Aloha!6/23/2026 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 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 
0 Comments
Speechless6/18/2026 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 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 AuthorAshley Orlando is a jazz vocalist/ukulele artist and joyologist on a mission to help 1 million women find their voice through music, inspiring stories, and communication skills. Archives
July 2026
Categories |
RSS Feed