(Written by Allan Bowditch, Engage Estero’s Chief Communications Officer)

The Nisita Concert Series at the Bower School of Music and the Arts continues to provide internationally acclaimed musicians of the highest standard to local residents. On Tuesday evening, Feb 20th, the audience at the U. Tobe Recital Hall was treated to a wonderful evening of top-quality jazz by Laila Biali and Brandon Robertson on double bass and Paul Gavin on drums.

Laila, a native of Toronto, has headlined venues spanning five continents. She has supported singer Sting and received the Hagood Hardy Award for excellence in songwriting in 2019. Among many other acknowledgments, her album “Your Requests” received a 4.5-star review in “All About Jazz” and was just nominated for a 2024 JUNO Award for “Vocal Jazz Album of the Year!” Brandon and Paul are top jazz musicians in their respective fields and provided seamless and smooth support to Laila’s incredible vocal range and piano playing.

Out of the evening’s music repertoire, Laila’s creation, “Sugar,” had the audience toe-tapping and engaged in this catchy and commercial rendition. Also of special note was the passionate and sensitive rendition of the classic “The Nearness of You,” which she sang with just the double bass accompaniment from Brandon – simply beautiful.

Residents who have not visited the U. Tobe Concert Hall will be amazed and rewarded with one of the best concert halls of any university in the USA. Keep a look out for upcoming concerts by visiting the Bower Schools program of events at https://issuu.com/floridagulfcoastuniversity/docs/bsma-season-brochure-8-9-23?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ..