Entertainment | The Spot to be on Put-in-Bay

Mike "Mad Dog" Adams

A Put-in-Bay, Round House Bar, island tradition since 1980, Mike "Mad Dog" Adams is living-proof that, "Every Day Above Ground Is A Gooood Day." (A catch-phrase he began using in his show back in the early eighties.)

Traveling nearly 200 days a year the former music critic/writer for Scene Magazine spends his winters on the road headlining music and comedy clubs large and small from British Columbia and Alaska to the Cayman Islands and Mexico and throughout the United States. He also has performed his unique style of interactive music and comedy in Florence, Italy for shows at the Fiddler’s Elbow Club and hosts his own annual Caribbean cruise.

In a varied career over many years "Mad Dog" has appeared in concert with a wide range of legendary performers. Johnny Cash, Alabama, Loretta Lynn, Charlie Daniels, Starship, Jerry Lee Lewis; the list goes on and continues to grow. He has also appeared on Comedy Central, The Nashville Network, The Dr. Demento Show, Sunday Funnies, Nightshift and many local television and radio shows throughout the U.S.

Mike "Mad Dog" Adams has recorded three albums of original music, "Me and Jim Beam" (1985), "Stuck on the Island" (1994) and "Lake ~Affect" (2005) and two comedy albums "Live at Laff-In" (1989) and "Live at the Funny Farm" (1999). He has also written and performed several radio commercials and has recently finished being recorded as the voice inside a new line of children’s toy trucks for the Little Tykes Company.

"At the Round House it’s all about the fun," says "Mad Dog." "The audience is my band. We’re gonna’ sing some songs, tell some jokes and do whatever we’re in the mood for. Basically, just have fun and enjoy life on an island with all our friends."

Come see why Mike "Mad Dog" Adams legendary afternoon performances at The Round House Bar are so popular. In no time at all you’ll be hoisting a refreshing beverage, singing, chanting a Ziggy Zaggy, and agreeing that, "Everyday Above Ground Is A Gooood Day!"

Bob Gatewood and the Calabash Band

Bob Gatewood and the Calabash Band play a huge variety of music very well. From new or classic rock and oldies to country or blues, they have a fun way of making it a non-stop party! And, although they can whip you up an omlette of your favorite rock and roll, a truly outstanding feature of seeing this band is their original material. Recently having won The Cleveland Scene Magazine's Singer/Songwriter of the Year Award, the tunes have won the hearts of many islanders and islanders-at-heart. Come see why they have been our most booked band for so long.

Paradise Island

A six piece powerhouse dance band based out of Columbus, Ohio, the Paradise Island Band has been entertaining audiences throughout the Midwest for nearly two decades. Known for a crowd-pleasing diversity of styles, Paradise Island does it all. From rock classics to Motown melodies to blues, funk, and current hits, they play with a power and authenticity that guarantees a party whenever they perform.

Seasoned professionals, Paradise Island features an incomparable line-up of the region¹s best entertainers. Shaun Booker and guitarist Bobbie Stewart front the band with their dynamic vocals and magnetic stage presence. Kris Keith, the band¹s soulful saxophonist plays them all, from baritone to soprano. Kris is also recognized as one of the best flutists in the Midwest. Adding his own unique textures and inflections is Dave Nilo on keyboards. Laying down the groove for the band is the exceptional rhythm and soul of Richard Kolb on electric and acoustic bass and Jeff Peters on drums and percussion.

During the summer months Paradise Island performs at many outdoor concerts and festivals. They also spend a great deal of time working famous resort sites from the Round House on Put-In-Bay to Sloppy Joe¹s in Key West, Florida. Entertaining for corporate events, private parties, wedding receptions, and club gigs fill out the rest of their calendar, making them one of the "Hardest working bands in show business!"

The Websters

Since 1992, The Websters have been one of Cincinnati's most successful crowd-drawing professional cover bands. Composed of five truly talented musicians, the band has established a reputation for their tight performances of diverse sets, unique adaptations and medleys of popular songs, and slap-happy on-stage humor.
The Websters perform live at many of the Cincinnati tri-state area's prominent nightspots and also at occasional college parties, weddings, corporate events and benefits. A state-of-the-art sound system and light show compliments their high-impact performances. Each nightly show is fun, exhilarating and uniquely memorable.
Since the release of their debut all-original CD Via Satellite, The Websters have branched-out to venues outside Cincinnati; gracing stages in Oxford, Dayton, Kalida, Toledo, Indianapolis, Chicago, Louisville, Lexington and Panama City. Added to their musical success, the Websters have received corporate sponsorships from The Miller Brewing Company, Budweiser/Anheuser-Busch and a host of music equipment companies.

