Comedy

Comedian Ryan Singer – Home For The Holiday

December 17, 2019 By Dayton Most Metro

Ryan Singer is the rarest of breeds: A comic’s comic who electrifies mainstream audiences with material that is both uncompromising and unpretentious. LaughSpin says, “With his high-energy delivery and unpretentious leanings, there’s not a lot to dislike about comedian Ryan Singer. And it’s not just us saying it: In the last few years, he’s won over audiences headlining the nation’s finer comedy clubs and was hailed by Marc Maron in Rolling Stone as a comedian “Who Should Be Big.”

Ryan has released his 3rd full-length album IMMORTAL FOR NOW after his debut album HOW TO GET HIGH WITHOUT DRUGS and sophomore release COMEDY WONDER TOWNwere selected as Top 10 Comedy CD’s of the year (2010 & 2012). He is the creator and host of one of the top Science & Medicine podcasts on iTunes, ME & PARANORMAL YOU, the twice-weekly mindcast (podcast) in which he has in-depth interviews with people who possess paranormal abilities or have had extraordinary experiences. He was selected by LA Weekly as one of “10 LA Comics to Watch” for 2014, was mentioned in NY Magazine as a “Comic to Watch,” was one of 4 finalists in the original CMT’s Next Big Comic Contest, is a frequent guest on the WTF Podcast w/Marc Maron and the Bob & Tom Show, and his joke “United Snacks of America” has over 7.5 million listens on Pandora.

Wiley’s Comedy Club

101 Pine Street in the Oregon District

(937) 224-5653

Fri, Dec 20, 2019 8:00 PM

Sat, Dec 21, 2019 7:15 PM 9:30 PM

Tickets $10 plus a 2 item minimum

Comedian George Lopez One Night Stand

October 14, 2019 By Dayton Most Metro

George Lopez’s multi-faceted career encompasses television, film, standup comedy, and late night television. Lopez is currently on the road, bringing his stand up comedy tour to arenas across the country. He also recently completed his standup comedy tour, The Comedy Get Down, with Eddie Griffin, D.L. Hughley, and Cedric the Entertainer. The comedians also debuted their BET scripted comedy series based on their tour.

Queen of Comedy at Funny Bone This Weekend

August 2, 2019 By Lisa Grigsby

When of the cool things about Dayton is how small town it really is. Today I was at the WDTN Studio to promote the Legends for Relief Concert, featuring Dayton’s hometown funk bands- The Ohio Players, Zapp, the Original Lakeside and Steve Arrington. I turn around and there is the Queen of Comedy, Sommore, ready to promote her shows this weekend at the Dayton Funny Bone. We go way back, as she played my old club Jokers many times back in the day.

For those of you who might not know her- you should! She is one of America’s top comedic female entertainers. With a winning combination of class and sass, Sommore offers audiences a hilarious, yet piercing look at today’s issues from a woman’s perspective. She is frank and fearless in her routines, tackling topics that range from the mundane to the controversial with wit, intelligence and style.

Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Sommore has had a meteoric rise to the top of her field and has been a trailblazer for women in the comedy business. She was the first woman to host BET’s ”Comic View,” presiding over the 1994-1995 season, and in 1995, she received the Richard Pryor Award for Comic of the Year. She also has hosted Russell Simmons’ “Def Comedy Jam,” and “Showtime at the Apollo.” She was part of the record-breaking “Queens of Comedy” tour in 2000, which garnered Sommore a wider fan base and got her registered in Guinness’ Book of World Records when she performed to a captivated audience of more than 50,000 people in Atlanta, Georgia. The 2001 made-for-television movie based on that tour was the highest-rated and longest running special in the history of the Showtime Network.

In 2002, Sommore made her film debut in Friday After Next. She has also been featured in a number of other films including, Family Reunion (2002), Soul Plane (2004), Something New (2006), and Dirty Laundry (2007).

While we were both waiting to go on, we had a quick chance to catch up and I asked her what comes to mind when she comes back to Dayton:

“I’m from a small city in New Jersey (Trenton) so Dayton reminds me a lot of my city. Im always excited to see the upgrades in the city. The new amphitheater downtown is beautiful. Also, Dayton is definitely a comedy town… the audiences are smart, educated and well rounded. They get it..”

