Ashley's Island House

05/28/2026

Finally some great weather for this weekend without rain. I do know that some places this weekend have waived the 2 night minimum stay so it is a perfect time to visit the island. I do know after this weekend rooms will be tough to find. Weekdays are still fun and wrinkle Wednesday will be starting soon. I will explain that name soon. So find your time and book now.

Interesting fact. You have to remember that on Put in Bay we get over 600000 visitors every year. That is more people than the entire state of Wyoming.

I do my best every week to think of thoughts that hopefully make you think. 2 weeks ago it was about my mom and this week it is about Kyle Busch. For those that follow Nascar you know who I am talking about. For those who do not he was only 41 and a very successful race car driver with a wife and a young family. So those of you that are regular readers of my weekly post of Downtown Dave on Putinbay.com know that a majority of my posts are positive and I try to get people to think. Every week as I write these posts I try to think of the past and also of the future. Well I knew that my mom at 89 lived a great life but at 89 her good days were in the rear view mirror. But somebody like Kyle Busch at 41 years old was not supposed to die this young. The comparison to both of these is that nobody is guaranteed tomorrow. There are a lot of people today that will not see the sunrise tomorrow. So I encourage everybody to treat everyday as if it might be your last day.
Of course this brings me to you spending time at Put in Bay. Have no regrets about anything that you do. Do what makes you happy. I will say this that if you come to Put in Bay on a weekday or a weekend you will take the boat ride home with a smile on your face and memories that last a lifetime. This is my 25th year either coming to Put in Bay or living on Put in Bay. I will never regret the time I have spent here and the friends that I have met and the memories that I have are priceless. That is what life is about. I hope to see you in the next few weeks or maybe later on this summer. If I don't see you on the island then you have missed a great memory. Next week I promise more thoughts to make you think.

Now to the next couple weeks of live music

Mr Eds
Thurs May 28th Recklass Highway Duo 8:00
Friday May 29th Hunter Hoop 4:00 Warped Band 9:30
Saturday May 30th Will Freed 1:30 Casper 5:30 Warped Band 9:30
Sunday May 31st Kyle Mikolojczyk 2:00 Casper 6:30 DJ Adubb 11:00
Thurs June 4th Tim Oliver 1:30 Pat Masalko 5:30 Fun Buckets 9:30
Friday June 5th Sully 1:30 Bobby McManus 5:30 The Delaneys 9:30
Saturday June 6th Nick Ammons 1:30 Casper 5:30 The Delaneys 9:30
Sunday June 7th AJ Knepper 2:00 Casper 6:30 DJ Adubb 11:00
Monday June 8th Todd Stephen 3:00 Cleveland Rock Bar 9:00

Roundhouse
Friday May 29th Sellouts 2:00 Cat 5 8:30
Saturday May 30th Sellouts 2:00 Cat 5 8:30
Sunday May 31st Letter Rip 2:00 Cat 5 Duo 8:30
Weds June 3rd Bob Gatewood 2:00 Badfoot 8:30
Thurs June 4th Bob Gatewood 2:00 Badfoot 8:30
Friday June 5th Letter Rip 2:00 End Rock 8:30
Saturday June 6th Mad Dog 2:00 End Rock 8:30
Sunday June 7th Michelle Trio 2:00 Michelle Trio 8:30
Monday June 8th Lonnie Stump 2:00 Ray Fogg Emcee Drag Show 8:00

Beer Barrel
Thurs May 28th Tobi Lee 6:00
Friday May 29th Kyle Smithers 2:00 Tobi Lee 6:00 Venyx 9:30
Saturday May 30th Kyle Smithers 2:00 Tobi Lee 6:00 Venyx 9:30
Sunday May 31st Kyle Smithers 3:00 Tobi Lee 7:00
Monday June 1st Easy Ian 6:00
Tuesday June 2nd Easy Ian 6:00
Weds June 3rd Tobi Lee 6:30
Thurs June 4th Guy Lucas 3:00 Tobi Lee 7:30
Friday June 5th Kyle Smithers 2:00 Tobi Lee 6:00 Steel Lily 9:30
Saturday June 6th Kyle Smithers 2:00 Tobi Lee 6:00 Steel Lily 9:30
Sunday June 7th Kyle Smithers 2:00 Tobi Lee 7:00
Monday June 8th Guy Lucas 3:00 Justin Marchand 6:30

