The Hawk In October just took part in an incredible benefit concert, presented by Chicago Acoustic Underground, for the Michael Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, this past Sunday, August 10th. I don't yet know how much money was raised for the Foundation, but I do know that attendance was excellent, and that many people heard great music all day and all evening. THIO is proud to have been asked to participate, and proud to have helped the cause. We also are proud of the kick-ass set we delivered as the headliner for the evening. Our great thanks to Micki Croisant of The Good Name Band for working so hard to provide the female backing vocals for this special show.

If you would like to contribute to the work being done by the Michael Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Research Foundation, please visit the Foundation's online contribution page.

Thanks.

Too many people we know, good friends, recently have been touched by familial tragedy and loss. Often, the loss has been preceded by the foreknowledge of the circumstances, and the realization that the time for saying "goodbye" and "I love you" is fast approaching, but in at least one case, there was no warning, no chance for that final farewell. In all the events, however, those who have been lost knew for certain that they were loved and appreciated, and that in itself has helped to mitigate the loss. And though our friends' pain endures, the pain is tempered by the knowledge that love was expressed and recognized, that the lost one was cherished, and that those who were left to try to fill in the space that was left empty are themselves warmed by the love from, and memory of, those who have passed.

Too many people we know, good friends, can't say the same. And that's the greater tragedy, and greater loss. Please don't let it happen to you. Let someone know you love them. Do it today.

Our lovely and talented backing vocalist (no, not you, Marke... though come to think of it, you are lovely and talented), Cheryl Jennison, is bowing out of this band to work full time with Think Floyd, USA, with whom she has performed and travelled for the last five years. They're really coming up in the world, and we in the band are proud and thrilled for Cheryl and the great opportunities that await her. Knock 'em dead, Cheryl! And everyone else, go catch them in concert.

However, that means we have to replace her... no easy feat.

Here's how you can help. If you know of a local (Chicago and the North Shore) female singer/songwriter/player who you think would fit in well with the band, or if you ARE a local female singer/songwriter/player, and you think you'd fit in well with the band, please read the following ad, and then get in contact with us, muy pronto (that's real damn fast, yes?).

Here's the ad. Thanks.

Seeking Female Vocalist/Songwriter/Instrumentalist to join The Hawk In October.


Local Chicago band, “The Hawk In October,” is seeking the successor to our female vocalist, whose commitments are many, and who has set a very high bar for whomever succeeds her.

We are seeking a female vocalist in the tradition of Joni Mitchell and Sarah McLachlan, who can sing backing harmonies with our male lead singer and our male backing vocalist, but who also can take the lead and/or sing duet on certain originals and covers. In addition, if you are a songwriter, and if you have songs that would fit within the overall feel and genre(s) of our band (folk rock, acoustic, Americana, singer/songwriter), there may be an opportunity to present your own original material here as well. All band members have input for arrangements, and all band members may contribute songs. At this time, our lead vocalist is also the principle songwriter.

If you are a strong instrumentalist, particularly on piano or guitar (although other instruments could be considered), and if you can integrate your playing within our arrangements, then so much the better. However, the position is not contingent upon your ability to play.

Finally, this position also is open to female musicians who already may be established on their own, but who also would enjoy singing and playing as part of an ensemble, provided that their schedules easily will permit more than one project. All of the other band members have multiple projects, and everyone’s needs are taken into account.

We hope to commence auditions the week of June 15th. You can hear samples of our work, and see videos from a recent live performance, here on our website, or on our MySpace page. We have the support of several people involved in the local Chicago music scene, who are enthusiastic about our music and our future, and we are looking forward to the many great opportunities to come.

If you are interested, please contact us at this email address, and let us know where and how we can find recorded samples of your work (website, MySpace or other online source, mp3 by email, CD demo, etc.). We are sorry, but no audition can be scheduled without our first being able to hear examples of your work. If you can provide a physical or electronic press kit, that would also be helpful. You must be at least 21 years of age, as we play primarily in bars and clubs, many of which do not make exceptions for under-21 band members.

Thank you. We look forward to hearing from you.

The Hawk In October
Chicago

After months of promises, and research, and angst, The Hawk In October finally has a website, and even better, it's a site worth looking at!

Thanks to everyone for your patience. The band is coming together nicely (OK, there's one little hitch, but we're working it out. See the blog entry titled "Wanted: Female Singer" for details).

We still have some photos to load, and we need to record some songs to download, but we're getting there.

This site came together so quickly due to the phenomenal organization called Bandzoogle. It's a company by musicians, for musicians, and it really knows what we want and need. My hat's off to them.

More later. And go read the next blog entry. You never know when you can help out.

Jeff