PRESS RELEASE: DECEMBER 28, 2025
It’ll be a night to remember when the legendary local rock band The Roadducks
celebrate an extraordinary milestone with a 50 th Anniversary Show on Friday
January 16, 2026 at the iconic State Theatre in Falls Church, Virginia.
Formed in the mid-1970’s, The Roadducks have spent half a century bringing
high-energy live performances, soaring harmonies, along with crowd-pleasing
classics and antics to stages across the region and beyond. With a history
featuring over 6000 shows in 36 states, the venue for their 50 th anniversary show
is fitting according the Band Founder and Drummer Jay Nedry, “The State
Theatre felt like THE perfect place to celebrate where we have been and what lies
ahead.”
The event honors five decades of music, memories, and enduring friendships
forged through Rock’N’Roll. From Key West Florida to Bangor Maine, Austin
Texas to Chicago Illinois, the band lived the mantra: no hall too small, no bar too
far. The Roadducks longevity is a testament not only to their musicianship, but to
the deep bond between band mates and their loyal fans. “This show is about
much more than music, it’s about the people, the stories, and the joy of getting to
play for our friends all these years,” said Nedry.
The anniversary concert will feature fan-favorite songs spanning Southern
Rock, Country, Motown, Pop, and Classic Rock along with special moments
reflecting on The Roadducks journey from their earliest gigs to the present day.
Special guests like Mark Wenner from the Nighthawks, Gary Thomas, Tommy
Douthat, Scott Thorne, Bill and Wendy Culver and others will add sparkle and
energy. Long time fans, friends, and newcomers alike are invited to join in a night
of celebration, nostalgia, and unapologetic Rock’N’Roll.
What: The Roadducks 50 th Anniversary Show
When; Friday January 16, 2026
Where: The State Theatre Falls Church Virginia
Tickets: On Sale Now! The State Theatre Box Office 703-237-0300 or
THESTATETHEATRE.COM
For 50 years The Roadducks have been a staple of the local DMV music scene
delivering spirited live shows rooted in classic rock traditions. Known for
longevity, camaraderie, and unmistakable sound, the dedicated current lineup
continues to earn their hard earned their title as ‘Virginia’s House Band. Time to
dance, sing-along, raise hell, and ‘Get Ducked.’ Bill Schmidle Bob Gaynor David
Thorne Bill Culver and all of those who have played with us are the reason for
this, could/would have never been able to do this without them.
The 2026 Lineup: Dexter Dunn Guitar, Vocals. Jeff Bean Keyboards, Vocals,
Electrical Engineer, Musical Director. Stacy Lockhart, Golden Voice of the
Shenandoah Valley. Vocals, Harmonica, Acoustic Guitar. Linda Joy Cirba, Bel Canto
Vocalist Percussion. Paul Thompson, Percussion, Drums, Vocals. Tim Knox, Bass,
Vocals, Social Media. Tom Petry, Sound Engineer. Jay Nedry, Drums, Vocals,
Manager, Agent.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE ROADDUCKS CONTACT:
Jay Nedry 703-795-5299
2026 Newsletter
Fifty years ago I had just finished two years of college at JMU. Raising hell
and carousing, I had more fun during two years in the Shenandoah Valley than I
had in 4 years at academically oriented William and Mary. Madison was easy for
me and I was quite bored and listless. I came back to West Springfield not sure
what I was gonna do with myself moving forward. My closest friend was Brent
Barnwell. Brent managed a restaurant called the Cellar Club in Springfield. I went
in for dinner just prior to Christmas and ran into Bill Schmidle, a close friend of
ours who had gone to West Springfield HS and had played in a band called
Renaissance.
The singer was the fabulous, iconic, unforgettable character named Craig
Poulson. Craig and I were close friends and hung out whenever I came home from
Military School (65-69). I would go see the band play every gig and he and I would
stay out all night afterwards drinking beer, getting stoned and listening to music. I
go off to W&M in the fall of 69 and then to JMU in the fall of 73. Craig continued
in bands while I was off trying to be a student. I had always wanted to play in his
band but I was in pursuit of a degree and missed out. Running in to Bill Schmidle
changed all that.