Reel Bar
Friday May 29th Bob Gatewood 7:30
Saturday May 30th Bob Gatewood 7:30
Friday June 5th Bob Gatewood 7:30
Saturday June 6th Bob Gatewood 3:00 Ray Fogg 7:30

Fish Bowl
Thurs May 28th Frankie Harrison 7:00
Friday May 29th Lucas Guy 4:00 DJ Adubb 8:00
Saturday May 30th Frankie Harrison 1:00 DJ Tritt 7:00

Frostys
Friday May 29th Silent Disco 8:00
Saturday May 30th Pat Shepard 2:00 Silent Disco 8:00
Sunday May 31st Jack Surtman 2:00
Friday June 5th Silent Disco 8:00
Saturday June 6th Pat Shepard 2:00 Silent Disco 8:00
Sunday June 7th Jack Surtman 2:00

Boathouse
Friday May 29th Reese Daily 4:00 Radio Chaos 9:00
Saturday May 30th Sunset Duo 12:00 Reese Daily 4:00 Radio Chaos 9:00
Thurs June 4th Mark and Foxy 7:00
Friday June 5th Mark and Foxy 4:00 The 25s 9:00
Saturday June 6th Zig Daniels Duo 12:00 Mark and Foxy 4:00 The 25s 9:00
Sunday June 7th Chad Hoffman 7:00
Monday June 8th Chad Hoffman 7:00

Mojito Bay
Thurs May 28th Pat Masalko 7:00
Friday May 29th Pat Masalko 7:00
Saturday May 30th Pat Masalko 12:00 Sunset Duo 4:00
Sunday May 31st Willow Hill 2:00 Sunset Duo 8:00
Monday June 1st Willow Hill 8:00
Tuesday June 2nd Willow Hill 8:00
Weds June 3rd Evie Schaffer 8:00
Thurs June 4th Evie Schaffer 8:00
Friday June 5th Tim Oliver 4:00
Saturday June 6th Ira Morehart 12:00 Tim Oliver 4:00
Sunday June 7th Ira Morehart 2:00 Tim Oliver 8:00
Monday June 8th Tucker Munz 8:00

The Brewery
Friday May 29th Galen Martin 2:00
Saturday May 30th Lucas Guy 2:00
Saturday June 6th Galen Martin 2:00

They will also have Karaoke on certain weekend nights

The Keys
Friday May 29th The Berrys 2:00 and 6:00
Saturday May 30th The Berrys 2:00 and 6:00
Sunday May 31st The Berrys 1:00 and 5:00
Friday June 5th Dakota Higdon 2:00 and 6:00
Saturday June 6th Dakota Higdon 2:00 and 6:00
Sunday June 7th Dakota Higdon 1:00 and 5:00
Monday June 8th Tobi Lee 1:00 and 5:00

Topsey Turvey
Every Monday night Jam night 9:00

I really encourage everybody to see some of the great solo musicians on the island. You have Bob Gatewood, Tobi Lee, Casper, Kyle Smithers, John Solomon, Pat Shepard, Paul Franks, Ray Fogg and Mike Mad Dog Adams. These are just a few of the long-time island entertainers that put on a great show all summer. I have seen all of them play and really enjoy them all. I am going to do my best to stop in and see all of those that I have not mentioned as the year goes on. Many of the solos do not get paid a lot and they depend on tips and applause to feel appreciated. So make sure you check everybody out. I really think that most of them perform just because they want to see everybody have a good time.

05/27/2026

The weather this weekend on Put in Bay this weekend will be sunny and warm and Ashleys Island House is waiving the 2 night minimum for this weekend. There is also some great musicians playing this weekend also. And this is the last weekend that we have any rooms open till mid August on a weekend. So call us at 419-285-2844 for your reservation

05/21/2026

Thank you to everybody that reached out this week about the passing of my Mom. The texts and the comments on facebook really made me smile knowing that so many of you that met mom took the time to comment. And those that did not ever meet my mom you missed meeting a great lady.

So the beginning of the Summer season is here with Memorial Day weekend. This is always a special weekend to honor those Americans that lost their lives protecting our country. This Holiday started 158 years ago in 1868 after the Civil War when Americans decorated the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. Please take a moment of silence this Monday at 3pm to think of the fallen soldiers and the families that they left behind.

