Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas to Continue the Music Haven Concert Series, July 17th

SCHENECTADY – Continuing the Music Haven Concert Series, Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas will hit the stage on July 17th. The Brass Machine will get the party rolling with a traditional New Orleans style second line around the amphitheater before they mount the stage and let loose their tribute to the Big Easy. A series dedicated to presenting a wide-ranging, free, family-friendly slate of music and culture in Schenectady’s gorgeous Central Park, audiences will continue to “travel the world one concert at a time.”

“Authentic Louisiana Zydeco music always puts a smile on peoples’ faces,” says Producing Artistic Director Mona Golub, who has presented many Cajun, Zydeco, Brass Band, jazz, and rock concerts featuring artists from the Pelican state during her 30-plus years in the business.

Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas are set to host a South Louisiana dance party of dynamic proportions on 7 p.m. Sunday, July 17. Proctors’ mainstage is the rain site, in the case of inclement weather. 

Louisiana Music Hall of Famer Nathan Williams leads the band which features his brother Dennis Williams (guitar), cousin Allen Williams (bass), and nephew and godchild Djuan Francis (drums), along with rub-board superstar Clifford Alexander who recently rejoined the Cha Chas after finishing up a 23-year run with C.J. Chenier.

Nathan was inspired by his older brother, accordionist Sid “El Sid O” Williams and Uncle Harry Hypolite, who played guitar with the late great Clifton Chenier. After releasing his first singles on his brother’s El Sid-O label, Williams was signed by Rounder Records and soon began recording full-length albums at a rapid pace. His dozen-plus releases include four recorded live at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and another at the legendary Rock ’N’ Bowl.

Williams was honored with the Zydeco Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and he and the Zydeco Cha Chas have won the Big Easy Award for Best Zydeco Band several times.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The event, held rain or shine, will begin at 7:00 pm.

A variety of food and beverages will be available for purchase at all Music Haven shows, beginning at 6:00 pm on Sunday nights and throughout festivals and special events.

Michele’s Charcoal Pit and Ben & Jerry’s return to Music Haven for all concerts and events in 2022. And, as has become tradition, international offerings reflecting locales from which the music comes will be sold at the concession stand—including island specialties Jerk Chicken with rice and pigeon peas, Virgin Piña Coladas and Iced Coconut Lattes for Steel Pulse.

Wine and local craft beverages from Wolf Hollow Brewing Company, Frog Alley Brewing Co. and Nine Pin Cider are available throughout the season. 

For updates and new details about upcoming shows, visit Music Haven Concert Series on Facebook.

The family-friendly Agnes Macdonald Music Haven is easily accessible and has oft been voted the “Best Outdoor Concert Venue” in the Capital Region.