Bill was a fabulous, very talented guitar player, who had attended VCU and
then moved out west to Santa Monica, California. Trying his luck far from home
playing on Sunset Strip, he moved back to Virginia fall of 1975. That’s when we
reconnected (Brent had introduced us in 1968). We decided over many beers to
start a band. We needed a singer. I had met Bob ‘Bopper Gaynor my first day at
William and Mary. We had both just attended Woodstock and liked the same
bands, music in general (He was a trained Coronet player, long time vocalist in the
Catholic Church, and one hell of a powerful singer). We loved Led Zeppelin and
Hashish. We stayed in touch when I went off to JMU and often visited each other.
Bill and I drove to Williamsburg and literally had a bender of epic proportions. We
put a passed out Gaynor in the back of Bill’s car and drove him up to NOVA.
When he came to he was informed he was the bands singer.
We three started with a crappy drum set, Bills Les Paul and Amp, and Bobs Martin Acoustic.
We then set out to recruit some other crazy stoners to play in the group.
The details of all those tribulations and false starts are a detailed story for another
day. My next door neighbor from West Springfield was a genius named Dave
Thorne. He ran sound, played bass, and was a computer prodigy. Bill Culver, my
buddy from Gaithersburg was inveigled to come aboard in December of 1976,
playing guitar, percussion, and singing lead with Bob. It was the five of us from
those humble beginnings that morphed into 50 years, multiple players and 6000
shows. It was the five of us who moved to New Haven Connecticut in the fall of
1977. Living by our wits and the fact Bobs family were multiple generation Irish
(his family names were Reardon, Gaynor, O’Hickey, and Slattery ) with a large
extended family. My Moms family was from Boston and Easthampton
Massachusetts. Between the two our families we had a built in fan base who
brought all their friends and classmates to see us.
We played over 650 shows between 1977 and 1979. Playing practically
every night so we could eat and afford cheap motel rooms, we got really tight and
learned to love life on the road. As I look back after all these years, New Haven
was foundational to our sound and subsequent success. We played Long Island
and New York ski resorts with occasional winter forays to Georgia and Florida. We
moved to Virginia Beach in late 1979, playing the Carolinas and Southern Virginia.
We made friends everywhere, many of whom still come see us today.
We played our first gigs in the Harrisonburg area (where we just played this
past New Years Eve at Cave Hill Farm Brewery). Many in attendance go back to
those early Valley days. Amazing to me the loyal support of folks from the Valley,
Southern Maryland, and all over Virginia that are still on board. From 1982 to
1992 we were the house band at the legendary Purple Moose Saloon. People
from Philly, Delaware, the Eastern Shore and New Jersey saw us during those
crazy summers, providing a regional fan base and more places to play.
There have been many fabulous musicians who have played with us and
even more guys on our crew. It seemed as though we had become a
mobile party conglomerate, moving from town to town. Managing to always stay one step
ahead of the local authorities, we excelled at hell raising and carousing. My father
was a big-time DC Lawyer who was adept at ‘fixing’ things when we stepped in it.
LOL. We were on our way to Connecticut from Florida to play the 4 th of July 1979.
We got stopped in New Jersey and were busted with 5$ worth of Inch long fire
crackers we had purchased at Smiths in Santee SC for our 4 th of July show.
Charged with ‘Interstate Transport of Class ‘C’ Fireworks Without a Permit ‘all
seven of us were jailed in Netcong New Jersey. The cops told us the Judge was in
Atlantic City for two weeks and no bond would be set until he returned. With my
one phone call I called my Dad. The next morning there was 2 Lawyers and a
Bondsman who sprang us much to the amazement of the local police.The charges
were later dropped and forgotten. Ya just can’t make up shit like that, but it is a
part and parcel of our history and enduring legacy.
