Summer Swing with Ashley Orlando: The Great American Songbook & Beyond

In the Hartley/Vey Studio Theatre

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"Summer Swing with Ashley Orlando: The Great American Songbook & Beyond" will take listeners on a voyage of jazz and swing from the early 20th century through the 1960s.

From the traditional jazz sounds of New Orleans and percussive swing of French hot club style to the sway of bossa nova and rhythm-heavy jump blues, this show explores songs made famous by great artists of the time, including Fats Waller, Ella Fitzgerald, Django Reinhart, and Louis Prima.

This band is made up of exceptional local talent, bringing together some of the best musicians from Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Get to know the talented members of the band below.

• Ashley Orlando: Jazz vocalist, ukulele artist, and charisma coach who uses music to help people find their voice and connect with joy. Classically trained soprano turned jazz lover, picked up ukulele five years ago to explore new creative avenues.
• Mike Esneault: Emmy-winning composer, Grammy-recognized arranger, keyboardist, and Louisiana Hall of Fame educator. Works featured on programs like NCIS New Orleans, American Idol, FOX Sports. Collaborated with Stevie Wonder, Nas, and Jill Scott.
• Doug Stone: Versatile jazz saxophonist, improviser, and composer with recordings as a leader and co-leader. In-demand musician in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, playing with groups like The John Mahoney Septet and Facing West Quartet.
• Brian Breen: Skilled guitarist proficient in jazz, rock, blues, folk, and Celtic styles. Played in orchestra pits for many musicals, now focused on jazz vocal duo with Ashley Orlando, solo jazz guitar performance, and small group jazz.
• John Jones: Accomplished musician, producer, and arranger experienced in Gospel, Jazz, Latin, Funk, and R&B. Toured internationally, performed with many musical greats. Currently Director of Music at Mount Zion First Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, LA.
• Don Vappie is an American tenor banjoist/guitarist from New Orleans. A lifelong musician, Don also performs as a bassist and vocalist. He is an educator, lecturer, and expert not only about New Orleans jazz but its place and importance in the contemporary music scene.With 8 albums as a leader Vappie brings Crescent City traditions to practically everything he touches.

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The show will use Cabaret Style Seating and have a Full Bar in the performance space, serving beverages the entire show. Seating at the tables is first come first serve, and we may combine parties to fully accommodate guests.

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All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket to attend performances. Please carefully consider whether a performance is appropriate for children before planning to attend

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