This is an unusual summer season with Memorial Day falling on May 25th and Labor Day September 7th. That is the longest span that I can remember. But that just means that you have more time to visit Put in Bay this summer.

My thought for the week is personal. It is titled Procrastination. My goal every week is to do this post on Sunday night and send it to Put in Bay.com on Monday. I did have a tough week last week but that is not an excuse. So last night I put a list together of everything that I need to do today and number 1 on this list was to get this post done for everybody. I used to have a list every morning when I was in the work world. I would update it every day and cross off the list what I got done and what I did not get done would go to the top of the next days list. This practice served me real well in the work world. As of today I am starting to do it again. This will stop me from procrastinating on daily tasks that need to get done every day. I suggest everybody do what I am doing now. The satisfaction of seeing an empty dry erase board at the end of the day is awesome.

Food r***e to highlight this weekend is Frostys. Bob and Brad had lunch there this week and the size of the Summer Salad was huge and very good plus not that expensive for what you get. So something different instead of the usual. Frostys pizza is still a must have for return island visitors. Nothing better then seeing Pat Shepard on a Saturday afternoon with a frosted mug of beer and a Frostys Pizza. You might even see me there on a Saturday.

Now for the next 2 weeks of Music on the Island. Lots of awesome entertainers will be playing. Notice a new addition to the Music calender. We now have Put in Bay Brewery with live music. Make sure you check them out.

Mr Eds

Friday May 22nd Tom Altman 4:00 Ryan Mundy Band 9:30
Saturday May 23rd Ryan Mundy Acoustic 1:30 Casper 5:30 Ryan Mundy Band 9:30
Sunday May 24th Ronnie Szucs 1:30 Casper 5:30 Ryan Mundy Band 9:30
Monday May 25th Mike Barwolf 3:00 Fun Buckets 9:00
Thurs May 28th Recklass Highway Duo 8:00
Friday May 29th Hunter Hoop 4:00 Warped Band 9:30
Saturday May 30th Will Freed 1:30 Casper 5:30 Warped Band 9:30
Sunday May 31st Kyle Mikolojczyk 2:00 Casper 6:30 DJ Adubb 11:00

Roundhouse
Friday May 22nd Josh and Jordan Duo 2:00 Lauralea and Tripp Fabulous 9:30
Saturday May 23rd Mad Dog 2:00 Paul Franks 6:30 Lauralea and Tripp Fabulous 9:30
Sunday May 24th Mad Dog 2:00 Paul Franks 6:30 Lauralea and Tripp Fabulous 9:30
Monday May 25th Michelle trio 2:00 and 8:30
Wed May 27th AJ Lynn 2:00
Thurs May 28th AJ Lynn 8:30
Friday May 29th Sellouts 2:00 Cat 5 8:30
Saturday May 30th Sellouts 2:00 Cat 5 8:30
Sunday May 31st Letter Rip 2:00 Cat 5 Duo 8:30
Sunday May 31st Letter ip

Beer Barrel
Friday May 22nd Eazy Ian 2:00 Tobi Lee 6:00 Whoa Man 9:30
Saturday May 23rd Eazy Ian 2:00 Tobi Lee 6:00 Whoa Man 9:30
Sunday May 24th Kyle Smithers 2:00 Tobi Lee 6:00 Whoa Man 9:30
Monday May 25th Kyle Smithers 2:00 Tobi Lee 7:00
Thurs May 28th Tobi Lee 6:00
Friday May 29th Kyle Smithers 2:00 Tobi Lee 6:00 Venyx 9:30
Saturday May 30th Kyle Smithers 2:00 Tobi Lee 6:00 Venyx 9:30
Sunday May 31st Kyle Smithers 3:00 Tobi Lee 7:00

Reel Bar
Friday May 22nd The Monea Brothers 7:30
Saturday May 23rd The Monea Brothers 2:00 Ray Fogg 7:30
Sunday May 24th The Monea Brothers 2:00 Ray Fogg 7:30
Friday May 29th Bob Gatewood 7:30
Saturday May 30th Bob Gatewood 7:30