Beside club work- what else are you working on ?

“Besides work, keeping my weight down is a part time job. It’s a daily battle, to eat bread or not to eat bread!! “

What question do you get asked over and over again?

“About a Queens of Comedy Reunion. Although I think that it would be exciting, I also feel that it was done in a period that can’t and shouldn’t be duplicated.”

What’s your one indulgence you allow yourself on the road?

“On the road I shop and try to find the nearest cupcake shop!! I cant believe how major cupcakes are and I’m here for it!! “

What do you look forward to doing the most when you get back home to Miami after a road gig?

“Believe it or not, when I get back home I look forward to my BED!! Don’t get me wrong I love hotel life but my bed is KING and EVERYTHING!”

Catch her at the Funny Bone tonight through Sunday. Shows at 7:30 & 10pm tonight and Saturday, one show Sunday at 7:30pm

Standup Comedian Billy Gardell Coming To Taft Theatre

May 14, 2019 By Dayton Most Metro

As a standup comedian, Billy Gardell took the long road to Hollywood, stopping at every small town lounge, military base, and comedy club along the way. His comedy act took him to Los Angeles where his dedication to acting, along with touring as a stand-up comedian, allowed him to grow consistently in both arenas. His stand-up show is a powerhouse. His grounded, down-to-earth point of view strikes a strong chord with American audiences. Stories about his rough childhood, wild adolescence, and new family life are executed with the skill of a master craftsman.

Emmy-nominated actor and comedian Billy Gardell starred in the CBS hit television series, “Mike & Molly” as Officer Mike Biggs from 2010-2016. “Mike & Molly” continues to air in syndication to this day. Billy currently has a recurring role on another CBS hit series, “Young Sheldon.”

In 2016 he received a daytime Emmy nomination as best gameshow host forMonopoly Millionaires Club.

Before “Mike & Molly,” Gardell co-starred in the critically acclaimed television series “Lucky.” His other television credits include “Yes Dear” and “Judging Amy,” on the Network, “My Name is Earl,” “The Practice,” “Monk,” and “Gary the Rat.”

He made his major motion picture debut alongside Anthony Quinn and Sylvester Stallone in “Avenging Angelo,” and had a memorable scene with Billy Bob Thornton in the Cohen Brother’s film “Bad Santa.” He also appeared in “You, Me & Dupree.”

As a standup comic, his comedy specials, “Billy Gardell: Halftime,” premiered on Comedy Central and “Billy Gardell Presents Road Dogs” premiered on Showtime.

A native of Pittsburgh who currently lives in Los Angeles, Gardell loves Steeler football, stand-up comedy and his wife Patty, and son Will.

Reserved tickets: $65.00, $45.00 & $35.00 (plus applicable fees), go on sale Friday, May 17^th at 11am at www.tafttheatre.org, the Taft Theatre Box Office, and www.ticketmaster.com.

Where To Get Your Laugh On This Week

April 7, 2019 By Guest Contributor

Dayton IS the comedy scene! Comedy fan Cal Westray has pulled together this list of laughs for the upcoming week:

Monday 8th:

The Barrel- 857 W. Central in Springboro.Open Mic with Nate Jenkins (Every Monday) 7pm

Tuesday 9th:

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.

Wednesday 10th:

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.

Thursday 11th:

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.

Friday 12th:

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.

Saturday 13th

Wiley’s Comedy Club in the Oregon District: Rich Ragains

Dayton Funny Bone at The Greene: Jackie Fabulous

Sunday 14th:

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] .

Comedian Tim Allen

February 7, 2019 By Dayton Most Metro

Everyone’s favorite tool man is coming to Cincinnati this year.

Tim Allen is best known for his iconic roles in “Home Improvement” and “Toy Story,” and as the current star of the TV show “Last Man Standing.”

This summer, he’ll reprise his role as Buzz Lightyear in the fourth and (allegedly) final “Toy Story.”

He’s also spending the summer on stage in Cincinnati. Allen’s stand-up show is coming to the Aronoff Center inside Proctor & Gamble Hall.

The show is June 22 at 7 p.m.

Tickets go on sale at 10 am on Friday. You’ll be able to get them here.

