Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More
JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE THE FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY.
THE FAILED RAPPER, HUSBAND TO THE LATE, REMARKABLE, AND IMMORTAL DEMEIKA D. BRYANT, AND NOW FATHER TO DUECE THE GREAT IS STEPPING OUT OF ALL THE TITLES HE WAS GIVEN IN RELATION TO OTHERS AND GRABBING CONTROL OF ALL NARRATIVES THAT PREVIOUSLY EXISTED.
IT’S ONLY FITTING THAT WE CALL IT CONFESSIONS OF NAT TURNER II.
Comedian and actor Kevin Hart first came to Dayton in the 90’s, playing Jokers Comedy Cafe. Since then he’s blown up, releasing his first stand-up album Kevin Hart: I’m a Grown Little Man in 2009.
In 2015, Time magazine named him on its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. In 2017, he launched the Laugh Out Loud Network, a subscription video streaming service in partnership with Lionsgate. In 2018 he played the Nutter Center on is Irresponsible Tour and it’s just been announced he will be making a stop in the Miami Valley as part of his 2023 Reality Check tour.
Hart will be performing at the Nutter Center on Tuesday, May 16 and presale tickets will be available beginning on Wednesday, April 12 at 10 am. General ticket sales will begin on Friday, April 14 at 10 am. Tickets will be available via Ticketmaster.
Renowned comedian Todd Barry comes to Dayton for 1 night only on Thursday, September 15th for a special engagement with special guest Mary Santora at The Brightside Music & Event Venue in Dayton Ohio (905 E 3rd St). This promises to be a very funny evening you won’t want to miss!
Todd Barry has released three one-hour stand-up specials including his latest one for Netflix, Spicy HoneyHe’s appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Late Show with David Letterman, Conan and Late Night With Seth Meyers and his acting credits include The Wrestler, Road Trip, Flight of the Concords, Chappelle’s Show, Spin City, Sex and the City. You may have heard his voice on the animated series Bob’s Burgers, Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist, and Aqua Teen Hunger Force.Todd is also the author of the critically-acclaimed 2017 travel memoir Thank You For Coming To Hattiesburg.
Bonus – A VIP option is available for this show. This event is done in partnership with Sonic Springs Booking.
HOW TO GO?
Thursday, September 15, 2022
The Brightside Music & Event Venue in Dayton Ohio (905 E 3rd St)
Doors 6:30pm / Show 7:30pm
Advance General Admission Tickets: $25 / GA Day of Show: $30
VIP Table of 4: $160 – includes early door open time at 6pm (for best parking options), reserved table, and table service. Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/393149680277
All ages are welcome
Grammy and Emmy Award winning comedian, actor, director, writer and producer, Chris Rock has announced the “Ego Death World Tour”, his first in 5 years. The 38-date North American leg of the tour kicks off April 2nd in Atlantic City and includes a stop at Taft Theatre in Cincinnati on Thursday, June 9th.
Lauded by peers and critics alike, Chris Rock is one of our generation’s strongest comedic voices. With a career spanning more than three decades, Rock has enjoyed ongoing success in both film and television as a comedian, actor, writer, producer and director.
Rock recently wrapped production on the upcoming Higher Ground produced biopic, “Rustin ” and David O’Russell’s Untitled film. He is also set to direct an Untitled Chris Rock project in 2023.
In 2021 Rock starred as Loy Cannon in season 4 of FX’s Emmy-winning drama series “Fargo.” He also teamed up with Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures in the reimagining of the newest Saw franchise movie, “Spiral,” in which he produced and starred in. His most recent standup special, “Total Blackout: The Tamborine Extended Cut,” is currently streaming on Netflix.
In 2014 he led the ensemble cast of “Top Five,” a critically acclaimed comedy feature that he also wrote and directed. In 2009 Rock ventured into the documentary world as a writer and producer of “Good Hair,” and in 2014 he executive produced “Eat Drink Laugh: The Story of the Comic Strip,” a documentary recounting the history of one of New York’s most famous comedy venues. His feature acting credits include The Week Of, the Grown Ups and Madagascar franchises, 2 Days in New York, Death at a Funeral, Nurse Betty, Dogma, the hip-hop comedy CB4, and New Jack City.
His television work includes serving as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” from 1989 – 1993 and as executive producer, writer and narrator for the series “Everybody Hates Chris.” The series ran from 2005 – 2009 and is still one of the highest rated syndicated shows in the world.
In 2011, Rock made his Broadway debut starring in Stephen Adly Guirgis’s The Motherf**ker With The Hat.
Rock has won four Emmy Awards, three Grammy Awards, and is a New York Times Best-Selling Author. In addition, he received two nominations for the 2016 Emmy Awards, for Outstanding Director for a Variety Special for “Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo,” and Outstanding Special Class Program for the 88th Annual Academy Awards.
Tickets will go on sale to the public beginning at 10am on Friday, February 25 at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased without service fees at the Taft Theatre box office during regular box office hours.
