Freedom Road Rocks Down Memory Lane at Beats & Eats

Freedom Road is excited to take the stage on Thursday night in Frankfort Square

A reverend, a retired banker, a retired mechanic, a retired firefighter, and a retired businessman might not seem like your typical rock band—but together, they prove the power of music transcends careers.

Collectively, drummer Tim Tarnick, rhythm guitarist Jim Davis, keyboardist Murray Johnston, lead guitarist Don Peterson, and bassist Jan Zaura—who all share vocal duties—are Freedom Road, a local rock outfit hailed as “the next Beatles of the Midwest” since their formation in 1966. The band will headline Beats and Eats at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 17, in Frankfort Square.

With four members who are Columbus High School alumni and deep ties to the community, the band is fired up to play for its hometown crowd.

“We’d encourage anyone interested in music to come out,” Tarnick said. “We’re thankful for everyone supporting live music, because there’s not much out there anymore. But Columbus and the surrounding areas are trying to bring that type of thing back.”

Freedom Road, inducted into the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame in 2002, began as a group of young musicians looking to jam and make a name for themselves. Over the decades, members have come and gone, but the core lineup has remained largely intact since reuniting in the early 2000s. Davis and Zaura joined in more recent years.

On Thursday, the band promises a crowd-pleasing setlist, offering a taste of nostalgia with songs from the 1960s through the 1990s.

“The Beatles, Santana, The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley—we grew up with a lot of that music,” Tarnick said. “We’ve got a pretty well-rounded sound, so we can please just about anybody. For us, it’s a chance to get out there, interact with the audience, and create a positive environment with songs that are relevant and recognizable.”

Now with four members fully retired, the band relishes the chance to pick up gigs across the region. What keeps them going is the camaraderie as much as the music.

“We have great chemistry. We’ve been friends for a long time,” Tarnick said. “It’s kind of like having a bowling team—but instead of getting together to bowl, we get together and play music.”

Tarnick said the band is especially excited to return for the City of Columbus Parks and Recreation Department’s Beats and Eats summer concert series, noting the unique setting with food trucks and the ambiance of the downtown district.

Zeeky’s BBQ and Pier 402 are expected to be the food trucks on-site Thursday night.

“It’s fun to interact with the audience,” Tarnick said. “Just like I said before, expect a well-rounded show that’s entertaining and family-oriented. Frankfort Square has been around a long time and is a great place for folks to come, congregate, and enjoy life. So come enjoy.”