See That Light with Ashleigh Flynn & Todd Snider… Leave Those Gay Kids Alone

See That Light with Ashleigh Flynn & Todd Snider… Leave Those Gay Kids Alone

Ashleigh Flynn’s song “See That Light” is an anti-bullying tune, in which the storyteller is a young kid in love with her or his best friend until they realize that’s not allowed. Todd Snider plays the preacher with a talking blues part in which he appeals to folks to smarten up, to get along… and to leave gay kids alone.

Ashleigh says, “Seems there is a rising tide of acceptance among the majority of Americans towards equal rights for all citizens regardless of sexual orientation. Bring it on. Wash away the irrational phobia. I am extremely hopeful that my GF and I will be able to enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples. We have been together for ten years.”

Ashleigh Flynn and Todd Snider

When Ashleigh set out to work on her new album A Million Stars, her song “See That Light” came to her as a simple little ditty as she stared at the moon rising up over the Columbia River. She calls it “a tribute to faith in love because from my vantage that’s the most important thing we know amidst all the mystery of life and death. It just so happened that I was likely singing it to a gal.” With that notion, she realized that her little ditty had more of a message, so she wrote the part she could hear Todd saying “Now Brothers and Sisters… let’s leave those gay kids alone.  Let them love each other. They aren’t hurting anyone…”

Todd says, “I knew this song before Ashleigh recorded it, from touring together, and was honored to be asked to be part of her record and especially in a way that would give me opportunity to stand publicly for the gay community.”

To celebrate Supreme Court rulings in favor of gay rights, the Equal Rights Campaign and in honor of June being Gay Pride month, Ashleigh is offering “See That Light” featuring Todd Snider as a free download to listen to and share with your friends –> http://bit.ly/176N2a1

“See That Light’ LYRICS

I told you once, I’ll say it again.
I’ll sing it right by and by.
See that light shining through the trees?
That’s my love rising in the sky.

So I take a seat by the riverside
To watch her shine! Shine! Shine!
She’ll be true, like the ocean is blue,
And rise the tide with passing time.

I would walk a thousand miles.
I’d sail across the deep blue sea.
I would wait for time to stand still
If you will come for me.

So much sorrow, from so many hard times
Living in the world outside,
I got to get to feeling that things are gonna turn around…
I’ll sing it right by and by
I would walk a thousand miles…

~

Now brothers and sisters
I know you probably grew up being scared of them stories in the Bible,
like going to hell for sinning or some stuff like that…
But that Bible was written by people too, and they were afraid themselves.

I mean, who really believes that I’m gonna go to hell for planting corn and beans together?
We could probably solve world hunger AND global warming by planting corn and beans together!

I mean, what kind of God wouldn’t want us to love and be good to each other? Let’s try to relax a little bit!
And another thing, let’s leave them gay kids alone. Let them love each other.
They aint hurtin anyone! In fact, it’s the fear mongers that hurt them. And then they hurt themselves…

~

But then I got a little high, cuz I was feeling’ lonesome
As all the days turned into years.
Been wandering dark and dusty roads,
I light the sky with my own tears
I would walk a thousand miles…
*** *** ***

“The album is full of stories of powerful women, including those from the American Western Frontier and a cover of Ma Rainey’s gay and proud ‘Prove it On Me Blues.’ There are other gay-positive surprises on the album, including a gay-positive rap for LGBT teens.” —Kathy Belge, LesbianLife at About.com

“Ashleigh Flynn takes history and sticks it in a song. On A Million Stars, Ashleigh introduces us to heroines and lawless ladies… Todd Snider takes on the role of the ‘voice of reason’ in ‘See the Light’, reminding us from on high that the bible is for each of us to hear our own versions of stories and maybe we just need to lighten up and love a little.” —Danny McCloskey, The Alternate Root

