DVD Update...

There's some exciting news. It looks like some of the glitches that we were having with the video have been resolved. We can actually move forward to a more exciting video production.

I have reviewed most of April's show on tape. Some amazing playing happened that night. When you consider the huge absence together as a group and very minimal rehearsal time, you have a show that was essentially improvised. Not too shabby considering some of the guys got reacquainted right in front of you for the first time in 32 years. A lot of you in the audience got to see people you haven't seen in decades too. I am hoping that for the majority of you it was a good thing.

It is my hope to capture that moment we had by getting a decent quality production; a production worthy of the band's incredible talent, versatility and good soul.

Remember, the videos you see on this blog are only one camera's point of view. It is not the final edited version.

I will keep you updated on the progress of the DVD in the next couple of weeks.

Hersh

Mojo & the Nighthawks On Youtube.

Welcome Youtube Community ...

It was April 14th, 2007 ... Yes the hardcore fans showed up. Even after a 32 year absence! The word spread and tickets were sold out within days. This time the fans of the band brought their sons and daughters to the concert. It was as close as entering a time machine as we may ever experience.

Some of the musicians featured in this Blog have not seen each other since their last reunion back in 1975. To get together on such short notice, with very little rehearsal and pull a show off in front of a sell-out crowd, is truly a testament to their character and talent. Its one of those moments that will not be forgotten. Of course, it helps that we have this Blog to share and help feed our memories of that evening back in the spring. ;)

Now I believe its time to share “Mojo & the Nighthawks“ with the rest of the world. As you will soon discover, many of these musicians are not strangers to the music world. In fact many have played with several well known musical acts. For all the newcomers I will be profiling these musicians in upcoming posts soon. So check back often ...

For a short time back in the early 1970's, Mojo and The Nighthawks were the first pick of many music lovers in Winnipeg. They never hit the charts, but it was never their goal while they were together. It was the joy of a group of teenagers playing music together and being true to their influences.

They always had a very loyal audience that has shown to have lasted generations. This was proven by the overwhelming show of support at last spring's reunion ... So for all the people checking this blog for the first time ... Welcome. It's a pleasure having you stop in and share some blues together .

The musicians we are speaking of are as follows:

Seymour "Mojo" Koblin: Drums

Gree Bae: Harp & Vocals

Leonard Shaw: Keyboards, Sax and vocals

Dave Garber: Guitar

Sandy Chochinov: Bass

Lee Koffman: Sax

Fred Dugdale: Vocals

32 Years Later ...

So much time has passed since we had our big reunion ... As I mentioned on the post below, I just recently received the tapes of this event. I am slowly going through the material and finding whatever I can utilize for your enjoyment. I feel a strong need to get something out there because you waited so long. So please forgive the time codes on the video. This is still a work in progress.

Inevitably people will say " you should of chose something else." Unfortunately I am experiencing some challenges especially where audio is concerned. There is some great music in the 2nd set, but it cannot be enjoyed at this time.... I will do some research. Get some advice and get a game plan.

Thanks everybody for the kind words you've expressed to me. You know who you are. I'm glad you're enjoying the site.

A Taste of Last Spring ....

MOJO AND THE NIGHTHAWKS

Here is the surprise I promised below ... This is a small sample from that night back in April ... Please read post below for updated info regarding the DVD.

The band can now be found at:

mojoandthenighthawks.com

If you would like to be put on our email list for future updates, please feel free to use the link below ... Put JOIN on the subject line, and all future update reminders will be emailed to you:

info@mojoandthenighthawks.com

Those of you that have created links to the blog from your website, do not worry. Your links will still work. It was changed to give the site an easier address and a more independent feel.

What Happened to the Blog? Where's The DVD?

I have received many emails and phone calls asking, "what happened to the blog?" There hasn't been a post since April? Weren't you working on a DVD? Below you will find an email that I sent recently. I will share this on the blog. I hate excuses! I apologize publicly to everyone who feels I let them down. I will do my best to see what my options are, and update you on the blog. Remember ... a blog is a group effort. It's success truly depends on additional comments from you. Without that additional spark from you the readers, this blog will die. I have not had one person comment on what they thought of the show. That being said, I will have a little surprise for everyone very soon. I'm hoping this will spur some conversation ...

--- Below is one of the e-mails I recently sent ---

I guess people just went back to their routine, everyone got busy, and a great moment started turning into a more distant memory.

Perhaps my only disappointment was not getting much of anywhere with the DVD. Which is the number one reason the blog was not updated. I had nothing to tell people, other than they were still working on it. It is the number one question everyone who was there asks me.

It's too bad, We had a 3 camera shoot ... Lewsh got some real creative and energetic young dudes to film the event. But when it came to editing, they couldn't make it happen. They say there was syncing glitches and time restraints.

I believe them! --- They were never paid for this massive time consuming project. They saw a creative opportunity and wanted to be a part of it. Money wasn't the objective, it was the creativity and the opportunity to be involved with some cool people.

However, I feel that they will not make it happen anytime soon. So I asked for the tapes back and received them only a few days ago.

We lost all that time, but the good news is I have the tapes now and will investigate into what I have and what I can do ... All this time has passed and I've never seen a glimpse of what was captured. I will do my best to sort thru everything and get these tapes transferred properly. It requires expensive equipment to transfer as they were shot in HD. This does need to be stepped down to SD and involves extra labor.