The Black Box Improv Theater is back! Starting tonight (which is sold out) the laughs return to the stage with a new ownership group. Originally founded in 2012 by Justin Howard, he has turned his focus to corporate consulting. With the Covid-19 pandemic, the theater closed its doors in March of 2020 unsure what the future held. Thankfully, in the summer of 2021, ten veteran performers and instructors pulled together to take over the space and return the theater to a viable entertainment option for the southwest Ohio region.
Kevin Carter, Garrett Geilenfeldt, James Fritchman, Othalia Larue, Jason VonVille, Teri Herbstreit, PJ Lindsay, Jonathan Sauline and Bryan Lakatos now share the tasks required to operate the theater. Some teach, some perform, others handle legal responsibilities, accounting and marketing. They all pitched in for a big clean up and refresh day, handling some repairs, painting and other refreshes to the space. They’ve even applied for a liquor license- but for now it’s BYOB.
Shows that are inspired by audience suggestions will be Wed – Sun nights, after this weekends grand re-opening. They feature long form improv featuring locally grown improvisors and we have a variety of shows ranging from hour long shows based on your personal stories to a local favorite, our improvised musicals! Our musicals feature the former music director of Second City, Trey Stone.
Doors open 30 minutes before showtime and seating is first come, first served. Theater and Stage are both handicap accessible and the showroom seats about 100.
Two of the newest cast members from Nick Cannon’s MTV Wild’N Out show are set to stop their tour in Dayton, Ohio next month. On the Dayton tour will be Jay “Lil JJ” Lewis and Mope Williams. They are coming Wiley’s Comedy Club in Dayton, this Friday, August 20, 2021 with an 8pm show and 2 shows on Saturday, 7:15 and 9:30pm. Tickets are $20 plus a 2 item minimum purchase in the showroom. Wiley’s offers a full bar and a menu of appetizers and desserts. Guests must be 18 or over with proper ID.
Better known as (Big JJ), Jay Lewis is a comedian, rapper, actor, dancer, and singer best known for starring in shows such as Just Jordan, All That, and The Rickey Smiley Show. He has also appeared in films such as Yours, Mine, & Ours, Beauty Shop, and Brotherly Love. As of Season 12, he is one of the recurring cast members of the improv comedy show Wild ‘N Out on MTV and VH1. Along with Comedian/Actor Mope Williams who also is on season 12, home of Atlanta, GA. with special guest Nate Williams who will be taking over the STAGE and bringing the funny as well.
Mope Williams is an American comedian and is one of the recurring cast members since Season 12, 13, 14 and Season 15 of the improv comedy show Wild’N Out on MTV and VH1. His high-energy, animated stage performances leave the crowd begging for more. Mope has appeared in movies and commercials and has been a featured guest on Kandi Burruss’s talk show “Kandi Koated Nights.” He also co-starred in the short film “Labour.”
101 Pine St
Dayton, OH 45402
937-224-5653
*due to Out of 5th, please enter the free Wiley’s parking lot off of Wayne Ave, turn right on Gates St and then left on Pine St.
Ever though about doing improv comedy? Well here’s your chance. Comedian Karen Jaffe will be leading a Short Form Improv class starting this Sunday from noon -2pm. This eight week course will end with a final public performance in late March/early April – date tba.
It is an adult class, with a minimum age requirement of 16. The ideal student is someone who wants to learn how to be “in the moment” more. You don’t need to be funny, in fact it’s mostly about learning how to listen and be on a team. According to Karen, “This class is not as much about acting like other classes can be. This is more about communication and interpersonal skills, but it happens to be really fun.”
Short Form means short fun games or exercises that last about 2 to 5 minutes, such as a group doing a collective task (like building a machine with each performer becoming one of the parts) or playing scenes with specific conditions imposed (such as starting every sentence with a particular letter). Performers are encouraged to use their spontaneity and overcome shyness. The performers often start with a prompt, making up the story as they go along. Although they improvise, the process draws on time-honored principles—the first among them being “yes, and.” Simply put, “yes, and” means performers accept whatever their scene partners do or say as part of the reality of the scene and then build on it with their own contributions. They must be present in the moment, listening carefully, and contributing freely. These skills turn out to be particularly useful in workplaces that rely on adaptability. The television show Whose Line Is It Anyway? is short form improv.
Your instructor, Karen Jaffe, has been making people laugh since the age of six, when she punched an actor from Sesame Street LIVE in a rather sensitive area in front of a theater full of people. However, she didn’t think about making people laugh on purpose until she studied improv at The Second City Conservatory in Chicago. After Chicago, she moved back to her hometown of Dayton, Ohio and tried stand up for the first time. An unnamed number of years later, she is still doing stand up in clubs and venues all over the US and Canada, and she teaches improvisational comedy to stand up comics. Her podcast, “Everybody Dies,” is available on Facebook.
How To Attend:
Wiley’s Comedy Club
101 Pine Street in the Oregon District
8 week class, $100
Sunday 12-2, Jan 19 – March 8
Plan on showing up about 15 minutes early to register prior to the first class.
