Entertainment April 27, 2009 By Sue Baxter Drena's Bar and Grill      It is so exciting to meet a woman that has had a dream since childhood and let it grow into something wonderful! The other night I got the pleasure of meeting Drena Gail. Born and raised in Hobart, Gail Ferman, graduated in 1974 wanting to be a rock and roll singer. She has a beautiful voice and is willing to take the hardships to be in a band. Among many bands, she is noted in the 80’s with North Star and Standoff. During the 90’s she was in Chemistry 101. Now she has transformed into Drena. You can call her Drena, Gail Ferman, Drena Gail, Gail Kukulies, or just Gail and she’ll answer (although she prefers Drena). The band Drena Reign has played your favorite classic rock and other variety music for the last 10 years.      After singing on countless stages in bars and restaurants she knows what it takes to make the perfect place to eat, drink and be merry! In May of 2007 she found a deal she couldn’t refuse. After the Old City Limits (off Duck Creek Golf Courses) closed, she was ready to open in November. With many connections with the top entertainment, décor of a lodge, homemade food, games to play, Drena’s is the utopia of places to go.      Gail has only good quality entertainment as you can see by her fabulous stage. The bands have a dressing room and private parking. She sure knows how to treat her bands right. Presenting the bands from behind “the black curtain” makes her stage very professional. Earlier in the evening on weekends entertainment starts with acoustic music and goes into rock later on. Sunday is Jam Nite. That night is extra special because it has evolved into a family night. The musicians will bring their kids on stage and really put on a show. Of course, if you don’t have a talented kid to hide behind, they will still let you play a few songs. Drena’s is always family friendly. Kids under 21 must be with a parent after 9 pm. There is a separate area that minors can be, yet still see and enjoy the live performances. Of course, occasionally you get the treat of seeing Drena herself perform. Watch carefully, it may be your waitress!      When Drena Reign takes the stage, she’ll pull head chef, Sue Cole, to play bass and Sue's husband Kelly on lead guitar. Drena’s husband, Herb, plays rhythm guitar and keyboards backed up with Mike Sullivan (from Dutchess and Dirty Trixx) on drums. It can’t all be done without Stretch, their stage manager, doing lights and sound. Stretch might spend his free time setting things up for Cheap Trick or Plain White T’s.      Summer is lots of fun at Drena’s. There’s a huge back yard for dining, horse shoes or bean bags. You’ll be able to hear the music from outside. There are bon-fires on the weekends with marshmallows for the kids. She sprays for bugs and has plenty of security watching the place so everyone is safe and happy. If it’s raining you can come inside for darts or billiards.      The food at Drena’s is all homemade from scratch. Paulie Garcia, the Sous Chef, claims the best tacos in the U.S. Try all you can eat on Sunday, complete with beans and rice. Tuesday you can try 38 cent wings; Wednesday is barbeque rib night; Thursday is a prime rib sandwich; Friday is Phish Fry and on the weekends there are steak and crab legs. On any night there is awesome pizza and hearty sandwiches.  You can go from breakfast to dessert with soup, salad or appetizers in between. The menu really calls for you to come in and check it out. You’ll need a few visits to try it all!      Once there, you’ll discover Drena’s is the perfect place for your next private party. Whether it’s a shower, business function, or benefit, there is room for 150 inside and arrangements for more can be outside.      For more information call 219-364-0890 or www.drena’sbarandgrill.com or www.myspace.com/drenasbarandgrill. Be sure to tell them Panorama sent you! Notice to Reader: The following are comments from readers. In no way do they represent the views of editor of the article or 219.com. We will not edit or alter your comments, but we do reserve the right to not post or to remove comments that violate our code of conduct. No comment may contain potentially libelous statements; obscene, explicit or racist language; personal attacks, insults or threats