The Size of Success

When I'm coaching someone who tells me they want to be more "successful," one of the first questions I ask is, "What does 'being successful' mean to you?" Because we all have different definitions of this term. And without defining what it is YOU want, YOU'LL never know if you have achieved it or not.

For the past two weeks in my musical world, every professional musician has been talking about playing at one of two major festivals: Jazz Fest in New Orleans or Festival International in Lafayette. Playing one or both of these events is a major success for many musicians. And I'm so happy for them!

I have never played at either festival, but I did get to attend both this year (My first REAL visit to Jazz Fest was amazing! It rained, poured, and the music was totally worth soggy feet for a day).

But a new favorite part for me this year was seeing incredibly talented local musicians I now know on the stages and cheering them on. Would I love to be up there with them? Sure! (Step 1 for next year = Apply! haha)

In the meantime, last week I enjoyed my own very different version of success (one that could be considered smaller by traditional standards but that means a lot to me):

I had the pleasure of performing a 2-hour courtyard concert entirely in FRENCH for GiveNOLA Day and the Nous Foundation, which supports French initiatives in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana. Performing a show en français is something I've dreamed about for years since seriously beginning my journey to learn the language in college. What an honor it was to be asked to do this, and in such a lovely, French Quarter courtyard setting.
​
The fundraiser was successful too, so here's to more French initiatives in Louisiana as a result! That's a win-win in my book :)

---

If you'd like to hear a bit of music en français in Baton Rouge, I'll be incorporating several songs into my next two concerts:
​

• ​West Baton Rouge Museum's Historical Happy Hour - Friday, May 19, at 6pm - Ashley Orlando & the Florida Street Blowhards - Port Allen, LA - This FREE event is open to the public. The band will be performing from the Juke Joint stage on the grounds of the West Baton Rouge Museum near 6th Street. All are invited to bring blankets, folding chairs, and refreshments to enjoy an outdoor performance on the museum grounds. In the event of inclement weather, the event will move indoors.
• ​Summer Swing with Ashley Orlando - The Great American Songbook & Beyond - Friday, June 9, at 7:30pm in the Hartley/Vey Studio at the Manship Theater - Baton Rouge, LA - NOTE: Every time I tell people who the band members are for this show, they (literally) say, "WOW!" Come here them for yourself to see why!

I hope to see you soon! 

With gratitude,
​
Ashley