Anyway, I didn't mean to create a novel, I will let you know when I have more info. Perhaps I should use this email as a post on the blog to stir it up a bit? Stay well ... We will talk soon.

Slide Show

You will notice on the right that I have posted some pictures from last weekend. There will be more to come, plus don't forget the DVD is in the works as well.

If you find a picture that you want to look at more closely, just double click on the image of interest in the slideshow. You can see it full size and download from there. Any questions? Please feel free to use this BLOG to POST whatever is on your mind. Don't be shy folks. Say hello to the band and your friends through this blog. It's what this site is all about.

It was great to see you all! Now let's stay in touch utilizing this vehicle.

Cheers,

Your Blogmeister,

Hersh

Unforgettable Evening!!!

I think everyone will agree that last Saturday was a very special evening. There wasn't a single bad vibe in the room.

I will update you all soon. I have lots of pics. If you have any pictures you would like to share, please feel free to e-mail them to me at:

hersh.garber@gmail.com

I will be back soon .... I am taking a brief hiatus and will re-group. Please make sure you bookmark this blog and check back often.

Thanks To All of You!


Hersh

IT'S SHOWTIME ...

The pieces have all come together... We are getting ready for a truly special evening. For many of you it will be like entering a time machine! Have fun. Enjoy yourselves. I promise you this evening will be a special moment.

Thank you all so much for your interest and support. You are all responsible for making this happen.

We are shooting a DVD to commemerate this evening. If you are interested, we will be taking orders at tonight's gig. Feel free to let us know your interest. We will make sure you are on the list ....

Cheers,

Hersh Garber

We're Close ... 2 Days Away!!!

Most of the boys are in town ... We're getting ready for the show.
Thanks fans, friends and family members. The vibe is building. Everyone, especially Mojo and the Nighthawks can feel it. A great show is in the works ... STAY TUNED!!!

THIS EVENT HAS NOW SOLDOUT!!!

---STAY TUNED FOR FURTHER DETAILS---

Nighthawks Reunion is Confirmed!!!

Saturday April 14th at St. Martin in the Field Parish Hall.
160 Smithfield Ave.

8:00 pm to Midnight

Tickets are $10.00


Please post your ticket requests here ... Let me know who you are and how many tickets you require ... Nighthawk fans lets hear from you. Its time to howl!! Any questions please feel free to use this post. Or if you prefer you can
e-mail me at:

hersh.garber@gmail.com

Pictures ...

Any pictures of the Nighthawks/era that you would like to share, please feel free to email them to me at:

hersh.garber@gmail.com

I will post them for everybody to view ... Thanks Lewsh and Sandy for sending me your pics.
Lets make this POST for comments on the pictures viewed below. Use the comment link at the bottom of the post to hold discussions on any of the pics.

Much to report!

Tulsa Shuffle was machine!

moj/dave - thanx for calling yesterday from NYC.

it meant a lot to me that u got together with Stee Bae & hiz cuz

Mojo - Morris -!!!

China jazz fest!!!!

have many acts that u can consider of international quality

will send u a sep mail with the list - need your email address - or can i get it here?

where's Yusim?

gree (greybear now) bae

The Nighthawks in SD

Getting together hanging and playing was so much fun ! I 'm game for April 07 .

Lets talk soon , David

* Beijing ? We are going to need some bad money !

Fun in the Sun with the Nighthawks

What a great time we all had.

Like Seymour said, "we always had the fire and now we have the groove".

Sandy

nighthawks

Larry Morris- winnipegger Nighthawk fa who lives in China sent me this e-mail:
Yeah,

I have been overseas for about 8 years now.........2 in Korea and starting my year 6 in China.I am consulting for the NINEGATES Jazz Festival here in Beijing and would be great to have you hear. Hopefully,it will be a mix of jazz, blues and World music,whatever that is now. Love to have your band or maybe you could come alone and do some workshops.Lots of good players here in Beijing and hopefully some of my friends will come from Vancouver to play. A guy named Coat Cook is the best sax player in Vanvouver and maybe all of Canada.Originally from River Heights of all places.Hugs for you, my friend. We will know more in a few weeks.It is slated for May 25- 30 or so and they are just working up the budgets for my approval.

Larry

Nighthawks in SD

It was a gas to get together after over 30 years, and groove with some old friends. Seymour, Dave and Sandy clicked - just like the old days. Second generation guitarist Miles added some new dimensions, and we had the pleasure of special guest Denita Asberry wailing us through some of her speciality: Aretha. With any luck, and if the schedules allign we will be going for it again in April in Winnipeg MB, and with luck we will have the other Nighthawks on board!

Tulsa Shuffle

Here is a link you can use to see a clip of the Nighthawk reunion ... Copy and paste into your web browser if clicking below doesn't work ... ENJOY

http://s145.photobucket.com/albums/r211/hersh_2007/Nighthawks/?action=view&current=nighthawks.flv

Mojo and the Nighthawks

This blog is for the bandmembers and their fans ...

The Nighthawks reunion in San Diego has created lots of rumors about another get together. This time back home in Winnipeg! Where it began more than 30 years ago.

Will it happen? Tune into this blog for further details ...