Unfinished Business Brings Rock and Soul back to Frankfort Square

Local drummer Ryan Comte doesn’t mind the grunt work of loading gear and setting up for a show — but once he's behind the kit, it’s a different story. He loves it.

“The playing — I do that for free,” Comte said, with a laugh. “I call it my therapy.”

This Saturday night, Comte and his bandmates that make up Unfinished Business will bring that passion to the stage in Frankfort Square for the Beats and Eats summer concert series.

More specifically, Unfinished Business is made of an eclectic mix of friends and musicians from throughout the area. Joining Comte are lead singer and guitarist Dave Williams of Rising City; Columbus’ own Steve Hurt on guitar and vocals; Mike Congdon on bass and vocals; and David City’s Mike Palensky handling sax, percussion and vocals.

“We do a little bit of the softer side of rock,” Comte explained. “Also, some R&B and soul type of stuff. We really do a little bit of everything.”

Comte and the rest of the band are self-proclaimed music-junkies, as they constantly are sharing bands and songs with one another. It’s no surprise for a guy who actually plays in multiple bands.

“I pride myself on listening to just about any kind of music … we all share a common love for music and sharing music,” he said, noting the only genre he doesn’t listen to is rap. “Music brings people together. I’ve never been in a situation where music pushed people apart.”

Years ago, Hurt, Palensky and Williams formed an acoustic trio called “Rocks in a Pocket” (which still performs to this day), but Unfinished Business came about with the addition of himself and Congdon.

All five members have been inducted into the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame in Norfolk, where they will perform Friday night as part of the annual induction ceremony. So, they’ll be fired up when they return to the stage in Columbus beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 19.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. Pulcinella Napoli and Pier 402 Food Truck will be on hand for those with appetites. Comte said Frankfort Square offers a vibe you won’t find at a typical indoor venue.

“It’s a beautiful outdoor scene and always a great place to play because it has a whole different vibe than playing in a bar,” he said. “And we perform an enjoyable style of music … it’s wholesome, good ol’ rock and roll that I think is performed pretty well.”