my dark past

Comedian
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Born in Australia, Elissa is an idealist and metaphysical philosopher reveling in the freedom of speech that is the legacy of the Great comics Lenny Bruce, George Carlin and Bill Hicks. Like these comedians, Elissa remains an ’outsider’, where she may create freely and contribute to the ’revolution of ideas’.

Elissa is a gentle soul, (anger management graduate) not afraid to share her rage and revulsion at the establishment.

Elissa has had her dukes up against the best comedians, debaters, and wordsmiths in the world, carving her reputation in the combative word ring ,winning the annual YagUbi Comedy Great Debate 2007 , with accolades; then by getting 2000 punters rolling about in splits of laughter  Elissa cleaned the 2007 Woodford Folk Festival floor, then moved on to argue the negative of "Bigger Is Better" at the 2008 Bangalow The Big Joke Comedy festival .. and won again. 

A Political satirist, Elissa has performed since 1996 at all major comedy venues in Australia, including The Comedy Store at Fox studios, The Comics Lounge in Melbourne, and the Crown Casino. Elissa shoots from the hip and floors her audience with her acute social observations. Other notches on her belt include : 2004 State Finalist in Australian Comedy OzSterio GOD 2000 JJJ Raw Comedy Grand Finalist.
In 2003 and 2010 Elissa performed in USA and the UK in Los Angeles, San Francisco and London to great acclaim and with invitations to return.

Elissa is also an eloquent MC and runs comedy workshops with performance outcomes, most recently at Peats Ridge Festival.
Elissa also created and performed 3 x hour long sold- out shows 
1999-’ELISSA HAWKE IS FRANK, BRUTALLY’
2000 - ’Ohhh...PLEASE LOVE ME’ 
2009- 'NEW GIRL ORDER' 
 for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. 
Described as

"Nonchalantly structured, delivered effortlessly by a charming showoff."
- THE AGE


"The new leader of the revolution..."
- ROD QUANTOCK

(cont.see reviews page)...


Host of television talk show THE COMIC BOXfor two seasons (2004)


RADIO
Co-hosted a weekly radio show for 7 years with Carl Pannuzzo


Selected to perform in the JJJ NATIONAL RAW COMEDY GRAND FINAL, known as the 'Australian Idol' for comics (2000)


Finalist in the TodayFM Austereo AUSTRALIAN COMEDY GODCompetition (2004)


Albums

Performer on theSYDNEY UNDERGROUND COMEDY DVD Vol. 1
Distributed by Gryphon Entertainment and produced bywww.chuckwit.com

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With uncompromising universal truths Elissa charms; whilst simultaneously pricking audiences with observations of her frustration at the lies of governments and the media smothering reality.







Music - Singer / Songwriter
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This is my third album as a singer songwriter
KOTODAMA 2007



Previous albums THE QUEENDOM OF GODDESS (2002)


and OVERTURE (1998)


Sounds like : falling autumn leaves, sleepy sundays, watching sunrise at the beach, and laying out under summer moonlight.
Philosopher, poet, and songstress, Elissa Hawke is an original thinker and songwriter whose earthy wistful lullabies soothe the soul.Her unique acoustic guitar riffs and picking styles accompany a sweet yet clear and cool vocal style.
Recent review in MADISON Magazine Feb 2007 likened the music of Elissa Hawke with that of Joni Mitchell and Carly Simon.
Elissa has shared the bill with many of Australia’s˙great artists including Ross Hannaford (DADDY COOL), Carl Pannuzzo, Sime Nugent, Sally Dastey (TIDDAS), The WAIFS, Ray Perreira, Mikelangelo, Sarah Liversidge, Nichaud Fitzgibbon, Kylie Auldist, Kate Neal, The Connor sisters, Kavisha Mazzella, Pearly Black, Casey Bennetto (KEATING!), The Dead Salesmen, Clare Bowditch, Emily Maguire, Sophie Raymond, (Vale) Stuie Speed, and (Vale) The wonderful BATERZ .
The gentle, but serious Hawke started writing songs on guitar at age 16. Not long after, she began busking her way from Canberra to Sydney to Queensland, where in 1991 Elissa formed the duo THE FALLEN ANGELS with fellow hybrid musician /comedian Amelia Jane Hunter.
THE FALLEN ANGELS recorded their demo Milk Fed Veal with the generous and talented Darren Middleton (POWDERFINGER, DRAG) and embarked on their “Lock Up Your Sons And Uncles” Tour from Gold Coast Nightclubs, to Brisbane Cafes, and Cairns Karaoke Clubs.
Between 1994-2003 Elissa performed professionally, solo or in various band lineups with the cream of Melbourne’s music community including Steve Grant (C.W. STONEKING, CIRQUE DU SOLEIL), Ben and Loff Khahans (SEDAN, SIME NUGENT), Kim and Brett Dellavedova, Nina Czempinski, Alex Miller (BLUEGRASSY KNOLL), Julian Swinnerton and Carl Pannuzzo (CHECKERBOARD LOUNGE, THOSE ACAPELICANS).
From 2003 to the present Elissa has performed as a solo artist. Elissa peppers her live 'suicidal love song' sets with tragically funny anecdotes, witty improvisation and comedy, fascinating her audience .




"Extremely honest ... channeling love through music."
- CARL PANNUZZO








 Massage and Healing / Yoga and Meditation

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I have been  practicing as a massage therapist for over two decades, since 1990.
In 2003 I gained Reiki  qualification at levels 1 and 2.
I have massaged people from all walks of life, from ´supermodel´ Elle ('The Body') McPherson, to the French ambassador to Mexico, to volunteering in a refugee support centre in Australia, at a carer support centre for the brain injured,  and for the elderly in hospices.

I teach yoga and meditation to all types and ages, from kids to grandparents! I became qualified in Hatha Flow Yoga in 2005, and have recently been living in a big hostel on Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) in Mexico teaching yoga and meditation to the travellers since 2010.