Laugh More: A New Year’s Resolution that can make you happier and healthier

January 1, 2019 By Guest Contributor

New Year’s resolutions are supposed to make you a better person, but that’s contingent on following through. Falling short can make you feel worse than you did when the ball dropped. My resolution for 2018 was to stop using social media (while driving my car) and I still remember the January 2^nd red light that broke me. Start 2019 with a resolution that is easy to stick to, will make you healthier and is scientifically proven to make you happier: laugh more.

So much of what we consume leaves us feeling worse. Cable news is an industry that thrives off making people angry and scared, and it’s never been more popular. Social media has permeated the daily fabric of our lives but usually leaves you feeling lonelier. Sure, it’s swell when Facebook connects you with an old classmate, but it’s less fun when it connects your youth soccer coach with your college roommate’s fiancé in an ever-lasting debate about climate change. Instagram is great to look at pictures of your brother’s cool dog, but it becomes miserable when someone else’s meticulously curated feed serves as a drumbeat of your own shortcomings.

We can combat this by laughing more. Walking inspirational posters might tell you laughter is the best medicine, but that’s patently false. No one is fighting a staph infection with Mad-Libs. But laughter is still scientifically proven to make you happier and healthier. The science is out there, if you’re on the fence. Laughter acts as an antidepressant, is central to relationships, forms social bonds contagiously, releases endorphins and fosters connectivity.

And when you laugh, share it with someone. When you laugh with another person, you make a real connection that is becoming more rare by the day at a time when we’ve never needed it more.

As a stand-up comedian, this is the part where I tell you that you can start this Friday and Saturday at Wiley’s Comedy Club in the Oregon District. In a world spent increasingly more behind screens, it’s a special feeling to be in a room full of people, doing something real and sharing a fun night with a group of strangers. But you don’t have to go to a comedy club to make this resolution work, just make it part of your day.

Stop taking yourself so seriously, and brighten someone’s day by sharing an embarrassing story. When you catch yourself spending too much time crafting a selfie, send the awful one to a friend. Take a break during lunch to share your favorite dad joke with a co-worker (what’s red and smells like green paint? Red paint!). Start listening to a comedy podcast while you’re in the car and start watching The Good Place on Netflix.

Looking for the funny is an active choice. There is no shortage of terrible news stories and trends to fill your life with dread. The world is also full of hilarious moments, funny stories and great jokes. You get to choose how you fill your world.

Mark Chalifoux is a stand-up comedian who will be headlining at Wiley’s Comedy Club in the Oregon District on January 4 and 5. He’s been featured on FOX and IFC and on the Bob and Tom radio show. His debut comedy album, “Think Fast”, was released in August and opened at #2 on iTunes. His jokes have been read in Reader’s Digest and heard on SiriusXM.

Wiley’s Comedy Club Showtimes for Mark Chalifoux:
101 Pine Street, Dayton OH 45402
Click the links to make reservations.

Fri, Jan 4, 2019 . 8:00 PM

Sat, Jan 5, 2019 7:15 PM 9:30 PM

Lewis Black Joke’s On Us Tour

October 22, 2018 By Dayton Most Metro

Following the highly successful 2018 “The Joke’s On Us Tour,” Lewis Black has added Spring 2019 dates to the tour. He’ll be in Cincinnati on Saturday, March 23 at 8pm
Taft Theatre. His live performances provide a cathartic release of anger and disillusionment for his audience. He is a passionate performer who is a more pissed-off optimist than a mean-spirited curmudgeon. Lewis is the rare comic who can cause an audience to laugh themselves into incontinence while making compelling points about the absurdity of our world.

The GRAMMY Award-winning, stand-up comedian, is one of the most prolific and popular performers working today. He executes a brilliant trifecta as a stand-up comedian, actor and author. Receiving critical acclaim, he performs more than 200 nights annually, to sold-out audiences throughout Europe, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. He is one of a few performers to sell out multiple renowned theaters, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Brooks Atkinson Theatre, New York City Center, the Main Stage at the Mirage in Las Vegas and most recently, a sold-out Broadway run at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City.

Reserved tickets: $65.00, $49.50 & $39.50 (plus applicable fees), go on sale Friday, October 26 at 11AM at www.tafttheatre.org, the Taft Theatre Box Office, and www.ticketmaster.com. Charge by phone at 1.800.745.3000.

