Midwest Mary

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By

Mary K. Doyle

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Dawn and Hawkes

Warm sunny days and outdoor music events offer inexpensive entertainment in comfortable, relaxed settings.

On a recent trip to Texas, friends Mark and Sue brought me to the town of Luckenbach to enjoy the area’s music vibe.

Luckenbach, Texas, is a tiny hamlet located in the hill country of the massive state of Texas. Owned by the Engel family until 1970, the town began as a trading post in 1849. Pioneer farmers and Comanche Indians gathered there for business and companionship.

Now, it’s known for the music it offers to visitors. In 1973, Jerry Jeff Walker recorded an album there. But it was the song that Bobby Emmons and Chips Moman wrote, “Back to the Basics of Love,” that brought worldwide fame to the town when it became a massive hit for Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson.

Today, the charming town offers a perfect setting for music festivals with benches and trees for shade surrounding the stage.

On my introduction to the area, we came upon the group, Dawn and Hawkes, which has become a new favorite of mine. I’m listening to their music non-stop. The day we were there, they also had another guitarist and an outstanding drummer who happened to be Miranda’s dad, who added lively diversity to their presentation.

The couple, Miranda Dawn and Chris Hawkes, are adorable on stage together. Their affection for each other is obvious, and their folksy, country, 70ish mix is easy to listen to. Texas Monthly calls their music “undeniably intimate.”

My friend purchased a CD for me, and when I asked Miranda and Chris to sign it, Chris handed me another one of their CDs, Light Inside. He said I should have it because my T-shirt read, “Be the light.” Per their website, “In a time when the world seems more divided than ever, Dawn and Hawkes celebrate hope and our common humanity with an invitation to embrace the light that comes from all of us.”

Sit back and listen to their music, and I’m sure you’ll become a fan, as well. Some of my favorites are “Need Love” and “Stardust,” which initially captured my attention. I love this one!

Also, check out their blind audition on the show, The Voice, and watch them perform “Your Eyes.” Their affection for each other is evident.

©Mary K. Doyle, 2025

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Responses to “Dawn and Hawkes”

  1. vermavkv

    Very nice

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you!

      Reply
  2. Lori Pohlman

    Sweet!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for reading!

      Reply
  3. gustavo_horta

    Gostei muito.
    Abraço grande, carinhoso e fraterno pra você.
    Receba as bênçãos universais as quais envio para você apenas como um mensageiro.
    Felicidade. Sempre.
    Amor, compaixão, solidariedade.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Obrigada, meu amigo. Aproveite o dia mais maravilhoso.

      Reply
  4. Nancy Homlitas

    I enjoyed this folk/country music concert. Thank you, Mary. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Nancy. I really am enjoying their music. Have a wonderful day, my friend.

      Reply
      1. Nancy Homlitas

        Thank you, Mary. 🥰

        Reply
  5. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

    Sounds like a wonderful time!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The music was great, and I surely enjoyed playing the last month and a half. I hope you get some time to enjoy, as well, my friend. Love to you.

      Reply
  6. kagould17

    Nothing beats seeing live music in an intimate setting Mary. So glad you had this experience. Happy Wednesday. Allan

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It was a perfect day, Allan. You probably encounter music events on your walks, as well, don’t you? Here, in the summer, groups play in and outside everywhere. I do enjoy it.

      Reply
  7. Indira

    Looks like you had a whale of a relaxing time, Mary!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I did, Indira. Thank you for reading and commenting.

      Reply
  8. Penn,…

    Sounds like a fabulous musical extravaganza, …I’m off to follow the music links, …💫🎶💫

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Great! Let me know what you think.

      Reply
      1. Penn,…

        🎶🎶. I’m listening to Need Love, and before that Stardust, ……it’s that lovely melodic sound you find gives a true feel good uplift, …(I could do with that today, …) 🎶🎶

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Great! Thank you for letting me know what you thought. Have the best day.

          Reply
  9. Kym Gordon Moore

    Oh my, it looks like you had a fabulous time during this musical getaway. 🎤🎶🎸 I know you’re glad you chilled out and enjoyed the moment. Enjoy the rest of your week my friend. ✨😎🙆🏼‍♀️

    Reply
  10. Mary K. Doyle

    I definitely had a great time, Kym. Thank you for always reading and responding. Love to you.

    Reply
  11. da-AL

    It’s a lovely thing for a small town to be known for music Mary. Thanks for introducing us 😀

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Right? What a fun town. Thank you for chiming in!

      Reply
  12. Looking for the Light

    It’s a great place to visit.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Have you been to Luckenbach, Melinda?

      Reply
      1. Looking for the Light

        More than once. My ex and I went on vacations in Fredericksburg and would drive there and the area to see the wildflowers.