The 2nd annual Bellwether Music Festival brings the best of alternative rock to the Renaissance Festival Grounds for a two-day, multi-stage extravaganza on August 9th & 10th, 2019. This year’s line-up is stacked with the likes of CAKE, Cold War Kids, Guided By Voices, Katie Pruitt, Real Estate, Beach House, Hailey Knox, Pinback and many more (see full line-up below or schedule here). Plus there is Rock-N-Roll Jousting and silent disco after parties both nights!
Tickets to this incredible festival are currently $69 for a single day pass and $119 2-day general admission. Camping, VIP, and additional ticketing options are available here. Note: There is a ticket prices increase on August 9th.
Address to venue: 10542 OH-73, Waynesville, OH 45068
We’ve got a pair of two-day passes to giveaway. Like and share this story and leave a comment below and we’ll
choose a random winner at 10pm tonight!
THURSDAY PRE-FEST PARTY:
6pm-8:30pm – Blues Power
8:30-9:30pm – AJ & The Woods
10pm-11:30pm – Comedy Show with Kevin Downey Jr., Mark Riccadonna, Joshua Ryan
11:30pm-1am – Maria Carrelli
FRIDAY PERFORMANCES:
CAKE
Katie Pruitt
Real Estate
Cold War Kids
Quiet Hollers
We Are Scientists
Twin Shadow
Saint Aubin
The Brook & The Bluff
Caroline Rose
Frederick The Younger
Eldren
Friday After Party:
11am-12:30pm – TOBACCO (DJ Set)
12:30am-3am – Silent Disco in the Campers’ Village
Silent Disco DJ: Firecat 451
Saturday Night Performances:
Beach House
Hailey Knox
Pinback
Guided By Voices
Young Heirlooms
Sego
STRFKR
Ring
Multimagic
Black Moth Super Rainbow
Souther
Fern Murphy
Saturday After Party:
11am-12:30pm – STRFKR DJ Set
12:30am-3am – Silent Disco in the Campers’ Village
Silent Disco DJ: Firecat 451
Dayton IS the comedy scene! Comedy fan Cal Westray has pulled together this list of laughs for the upcoming week:
The Barrel- 857 W. Central in Springboro.Open Mic with Nate Jenkins (Every Monday) 7pm
Peach’s 104 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs. Every Tuesday at 8pm! Kyleen Downes is Open Mic Host
Paradise Key Lounge 3243 Needmore Rd, Laughing in Paradise with Don Smith, Johnny Woods, Evan Michael Kackley, and Scott Mallory.
South Park Tavern. 1301 Wayne Avenue. Open Mic at the9pm every Wednesday.
Buckeye Sports Lodge 126 W High St, Springfield, Open Mic every other Wednesday 8pm -show up go up
Mila’s Suburban Cafe, 606 Taywood Rd, Englewood. Call 937-832-2200. Open Mic Night every Wednesday 7p-8:30p. Come and share your music, poetry, comedy, or other form of performance art.
Hannah’s on Ludlow. Open Mic Showtime will be 7pm every Wednesday night. See Raymond Jackson to signup.
Steve Hoffstetter
Wiley’s Comedy Club in the Oregon District Steve Hofstetter for One show only! 7:15pm
Hofstetter’s national TV debut came on ESPN’s Quite Frankly, where Stephen A. Smith yelled at him for three minutes. Hofstetter has also appeared on CBS’ “Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson,” Showtime’s “White Boyz in the Hood,” VH1’s “Countdown,” Sundance’s “On the Road in America,” and ABC’s “Barbara Walter’s Special,” where he thankfully did not cry.
W.O. Wrights, 3979 Colonel Glenn Hwy in Beavercreek. 8pm show with Neil Griffin and Friends! With Don Smith.
Spirited Goat in Yellow Springs. Open Mic Nights are every Thursday at 7pm! If you wish to sign up, give them a call or come in the shop any time after 3pm on that day!
Barrel House at 417 E 3rd St. Dayton Open Mic every Thursday evening from 8:30-11pm Musicians! Comedians! Poets!
Jayson Aldridge hosts their Open Mic Night!
Jay Mewes
Dayton Funny Bone at The Greene – Jay Mewes (From Jay and Silent Bob) 7:30pm
Indie film icon, Jason Mewes, is perhaps best known as the vocal half of the on-screen comedic duo, Jay and Silent Bob. Mewes’ has reprised his role as celebrated character, “Jay,” in a number of hit films. With cult-fans following his controversial antics, Mewes has captured audiences with rebellious banter against his unspoken other half and longtime friend, Kevin Smith (Silent Bob). Since the beginning of the duo’s offbeat work together, Mewes and Smith have continued to build on their beloved character driven roles from the Jay and Silent Bob series.
Michelle Wolf
Dayton Funny Bone at The Greene: Michelle Wolf 7:30 & 10pm
MICHELLE WOLF has quickly become one of the most influential voices in the comedy landscape as she continues on the path of a breakout year, with the Village Voice calling her “the voice comedy needs right now” and The Daily Beast declaring, “Michelle Wolf is the future of stand-up comedy.” She recently served as the executive producer, writer, and host of the critically-acclaimed variety sketch series “The Break with Michelle Wolf” on Netflix. Previously, she made international headlines as the much buzzed-about headliner of the 2018 White House Correspondents Dinner.