Fish Bowl
Friday May 22nd Pat Masalko 4:00 DJ Adubb 8:00
Saturday May 23rd Pat Masalko 1:00 DJ Coach T 8:00
Sunday May 24th Frankie Harrison 7:00
Monday May 25th Luke Rausch 1:00
Weds May 26th Karaoke 8:00
Thurs May 28th Frankie Harrison 7:00
Friday May 29th Lucas Guy 4:00 DJ Adubb 8:00
Saturday May 30th Frankie Harrison 1:00 DJ Tritt 7:00

Frostys
Friday May 22nd Silent Disco 8:00
Saturday May 23rd Rick Dewitt 2:00 Recklass Highway 8:00
Sunday May 24th Rick Dewitt 2:00 Recklass Highway 8:00
Monday May 25th Rick Dewitt 2:00
Friday May 29th Silent Disco 8:00
Saturday May 30th Pat Shepard 2:00 Silent Disco 8:00
Sunday May 31st Jack Surtman 2:00

Boathouse
Friday May 22nd Acoustic Mayhem 4:00 Velcro Pygmies 9:00
Saturday May 23rd Love is War 12:00 Acoustic Mayhem 4:00 Velcro Pygmies 9:00
Sunday May 24th Love is War 12:00 Velcro Pygmies 9:00
Monday May 25th Ronnie Szucs Duo 1:00
Friday May 29th Reese Daily 4:00 Radio Chaos 9:00
Saturday May 30th Sunset Duo 12:00 Reese Daily 4:00 Radio Chaos 9:00

Mojito Bay
Friday May 22nd Brad Moore 4:00
Saturday May 23rd Tony Salazar 12:00 Brad Moore 4:00
Sunday May 24th Tony Salazar 12:00 Brad Moore 4:00
Monday May 25th Tony Salazar 2:00
Thurs May 28th Pat Masalko 7:00
Friday May 29th Pat Masalko 7:00
Saturday May 30th Pat Masalko 12:00 Sunset Duo 4:00
Sunday May 31st Willow Hill 2:00 Sunset Duo 8:00

The Brewery
Friday May 22nd Mike Risner 1:00
Saturday May 23rd Ashley Boyce 2:00
Sunday May 24th Alex Dominsh 2:00
Friday May 29th Galen Martin 2:00
Saturday May 30th Lucas Guy 2:00

Have a great week everybody and please remember why we have Memorial Day

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05/13/2026

It looks like the weather is finally going to get nice. Great time for a trip to Put in Bay.
My thoughts this week will be a bit different than usual. It will be more personal. After 89 years my mom will no longer be there to call weekly to share my life with. It is something I never thought I would have to go through. I thought moms live forever. Well mine will forever live in my heart and thoughts. I am sure I am not the only one that has lost their mom. She called me on my birthday a few weeks ago and the last time I saw her was Thanksgiving. (She lived in Wyoming). When I saw her I felt that that would be the last time that I would see her. Unfortunately I was right. If your mom is still with you make sure you call her this week or if possible pay her a visit. Tell your mom a friend just lost their mom and that you are happy that you are still there for you. Thank you to the over 300 people that posted on my facebook post about me losing my mom. It brought a few tears to my eyes and some great memories.

I am going to share some signs that are hanging in Ashleys Island House that mom bought and hung on the wall. Also one that I got from my daughter that I need to share. I might have posted the one from my daughter before but it is so true today for me.

Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.
There is always something to be Thankful for
This is my happy place

Mom passed on my Lauries birthday 2 days after Mothers day. So now every year on May 12th I will have 2 things to celebrate. Moms passing with the memories of her and the day my best friend was born. So your mom will always love you unconditionally no matter what but the partner that you choose will only do the same thing if you follow these rules.

Listen to your heart
Kiss each other goodnight
Say I Love You
Be thoughtful and generous
Be patient and kind
Hold hands and cuddle
Know when to say that you are sorry
Laugh together every day
Be willing to compromise
Never go to bed Angry
Be spontaneous and impulsive
Respect each other
Remember why you fell in love

Now Mom would tell me that David life goes on. Do not sulk and stop living. Continue to go out and live and enjoy your life. We will see each other again one day.

