Jason D. Williams headlines American Dream concert

Funds benefit veterans’ program at UTC

Anyone who’s seen the film “Great Balls of Fire!” in which Dennis Quaid played Jerry Lee Lewis, saw how Lewis played piano all over the place, not just seated on a bench at the keyboard. The showman played with his feet, lying on top of the piano, backward, upsidedown, even on the ground.

But those fingers flying up and down the keys weren’t Quaid’s. That was Jason D. Williams actually playing.

Williams, the ubershowman known for energetic rockabilly and vintage boogie-woogie music, will headline the fifth annual American Dream Concert on Saturday, April 22, in Engel Stadium, 1130 E. Third St. The event will begin at 5:45 p.m. with a salute to military personnel followed by the show at 6.

Williams will be joined at Engel by Yacht Rock Revue from Atlanta. The Revue is known for spot-on renditions of Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, Steely Dan and other 1970s light- rock acts.

A wild man onstage, Williams credits influences such as Lewis, Moon Mullican, Memphis Slim and Al Jolson for helping develop his repertoire and inspiring that seemingly endless energy.

The American Dream Concert raises money for the Veterans Entrepreneurship Program in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s College of Business.

The VEP is one of just four such programs in the country that provides veterans an opportunity to turn their military knowledge and training into entrepreneurial skills. Through online education and classes, veterans develop practical professional capabilities as they prepare to launch their own businesses, according to the university website. The program is free for veterans selected to participate.

Tickets may be purchased at participating Harry T’s locations for $20 or online at www. riverbendfestival.com.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Jason D. Williams spends as much time beneath, beside or on top of the piano as he does seated behind it. Catch him Saturday, April 22, at Engel Stadium.