There’s nothing like performing music at home for Ashley and the Goose.
Mahomet graduates, Ashley Cox and Richard Geese (“Goose”), connected three years ago when Champaign Freight picked up Cox as a vocalist. Champaign Freight split up after their lead guitarist moved to Arizona, but Goose and Cox stayed in touch.
The duo decided to reunite with an acoustic set.
“We just thought the two of us could do some pretty cool things locally,” Cox said. “Mahomet is definitely home. It’s cool to see people you’ve know forever come out and support you doing something like that, and having a good time with it.”
With an 18-year age difference, Goose and Cox bring different styles to the table. Goose prefers classic rock, while Cox likes to sing more contemporary pieces like Adele or Four Non Blondes.
“We really run the gamut of music,” Cox said. “We bounce ideas off each other, and we’re to the point where we can find a way to agree on everything we do. Hopefully it’s a mix of everything everybody likes, what people want to hear, and can sing along to.”
While Cox and Goose will structure a cover song to fit their vocal range or guitar skills, they try to stay true to the way songs are written.
Known as a phenomenal piano player, Goose has taken up guitar within the last couple of years. Goose has also performed with other bands, and has performed solo at weddings and wineries. Cox adds soulful vocals and a playful personality to the group.
“I’m listening to music constantly,” she said. “So to be able to provide that for other people, that’s the coolest thing.”
After eight performances at the Main Street Wingery, the duet feels like the venue is their home base. They’ve also played at JT Walker’s, and opened for Candy Foster at Memphis on Main.
Ashley and the Goose are looking forward to their debut performance at Uncle Buck’s Saturday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
“We are super stoked about it,” Cox said. “We think it’s going to be a really fun place to play at.”
Both Cox and Goose are excited to see opportunities throughout Central Illinois open up for them. They are scheduled to play at Bentley’s on Jan. 25, The Wingery on Feb. 9 and in Villa Grove in April.
