I'm a vocalist, ukulele artist and joyologist who loves to talk about music, personal development, and storytelling. Subscribe to get updates on upcoming events, performances, and tips about becoming your most charismatic self direct to your inbox!
Don't Choke
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(Scroll down for upcoming music performance dates!) Don't ChokeThe vision in my left eye was getting foggier by the minute. “Oh no!” I thought as a couple of tears started dripping out of my left eye. "Don't choke, Ashley. You have two more songs to sing and no time to cry.” “Get yourself together!" "What if your voice cracks at the mic?” After a few minutes of worrying and trying to wipe away the tears, I decided it was pointless and just let them slowly trickle down my cheek. I was sitting by the piano on the side of the church sanctuary while the son of a woman I’d never met shared one cherished memory after another about his mother. I’ve cantored for many funerals—usually for strangers, so there’s little worry that I’ll get emotional and not be able to sing when I need to. Today was no different. Until the eulogy. It was so heartfelt, conversational, and touching that by the end, I felt as though I knew this woman—a lady whose life was long and very different from my own, but who clearly loved and was deeply loved by many. What struck me most was the thread of contentment that ran through his memories of her: her marriage, her family, her favorite activities, her community. These days, we’re constantly encouraged to reach for more. But if we never pause to enjoy what we have now, what is it all for? As her son wrapped up his speech, you could hear a chorus of sniffles throughout the congregation. And then it was time for me to step up to the mic and sing. Could I? Thankfully, yes. I can think of a few very public instances in my singing career when I’ve been grateful for waterproof eyeliner. Today was one of them. But I walked out of that church with a new perspective on ambition—and a renewed determination not to let the joys of the future get in the way of the joys of the now. With gratitude, Ashley WHAT'S NEXT?BREADA Farm FeteI'm thrilled to be performing once again for the 2026 BREADA Farm Fete Annual Fundraiser (which supports important local programming like the Red Stick Farmer's Market). Come on out Sept. 24th, enjoy the evening festivities (indoors and outdoors), and show your support for our fav local market and vendors! Get tickets here. And I hope to see y'all at an upcoming Red Stick Farmer's Market (8am to 12pm in Downtown Baton Rouge) on the following dates:
This relaxed environment is always a highlight of the week--like going to the grocery store on a Sunday after church used to be (minus the "having to get dressed up part." haha). Getting to say hi to all your friends and neighbors while stocking up on fresh veggies and fruit for the week. You can even request your favorite jazz song! Now that the Main Street Market is open again, you can also get breakfast and hang out for a while! Solo @ Cafe Sydnie MaeCafe Sydnie Mae is a must-visit brunch spot in south Louisiana! Featuring Cajun-influenced steaks and seafood with craft cocktails and live music. Warm, neighborhood dining and scratch-made dishes. On Sunday, Sept. 27th, enjoy the sweet sounds of the Great American Songbook with Ashley Orlando and her ukulele from 10:30am to 1:30pm. *Reservations recommended* Visit https://cafesydniemae.com/ for more information. Fall in St. FrancisvilleJoin me for a weekend of art and music in St. Francisville this October! I'll be playing a solo set at Bayou Sara Brewing Co. on Sat., Oct. 24th, from 1pm to 4pm. PLUS, a solo set at the Yellow Leaf Arts Festival in Parker Park on Sun., Oct. 25th, from 10am to 11am. Come for an hour, a day trip, or the whole weekend! ABOUT YELLOW LEAF ARTS FESTIVAL Each year in October, the Yellow Leaf Arts Festival comes to St. Francisville. More than 55 artists and craftspeople show and sell their creations, great live music, activities for children, all nestled in the friendly, relaxed, authentic, small-town quaintness that is St. Francisville. Weddings/Special EventsDo you need live music for an upcoming wedding or private event? Book now for all of 2026! Ashley can accommodate a variety of band sizes (from solo voice/ukulele to acoustic duo/trio, and even sextet!). Reach out soon for more info and the best availability. UPCOMING EVENTS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS!(Follow Ashley on BandsInTown to receive automatic reminders about upcoming performances & events near you)
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ashley@ashleyorlando.com
I'm a vocalist, ukulele artist and joyologist who loves to talk about music, personal development, and storytelling. Subscribe to get updates on upcoming events, performances, and tips about becoming your most charismatic self direct to your inbox!
(Scroll down for upcoming music performance dates!) Aloha! When I first tell someone I'm an ukulele player, they often assume I play Hawaiian music... Here in south Louisiana, however, luaus are few and far between. In fact, I've probably only ever played for 3 or 4 Hawaiian/Polynesian/tropical-themed events ever in the almost 10 years I've enjoyed playing this delightful instrument. But last Friday night was one of those times! I performed during a special luau-themed dinner at The Barclay...
(Scroll down for upcoming music performance dates!) Speechless I was always one of the "tall kids" growing up. It had some advantages (I could help my 5'0" maw maw reach top shelf pots by age 12). But even though I took up more vertical space than the average American female, in most ways, I've always been a late bloomer. I had no idea Kenny Washington was, too. At 65, Washington (who happens to be about as tall as my maw maw was...) has had a long, illustrious career as a jazz vocalist. He's...
(For upcoming music performance dates, scroll to the bottom of this email!) Sometimes when we're struggling to get to a new level of our talent, career, mindset, etc., it's easy to forget just how far we've already come. I recently digitized some old cassette tapes from my childhood and found this gem of a clip. It's my shy, quiet, pre-teen self trying VERY HARD to sing my favorite Christmas song, "All I Want for Christmas Is You." Click the picture of the cassette player below to hear the...