So lets get to the music this week. It is hard to believe that next weekend is Memorial weekend. Memorial weekend is early and Labor day is late so that makes for a long summer. WooHoo

Mr Eds
Friday May 15th Will Freed 4:00 Dumm Band 9:30
Saturday May 16th Dumm Acoustic 1:30 Casper 5:30 Dumm Band 9:30
Sunday May 17th Dumm Acoustic 1:30 Casper 5:30 Dumm Band 9:30
Thursday May 21st Casper 8:00
Friday May 22nd Tom Altman 4:00 Ryan Mundy Band 9:30
Saturday May 23rd Ryan Mundy Acoustic 1:30 Casper 5:30 Ryan Mundy Band 9:30
Sunday May 24th Ronnie Szucs 1:30 Casper 5:30 Ryan Mundy Band 9:30
Monday May 25th Mike Barwolf 3:00 Fun Buckets 9:00

Roundhouse
Thursday May 14th Distractions 8:30
Friday May 15th Distractions 2:30 Screaming Heathens 8:30
Saturday May 16th Bluff Canucks 2:00 Screaming Heathens 8:30
Sunday May 17th Bluff Canucks 2:00 Paul Franks 8:30
Wed May 20th Bob Gatewood 2:00
Thurs May 21st Josh and Jordan Duo 8:30
Friday May 22nd Josh and Jordan Duo 2:00 Lauralea and Tripp Fabulous 9:30
Saturday May 23rd Mad Dog 2:00 Paul Franks 6:30 Lauralea and Tripp Fabulous 9:30
Sunday May 24th Mad Dog 2:00 Paul Franks 6:30 Lauralea and Tripp Fabulous 9:30
Monday May 25th Michelle trio 2:00 and 8:30

Beer Barrel
Friday May 15th Kyle Smithers 2:00 Tobi Lee 6:00 The Zoomies 9:30
Saturday May 16th Kyle Smithers 2:00 Tobi Lee 6:00 The Zoomies 9:30
Sunday May 17th Kyle Smithers 3:00
Thurs May 21st Tobi Lee 6:00
Friday May 22nd Eazy Ian 2:00 Tobi Lee 6:00 Whoa Man 9:30
Saturday May 23rd Eazy Ian 2:00 Tobi Lee 6:00 Whoa Man 9:30
Sunday May 24th Kyle Smithers 2:00 Tobi Lee 6:00 Whoa Man 9:30
Monday May 25th Kyle Smithers 2:00 Tobi Lee 7:00

Reel Bar
Friday May 15th Bob Gatewood 7:30
Saturday May 16th Ray Fogg 7:30
Friday May 22nd The Monea Brothers 7:30
Saturday May 23rd The Monea Brothers 2:00 Ray Fogg 7:30
Sunday May 24th The Monea Brothers 2:00 Ray Fogg 7:30

Fish Bowl
Friday May 8th Pat Masalko 4:00 DJ Adubb 8:00
Saturday May 9th Pat Masalko 4:00 DJ Alphademik 8:00
Friday May 15th Lucas Guy 4:00 DJ Adubb 8:00
Saturday May 16th Shane Piasecki 4:00 DJ Tritt
Thur May 21st Pat Masalko 7:00
Friday May 22nd Pat Masalko 4:00 DJ Adubb 8:00
Saturday May 23rd Pat Masalko 1:00 DJ Coach T 8:00
Sunday May 24th Frankie Harrison 7:00
Monday May 25th Luke Rausch 1:00

Frostys
Saturday May 16th Pat Shepard 2:00 Shut up and dance a silent disco 8:00
Sunday May 17th Rick Dewitt 2:00

Boathouse
Friday May 16th John Salamon 8:00
Saturday May 17th Angelo Snyder 2:00 John Salamon 8:00
Friday May 22nd Acoustic Mayhem 4:00 Velcro Pygmies 9:00
Saturday May 23rd Love is War 12:00 Acoustic Mayhem 4:00 Velcro Pygmies 9:00

Mojito Bay
Friday May 15th The Monea Brothers 7:00
Saturday May 16th Sunset Duo 2:00 The Monea Brothers 7:00
Sunday May 17th Sunset Duo 2:00
Saturday May 23rd Tony Salazar 12:00 Brad Moore 4:00
Sunday May 24th Tony Salazar 12:00 Brad Moore 4:00
Monday May 25th Tony Salazar 2:00

