Before the final show next weekend, Mike Woody reminisces and shares his memories of Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub
A Fond Farewell to Wiley's Comedy Club
If the walls within Wiley’s Comedy Club could talk, the jokes would be plentiful and with a lot of stories to tell. Many of the biggest names in comedy have stood on the small, simple stage over the last 42 years. Now the time has come for last call, as Ohio’s oldest comedy club is closing.
Like for many others, Wiley’s was my introduction to comedy clubs. Was the first place I attended that had a two drink minimum. Many of the comedians I went to see I knew from hearing on the Bob & Tom Show. I also used to write for a publication that’s no longer in business and had the pleasure of interviewing some of the featured entertainers.
On at least three different occasions I went to see Tim Cavanagh, of the One Minute Song fame. I became very familiar with his mantra of, “What do you say?” The audience responds with, “Sure Tim, sounds like fun.” Cavanagh is a very nice guy, and his act is squeaky clean. Always made sure to seek me out to say ‘hi.’ On ‘Bob & Tom’ he’s known for his Calvacade of Celebrity Birthday songs, though I beaver earned being mentioned in that, he does wish me a Happy Birthday on Facebook.
Perhaps my most memorable visit to Wiley’s was to see ‘Donnie Baker.’ Material wise, Baker was as dirty as Cavanagh is clean. Without the censorship of TV and radio, comedians have much looser lips. On ‘Bob & Tom’ the character of Donnie Baker was a simple minded redneck played by the late Ron Sexton. On the radio his skits were hilarious and rated PG. In person, he could make a room full of sailors blush. A couple of my barely over 18 cousins and their mother were big fans, so along with my brother, we all went. Not that I’m a prude or have sensitive ears, but was not prepared for a war zone of F-bombs and sexual jokes, with my female cousins. At least we didn’t bring grandma. We have at least laughed a lot about it since….I swear to God.
There are other comedians I saw multiple times at Wiley’s, Donnie Baker not included. Bob ‘Baybeee’ Zany and the legendary Emo Phillips. Others I saw include Ryan Singer, who I took a Creative Writing class with in college and Tim Bedore with his animal conspiracies.
Despite them being frequent visitors I never made it to see Heywood Banks, Dow Thomas, Uncle Larry, or Mike Armstrong. Nor was I ever lucky enough to be present when Dave Chappell would stop in to practice some new material.
Though I don’t remember the jokes I’ve heard, Wiley’s still brings good memories. It wouldn’t seem right to end, without including, ‘Please remember your servers.’
Related: Wiley's Comedy Club in downtown Dayton to close its doors after over 40 years
Final show: Wiley's Comedy Club Farewell Show September 7