“But it was her own ‘See the Light,’ from her most recent record, A Million Stars that made the night’s point. On the record, Todd Snider gets to do the speechifying for tolerance. Thursday night, it was Flynn:  And another thing, let’s leave them gay kids alone; let ’em love each other; they ain’t hurtin’ anybody; in fact, it’s the fear mongers that’s hurtin’ them; and then, they hurt themselves”
—Ryan White, Oregon Live,
Live show review from the Alberta Rose Theater for Basic Rights Oregon

Ashleigh Flynn For more information and tour dates, please visit: www.ashleighflynn.com

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Ashleigh Flynn Releases “A Million Stars” TODAY May 14th On Tour With The Wood Brothers This Spring

Ashleigh Flynn Releases “A Million Stars” TODAY May 14th
On Tour With The Wood Brothers This Spring

A Million Stars is now available at
iTunes: http://bit.ly/17pV0Kq & CD Baby: http://bit.ly/11Bv8tO
Featuring Chris Funk, Todd Snider, Annalisa Tornfelt & more

Portland, Oregon-based Ashleigh Flynn releases her latest CD, A Million Stars today, May 14, 2013. It is Flynn’s fourth studio effort on her own Home Perm Records, is produced by Chris Funk, her longtime friend and musical collaborator, best-known as the Decemberists’ multi-instrumentalist. The record features Todd Snider and many of Portland’s most talented musicians including, Chris Funk, Jenny Conlee-Drizos, Nate Query, John Moen, Annalisa Tornfelt, and the Stolen Sweets singers, among others.

Kind Words About A Million Stars:
“Her songs are stories first. That they’re backed by occasionally dark, occasionally rollicking instrumentals depends on what the songs themselves call for. Sure, her Kentucky roots are always showing, but ‘Prohibition Rose’ swings with a subtle Vaudeville style, while ‘The West Was Won’ sounds like it could have come off a Juliana Hatfield disc.” –Kim Reuhl, NoDepression First Spin

“If you enjoy the music of Brandi Carlile, Patty Griffin or Nanci Griffith, you’re sure to fall in love with singer/songwriter Ashleigh Flynn. Not only is Flynn a talented musician, with stellar vocals, she’s most notably gifted storyteller with a vibrant and upbeat stage personality.” –Kathy Belge, LesbianLife at About.com

“Ashleigh Flynn represents the next generation of true songwriters. She rules!” –Nanci Griffith

“One of my favorite people to perform and hang out with is Ashleigh Flynn. Her lyrics are smart, she’s got a voice full of soul, and she knows how to handle a crowd.” –Todd Snider

Ashleigh Flynn On Tour
Wed 5/15 Tallahassee, FL – Mockingbird Cafe
Sun 6/2  Ithaca, NY – The Haunt*
Tue 6/4 Burlington, VT –  Higher Ground Showcase Lounge*
Wed 6/5 Fall River, MA – Narrows Center for the Performing Arts*
Thu 6/6 Norfolk CT – Infinity Hall*
Fri 6/7 Londonderry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall*
Sat 6/8 Boston, MA – TOAD
Sun 6/9 New York, NY – The Living Room
Thu 7/11 Portland, OR – Portland Parks Summer Concerts – Wallace Park
Fri-Sun 7/12-14, 2013 – Veneta, OR  Oregon Country Fair
Sat-Sun 7/21-22 Long Beach, WA – Adrift Hotel
Fri 8/2 Hood River, OR – Springhouse Cellars+
Thu 8/15 Sauvie Island, OR – Farm Tune Series -Kruger’s Farms

*Opening for The Wood Brothers
+ Opening for Black Prairie

Ashleigh Flynn was featured on Oregon Public Broadcasting LISTEN to the full interview

More About A Million Stars
A Million Stars continues the inspired narrative Flynn began on earlier records with tales deeply rooted in the American experience. The most profound seed of inspiration for the new record was a watercolor painted by her young niece depicting a cowgirl atop her horse under a starry desert sky. Who was this girl so confidently astride her mount? Calamity Jane? Surely there were others like her? Discovering the painting led her on a quest to learn more about the women of the westward expansion, unnamed heroes that history had largely overlooked.  

