ZANESVILLE − Music has deep roots in Muskingum County , from yesterday's mountain bluegrass music of Appalachia to today's rock'n' roll. And for good reason.Music moves us. It stirs memories, allows us to dream outside our reality and helps us to express ourselves. It can change our moods, reduce our stress and even stimulate our brains. It's also a powerful tool to connect with others.
And, fortunately, Muskingum County has a tradition of excellent bands and currently boasts an abundance of musical talent. When The Beatles popularized rock n roll in 1964, people like John Mohr, Tom Weisand, Mark Dinan and Bob Presnell brought the genre to Muskingum County.
Weisand and John Mohr were both members of the original Muffs, which became very well known throughout the Midwest, opening for Cheap. In the 1970s, Zanesville produced renowned bands The Muffs/MONEY and The Godz. John Mohr later formed The T-Birds with Twila Quinn. They were joined by Hanna Chalcraft (now John’s wife) and were for many years a fixture on the local music scene.
Kenny Wayne teamed with keyboardist Dave Joseph to perform a mix of rock and country music and was for many years one of the area’s most recognized vocalists/musicians. Kenny is no longer performing due to health concerns. Joseph is still active.
In 2024, Zanesville has a thriving music scene. There are many talented musicians and bands right here in our own backyard. I've put together a listing of some of the current musicians and bands who have roots in Muskingum County and the nearby area. This list is by no means comprehensive. There are too many to list them all. And bands form or dissolve on a regular basis.
In full transparency, I have a personal connection to several area bands. But all area musicians and bands have something to offer. I hope you will support all local musicians. Check out their social media pages and web sites to see when and where they will be performing and get out and hear them. You can also learn more about area performers in an upcoming series, The Beat of Muskingum County, in the Times Recorder.
In the meantime, please turn up July 14 at The Barn when Git Shorty performs on his birthday.
Git Shorty
Git Shorty is a national recording act living in Zanesville. Otherwise known as Elbert Ferguson, Git Shorty lived in Zanesville as a very young boy and returned in the mid-80s. Shorty has played with the biggest names in music from James Brown to Michael Jackson. After 67 years traveling the world playing music, Shorty has recently been spending more time in Zanesville and performing predominantly in Ohio and surrounding states. Shorty has an album out and is working on a follow up.
Donnelly/Quinn
Donnelly/Quinn (comprised of Mark Donnelly and myself) is a duo playing a mix of classic rock and new country covers, with plenty of Rolling Stones. We have been performing together for three years, and have performed at many area venues in Zanesville and the region.
The Alley Boys
The Alley Boys is a newly formed splinter band from the band Dejected, which played hard rock covers and originals. The Alley Boys are young musicians playing classic and modern rock covers. They played at Red, White & Boom in Columbus on July 3.
Mend the Broken
Mend the Broken formed in 2012 and plays classic and modern rock covers (1980s to 2000s) and originals. They recently played the New Lexington Eagles and The Hangout in Crooksville.
Levi Jameson
Levi Jameson is a country/folk singer/songwriter. Levi was born and raised in Sonora. He grew up hunting, fishing, and playing music that he learned from his father. He released his first single in 2016 and released an EP in 2022.
Late Horizon
Late Horizon members Michael Crane, and John and Hanna Mohr were members of popular party band HB7. John and Hanna were also members of popular longtime area band The T-Birds. John had also been an early member of iconic area band The Muff Brothers in the 1970s. Hanna had also been a member of the area's first all-girl rock band. The Late Horizon lineup is filled by John Kisch on bass and vocals, and Terrill Perkins on drums. They play classic rock.
50 Years After
50 Years After is comprised of guitarist Bob Presnell, singer Twila Quinn and singer/organist Jon Kullman. Quinn had been a member of popular longtime band The T-Birds. Music veteran Jim Rose, formerly of The Standing Ovation plays bass guitar. And new to the band is drummer Jay Bond. The band plays predominantly 1970s rock from bands such as The Doors.
