Nathan: "Ain't Nothin' But a Party!"

Recommended Beverage
to go with this show:
ummm, Jack & Coke at this place, and make it a double

Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas at New Orleans Jazz Fest, May 2006.

Stopped by Chick Hall's Surf Club last night (no gang violence in sight, incidentally) to check out Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas, direct from Louisiana. Nathan was in top form, as usual and rocked this southern-style roadhouse (think Bob's Country Bunker from the Blues Brothers movie, minus the wire fence). On the outskirts of DC, this place is full of older hillbillies enjoying the music while keeping one eye on the NASCAR race on the tv above the bar.

A couple of Absolut Citron-and-Sprites into the evening, (and after a good friend showed up to help me cope with this interesting atmosphere that a girl from Brooklyn finds a tad unsettling), I was on the dance floor dancing among the hillbillies...and enjoying myself.

There are a few truly outstanding zydeco bands out there. Topping the list is anyone in the Dopsie family (Rockin' or Duane each have phenomenal bands should you visit New Orleans). Right on up there, authentic and hopping as ever, is Nathan Williams and his band. The sounds of a frenetic accordion and the beats on a washboard filled the place, as we soaked in the unique and awesome sounds.

Zydeco music comes from southwestern Louisiana, as does its Cajun cousin. Whereas cajun generally features a fiddle and is rooted in country music, zydeco comes from the Creole culture, features an accordion, and is based on rhythm and blues. Both are distinctly, and distinct, Louisiana styles and one can't help but smile widely and dance wildly to this music.

As Nathan loves to say, "it ain't nothin' but a party."