Paul Franks

Paul Franks is "Paulunplugged", and is not your typical solo acoustic artist. While many solo acoustic acts cover or emulate other traditional singer/songwriters, Paul takes advantage of his 20+ years of electric guitar prowess combined with his front-man skills in various rock bands. This allows him to perform more complex arrangements on the acoustic guitar, as opposed to traditional chord strumming of most acoustic acts. The result is an engaging performance of acoustic versions of true rock songs, transcribed to bring in a unique acoustic feel, while retaining the original intent and rock appeal.

Having fronted a number of bands, Paul understands the importance of engaging the audience and customizing his performance to the venue and temperament of the crowd. He accomplishes this by playing a wide variety of musical genres, and mixing in just the right balance of stream-of-consciousness interactive humor, always maintaining the flow of the musical performance. His influences range from some of rock’s guitar virtuosos, to the top pop, country and alternative artists across the years.

Paul is a full time musician in regular rotation and with a full schedule across the North Coast of Ohio, from the Erie Islands to Cleveland. He plays diverse venues such as wineries, corner bars, private and corporate gatherings, musician jam nights, larger clubs, special events and festivals.

Empire Drift

Empire Drift does just that - they drift. Performing original shows and covers shows, their music drifts from high-energy, in-your-face rock to soft, heart-warming acoustic music to hip-hop and everything in between. When people are asked what kind of music they like, the most common response is "Everything!" Empire Drift's response is the same and so their mission is to be a band, not of one sound, but many.

Winners of the 2008 Regional Superstar Competition, Empire Drift won a recording contract to record their second album for free! Empire Drift was also a co-winner of the 2008 Toledo Blade Battle of the Bands, a competition that started with over 110 bands! Toledo’s FM 104.7 WIOT says “People Are Going Nuts Over This Empire Drift!!” Last year Fox Toledo featured Empire Drift on their debut episode of Toledo Idol. Empire Drift tied for 1st in The Toledo Music Review’s “Rock Review”. Empire Drift was voted Runner-Up for “Best Rock Band” in the Toledo City Paper’s “Best Of” Edition.

Empire Drift was formed in the Summer of ’07 but it’s origins date back many years. Best friends Dave Pfenning (Lead Vocal/Rhythm Guitar/Harmonica) and Rick Shugarman (Lead Guitar/Keyboard/Harmonica) have been jamming together for the past eight years. Together they have been in and out of several bands, but they have always been together. Four years ago they wrote their first song, the next year they wrote two more, and ’07 marked the release of their 12-track debut album, “Realty Is Genius”. Allen Spencer (Kit/Percussion/Beat Box/Accordian/Vocal), and Dave’s twin brother, Mike Pfenning (Bass/Vocal) triggered Empire Drift’s evolution from an acoustic duo to a full-fledged rock and party band. Empire Drift is currently in the studio recording their sophomore album; singles will start being posted for download at www.EmpireDrift.com in the Spring of ’09. In addition to their two albums worth of original music, they also know over 100 covers. When it comes to covers, playing tunes from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, up through today, Empire Drift throws a party every time they step on stage. Furthermore, in the spirit of drifting, they are the only band in the world that can perform a POWER HOUR - that is 60 songs in 60 minutes - 1 minute per song - Everything from Queen, to The Killers, to Pink Floyd, Sublime, Michael Jackson, Dave Matthews Band, Metallica, CCR, the Temptations, Rage Against the Machine, Snoop & Dre, Nirvana, R.E.M., Billy Idol - the list goes on and on - the POWER HOUR is the ultimate DRIFT.

The Speds

The Speds are one of Canada's premier party bands. For the past 10 years or so, these guys have been entertaining audiences with such a wide variety of music its hard to imagine one band could pull it off, but somehow they can! Whether you like it hard or soft, they do it all from "Van Morrisson to Van Halen" and everything in between, and I mean everything...Boston, Journey, Elvis, Beatles, Styx, etc.etc.etc.

Emily’s ToyBox

Add one part irreverent punk personality (frontman extraordinaire, Mike Wise), one part maniacal guitarist (Todd Sensenich), two parts dream rhythm section (Leon Karpovich and Wade Corbin) and what do you get? One hell of a rock and roll ass-whoopin’ you won’t soon forget! Emily’s ToyBox is of the rarest breed, continually breaking new ground as an entrepreneurial entity on the independent music scene. With undeniable originality, talent and work ethic, there are no limits to what they will create and accomplish in years to come.

The Approach

The Approach is an energetic, fun and versatile band that headlines bars all over the northeast states in PA, NJ, DE, MD, VA, OH, FL and MA. They keep the crowd singing along and dancing all nite long!

