THE NIGHTHAWKS
An American blues and roots music band, based in Washington, D.C. -- Huricane Hawk and The Invaders open the show. Tickets $10
Formed in 1972, the Nighthawks underwent several personnel changes before stabilizing as the lineup of Mark Wenner (vocals and harmonica), Jimmy Thackery (lead guitar), Jan Zukowski (bass guitar), and Pete Ragusa (drums).[1] Their 1979 album, Full House, issued on Adelphi Records, includes guest appearances from Pinetop Perkins and Bob Margolin.[1]
Keyboard player Greg Wetzel joined the band in 1983, was a full-time member until 1986, and has continued to play at special performances. The membership of the band remained stable until 1986. At that time, tired of the band's extensive touring schedule, Thackery departed to front the Drivers and other groups and to record for Blind Pig Records and Telarc Records.[1] Following his departure, several players filled the lead guitar spot. These included Jimmy Nalls, Warren Haynes, James Solberg, Danny Morris, Pete Kanaras, with Kanaras becoming the longest lasting member.
In 2003, the band featured in the first episode of the second season of The Wire.
Kanaras and Zukowski departed the band in 2004. They were replaced by Paul Bell (lead guitar) and Johnny Castle (bass guitar). The Nighthawks won the Traditional Blues/R&B Duo/Group Award at the 2009 Washington Area Music Awards. In 2011, their album, "Last Train to Bluesville" won the Acoustic Album of the Year at the 32nd Blues Music Awards, sponsored by the Blues Foundation.
In 2011, they signed with Severn Records.[2]