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05/13/2026

Well heaven gained a new person today. My mom was 89 years old and lived a great life. She will be missed by many but for the 4 of us kids she will be missed the most by us. So many stories to tell and so many memories to smile about. She gave me life. When I needed to talk she would listen and usually not try to tell me what to do. But every so often she would offer suggestions. Sometimes she was right. LOL Even at 80 when I needed help to run Ashleys Island house mom was there to help. Ashleys House would not be as successful as it is without her help the first 4 years. I spent Thanksgiving with her this past year. Just me and mom. We had an awesome time and I felt when I got that last hug from her that it would be the last time I would see her. Now I know
how a lot of you felt when you lost your mom. I now understand the loss of your mom. It will be a tough few days for me but Mom would say just get over it and continue on.
She will always be with me in my thoughts.
Mom I will miss you.

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05/06/2026

Downtown Dave post for the week.

So the weather did not stop many of you from coming up to Put in Bay last weekend. The Spring fling had a good turnout and everybody had a great time. It is not too early to book for the fall ball in October. Where can you stay on the island and get free food and beer and live entertainment? The upcoming fall ball.

I have also been asked to do food reviews this year. I will not do reviews every week because we only have so many places to eat and a lot will depend on the feedback from my guests. Well I will personally do some but a majority of my reviews will be done by my guests. I will use their names but not full names but either the first or last only. So this weeks review is from Dave and Laurie from Dayton Ohio. They were here celebrating their 33rd wedding anniversary on Put in Bay. Their kids gave them a weekend here as a Christmas present. So I always ask where people eat and get their thoughts. I also tell them I will use their thoughts in my weekly post. So they went to the Boardwalk for the anniversary dinner. They comment on the great view and good service. The comment that the salmon was outstanding. They are already planning their next trip to the island.

My thoughts for the week.

I want to talk about election day. I vote every election no matter what is on the ballot. It is our privilege to live in a country where every person has a vote on how things are done. But I am frustrated with everybody on social media and even in general conversations do not vote. The turnout yesterday was horrible. I bet the majority of people that complain will never vote. Now I have always been involved on the island. I went to many council meetings and many safety meetings because I want to make sure my voice is heard. Well I am now part of the government being on the city council on Put in Bay. I know that I cannot change everything but I will do my best to do what is best for our island community. So please when the next election happens go out and participate. Plus support who is in office and if you do not like what that person is doing that either run yourself or help support somebody that has your views. Last political thought. Everybody in office should only be allowed in for 2 election cycles. That way the ideas remain fresh.

Now onto the things to make you think this week.

Individuality is important
You do not need to follow other successful people to be successful yourself. Individuality is the key factor to make sure that you are satisfied with your work and are happy in your life. Do not be afraid to be different, some of the best ideas were initially frowned upon many people. It takes courage and determination to stand out from the crowd and try something new. But also do not get frustrated if your ideas fail. Sometimes you learn more about things when you fail then if you succeed.

Be Patient
Success is made in a slow cooker, not a microwave. High performers understand that overnight success comes after years of hard work and preparation. Be patient with yourself, keep your eyes on the prize and focus on the process, the results will take care of themselves. This applies not just to your job but life in general. Relationships, friendships and even sports that you might participate in. Life is competitive every day. Those that prepare usually come out happy and on top.

Embrace feedback
The average person hates to be told that something they did was wrong. Even me. You will never be 100% right all of the time.But over the years I have learned to be a great listener. I might agree with somebody's thoughts right away but I will listen and think about what they said. Do not go through life with a thought that my way is the only choice. Every idea or thought can be improved and when somebody tells you something that improves your plan thank that person for showing you another path.

Everybody have a great week and I will see you on Put in Bay soon.

