Ashley Performs @ Saint Louis Jazz Fest, Senegal!

BIG NEWS !! The prestigious Saint Louis Jazz Festival in Senegal has invited me to perform with my band from Dakar this June. We will also perform at the Dakar Biennale. Very exciting!

 

My name is Ashley Maher. I am an international recording artist, and I have spent decades building bridges with West African music … specifically the music of Senegal. Since this is my fourth GoFundMe campaign, I want to thank you. Thank you for funding my 6th album, Yes (2016), and my 7th album, Made in Senegal (2019) … both recorded with stellar musicians in Dakar.

 

So … What is the next step? Touring. While I love being in the studio, I’ve always dreamed of taking this music on the road. But how?

 

In 2019, I attended the MAPAS World Music Conference in Tenerife. After networking with international presenters, the Institut Français invited me to do a tour of Morocco in the Spring of 2020. I was so excited! I bought my ticket. I did my third GoFundMe to raise funds to pay for the rehearsals, and then …. Covid. Covid canceled everything and I spent 2020-2021 creating online content from home.

 

When Morocco’s French Institute postponed our tour indefinitely, I traveled to Senegal to film the band performing live last year. Now, I have an excellent booking agent named Ndeye Mané Touré. She is based in Senegal. Mané has started applying for festivals and concerts across Africa and Europe on our behalf.

 

Sooooo, once again, I am asking humbly for your support. The Story Continues !! While I have already bought my ticket and arranged my accommodation, every dollar raised will pay musicians, studios, producers, engineers, rehearsals, videographers, choreographers, dancers, filmmakers and tailors over this month of rehearsals and concerts.

 

We are excited to create a show worthy of the world stage. And with your help, it’s going to be great! Of course, I will post and document my progress on social media. Thank you so much for your support. Please continue to support the Arts. We appreciate you!

 

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P.S. (Apologies for posting this fundraiser only three weeks before I depart in early May. Russia invaded Ukraine two days after I completed this video. And this past month’s news has been so appalling; launching this fundraiser seemed a very low priority.

 

But Life Goes On. These concerts culminate 15 years of collaborating with my core creative team in Dakar.  And your support has made this possible. May our shows be stepping stones to the world stage.

 

So yes, please donate to Ukraine first. We would be very grateful if you have additional funds to help pay for my brilliant Senegalese team. Every gesture counts, and no donation is too small).

Thanks and blessings,

Ashley