NYC singer-songwriter ‘Emmy Jo’ is teaming up with Dayton’s ‘The Bruins’ for a soulful night of music at Joui Wine. Emmy has amassed millions of streams with her 2021 single, “Yellow Year” and has continually put music out since. The Bruins are a 2024 Dayton Battle of the Bands finalist and have had a busy first year as a band.
local bands
Dayton Bar Stars – Gretchen Kelly
Gretchen Kelly, about to do some work…
The University of Dayton is an amazing asset for the city. It is one of the best Catholic universities in the country, educating roughly 10,000 students in a variety of disciplines. Their development has helped the city, from their incredible law and entrepreneurship programs to their basketball program with has drawn national attention. The school is continuing to grow, taking an active role in the rebirth of the Arcade downtown and providing a solid foundation for growing businesses around campus. The number of events that occur at the university, from small gatherings in the library to hosting the First Four, are staggering. It is not too much of an exaggeration to say if you go to an event at the University of Dayton, Gretchen Kelly has had some hand in the drinks being poured there.
Gretchen has been working at the University of Dayton for years, starting in the dining halls and working her way up to a supervisor for all of their catering. But when she has the opportunity, she is back with the staff pouring drinks for thirsty guests. To work some of the events there, she has one accolade that few other bartenders in the city can claim; Secret Service clearance. Serving some of the patrons at Flyer games requires clearance by some of the top officers in the country. You may have seen her more recently at The Main Event, the huge gala was thrown by the Dayton Metro Library to provide a sneak peek at their beautiful new library. You may have even noticed her at an Art Ball or two, bartending with Kohler Catering. Her skills are in high demand at some of the top events in the area. They are also in demand at the Oregon Express, where you can find her on the odd night mixing cocktails, pulling beers, and enjoying the live bands that toll through that venue.
Her radio show will be back in June, with unknown bands you need to hear.
If you have not been on the receiving end of her bartending abilities, it is possible you have enjoyed one of her other passions: working with musicians. She has been booking bands for years at notable venues like the Canal Street and her home bar, Oregon Express. Her bartending adventures have taken her as far as Loveland, OH, where she ran the stick for a bar owned by the head cheerleader for the Cincinnati Bengals. She is still booking talent at the Express, even as she is transitioning to a new format for her radio show. The station and the show will be launching in June. Her one-hour show will focus on up-and-coming unsigned bands from around the world.
Gretchen has been a staple at the University of Dayton for years, and it looks like she will be one for many more. From small breakfast meetings to an UD Arena filled to capacity, she will be there taking care of her guests with a smile. Yet another amazing asset at UD.
How did you get into bartending?
After three years as a server at the Oregon Express, they trained me as a bartender. I had four different people train me.
Gretchen with one of her loves.
What is your favorite drink to make?
A Chocolate Martini with the chocolate syrup swirled in the glass.
Which drink makes you internally cringe?
When it’s busy, anything with a blender!
Do you have a favorite spirit you like to work with?
Vodka, because you can mix it with anything.
When you go out for a drink in Dayton, where is your favorite place to go?
Too many places to name!
Who is the most famous person you have served?
Band members from LIVE and Collective Soul.
What do you do when you are not bartending?
Work some of my other jobs. I have an internet radio show (Can I get more information on this new venture?)
A small part of The Main Event Crew.
What are your favorite trends from the last year?
It seems more people are drinking Tullamore D.E.W., an Irish whiskey.
What trends do you see coming to Dayton over the next six months?
I will love any trend that does not require a blender.
What advice do you want to give bartenders just getting into the business?
The best way to learn is from other experienced bartenders. Then you can develop your own style of drinks.
What do you love most about Dayton?
Most everything!
Most interesting thing you have seen from behind the bar?
Tending bar at an event at the Boonshoft Museum and watching my friends slide down the slides while wearing evening gowns and tuxedos.
Getting ready to go at the Oregon Express.
How has bartending changed in the time you have been in the industry?
Too much technology at some places. It takes more time to ring up drinks on a system at times. Some of the pre-measuring takes away from the speed and unique techniques of a good bartender from making the perfect drink.
