Given his role as lead anchor of ABC7 News, acclaimed journalist Dan Ashley has little free time, but he certainly makes the most of it. An accomplished singer, Ashley has just formed a new band that will be performing at various summer events including AIDS Walk San Francisco (he has been involved with that important fundraiser for over two decades) and, we are proud to say, at the San Francisco Pride Parade in the San Francisco Bay Times 40th Anniversary contingent. The appearance will mark Ashley’s first musical performance in the parade.
He is no stranger to the musical stage, however. Over the years, he has opened for legendary singers like Melissa Etheridge and has recorded, and regularly performs with, multiple Grammy winner Narada Michael Walden.
His love of music goes way back. As a child, he learned to play guitar and piano and gained inspiration from his grandmother, who was an accomplished pianist. Ashley also sang in a choir at his church in North Carolina. Summers at his family’s farm always included music.
Ashley has led different bands, such as PUSH, which re-formed into a female-fronted group. His latest band brings together many elite musicians.
He explained to the San Francisco Bay Times: “A producer who was a talent development producer for a couple of major labels came to me with an idea to reinvent my musical pursuits and to create new opportunities at a higher level. I’m now doing Country-Rock with a phenomenal band of touring pros. As an example, the lead guitarist is Mariah Carey’s lead guitarist and music director, the percussionist tours with Pablo Cruise … they’re all like that.”
He added, “The band is simply called by my name. Music is a great passion for me and it is a thrill to pursue this new opportunity.”
Spend any time in Ashley’s company and that passion for music is palpable. It is a bit disarming, since the image of him sitting calm and collected at the helm of nightly news broadcasts is hard to forget. Yet, there are intriguing hints of his inner rock star, ready to be unleashed. His masculine jewelry bling is more Mick Jagger than Walter Cronkite. And speaking of Jagger, Ashley once saw the Rolling Stones a dozen times during a single Stones’ tour.
Like Jagger, Ashley has numerous compelling stories to tell—both because of his work, and from other life experiences. Ashley’s résumé requires numerous double takes, as he was once a figure skating instructor who also successfully competed in freestyle, pairs and ice dance. In terms of news reporting, he has interviewed everyone from former President Barack Obama to the Blue Angels—while flying over San Francisco in one of their squadron aircraft.
He will be taking another memorable journey in the city soon, this time with his band down Market Street in our Pride Parade contingent. Come march with us, get ready to rock out with Ashley and be a part of our 40th Anniversary contingent!
San Francisco Bay Times 40th Anniversary Pride Parade Contingent Featuring Dan Ashley
Sunday, June 24
Arrival time: 10:15–11:15 am, with an expected step-off time of 11:50 am
Line-up is on Spear Street in San Francisco between Mission and Howard
All interested participants are asked to contact publisher@sfbaytimes.com
For more information about Dan Ashley: http://danashleymusic.com/
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