Talent Found In Lynn’s Backyard

By David Czarlinsky and Kelly Marmo 

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It all started from a bet between Gregg Cox, vice president of Academic Affairs, and President Kevin Ross to see if they could create a band to perform at the Celebration of the Arts in just 45 days. Thus, Wolfhawk was born.  

The cover band consists of multiple members of the Lynn administration including President Ross as lead guitar and Anthony Altieri, vice president of Student Affairs, playing drums. The band also includes Adam Beighley at guitar, Alex Keller playing bass and Jay Brandt as the lead singer and guitarist.

“I named it after a 1987 Jeep Wagoneer that I bought on eBay,” said Ross. “I went to North Carolina to pick it up and the owner said the car had an animal spirit name called Wolfhawk.” 

The name Wolfhawk is now patented, and Ross still owns the 1987 Jeep. Wolfhawk performs mostly rock music and some contemporary music, with inspiration from Foo Fighters and other influential rock bands. 

Ross enjoys gritty rock including Stone Temple and AC/DC along with Drivin’ N Cryin’ and Cracker, while Altieri grew up listening to Bon Jovi and Poison. 

Wolfhawk covers songs of several rock bands, but the members hope to pursue acoustic sets in the future. The band has played several performances, including the Boca Resort this past New Year’s, wedding performances for Lynn alumni, backyard events, as well as the Boca Raton Bowl.

The multi-talented members pursue their passions through music. 

“It’s amazing to think what their professions are because when we are playing music it’s just playing with the guys,” said Brandt. “The day jobs tuck away once we start playing.”

Altieri does not think about his work life during band practices. “It is something done in my spare time and something that I enjoy doing,” he said. Altieri stated that the band has significantly progressed since its humble beginnings.

“Work floats away,” said Beighley. “You have to pay enough attention while you’re playing that you can’t think about the rest of your life. You can be completely engaged with people and let off steam.” 

As for their audience, it continues to grow. Starting off with mostly Lynn students, faculty and alum, it grew into a wider audience of the Boca Raton area. Because of new sets and performances, the band has gained fans outside of South Florida.

Wolfhawk is scheduled to play for the third time in four years at the after party for the Celebration of the Arts. The members of Wolfhawk encourage Lynn students to jump out of their comfort zones and try new things, even when it seems like it is too late. 

“Try it and stick with it and do it with people you want to,” said Ross. “Make it up as you go along.” 

David Czarlinsky

David Czarlinsky is in his second year in the 3.0 program, pursuing a degree in communication and emerging media. Originally from Charlotte, N.C., Czarlinsky has gotten very involved on campus, serving as a resident assistant and president of his fraternity.

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