Ash Devine is an accomplished vocalist and multi-instrumentalist and she has recorded and self-produced two albums of original Americana-folk-world fusion music and is currently working on her third. Ash plays a variety of styles including original folk-americana, old country, traditional Appalachian, classic rock and favorite jazz songs of the Era. For over 10 years, Ash has developed research based innovative music and arts programs for elders in senior living, health care, home care and community settings. Her performances inspire fond memories, joyful interaction and community engagement with participants and facility staff. Ash’s musical programs are connective, entertaining and based in current research regarding the use of multi-sensory music and activities to enhance brain health and improve the quality of life of elders and their caregivers.
Ash specializes in spreading joy through the art of clowning. She learned this craft from the revered Patch Adams, an American physician, social activist, clown, and author who founded The Gesundheit! Institute in 1971. He led groups of volunteers dressed as clowns to the darkest corners of the world in an effort to bring love and laughter to those who needed it most. Ash joined Patch on a trip to Haiti while she was attending college and witnessed the happiness the group spread in just a short time. They visited distressed regions where people live in isolation and engaged them in play, music, and art.
After seeing the success of the work done by The Gesundheit! Institute, Ash was inspired by the potential for changes in society’s treatment of the disenfranchised. Over the years, she took similar trips to other countries, including Vietnam, Costa Rica, and Mexico, and visited hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons. Upon her return, she began visiting nursing homes around Asheville, integrating her folk tunes with clowning. She saw the incredible amount of joy these activities brought to participants locally. It wasn’t long before she realized the value of teaching children this transformative art.
Ash is performing this Saturday, February 16th, 7-9pm at The Flood Gallery in the River Arts District. It will be an evening of original music that features songs to be released on her upcoming album, set to be released in Fall 2019.
Enjoy this one-hour Living Well with Ash who shares about how she uses music and community engagement to enhance the quality of life of our elders, family caregivers and of the entire community of multi-generational groups.
Living Well with Ash Devine on AshevilleFM, February 11, 2019