Wiley’s Comedy Club in the Oregon District: Rich Ragains
Rich Ragains was a contributing writer for National Lampoon’s Sports Minute Or So. Rich has opened for the likes of Dave Chappelle, Carrot Top, and Larry the Cable guy. He’s appeared on Country Music Television, NBC, and The Bob and Tom Show.
Wiley’s Comedy Club in the Oregon District: Rich Ragains
Dayton Funny Bone at The Greene: Jackie Fabulous
Jackie Fabulous
Dayton Funny Bone at The Greene: Jackie Fabulous
JACKIE FABULOUS, is a gut-busting, writer, producer, speaker, and headlining comedian who uses comedy to simultaneously entertain, encourage and empower audiences. Having survived her fair share of loves, tragedies, lessons and embarrassing moments, Jackie channels all of that energy into hilarious sets and inspiring keynotes. More than just a funny lady, she is on a mission to inspire and empower women all over the world to Find The Funny In Their Flaws.
Wiley’s Sunday Comics at Wiley’s Comedy Club!
Performing on the same stage that held, Drew Carey, Chris Rock, Chapelle, Ellen, Emo Phillips, Bill Hicks, and more, Wiley’s Sunday 
Comics is a mixture of local amateur comedians and nationally touring professionals working on their craft by performing in short sets. Some are showcasing for future work at the club and others are working out new material to get it perfect for weekend shows on the road. For 35 years, Wiley’s has supported live stand-up comedy and encouraged and instructed young performers in their dreams, often giving them their first paid jobs as an MC right here at Wiley’s. Come see the Stars of Tomorrow Today…..ONLY AT WILEY’S. To sign up for stage time, email [email protected] .
Dayton’s comedy scene is booming! You can find comedy nights popping up all over town, with open mic nights as well as professional shows at two dedicated comedy clubs. Here’s a quick rundown of where to find the funny this week:
Monday, May 7th:
Ollie’s Place – Sign ups 9 show 10. See Jayson Aldridge to signup.
Open Mic at Hannah’s on Ludlow. Showtime will be 7:30pm – 9pm. See Raymond Jackson to signup.
Sugar Melon Club‘s Open Mic. 330 East Dayton Dr. Fairborn. Signup at 8pm, Show at 8:30pm.
Host Gary R Henry. Headliner Wendi Furguson.
Wednesday, May 9th:
Open Mic at the South Park Tavern. 9pm. 1301 Wayne Avenue. Comedy and music are featured on this show.
Sign up online.
– Choose the upcoming Wednesday you want.
– Scroll down and read through any existing comments to find out which slots are still OPEN.
— Sign up for an available 30 minute slot in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
Thursday, May 10th:
Open Mic at the Hookah Bazaar! Thursday 10pm. 9:30pm sign up. Show up Go up! See Nick Taylor to signup.
Spirited Goat Coffee House in Yellow Springs! Open Mic Nights are every Thursday at 7pm! If you wish to sign up, just give them a call or stop in the shop any time after 3pm on that day!
Springfield Country Club
Comedy Night with Leslie Norris Townsend
7pm show $40 Dinner & Show, $25 show only
Reserveations (937) 399-4215
Her blend of stand-up comedy, music and audience participation will move your audience from tears to laughter, while motivating, mesmerizing and captivating each one.
Leslie’a 30+ television appearances include Comedy Central, A&E’s “An Evening at the Improv” and sketches seen on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” She was even a Grand Finalist on “Star Search”.
Leslie left behind a promising acting career to create a better life for her children. In the classic fish-out-of-water tale, she moved from Hollywood to rural Ohio to live on her family’s 100 year old farm. This only added new material to her already hilarious routines.
Jordan Rock at the Dayton Funny Bone
88 Plum Street, Sutie 200 at The Greene
Thursday, May 10th 7:30pm
Friday, May 11th 7:30 & 10pm
Saturday, May 12th 7:30 & 10pm
Sunday, May 13th 7:30pm
Jordan says he feels like he wouldn’t be true to himself if he hadn’t pursued stand-up comedy. And for good reason, as his older brothers Chris and Tony have made a pretty good name for themselves.
“I’m the Solange of my family,” he likes to say, referring ot Beyonce’s less famous sister.
Jordan Rock is in his mid-20s, half Chris’s age. He is his own comic with his own voice, working out his material in clubs and pursuing an acting career, too. He’s got a recurring role portraying Kevi in “Love” on Netflix. He has also released his own 2011 comedy special Ladies and Gentlemen, Jordan Rock.
Rock will be in Dayton this weekend talking about his dating life, his tiny hands, his brothers and politics.
Also on the show is Brad Gill as emcee and feature Chris Harvey. You can even score FREE tickets here.
Brian Swinehart at Wiley’s Comedy Club
101 Pine St. in the Oregon District
Fri, May 11 8pm
Sat, May 12 7:15 & 9:30pm
Brian left his small country town in Ohio to travel to California to pursue a career as an entertainer. Prior to his departure many of the town locals joked with Brian saying “You’ll be back. See you in six months.”
