The Comedian, & The Bartender

Comedian Lori Graves - © Michael Warth

Earlier this year, I spent some quality time with a great comedian/bartender, Lori Graves, at The Crosskeys Tavern in Chillicothe, Ohio. Lori gave me the opportunity to make some portrait photos of her at the bar as we chatted about her double life as a working comedian and full-time bartender.

After the hundred-million two or three necessary photos I shot of Lori that day, we enjoyed a lengthy lunch as she shared some of her experiences as both a comedian and a bartender. I learned a thing or two about babysitting and how it makes great material for a comedian, a little bit about CSI, and the color green.

The lunch was amazing; however, pub food in general is home cooking meets commercial level comfort food in my opinion. Nonetheless, my meatloaf, mash potato and corn dish, paired with a fine snifter glass of Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale  was above average. The KBBA became my beer of choice to review for Alternative Revolt Magazine based on this very moment being my first taste of the beer. I could go on and on about the lunch, but I’ll end it here by saying, “why would one spend $5-10 on a fast-food-drive-thru-meal, when the ‘Keys serves food like this daily for lunch?”

One thing I learned in a short time, was that Lori is a larger than life personality and  an incredibly interesting person. She has a take-no-crap attitude when it comes to working behind the bar, yet very approachable and friendly disposition when you get to know her (kind of like Jagermeister). I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Lori in action as the bartender (and sometimes, bouncer) at the ‘Keys. Let me say, there is no doubt she commands respect and works extremely hard at serving people when they stop in for a drink. If you are one of those obnoxious drunks, and show any disrespect at the ‘Keys while Lori is running the show, there is little doubt you will pay for it with your dignity. Everyone in the bar who knows Lori, loves her. Yet, everyone is welcome. Just don’t piss her off.

Anytime I get to sit down with a bartender, brewmaster, etc, I always ask what they like to drink. I was not surprised when she told me her favorite liquor is Jameson’s Irish Whiskey. But, she did give me a few twists. Jameson & Sprite? Hum, I’ll have to try that one. She also like’s an Irish Aspirin as a shot (Jameson with orange juice), her favorite beer is Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, and her favorite domestic beer is Miller Lite.

Lori is the first industry person I wanted to make pictures of and write about here on The Thirsty Muse. I love the fact she is not only a passionate bartender, but she is also following her passion to make people laugh. She is a story teller, a bringer of happiness, and hard working woman. More than just a bartender, and more than just a entertainer. She is all these things, and I doubt she will ever stop being herself to please anyone.

Final Points:

• Lori’s Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Comedienne-Lori-Graves/151171201664835)
• Check out The Crosskeys Tavern in Chillicothe, Ohio for lunchtime food, and great beverages. If you see Lori, tell her Mike sent you to get a pair of Irish Handcuffs. Link to the ‘Keys’ website > http://www.crosskeystavern.com/
• At the Crosskey’s Tavern, lunch is served Mon-Fri, 11-2, dinner available 5-9 on Thursday & Friday. Again, Beth (the cook) makes an amazing meatloaf!
• Lori hosts a monthly comedy night (on a Tuesday based on her schedule) at The Crosskeys Tavern (starts at 9 PM).

- Cheers