A signature evening of culture, connection and celebration closed out UPTOWN HOUSE
Oak Bluffs, MA (PRUnderground) September 1st, 2026
UPTOWN Media Ventures celebrated the 14th annual UPTOWN After Dark on Thursday, Aug. 13, at the PA Club in Oak Bluffs, closing out UPTOWN HOUSE with a high-energy evening of music, networking and celebration.
The signature event brought together an influential mix of leaders, entertainers, entrepreneurs, creators and cultural tastemakers, including Dr. Jamal Bryant, Tamika Mallory, Yaya DaCosta, Maurice DuBois, Malcolm D. Lee, Lamman Rucker, Egypt Sherrod, Ed Lover, Sharon Leal, Kedar Massenburg and others.
For more than a decade, UPTOWN After Dark has become a signature gathering of the Martha’s Vineyard summer season, celebrating Black culture, community and the relationships that continue to shape business, entertainment and culture. As one attendee shared, “It’s like an annual reunion. No better place to see everyone on the island!”
DJ Darrin Ebron kept the energy high with a mix of classic and contemporary R&B, hip-hop, house, Afrobeats, reggae and dancehall.
“The energy in the room captured exactly what makes UPTOWN After Dark so special,” said Brett Wright, Co-Founder of UPTOWN Media Ventures. “There was great music and hospitality, but what stood out most were the conversations and connections happening throughout the night. Seeing leaders and tastemakers from across business, entertainment and culture come together to celebrate one another was the perfect way to close out UPTOWN HOUSE.”
Produced by UPTOWN Media Ventures, this year’s celebration was supported by Creme of Nature, PepsiCo, Nissan, Northwestern Mutual and DROP TV, with DIAGEO serving as the exclusive spirits partner. Crown Royal Canadian Whisky, Casamigos Tequila and Ketel One Vodka anchored a curated hospitality experience, with featured cocktails including the Royal Peach Tea and Ketel One Espresso Martini.
“UPTOWN After Dark has always been about celebrating Black culture, community and connection, and this year was a powerful reflection of that,” said Leonard E. Burnett Jr., Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of UPTOWN Media Ventures. “Bringing together longtime friends, new faces and an incredible group of partners made our 14th year on Martha’s Vineyard especially memorable. Crown Royal, Casamigos, Ketel One and all of our partners helped us create an experience that truly celebrated this community.”
The celebration brought UPTOWN HOUSE to a memorable close, underscoring the sense of culture and community at the heart of the experience.
Partners Supporting UPTOWN After Dark
DIAGEO joined UPTOWN After Dark as the exclusive spirits partner, with Crown Royal Canadian Whisky, Casamigos Tequila and Ketel One Vodka bringing their distinct character to the celebration and guest experience.
Leading up to the event, Jazmine Settles, Senior Manager, Brands in Culture at DIAGEO, reflected on the significance of the week and the brand’s participation. “This week on Martha’s Vineyard is a powerful testament to Black creativity, leadership and collaboration,” said Settles. “We’re excited to be a part of the Vineyard celebrations and raise a glass to community alongside UPTOWN.”
Creme of Nature returned in support of UPTOWN After Dark, reinforcing the brand’s longstanding commitment to celebrating Black beauty, confidence, self-expression and community. Nissan, Northwestern Mutual, PepsiCo and DROP TV also supported this year’s celebration, helping create an evening centered on culture, hospitality, entertainment and authentic connection.
More Than a Celebration
As the signature finale of UPTOWN HOUSE, UPTOWN After Dark brought a week of programming to a close while celebrating the people, partnerships and moments that defined this year’s experience.
From thought-provoking conversations and networking opportunities to cultural programming and private events, UPTOWN HOUSE continued to create opportunities for meaningful engagement on Martha’s Vineyard and beyond.
About UPTOWN HOUSE
UPTOWN HOUSE is UPTOWN Media Ventures’ signature Martha’s Vineyard experience, bringing together influential leaders, entrepreneurs, creators, executives and tastemakers for a week of curated programming in Oak Bluffs. Through business conversations, lifestyle experiences, cultural programming and private social events, UPTOWN HOUSE provides a distinctive environment for connection, celebration and community.
About UPTOWN Media Ventures
UPTOWN Media Ventures is a multimedia and experiential platform dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the achievements, perspectives and lifestyles of influential African American consumers. Through UPTOWN Magazine, branded content, digital media and signature experiences, UPTOWN connects leading brands with a highly engaged audience across culture, business, entertainment and lifestyle.
Media Contact
UPTOWN Media Ventures
Leonard E. Burnett Jr.
646-286-4470
