Loyola is a constant haven for music all around its historic campus. Take a peek at these rising stars within its own galaxy.

Artist: AshInfluences: Jason Mraz, No Doubt, Dixie Chicks, Journey, Cheryl CrowSounds like: The female version of Gavin DeGraw with a twist of folk.

Sisters Ashleigh Alleman, vocal performance/mass communication junior, and Aimee Alleman, A’05, have been members of several bands. However, none have hit home quite like their own sister act, “Ash,” a merging of folk, pop and southern rock.

With musically inclined parents and musical training, appreciation and encouragement were instilled in the Alleman sisters early on. Ashleigh is the band’s vocalist while Aimee plays guitar. Their father also plays percussion with them on occasion, making it a true family affair. Ashleigh attributes her mother with giving her the best advice she’s received: “Keep (your music) simple and stay true to who you are.”

The eager-eyed, talkative duo has gained musical recognition in the New Orleans area as well as on the national scene. After playing at Jeff Fest in 2000, the Allemans went on to beat out contestants nation-wide for “Seventeen” magazine’s “Way to Rock” contest in which they won a shopping spree and landed an opening act in a star-studded Macy’s concert with LFO’s Rich Cronan.

The sisters’ closeness is evident to outsiders as they watch the vivacious duo finish each others sentences and innocently giggle at one another along the way. Aimee said, “She’s my best friend.” They attribute this sisterly bond and open communication ability to the success of their band.

“The goal is not to be famous,” Aimee said as Ashleigh interjected, “The goal is to play music and do what we love until we’re old and gray.”

You can get a copy of Ash’s new record “20 Something LP” at one of their shows. Show listings are updated on their website, http://enjoyashmusic.com. Rita West can be reached at [email protected].