Downtown Digest: Kick off summer and honor Michael Jackson

(Nicole Neri/DD)

Hello, downtown Phoenix people! It’s T.J. Triolo, your guide to downtown Phoenix events. I hope you’re enjoying your long weekend for Memorial Day. Monday is just the beginning of this week though, which means that we have a whole week of downtown events ahead of us. Here are some interesting ones coming up:

Summer Kick-off
Monday, May 28
Starts at 11 a.m.
LUSTRE Rooftop Bar
2 E. Jefferson St.

Yep, it’s summer. The time of the year with excessive heat, a break from school and a lot of cold drinks and ice cream. What better way to keep cool during the summer than at a pool party? On the third floor of the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix, LUSTRE will be providing an outdoor barbecue, cocktails, live DJs and giant pool toys at this summer kick-off event. I hope there’s a giant rubber duck floaty, because they just make everything better. There’s no cover charge for the event.

Stanton’s Send-off
Tuesday, May 29
4 to 6 p.m.
DeSoto Central Market
915 N. Central Ave.

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton will be at DeSoto for happy hour to mark his final day as mayor of the city before his run for Congress. It’s a casual event, so anyone can come by, get a drink and hang out with Mayor Stanton for a while before his reign as mayor comes to an end. Click here for more information.

Poetic Soul Phoenix
Wednesday, May 30
7 to 11 p.m.
Grand Central Coffee Shop
718 N. Central Ave.

This event is dedicated to vocal performances of multiple types including poetry, comedy, storytelling and singing. A band is available for backup, or go acapella. I’m loud when it comes to talking and singing, so I’d probably end up annoying everyone too much with my mediocre singing. The event hopes to give people a chance to share their passions and talent in a supportive environment. Entry costs $10 cash, $12 via debit or credit card.

Community Yoga Project
Saturday, June 2
Starts at 8:30 a.m.
Civic Space Park
424 N. Central Ave.

If you need to relax, come try yoga in Civic Space Park. This outdoor yoga event takes place in the park outside of the A.E. England Building, although if the weather is bad it will be moved inside. I’m curious what counts as bad weather; Does Arizona’s extreme heat count? The event description does have some good advice on how to deal with the heat: Bring water. It is also recommended to bring a yoga mat or towel and wear comfortable clothing. This is a free event.

Michael Jackson Tribute Show
Sunday, June 3
Starts at 7 p.m.
The Pressroom
441 W. Madison St.

Ah, Michael Jackson. One of the greatest singers of all time. He brings back some memories for me. I’ve danced to “Thriller” a couple times quite a few years ago in attempts to break the world record for the most people dancing simultaneously. This show stars Danny Dash Andrews, a Michael Jackson impersonator dedicated to keeping the King of Pop’s performance style alive. So if you’ve been to one of the Michael Jackson’s concerts in the past, I am curious: How does an impersonator compare to the real performer? Someone go and let me know! Tickets cost $20 for general admission.

Contact the reporter at Thomas.triolo@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.