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Comedy

New Improv Class Starts Sunday

January 16, 2020 By Lisa Grigsby

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.

 

Filed Under: Comedy Tagged With: Comedy, Improv, Karen Jaffe

Interview & Netflix Show!

September 5, 2019 By Lisa Grigsby

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!

Tagged With: Comedy, The Black Box Improv Theater

Special Engagement with Vicki Barbolak

August 30, 2019 By Lisa Grigsby

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*

Tagged With: Comedy, Dayton Funny Bone

Bellwether Music Festival Brings the Best of Alternative Rock to Renaissance Festival Grounds

August 8, 2019 By LIbby Ballengee

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

Filed Under: Dayton Music, The Featured Articles Tagged With: alternative, annual, Bellwether, camping, Comedy, concert, Dayton Music, festival, Guided By Voices, live music, Renaissance, rock, Things to Do, Waynesville

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] .

Filed Under: Comedy, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Comedy, Funny Bone, Wiley's Comedy Club

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

Filed Under: Comedy Tagged With: Brian Swinehart, Comedy, Funny Bone, Jordan Rock, Wiley's

Kevin Farley, Funnybone & The Dublin Pub

May 20, 2017 By The Food Adventures Crew Leave a Comment

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

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Dayton Dining, Food Adventures Tagged With: Big Ragu, Comedy, comic, Dayton, Dublin Pub, f is for family, food, Food Adventure, Food Adventures, foodies, funnybone, hollywood, Irish, kevin farley, madison, new york, stand up, the king, Wisconsin

Dayton Bar Stars – Molly Peppo

May 18, 2017 By Brian Petro

Dayton Bar Star Dayton Funny Bone

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.

Dayton Bar Stars Molly Peppo

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.

How did you get into bartending?

After working as a server for seven years at the club, I decided to learn how to make the drinks I was selling.

What is your favorite drink to make?

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!!

Which drink makes you internally cringe?

I give this award to the Old Fashioned.

Dayton Bar Star Molly Peppo

Sometimes you need a break…

Do you have a favorite spirit you like to work with?

Anything Jameson.

When you go out for a drink in Dayton, where is your favorite place to go?

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.

Who is the most famous person you have served?

I’d have to say Dave Chapelle or Charlie Murphy.

What do you do when you are not bartending?

I’m out taking mini road trips to new breweries or busy being a full-time mom.

What are your favorite trends from the last year?

Possibly the usage of craft beers in some cocktails.

What advice do you want to give bartenders just getting into the business?

The adrenaline rush is crazy addictive!!

Dayton Bar Star Molly PeppoWhat do you love most about Dayton?

I love there are so many cool little local places to hang out right in my own backyard.

Most interesting thing you have seen from behind the bar?

Sheryl Underwood, Stand Up Comedian and co-host of “The Talk,  spent $1000 on shots for a room full of her fans.

How has bartending changed in the time you have been in the industry?

I think people are finally realizing there is more to life than a Rum & Coke or a plain domestic beer.

What do you wish customers knew that helped you do your job?

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.

If you were not a bartender, what career would you be pursuing?

Becoming a nurse.

Filed Under: Dayton Bar Stars, Dayton Dining, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Beavercreek, cocktails, Comedy, Craft Beer, Dayton Bar Stars, Dayton Funny Bone, DaytonDining, Things to Do, Things to do in Dayton, wine

Los Angeles Comic Comes Home to Dayton Roots

April 25, 2017 By The Food Adventures Crew 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

Filed Under: Comedy, The Featured Articles Tagged With: barnard, Big Ragu, chef house, Comedy, hungry jax, Improv, los angeles, matt barnard, matthew, Wiley's

Gary Owen’s Reality at the Funny Bone

August 14, 2016 By Nikki Nett

Started at Talawanda now we here

gary owen from buzzfeed

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 the whole team’s here

etc_garyowen090614_13795358_8colNow, 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

Truuue Storyyy**

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. 

 

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, Comedy Tagged With: Comedy, Comedy Tour, Dayton, funny, production, reality tv, Things to Do, Things to do in Dayton

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VIRTUAL CLASS: ITALIAN BISTRO

5:00 pm | Jungle Jim’s

DAI Annual Meeting & Community Report

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7:00 pm | online

Name that tune 90’s

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Climate Change in Ohio Agriculture

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