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.

An free opening set at 7 p.m. features the Tesfa Combo and an open jam session. The Tesfa Combo features Dejen Tesfagiorgis on Saxophones, Steve Kenny on Trumpet, David Feily on Guitar/Trumpet, Jesse Mueller on Piano, Adam Tucker on Bass, and Aaron Rupar/Scorry Horey on Drums.

Dejen Tesfagiorgis also leads these weekly jam sessions, bring your axe and sit it! www.youtube.com/watch?v=4khzBPcgo24