A Downtowner World

As the owner of the Downtowner Media publishing company, Danial Griggs dabbles in film, comedy and music – and he sees a lot of ways that all three can work together. So when it became clear to him that his Downtowner Film Festival had outgrown its home in a Littleton art gallery, he looked for an opportunity to make it bigger -- in more ways than just square footage.

After a three-month hiatus, the monthly festival returns tonight at a new venue -- Club Octane at Red & Jerry’s in Sheridan – and includes a film fest, a comedy competition, a concert and dinner. Griggs promises that the talent will be the best you can get, especially for the price: $35 at the door or $30 online.

“The films in this event, as opposed to almost every other film festival in Denver, do not focus on any political agenda except for pure entertainment,” he says. “The comedians -- there will be five throughout the night -- are local but not amateurs. They’re making the circuit, they’re the ones you’re going to be seeing on the comedy channels in coming years.”

The music will be provided by Eric Sanders, whose third album is about to be released by Downtowner, and Matt Clark, who will perform an acoustic set. The six-hour fest starts at 6 p.m. at Club Octane, 1840 West Oxford Avenue in Sheridan. For tickets and info, go to www.downtownerfilmfestival.com or call 303-507-6686.
Second Friday of every month, 6 p.m., 2008