Black’s live performances provide a cathartic release of anger and disillusionment for his audience. He is a passionate performer who is a more pissed-off optimist than a mean-spirited curmudgeon. Lewis is the rare comic who can cause an audience to laugh themselves into incontinence while making compelling points about the absurdity of our world.

LEWIS BLACK came into national prominence with his appearances on THE DAILY SHOW in 1996. Those appearances on THE DAILY SHOW led to comedy specials on HBO, Comedy Central, Showtime and Epix. In 2001, he won Best Male Stand-Up at the American Comedy Awards. He has released eight comedy albums, including the 2007 GRAMMY Award-winning The Carnegie Hall Performance. He won his second GRAMMY Award for his album Stark Raving Black and has published three bestselling books: Nothing’s Sacred (Simon & Schuster, 2005), Me of Little Faith (Riverhead Books, 2008) and I’m Dreaming of a Black Christmas (Riverhead Books, 2010). In 2012, he performed eight sell-out shows at Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway as well as did one of his two HBO Specials BLACK ON BROADWAY. In 2015, Black notably voiced the character “Anger” in the Academy Award winning film from Pixar, “Inside Out.”

Additionally, Lewis Black does a live streaming show on Audible called THE RANT IS DUE. There is behind-the-scenes moments from the Lewis Black tour bus, as well as occasional phone calls to the people behind the rants. From hate for pickles to disdain for online dating, this show channels the rage of 300 million neighbors and truly has something for everybody. More show info can be found here.

Family Friendly Show with Comedian Greg Warren

September 20, 2018 By Lisa Grigsby

Comedian Greg Warren is a favorite on the Bob & Tom radio show who has also appeared on “The Late Late Show” and “Comedy Central Presents.” I’ve known Greg since back in the day when he was an emcee at my old club Jokers Comedy Cafe, when he still had a full time job at Procter & Gamble where he managed Jif Peanut Butter and Pringles.

When he told me was quitting his day job to become a comic full time I was nervous for him. But I needn’t have been. Greg moved up quickly in the comedy world, and in 2002 he was tapped to appear at the Montreal’s prestigious Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in 2002. He appeared on the New Faces of Comedy showcase and then went on to earn an appearance on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend.

In 2009 he had his own Comedy Central Presents 1/2 hour special. Taped at the Hudson Theatre in the heart of New York City’s Times Square, I still remember sitting in the audience of that taping, so proud of the comic he’d become since his early Jokers days.

Here’s one of his most famous bits from his early days: FluteMan

He’s continued to grow as a comic, adding appearing on BET’s Coming to the Stage on CMT Comedy Stage, on NBC’s Last Comic Standing and CBS’s The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson as well as being heard on Sirius/XM Comedy. His comedy albums Running Out of Time(Sept 2013) and One Star Wonder(June 2009) hit #3 and #6 respectively in iTunes Top Comedy Albums.

He’ll be appearing at the Dayton Funny Bone this weekend this Friday through Sunday for his regular stand up show, but Sunday at 4pm he’ll be doing a special family friendly comedy show. It’s a rare comic than can do comedy that entertains a late night audience, then turn around and so a show that is family friendly and not cheesy. Greg has mastered this and you can check out some of this show and hear what folks think of this show:

Catch Greg Warren this weekend:

Dayton Funny Bone at The Greene

88 Plum St, Dayton, OH 45440

Friday & Saturday 7:30 & 10pm

Sunday 7:30pm

Family Friendly Show Sunday 4pm

Sideshow 13 – An Artistic Extravaganza

May 23, 2018 By LIbby Ballengee

The annual music and art extravaganza Sideshow is being held again at Yellow Cab Tavern (700 E 4th St, Dayton Ohio) this weekend on May 25th from 5pm‐1am and May 26th from 3pm‐1am. Admission is free! All ages are welcome too.

Sideshow is celebrating its 13th anniversary of creating a free show of Art and Music that all ages can enjoy. Sideshow is run entirely by volunteers and uses fundraisers and donations to offset the cost of hosting a show featuring more than 100 local artists and musicians.

This event will be the biggest Sideshow yet with sculpture, painting, music, performers, wrestling, dancers, comedy, food trucks, local brews, photography and much more. It will also feature a special Kid’s Sideshow portion. Over the years this has become an event that draws creators from all backgrounds, all levels of skill and all media. Fostering an open creative environment that will grow talent of all kinds has been the organizer’s goal from the start.

