UPTOWN After Dark Celebrates 14 Years on Martha's Vineyard
On August 13, 2026, UPTOWN Media Ventures hosted its 14th annual UPTOWN After Dark event at the PA Club in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. The evening marked the close of UPTOWN HOUSE, a week-long celebration of culture, community, and connection on Martha's Vineyard.
The event brought together a diverse array of influential leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators, including Dr. Jamal Bryant, Tamika Mallory, Yaya DaCosta, and Malcolm D. Lee. Attendees echoed the sentiment that the gathering felt like a cherished reunion, with one noting, "It's like an annual family gathering, but with everyone from the island."
DJ Darrin Ebron provided the soundtrack with a mix of classic and contemporary R&B, hip-hop, house, Afrobeats, reggae, and dancehall, setting the stage for a high-energy evening. Brett Wright, Co-Founder of UPTOWN Media Ventures, highlighted the importance of the event, stating, "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."
DIAGEO served as the exclusive spirits partner, with Crown Royal Canadian Whisky, Casamigos Tequila, and Ketel One Vodka anchoring a curated hospitality experience. Featured cocktails included the Royal Peach Tea and Ketel One Espresso Martini. Leonard E. Burnett Jr., Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of UPTOWN Media Ventures, expressed gratitude for the partners, saying, "Bringing together longtime friends, new faces, and an incredible group of partners made our 14th year on Martha's Vineyard especially memorable."
The event was supported by a range of partners, including Creme of Nature, PepsiCo, Nissan, Northwestern Mutual, and DROP TV. Jazmine Settles, Senior Manager, Brands in Culture at DIAGEO, emphasized the brand's commitment to celebrating Black culture, stating, "This week on Martha's Vineyard is a powerful testament to Black creativity, leadership, and collaboration. We're excited to be a part of the Vineyard celebrations and raise a glass to community alongside UPTOWN."
The week-long UPTOWN HOUSE experience included thought-provoking conversations, networking opportunities, cultural programming, and private social events, all aimed at fostering meaningful engagement. UPTOWN Media Ventures, a multimedia and experiential platform dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the achievements of influential African American consumers, ensured that the event was a true reflection of the vibrant community it serves.
As UPTOWN After Dark came to a close, it underscored the enduring importance of UPTOWN HOUSE in bringing together leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators for meaningful connections and celebrations.