Zydeco icon Lil Nathan makes his debut as leader of the Zydeco Capital Jam from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. March 14 at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center, I-49 exit 23, in Opelousas. With hit songs that include “L’argent,” “Where the Pretty Women At?” and “Zydeco Diva,” Lil Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers reign as one of the genre’s most popular bands.
Born Nathan Williams Jr. and nicknamed “The Baby Boy of Zydeco,” Lil Nate is a member of one of the founding families in zydeco. Lil Nate jumped into that legacy at the age of 2 with guest appearances on rubboard in his father’s band, Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas.
As a freshman at Northside High School in Lafayette, Lil Nate made his recording debut in 2008 with the CD, “Zydeco Ballin’.” He rose to zydeco stardom, eventually performing at halftime shows at college football and NBA games in New Orleans, Universal Studios in Orlando, the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and more.
Last year, he was highlighted in a “60 Minutes” feature on Cajun music and zydeco. He also shared a bill with Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Steve Miller in a two-night show at Jazz at the Lincoln Center in New York City.
With a bachelor’s degree in jazz studies and master’s in jazz performance from UL Lafayette, Lil Nate has served as an instructor in the school’s traditional music program. He records his band’s music, along with emerging talent, on the family’s label, Cha Cha Records.
Admission to the Zydeco Capital Jam is free and open to all musicians and fans. For more information, visit the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission web site at cajuntravel.com.
