Downtown Digest: David Cross and DJs

Hi downtown readers, I’m back! It’s T.J. Triolo, your downtown events guide. Has anyone else been personally affected by the huge storms lately? Of course, right about the time I got off work Friday night, the rain was absolutely pouring and I didn’t have my umbrella. It made for an interesting drive home, and this was one of the few times I’m grateful for my car’s traction control. Even if it rains though, these events will still go on!

David Cross’ ‘Oh Come On’ Tour
Thursday Aug. 16
Starts at 8 p.m.
Orpheum Theatre
203 W. Adams St.
Comedian David Cross is coming to Phoenix for his “Oh Come On” stand-up comedy tour. He’s a nationally-known name who has an Emmy Award, was nominated for a Grammy and is able to do quite a few media jobs. I don’t think most people can act, direct, write and do stand-up comedy. Since there’s the common saying of someone being a “triple threat,” does that make Cross a “quadruple threat”? I think so. Tickets cost $33.

Last Podcast on the Left
Friday Aug. 17
Starts at 8 p.m.
The Van Buren
401 W. Van Buren St.
If you’re a fan of horror, then come and get in a Halloween mood two and a half months before what’s probably your favorite holiday. Oh, except there’s one twist: This is a comedy and horror podcast. Get to see it recorded live as a comedy podcast, but covering horror topics, including demons, aliens and serial killers. Since it’s comedy, I do wonder if that means the serial killers become cereal killers who murder innocent breakfast cereals. Ticket packages cost between $30 and $140.

Goldrush DJ Competition Finals
Saturday Aug. 18
Starts at 9 p.m.
Monarch Theatre
122 E. Washington St.
Goldrush has some pretty big names in the electronic music scene like Deadmau5 and Steve Aoki, both of whom I have actually heard of. This competition among DJs who submitted entries will pick someone to be an opener at the festival, which seems to me it would be a pretty big deal! Come out and support local DJs to see who comes out on top. Tickets cost $10.

The Van Beer’n Indoor Beer Festival
Sunday Aug. 19
1–6 p.m.
The Van Buren
401 W. Van Buren St.
I would certainly hope it’s an indoor beer festival. I don’t think beer would be very enjoyable outside in more than 100 degrees. I mean, would you want to drink beer that would quickly warm up and stand outside in weather that could kill you if you stay in it for too many hours without water? This festival features beers by more than 20 breweries, music by a band called Elvis Before Noon and barbecued food available. Entry is free, beer tasting tickets are available at the event.

CatVideoFest
Sunday Aug. 19
Starts at 1:30 p.m.
FilmBar
815 N. 2nd St.
If you don’t like cat videos you have no soul. Cats are amazing, and I love my two sweet furry kitties (plus my family’s five others). This is a film reel shown of great videos of cats being their playful, goofy little (or big, like my very plump Shadow) selves. The organization that runs the event, also called CatVideoFest, does these types of events around the world to raise money to help cat charities. So come help the cats and watch funny videos! Tickets cost $10.

Contact the reporter at Thomas.Triolo@asu.edu.