Yellow Cab Tavern is a community art space and music venue in Dayton, Ohio in the Motor Car District near the Oregon District. Formerly, home to a taxi business for more than 40 years, they now host a variety of events – art shows, live music, food truck rallies and much more.

Music Schedule:

Friday Main Stage
7:00pm-7:40pm John Dubuc and the Guilty Pleasures
7:40pm-8:20pm NOVAGOLD
8:20pm-9:00pm The Repeating Arms
9:00pm-9:40pm The Zygotes
9:40pm-10:20pm Nasty Bingo
10:20pm-11:00pm The New Old Fashioned
11:00pm-11:40pm Bribing Senators
11:40pm-12:20am Todd the Fox
12:20am-1:00am Dip Spit vs. Duderus

Friday Acoustic Stage
7:00pm-7:40pm Max B Greene
7:40pm-8:20pm Mandy Jewell
8:20pm-9:00pm Doug Nichols
9:00pm-9:40pm Steve Makofka
9:40pm-10:20pm Sam Stone
10:20pm-11:00pm Rich Reuter
11:00pm-11:40pm McGuff and the Dumpster Fires
11:40pm-12:20am Ryan Jones
12:20am-1:00am The Typical Johnsons

Saturday Main Stage
5:00pm-5:40pm Evil Eye Gypsy
5:40pm-6:20pm The Vibe
6:20pm-7:00pm Lord Kimbo/Flam Feeva
7:00pm-7:40pm Enzo
7:40pm-8:20pm Thank The Maker
8:20pm-9:00pm Neo American Pioneers
9:00pm-9:40pm The 1984 Draft
9:40pm-10:00pm Scarecrow Sideshow
10:20pm-11:00pm Stella’s Demise
11:00pm-11:40pm Dark Backward
11:40pm-12:20am Burn the Dead
12:20am-1:00am Far From Eden

Saturday Acoustic Stage
5:00pm-5:40pm Achilles Tenderloin
5:40pm-6:20pm Debbie DeCasio
6:20pm-7:00pm Moringa Moon
7:00pm-7:40pm Chris Ball
7:40pm-8:20pm Boo Lee Crosser
8:20pm-9:00pm Vincent Holiday
9:00pm-9:40pm Dan Sebree
9:40pm-10:00pm XL247
10:20pm-11:00pm Sharon Lane
11:00pm-11:40pm Dayton Poetry Slam
11:40pm-12:20am Dayton Poetry Slam
12:20am-1:00am Kevin Milner

Visual Artists Featured:
Bradley the Dark
Cherry Fullam
Chris Corn
Christina Lewis
Christine Gaffney
Coco Birdi
David Kenworthy
Elysia Pritchett
Gary Mitchell
Grant Nikanowicz
Hannah Jones
Heather Lea Reid
Jackie Wagner
Jen Dyke
Jenny J. Ink
Jess Fecke
Jess Gilbert
Joe Augustin
Josh Arnold
Kara McCray
Lauren Wantz
Mal Thokey
Marishah Paddock
Matthew Reynolds
Megan Fiely
Melanie Dufresne
Michelle Carr
Mikee Huber
Nashonba Hostina
Phil Preston
Reilly Stasienko
Ron Rollins
Samantha Farkas
Sarah Mackenzie
Seth Ratliff
Summer Rose Fig
Tara Moore
Tiffany Hunter
Tom Gilliam
Travis Waller
Wendy Wagener-Harris
Whitney Marie

Something to Laugh About

May 7, 2018 By Lisa Grigsby

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

Funny By Any Pronunciation

February 22, 2018 By Tabari McCoy

Pronounced “Shall-Lee-Foo,” his last name – C–H–A–L–I–F–O–U–X – has given those taking those taking the stage before him trouble for years. Now, the Cincinnati-based comedian aims to make audiences remember not only his name, but how funny the man behind it is when Wiley’s Comedy Joint this Friday, Feb. 23 and Saturday, Feb. 24.

