Dave Chappelle will headline a pricey fundraiser for Hill Harper in Detroit on July 11, as Harper battles uphill in Michigan's Democratic primary against frontrunner Rep. Elissa Slotkin.

With tickets starting at $500 and reaching up to $3,300 for VIP access, the event at Saint Andrew’s Hall aims to bring some much-needed star power and funds to Hill Harper's underdog campaign. Harper, a first-time candidate and actor, is polling at just 8% against the well-supported front-runner, Rep. Elissa Slotkin. The winner of this contentious primary will vie for the Senate seat vacated by retiring Democrat Debbie Stabenow.

Saint Andrew’s Hall is expected to be packed not just with Democratic enthusiasts, but also with a myriad of Dave Chappelle fans. The curious mix of political supporters and comedy aficionados will find themselves united under one roof, forking out a cool $500 at the very least for the privilege.

For the ultra-keen, VIP tickets priced at $3,300 offer not just front-row seats to Chappelle’s humor but also exclusive access to a reception with Hill Harper himself. This level of integration between entertainment and politics is designed to add a splash of Hollywood glitz to what can be an otherwise dry political race.

Harper, best known for his roles in 'CSI: NY' and 'The Good Doctor,' is new to the political arena but not to the public eye. His candidacy, however, faces hurdles as Slotkin, the front-runner, enjoys backing from major party figures including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and the DSCC. Harper's target, then, is to turn the hand he's been dealt — a mere 8% polling rate — into a winning one, with a little help from his comedian friend.

Harper is hoping that Chappelle’s involvement will inject some much-needed momentum into a campaign marked by its David-versus-Goliath nature. Critics might question the efficacy of such a strategy, but one thing is clear: Chappelle has proven himself a draw, even amid controversy.

The event will come with its own set of modern-day quirks and precautions. Attendees can expect stringent cell phone restrictions, ensuring that Chappelle can speak freely without the constant risk of snippets ending up online. Perhaps this is just as well, given that Chappelle has faced criticism from the left for his remarks on transgender issues, among other topics.

Despite— or perhaps because of— his controversial stances, Chappelle remains a vocal supporter of Democratic causes. He's previously endorsed candidates like Andrew Yang and Hillary Clinton, reinforcing his role as an unconventional but potent political influencer. His presence in Detroit is a nod to this continued commitment, albeit with the signature Chappellian flair.

Meanwhile, the primary election date of August 6 looms ahead, leaving Harper with little time to close the polling gap. Winning this primary is crucial, as it will set the stage for a head-to-head battle in the general election against former GOP Congressman Mike Rogers. With Debbie Stabenow retiring, the stakes for this seat are particularly high, adding an extra layer of tension to the proceedings. It's crunch time for Harper, and maybe a little luck—or a lot of coffee—will help him in this final push.

Though the odds seem stacked in Slotkin's favor, Harper's campaign believes that a successful fundraiser could change the dynamics of the race. Whether Dave Chappelle's jokes will translate into votes remains anyone's guess, but the attempt underscores a new approach to modern campaigning— blending politics with entertainment in unprecedented ways.

Harper has positioned himself as a candidate for change, much like Chappelle’s comedy often serves as a vehicle for social commentary. Indeed, Chappelle’s outspokenness— on everything from racial equality to the Gaza conflict— adds another layer of complexity to his support for Harper.

For Detroit residents and attendees, this event might just be the standout political affair of the summer— a night where laughter and political ambitions converge. As Hill Harper takes the stage alongside Dave Chappelle, the message is clear: sometimes, politics needs a bit of humor to drive serious change.