Molly Pauken: Multi-instrumentalist and Member of the Sirens

Molly Pauken, along with Kay Harris and Pete Cary, come together as the band Sirens. Sirens music is all about the unique melody, the expression through lyric, voice and the texture of acoustic guitar and bass coming together to create unique but timeless pop songs. Sirens music integrates pop, rock, Americana, funk and  folk to produce a sound all their own. Molly and the Sirens are performing at the 2019 Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival® (CBJF) June 14-16 in Gahanna, Ohio. The group will perform from 1:45 – 3 pm Sunday, June 16 on the Toyota Direct Acoustic Alley Stage. We had the chance to talk to Molly to learn more about the band and their upcoming performance.

 

How long have you been a musician? I’ve been playing music ever since my dad taught me ukulele when I was six years old. I’ve been a full time professional musician since 1991. Who inspired you initially? My dad, uncles and cousins inspired me initially. They are professional musicians. They were always playing instruments and I always tagged along, picking up whatever I could by listening and watching. The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, Jim Croce and Stevie Wonder were among my first and favorite artists. There are so many more. I love Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder because they are multi-instrumentalists and have written some of the best songs of all time. What’s your favorite song to perform? Wow, I don’t have a favorite song to play but I never get tired of playing anything funky or high- energy! What’s your favorite kind of music to listen to? I love listening to any traditional Jazz; specifically Oscar Peterson, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington and John Coltrane. I never tire of the Beatles, Aretha Franklin, John Scofield, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder. My favorite current musicians are Vulfpeck, John Scofield and Julian Lage. If you could meet up and play with any legendary musician (dead or alive), who would it be? I would love to meet Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder because they are still playing after all these years because they still love to perform. They are also my major music influencers. What will you be performing/bringing to the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival? I will be performing on bass guitar and acoustic guitar with my trio Sirens – Kay Harris (vocals) Pete Cary ( electric guitar). We play Americana and Funky / bluesy originals as well as our favorite cover artists. Where can fans learn more about you and your music?     Fans can find us on Facebook, ReverbNation, and some of our songs are on YouTube, iTunes, Amazon Music and Spotify (listed below). “Everything” written and performed by Kay Harris and Molly Pauken “Gets You” written and performed by Kay Harris and Molly Pauken Confessions of an Optimist, (also available on Amazon Music and Spotify).                                                                              *****

For a complete schedule of entertainment, plus shuttle, parking  and additional information, go to CreeksideBluesandJazz.com. Interested in scoring a complimentary weekend pass and Tshirt?  Use the #2019CBJF hashtag on social media to share or create posts about the Festival. We’ll pick 40 Jambassadors at random (before 6.14.19) to score some swag! Questions? Call 614/418-9114.