It’s been over a decade since Brian’s move and he has not looked back. He has only gained speed and momentum a long the way. Swinehart has delighted crowds around the world with his wit and charm. Brian has a crowd pleasing style that blends stories, one liners and impressions. DMM READER BONUS: We’ve got some FREE Tickets for this show- if you’d like a pair, email us by Thursday and tell us why you should be the winner!
Saturday May 12th:
Touch of Splash Presents
DC Young Fly Live Trap Comedy
at Deja Vu at 4321 Salem Avenue.
Hosted by Kevin Lackey. With Action Jaxon, Mark Paul Gregory, Dusty Lewis, Chris Brown, Darnae Hill.
Get your tickets at supremeticket.com or Action Wear and All Dayton city gear locations
Comedian Kevin Farley enjoying Irish fare at Dayton’s Dublin Pub with the Food Adventures crew
It is still not too late to get your tickets to see Kevin Farley at the Funnybone tonight or tomorrow
HERE IS A LINK TO TICKETS for SHOWTIMES
SATURDAY MAY 20th 10:00pm
SUNDAY MAY 21st at 7:30pm
The Big Ragu sat down with the comedian and actor this weekend at the Dublin Pub and had one heck of a Food Adventure. Kevin Farley is proud of his Irish American heritage and a lover of good Irish food. He is a humble, down to earth, guys guy, who is one of the coolest cats in the room. Oh and funny as hell. We talked sports, we talked music and bad lyrics. We talked family, metaphors and of course FOOD!
We even picked out some cigars from the Dublin Pub humidor after lunch and bonded a bit.
Kevin Farley holding up his Potato Soup for a Food Adventure picture = PRICELESS
What a perfect venue for a great visit to learn about his career, insight and places he is going, His take on life is simple to see. He works hard and makes things happen.
HERE’S THE SKINNY on KEVIN FARLEY:
—A Madison, Wisconsin native he loves the Green Bay Packers, will root for some Wisconsin Badgers, and is pretty much a fan of Wisconsin teams. We are working to get him on College Gameday next time they visit Madison ! Hey Herbstreit !! Little help ?
—He is a graduate of Marquette University and remembered Dayton played them in basketball.
Corned Beef and Cabbage – a must eat Irish dish at Dublin Pub
—Kevin of course had a famous brother, but has been growing his own brand, breaking ground and making an identity of his own for years.
—Kevin Farley is a foodie. He enjoys Irish Food, Buffets, Italian food, Sushi and Seafood. He seemed impressed with the Dublin Pub, taking advantage of the Bottomless Chips, Potato Soup and Corned Beef and Cabbage. He was a true Food Adventurer, and now has the t-shirt to prove it.
—Kevin currently lives in West Hollywood and is in tune with the entertainment and food scene.
KEVIN FARLEY PROJECTS YOU “MUST SEE”:
Kevin doing stand up
—His standup routine is a riot. Kevin is currently touring the Midwest he has pretty full schedule this summer hitting other states like Texas, Florida, Washington, and Nevada to name a few. He will be back in Ohio at a Cleveland show in September. His full stand up schedule can be seen at www.kevinfarleyofficial.com/
—His “Kevin Farley on the Road” podcast – Check out Kevin at Itunes for his free podcast. Here is the link: CLICK HERE
— “F is for Family” – Kevin’s animated series on Netflix with fellow comedian Bill Burr.
— “Still the King” a CMT Channel original starts it’s second season on July 11th ! Kevin Farley stars alongside Billy Ray Cyrus. How bout dat? Catch me outside watchin that.
Kevin Farley is an official Food Adventure Fan !
Now drumroll please for our feature must eats as suggested by KEVIN FARLEY! Take this tip and hit these spots when traveling. you have the expertise of a famous foodies behind you!
KEVIN FARLEY’S “MUST EATS” RESTAURANT LIST:
GIBSON’S STEAKHOUSE – Chicago, IL
LURE FISH BAR – New York City, NY
CECCONI’S – West Hollywood, CA
DAN TANA’S – West Hollywood, CA
Favorite Closed Restaurant – BEN BENSON’S STEAKHOUSE in NYC
MUST EATS at DUBLIN PUB from KEVIN FARLEY:
—POTATO SOUP: Why is it “world famous?” add bacon and cheese and you’ll know why…
—CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE: Center cut corned beef brisket, red potatoes and steamed cabbage. Kevin prefers they “hold the onions.” An authentic dish and delicious, unique plate of goods.
— After Meal Cigar – mini -Macanudo cigar from the Dublin Pub humidor
Big Ragu’s Pub Fries
Dayton Most Metro wants to thank Kevin Farley for taking time out for a Food Adventure. He was great company and we look forward to seeing his standup shows this weekend. JOIN US BY CLICKING THE LINKS ABOVE !
For more exclusive Dayton food scoop, follow Food Adventures on FACEBOOK by clicking here. We aren’t food critics, we just love to eat.
Below are some more photos from our Dublin Pub visits !
