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!
Speechless
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(Scroll down for upcoming music performance dates!) SpeechlessI 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 recorded with Wynton Marsalis and performed with Jazz at Lincoln Center. He's sung off-Broadway with Elvis Costello, toured the world with the U.S. Navy Band, and been a guest artist on numerous star-studded concerts and albums. Yet he released his own FIRST album in 2024. And he only just started teaching masterclasses. I realized later that it was only fitting I selected a song that I STARTED working on 20+ years ago (and put away in frustration soon after) as the one to work on with him. And how, only now, do I feel like it's truly becoming my own. I didn't see Kenny's full reaction to my performance until someone sent me this video. Sometimes no words are necessary. Kenny reminded me that "speechless" can speak volumes. And my biggest learning: "Trust your gut. It knows the way." With gratitude, Ashley Watch Ashley singing during Kenny Washington's masterclass at the 2026 Vocal Jazz Summit in Virgina Beach, VA WHAT'S NEXT?Vocal Jazz SummitAshley traveled to Virginia Beach in early June to attend the 2026 Vocal Jazz Summit and learn from some of the top jazz vocalists and clinicians from around the country! Click on the image below to watch a recap: Red Stick Farmer's MarketAshley will be taking a summer break from the Red Stick Farmer's Market. See y'all there again this FALL on Sept. 12th! 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 Ashley play your favorite jazz song! Now that the Main Street Market is open again, you can also get breakfast and hang out for a while! 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...
(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...
(For upcoming music performance dates, scroll to the bottom of this email!) Last weekend I visited the Knock Knock Children’s Museum in Baton Rouge with friends who have young kids, and I enjoyed seeing life through a child’s eyes for an afternoon. Take the joy of painting, for example. When kids see an easel and some paints, they often run up to it and start trying it out. They’re curious about it—maybe they’ve tried it before, maybe not, but they approach it without judgement or worry. They...