OAC Grant Awarded
The Ohio Arts Council, Artist Opportunities, Professional Artist Grant supports this artist in producing a series of four performances in central Ohio from January through March 2026, featuring 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 @ohioartscouncil #artsohio #ArtsOhio #ohioartscouncil
MEDIA/BASSISTS/VENUES/SPONSORS/VENDORS: Contact mykerock@mykerock.com
About the Artists...
Steve Perakis
Steve has taught double bass and electric bass privately and at local music stores for over 20 years. He has performed in dozens of cities in the United States, Europe and Thailand, with dozens of different musical groups at festivals, night clubs and private functions. He is a studio musician at area studios and for many professional colleagues. His performances have appeared on several soundtracks, area television commercials and on local recordings. For over 20 years he's managed business activities of various musical groups, produced audio recordings for release, composed and arranged music in multiple genres, for ensembles ranging from three to 11 pieces. He has also been commissioned to compose music for short films and modern dance works.Among others, Perakis has performed with Honk Wail & Moan, Big Gritty, Stan Smith Plus, Disorder, Furs, Porterhouse Surf, Schtick, QED Jazz, Thunder Mustard, Totally Bogus, Yumbambe, and Zancudo.
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/stephen-perakis/ - https://www.woodensoul.com/perakis/bio.html - https://stephenperakis.bandcamp.com/music - https://www.facebook.com/steveperakis
Phil Maneri
Maneri is a prominent professional musician, bassist, and luthier who has been active in the Columbus, Ohio, area for over four decades. He is the owner and proprietor of the Fifth Avenue Fret Shop in Grandview, a well-known establishment for instrument sales and repairs.
As a musician, Maneri is involved in a variety of creative projects, including:
"The Alsatian Queen":
A multi-disciplinary film and stage presentation about the 160-plus-year history of his double bass.
Morgan, MacDonell & Maneri: An acoustic group performing well-known songs from artists like The Beatles and Johnny Cash at local venues such as Natalie's Grandview.
Improvisational Projects: He frequently performs improvisational music, often in collaboration with harpist Trista Hill, at various events and venues like the Franklin Park Conservatory and the Columbus Arts Festival.
"Phil Maneri Presents Kaleidoscope": A monthly art series he initiated in 2021 that features real-time improvisation among musicians, dancers, and visual artists.
Maneri continues to be an active and influential figure in the Columbus arts scene, known for his diverse musical background spanning the depths of classical, jazz, rock, and hip hop.
https://maneri.net/ - https://www.discogs.com/artist/2696955-Phil-Maneri - https://philmaneri.bandcamp.com/.../conversations-with...
Myke Rock
Rock is an experienced and well-known bassist, particularly prominent in the Columbus, Ohio music scene, known for his work in numerous rock, blues, and punk bands. He is noted for his long list of musical accomplishments and is a frequent performer at events like ComFest, where he was an Honored Artist in 2023.
Career Highlights and Associated Acts
Screaming Urge: Myke Rock was the original and permanent bassist for this punk/rock band in the 1980s and 1990s.
Ray Fuller and the Bluesrockers: He has performed and toured with this blues band, including a European tour in 2016 and subsequent tours.
Dexter Wesley and Red Hot Lava:
Rock has been the bassist for this local band, performing frequently in the Columbus area.
Other Collaborations:
His career also includes playing with Willie Phoenix, the Bobby Messano Band, Belgian-based Jamal Thomas (of the SOS Band and Maceo Parker), Cat String Theory, and The Mustangs.
Solo Work and Projects:
He had a solo "Beatles on Bass" show and has been involved in creating and curating various music showcase series and online radio stations.
Session/Live Work:
He has sat in with various other groups for specific events, such as Cherry Blonde.
Current Activity
Myke Rock remains an active musician. He currently hosts a weekly open jam session at Traditions Tavern in Columbus and continues to perform in various bands, including as equity member in Dirty Red Sunshine, and tours periodically in Europe, and has upcoming performances on December 21, 2025 at Winter Blues Jam 2026 at De Mooie Molen in Roeselare, Belgium, and on January 2, 2026, with Rock 'n' Roy at Club B52 in Ichtegem, Belgium.
https://www.mykerock.com/bio - https://www.mykerock.com/music - http://www.mykerock.com - https://www.facebook.com/myke.rock
Bradley Mellen
Mellen is an American musician and software developer.
Music Career
Mellen is a versatile musician known as a bassist, cellist, composer, arranger, and bandleader. He performs in various ensembles, including the Alex Schrock Trio and the Brad Mellen Quartet, primarily in the central Ohio area. Mellen has also performed with Bobby Floyd, Laura Camara & The Jake Reed Trio, The Ryan Craycroft Trio, and has performed at the Springfield Jazz and Blues Festival. He has performed on several albums, with a discography that includes contributions to works by Kandace Springs, Bob Holz, and Ben Jones, among others. He is also currently recording his own album.
Software Development Career
Mellen has been a software developer at Kosada since 2008, specializing in Drupal web development, including site building, front-end and back-end work, and continuous integration. He also has experience in application development for iOS and macOS and advises on Agile development.
https://bradleymellen.com/ - https://www.facebook.com/bradley.mellen
John Zuck - Opening Act
John Zuck is a long-time favorite bassist based in Columbus, Ohio. Zuck is recognized for his distinctive playing style, particularly his slap bass technique and driving rhythm. He is currently a member of the band Austin and The Syd Experience.
Career Overview
Early Career: Zuck spent his high school years playing drums in a punk band before moving to Columbus for art school in 1986. At the age of 21, during his junior year, he picked up the bass guitar and formed his independent band, Ishkabibble.
Ishkabibble: The band was active for 10 years, touring and releasing two full-length CDs and a record.
Freelance Work and Other Bands:
After Ishkabibble, Zuck started his own post-punk project called Zuck's Turkey Farm and became a freelance bassist. Over the next 20 years, he worked with numerous bands, including:
Ekoostik Hookah
O.A.R. (Of A Revolution)
Mike Perkins
Pat Buzzard
Current Project: He brings his energy and skills to his current role as the bassist for Austin and The Syd Experience, a funk-oriented band, and Zuck's Turkey Farm.
https://www.facebook.com/ZucksTurkeyFarm - https://austinandthesydexperience.com/ - https://www.discogs.com/artist/5169797-John-Zuck - https://www.facebook.com/john.zuck.902
Erik Diaz
Diaz is a professional drummer, recording/mixing engineer, and producer based in Northeast Ohio. He is best known for his time as the drummer for the blues rock band Hot Tuna from 2004 to 2009.
Career Highlights
Hot Tuna: Diaz joined Hot Tuna (a spinoff of Jefferson Airplane) in 2004, playing alongside founding members Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, and mandolinist Barry Mitterhoff. He toured and recorded with the band until his departure in August 2009.
Northeast Ohio Music Scene/Central Ohio:
He is an active and respected figure in the Northeast Ohio music community. He currently hosts the "BLU-esday Tuesday" blues jam at BLU Jazz+ and performs with various local acts, including Mo Mojo, Anne E. DeChant, and VibroGroove. Diaz is a founding member of Columbus-based Dirty Red Sunshine.
Versatility:
His experience spans a wide range of genres, including rock, folk, blues, progressive, jazz, and world-beat. He is also a freelance drummer and percussionist for recording sessions.
Production Work:
In addition to performing, Diaz owns a studio and offers services as a recording, mixing, and mastering engineer.
https://www.facebook.com/erik.diaz.7927/ - https://www.facebook.com/.../Dirty-Red-Sunshine.../