INFO | janda

Introduction ~ Music for Everyone… ~

Let the J&A band take you on a musical roller coaster from the 60’s Buffalo Springfield (For What It’s Worth) and The Beach Boys (Sloop John B), through the 70’s sound of Janis Joplin (Me & Bobby McGee) and David Bowie (Space Oddity), around the bend to the 80’s and 90’s with a Jimmy Buffet medley and Alanis Morissette (Hand in My Pocket), and charging into the 21st Century with Carrie Underwood (Before he Cheats), Jason Maraz (I'm Yours), Colbie Caillat (Brighter than the Sun), and Miranda Lambert (Mama's Broken Heart). With 100’s of songs in their repertoire if you haven’t heard at least one song that you like after two consecutive songs…you are probably a statistical outlier.

Their history

The J&A Duo started in 2009... Fueled by a love for music of all eras, genres, and styles…and not particularly favoring one more than the other, Amy Godeaux and Jerry Irwin (or Jerry and Amy (J&A)) formed the Duo and began playing locally. A serendipitous "jam session" involving Jerry and Rigg Wagner resulted in the expansion of the Duo in 2010 forming the J&A Band with the addition of Rigg Wagner on Drums/Percussion, Dave Ploger on Bass, and Morgan Henry on Lead Guitar. Since the formation of the J&A Band the number of venues that they are “regulars” at has greatly expanded, along with the number of faithful “followers”.

Their sound

You name it…odds are they can play it…and well. The band can be viewed as an erector set as they can piece together whatever size musical ensemble your event or venue requires…either Duo, Trio (of all mixes), or the full Band. On occasion J&A can include special guests such as the accomplished Flutist Jeannie Flinchbaugh and Guitarist David McKittrick of Gunsmoke & Cheap Perfume. Unmatched musical diversity gives J&A their unique brand that defines the band’s sound, making it like no other band in the area. Come on out and listen…sing along to old and new favorites…and even dance a bit...it truly is - "Music for Everyone".

Amy Godeaux,

Lead Vocals

Amy has been the lead singer in various bands for over 15 years. Her singing career started in the Contemporary Choir at All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas, VA where she met Jerry Irwin. Her first “band” experience was with Jerry in the Christian Rock Band Jericho from 2004 to 2010. Amy’s musical ride has continued non-stop since forming the J&A Duo and Band. Amy has played for audiences at more than three dozen local establishments and countless private parties. In addition to vocals, she is also an accomplished pianist and has been known to occasionally play the harmonica on particular J&A songs… Her range and scope is expansive, able to go from "Angel from Montgomery" to "Oh Darlin" within the same set. Amy has even sung the National Anthem at a Washington Nationals baseball game. In the few moments when Amy is not singing she teaches piano, does Crossfit , and is the mother of five children.

Rigg Wagner,

Drums & Percussion

Rigg caught the Drum Bug once he saw Ringo and The Beatles in the mid 60's, and has been playing off and on ever since. His passion for playing is just as strong today as it was when he started. One of Rigg’s Hobbies is collecting Drum Kit's and Snare drums, so you never know which kit he will bring to a Gig. Rigg is married and has two kids and two grandchildren. His 11 year old Grandson, “Z” has the Drum Bug as well, and plays in the band “The Experience at the End of the Alphabet”. Check out their Facebook page here... Rigg says “…it is always fun for me being behind the Drumkit whether it is a Church Gig or with The J&A Band, I am having a Blast!!!!”

Morgan Henry,

Lead Guitar & Backing Vocals

Morgan has played guitar and bass in dozens of bands since 1966, from New England to Washington. A guitar teacher with a music minor from UVA, Morgan has authored two books on music theory and guitar scales. He is a guitar tech and runs a repair shop, as well as Ashton Street recording studio. He has also run sound for two bands and worked in two recording studios.

Jerry Irwin,

Lead Vocals & Guitar, etc.

Jerry is a veritable “one-man band”…able to proficiently play guitar (all sorts), bass, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, keyboards, the egg, and the harmonica. Rumor has it Jerry played the sitar on the Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album (just kidding, but would not be surprised if true). Oh...and he sings as well! Jerry has been performing as a solo artist since the late 70's. Jerry is also an accomplished songwriter having been a finalist in the Washington Area Songwriting Contest in 1978. In fact, the song you hear on our opening page is Jerry's original song "Used to Be", written and performed by Jerrry.

Dave Progar,

Bass & Vocals

Dave loves to put out the bass rhythm along with backing and lead vocals for groups playing rock, country, pop and anything else that moves an audience. He especially loves to lead classic country tunes from the likes of Cash, Haggard, Willie and Yoakam, as well as the latest new country. Dave played bass guitar and provided backing vocals for local country rock group Jessie Kohls and the Roosters. They performed at a variety of local venues and events over a four-year period. Working with the Roosters Band, Dave learned what it takes to perform professionally with a small group, both musically as well as the mechanics such as setting up and running sound systems. Dave hitched up with Jerry and Amy and the rest of the J&A Band in 2010. Working with these excellent musicians has taken him "to another level and has been tons of fun too!". Dave works with other groups as well, including country group Whiskey Bent. He has also performed with local country group Soho Down. His passion for music goes further - making and playing cigar box guitars. Dave also enjoys boating, biking, volleyball, disc golf, computer programming and otherwise having a great time!

J & A BAND

J & A DUO