The longtime leader of the Louisiana-based zydeco band, called Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas, Williams was excited about the setting, with the majestic New York skyline as a backdrop.
But while Williams' road crew was testing the equipment for that evening's performance, they noticed that they had no power. It was first thought to be a simple generator malfunction, but then the reality settled in.
There was no electricity to be found anywhere.
In fact, it was the biggest blackout in United States history, reaching from Canada to Ohio and through the metropolitan area. Needless to say, the performance was canceled, much to Williams' chagrin.
"I never had anything like that happen to me before," Williams said. "We wanted to play that night. We were really looking forward to it. We had other gigs that we had to get to, so we couldn't wait around. It wasn't anyone's fault. It just didn't happen."
So as HRPAC executive director Bruce Sherman started to plan the 2004 summer concert series, it was only natural to invite Williams and his band back for another try at performing in Weehawken.
"Bruce discussed it and thought it would be a good idea to come back this year," said Williams, who will bring his upbeat, energetic band to the Weehawken waterfront for Wednesday night's concert at Lincoln Harbor Park at 7 p.m. "We're happy to be able to come back, and nothing is going to stop us this year."
Top zydeco band
Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas were recently named the top zydeco band by Off-Beat Magazine. Zydeco is a kind of peppy music that features the guitar, washboard and accordion.
"If you ain't dancing, then call the undertaker, 'cause you dead," Williams said about his band's musical style. "Do people come and dance? Lord, have mercy. We want people to come and dance, have a good old time. We want everyone to bring their dancing shoes, because we're going to sock it to them. It's going to be a regular Louisiana party."
Sherman said that he was elated to have Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas to make a return appearance.
"We're really looking forward to having Nathan and the Zydeco Cha-Chas back in Weehawken again," Sherman said. "Nathan and his band were so disappointed at not being able to play last year. Imagine, they had traveled overnight all the way from Louisiana only to find themselves in the midst of the biggest blackout the Northeast had ever experienced."
Added Sherman, "That night, walking the darkened streets, I heard stories from so many neighbors about their frustrated plans to come to the concert. In some cases, it seemed like whole blocks were going to make a party at Nathan's concert. I'm sure Nathan and his band will be giving something extra at Wednesday's concert, knowing that so many people have been waiting for their return."
Williams, who plays the accordion and sings, and his group have been among the forerunners that have helped zydeco music gain access into the general music mainstream. His mix of playful lyrics and bouncy rhythms are intertwined with contemporary songs.
Zydeco is a very popular sound in Louisiana, especially in dancehalls and, yes, bowling alleys.
Williams, whose two brothers, Dennis Paul (guitar) and Mark Anthony (rub board) are also members of the band, is considered to be the master of the piano-style accordion, enabling him to play music most zydeco bands can't even begin to try.
"People usually travel hundreds of miles to see us perform," Williams said.
The group, which has performed together for the last 19 years, has recorded seven albums, with their latest, "Let's Go!" recently released on Rounder Records.
If there is rain, the concert will be moved into the Weehawken High School auditorium.
Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas will perform Wednesday evening, July 14, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Harbor Park in Weehawken. Concert goers are asked to please bring lawn chairs or blankets. In case of rain, concerts may be postponed or moved to the Weehawken High School auditorium on Liberty Place. Check the HRPAC's website, www.hrpac.org, on the day of performance, or call the concert line (201) 716-4540 for more information.
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