The Yardbird Quartet is bringing the Great American Songbook to On Broadway this week, with a set that blends respect for the tradition with something that aims to push it forward a little.

The group is led by Matt Austin on saxophone and features other musicians from Helena's jazz community — a scene that's smaller than it once was but still capable of putting together a serious ensemble when the right players are in the room. The American Songbook repertoire — Gershwin, Porter, Ellington, the standards that defined a century of popular music — is the kind of material that rewards both the musicians playing it and the audience willing to listen closely.

On Broadway is at 106 East Broadway, a short walk from the Walking Mall. The show is open to the public.