On Saturday, February 28th, 2026, the "Expansive Breadth of Electric Bass Guitar in Action" series has its 3rd of 4 events 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 third deposit in the event series is subtitled Bass Flight and features central Ohio bassists Molly Pauken (McGuffey Lane, Sirens, John Schwab Band: http://mollypauken.com), Doug "Savage" Ramey (The Godz, Vaudville, Nasty Action, Pink Velvet Krush: https://www.facebook.com/doug.s.ramey, https://www.thegodzusa.com), Myke Rock (Jamal Thomas - SOS Band, Maceo Parker -, Bobby Messano Band, Dirty Red Sunshine: http://www.mykerock.com), and drummer Matt Meese (Ex-The Godz, Bo Diddley, The Remedies, Scott Gorsuch, Mervana). Check out the Ohio Arts Council grant description and artists' information, bio and links below.
The Ohio Arts Council, Artist Opportunities, Professional Artist Grant supports Myke Rock in producing a series of four performances in central Ohio from January 30th through March 14th, 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.
The Artists...
Molly Pauken is a prominent, in-demand multi-instrumentalist based in the Columbus, Ohio metropolitan area, known for her "killer" bass work, as well as playing guitar, drums, and mandolin . She has been a professional musician since October 1992 and plays over 200 shows each year, both locally and internationally.
Bands and Projects
Molly Pauken is an active member of several Columbus-based and national groups.
- Sirens: Her original group where she collaborates with Kay Harris, blending pop, rock, Americana, funk, and folk styles.
- McGuffey Lane: A well-known Ohio-based band she plays with regularly.
- The John Schwab Band: Another Columbus-area project where she performs.
- The Ladies of Longford: She performs string and percussion instruments with this group.
- Roxy Janes: A vintage rock band she formed with other veteran female musicians during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Session and Solo Work
A top-demand session musician, Pauken can be heard on hundreds of CD and demo projects. She also records remote tracks for artists nationwide through her business, Slaphappy Studio, and offers private lessons. Her solo album, Her Kaleidoscope, has been praised in national publications.
For more information and booking, you can visit her official website, check her out on ReverbNation, or follow her on Facebook.
- The Godz: Ramey is currently a bassist, singer, and songwriter for the legendary Columbus-based rock band, The Godz. In late 2024 and 2025, he has been actively recording new music and performing live with the group.
- Vaudville: He has served as a singer-songwriter and member of the band Vaudville.
- Nasty Action: Ramey has performed with the band Nasty Action, notably playing at venues like the Alrosa Villa in Columbus.
- Pink Velvet Krush: He has also been credited as a vocalist for this group.
- Early Life: He attended Knott County Central High School before establishing his music career in the Columbus area.
- Regional Presence: His work is frequently tied to the Central Ohio music scene, including performances in Columbus, Newark, and surrounding areas.
Visit Ramey's Facebook page, Godz' Facebook page and The Godz website for more information.
Matt Mees is a prominent and long-standing drummer in the Columbus, Ohio music scene, known for his work with numerous bands across various genres for several decades .
Career Overview
Mees has performed and recorded with a wide range of acts, establishing himself as a versatile and "staple" drummer in the local music community. He is a regular on the Columbus Local podcast, discussing his extensive career and musical insights. Notable Bands and CollaborationsMatt Mees has been associated with a diverse array of musical groups and artists, including:
- The Godz: He was a past member of this American hard rock band from Columbus.
- Bo Diddley: Mees performed multiple shows with the legendary musician in the 1990s.
- The Remedies: He is the current drummer for this R&B/soul/groove band.
- Stop Drop & Roll: Mees is part of this 90s rock covers and more band.
- The Ramblers: He is one of the dueling drummers in this band, which blends rock, soul, and blues.
- Other acts: His resume also includes collaborations with Hootie McBoob, Wolf Atkins, Scott Gorsuch, Mervana, Razorbliss, and George Jones.
More information on his discography can be found on Discogs. You can also listen to his full music backstory on the Columbus Local Podcast on Spotify.
Myke 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.
- Bobby Messano Band: Rock is the bassist for this national act, performing frequently throughout the US and Europe, and recorded all bass tracks on the new, full-length album, Still Life, with the recording artists in Wisconsin in late 2024.
- Other Collaborations: His career also includes playing with Willie Phoenix, 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