Hear Harmonies, Guitar Riffs in Stillwater Thursday

Rock and relax this week with a group of Minnesota natives whose high energy, ever-changing performances are sure to please even the most diverse audiences.

Consisting of four musicians hailing from Lake Elmo and Minnetonka, the band, Ruben, emerged from artists' pure joy for creating music and perfecting harmony. Ruben takes the stage at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4 at the Stillwater Public Library, Margaret Rivers A&B.

"With influences ranging from rock n roll, to soul and pop, to the encompassing sonic force of the wall of sound, their music follows no set course, and often takes the shape of whatever it pleases," said the event listing on the library's website. "Songs are often layered with close harmonies, riffing guitars and warm horns."

Ruben's newest release "The Orchard" is a showcasing of the musicians' more ambitious songwriting, made up of sophisticated arrangements and vocal harmonies. The album begins with three rock n' roll songs and finishes with three tunes that explore a bigger, grander sound that is distinct from Ruben's previous releases.

Band members include:

• Sam Ziemer - Vocals/Guitar/Bass
• Dan Schiltz - Vocals/Keys/Guitar/Bass
• Mack Ziemer - Drums/Vocals
• Catie Ziemer - Vocals/Bass/Guitar/Percussion

Look to the library's website for additional details, or check out Ruben's Facebook page. Accompanying image courtesy of the Stillwater Public Library.