My name is James Hawkins. I'm a singer/songwriter living in Venice Florida.  I have been here for about 28 years.  I am a Kentuckian born and raised in Louisville, though so far no one has held that against me.  I have a wife, Lisa and a 6 year old son named Jacob and they are the joy of my life!
 

  I have been writing since I can remember with poems, stories and as of the last 10 years or so songs.  To be honest I have no idea where this stuff comes from but it gets channeled through me as I watch life march on by.  I learned about songwriting from listening to people like Harry Chapin, Shawn Colvin, Woody Guthrie, Steve Blackwell, Utah Phillips to name a few.

  The songs I write range from the usual traveling songs, political commentary to historical Florida songs.  Through my proud association with the Friends of Florida Folk, Sarasota Folk Club and Just Plain Folks I have been blessed with being able to collaborate with some of the finest musicians and songwriters I have ever met. 
 

  My music has allowed me to perform at the Florida Folk Festival, Clearwater Folk & Arts Festival, Wings & Strings, Gamble Rodgers Festival, Barberville Folk & Arts Fest, Lake County Folk & Arts Celebration, the Barberville Spring Fling and the Will McLean Festival.  I have performed with Rod McDonald, Eric Taylor and Redheaded Stepchild.     I have also been honored by having my songs recorded by such great Florida artist as Mindy Simmons, Ron & Bari Litchauer, Myriad, Jim Bikerstaff, and Carl Wade & Something Special and not once but twice I have had songs included on Songwriter Compilations CD's released by the Friends of Florida Folk.