A regular at the world-famous Comic Strip Live during his time in New York City, Chalifoux’s accolades are those of a comedian that has worked to earn his keep at his craft. A featured past performer at both the Limestone Comedy Festival in Bloomington, Ind. and Laughing Skull Comedy Festival in Atlanta among others, Chalifoux has also been featured on The Bob & Tom Show as well as BBC Radio. Additionally, his jokes have been heard on Sirius/XM radio, featured in Reader’s Digest and he’s written for ESPN.com.

Now that he’s served his time in the trenches of the city he calls “comedy college,” Chalifoux is excited to be back home in the state where his career started years ago.

“I loved New York City. I loved living there and I loved doing standup there; the mix of audiences and venues is incredible and the amount of incredible talent you’re alongside in the trenches is inspiring,” Chalifoux says, speaking of the city he called his “comedy college.” “At the same time, there are certain lifestyle things NYC isn’t the best for and there are things outside of comedy I wanted in life, so moving back to Ohio once my family grew made the most sense.”

Chalifoux’s on-stage persona is much like his off-stage, a fact he knows sometimes comes as a shock to those who think of comedians as wild and crazy individuals that are always “on.” A married father of two daughters, Chalifoux credits his domesticated lifestyle for giving him a “wealth” of material seeing how “I’m home with the kids a lot and constantly failing in new and increasingly embarrassing ways.”

Saying stand-up has instilled “a deep love and respect for jokes in me,” Chalifoux says being a married stand-up comic that doesn’t party hard on the road does come with its share of pros and cons.

“It’s much worse to be the unbearably obnoxious guy trying to be funny in every conversation. I do it professionally, so I’m not trying to prove myself to people around a water cooler,” he says. “In terms of wild road stories, I do miss out on that a bit. When I’m gone for a weekend, I try to treat it professionally, and spend most of the days holed up in a coffee shop somewhere writing jokes … After spending a chunk of my 20s in a city with reliable public transportation and spending most nights in bars/nightclubs drinking for free, you have to get a handle on that.”

Now preparing to release his debut stand-up comedy album this year, Chalifoux promises to deliver a mix of entertaining stories and observations from the mind of a man trying to make people “laugh a lot and forget all their BS for a few hours.”

“I don’t do a ton of observational/topical stuff – there’s Twitter for that – so audiences can expect to see a lot of jokes at my expense. I’m also not going to be up there doing ‘Git-R-Done’ jokes or talking about my penis a lot (only a tasteful amount),” he says. “I’m also bringing two terrific comedians with me in Josh O’Neill and Molly Hartzell, who are both hilarious. So, audiences can expect a lot of jokes … And maybe cookies.”

THE DETAILS

WHO: Mark Chalifoux with opening acts Molly Hartzell and Josh O’Neill

WHERE: Wiley’s Comedy Joint, 101 Pine Street, Dayton, OH 45402
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28; 7:15 and 9:30 p.m., Saturday Feb. 24

COST: $10

FOR MORE INFORMATION: (937) 224-5653 or http://www.wileyscomedy.com/events/21783

MIDWEST-MADE FUNNYMAN

January 14, 2018 By Dayton Most Metro

MIDWEST-MADE FUNNYMAN
Ricarlo Flanagan to headline Wiley’s Comedy Club Saturday, Feb. 3

At 6’3” with a deep voice to match his frame, Ricarlo Flanagan might seem like an imposing figure at a glance. But to hear the Cleveland-born, Michigan raised comedian tell it, his presence is simply the doorway to getting to know the real him.  “I’m also fat or husky as they like to say, so my weight gives me a look (that’s) kinda jolly to most people,” Flanagan says. “That allows me to connect my personality to the crowd.”

Flanagan plans on bringing all his personality – and a collection of jokes – when he headlines Wiley’s Comedy Joint next month.

Joined by host Meldon Williams and feature act (and MostMetro.com film reviewer) Tabari McCoy, Flanagan takes the stage for two shows at 7:15 and 9:30 pm Saturday, Feb. 3. Flanagan, who gained national stand-up exposure in 2015 on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, has also ventured out into the acting world with roles here and there– his size often serving as a key component of his character.

That should explain why he enjoyed his roles a security guard on an episode of The Mick on Fox and as a bouncer on The Carmichael Show, he’s proudest of his recurring role as Davey, a new friend of Debbie (Emma Kenney) who always had some advice for her in a humorous fashion.