A piece of the fish n chips
The Dublin Fry Burger
The Ruck Sandwich
Harps Lager
Inside the Pub
Dub Pub Bar
Addition room
The Beef Bully
Shepards Pie and green beans
Channel your inner foodie at Dublin Pub with all kinds of sandwiches, add egg to any of them.
Bread Pudding
Shepherds Pipe
DubPub
Fried Pickles
Black n Tan Onion rings
Beef Barley Soup
Lots of Taps
Spinach dip and chips
Dayton Bar Star Molly Peppo!
When people ask “How do you become a bartender? Do you go to school?”, I tell them that what you really need to do is start working in the industry in the front of the house and work your way up from there.
Many of the bartenders I speak with have a similar story. They were not fully formed behind the bar, like a clay sculpture brought to life with Jägermeister and some citrus. They were forged in the industry, spending years learning the industry before they were placed behind the bar. There was a big shift at the Dayton Funny Bone in 2014. Their two long-standing bartenders, within months of each other, were getting ready to depart for new ventures. This meant the Funny Bone needed a new bartender that had almost a blank slate to work with. Fortunately for them, Molly Peppo was waiting in the wings.
Molly had come to the Dayton Funny Bone when it first opened in 2006. She was looking for a little extra money on the side, and serving at a comedy club was the right fit for her. As a working mom, it gave her time with her family during the week. Over time, she started to develop an interest in becoming a bartender. Before Molly made the transition, she was one of the senior servers on the staff. Her training for bartending was a slow process, and she picked up a few shifts behind the stick when one of the other bartenders was out for a night.
After years on the floor, she became a full-time bartender. Then, in rapid succession, the bar manager for the club. She went right to work on the huge task she was given, making sweeping changes to the menu. She cleaned house, switching up many of the liquors and beers that had been behind the bar for years. There was a greater focus on building the craft beer selection, knowing that many of the people coming through the doors were beer drinkers. The cocktail menu was also redeveloped over time as the old spirits flowed out and the new spirits flowed in. It was developed to handle the speed of a comedy show, which typically hits fast and early and then dies off. This wonder woman then started training a few other bartenders to build out the rest of her team.
She’s right next to Fluffy!
The look of the bar has also been updated. Gone are the shelves of liquor showing off the selection. Molly preferred a clean look, and that is what she created. The craft beers of the month are displayed at the front of the bar for all to see. She is continuing to improve her craft, diving into the craft beer scene while learning more all the time about cocktails. Molly’s path to becoming a bartender was something she was used to; hard work and patience to get where she wanted to be. She built the bar she wanted to create and brought it to life.
After working as a server for seven years at the club, I decided to learn how to make the drinks I was selling.
This is tricky. If it’s a not crazy busy night I enjoy making cosmos or flavored martinis. However, if it’s a sold out show give me any other drink to make aside from those!!
I give this award to the Old Fashioned.
Sometimes you need a break…
Anything Jameson.
I’d have to say any of the local breweries. I love the patrons there, the bartenders are super knowledgeable & the atmosphere is always fun.
I’d have to say Dave Chapelle or Charlie Murphy.
I’m out taking mini road trips to new breweries or busy being a full-time mom.
Possibly the usage of craft beers in some cocktails.
The adrenaline rush is crazy addictive!!
What do you love most about Dayton?I love there are so many cool little local places to hang out right in my own backyard.
Sheryl Underwood, Stand Up Comedian and co-host of “The Talk, spent $1000 on shots for a room full of her fans.
I think people are finally realizing there is more to life than a Rum & Coke or a plain domestic beer.
When ordering a drink with no ice doesn’t mean more liquor. When a customer asks me to “hook it up” makes me do just the opposite! Trust me if you’re nice to me I will take care of you.
Becoming a nurse.
Dayton native back after a 16 year stint in Los Angeles
Typically we feature Food Adventure jaunts to local food joints, but today here is a story of a local comedian friend who will be feeding the crowd some comedy next weekend. It is the “in progress” story of a man settling in from L.A. back to Dayton. For 2 years and 2 months he has been back in the Miami Valley (not that he’s counting). It has given him time to reflect and process where he has been, and see how he can use those skills to further develop a career in his hometown.
Matthew Barnard grew up in Centerville, Ohio and moved to Los Angeles in the late 1990’s to pursue a love of all things entertainment. This included writing, acting, producing, directing with a heavy dose of improv and stand up comedy. After 16 years in the city of Angels, he came back home to Dayton in 2015. He has continued to feed his passion for comedy and entertainment, which is near and dear to his heart.
One example of his current works is getting familiar with the comedy scene in Ohio. Matt will be performing at Wiley’s Comedy Club on Sunday,
Matt at Wiley’s Comedy Joint
April 30 at 8 pm with lots of local comedians in an open mic format. He has recently performed there and other comedy clubs in Cincinnati, etc. It is really second nature for this seasoned artist.
MATT’S COMEDY and ENTERTAINMENT RESUME:
Matt trained in comedy at places like The Groundlings, ACME Comedy Theatre, Improv Olympic and Second City-Los Angeles. One of his long running improv groups was “Swordfight” which included comedians who had won Oscars in Animation. One of his comedy mentors, Peter Murrieta, is a two time Emmy winner as a comedy writer.