The album’s twelve tracks represent true blue Americana featuring a bit of folk, blues, country and rock. The title cut, “A Million Stars”, chronicles the story of Cattle Annie and Little Britches, two cowgirls who rode the outlaw trails in the late 1800s, disguised as men, so as to gain entrée onto the frontier, a place not seen fit for a woman. “See That Light”, a seemingly fun little blues ditty but with a strong message, features Todd Snider, Flynn’s musical mentor, who plays the voice of reason and, in his sermon to those who might judge certain types of love unlike their own, warns of the resulting harm caused by such hypocrisy. Other highlights include a bluegrass tune “Dirty Hands and Dirty Feet”, an overall tribute to Loretta Lynn;  a vintage jazz tune about Portland’s own “Prohibition Rose”; and “A Little Low”, a memorial to one of her friends, Nancy Bergeson – Assistant US Federal Defender who was murdered, and whose murder is still unsolved. “Walk Awhile”, recorded live at Search Party West, features party goers on parts of the chorus adding a fun and unique element.

Flynn has performed at many a music festival including Bonnaroo, Bumbershoot, Falcon Ridge Folk, High Sierra, Gamble Rogers, Sisters Folk, and most recently the 30A Songwriters Festival in Florida. She has also traveled the globe, peddling her wares, and regularly warming tours for Todd Snider and Nanci Griffith, as well as opening shows for John Hiatt, Shawn Colvin, and Band of Heathens, among others. American Dream (2008) landed Flynn spots on many national & internationally syndicated radio programs that celebrate Americana music, including Mountain Stage, WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour, and NPR.

For more information, please visit: www.ashleighflynn.com

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FREE Download of “Prohibition Rose” by Ashleigh Flynn from A Million Stars

FREE Download of “Prohibition Rose” by Ashleigh Flynn
from A Million Stars – Due Out May 14, 2013

“This song is about Portland’s own most infamous bootlegger during prohibition, who happened to be a woman… known for shanghaiing unsuspecting patrons.” –Ashleigh Flynn

“Prohibition Rose” Lyrics:
Prohibition Rose, knows what she knows,
From her hips to her toes – beneath her petticoat!
All day and into night, sailors while their time away
In her opium dens spending all their pay
Swilling her booze as they wait…

From Old Town to Old Shanghai,
the boys wake up under another sky!
They know how and they can’t ask why
When they wake from sleep in their bare feet
Shackled on a ship to the Far East.

Stumptown’s fairest queen, a
Denizen of the underground scene.
Rosie’s got the guile to get you a little high.
But not drop of hooch around
When the cops bust in like a pack of hounds.
Just Rosie readin’ from her bible –
With all the Whiskey stashed underneath her skirt…

From Old Town to Old Shanghai…

***

Click the links in the above text for a brief history on Prohibition Rose

About Ashleigh Flynn:
Portland, Oregon-based Ashleigh Flynn celebrates her latest CD, A Million Stars. Set for national release on May 14, 2013, Flynn’s fourth studio effort on her own Home Perm Records, is produced by Chris Funk, her longtime friend and musical collaborator, best-known as the Decemberists’ multi-instrumentalist. The record features Todd Snider and many of Portland’s most talented musicians including, Chris Funk, Jenny Conlee-Drizos, Nate Query, John Moen, Annalisa Tornfelt, and the Stolen Sweets singers, among others.

