Feeling Good4/21/2025 Have you ever attended an outdoor event where the weather was determined to be the STAR of the party?
It was so windy during my recent private event performance with the Fat City Swing Band at a marina in Slidell, LA, that the heavy breeze knocked over a drum cymbal while we were setting up and later, a speaker, just after we'd finished a song! Dust flew into eyes of anyone without sunglasses (thankfully I had 5 forgotten pairs in the center console of my car that I eventually dug up and handed out to those who needed a pair). But the funniest (and scariest) part-- any sheet music that wasn't clothes-pinned down was sure to fly away (I had to chase a few pages for the rhythm section). It's on days like this when you truly appreciate the skill level of the people you're working with. I'm so grateful the bandleader had picked people who knew how to make beautiful music in challenging circumstances. That combined with their can-do attitude went a LONG way in keeping the collective mood up. We made the best of the tricky weather and had a great time, too! I hope to get the chance to play with the Fat City Swing Band again. Enjoy this 1-minute recap video here! With gratitude, Ashley
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April In Paris4/2/2025 As the jazz standard says, that's the dream, anyway, right? Funny enough, I worked in Paris for almost a year in my mid-20s but totally missed the month of April, so you'll have to take Ella Fitzgerald & Count Basie's word for how beautiful it is. I can confirm, however, that April in the French Alps is GLORIOUS :) Things have been a bit quiet lately on the outward front, but a lot of preparations are happening behind the scenes this spring:
What a pleasure it is to sing with so many different groups covering favorite standards from the 1920s-1960s! On the home front, Ethan is 8 months old, growing more adorable by the minute (how is that even possible???) and awake for most of the day now. As every working parent knows--whether they work from home or not--it's a constant challenge to juggle quality time with him plus getting things done, so my goal these days is to update you at least monthly in case you don't follow me on social media or at AshleyOrlando.com. See you soon at an event soon! With gratitude, Ashley  I Found a New Baby (Musically-Speaking)3/17/2025 In case you're wondering, no, Ethan has not been replaced :) But I do have more BIG news! This past week I have been playing with a new MUSICAL baby (ukulele) that arrived in the mail last week because... I am officially a Kanile'a Ukulele Artist! It is truly an honor to be welcomed into the Kanile'a ohana as one of their artists. This Hawaiian ukulele brand is known around the world for its superior craftsmanship and uncompromising pursuit of quality in each instrument it builds. Kanile'a Ukulele Artists include world-renowned players and teachers:
What a thrill to be recognized among this incredibly talented group of musicians for my unique combination of pro-level vocals, performance skills, and joyful way of connecting people together through music. I started my ukulele journey back in 2016 with a Kanile'a Islander ukulele (still one of my main recommendations for a quality beginning instrument). But as my playing ability has grown, so has my need for an uke upgrade. I've played a few different instruments throughout the years, but none match the quality and tone of my new Kanile'a KTR T Pro Ukulele (pictured below). This instrument is top-of-the-line in every way, and I can't wait to see where it takes my music next. I hope you have the chance to come hear it for yourself at a performance this spring! With gratitude, Ashley  The Big News2/18/2025 I’ve been holding onto a little secret, but it is secret no more! Whatcha doing at the end of April??? You’re invited to watch me make my Festival International de Louisiana debut with Dr. Daylight's Jazz Company :D Join us Saturday, April 27, at 12:30pm (Pavillion de Cuisine stage) in Downtown Lafayette for one of my favorite music events of the year! With gratitude, Ashley  Can You Keep a Secret?2/12/2025 I just received a bit of EXCITING NEWS that I can't wait to tell you about! It's something I've wanted to do for a long time, AND, you're invited. Stay tuned to get the scoop. In the meantime, please enjoy this new video from my recent Calmes House Concert :) With gratitude, Ashley From Folk to French2/3/2025 Saturday night guitarist Brian Breen and I had the pleasure of kicking off the 13th year of Calmes House Concerts in Central, LA! Thank you to everyone who came out to support us and enjoy the music. It was a blast to play for a FULL HOUSE (literally :p) and share songs that represent important milestones on my life journey. This concert series usually hosts "folk" artists, so we were a bit outside the norm for them and performed a combination of jazz standards and folk songs from greats like Joni Mitchell (who also ventured into jazz throughout her extensive career). Now I'm switching gears to prepare for an upcoming guest performance in French with LSU pianist Ericka Kudry for the LSU Friends of French Studies Annual Dinner Meeting Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Baton Rouge Country Club. If you would like to support French Studies at LSU, please join us! Tickets are available here. I hope you have a wonderful week! With gratitude, Ashley  Brian Breen and I after our FULL HOUSE acoustic duo show at Calmes House Concerts in Central, LA
