DECATUR - When folk singer and Decatur native Ashley Riley first picked up a guitar at the age of 21, she didn't expect it to be-come such a big part of her life.

Since her first time playing an open mike night at Block's Brewery several years back, Riley has continued to make a name for herself in Central Illinois' folk rock music scene.

Next month, she brings her smooth vocals and relatable lyrics back to the familiar faces of Decatur at the Decatur Celebration. This will be Riley's first time playing the festival.

"I've been going to the Celebration all my life - probably even in a stroller," Riley said. "It's cool that I actually get to perform there now."

 DECATUR - In Decatur's independent music scene, it pays to have a friend standing beside you, especially when that friend has a band of her own.

That's the idea, anyway, for Decatur's Ashley Riley and Jessica Jolly, two musicians dedicated to their own bands, own brands and a strong friendship that has brought them growing attention in Central Illinois, but the similarities between the two don't stop there.

Riley is the songwriter and singer of her own self-titled group and is also the new owner of downtown Decatur's Fringe Salon as of October.

 DECATUR - Decatur native Ashley Riley is ready to graduate - not from school, but from one level of recognition as an entertainer to another.

Playing guitar for the past seven years and performing for the past six, Riley has become kno a mainstay of the local Decatur music scene. But now Riley is reaching for bigger sounds and bigger venues than humble coffeehouses when she premieres her new album Saturday night with a free "red carpet CD release" show at the Lincoln Square Theatre.

Riley's album, her second, is called "Most Likely To...," a reference to Riley's belief in making her own destiny.

 Strikingly desolate and fragile, while at times recalling the likes of Victoria Williams and Mazzy Star on Last One Standing,
make no mistake Ashley Riley has an utterly gorgeous voice and a sound all her own. Sometimes warm and affectionate
on songs like “Bad Habits,” Riley is more often heartbroken and regretful, which (on her) comes off beautifully as tracks like
“Way Back” and “Good Excuse” illustrate.
– Dean Ramos

 DECATUR - Ashley Riley's friends inspire her music.

Watching friends go through difficult times and changes, the Decatur acoustic musician makes it a point to be there for them, just as they are often there for her and her music.

With friends by her side, Riley will have a CD release party for her debut album, "Last One Standing," from 8 to 10 p.m. today at Block's Brewery.

Riley said the inspiration behind her title track was talks with friends and hearing about what they were going through. The conversations allowed her to express their stories and feelings into the song.

"It's hard, because I couldn't do anything about what they were going through," she said.

"The album is about going through hardships and still being able to go on."