Citrus is a fresh-off-the-produce-stand band squeezing out sounds of gladness rather than the typical songs of the angst of youth. The group, out of Chicago, has grown and developed its distinct sound by playing gigs in the Windy City and by motoring to colleges and universities in the Midwest region, including Gabe’s and at Gunnerz of Iowa City.

Tonight as part of their westward expansion, Citrus will jam for its first central Iowa audience on the terrace of the Memorial Union. “We are really excited to play for [ISU],” said Jason Miller, vocalist and rhythm guitarist. “Iowa has been a great experience for us.”

The Citrus sound has a feel-good flow and deviates from the personalities of other rock-n-roll bands. “Our music makes you feel good,” Miller explained. “You can find music within our music.”

“We are a rock band that covers Latin, bluegrass and funk really authentically,” added Michael Bizar, the lead guitarist. “There is a lot of improvisation and lots of dance grooves.”

Perhaps the funk-joy sound is rooted in the group’s cohesion. Bizar said that they hear of many bands who do not enjoy traveling together, but Citrus is an exception to this rule. Their seven-member group gets along extremely well and enjoys being with each other on tour.

But hotels and fast food on the road don’t top the list of the best reasons to tour. That honor goes to “the people we play for and meet,” Bizar said. “The audiences are always excited and fun and the energy they give off makes us play well.”

Citrus raised funds to produce a CD, which will be released in June. After the completion and release of their disc, the group will remain in Chicago and prepare for the fall college touring season. Bizar said he will miss traveling this summer, but is excited about the CD. “It’s really going to have the feeling of the band and capture the energy and the spontaneity,” he said. “That is really hard to do.”

The group has a ever-growing mailing list of over 1,500. This number will most likely continue to reach higher heights as the group releases its CD, plays summer gigs in Chicago and tours colleges this fall.

“My personal opinion is if anyone loves music, they’d love Citrus and its many different styles of music” Bizar said. So trust the advice of an insider and head to the Memorial Union terrace for tonight’s show. In the case of rain or snow, the show will be held in the Maintenance Shop.

The show will start at 7 p.m. with locals The Nadas as the opener. All ages are welcome, alcohol will be served to those with ID, and the cost is $2. Food and drink will be available.