The band lost Bopper to Pancreatic Cancer in 2014. Schmidle moved to
Florida and our fabulous front man, Phil McCormack (1982 to 1997) left to join old
friends and touring buddies Molly Hatchet when Danny Joe Brown passed away.
Hatchets drummer Bruce Crump and I were class mates at Staunton Military
Academy. Through that connection we toured with Marshall Tucker, Gregg
Allman, The Outlaws, Blackfoot, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and many others. When I
bought Jaxx in 1993 it was those old connections that made my club famous.
Funny how things have turned out after all these years, so success was a product
of good fortune, hard work, fights and all the things that make a band. Let alone
one that has lasted 50 years and done 6000 (yep 6000) shows. Thanks to all who
helped in this protracted circus. We are the Roadducks from Mt. Vernon Virginia.
Much love, affection and heartfelt thanks from all of us, especially Jay Nedry, one
very grateful and lucky SOB!! Still time to Get Ducked!!!
11-19-24
Greetings and salutations!! As we roll on towards the end of 2024, year number 48 was extremely difficult and emotionally devastating. Our fabulous vocalist and close friend to all of us in the band succumbed to Cancer this past July. Starting in January we were asking people to sit in for a show or two to help us out. Gary Thomas, a member since 1979 totally stepped up and has filled in all year. Andy Jenoska, former drummer and vocalist for GVB, left his palatial home in Richmond multiple times to assist, as did Ty Braddock from Potomac Maryland. We are very grateful to those three for stepping up, changing their schedule to accommodate us and always bringing their ‘A’ game. However Linda Joy Cirba and Ricky Johnson also stepped up, were so damn good individually and together we asked them both to join. The Ducks are now a 7 piece band with a 4 person crew (sound Tom ‘Big T’ Petry, stage Brandon ‘The Pup’ Johnson, lights Arron ‘Big Watt’ Jett on lights and Sandy Powell does merch. Back to having a big band and I fucking love it. We are in the process of learning 35 new songs, with 3 fantastic lead singers, and 4 harmony singers, it often sounds like the proverbial chorus of Angels. Linda has a degree in voice and music from Shenandoah University and has been integral to developing our signature harmonies. Having a woman in the band with that much talent has been a big ass shot of positivity, the band needed desperately. She works all day long and then drives all over creation (ya’all see our crazy schedule), always showing up in excellent spirits and awesome voice. We are good to go for the foreseeable future. Many thanks to all our friends, clubs, owners, fans, fellow musicians (Doug Belford) and everyone who helped us during a very difficult year. As of today we are at 5895 shows, which is remarkable, and required a major effort for years from Bill ‘The Senator’ Schmidle, Bob’Bopper’ Gaynor, Dave”Fodderhead’ Thorne, Bill Culver, Cindy Fullam, and of course Turtle, Murphy, Mad Dog, Moe MacChesney, Steve Keith, Steve Martin and the 40 people who have crewed for us.
We have been given a golden opportunity, not only for the band but for all of Northern Virginia. We have a monthly residency back at my legendary niteclub Jaxx. Yep 6355 Rolling Road (Formerly The Wild West, The Copa, Zaxx, Boots, and then Jaxx. My close friend and his family have spent a small fortune to remodel the place into a gorgeous wedding-banquet facility. It Has Marble bathrooms, carpeting and table seating (with white linen table cloths) for 200. A 16x24 ft stage and a huge dance floor (Huge). This a perfect place for people who want to dance and party. Perfect for couples after dinner to come to Jaxx Night at The Royal and dance the night away. We serve appetizers and finger food and have only top shelf Liquor and bottled beer. Kimmie has vertigo and will work when she can, if not Venus (who is also stunning) will bartend. The acoustics are fabulous, perfect sight-lines from anywhere in the room, and we have an incredible light show, making the place a Vegas style club in NOVA. Tell and bring your friends, there is a 10$ cover, and a dress code: the place is elegant meaning simply please no ratty ass clothes, spiff up, you may get lucky.
