We made our way down I-29 for the fall into winter gathering of high plains heads and friends for the Quarterly’s 10th anniversary show at the venerable Aquarium at Dempsey’s in Fargo. After a fine warm up set by the Moody River Band (with the Q’s Pat Lenertz sitting in) which included the GD’s “Easy Wind”, The Q hit the stage, opening this special night with a ripping version of “Feel Like A Stranger” which set the tone for the packed house, with smiles, handshakes, and hugs all around in the gathering of the tribe.

“Sugaree” really lit up the crowd with some fine extended jamming (with special guests) and terrific harmony singing, with China>Rider” showing an exceptional transition section. A heartfelt “Touch of Grey” closed out the set, reinforcing guitarist and vocalist Pat Lenertz as an elder statesman of this scene, yet still a young man.

A surprise “Loose Lucy” launched the second set, with extended instrumental sections burning with intensity, much more so than many versions by the band of tribute, illuminating how this group often puts their own imprint on these songs. Rolling into a Jerry solo tune, “Cats Under The Stars” which again showed the strong and professional musicianship in The Q. A Dead and Company-like intro led into an extremely well played “Jack Straw”, bringing the crowd to a peak as nearly everyone in the packed hall was up and dancing.

“Eyes of the World” featured a horn section which served as touchstones to this song’s roots in its 1973 jazzy origins, where the studio and fall tour live versions had horn charts, as well as early 90’s versions featuring saxophonist Branford Marsalis. Mighty jams ensued in the extended high energy highlight of the evening.

“Space” morphed to a gorgeous “Brokedown Palace”, which is obviously a favorite of Pat as evidenced by his superb vocal turn, evoking some elder Jerry versions with their poignancy. “One More Saturday Night” burned the house down to finish the night, sending the patrons full of energy out into the winter streets of Fargo on this Saturday Night.