“Ashleigh Flynn represents the next generation of true songwriters. She rules!” –Nanci Griffith

“One of my favorite people to perform and hang out with is Ashleigh Flynn. Her lyrics are smart, she’s got a voice full of soul, and she knows how to handle a crowd.” –Todd Snider

“True blue Americana…” –Paste Magazine

For more information, please visit: www.ashleighflynn.com

 Click For a Free Download of “Prohibition Rose”

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Ashleigh Flynn Releases “A Million Stars” on May 14th Featuring Chris Funk, Todd Snider, Annalisa Tornfelt & more

Ashleigh Flynn Releases “A Million Stars” on May 14th
Featuring Chris Funk, Todd Snider, Annalisa Tornfelt & more

***   ***   ***

“Ashleigh Flynn represents the next generation of true songwriters. She rules!”
—Nanci Griffith

“One of my favorite people to perform and hang out with is Ashleigh Flynn. Her lyrics are smart, she’s got a voice full of soul, and she knows how to handle a crowd.”
—Todd Snider

“True blue Americana…”
—Paste Magazine

 

Portland, Oregon-based Ashleigh Flynn celebrates her latest CD, A Million Stars. Set for national release on May 14, 2013, Flynn’s fourth studio effort on her own Home Perm Records, is produced by Chris Funk, her longtime friend and musical collaborator, best-known as the Decemberists’ multi-instrumentalist. The record features Todd Snider and many of Portland’s most talented musicians including, Chris Funk, Jenny Conlee-Drizos, Nate Query, John Moen, Annalisa Tornfelt, and the Stolen Sweets singers, among others.

A Million Stars continues the inspired narrative Flynn began on earlier records with tales deeply rooted in the American experience. The most profound seed of inspiration for the new record was a watercolor painted by her young niece depicting a cowgirl atop her horse under a starry desert sky. Who was this girl so confidently astride her mount? Calamity Jane? Surely there were others like her? Discovering the painting led her on a quest to learn more about the women of the westward expansion, unnamed heroes that history had largely overlooked.

The album’s twelve tracks represent true blue Americana featuring a bit of folk, blues, country and rock. The title cut, “A Million Stars”, chronicles the story of Cattle Annie and Little Britches, two cowgirls who rode the outlaw trails in the late 1800s, disguised as men, so as to gain entrée onto the frontier, a place not seen fit for a woman. “See That Light”, a seemingly fun little blues ditty but with a strong message, features Todd Snider, Flynn’s musical mentor, who plays the voice of reason and, in his sermon to those who might judge certain types of love unlike their own, warns of the resulting harm caused by such hypocrisy. Other highlights include a bluegrass tune “Dirty Hands and Dirty Feet”, a vintage jazz tune about Portland’s own “Prohibition Rose”, and “A Little Low”, a memorial to one of her friends, Nancy Bergeson – Assistant US Federal Defender who was murdered, and whose murder is still unsolved. “Walk Awhile”, recorded live at Search Party West, features party goers on parts of the chorus adding a fun and unique element.

Ashleigh Flynn grew up in Kentucky and cut her teeth on local bluegrass music. She arrived on the national scene in 2008 with the release of her third record, American Dream. A prolific songwriter, Flynn is also an electrifying performer blessed with unbridled charisma. She has released two prior full-length studio records Chokecherry (2002) and Ashleigh Flynn, self-titled (1999) and a live record, Sneakin’ Out with Ashleigh Flynn (2005).

Based on the merits of American Dream, Flynn has performed at many a music festival including Bonnaroo, Bumbershoot, Falcon Ridge Folk, High Sierra, Gamble Rogers, Sisters Folk, and most recently the 30A Songwriters Festival in Florida. She has also traveled the globe, peddling her wares, and regularly warming tours for Todd Snider and Nanci Griffith, as well as opening shows for John Hiatt, Shawn Colvin, and Band of Heathens, among others. American Dream landed Flynn spots on many national & internationally syndicated radio programs that celebrate Americana music, including Mountain Stage, WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour, and NPR.

Ashleigh Flynn Pre-Album Release Tour:
3/19 Millvale, PA – Mr. Small’s Funhouse *
3/20 Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom & Tavern *
3/21 Buffalo, NY – Tralf Music Hall *
3/22 Ithaca, NY – The Haunt *
3/23 Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club *
3/24 Portland, ME – Port City Music Hall *
*supporting Todd Snider

Album Release Tour Dates tba.
For more information, please visit: www.ashleighflynn.com

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