Casa Captivating
Exclusive Interviews
Casa Romantica’s first Casa Kids Concert Series performance features Jazzy Ash and the Leaping Lizards!, specializing in New Orleans jazz fun for the entire family! They have performed at numerous venues including Lincoln Center and Sprout Network (NBC), produced five albums, and have been featured by NPR and LA Times.
Ahead of her performance, meet Jazzy Ash in this exclusive interview for Casa Romantica about the importance of music education for children and what inspires her.
What is your background in music? How did you start playing New Orleans Jazz?
I’ve been performing in musical theater since I was in the 6th grade. When I got into high school, I fell in love with jazz. My family is from New Orleans so I started studying jazz, not only as a musical and cultural experience but as a family deep dive into who I am. The more I dug into jazz, the more I found myself. So, I’m just absolutely in love with jazz music and I want to share it with everyone. To me, jazz isn’t just part of black history, it’s part of all of our histories as Americans.
Why is music education so important for children?
There’s something magical about music; it unites us all as people. It breaks language barriers, cultural barriers, and it’s also just a magical tool that you can use in a classroom to teach other kinds of skills. I just find music to be this undeniable strength that children need in their lives. It can help you understand the world better, have a better understanding of what you’re learning in school, and understand your community. So, I feel that music education is something that cannot be cut out of a well-rounded education.
You have 2 boys of your own. How have they helped you be an effective educator?
I started doing music education when I had my own children. I was looking for a way to incorporate my love of music and frankly, find a job that I could bring my kids with me to work! So I started teaching music classes and found that it was a great way to connect with my own children. It was awesome to help other parents and educators connect with the children in their world. So that’s how I got started and now that I do music as a performer, not just in the classroom, but out touring the country I always test my music on my kids. If they love it, I feel like other kids would love it as well, and keep that. Sometimes they don’t love it so I scratch that.
What excites you about performing at Casa Romantica?
Casa Romantica is a beautiful space and I can’t wait to come here and share my music with the community! Along with this beautiful view, it’s going to be so fun you’re going to be dancing on your feet! I can’t wait!
See Jazzy Ash and the Leaping Lizards perform LIVE at Casa Romantica on October 9, 2021 @ 12:00 PM. Tickets on sale now: General admission $5; ages 12 and under FREE. BUY TICKETS >>
Casa Kids Concert Series with Jazzy Ash and the Leaping Lizards is underwritten by Colin and Brooke Smith
