ACOUSTIC GROUP GUESTS... Mark Willson, Marty Rush, Michael Hawk, Tom E, Kim Butler, members of theCAUSE and Myo Hyo band, my 4 yr. old daughter Cheyenne, and MORE; theCAUSE (www.theCAUSEjams.com)... Eric "Pappy" Weingrad, David Tauberg, Mike Tony, Mike South, & Jill Paone Simmons; Myo Hyo Band... Tim Askin, T. Lane (both of www.SultansofBing.com), with Adam & Megan Constantine...The Phoenix with Will Roth, guitar and vocals, Verne Humsher, bass and vocals, Casey Wise, percussion, Stacy Dunlap, percussion and vocals and Dylan Roth on drums.
Influences
In no particular order... Joni Mitchell, Seal, Sade, Alison Krauss, Norah Jones, Rickie Lee Jones, K.D. Lang, Jonatha Brook, Kami Lyle, The Indigo Girls, Ani DiFranco, Tori Amos, Sheryl Crow, Tracy Chapman, Joan Osbourne, Sarah McLachlan, Diana Krall, Mazzy Star, Edie Brickell, Alanis Morissette, Natalie Merchant, Jewell, Mazzy Star, Morcheeba, Lisa Loeb, Stevie Nicks, Aimee, Mann, Carole King, Billie Holiday, Donna Fargo, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, The Carpenters, Brad Paisley, Michael Hedges, Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Jeff Buckley, Nick Drake, Greg Brown, Nickel Creek, Beck, Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Sting, The Beatles, The Eagles, Grateful Dead, Blind Melon, Pink Floyd, Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffett, Bon Jovi, Pearl Jam, Rusted Root... and ALL my friends and family with and for whom I have had the pleasure of making music.
My name is Cherylann Hawk, born in Wheeling, WV, and raised in the country with horses, dogs, and music in the Ohio Valley, where I graduated from John Marshall High School and West Liberty State College. I've been performing since I was 5, beginning with church gatherings and talent shows, which lead to singing and writing country music in the 80's. After an 8 year break from performing professionally, I began to find my own voice and style as I sang with many amazing singers and musicians while living in Pittsburgh, PA for 8 years until 2003 when I moved to Potter County, PA. After living between there and Winchester, VA for 5 years, I returned to the Pittsburgh area.
I've recently been singing as an acoustic ensemble with Mark Willson playing ethereal acoustic guitar, Marty Rush laying down the rhythm on percussion, my brother Michael on guitar and vocals, and various other musical guests. I have had the blessing of practicing my harmony singing skills as well as singing lead vocals as a member of an incredible jam band from Pittsburgh called theCAUSE. I've been singing my songs with an amazing group of musicians from Ohio as well. I've been calling them Myo Hyo Band, for now. And most recently I will be part of a new band The Phoenix with Will Roth, guitar and vocals, Verne Humsher, bass and vocals, Casey Wise, percussion and vocals Stacey Dunlap, percussion and vocals and Dylan Roth on drums. Sometimes I even get up there on the stage all by myself to inspire and entertain whoever will listen. My biggest fan and inspiration is my daughter Cheyenne Autumn Mehl, born 2/11/05. She travels with me as often as circumstances allow, joining me on stage and on the radio as well now. She has brought a new joy to the music I make.
My songwriting style and voice have been described as being similar to some of my influences… Joni Mitchell, Alison Kraus, Alanis Morrisette, Sarah McLachlan, Karen Carpenter and many more. My guitar playing style, which is very rhythmic, flavored with pop, jazz, blues, folk, and country styles, is inspired by the sounds of Michael Hedges, Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, and many others.
I have recorded 3 CDs of my own songs in the past 10 years, one of which I am currently still sharing with my family, friends, and fans called LIVE @ Moondog’s, which is available on line @ www.thecausejams.com. I am looking forward to recording my next CD, which is what I have in mind as I "practice" my songs with my friends while performing. Hopefully, that CD will be started later this year.
Where ever it is that I sing, I love the joy of making music with my friends and family. I love bringing music making people and folks who indulge in all forms of art together to create the synergy that was meant to be. That sense of community is the goal of AcoustiCafe and many other organizations I work hard to make succesful. Music is a connection between us and with the divine. It brings us into the moment, and can create a sense of peace and belonging. It's a gift, a prayer, a meditation, an inspiration, a discipline, a skill, a link, a magnet, a reminder, and best of all, it's fun! I hope you enjoy the music that I make.
A note from My Mom about "Who's to Wonder Why?":
How do I begin... My late husband Thomas Joe Richmond, Jr. was diagnosed with cancer in January 2006. He had a brain tumor that could not be removed. After 6 months of treatment, the doctor said he only had a few days to live. I overheard Tom tell the doctor that he didn't think I could make it without him. I then went to the chapel in the hospital to pray and to ask God for help. The title of the song came to my mind two years earlier when my brother was dying of cancer. I had to let Tom know that it was okay to go. I wrote down the phrase "Who's to Wonder Why?", then the rest of the song flowed out onto the paper before me, melody dots included. I sang it to my daughter, she figured out the chords and helped me with the bridge, then she sang it to Tom the day we moved him to the hospice. Nine hours later, God took my soul mate in his arms as we held each other while Cherylan and I sang the song to him one last time. I thank God for allowing me to say goodbye to my soul mate, and my daughter for being a part of his passing.
Part of the proceeds from the sale of the CDs are going to the American Cancer Society. You can find the CD where ever you find Cherylann. Thank you for your love and support.
Until I too come home,
Connie Hawk Richmond
Big thanks to Keith for this poster design, you can reach Keith at keith_clouse@yahoo.com:
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Cherylann & Cheyenne Saturday Light Brigade Radio singing "Hey Dogs" Lyrics by Daniel Mehl
Cherylann Hawk Live!
AcoustiCafe at Club Cafe
singing "Molding Starts"
Cherylann, I listened to Molding Starts and Good to be Able...Excellent..Really... Good to Be Able has a touch of Black Velvet in it.. Sounds Great.Dave Adams www.ohiovalleylivemusic.com
Sorry I couldn't make the Moondogs gig. Tonya A and I were reminiscing via e-mail about those magical Thursday nights and my "lime marinade. " Be well, and be in touch!