Any interesting stories about having to deal with a difficult customer?
I had a guy at a wedding once say to me ” If I get too drunk you are driving me home.” I replied, ” Here is your Coke.”
What do you wish customers knew that helped you do your job?
Do NOT to try and get our attention by saying “Hey baby.”
If you were not a bartender, what career would you be pursuing?
Bartending for me is like breathing. I have to bartend.
Stubbie’s in Vandalia: Beer, Bands and Bites + ***$20 gift Certificate CONTEST***
Try the Fajita Bites at Stubbies
Our Food Adventures Crew is normally talking about restaurant menus. In this case, we are talking about a popular Ohio band called “The Menus” who will be performing on Jan 25th at Stubbies Bar . Located at 722 W. National Road in Vandalia, Stubbie’s is a popular spot to see local bands and cut loose with some libations. The venue is set up perfectly for live music, seating 200 people with additional standing room for 100 more. The open atmosphere is casual and has a sports bar feel to it as well. Who wouldn’t love to “rock out” with some of Dayton’s finest bands while grabbing some good bar food?
Stubbies has a small menu, with some highlights. We have some Food Adventure suggestions to help you “eat to the beat.”
Our first recommendation is one of the unique appetizers offered by Stubbies called Fajita Bites. These deep fried treats are essentially a small egg roll type wrapper filled with steak, onions, green peppers and gooey cheese. Think of them as a kicked up version of pizza rolls. They are so good, you will be craving more. Tasting somewhat like a cross between a cheeseteak and a steak fajita, these spicy bites were easily our favorite appetizer at Stubbies. They are served with dipping sauces of cream cheese and salsa. We found the cream cheese dip to be the perfect accompaniment.
Pepperoni Thin Crust Pizza
Wings are also a favorite at Stubbies. Served hot, mild or BBQ, the wings are cooked just right. For a zesty tang with just a little sting, we suggest the hot flavored wings. Place your order and relax. With many TV’s around the bar and dining area, it can be the perfect place to grab some wings while watching your favorite sporting events.
Got a hungry group at your table? Stubbies offers thin crust pizza. Baked in a stone oven to ensure a crunchy crust, the pie may be topped with any or all of these ingredients: pepperoni, onions, sausage, mushroom, green peppers, banana peppers. Not a bad pairing with a pitcher of beer. Stubbies also offers chicken tenders, nachos, and your typical fried appetizers.
The menu is an added benefit, but the big attraction here is great live music and drink specials. Some of the drink specials include Imports for $2.25 on Wednesdays, $4 pitchers on Thursdays and $4 bombs on Sundays.
The staff is super-friendly. We especially enjoyed visiting with part owner Dennis Dorko who made us feel right at home. He told us that Stubbies is part of an upcoming charity event called the “Bud Light Barstool Open” on Saturday Feb 23rd which benefits United Rehabilitation services of Dayton. You can sign up for the event at Stubbies. The Bud Light Barstool Open is a fun indoor, miniature golf outing through 9 bars in the North Dayton area. Teams of four golfers travel from bar to bar completing a total of 9 holes to raise money for children & adults with disabilities. For 14 years Stubbies has helped sponsor this event, and owners Dennis Dorko and Steve Skinner will continue to support this great cause.
Stubbies in Vandalia on 722 W. National Rd
Make sure you put Stubbies on your concert radar and check out some of the area’s best live bands. Don’t miss the hugely popular group, “The Menus,” on Friday Night Jan 25th. The stage setup, comfortable seating, full service bar and food offered, make Stubbies a perfect place to see this gig with some friends. Want to get your rock fix even sooner? Visit Stubbies this Saturday for the band Ithika and grab some fajita bites. Other upcoming bands include: Detrimental on Jan. 26, DJ Ryan on Feb. 1, Bad Mojo on Feb. 2, DC Connection on Feb. 8 and Loudhouse on Feb. 9.
Dont forget to “like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE !
WANT TO WIN A $20 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO STUBBIES ?? Use the entry form below and comment below on this article to enter and tell us why you should win or why you love Stubbies. A winner will be chosen at random on Monday!
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