Hilary Hawke

Hilary Hawke is a banjoist, guitarist, and composer who writes and performs music rooted in bluegrass and old-time traditions. Based in New York City and originally from the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, she has released eight albums of original music. Her two most recent albums, Lift Up This Old World and Lilygild, reflect her love for the banjo and her ongoing exploration of its expressive possibilities.

Hilary performs at festivals and venues across the country, both with her band, the Hilary Hawke Trio, and as a sought-after collaborator. She plays banjo with The Brigideens, the Americana project led by Irish fiddle legend Eileen Ivers. Hilary is dedicated to outreach, teaching, and engaging audiences of all ages through her private studio and workshops nationwide. She serves on the Music Performance faculty at Columbia University, where she teaches old-time and bluegrass ensemble and private lessons.

Hilary is currently the music director and co-writer of the music for a new sci-fi western puppet show called Parched, which is being presented across the country. She also arranged the banjo music for the Tony-nominated Broadway production The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, starring Oscar Isaac. She was the banjoist in the 2019 Tony Award-winning revival of Oklahoma!, as well as in numerous other New York City theater productions.  But really, she just loves to play the 5-string and is happy to be a part of Steve Kaufman Kamp this summer for the second time.