Matt (right) in a scene from “Spin the Bottle” on Youtube
Matt worked for Paramount Pictures music division, Dreamworks, The Hollywood Reporter, The Celebration Theatre (the longest running gay themed play and theatre company in LA) and the Writers Guild of America. He rubbed shoulders with many brilliant performers, some who went on to success, such as Tessa Thompson, who played the main love interest in the 2016 movie “Creed.”
FOND MEMORIES OF L.A.
Matt (right) in an Improv group in Hollywood
Matt always says “Comedy broke me out of my shell, expanded my perspective and made me willing to tap into any situation and never be afraid.”
He enjoyed living in LA during his late 20’s and 30’s, but as time went by, the big city can grind on anyone. After 16 years, it was his desire to return to his roots and begin new ventures. But coming home to the Midwest brings new challenges and new obstacles.
Being a gay man in L.A. was easy. So many people are “out.” and it’s no big deal. to find friends and network with people in show business who have an artistic streak.
Matt Barnard on the mic
Dating can be tougher when you are not in a big city and even if you are in a metropolis, dating that leads to committed relationships can be difficult as well. Matt used to say “it can be tough to find a great Regaytionship”. And a new term and company was born!
Earlier this year, Matt launched Regaytionships.com, a personalized match-making service for the LGBT community. For more info on membership, please visit Regaytionships.com or for marketing, blog, advertising, PR or other business related questions, please send an email to [email protected]. Or follow them on twitter.
It was this new confidence that lead him to write, create and co-star in his own scripted web series “Spin The Bottle” which was accepted by FunnyOrDie.com and has achieved over 600,000 hits. Another goal of Matt is to keep that series going, possibly with local filmmakers. He would also like to move on to other acting, writing and producing projects that he has up his sleeve.
Matt Barnard
Matt may have left the capital of entertainment behind, but it’s still deeply rooted in his heart and mind.
Come see Matt and other comics April 30th at open mic night. Eat, Drink and be Merry…
WILEYS COMEDY CLUB
101 Pine Street
Dayton OH 45402
937 224 5653
“SUNDAY COMICS”-APRIL 30th
$5 ADMISSION
Here is the food and drink menu at Wiley’s, may we suggest the Cheese Con Queso and the Pulled Pork Sliders as two “MUST EATS.”
Turn it into a Food Adventure.
Matt acting in his web series “Spin the Bottle”
We would be remiss if we didn’t ask Matt about his favorites…. comedy and foodwise …
Matt Barnards favorite comics:
Now of course we must ask him about his favorite restaurants…
Matts favorite restaurants in Dayton:
See you at the comedy club !!!!
Food Adventures is a local food blog run by Chef House, Hungry Jax and the Big Ragu. We leave no plate unturned. Original events, original weekly articles on MostMetro, an original website, and a Facebook following that will knock your socks off !
Matt Barnard at Wileys Comedy Joint
Gary Owen, local-ish comedian, is about to take over the world. Ok, he’s not super local, but he grew up in the Cincy area and now calls Cincinnati home, so that counts, right? Just say yes, and let’s keep it moving.
When he’s not yelling “Who Dey!”, Gary is making people laugh. Hysterically. A lot of people, actually, and they’ve been laughing for over a decade.
You may know him as Mr. Broccoli from Daddy Day Care, Zach the barber from House of Payne, or any number of his scene stealing movie roles. Don’t act like you weren’t hoping your boyfriend was taking notes during his role as Bennett in Think Like A Man (and Think Like A Man Too), we know better. We know.
But you have to take it back a little further. After high school, Gary enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After serving on the Presidential Honor Guard, he found comedy. Being named “Funniest Serviceman in America” was only the beginning. He quickly found a huge African American fan base and was named the “Funniest Black Comedian” in San Diego. Soon he could be seen gracing the stage of BET’s ComicView, with appearances that lead him to the hosting gig.
Now, it’s coming full circle. Once again, Gary answered when BET called, except this time, it was for his own reality tv show. A statement from BET reads as follows:
“Gary Owen is arguably Black America’s most beloved non-Black comic. He became part of the family as the first Caucasian man to host BET’s ComicView, and confirmed he was here to stay with his star turns in the Think Like A Man films, Ride Along and Meet The Blacks. He also starred in his own hit stand-up comedy specials including ‘I Agree With Myself,’ ‘True Story’ and the upcoming ‘I Got My Associates.’ Now, he brings his own interracial and blended family to BET in a 30-minute unscripted series that is colorful, truthful and hysterical. Gary Owen loves his wife so much, he wants to marry her again — and the path down the aisle is paved with non-stop laughter as he balances planning a wedding with raising his three rambunctious children and growing his white-hot career. ‘GARY OWEN FAMILY’ is produced by Bunim/Murray Productions. Bunim/Murray’s Gil Goldschein and Jeff Jenkins serve as executive producers along with Gary Owen, Stella Bulochnikov, Brian Sher and TIP ‘T.I.’ Harris,”
**Gary Owen Family is currently in production
You can catch Gary Owen at the Dayton Funny Bone (click for tix) this week, August 16 & 17 at 7:30pm. This is a special engagement and WILL sell out, so make sure you get your tickets. I’ve seen Gary perform dozens of times and I can promise you, this ticket will be worth every cent. He’s hilarious. Oh, and make sure you smile for the cameras.
