Ashley is from Dalkeith, Ontario, in the county of Glengarry, a hotbed of Scottish culture in Canada and home of the well-known Glengarry Highland Games.
When she was 10 years old, Ashley began playing the fiddle and proceeded to win many awards at fiddle competitions throughout Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes. At age 14, she was invited to play at the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship as a Junior Showcase artist, an honor given to only four young people across Canada each year.
In the summer of 2002, Ashley released her debut CD From the Heart of Glengarry. Following the CD release ceilidh ("kay-lee", Gaelic word for musical gathering) on the MacLeod family farm, many new and exciting opportunities opened up for her.
In the spring of 2003, Ashley performed with the four-time world champion Simon Fraser University Pipe Band as their fiddler on a cross-Canada tour. In early May of 2003, Ashley joined Celtic rock band Hadrian's Wall, playing at many festivals and Highland games events across North America.
Later on in September of 2003, Ashley performed with the Ottawa Police Services Pipe Band as part of a Canadian presence asked to entertain at Carnegie Hall in New York City for a September 11th Memorial.
In 2004, Ashley made a guest appearance on CMT (Country Music Television) with rising country music sensation Johnny Reid.
In the spring of 2005, the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band requested Ashley's expertise on the fiddle and keyboards for their recent recording On Home Ground, Volume I, and for the upcoming release of Volume II in 2006. Later on that fall, Ashley opened for the original members of the Seven Nations band called CLAN NA GAEL on a tour of the United States.
Ashley's much-anticipated second CD was released in August 2006. Hold Fast, named after the motto of Clan MacLeod, was appropriately celebrated by another ceilidh on the MacLeod Family farm.
On many occasions, Ashley accompanies other Celtic bands and musicians such as Neil Emberg, The Brigadoons, Paddy Kelly, and Dave Anthony.
Along with her travels, Ashley gives private instruction in her home for fiddle, step-dancing and piano accompaniment to thirty students. She also gives fiddle workshops upon request.
She is currently studying math and music at Carleton University in Ottawa.
Heeeey, Ashley - it’s been a while :) - and how are you, hope things are good, are they?... Listen, I have a favor to ask you, could I? Since my picture won at the monthly level & Round 1, I got nominated for the LongHair Hawtie of the Year. Round 2 (Finals!) ends in a few days and... - was hoping for those 6 votes from you ;)
So... this is where you would cast a vote
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=188240006&albumId=1967536
Just look for this picture on the last row:
And these are the rules on how to 'do it' ...
Yeah, you do need to get accepted as a friend before you can vote, but they’re nice girls (the hawtie folks), no harm whatsoever :)
Thank you so much already,
In appreciation,
- Armand
PS. a very 'evil' thought - maybe you can tell your friends to vote too? ;)
Hey friends, my carbon fiber bow for fiddlers, The Fiddler's Bow, is on sale this month $40 off! Every bow comes with a FREE cake of Fiddler's Rosin! http://fiddlersbow.ning.com to order
Thanks for the add, Ashley. It's nice to hear from a fellow Glengarry Celtic musician (I'm technically from Stormont, but we'll just overlook that). Maybe I'll see you at the Games. Best, Jesse
Hello, it's me, Ruby Jane.To those who don't know me, I am a 14 year old fiddler, songwriter. I have some songs posted that are fresh out of the studio. Let me know if you like the new songs..be one of the first to hear, even before they are released!Thanks! new videos too! Ruby Jane
FÁILTE and thanks for the friendship. Hope you enjoy our tunes on
Uilleann Pipes & Fiddle when you get a chance to have a listen
:-)) Sláinte, F&E @ www.neffbros.eu
Thank you so much Ashley for have to accept! Nice to meet you.:) How you doing? Just i wish you a gorgeous week and a very good continuations in your music! Take care. Moh. ^^
Remember that political will is a renewable resource. You are part of this world, you need to vote. "We stand on guard for thee" isn't just for soldiers, we all have a responsibility to protect our people, culture, nature, nation! Vote Canada, October the 14th. I made a video to give people hope back, I hope it gives you some :)
