Trying to break into a music scene is difficult, especially when that scene can be limiting, but one band is breaking through all barriers.

Originating from Minneapolis, Minn., Jaqi Q is trying to “spark up the Minneapolis music scene again,” lead guitarist George Edward said.

This can be a challenge in a city that is not always known for welcoming new bands.

“[Minneapolis] has been good and bad in this respect,” Edward said.

“It has been good because there are a lot of places to play and a wide acceptance of music,” he continued. “But it has been bad because it is hard to make a mark.

“People want to pigeon-hole you into a type when you come out,” he added. “The hardest point in beginning a band is becoming known throughout the city.”

Although the name suggests a solo artist, the group is made of five musicians who have come together after years of music and performing experience.

“The band is named after the lead singer, Jaqi, who is the representative of the whole and the visual focal point,” Edward said. “She encompasses the rest [the band] and I think the audience likes this focal point.”

Meeting through mutual contacts, the band — lead vocals Jaqi, drummer Tom Pickard, percussionist Bill Hawn, bassist Billy “Perry” Pirie and Edward — began to mesh and played its first gig last February.

Like a lot of bands, Jaqi Q was “created by filtering out and forming a cohesive group,” Edward said.

Since the band’s formation seven months ago, the members have broken their ” ’90s rock-melodic with strong harmonies-dynamic and groove-centered” sound in Minneapolis at venues like Bunkers, Cabooze, Champs Alley and Fine Line Music Cafe.

“The highlight of our sound is that we have a singer who can sing,” Edward said. “[Jaqi] has one of the strongest female vocals in the Twin Cities area.”

Shortly after forming Jaqi Q, Jaqi was nominated for the Best Female Vocalist at the Minnesota Music Awards.

However, Jaqi’s voice is not the only element that helps to create the group’s “dynamic and groove-centered” sound. Each member of the band has a background in music education and has had experience performing live.

“Our success is partly because of the talented musicians,” Edward said. “But it is part because of live performances and the songs.”

Writing collectively, “we try to relate to the audience and try to write songs that are catchy — songs with a pop-with-rock feel,” he said. “The songs are more important to us than the musicianship. What does the song say? What is the quality of the song?

“The performances are refreshing and people keep coming back because the show is dynamic,” he added.

The “dynamic” show has already reached past the Minneapolis city limits. The band has performed in Omaha, Neb., Lawrence, Kan., Minocqua, Wis. and at the Fiesta Bowl in Tempe, Ariz.

Right now, Jaqi Q is focusing on its future, which does not include touring — yet.

“We have to be realistic and professional about how we try to make a break,” Edward said. “We have signed on a manager, Michelle Manuel, and she has helped us get our foot in the door and gain some recognition.”

The band needs to get some air-play and “our biggest priority is a national record,” he added.

“After that, we can quit our jobs and begin to tour,” he said.

Jaqi Q is making progress in negotiations with a record company.

“There are offers on the table and we are planning on a release by spring ’98,” Edward said. “The release will be our original work.”

The band is also encouraging other bands in Minneapolis to play by featuring an opening band at its Wednesday night performances at O’Garas Garage.

“We try to get a lot of exposure and sharing with local bands,” Edward said. “That helps them and us.”

This week, Jaqi Q has been gearing up for its second performance in Ames.

The band will be opening for Hello Dave at People’s Bar and Grill Saturday at 9 p.m.