Watch for my weekly posts on putinbay.com

This is the next 2 weeks of music on the island

Mr Eds
Friday May 8th Flicker Fade 9:30
Saturday May 9th Flicker Fade 9:30
Sunday May 10th Casper 8:00
Friday May 15th Will Freed 4:00 Dumm Band 9:30
Saturday May 16th Dumm Acoustic 1:30 Casper 5:30 Dumm Band 9:30
Sunday May 17th Dumm Acoustic 1:30 Casper 5:30 Dumm Band 9:30

Roundhouse
Friday May 8th Moxie Blitz 8:30
Saturday May 9th Mad Dog 2:00 Moxie Blitz 8:30
Sunday May 10th Moxie Blitz Duo 2:00
Thursday May 14th Distractions 8:30
Friday May 15th Distractions 2:30 Screaming Heathens 8:30
Saturday May 16th Bluff Canucks 2:00 Screaming Heathens 8:30
Sunday May 17th Bluff Canucks 2:00 Paul Franks 8:30

Beer Barrel
Friday May 8th Eazy Ian 5:30 Venyx 9:00
Saturday May 9th Guy Lucas 2:00 Eazy Ian 5:30 Venyx 9:00
Friday May 15th Kyle Smithers 2:00 Tobi Lee 6:00 The Zoomies 9:30
Saturday May 16th Kyle Smithers 2:00 Tobi Lee 6:00 The Zoomies 9:30
Sunday May 17th Kyle Smithers 3:00

Reel Bar
Saturday May 9th Cory King 2:00
Friday May 15th Bob Gatewood 7:30
Saturday May 16th Ray Fogg 7:30

Fish Bowl
Friday May 8th Pat Masalko 4:00 DJ Adubb 8:00
Saturday May 9th Pat Masalko 4:00 DJ Alphademik 8:00
Friday May 15th Lucas Guy 4:00 DJ Adubb 8:00
Saturday May 16th Shane Piasecki 4:00 DJ Tritt

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04/29/2026

So the first big music weekend of 2026 is over and what a weekend it was. The turning on of the whiskey sign at the Roundhouse is always the official start to the season. Well I have not ever seen it so crowded for an opening day lighting. For me whiskey light weekend is like going back to school after summer break. You see old friends and catch up on events that happened during your break. The bartenders are like your teachers. I would say that most of all bartenders on Put in Bay come back every year to work. At the Roundhouse that number is 100% of them return. They all know my name and what I drink. One of them even questioned my drinking of a shot of crown royal. Well shots are not usually what I drink. I am a Coors light drinker but I was doing a shot in remembrance of a friend that passed away a few years ago. He would always do shots of crown. Now being last weekend was my birthday weekend I did do a few shots on Friday night. Not a good choice. LOL Birthdays are always worth celebrating. Next year will a milestone birthday for me. That will be a big party. Now I live in Put in Bay and I am out every weekend so I see lots of people every weekend. That is why every 10 feet somebody would come up and say hello. People ask me why do you go out every weekend? Well because one day I will not be able to. Life only gives you so many days on earth so I make sure that I live mine to the fullest. I am not suggesting that you come up every weekend but you should schedule at least 3 weekends a year to visit us on Put in Bay. You will be surprised how weekly your work week goes when you have a weekend planned on Put in Bay.

This weekend is a really fun weekend called spring fling. It is put on by Mr Ed and the Island club. Definitely an event to attend. Plus this weekend the Boardwalks upper deck opens so you can get your first bowl of Lobster Bisque this weekend. Many more of your favorites are also open like Frostys and Boathouse.

So every week I will add a story of just a few one liners to make you think. This week it is the one liners. I hope you enjoy it.

Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it is the only way to live life completely.

Open your arms to change but do not let go of your values.

Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer

Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality

Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a stroke of luck.

Remember that the best relationship is one where your love for each other is greater than your need for each other.

Remember that your character is your destiny

If you make a lot of money, put it to use helping others while you are living. That is wealths greatest satisfaction.

Watch for my weekly posts on putinbay.com

This is the next 2 weeks of music on the island

Mr Eds
Friday May 1st Southern Summer 9:30
Saturday May 2nd Southern Summer 9:30
Sunday May 3rd Matt Dalton 8
Friday May 8th Flicker Fade 9:30
Saturday May 9th Flicker Fade 9:30
Sunday May 10th Casper 8:00

Roundhouse
Friday May 1st Letter Rip 8:30
Saturday May 2nd Sellouts 2pm Letter Rip 8:30
Sunday May 3rd Zak Ward 2pm
Friday May 8th Moxie Blitz 8:30
Saturday May 9th Mad Dog 2:00 Moxie Blitz 8:30
Sunday May 10th Moxie Blitz Duo 2:00

