Meet Hank Williams | Director of Awesomness

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hank Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hank, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born and raised in Austin Texas, the live music capitol of the world. Growing up in a place that is saturated with amazing music and musicians I’ve always held the musical experience in the highest regard. I knew from a young age that music is one of the strongest bonding agents of society and that sharing music is one of the greatest gifts life can bring. Rocky Mountain Aardvarks are doing our part to impart some of that musical magic onto the next generation, to strengthen the bonds of community and to open a doorway to a life of dancing, jamming and musical expression.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Rocky Mountain Aardvarks (RMA) is the Colorado branch of a groovy tree with roots in Brooklyn, NY. RMA founder, Janet Casson, taught Music For Aardvarks and Other Mammals in New York. When she moved out West in May 2011, she brought the wacky and wonderful program to share with families of the Mile High City. Since its first session in the summer of 2011, RMA has grown to include Music for Aardvarks classes for infants, toddlers and preschool-aged kids. When Janet moved from Denver in the summer of 2015, Ivy Binder took over as the Cultivator of Rock and went searching for the right teachers to lead classes. Hank Williams was brought in with that new crop of teachers to carry the torch that Janet had lit and he became the Director of Awesomeness in 2019. RMA will continue to jam hard for all the front range families at classes, parties, and concerts! This program brings a smart and silly, educational and entertaining, insightful and playful alternative to the Denver/Boulder kids’ music scene. A vibrant music selection helps instill an appreciation and understanding of melody and rhythm that will linger long after the last note is played. We make it fun—not only for children, but adults as well—by sharing original songs about the trials and tribulations of being a kid, getting to know the world around us and looking at the familiar in a new way. We’re not just about entertaining, though that will help the learning sink in deeper. And we’re not just about the education, though learning is fun! The songs are original, the vibe is funky, and the time you’ll have is rockin’ good one!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a father of three I tend to take my friends to my favorite kid oriented adventures. The Children’s museum or The Denver Zoo, for city adventure. Hiking at Lookout Mountain or Red Rocks and swimming at Broomfield Aquatic center for some fun in the sun. Ice cream at Little Man in LoHi and brunch at the Cozy Cottage on Tennyson are always a treat.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Janet Casson – Founder of Rocky Mountain Aardvarks 2011 – 2015 Ivy Binder – Cultivator of Rock – 2016-2019 David Weinstone – Creator of Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals 1997- present

Website: rockymtnaardvarks.com

Instagram: @rockymtnaardvarks

Facebook: facebook.com/rockymtnaardvarks