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Pretty area. I’m glad you got to enjoy it, Melinda.

          Reply
  13. Victoria

    What a perfect afternoon treat…thank you, Mary. Absolutely delightful…appreciate the introduction. 🥰

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m loving their music, Vicki. Have a wonderful evening.

      Reply
      1. Victoria

        You, too dear one! 🥰

        Reply
  14. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

    Sounds like a wonderful time, Mary. 🎸🥁
    I love live music.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thanks, T’. I appreciate you checking out the group,

      Reply
      1. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

        My pleasure.

        Reply
  15. Edward Ortiz

    Wonderful, Mary. I bet is nice and hot down there.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The weather was great, but I understand it gets very hot in the summer. All the best to you, my friend.

      Reply
  16. Ronit Penso Tasty Eats

    Glad you’ve had such enjoyable time! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ronit. I’m still smiling.

      Reply
  17. johnlmalone

    loved the blind audition; so joyful ; thanks Mary 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Wasn’t that great, John? I really do like the couple. Thank you for checking them out.

      Reply
  18. Eternity

    Thanks for your like of my post, “Jews’ Distress – Daniel Introduction;” you are very kind.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are very welcome.

      Reply
  19. myallaboutyou

    Very interesting place. I went once. They say many great country singers got there start there

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I can see that. The setting is comfortable and inviting.

      Reply
      1. myallaboutyou

        I enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing.

        Reply
  20. Rebecca Cuningham

    A great Texas experience! We love that state.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Every state has its gifts in our massive, diverse country. Have a great weekend, Rebecca.

      Reply
  21. joannerambling

    This was amazing

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Joan.

      Reply
  22. Hazel

    I love shirts with inspiring prints like “Be the light.” I wish I have one.🤩 The experience you had sounds blissful, Mary.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It was exactly that, Hazel. Blissful describes it well. Hugs to you.

      Reply
      1. Hazel

        Hugs and love back, Mary

        Reply
  23. Kimberly Vargas Agnese

    These two are soooo sweet:)

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Aren’t they, Kimberly? Watching Dawn and Hawkes perform together is part of the joy.

      Reply
      1. Kimberly Vargas Agnese

        They really are!…:) Thanks for sharing:)

        Reply
  24. Lauren Scott, Author

    It sounds like a wonderful time, Mary, and I enjoyed the songs. Thanks for the intro to Dawn and Hawkes. I’m always looking for new music to listen to. 💞

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Me too! What are your favorites right now, Lauren?

      Reply
      1. Lauren Scott, Author

        Oh gosh, Mary, it’s hard to say. But ever since I was young and wanted to be a singer ‘when I grew up’ Barbara Streisand was and will always be my fave. I’ve also been an Elvis fan, along with The Beetles, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Moody Blues, Asleep at the Wheel, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Adele, Bruce Springsteen, Diana Ross, and the list goes on. I listen to a variety of singers and bands, and they’re on my Spotify. But we also have a retro record player where we listen to old albums and cds. Long answer, I apologize, but it was fun. 🥰

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          I get it. The music depends on what we’re doing and how we feel at the time. Thank you for adding your insightful response to the post. I appreciate you!

          Reply
  25. Swamigalkodi Astrology

    Impressive

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you!

      Reply
  26. Garden Bliss

    I must have a listen, Mary. Looks like an interesting place to visit.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It was a lot of fun, Flavia. Have the best weekend.

      Reply
  27. Karen :)

    Thank you for introducing us to this group! I listened to a few songs and love their sound!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That’s great to hear, Karen! Take care.

      Reply
  28. Swamigalkodi Astrology

    Inspiring narrative

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you.

      Reply
  29. P. J. Gudka

    Dawn and Hawkes sound amazing, country is my favourite genre so I’ll definitely check out their music.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Good to hear. Thank you, Pooja.

      Reply
      1. P. J. Gudka

        You’re very welcome.

        Reply
  30. Eternity

    Thanks for your like of my post; “Jews  Regathered – Ezekiel 37;” you are very kind.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You’re welcome.

      Reply
  31. Jacqui Murray

    Never knew “Luckenbach Texas” was “Back to the Basics of Love.” I still sing that song in my head. Something about Waylon’s voice…

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Waylon and Willie. Iconic! Thank you, Jacqui.

      Reply
  32. Willie Torres Jr.

    What a beautiful trip, Mary. Sounds like a soul-refreshing experience, music, sunshine, and sweet moments. I’ll have to check out Dawn and Hawkes …

    Reply
  33. Anonymous

    An incredible experience on a beautiful day. Truly gifted musicians, kind human beings, and in love with each other!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes, so true. I appreciate you stopping by.

      Reply

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