A note from Cherylann:
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 7 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.
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, by the fireside, on the radio, where ever people of all ages can be together to enjoy learning a little more about love and life through music. She has brought a new joy and purpose to the music I make. During my years of moving away and back again, I have had the blessing of being a permanent part-time member of an incredible jam band from Pittsburgh called theCAUSE since 2006. I've also been singing with another amazing group of musicians, from Ohio. Myo Hyo Band. I’m so very grateful to have friends who know my music in many places, so who I play with depends on where it is I am playing and what sort of venue it is. Sometimes I even get up there on the stage all by myself to inspire whoever will listen.
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 rhythmic guitar playing style is inspired by pop, jazz, blues, folk, jam band, and country. I also play a little bass, mandolin, percussion, kazoo, and love to sing harmonies.
I've 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. I do share recordings of performances as often as I can with a little help from my friends, so search the web, you'll find all kinds of music of which I was a part of making out there.
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. A sense of community and making a difference is the greatest purpose of HeArts Coming Together (www.heartscomingtogether.net), Phoenix Global Humanitarian Foundation (www.pghf.org), Green People Aruba, AcoustiCafe (www.acousticafe.org), and many other organizations I have the pleasure of being a part of to make the world a better place. 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, a medicine, an inspiration, a discipline, a skill, a link, a magnet, a reminder, and best of all, it's energizing and fun! I hope you enjoy the music that I make with my family and friends.
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 Cherylann 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
Cherylann & Cheyenne Saturday Light Brigade Radio singing "Hey Dogs"Lyrics by Daniel Mehl
Cherylann Hawk Live!
AcoustiCafe at Club Cafe
singing "Molding Starts" Lyrics by Mary Summers
