Bullfrogs Live hosts comedy, sports, parties

Michelle Boltz

Whether one likes to shake their groove thing, bob their heads to the beat, or relax and unwind with some comedic laughs, Bullfrogs Live is the place to go.

On Sept. 11, Bullfrogs Live will be celebrating their eighth anniversary at their Huntoon Street and Gage Boulevard location.

One of Bullfrogs’ newest planned events is their Heaven and Hell Party, coming up on Sept. 11. The mastermind behind the event is Ashley Adams, a Washburn student that works at Bullfrogs. She presented manager Rob Fateley with the idea. Fateley liked the concept, and let Adams plan the event.

The event will feature an Angel and Demon costume contest, and prizes for the best male and female in each category. The dance floor will represent Heaven, the inside bar Hell and the outdoor patio Purgatory.

There is no cover charge if you come in costume. Both Fateley and Adams hope that this will become an annual event.

For the dance enthusiasts the new dance floor will be open at 10:45 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays.

“We have a great sound system, lights, and two DJs. We’re looking to add more next year, constantly growing to make it better,” said Fateley.

Weather permitting, Bullfrogs also provides live bands out on their patio, and feature local area bands like Urban Safari, Tekila, Mirage, Kicks and many others. Patrons that arrive early enough before cover charge starts at 9 p.m. can listen to the music for free. Bands play on Friday and Saturdays from 6 to 11 p.m.

Bullfrogs Live is the only place in Topeka that has comedy every weekend. Some of the comedians that have performed there were featured on “Last Comic Standing.” Some of the regulars include Mo Alexander, Richie Holiday, Billy Ray Bauer, and more.

Bullfrogs Live also shows their support for U.S. military personnel. If a service member shows their military ID at the door, there is no cover charge for any event, including comedy.

For sports fanatics, Bullfrogs also carries all NFL and NBA games, along with some NHL and college games.

Bullfrogs Live also hosts an annual golf tournament at Western Hills golf course for the Karen Harkness Tennis Scholarship Fundraiser for Washburn Tennis.

Harkness was a Washburn grad that was murdered in 2003, and the event and scholarship were made in her honor.

“We very much appreciate the amount that was raised, and we’re proud to be a part of it,” said Fateley.

The tournament is usually held the Thursday before Memorial Day.

In addition to the Huntoon Street and Gage Boulevard location, there is also a Bullfrogs out on 29th Street and Wanamaker Road, which will be celebrating their 17th year on September 10.

“It is more of a traditional sports bar,” said Fateley, “We’re looking forward to spring  and having more bands out at the Wanamaker location as well.”

The older of the locations hosts two themed parties a year there, one of which has a Jimmy Buffett theme.

Bullfrogs Live is usually open seven days a week, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Cover charge is always $5, except if in costume for theme parties.

For groups and party buses there is no cover charge. bachelor or bachelorette parties, class reunions, anniversaries, retirement parties and other events can rent the upstairs balcony for no charge, but have to book at least a week in advance. It holds about 85 people. The downstairs bar can be rented for private parties (for about 140 guests) for a nominal charge. Bands can also book their performances online.  Bullfrogs T-shirts are available for $15.

For more information on live events, check out www.bullfrogslive.com.

“Music on the patio, comedy, sports and dance, we’re a multi-bar in one, Your one-stop party shop,” said Fateley.