Brandon Middleton
Brandon Middleton is a talented lead guitarist, vocalist and songwriter in Zanesville. He is both a solo performer and a band member. He gained notoriety as lead guitarist for famed area jam band Ol' Dirty Strangers . He has since started two additional bands The Stadankos, an acoustic folk and rock group, and Sharwahl, an original blues and rock act. Brandon has been a leader in the community for musicians performing for a cause. He organized the Battle of the Bands event at Secrest Auditorium for Big Brothers /Big Sisters, as well as A Day of the Arts event supporting those affected by the fire at the Masonic Temple. Brandon and his band for many years organized an annual charity event at Christmas.
Matt Frampton
Matt Frampton has been a fixture on the southeastern Ohio music scene since the 1980s. Frampton has developed a loyal following of fans who appreciate his versatile voice, outstanding musicianship, spontaneity and a large library of songs. Matt plays solo as well as in other bands and projects, including Tongo Rad with Jay Wince and Paul Mainini, which features three-part harmonies.Seeking Closure is a hard rock band playing original music. Band leader Drew Bauserman also owns and operates Co-Lab Productions recording studio on Linden Ave.
Brian Keys
Brian Keys has been a local music force for decades. He played early on with Matt Frampton, became popular with the 80s On Board band and is now leading Spelchek, playing more current rock covers.
Steve Spires
Steve Spires started playing percussion at age 4, accompanying his father, Chuck Spires, and siblings by banging in time on kitchen pots and pans. Over the ensuing 25 years, Steve has moved from playing drums in his family band at fairs, through a Metallica cover band, to playing guitar and singing much of his own material. Best known for his radio-friendly song “16 Miles From My Hometown,” Spires’ credentials are impressive: two releases of recorded songs, a growing fan base, and live performances throughout the region.
Rif Raf
Forty-six years after initially forming Rif Raf , Tim Blake is keeping the band alive. The band’s followers can’t get enough. Through health challenges, deaths and departures, the band reloads and rocks on. Blake reconstituted the band lineup last year, released new recordings and is rocking once again.
American Mojo
American Mojo covers classic rock. Formerly known as Spank the Monkey, this band rocks as hard as it parties. Don't look for romantic slow dances with this group — they keep the pedal to the metal all night long. The trio boasts one of the area’s best drummers in Brad Handshy.
AudioCide
Formed in Zanesville in late 2019, AudioCide is a critically acclaimed hard rock originals band which had quickly gained notoriety across the region. AudioCide's roots are “deeply embedded in heavy grooves, dynamic rhythms, spirited vocals, colossal riffs & unforgettable hooks,” the band says of itself. It’s hard rock sound may stand in the way of mass popularity, but the band’s musical ability makes it a favorite among those who know music. They released a recording, “Shots Fired” in April.
Straight Jacket
Straight Jacket band hard rock classics. Drummer Dustin Miller lives in Zanesville while Mike Derwacter (bass, vocals) and Kevin Freshwater (guitar) live in Crooksville. Among hard rock cover bands, this is one of the area’s best.
Hunter Lepi
Hunter Lepi is a solo musician, singer/songwriter, who focuses on acoustic guitars and harmonicas. After a stint on the West Coast, Lepi is back in Zanesville, building upon his 15-year career of writing and playing original music. Hunter has a unique style and sound. In his original songs, Hunter is an engaging storyteller with smart lyrics and catchy riffs. Each song has its own unique vibe.
There are many more area musicians and bands worthy of your time and attention. Upcoming young performers like Wes Devoll, TDT Party Band, The River Rats, Jason Edward Adams, KLB & Co., Mister Joe, Flu’z Acoustic, Black Sasquatch, Route 66, and Woodlawn Avenue will keep the Zanesville music tradition alive!
Paul Quinn's music career launched more than 50 years ago when he saved money he earned delivering The Times Recorder and bought a used set of Ludwig drums from his cousin. Since then, he has have played music in a number of bands in Zanesville and Columbus, including The Quinn Family Singers.
This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: The power of music: Zanesville's ground-breaking musicians and a look at today's talent
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