Calling acting a “great” experience overall, Flanagan sees his character on the show relationship to Debbie similarly to the way he approaches his act on stage.

“That’s kind of who I am as a person. I’m always saying something uncomfortable or let the air out of the room,” he says. “The things I may say may be uncomfortable, but there’s some good advice between that’s framed in a way you can enjoy it.”

Flanagan hasn’t “gone Hollywood” by any means, though, saying the biggest difference he’s notice between the Midwest and Los Angeles deals with the state of people’s mentalities towards their own image. “People in the Midwest seem to be at peace with aging with grace. People in LA want to look 21 at 60 – also it’s not cold out west; it’s cold as Jarred Kushner’s heart in Michigan.”

Now ready to play the oldest comedy club in Ohio, Flanagan appreciates the chance to perform again back in the Midwest.

“I can feel the history in the room. Some of the best have put 10 toes down on that stage and it inspires me to leave my mark,” he says. “People who enjoy comedy in its purest form should come out because I have every intention of leaving you with an experience that will stick with you for a lifetime.

Want to know what experience has stuck with Flanagan? It might not be what you expect – but it’s one he still appreciates.

“I saw (actresses) Nicole Ari Parker and Salli Richardson in the same day … A single tear comes out of my eye every time I think about it.”

THE FACTS

Who: Ricarlo Flanagan
Where: Wiley’s Comedy Joint, 101 Pine St., Dayton, OH 45402
When: 7:15 and 9:30 pm, Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018
Cost: $10 in advance; $15 at the door
For tickets and more information: Visit Wiley’s website or call (937) 224-5653.

Award-Winning Comedian & DMM Movie Writer Headlines Wiley’s Thurs, Sept. 7TH

September 1, 2017 By Dayton Most Metro

You know him from his movie reviews on our very own site … But did you know that Tabari McCoy is an award-winning stand-up comedian, too?

He would like you to consider this your official invite to see for yourself just why audiences have enjoyed having him make them laugh for over a decade.

McCoy (Laughs on Fox; Pandora Radio) headlines a night of Queen City comedy live at the historic Wiley’s Comedy Club at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7^th. This will be McCoy’s first time headlining Ohio’s oldest home for stand-up comedy, which is now proudly celebrating its 35^th year with brand new ownership and a new – but still entertaining! – direction.

McCoy, who was one of several “Rusty Nail” award winners for developing stand-up comics at the 2008 Rooftop Comedy Festival in Aspen, Colo., has also performed at the SF Sketch Fest in San Francisco, Gilda’s Laugh Fest in Grand Rapids, MI and the initial Limestone Comedy Festival in Bloomington, IN. His debut album, Laughing with a Panther (2013 RooftopComedy), was released in physical and digital form to outlets including iTunes and Amazon Music on his birthday on Dec. 3, 2013.

McCoy, who says his comedy represents “an average man with average frustrations and successes in sometimes non-average situations and observations to boot,” can’t wait to take the stage at Wiley’s.

“Wiley’s was one of the first clubs I performed at when I was starting out and to have the chance to headline there, even just for a night, is phenomenal. The new management is putting in effort to put on quality shows, which is why I brought two former Funniest Person in Cincinnati winners to open the show,” he says. “Then again, I never won that contest and in the words of Busta Rhymes, ‘look at me now’ – I’m the headliner! Now please buy a ticket – I have to pay Bank of America the money they keep saying I owe them!”

Ran Barnaclo

Chris Weir

Opening the show is 2017 Funniest Person in Cincinnati contest winner and Wiley’s Sunday Comics regular Ran Barnaclo; the feature act for the show is 2014 Funniest Person in Cincinnati winner Chris Weir. Weir also writes for Future Science, an award-winning, live, sketch comedy show a monthly show held at a music venue in downtown Cincinnati.

Wiley’s Comedy Joint is located at 101 Pine Street, Dayton OH 45402. Tickets to the show are $10 in advance or $15 at the door (doors to the show open at 7:30 p.m.). To purchase tickets or for more information, visit https://www-wileyscomedy-com.seatengine.com/shows/62666.

Ladyfest Celebrates Dayton’s Female Creatives!

