Three local songwriters, Ryan Sheeler, Ben Schrag and Whitney Ferrara, will perform at the Iowa Music Store in downtown Ames on Saturday. The free, all-ages show starts at 7 p.m.

“Here in Ames I’ve just absolutely been ecstatic and writing a lot,” Schrag said. 

Schrag, an Ames newcomer, began playing guitar at the age of 19 and had been writing songs even before that. Growing up with musically enthusiastic parents and tagging along to many folk shows on the indie circuit influenced his own musical interests.

While gaining his bearings here in Ames, Schrag has regularly attended open mic nights, including the one on Sundays at the Iowa Music Store. He has also been attending other performances in the area to meet fellow musicians and become a part of the local music scene.

“I love seeing other songwriters perform their stuff,” Schrag said. “It’s inspiring because it reminds you of the real core drive to make a song is because the world is interesting and things are interesting…I’m excited to hear the other artists [this Saturday].”

After Saturday’s show the indie/folk artist plans to take a short break to prepare for a possible recording session with Bryon Dudley of Nova Labs this spring.

Ryan Sheeler, longtime Ames dweller and performer since 2006, will be making his first appearance at the Iowa Music Store. A guitarist for 32 years, Sheeler always had an interest in reading and writing and attempted writing his first song in seventh grade.

“I always wanted to try this stuff out as a singer/songwriter but I was shy about my singing,” Sheeler said.

Since finding his voice, Sheeler has performed at several small venues, including the Des Moines Social Club, the Maintenance Shop, and the Space for Ames. He has also participated in several open mic nights around Ames throughout the years.

Though he identifies as a Christian singer/songwriter, Sheeler doesn’t “try to preach to people” when performing his music but instead aims to “make people think.” He described his sound as being influenced by country, blues, R&B and some pop music.

“I draw from several different genres,” Sheeler said. 

“Skies and Shadows,” Sheeler’s most recent album, is featured at the Iowa Music Store as well as his website, http://www.ryansheeler.com .