Fort Myers welcomes Grammy-nominated Laila Biali for jazz performance

Award-winning artist Laila Biali is bringing international jazz talent to Southwest Florida. The Canadian singer-songwriter and pianist is in Fort Myers to perform with the Gulf Coast Jazz Collective. Biali expressed excitement about the collaboration, describing it as a homecoming. She's been coming to Southwest Florida for the past seven years... But this time, she's gearing up for the Grammys with her nominated album Wintersongs.

She shared her surprise at the Grammy nomination.

"When we got the news, we thought we were being punked," said Biali. "We were like, no, who's playing a joke on us? My co-nominees are Lady Gaga, Leve, Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Jennifer Hudson, and Barbra Streisand. It's like crazy."

Despite the awards buzz, it's the connection with local musicians that keeps drawing her back.

"The drummer who you'll hear tonight, Paul Gavin, actually was one of the first people to bring me down to Florida," said Biali. "Specifically to this series right here in Fort Myers, which is in collaboration with the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra."

Biali noted the Fort Myers audience's appreciation for jazz.

"I've always felt that jazz can be a challenge for more mainstream listeners," said Biali. "And so I always have felt that our job is to find some common ground and so play some songs that might be familiar."

As she prepares for the Grammys, Biali finds performing in Fort Myers grounding.

"No matter how large the venue, whether it's three thousand seats or one hundred, we want them to feel like they're in our living room," she said.

Biali expressed her gratitude for returning to South Florida.

"I'm so grateful to be back here in South Florida," said Biali. "And next time, I hope that the sun shows up a little sooner."