Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas

Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas at The 8x10 Wednesday, January 20, 2027 Doors: 6:30 PM | Show: 7:30 PM > 18+ | Valid Photo ID required for entry | All patrons age 20 & younger will owe $5 additional cash cover at the door. About Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas Artist Links: Website | Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter) | YouTube | Spotify Williams started his professional music career at 21, just five years after high school, recording singles for his brother's El Sid label. Sid also opened a venue in Lafayette, El-Sid-O's, where Nathan became a staple performer on Friday nights. Williams' big break came when Buckwheat Zydeco recommended him to Rounder Records, which was searching for an accordionist after Buckwheat left for Island Records. Nathan auditioned, secured a recording contract, and in 1985, he founded Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas, inspired by a Chenier instrumental. The band debuted at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 1988. In November 1992, the Cha Chas played at the New Orleans Rock n' Bowl for the first time, paving the way for regular zydeco nights there starting in spring 1993. Nathan's 1997 live album, "I'm a Zydeco Hog: Live at the Rock 'N' Bowl, New Orleans," captured the energy of these performances. They also celebrated the venue's 30th anniversary in 2018. The New York Times once noted that Williams, at 25, was "poised to become important" in revitalizing zydeco. His music blends zydeco, jazz, blues, and R&B, with most of the band’s original songs penned by Williams. For over three decades, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas have toured extensively, performing everywhere from local Louisiana spots to international stages in countries like Austria, Spain, France, Japan, the Netherlands, Turkey, Germany, and even Poland, a first for a zydeco band.