Hot. Cool. Sultry. Swingin’. The Nayo Jones Experience brings jazz to Grand Junction’s Avalon Theatre for the third concert in Community Concerts of the Grand Valley’s 80th season. 

Nayo (pronounced Nigh-Oh) Jones grew up in a musical family in Chicago, and she was destined to be a performer. She began playing flute and singing in the church choir. Then her father, William “Doc” Jones, a professional musician, convinced her to sing with him one evening at a fundraiser for music education for underprivileged youth. That moment launched her vocal career.

Now based in New Orleans, Jones has been compared to greats like Natalie Cole, Nancy Wilson and even Whitney Houston. She has opened for music legends George Benson, Chris Botti and more. 

“We are a soulful blend of jazz, rhythm and blues, with a touch of Latin jazz… and the rich musical heritage of New Orleans is deeply woven into our sound,” Jones said.

The Nayo Jones Experience includes Michael Torregano, Jr. on piano, Sam Albright on upright bass, Gerald Watkins, Jr. on drums and Milles Berry on saxophone. These instruments allow Jones to guide her audience on “...a musical journey that captures the full beauty and emotion of music,” she said. 

Jones doesn’t have a single favorite piece to perform. 

“It depends on the night,” she explained.

Jones said the best part of touring is “the people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and the opportunity to share the gift of music with.” 

Though she’s toured with other acts, she added, “The best part of this tour is that it’s with my own band.” 

The downside of touring, she says, is that her hectic schedule leaves little time to explore the amazing places she visits before it’s time to pack up and hit the road.

Jones’ first project, “Nayo,” a rhythm and blues album, was released in 2004. Since then, she’s recorded three more albums, including a holiday album. Her latest project, “With Love, Nayo Jones,” will be for sale after the concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 22.

Season tickets are available now at CommunityConcertsGrandValley.org/tickets. If available, individual concert tickets are $45 plus fees starting three weeks before the concert. Buy tickets at the Avalon Box Office, 645 Main St., Grand Junction, or by calling 970-263-5757.