Beer Barrel
Friday May 1st Guy Lucas 4:30 Kyle Smithers 8
Saturday May 2nd Guy Lucas 3:30 Kyle Smithers 7:30
Friday May 8th Eazy Ian 5:30 Venyx 9:00
Saturday May 9th Guy Lucas 2:00 Eazy Ian 5:30 Venyx 9:00

Reel Bar
Saturday May 9th Cory King 2:00

Frostys
Saturday May 2nd Pat Shepard 2:00

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04/21/2026

Hello Everybody

Here goes another year of your weekly Downtown Dave entertainment updates. So as 2026 gets started on Put in Bay I am going to expand a bit and talk also about food options also on the island. This will be a first hand account of some of the places that I check out on Put in Bay. Now many of you that know me are aware that I am a picky eater so I am going to have the guests of Ashley's Island House help me with the reviews. I usually ask everybody at breakfast where they went for dinner and what they had anyways so this will be easy. I will still post live videos of music and give my comments on bands also. I will do my best to review every band. I try to stop everywhere and see all of the bands even if it is just for a few songs. That way I can give the visitors an idea of where to go. Speaking of bands. Mr. Eds had a band that played Friday and Saturday last weekend. They played a song that I knew but I asked 4 other people who played that song and nobody knew. I knew who played it and that band was UFO. I remember seeing them in 1975 at The Ohio State University. I still have the ticket stub from that concert. That is why I will try and do reviews. That way everybody knows what to expect.

But to start the season let's recap what Downtown Dave has been doing since the last Downtown Dave post in the fall. Well first thing is that I got elected to the City Council of Put in Bay. I felt it was important for me to run so I could give back to the community that I call home. Also the community that embraced me when I first arrived 25 years ago. Then they accepted me when I decided to buy Ashley's Island House 10 years ago. I am going to do my best in city government to make Put in Bay a place that you want to come to every year. Like every small resort town we have issues and things that can be better and I will rely on everybody's input to help make this a better place to visit every year. So after getting elected I set off on my winter travels. So I did 6 cruises for a total of 43 days at sea. Then a trip to the Daytona 500, then Vegas, Phoenix, Ft Meyers, Miami, Nashville, Atlanta, Disney World, Sea World, Orlando, Denver,Wyoming and even a few weeks in Put in Bay in January. In my travels I saw a lot of cool things and other things that made me Thankful that I live where I do. The way that some people have to live on remote islands and even in the USA amazes me. People are creatures of habit. What is normal for some is not normal for others. Lets use ipads as an example. Today's kids are raised on ipads. On my travels I would see 5 year olds in front of ipads at airports and even at Disney world. The I phones are worse. You see kids on their phones instead of having real conversations with people. The best example is just the other day. I saw a video of Lebron James after his first round game greeting his family after a game 1 win. What was cool is that he hugged his daughter and before he did he wrapped a towel in front of him because he was sweaty after the game. That was classy. Now he gave his son a hug or maybe a fancy handshake but as soon as he did that his son was right back on his phone either texting or emailing somebody. What I saw was that the person on the phone was more important than dad. That is today's society.

Okay enough of my soap box for this week. I will do my best every week to give you updates on island happenings. I want to make you smile and I also want to make you think and realize how fortunate you are to be alive in America. But the most important thing is I want you to come to Put in Bay this year. You will be amazed at how good you feel after a few days on the island. Then you will understand why Put In Bay is my Happy Place.

Watch for my weekly posts on putinbay.com

This is the next 2 weeks of music on the island

Mr Eds
Friday April 24th Wasted Neon 9
Saturday April 25th Wasted Neon 9
Sunday April 26th Casper Acoustic 8
Friday May 1st Southern Summer 9:30
Saturday May 2nd Southern Summer 9:30
Sunday May 3rd Matt Dalton 8

Roundhouse
Saturday April 25th Distractions 2pm Not Fast Enough 8:30
Sunday April 26th Ray Fogg the turning on of the Whiskey Light 2
Friday May 1st Letter Rip 8:30
Saturday May 2nd Sellouts 2pm Letter Rip 8:30
Sunday May 3rd Zak Ward 2pm

Beer Barrel
Friday May 1st Guy Lucas 4:30 Kyle Smithers 8
Saturday May 2nd Guy Lucas 3:30 Kyle Smithers 7:30

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