Meet the Vision Behind The Ellington Bar: AJ Ellington

An Arkansas native with a magnetic passion for hospitality, April Joyce “AJ” Ellington is the heart and soul of The Ellington Bar. With over 15 years of bartending experience, she has honed her craft into a true art form, bringing not only skill and precision to every pour but also a deep love for creating unforgettable experiences.

Her bartending journey began in 2008 at The Bartending School in Little Rock, where she mastered the foundations of bar etiquette and technique and memorized over 100 cocktail recipes. After earning her first bartending certification, she relocated to Nashville, TN, where she earned a second certification from The Professional Bartending School, propelling her into the fast-paced world of high-profile events and elite venues.

In Nashville, AJ’s talents quickly made waves. She showcased her poise and precision at major venues like the Music City Center and The Hutton Hotel and was entrusted with high-profile events, including the Titans NFL Christmas Party, the CMT Artist of the Year Afterparty, the Stellar Awards Afterparty, and even a private celebration for country superstar Carrie Underwood. Her reputation for excellence even landed her an on-screen role as a bartender in ABC’s hit TV series Nashville, serving drinks to stars Wyclef Jean and Jonathan Jackson.

After 7 years in Nashville, AJ returned home to Little Rock to live closer to family, bringing her vibrant energy and refined bartending skills to events across the city. Known for always arriving at casual gatherings with a mini-bar in tow and a knack for inventing creative cocktails, she has a natural ability to bring people together through the joy of sharing a drink.

Fueled by her passion for hospitality, a love for creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, AJ launched The Ellington Bar, a premier mobile bartending service dedicated to elevating every event. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large celebration, she is committed to curating an experience that’s both seamless and unforgettable, offering everything from bartender-only packages to fully inclusive, concierge-level service and even colorful mocktail experiences.

With a vision to become a trusted staple in Little Rock’s event scene, AJ brings warmth, professionalism, and a spark of sophistication to every event she serves.

Ready to raise the bar at your next event? Book The Ellington Bar today and let us turn your celebration into an extraordinary experience.