I'll be returning to this awesome venue created by my dear friend and didgeridu virtuoso, Tyler Spencer! Details TBA.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Ahlay Blakely + Shireen Amini SONG CIRCLE at Seward Park
Seward Park, 5900 Lake Washington Blvd S, Seattle, Washington
Song Circle: Songs for Grief & the Unknown @ BALLARD HOMESTEAD with Alexandra "Ahlay" Blakely + special guest Shireen Amini
Arrival 5:30pm
$12-17 sliding scale, Venmo or Cash No one turned away for lack of funds
Imagine a group 30-100+ folks in a circle, singing… together. The song leader teaches easy to learn songs in an acapella style and the group echoes them back. These songs are sung together collectively as invitations to move stagnated emotions in the body and to be in our bodies as we notice what arises for us as we sing together. Ahlay offers a 2 hour container invoking connection that serves as a catalyst to discuss + sit with taboo topics in our culture and movements for collective liberation.
Cascadia Song Rise is a gathering of people who love to sing! Join us May 18-21, 2023 near Philomath, Oregon (~12 miles from Corvallis). We will nourish ourselves and each other through collective song, harmony, and connection. There is a magic to be experienced in the layering of voices, a mysterious activation that is felt in the body and in the soul.
Featuring an amazing lineup of songleaders: Shireen Amini, Ahlay Blakely, Laurence Cole, Kjersten Hallin, Aaron Johnson, Karly Loveling, Osprey, Kira Seto, Katie Sontag
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
$250 (early bird by March 31) and $275-350 sliding scale (after March 31)
Northwest Folklife is an independent 501(c)(3) arts organization that celebrates the multigenerational arts, cultures, and traditions of a global Pacific Northwest. Since 1972, Northwest Folklife has been deeply committed to celebrating the diversity of our Northwest communities and demystifying our differences together, under one roof. Most notable of their events is the annual Northwest Folklife Festival, a community-powered celebration of the music, arts, and heritage of the Pacific Northwest.
I have been selected to perform a solo set for NW Folklife Festival 2023 taking place May 26-29! Free and all ages!
booking HOUSE CONCERTS
House concerts are one of the most magical settings to share music.
If you're interested in hosting, I'm here to help make it as easy, streamlined, and fun for you as possible! Below I answer some initial questions and have provided a clear, detailed guide covering all the rest.
WHAT EXACTLY IS A HOUSE CONCERT?
WHAT EXACTLY IS A HOUSE CONCERT?
A house concert is a gathering of friends in your living room, on your deck, in your garden or backyard, with live music, often food, drinks, and conversation. You don’t need a large living room or backyard, just a welcoming space where people can come together. The average house concert has 20-40 people and is purposefully more intimate. The focus is on listening and connecting more deeply with the music and the people sharing the experience of it.
HOW DO I SET UP A HOUSE CONCERT?
I'm glad you asked! Your first step will be to get in touch with me and we'll establish a date and event logistics. I'll then provide you with ticketing links and / or promo. At that point, it's time to invite, invite, invite! The day of the event I'll arrive early to set up, relax, and maybe share a meal with you. Just like that, we'll have a beautiful evening of music in your home!
WHAT IS THE LIVE PERFORMANCE LIKE?
I will perform solo, possibly with a guest or two, or possibly with a small acoustic band. I have a unique approach to performing in that I like to invite a lot of audience participation in the form of singing, rhythm-making, and movement. I'll tell stories and perform with a few different instruments to keep the night interesting, but the overall feel will be intimate and heartfelt. It is possible that by the end of the night, people will be ready to get up and dance. That is totally awesome and welcome!
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU CAN OFFER BESIDES PERFORMANCE?
Why yes, in fact! If it interests you and your community, we can set up a workshop in conjunction with the house concert! In addition to being a performing singer-songwriter, I'm also a teaching artist and music facilitator. I primarily teach hand drumming, but can also lead song circles. This can happen earlier in the day before the performance or the next day. If you'd like to set up a workshop or song circle, just let me know! We’ll make a plan together and tie it in with house concert promotion.
Check out this helpful guide that lays out all the details clearly and offers options to customize your house concert event to your liking!
Contact me expressing interest in hosting a house concert and include potential dates!
