The good things about Scottsdale generally don’t have to be boasted too loudly. It’s a rather posh place whose reputation precedes it. With some of the finest gourmet dining, upper end boutique shopping, and glorious luxury hotels, Scottsdale can confidently claim its place as a world-class resort town. It’s also part of the Phoenix metro area, which is almost the same exact size as Los Angeles, and this brings in a lot of diverse culture to the night life.

So not only is it a great place for tourists, with a host of spots frequented by the rich and famous, there are also plenty of down-to-earth joints where anyone can let down their hair. These include independent art galleries, pubs with live music, and of course, comedy clubs. Scottsdale has plenty to offer if live comics are on the desired menu, and most everyone enjoys the ritual of having an appetizer or a drink, and watching new comic minds test out their observations on a willing public.

What makes Scottsdale such a magnet for stand up comics comes from two reasons. The influx of tourists and locals on the night scenes means there is a ready audience, looking for an alternative to the bar scene. The other reason comes from the nature of the population. It’s close enough to Los Angeles that kids growing up with dreams of being a star are not out of reach here, at least not geographically. There is a bit of cross-breeding between the comedy scenes in these cities that the ones who are good can transfer their acts with a minimum of travel time, and travel costs. So places like the Comedy Spot and Stand-Up, Scottsdale! have a built-in audience, along with a steady stream of new talent.

It makes for a very vibrant connection, and as anyone who’s ever had the pleasure of watching someone new start finding their sea legs, and developing a hilarious persona in front of small rooms, it’s a fantastic energy any night of the week.

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