George Avaloz grew up on St. Paul's West Side, where his entertainment career began as a young Mexican hat dancer at various community celebrations.  But drumming is how this hip performer has made his mark in show business, playing with such greats as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughan, Quincy Jones, and a ten-year tour of duty with Billy Eckstine.  On his last CD The Highest Mountain, Avaloz proved once again why he ranks among the best timekeepers and musical interpreters of the glory years of bebop and ballad jazz.

 The Artists' Quarter's hottest night opens with an exciting band featuring Zach W. Schmidt, Cory J. Wong, Cassie Meyer, Andy Schuster and Dan M. Musselman starting at 7:00 P.M. These young, talented musicians provide the perfect prelude to the AQ's longest standing engagement. Check this video www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqdCItgxmAY

Then, for the main event sample some 'organic cookin' with the Tuesday Night Band. Hammond B-3 organ lovers have been flocking to the AQ on Tuesday nights for over a decade to get a soulful dose of funky jazz.   The Tuesday Night Band features "Downtown" Bill Brown (Hammond B-3), Billy Franze (guitar), and Kenny Horst (drums) + guests!  Anything can happen - and frequently does.  Check out these videos:  "Soulful Drums" www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGnLyYYPspE  and  "Rock Candy":   www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcoIeG7RkAM  - then come on down and join the fun. It's nothing but a party every Tuesday night. There's no stopping the groove.

Desdamona

The Slam competition is open to anyone (18+) There three rounds of poetic battle and good times. Sign up between 7 and 8 pm. For more information visit: www.soap-boxing.com