It’s Been a Minute …
Believe it or not, it's been almost 8 years since I released my last single, “Cherry Hill", and album, “Set Free”. Since then, I’ve shared some music by the Dark Aurora and other collaborations.
Those were awesome experiences.
But, I realized last fall that the time had come to get back to writing and releasing my own music.
To say the least, life has given me plenty of things to write about since 2018.
As some of you may know, I have been working hard on my own mental health. That journey has led me to becoming a public speaker and advocate for those with Mental Health issues. I've learned so much and met so many wonderful people.
My journey also led me to a complete reframing on my approach to life.
That reframing is the subject of my new song.
"Get To" is about the effort to stop looking at tasks as things you "have to" do and, instead, as things you "Get To" do. I've come to believe that true Joy comes from embracing the possibilities that Living puts in front of us.
You must find a way to keep you antennae up so that you can recognize opportunities as they emerge. You can't do that when your head is down and you are muttering about the things you'd "rather" be doing. Instead, look at what you must do as something you get to do. That re-frame will keep your eyes up, your attitude positive, and your mind open to possibilities.
I don't have to get up when my alarm goes off. I Get To.
I don't have to go to my cousin's wedding. I Get To.
And so on.
"Get To" is the first song from an entire album that will be out later this year. Listen to it now on all music platforms.
And it's also my message to myself, and to all of you who are kind enough to listen to my music and attend my concerts.
We get one little life. Let's get every possible moment of joy from it that we can. And let's do it together.
Thank you to Greg Bro, illustrator and author of “Brute Optimism”, for the amazing artwork that he created to accompany the song release. I think it captures the feel of the song beautifully.
Concert Updates
The release of the song coincides with the first outdoor show of 2026. Friday night, I return to Michael Shynes' Haven House for an acoustic show. If you haven't attended one of these concerts, Michael and I trade songs back and forth in the lovely setting of his backyard. Matt and Sarah Kirkwold will be joining me once again as we play the new single, some classics CH songs, and a couple surprise covers. There's always magic in the air at these shows and I hope you'll join us as we kick off our summer schedule. A few tickets still remain. You can get yours here: Haven House Tickets
On June 20th, Rocket Club returns! We are excited to help open the new Mystic Lake Amphitheater as part of an amazing line-up of artists. Tickets are only $20 and a portion goes to the Salt Cure Recovery Fund. Get yours here: Mystic Lake Tickets
And how about this! The Chris Hawkey Band will be back on stage on July 23rd at Le Musique Room. Tickets are on sale now: July 23rd tickets.
Plus, I "Get To" spend another summer fronting The Fabulous Armadillos Party band as we travel all over the state of Minnesota. Check out that schedule Here
A couple other quick things:
In May, my band mate in Rocket Club, Don Smithmier, released his first book “The Narrows” and asked me to be the narrator for the audio book. It’s a great story and I encourage everyone to read or listen to it. It’s available wherever you get your books. It was a great challenge for me and I am honored that Don asked me to bring his characters to life.
I continue to speak to groups around the state about my mental health journey. If your group is looking for a speaker, I would love to be considered. For more information click here.
That's all for now. I'm ready to get going. I can't wait to see your faces and celebrate another Minnesota summer. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey. Let's go out an see what happens!
As always, I am glad you are here.
- Hawk