Brent Bowser’s unique style of comedy is all about defying expectations. He’s a sharp writer who enjoys tipping over sacred cows without talking down to audiences or sacrificing laughs. Most importantly, he’s a fiercely funny comedian who embraces his intelligence instead of running from it. Brent delivers killer sets at clubs, festivals, and comic book conventions across the Midwest. His album, Too Soon!, debuted in the top 10 on iTunes. Come celebrate Pride with Brent Bowser and Wiley’s Comedy Club!
Comedy
Brent Bowser at Wiley’s Comedy Club
Brent Bowser’s unique style of comedy is all about defying expectations. He’s a sharp writer who enjoys tipping over sacred cows without talking down to audiences or sacrificing laughs. Most importantly, he’s a fiercely funny comedian who embraces his intelligence instead of running from it. Brent delivers killer sets at clubs, festivals, and comic book conventions across the Midwest. His album, Too Soon!, debuted in the top 10 on iTunes. Come celebrate Pride with Brent Bowser and Wiley’s Comedy Club!
Brent Bowser at Wiley’s Comedy Club
Brent Bowser’s unique style of comedy is all about defying expectations. He’s a sharp writer who enjoys tipping over sacred cows without talking down to audiences or sacrificing laughs. Most importantly, he’s a fiercely funny comedian who embraces his intelligence instead of running from it. Brent delivers killer sets at clubs, festivals, and comic book conventions across the Midwest. His album, Too Soon!, debuted in the top 10 on iTunes. Come celebrate Pride with Brent Bowser and Wiley’s Comedy Club!
New Improv Class Starts Sunday
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.
Interview & Netflix Show!
Every Thursday from 8-10pm we’ll open the night with a volunteer interviewee from the audience. If you’d like to be interviewed, come with an open mind and remember to elaborate on (true) stories. The more detail the better the show! And the stories don’t need to be funny, so you don’t have to try! We’ll do that part 😉
After the interview, we’ll re-do your life from our POV…
After the intermission we present to you the Netflix Show. How many of you spend as much time searching for something to watch as you would actually watching a movie? We’re going to help you by reading an obscure movie description right from the app, and give our own version of the show! How will we choose? We’ll play the numbers game with your help!
Special Engagement with Vicki Barbolak
Vicki Barbolak is one of America’s funniest comedians. She was a fan favorite and top 10 finalist on Season 13 of America’s Got Talent in 2018 on NBC.
Howie Mandel told Vicki and America, “I think you just came up with your own sitcom, you’re wonderful I love you.” And Simon said, “I think you’re the best comedian we’ve had on this show.”
Vicki was also featured on the 2019 AGT Champions show.
When Vicki was 38 years young, she saw an ad for a stand-up comedy class. That class changed her life. Vicki quickly realized that making people laugh gave her more happiness than she ever dreamed possible. After a few years of open mic nights, Vicki was taken under the wing of Mitzi Shore, owner of The Comedy Store where Vicki developed as a Comedian. E! Entertainment, in its True Hollywood Story of the Comedy Store and its owner, Mitzi Shore, predicted Vicki would be the next “breakout star” to come out of that famed institution.
Drawing on her roller-coaster life of working in a family carpet business owned by her dad, a former Pittsburgh Steeler, dueling with ex-husbands who think alimony is an Italian ice-cream flavor and raising two great kids all while living in the ultra posh Vista Manor Trailer Park near San Diego. Vicki has created a comic persona that has earned her well-deserved praise. She is considered unique both in the character she has created as well as the fresh material she consistently delivers.
In 2007 Vicki won Nickelodeon’s “America’s Funniest Mom” show hosted by Roseanne Barr. Roseanne was so impressed that she hired Vicki as one of her writers and requested that Vicki open for her at the New York New York Casino in Las Vegas. In addition to being crowned as America’s Funniest Mom, Mark Ross and Bob Reid, Talent Coordinators for the Jay Leno Show selected Vicki for the 2010 Jay Leno Laugh Squad. Family Circle Magazine’s September 2011 Issue profiles Vicki as an Expert in Joke Telling for their feature article, “How to Do Anything Better”.
Vicki’s true story about performing Stand up at a funeral was included in Mark Schiff and Rich Snyder’s Best Selling Book, “I Killed, Road Stories from America’s Top Comics”.
Vicki was one of six comediennes winning a nationwide search for “Jenny’s Comedy Diva’s” on the Jenny Jones Show. Vicki also was the first winner of “California’s Funniest Female” Contest. Vicki is also the proud winner of the “Russian River Gay Comedy Festival.”
Since being on AGT, Vicki Barbolak has embarked on an international tour and is selling out shows everywhere.
*Two Item Minimum Per Ticket. All tickets are non refundable. Please place order on our website or at our box office during open hours. We currently do not take over the phone ticket orders*
Bellwether Music Festival Brings the Best of Alternative Rock to Renaissance Festival Grounds
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
MostMetro.com Giveaway:
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
Where To Get Your Laugh On This Week
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] .
Something to Laugh About
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
Kevin Farley, Funnybone & The Dublin Pub
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
