Meet the Musicians: Ruegazz Brings an Irresistible Mix of Reggae, Blues & Jazz to Fall for the Arts

Reggae. Blues. Jazz. A little ska.

Mix them together, add five musicians who genuinely love creating original music, and you begin to understand the sound of Ruegazz.

Formed in 2013, Ruegazz takes both its name and its musical roots from reggae, blues and jazz, blending those influences into a style the band has made uniquely its own.

What started as a three-piece band has grown into a five-member group featuring Keanu Himalaya on guitar and vocals, Kyle Roelle on guitar and vocals, Whitney Hank on vocals, Anthony Owens on percussion, and Scott Henggeler on bass.

And on September 19, Ruegazz is bringing that sound to downtown Columbus for Fall for the Arts.

Music Made to Make You Feel Good

At the heart of Ruegazz is a love for creating original music.

Their goal isn't simply to make something that sounds good. The band strives to create music that is uplifting, energetic and relatable — music capable of connecting with people from all walks of life.

It's built around a simple philosophy: music should bring people together, make them smile and leave them feeling a little lighter than when they arrived.

That's a pretty good description of what we're hoping people experience throughout Fall for the Arts, too.

More Than a Decade of Making Music

Since forming in 2013, Ruegazz has performed at venues throughout Lincoln, Hastings, Omaha and Columbus, building an audience for their distinctive sound along the way.

The group has also been a part of the Power and Progress Festival for more than 10 years.

Now they're adding Fall for the Arts to that list.

Throughout the festival, musicians, artists and performers will be popping up inside businesses and at locations throughout downtown Columbus, inviting visitors to explore, discover and experience something they might not encounter every day.

Ruegazz should fit right in.

Their combination of reggae rhythms, blues influences, jazz and original music promises the kind of laid-back, energetic performance where you may arrive planning to listen for a few minutes — and find yourself wanting to stay.

And, as the band likes to say:

“A little ska never hurt nobody!”

See Ruegazz at Fall for the Arts

🎶 Ruegazz
📍 Vintage Pine
🕝 2:30 p.m.
📅 Saturday, September 19

Fall for the Arts takes place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout downtown Columbus and is free to attend.

Come downtown. Follow the music. Discover some art. Explore the businesses. And don't be surprised if Ruegazz leaves you feeling a little lighter than when you arrived.

The businesses become the galleries. Downtown becomes the stage.