The Ohio Arts Council, Artist Opportunities, Professional Artist Grant supports this artist in producing a series of four performances in central Ohio from January 30th through March 14th,  2026, featuring top Columbus-based bass guitarists showcasing the full musical range of the instrument. The project reimagines popular and off-the-beaten-path songs by replacing traditional instrumental and vocal parts with bass interpretations, highlighting the instrument’s versatility.

On Friday, January 30th, 2026, The "Expansive Breadth of Electric Bass Guitar in Action" series has its inaugural event at Traditions Tavern (4514 Kenny Rd, Columbus, Ohio, Jt Henry), beginning at 9:00 PM. This free concert exhibits the full breadth of electric bass guitar, highlighting the many intriguing ways the instrument can be used. The first event of the series is subtitled Bass Fission and features central Ohio bassists (the series organizer) Myke Rock, Steve Perakis, Phil Maneri, and Bradley Mellen, with drummer Erik Diaz, performing mesmerizing renditions of songs like Whipping Post, Black Magic Woman and The Rain Song, among others. Bassist John Zuck performs a solo opening set. Below, view the Ohio Arts Council support statement, and individual artist biographical information with links to music and more.

The "Expansive Breadth of Electric Bass Guitar in Action" series is made possible in part by an investment of public funds from the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically. http://www.oac.ohio.gov #artsohio #ArtsOhio #ohioartscouncil

BELOW, PLEASE FIND LINKS TO DETAILS ON EACH SERIES EVENT:

Inaugural Event, Subtitled:
BASS FISSION
Friday, January 30th, 2026, 9:00PM, Free Entry
Traditions Tavern (4514 Kenny Rd, Columbus - Jt Henry)
Feat. Bassists, Phil Maneri, Steve Perakis, Bradley Mellen, Myke Rock, and Drummer Erik Diaz, with opening Bassist John Zuck, on the Music Go Round Columbus Stage!
EVENT DETAILS: https://www.mykerock.com/tour-events/2836901_expansive-breadth-of-electric-bass-guitar-in-action-1-4-bass-fission-fri-jan-30-at-traditions-tavern-columbus-an-oac-grant-supported-event

Series Event #2, Subtitled:
MATINEE DE BASS
Saturday, February 14th, 4:30PM, $10 Entry
Spacebar (2590 N High St, Columbus)
Feat. Bassists, Matt Paetsch, Myke Rock, Steve Perakis and Drummer Brandon Pettiford, on the Music Go Round Columbus Stage! Opening Bassist, Phil Maneri. Roger Hines, who is medically unavailable, has been replaced with Steve Perakis.
EVENT DETAILS: https://www.mykerock.com/tour-events/2899653_expansive-breadth-of-electric-bass-guitar-in-action-2-4-matinee-de-bass-sat-feb-14-4-30-pm-at-spacebar-columbus-an-oac-grant-supported-event

Series Event #3, Subtitled:
BASS FLIGHT
Saturday, February 28th, 2026, 9:00PM, Free Entry
Traditions Tavern (4514 Kenny Rd, Columbus - Jt Henry)
Feat. Bassists, Molly Pauken, Doug Savage Ramey, Myke Rock, and Drummer Matt Mees, on the Music Go Round Columbus Stage! Opening act TBA.
EVENT DETAILS: https://www.mykerock.com/tour-events/2899737_expansive-breadth-of-electric-bass-guitar-in-action-3-4-bass-flight-sat-feb-28-9-00-pm-at-traditions-tavern-columbus-an-oac-grant-supported-event

Series Event #4, Series Finale, Subtitled:
MATINEE DE BASS 2
Saturday, March 14th, 2026, 4:30PM, $10 Entry
Spacebar (2590 N High St, Columbus)
Feat. Bassists, Dan Cochran, Steve Perakis, Myke Rock, and Drummer André R. Scott, and Opening Bassist Matt Cistone, on the Music Go Round Columbus Stage!
EVENT DETAILS: https://www.mykerock.com/tour-events/2900108_series-finale-expansive-breadth-of-electric-bass-guitar-in-action-4-4-matinee-de-bass-2-sat-mar-14-4-30-pm-at-spacebar-columbus-an-oac-grant-supported-event

http://www.oac.ohio.gov #artsohio #ohioartscouncil