Ray Pauken's Eclectic Live Music at Johnson's
Photography by Kimarie Martin Photography
Eight hundred and seventy five years. That's how much collective music experience Ray Pauken's band has. Twenty-two years ago, Ray asked Johnson's if his band could play. Their compensation? Ice cream. The original band consisted of four people and has grown to 14 -- three are more than 90 years old, others are past 80, and the youngest is 58.
Ray recently surveyed the crew to find out how many years they'd all been playing to come up with the 875 year figure. A retired history teacher for Columbus City Schools, he was compelled to find out what was happening 875 years ago and discovered that it was when King Henry I ruled England, the Magna Carta had been signed, Macbeth died, the Crusades started and when Lady Godiva had a famous ride around Coventry, England.
"This Thursday night adventure gives us the chance to keep playing," Ray says. "We're like old cars. If we stop, we may not start again!" The band features players who perform in a Big Band on Monday nights in Clintonville, one who played on a river boat, and a father/son duo on the trumpet and sax.
Ray, who grew up in Eastmoor and now lives at the Bexley House, comes from a musical family. His father was a Vaudeville performer, his daughter Molly Pauken Steinbrook plays for the McGuffey Lane band, and his grandson Jordan continues the tradition as a jazz player. Ray started playing the banjo when he was ten and never stopped. He was one of eight kids and four were drafted into Korean War. "We all did our time and we all came home." Then, Ray settled down with his wife Patricia, who was part of the Ryan family.
This Thursday night gig (7-9pm at Johnson's, weather permitting) may be one of 43209's biggest secrets. There are still a few more Thursdays before summer ends to catch this band playing a mixed bag of Big Band and rock n' roll songs! See you on the patio!
