The Power of Letting Go

Never in a million years did I imagine I would one day say the following statement:

"Performed at a fancy fundraiser gala with a group of ukulele players (wearing creatively styled trash bags) and environmental nonprofit leaders (wearing bright yellow ponchos) in a "celebrity karaoke" performance to raise money for a Louisiana opera nonprofit."

And yet, every single word in that sentence is TRUE :P

When the Louisiana Stormwater Coalition approached the St. Alban's Ukulele Orchestra about the idea of accompanying them for a "celebrity karaoke performance," no one immediately jumped on the idea but me. I wasn't even quite sure what we were stepping into, but I I like adventure (and bringing others along)! Thankfully, a handful of other players also stepped up eventually. In the end, the performance turned out to be so much fun! The audience loved our "full-out" costumes, and it was all for a worthwhile cause (in addition to putting on performances in the community, Opera Louisiana brings musical programs into schools to involve kids at a young age).

A couple of the biggest surprises of the night:

1. Our celebrity karaoke group came in 2nd for dollars raised.
2. My garbage bag couture was a BIG HIT! I joked with people that someone has probably worn a similar ensemble on either Star Trek or a European runway.
   

None of this would have happened without a lot of "letting go" by various groups: Opera Louisiana for welcoming a celebrity karaoke competition specifically for non-vocalists; by the local "celebrities" who are not vocalists or performers; by our uke group for being willing to try something different and get creative with garbage bags. The list goes on and on.

If you're reading this and realize you want some of this brand of fun for yourself, start finding little ways you can let go too! You never know what could happen...​

With gratitude,

Ashley