<![CDATA[Ashley Orlando | Vocalist, Ukulele Artist & Joyologist - Blog]]>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 10:21:11 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[What Happens When You Stop Waiting for the Perfect Time?]]>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 14:52:18 GMThttps://www.ashleyorlando.com/blog/what-happens-when-you-stop-waiting-for-the-perfect-timeA lot, it turns out...

Turning 40 in two weeks has me feeling ALL the things…

But if there’s one thing I know, it’s that I want this next decade to be about making the music I’ve been dreaming about.

So… I’m starting it with a bang: finally recording my debut album!!!

No more waiting till I'm "ready" or "good enough" or "have everything perfect." It's time to birth a sonic experience about life through my voice and perspective!

Thankfully, I've got several wonderful mentors and teachers to guide me through all the things I don't know about creating an album (which is a lot, of course, since it's all pretty new to me).

I got to talk a bit about this and several other upcoming projects recently in an interview with BoldJourney Magazine.

Click here to read the article!

Will definitely keep you updated on this exciting new step in my journey :)

With gratitude,

Ashley
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]]><![CDATA[Spaghetti On the Ceiling]]>Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:24:22 GMThttps://www.ashleyorlando.com/blog/spaghetti-on-the-ceilingSometimes being creative feels like pulling teeth... It's hurts.
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Other times the creative juices just seem to flow and it feels as easy as throwing spaghetti on the ceiling and it miraculously sticks. Then you look at or listen to your creation and think, "How in the world did you come to be?" even though you were involved in the creation process :)

The latter (which I prefer, of course) is what happened to when I was tasked with turning a new (and already quite popular) local children's book, "Roux's First Day," into a song!

This weekend I had the privilege of joining the author and illustrator to chat about it with Mike Esnault and the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge.

Listen to the whole story at the links below!

With gratitude,

Ashley
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From Mike Esnault:
"I recently had the pleasure of speaking with author, playwright, creative consultant, Julie Gerdes Becnel, illustrator Cullen Bernard, and jazz vocalist/ukulele artist, Ashley Orlando. We discussed the recent publication of Julie’s children’s book “Roux’s First Day”. This is a story of Roux, a baby Rougaroux, and her first day of school in the swamp and how she discovers what makes us different is also what makes us shine. We discussed the process of creating this publication as well as the creation of the music that accompanies the story.

This interview is part of the AC23+ - Artist Legacy Series of the ​Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge​. This particular interview is available on on YouTube, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music and Spotify.
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YouTube Link: ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_HZGkkDX5k...​

For easy access to all the links, click here: ​https://www.artsbr.org/ac23-podcast
]]><![CDATA[Don't Be Interesting]]>Mon, 13 Jul 2026 17:23:39 GMThttps://www.ashleyorlando.com/blog/dont-be-interestingFor people with careers that require talking IN FRONT of others--whether pitching, performing, presenting, or promoting to a group in some visual/verbal way--you'd think this piece of wisdom was misplaced.

But that tiny phrase, "Don't be interesting," stuck out like a sore thumb last week when I found myself--for the first time ever--in an acting class.

"Don't be interesting," the teacher said to us. "Be interestED."

Because if YOU are interested/invested in the story you're telling, the audience more likely will be too.

This applies just as much to sharing stories at the kitchen table or to pitching your boss as it does to singing on a stage or acting in front of a camera.

AND, it releases some of the internal self-doubt pressure of thinking we need to "perform" to make people like us.

Nope!

Experiment with being interestED this week instead of interestING, and see what happens.

With gratitude,

Ashley]]><![CDATA[Aloha!]]>Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:42:08 GMThttps://www.ashleyorlando.com/blog/alohaWhen 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.
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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 House before a theatrical dance troupe performance outside (which included fire hula--talk about hot hot hot!).

Thankfully I did NOT have to dance or play uke with fire blazing on sticks around my waist (I loved hula hooping as a kid but draw the line at open flames. haha).

And the residents were so sweet and complimentary.

I even finished learning and played several 1930s and '40s hapa haole (English-language Hawaiian) jazzy songs that will be added to my general sets.

So mahalo to The Barclay House for the festive summer fun, and aloha!

With gratitude,

Ashley
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]]><![CDATA[Speechless]]>Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:48:06 GMThttps://www.ashleyorlando.com/blog/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,
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Ashley
]]><![CDATA[A Solo Sport]]>Sat, 30 May 2026 20:48:13 GMThttps://www.ashleyorlando.com/blog/a-solo-sport​Sometimes I love being able to accompany myself. Other times I wonder if it holds me back.

When I get booked for jazz gigs, it is MOSTLY as a solo artist. Why?

Because when I play solo, I can squeeze into almost any tiny space--the corner of a restaurant, a downtown sidewalk, into another band as a vocalist, etc.

I can fit more budgets.

And I only have 1 schedule to check! Just kidding, I actually have about 4 schedules to check because there's also Ethan's busy toddler schedule (summer swim lessons!!!), my husband's schedule, and the schedule of whoever will need to watch the babe if he can't).

As a solo artist, it is definitely convenient to have only 1 main creative opinion to appease and 1 set list to pull from.

That can make things easy in many ways.

On the flip side, I often find it more musically stimulating to play with another artist (or several) who can do things that I can't; who knows new songs it might be cool to try; who can add in their own sonic ideas to the mix and fill out the space in a different way.

Playing with others makes me listen more and creates a musical conversation that I don't always know the end to.

I love the excitement of wondering where a song will end up and following its lead :)

​That's why I love taking requests from the public when I do play by myself.

It's also why I enjoy playing for fun with community groups like St. Alban's Ukulele Orchestra.

1970s music isn't my forté, so until we started rehearsing, I had never heard about 65% of the music we did for our spring ukulele concert this month. But I can say that it all turned out pretty "groovy," and the audience LOVED IT, too.

