Hello downtown Phoenix people! It’s T.J. Triolo, your favorite downtown Phoenix guide. Or at least the one with the most personality. As September gets into full swing, I’d love to see some fall colors on the trees, except for one problem: the massive amounts of fall-colored trees aren’t here. This is sad, but speaking of fall, I’ve got a fall-themed event for you this week that makes up for the lack of fall leaves!
Broadway Blood Drive
Monday Sept. 9
9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Herberger Theater Center
222 E. Monroe St.
The Herberger Theater Center is hosting its second annual Broadway Blood Drive, where blood donors get a free ticket to a play. In this case, you get the option of one of two Arizona Broadway Theatre shows: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” or “La Cage aux Folles.” I’d really be interested in seeing the second one, particularly because I love the movie “The Birdcage,” which was based on “La Cage aux Folles.” So do the right thing and donate blood while getting free movie tickets. Oh, by the way, donating blood is also free. So unless you have work, don’t try to get out of this one!
Doggy Drag Show
Tuesday Sept. 10
6–8:30 p.m.
monOrchid
214 E. Roosevelt St.
Okay, so we all know about the drag shows for humans. What about drag shows for dogs? This show features 30 dogs dressing in drag to compete for the title of drag show queen. This would have been an interesting event for my family’s late pug to compete in. I have a feeling he would have just flopped down wherever he liked on the floor and slept there, but would have easily rocked a dress while doing it. A portion of the proceeds from this show will benefit the Arizona Humane Society. Tickets cost $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Thursday Sept. 12
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Orpheum Theatre
203 W. Adams St.
It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, which means a celebration is in order! The City of Phoenix is putting on a celebration complete with music, live dancing and storytelling. One problem I have: food is not listed as part of the event, which is sad. Tacos and burritos are part of my sustenance, and chips and salsa are also necessary for life. Ooh, queso dip would also be great … now I want to go get some Mexican food. This event is free.
Crime Junkie Podcast Live
Friday Sept. 13
Starts at 8 p.m.
Orpheum Theatre
203 W. Adams St.
Are you sick of watching murder mysteries on TV? This is your chance to get your taste of crime, but real life crime. “Crime Junkie” is a weekly podcast in which the hosts talk about whatever real crime they’re fascinated with lately. This time, the blood mentioned won’t be fake, unlike on “NCIS,” “CSI” or one of the bazillion spinoffs of those shows. Can you tell I’m not much of a fan of fiction crime shows myself? Tickets cost $35–$100.
Wyld Paint Party
Friday Sept. 13
9 p.m.–2 a.m.
The Pressroom
441 W. Madison St.
Somehow electronic dance music seems to fit well with a lot of paint and lasers. I wouldn’t wear any clothes you’re too attached to if you go to this party. I’ve been to events where paint gets thrown around before, and it’s a lot of fun. Just don’t expect to go home even remotely clean, enjoy the fact that you’re bright and colorful, and you’ll have a good time. And EDM is made for dancing, so go truly ready to dance the night away. Tickets cost $20–$40. This event is 18 and older.
Contact the reporter at tjtriolo@asu.edu.
Downtown Devil's community section editor. I also write the Downtown Digest, a weekly column with things to do, with experience writing news articles and creating news videos as well. Graduating from ASU in May 2020.