Don't Forget Introductions1/16/2025 One night a couple years ago, I was scheduled to perform at an unfamiliar venue. It was an exciting opportunity, and I was determined to make a good first impression. As I got out of the car to unload gear from the trunk, I saw two men in black t-shirts and jeans sitting on plastic chairs near the back door. One was tall and thin, his arms covered in tattoos. The other looked older and wearier, his body slumped and his right hand holding a wooden cane. They both stared at me like a pair of guard dogs protecting their territory. I tried squeezing the nervousness out of my voice and said to the younger man who looked a bit more receptive to talking, "Hi! I'm opening tonight." "Ok, follow me," he replied as the older man looked on silently, and we walked into the venue. Fast-forward to the gig a few hours later when it was time to collect the check. "The manager's in the office," one of the sound guys backstage said. I walked up a narrow flight of stairs and peaked into the the tiny office. Guess who the manager turned out to be? That weary older man with the cane. My cheeks flushed when I realized I had spoken only to the younger man earlier and had walked right by the manager (assuming from his slumped posture that the other guy had more authority). I silently kicked myself and vowed from then on to introduce myself properly (ex. "Hi, I'm Ashley. I'll be singing tonight." and offer a handshake) to each person I meet on a gig. That confident, open practice has made a big difference in starting up positive conversations. No matter where you are, you can practice introducing yourself to those around you, even when they don't look particularly important. At least, it could save you from embarrassment later on. At best, it might just lead to a new opportunity or connection. With gratitude, Ashley  Join me for this intimate listening-room style event I'll be playing with Brian Breen on guitar Saturday, Feb. 1, at Calmes House Concerts in Central, LA!
Can't wait to see you soon! You're Invited!1/6/2025  After a holiday season full of private events (weddings, wedding receptions, birthday parties and even a very classy baby shower), I'm so excited to kick off 2025 with you for a special House Concert (open to all) in the Baton Rouge area! Join me for this intimate listening-room style event I'll be playing with Brian Breen on guitar Saturday, Feb. 1, at Calmes House Concerts in Central, LA!
Can't wait to see you soon! Ashley Like what you read and want more?Subscribe to my newsletter to enjoy these musical updates, stories, and tips straight from your email inbox!
A Night in the Life of a Jazz Vocalist12/18/2024 This month has been a musical whirlwind! In case you're reading this but are not a musician, imagine all the usual holiday gatherings, activities, and obligations you have for home and work. Then double (or triple) that number to get a sense for how busy musicians can get during the run-up from Thanksgiving to New Year's. Thankfully, loving what I do makes the hectic holiday pace worthwhile, and getting creative on breaks helps me recharge. Last weekend I managed to capture a bit of the fun on camera so that you can enjoy this behind-the-scenes glimpse of what it's like to be a jazz vocalist singing through the season (see the video below). Although most of my December performances are private events this year, I do have one more public gig with jazz pianist Jake Spinella this Saturday, Dec. 21, from 6pm to 8:30pm at Cafe Sydnie Mae in Breaux Bridge, LA (perfect if you're looking for a delicious dinner in Cajun Country with someone special). Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season! Ashley  Like what you read and want more?Subscribe to my newsletter to enjoy these musical updates, stories, and tips straight from your email inbox!
I Quit12/11/2024 I quit piano after junior high. Tried guitar in high school, but it hurt. So I quit that, too. I thought for a long time I would never be able to accompany myself. Then 8 years ago, on a trip to visit my little sister in Hawaii, I picked up my first ukulele. It has been the best musical instrument partner I could ask for. And we’ve gotten to do so many cool things together ever since. It’s never too late to learn something new! With gratitude, Ashley  Like what you read and want more?Subscribe to my newsletter to enjoy these musical updates, stories, and tips straight from your email inbox!
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
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