August 22, 2017 By Dayton Most Metro

This weekend, don’t miss out on Ladyfest Dayton, the music & art festival that highlights the fabulous women of Dayton! The annual celebration is hosted over Labor Day weekend at Yellow Cab Tavern. Organizers state that they hope to bring together and inspire people through music, art, and education. While the festival itself is a celebration of women in the arts, their goal is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of gender identity.

Attending Ladyfest is not just cool, it’s also a way to give back directly to the community. Past Ladyfests have benefited PUSH Dayton, Artemis Center, and Planned Parenthood. In 2015, the festival raised $6,584.14 for WE CARE ARTS. In 2016 they raised $8,300 for the Dayton YWCA Shelter Services. LADYFEST 2017 will benefit Oak Tree Corner.

Keep scrolling for details on how to go to the event, who will be there, and what to enjoy!

How to Go:

FRIDAY SEPT 1: 7pm-1am
SATURDAY SEPT 2: 5pm-1am

at Yellow Cab Tavern

Cost: $10 pre-sale

Children under 12 are free

Friday September 1st, 2017

8pm – Spanish Tony Sanchez
8:30 – Cricketbows
9 – Team Void
9:30 – ThunderTaker
10 – Fairmount Girls
10:30 – Counterfeit Madison
11 – Enzo
11:30 – Mary Lynn
12 – SKRT
12:30 – Yikes a Band

From Ladyfest 2016

Saturday September 2nd, 2017

5:30pm – Talking About the Young Sound Showcase
6:30 – Rite of Venus
7 – Kyleen Downes Band
7:30 – Jess Lamb and The Factory.
8 – Lipstick Fiction
8:30 – Calamity Day
9 – Cherubim
9:30 – The Jettisons
10 – Moira
10:30 – Jasper the Colossal
11 – Lung
11:30 – Ladyfest Announcements/Thank yous
11:45 – Erika Wennerstrom
12:30 – Abertooth Lincoln

Visual Art Presented by:
Presley Wells
Ava Roseberry
Johnna LaFaith
Whitney Marie
Sam Chamberlain
Viktoria K Dekay
Jes McMillan
Erin Manning
Fe Meier
Amber Gwin
Amberlynne Crain
Aria-Blair Bottorff
Emily Lux
Erica Blackstock
Gabrielle Renee Ross
Hannah Buchanan
Jimmy Nabler
Kara Macko
Kelsey Lynn Tyree
Theresa F Lopez
Jen Dyke
Alyshia Alagiak Osborn
Michelle A. Carr
Clara Coleman
Chyanne Moore
Ellen Bukvic
Misty Dawn Brothers
Jess Fecke
Tiffany Clark
Kelsey Esken
Jordan Contway
Abigail Ryan Carpenter
Rachael Lare

Khrys Blank, Sharon A. Lane and Jennifer Taylor at Ladyfest 2016.

Local Vendors:
Lady Creepshow Couture, Jessica Dubis Jewelr,
Dottie P, Miss Motleys, Moonlit Glass
Pam’s Stepping Stones, Ohio Henna,
Flower Child Face Painting Co,
Lissa Lush, Rusty Clementine, Quilted Kat
Pining For Signs, Earthly Rearrangements ,
Tasha’s Common Scents, Barefoot Girl Soap Company ,
lstonerocksesigns ,Vintage Lady Vinyl

Food Trucks:

Zombie Dogz

Wicked ‘Wich

Comedy Showcase hosted by Karen Jaffe

Poetry Showcase from Dayton Poetry Slam
CeCe, Nicole Combs Alex Montgomery, Tina Puntasecca, Sima, Quiet Storm, Page Turner, Furaha, Kaity Lovitt. Sydny, CoCo

Acoustic Stage
Mandy Jewell , Pamela Baugham
Kat & Geoff, Blossom Hall
Kate Wakefield , Georgia Goad, Moriah Haven , Sharon Lane, Reyna Spears

Los Angeles Comic Comes Home to Dayton Roots

April 25, 2017 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

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:

Ellen DeGeneres
Kathy Griffin
Ross Matthews
Joan Rivers
Margaret Cho

Now of course we must ask him about his favorite restaurants…

Matts favorite restaurants in Dayton:

Roost
Carrabas
China Cottage
Amar India
His Moms Kitchen – she makes a great shepard’s pie

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