Lucky for you, Dayton Most Metro has partnered with the Dayton Funny Bone to give away a few FREE tickets! We’ll hold the contest on our Facebook page, so keep an eye out!
**if you didn’t read that header in Gary Owen’s voice, go on ahead and look for his special, titled True Story and thank me later, after your abs heal from the laugh-crying.
The Black Box Improv Theater is proud to welcome Asperger’s Are Us to Dayton! After having Netflix pick up their documentary, these guys are touring all over the U.S. promoting it. Asperger’s Are Us is the first comedy troupe consisting of openly autistic people. We’re not a charity & we’re not poking fun at Asperger’s.
I had the pleasure of catching up with local funny guy, Trace Martin. He’s hosting the upcoming open mic night at Wiley’s, as well as other events all over town. I wanted to see what makes this new comedian tick, and where I can catch his next sets!
Q. What made you take the leap of faith to actually do your first stand-up gig?
A. I have been telling jokes since I was 11 years old, but writing and performing your own material, that was a different beast altogether. I have always loved stand-up and thought it would be fun to try to get laughs off of something I had written, not just being a goofball, although that still gets a laugh. Performing actual stand-up comedy is much harder than it looks. I wrote jokes for about 8 years, and made it my goal to perform before I turned 50 years old. I saw a guy do his set at the old Jokers Comedy Café and I wasn’t impressed, but he still got some laughs. I thought “Well hell, I can do better than that.” So I started writing my set and practicing in the bathroom mirror.
Q. Is doing stand-up intimidating or the ultimate rush?
A. Hosting a comedy show is actually a lot of work. Not only do you open the show – so you have to be funny right out of the gate – but you have to know how to warm up the audience, gauge the room and get them fired up to receive the upcoming comedians. Then you have to get each comedian’s name, a bit about them, and be witty on your feet, so you can introduce them in an interesting and funny way that helps them launch into their particular bits. There’s a lot of thought and planning that has to happen quickly, not to mention keeping the energy of the room going between acts.
Q. What is the inspiration of your material typically?
A. I have so much life experience to draw from… and I use it all. I served in the military as a Combat Engineer in the Army and I’ve worked for a police department in Colorado. Work-related stuff is fun because everyone has a work history, good or bad. I drink and have have done “experimental research” with various forms of mind-altering substances in the past, as a lot of people have. Those experiences are always great material. I have been married for 26 wonderful years and I get a lot material from that, because many can relate to that. My wife, Samantha, is also my writing partner, and a great sounding board for new material. She has been to enough comedy shows to know what works and what needs more work. We still make each other laugh every day.
Q. Who are your favorite comedians?
A. First and foremost, George Carlin. His observational humor captured my heart as a kid from the first time I saw him. Steve Martin gave me a love of slapstick and physical, goofy humor, from his early days on Saturday Night Live. Robin Williams gave me a love of improvisation – he could do it like no one else. Finally, Tim Allen, during his early stand-up comedy days, had such a great way of communicating “funny”, often without words. All of these guys still make me laugh to this day!
Q. What is the Dayton comedy scene like, especially for those who are new to going to comedy here?
A. The Comedy scene in Dayton is Fan-FREAKIN’-tastic!! Whether you’re a new comic or a seasoned veteran who wants to work on new material, you can get stage time 5 to 6 times a week at various clubs and venues around town. Sometimes you can hit 2 shows a night. If you like to enjoy laughing as a great evening out with friends, there are many Open Mic nights and comedy showcases happening all over Dayton, almost any day of the week! Check on Facebook for Dayton Comics for show listings, or any of the many other resources dedicated to local comedy.
Q. What do you hope to accomplish through your comedy?
A. I like to give people the opportunity to relax and laugh. So much of life is so serious these days. I like to make people laugh, in a way that stays with them, far after the show. I love to hear that people are still thinking of one of my bits days–even weeks–later, and still laughing about it. That gives me great satisfaction. Making a room full of strangers laugh is the the best thing ever!
Where to see Trace Martin perform this weekend:
Friday August 21st at Chimney’s of Oak Creek in Kettering. Show starts at 9pm. It’s BYOB with $5 admission. Residents get in free. If you haven’t been to a Chimney’s show… you just gotta! These shows are off the hook and usually sell out.
Saturday Aug 22nd, performing at 2pm at Samson’s Summerfest in Jamestown. $5 cover for entire day of music and comedy.
Sunday August 23rd at Wiley’s Comedy Joint in the Oregon District, Dayton. Show starts at 8pm and I get to Feature!! Mention Trace’s name when making reservations (@224-JOKE) and get in FREE! This will be a great evening of hilarity.
The Black Box Improv Theater