The Approach has played Pre and Post game shows for the Washington Redskins as well as their 2008 Draft Day Party at Fedex Field. The band prides itself on its versatility which enables them to play to any crowd. The energy and party atmosphere they bring to the venues they play always makes for a profitable evening for the bar and a great time for its patrons. The band considers themselves alcohol salesmen with instruments. All of this combined with exceptional musicianship has enabled the band to continue to rock the MidAtlantic states yearly. Once you see them work a crowd, you'll understand what all the buzz is about.

Modern Bliss

This young, energetic band has been rocking the East Coast for the past three years.

From Boston, MA and Killington, VT to Sea Isle City, NJ and Key West, FL Modern Bliss has impressed both the young and the young at heart. Modern Bliss puts on a stellar theatrical performance where the 6 piece band performs songs ranging from The Doors and Led Zeppelin to Lady Gaga and the Black Eyed Peas and everything in between. The band has truly begun to establish themselves along the East Coast and are the perfect music group for any function.

You haven’t experienced a truly talented cover band until you encounter a Modern Bliss show. Check out their web site at www.modernbliss.com for upcoming shows and contact information for booking. It’s an evening you won’t want to miss!

Pete and Wayne

Welcome to the World of Pete and Wayne. When one thinks of Key West , Florida, one tends to think of tanned sandaled feet perched atop a deck railing, watching the sunset while seagulls drop dive bombs on your head and you not caring because that big old margarita you’ve been sipping on has put you in a whole other world. Welcome to the world of Pete and Wayne. Who are these worldly masters of rudity? Just another couple of drunk musicians who gather guitars in their arms and pretend they are Jimmy Buffett? Naw, not Pete and Wayne -- these boys are neither musicians or drunks. They blend a Key West sense of humor with their musical talents and create an uncanny ability to take even the most boring and yawning audience and turn them into a rowdy, drooling bunch of party freaks who gain a whole new outlook on life and living. Pete and Wayne are a way of life.

Ray Fogg

"The Island men think I'm cool and their women want to do me," sings the "Island Rock God," Ray Fogg, his tongue so firmly planted in his cheek he can barely get the words out!

Sweetwater Records' recording artist Ray Fogg has become such a favorite of the islanders and tourists alike at Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island, the popular party island resort in Lake Erie, that folks commonly refer to him as the "Island Rock God!" Since his act is mostly comedy and acoustic songs, the nickname is completely in jest. During the off-season his tour has taken him to world famous Sloppy Joe's Bar in Key West, the French Quarter in New Orleans, as well as Great Lakes towns throughout Michigan and Ohio, where he draws enthusiastic fans hungry for their winter-time Ray Fogg fix.

"One island is not enough to hold all of Fogg's talent" said the Sandusky Register. The Toledo City Paper called Fogg "the ultimate party boy during summers on South Bass Island." Michigan's Macomb Dailey called him "the pride of Put-in-Bay."

In Spring, 2003, Fogg released his fourth CD, Live from Put-in-Bay - Christmas in July. Since 1998, he has released three CDs with his band The Swingin' Lesbian Frogs, entitled Waves in 1998, Kiss My Bass in 1999 and I'm Busy (boating, drinking, singing) in 2001. Waves features many of Fogg's heartfelt songs about the islands. Kiss My Bass features the humorous and raunchy songs which have become popular at Ray's live shows such as the title track, "Kiss My Bass", "Big Fat Pig" and "Aunt Bea." Some of these songs may not be the most politically correct songs, but they're funny as hell!! I'm Busy strikes a balance between the first two CDs with great songs such as "The Moon Song" as well as more drinking songs like "Everyone's a 10 at 2:00". The new live CD captures an evening at the showroom at Put-In-Bay where Fogg holds court through the summer.

The credits on the CDs are impressive, beginning with the producer Kevin Raleigh. His hit songs included his Atlantic Records release "Moonlight On Water" as well as his earlier hits with the Michael Stanley Band such as "He Can't Love You". The Swingin' Lesbian Frogs are comprised of musicians respected as top notch players: Frank Romano - guitar (New York; has also worked with Jennifer Lopez, Puff Daddy, Musiq Soulchild, Jill Scott),Mike Crow - bass (Ohio; also with Frank Camp), and Richard Carpenter - drums (Ohio; formerly of Exotic Birds).

Through the 1980's and early 1990's Ray toured the college circuit nationwide. During this time he founded a booking agency which specialized in the college market. Although Ray long ago left the agency business, his sister Linda Fogg continues with Fogg Entertainment.

From 1985 to 1991 Ray served on the National Association for Campus Activities' (NACA) Associate Member Advisory Board, part of the national leadership of the college circuit association, representing the interests of fellow performing artists. He has received humanitarian awards for his work with world hunger.

But then Ray discovered that his writing and performing are best suited and well inspired by the beautiful and fun island of Put-in-Bay where you can find him most every weekend during the season. So if you're up for some island fun, you'll want to catch the Island Rock God, Ray Fogg.