An early set at 7 p.m. features "The Tesfa Quintet" with Dejen Tesfagiorgis on Saxophones, Adam Meckler on Trumpet, Jesse Mueller on Piano, Adam Tucker on Bass, and Jaky Nyberg on Drums.

How Birds Work at 9 pm. This flock of Twin Cities jazz stars consistently mesmerizes its audiences.  Doses of rock and funk can be found in the post-bop explorations, always with a sense of purpose and an intoxicating rhythmic force. Check out their CD Live at the Artists’ Quarter for standout tracks like Coltrane's “Equinox,” Wayne Shorter's “Footprints,” and Peter Schimke's moving original “Vow.”  Better yet, check them out live at the Artists’ Quarter – in person – to really feel How Birds Work.  A profile in Mpls/St. Paul magazine, describing guitarist Dean Granros, enthused, “[H]e possesses an undeniable sense of gravitas.  He’s the performer most difficult, even for his bandmates, not to watch.”  Indeed, Dean’s standing among his peers is tall, and all the best players love to perform with him.  The same can be said for each member of this magnificent crew.  City Pages recently had this to say about HBW’s residency at the AQ:  “[M]usic this simultaneously assured and expansive deserves a good home – and How Birds Work has found it.”  Kenny Horst on drums, Peter Schimke on piano, Chris Bates on bass and Dean Granros on guitar [Dean also gives guitar lessons via Skype: www.deangranros.com]. Check out these videos from February: "Maiden Voyage",  and "Lester Leaps Out" .   .