Zydeco's Chicken Man is only the most visible member of a clan that includes entrepreneur Sid, guitarist, artist and spiritualist Dennis, and rubboard player of the future Nat Jr.

August 7, 1993 might look like another Saturday night at Mid-City Lanes. On stage, Nathan Williams is leading the Zydeco Cha Chas through a set that includes songs from his new Rounder album, Follow Me Chicken. A man sips a drink at the bar. A pair of very normal-...