J. Walter Hawkes

Scruffy lookin' J. Walter Hawkes
Hey There!

Greetings. I’m J. Walter Hawkes, but hey, you can call me Walter. I’m an Emmy-winning composer and a skilled trombone/ukulele player with a studio providing music in many forms for the greater Earth area. Here you will find numerous examples of works as well as a curated list of upcoming performances with various groups.

  • I provide original music for TV, Film, Video Games, and apps.
    Check out the "See" page for info and video examples.
  • I arrange/orchestrate music for everything from a horn or string section to a big band to a symphony orchestra. Check out the "Hear" page for info and audio examples.
  • I play trombone and ukulele all around the NYC area and the world. Check out the "Hear" for examples and the "Calendar" page for my schedule. If you'd like to be reminded of when I'm playing near you, you can sign up for a mailing list on the "Contact" page.
  • I have a recording studio in Long Island City that I can record most the above in. Check out the "About" page for more info.

Upcoming Performances

Calendar for May, 2021
Day?Time?Who?Where?Where???
05/14/2021Baby Soda Jazz BandCentral Park - near entrance to Delacorte TheaterCentral Park - closest entrance is W81st St and Central Park West

Busking in a gorgeous (and strangely acoustically satisfying) setting for your generous tips with a really great traditional jazz band.

05/23/2021J. Walter HawkesAndrea Clearfield's ZalonOnline Streaming Event

Andrea Clearfield has held a highly-regarded monthly salon in her Philadelphia home since the 80s. As the pandemic took hold, she quickly transformed it into an online streaming event. I'm glad to be a part of the lineup. The event starts at 7pm. I go on for a 10 minute set around 8:10. I'll stick around for cocktails around 9:30. ZOOM LINK

Recent Blog Posts

Saturday 3/27 Live FB Stream

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J. Walter Hawkes, Jack Grace, and Lara Hope performing for the Golden Gate Symphony live stream

SATURDAY 8PM EST! Live stream!! I’ll be one of three performers featured. I’ll stream a 45 min(-ish) set from my studio! They have this very nice picture of me playing the trombone. Little to those ...

"Dream" (Johnny Mercer) for Barbès [Video]

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Happy 18th Birthday Barbès!!!

I’ve been playing there with a beaucoup of bands (including me own) since the year they opened. There’s no place on Earth like it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had amazing musical experiences there…both as observer and participant. Oh yeah, and the bar is ...