Here's to many more musical adventures (solo and group-sized) to come!

With gratitude,

Ashley
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St. Alban's Ukulele Orchestra - "Music of the '70's" Spring Concert - May 2026
]]><![CDATA[Time Traveler's Whiplash]]>Wed, 13 May 2026 14:24:52 GMThttps://www.ashleyorlando.com/blog/time-travelers-whiplashSaturday night was a beautiful dream.

The weather had been terrible all weekend with constant rain soaking all of southeast Louisiana, so I honestly did not expect a large crowd at "The Songs She Sings."

But y'all showed up in force, and it was incredible!
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The Manship staff even had to pull out a few more tables/chairs to accommodate everyone.

THANK YOU for your support!

We received lots of positive feedback about the song selections, stories, the musicianship and even the energy in the room.

The following comment in particular was one that touched me deeply:

"I am so so glad we did not let the gloomy weather keep us home...your show was phenomenal. You have a beautiful voice and a wonderful style of showmanship making us feel special and seen just by being in your audience."

That last line especially means so much to me.

Because it takes a lot of time and effort to craft not just a collection of songs but an immersive, musical experience that brings the audience on a journey. And anytime I curate a show of my own, THAT is always my goal.

I look forward to continuing to grow with you on this whimsical, warm, sometimes wacky but always worthwhile journey of creativity and self-expression.

Now this week is all about FUN and TIME TRAVELING because on Tuesday I performed a 1920s-focused traditional jazz set with the Florida Street Blowhards, and this Thursday at 6pm my uke and I will be getting groovy with "Music of the '70's" by the St. Alban's Ukulele Orchestra. (Please join us at St. Alban's Chapel on the LSU Campus if you're free!)

With gratitude,

Ashley

In case you missed it, here's an audience-perspective clip from "The Songs She Sings" Saturday night:
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]]><![CDATA[It's Showtime!]]>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:26:32 GMThttps://www.ashleyorlando.com/blog/i-almost-didnt-put-this-show-togetherThe week of a big show is always a bit hectic with rehearsals, last-minute prep, promotional appearances, a new car battery and tires...(thankfully there isn't an exciting story to go along with that last one).

I also had the pleasure of playing through the full book (of songs) yesterday with half the band, and OMG, y'all! When rehearsal is FUN AND EASY, you know the show is gonna be good!

Come join us for an intimate night of jazz, folk, Broadway songs and more--all in celebration of the women who've had a positive impact on our lives.

The Songs She Sings: A Joyful Jazz Tribute to the Women Who Raised Us
  • Saturday, May 9th - 7:30pm
  • Manship Theatre's Hartley/Vey Studio

Get your tickets here.

I can't wait to see you there!

With gratitude,

Ashley

P.S. Here's a quick snippet of The Bare Necessities from our Passport to Paradise last fall!
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]]><![CDATA[Wish Me "Merde!"]]>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.ashleyorlando.com/blog/wish-me-merdeWhether you speak French or not, you may have come across the French word "merde" in pop culture...

(It literally translates to a favorite four-letter swear word we Americans might also use to refer to doggie doodoo, but figuratively, the French say merde in a POSITIVE way to wish performers good luck before a show.)

"Why???" you may be wondering :)

One story I've heard is that, before cars, people would take carriages to the theater. And if lots of carriages showed up for a performance, it created traffic. This meant that the horses would eventually have to relieve themselves while waiting in front of the theater. So merde being tracked inside by attendees was a sign that attendance was great and the show was a success!

But why might you want to wish ME merde?

This Sunday I'll be performing two 45-minute solo sets ENTIRELY EN FRANCAIS this spring for Le Grand Pique-Nique 2026! (And by "entirely" I mean even everything I SING AND SAY at the microphone needs to be in French :)

It has been a few years since I've been immersed daily in speaking this beautiful language, but I am excited about the challenge!

So what's Le Grand Pique-Nique?

Le Grand Pique-Nique is an annual free festival hosted by Louisiana Parents for French Immersion that brings together French immersion students, their families, friends, and Francophone enthusiasts from all over the state to celebrate French language complete with Francophone activities, food, music, games, and competitions.

This will be its 31st year attracting students from all 25 French Immersion schools across Louisiana.
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If you speak French, too, or just enjoy supporting the French language in Louisiana and want to check it out, here are the details:
  • Le Grand Pique-Nique 2026
  • Sunday, April 19, 2026 - 10am to 2pm
  • West Baton Rouge Museum - Port Allen, LA
  • Click here for more information.

​With gratitude,
Ashley
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]]><![CDATA[New Show Announced!]]>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 14:19:52 GMThttps://www.ashleyorlando.com/blog/new-show-announcedLooking for something special to do Mother’s Day weekend?

Join me for an intimate evening of music and storytelling at the Manship Theatre:

The Songs She Sings: A Joyful Jazz Tribute to the Women Who Raised Us

My band and I will bring to life beautiful classics made famous by iconic female vocalists, including Nina Simone (Feeling Good), Eva Cassidy (Over the Rainbow), and Norah Jones (Don't Know Why). We’ll weave songs together with personal stories as we celebrate the mothers, grandmothers, mentors, and women whose love shapes our lives.

If you’re looking for a warm, nostalgic, and joyful experience to share with your mom, a friend, or someone you love, I’d be honored to have you there.

FEATURING:
  • Ashley Orlando - vocals/ukulele
  • Raudol Palacios - cello
  • Connor Underwood - keys
  • David Ellis - bass
  • John Jones - drums

WHEN: Saturday, May 9 - 7:30pm
WHERE: Hartley/Vey Studio at Manship Theatre - 235 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Get Your Tickets Today!
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