreleased documentary featuring his latest work.

In addition, we will showcase a powerful collection of original films created by students from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts’ Cinematic Arts & Media Production Department.

Surrounded by a legacy of alumni who’ve gone on to shape culture, these students are clearly next in line.

Schedule of Events

Friends of Ellington Reception with Dave Chappelle and Lamman Rucker 

Thursday, August 7

(Exclusive to sponsors contributing $2,500 or more)

Kick off the weekend with an intimate and inspiring gathering of the extended Ellington family, with special guests and distinguished Ellington Alumni Dave Chappelle and Lamman Rucker.

Film Premiere of "Dave Chappelle: Live In Real Life" & Artist TalkBack

Friday, August 8

Experience an exclusive screening of Dave Chappelle’s latest project, Dave Chappelle: Live In Real Life,  followed by an engaging conversation with the legendary artist himself.

Screening of Films from DESA Student Artists  

Saturday, August 9

See how our students from the Cinematic Arts and Media Production (CAMP) department are shaping culture through film. Join us for a screening that champions the next generation of cultural storytellers.

Access to DESA on the Vineyard events is limited to sponsors.

Visit our sponsorship page here.

Sponsorships start at $2,500 and directly support our students at Duke Ellington School of the Arts. 

Let's talk: development@ellingtonarts.org

We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you and investing in the next 50 years of Ellington’s legacy.

With gratitude,

Ellington Fund Board Members 

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Our Generous Sponsors

Sir Duke ($25,000)

WOT Inc

Cafritz Circle ($10,000)

In Memory of Christina Henderson Blake

Malone Express ($5,000)

Teri & Lloyd Trotter

Sherry Williams

Ari Fitzgerald

Geoffrey Wills

Live Nation

Stephanie & George Phillipps Murray

Ellington Fund Board

A-Train ($2,500)

Amanda Baker-Lane

Vickee Adams

Luis Penalver

Melissa Bradley

Rashida Jones & Edward Fischer

Johnine Barnes Harley and Eric Harley- Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Matthew & Shawna Watley

Jeanette Ellis

TV One Michelle Rice

Thomas DePasquale

Dean Leonida

Kenneth & Carmen Kelly

Jessica Wickett

John Campbell

Shera Thompson

Carlos & Terri Cubia

Brunson Cooper

Richard & Maria Gold

Michael Hines and Lena Bacon

Stacie Lee Banks

Richard Taft

Sandra Hurse

Denmark West

Dedra Dawson

Monique & Steven Butler

Toi Salter

Events DC

Charles Boyd

Kendall Cafritz

Allie Wright

Charlotte Jones Burton

Dean Garfield

John Muleta

Michaele Christian

Pandora Thomas

Tamar Thompson

Wendy John

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