True Lions
816 Day, City Market, August 16th, 6:00 PM
Bio: True Lions is the expansively nonconforming music project of Al Hawkins—songwriter, folk-punk fiddler, multi-instrumentalist, dancer, and music teacher in KC. The band consists of Al and whoever is playing music with them, most often Fritz Hutchison and Carly Atwood. The band is constantly evolving, recently exploring noise art through amplified fiddle distortion, heavy drums, and bass synth.
Lately, True Lions is performing acoustic old-time and cajun-inspired tunes as a trio (fiddle, guitar, upright bass) for fun and to “make a living” as gigging musicians. In 2024, the band attended Blackpot Cajun Music Camp in Eunice,Louisiana, learning traditional dance styles, such as flat-footing, clogging, and tap dancing, to accompany their music playing. In 2025, True Lions will perform their acoustic tunes while rhythmically dancing! Using heavy boots on a plywood board, Al intends to flat-foot in time whilst singing/fiddling, with Fritz on banjo/guitar and Carly on upright.
In connection to the theme: Our performance will connect our regional tradition of Ozark fiddle music with southern Louisiana traditions of Cajun flat-footing and clogging. We will express our excitement for old-time music and wonder how we can preserve, protect, and embrace these artistic mediums contemporarily. Our performance will demonstrate a unity of music and dance; specifically, we will focus on how one body can both percuss rhythmically with feet, while simultaneously sing and fiddle countermelodies.
This musical expression will symbolize how we can all live with differences: within ourselves, within our musical groups, and within our larger communities. Our performance will demonstrate a curiosity and gratitude for multiple places—music from Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana—and provide thoughtful and surprising dances to relate the sounds with movements. What’s our next step moving forward together with differences? Let’s start with the rhythm in our feet!
Socials:
Instagram: @truelions
