As the temperature creeps up, it seems like a good time to head inside.  And one of my favorite venues for indoor entertainment in GJ is the historic Avalon Theatre.  Located at the southeast end of  the Downtown Shopping Park, The Avalon features everything from foreign and independent films to dance, theatrical and musical shows.  In fact, since Grand Junction is centrally located between Denver and Salt Lake City, we often get world-renowned artists who stop off along the way.  Lyle Lovett, John Prine, Pat Benetar and Al Jolson are just a few artists who have graced the Avalon's stage.

My favorite concert ever was Lyle Lovett at The Avalon.  As much as I love Lyle Lovett, it was not the artist that made the concert, but the venue.  The unique layout of The Avalon provides a very intimate entertainment experience.  The acoustics are out-of-this-world and there is no bad seat in the house.  Both my husband and I have left every event at The Avalon feeling like the entertainer is there just to perform for us.

If you want to experience a unique and intimate concert experience at The Avalon, I would suggest seeing the country/folk/rock group, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band this Saturday, July 25.  Doors open at 7 p.m. with the show starting at 8. I've not seen The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in person, but their songs like "Rocky Top" and others bring back great memories of country swinging in college!  Tickets are just $35 and I promise you could spend hundreds of dollars and not have as good of a concert experience as you'll have at The Avalon.

Movies at The Avalon are quite a treat as well.  And every Tuesday is the popular "Dinner and a Movie."  All you have to do is eat at any of Downtown Grand Junction's tasty restaurants and bring your dinner receipt to The Avalon for two free admission tickets to the movie showing that evening. Movies vary greatly, but often for "Dinner and a Movie" they show oldies-but-goodies like Ghostbusters and Jaws. There's really no better deal in town.  Between the great variety of downtown restaurants (local brewery, sushi, Nepalese, Italian and more) and the relaxing and cool atmosphere of The Avalon, you can't lose.

For more info on The Avalon, its history and upcoming events and movies, go to www.tworiversconvention.com.  Tickets are still available for The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and the movies are a refreshing option for a hot afternoon!