Ashe

Photos & Words: Kenneth Coles

I have to admit, I didn’t know who Ashe was before her show here in Portland on July 28th. I had a friend tell me I “HAD” to see her. They were adamant that they had been to a couple of her shows in the past and never left disappointed. I now know why.

Ashe’s brand of pop music is more like pop anthems aimed at empowering young women. She is a rock star on stage with her dynamic poses and stances, but also an incredibly talented dancer, mixing in ballet type movements as she moves across the stage. Her band stays near the back of the stage with her simple lighting and single pink archway and she commands every inch of space afforded to her. She plays to the crowd by pointing to them, singing to individuals and pointing the mic back at them to sing along. 

And sing along they do. Clearly, Ashe’s fans are loyal and fervent. They know every word to every song and recognize each tune mere notes into the them. Clearly they love her as much as she loves them. How could they not when she showers them with praise, love and admonishment meant to empower and uplift them.

If you have not heard of Ashe, take this as your sign to add a couple of her songs to your playlists.