Our next show is next Wednesday November 27, the night before Thanksgiving; most people are off work and ready to raise hell. We will be playing from 8 until whenever. If there are 10 of you and you want to reserve a table just call me 703-795-JAXX (5299) same number for 30 years, as usual I am still easy to find. The club is full of so many memories for so many people since 1983. Does the place look different than it did? Well duh!! Not many weddings or banquets have a big ass mosh-pit, Jaxx is a place to listen to Virginia’s House Band, one of the truly great bar-bands in America. We worked hard for this legacy and the current version of The Roadducks is fabulous and needs to be seen and heard live. We will not disappoint. The club is gorgeous; the band is excellent, the huge dance floor beckons, make plans, and git yer ass down here. See you next Wednesday. Thank you so much!! Get Ducked
JAY
09-08-24 JAXX IS BACK!
Sort of
For years my niteclub in West Springfield showcased metal and classic rock acts from around the world. I opened the place in August of 1994, with Great White opening night, then Bad Company the next. The joint was off and runnin. I sold the place and left on January 1st, 2012, after having gotten my ass kicked by 4 years of recession. I dealt with Snipers, Highway closings, hurricane damage to the roof, crazy people, killer bands, and a lifetime of fabulous memories. Having a private dinner with John Paul Jones in my office was my favorite night. Kix, Dokken, Ratt, Slaughter, Zack Wylde, Warrant, Sebastian Bach, Savatage, Gregg Allman, Tim McGraw, Dickie Betts, Robin Trower, Nazareth, The Outlaws, Blackfoot, Joan Jett, Hammerfall, Amon Amarth, Nevermore, Al DiMeola, Rick Derringer, Johnny Winter, Yngwie Malmsteen, Mick Taylor, Little River Band, along with a host of local bands, all graced the stage in front of frenetic, festive audiences. The past was awesome but now the time as come for a new chapter. The current owner YaYa is a local businessman and graduate of West Springfield HS. He has been kind enough to allow me back in the door to do shows once a month for the foreseeable future.
The interior is now elegant from top to bottom, it is an extraordinary transition from the Wild West, The Copa, Zaxx, Boots, and Jaxx. There is seating for 300 and standing room for 50. The first 300 tickets sold are 10$ and everyone gets a seat. We do doors at 7 and the show starts at 7:45 and The Roadducks from 9-12. The club has a big stage and a big dance floor and is a perfect place for couples and dancers. The Roadducks have changed over the years as we now have Ricky Johnson and Linda Cerba as vocalists. So come back to the old place and check it out. There will be excellent sound and lights but the mosh days are long gone. You can get tickets at our shows, you can call me, or follow the link to Event Brite
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/the-roadducks-shows-3634519
I am thrilled to be back and look forward to seeing many old friends. Thanks to YaYa and his team for the solid hook-up and opportunity. Jaxx still Roxx
Jay
08/13/24
Greetings and salutations from the plush and opulently appointed offices of The Roadducks located on the bend of the Little River in the bucolic Village of Aldie Virginia. Yes indeed we are still going strong after 48.5 years and 5861 shows. Jay Powell left the band after New Year’s Eve 2023 for health reasons. We hoped and prayed he would defeat the cancer he was stricken with, however on July 16, 2024 he succumbed. We weren’t just the band he was in; we were all big fans of his powerful voice, commanding stage presence, positive attitude, and fabulous talent; as a singer and songwriter. In the 4 years he was in the band the group reestablished itself as major players in the DMV. In 2023 we did 125 shows in 5 states and released a new CD in December. We recorded at Cue Recording with the area’s best Engineer, the incomparable Blaine Mizner, along with our Producer and long time friend, Pete Evick. The result was extraordinary. Then JP was diagnosed and all the plans and goals we set in June 0f 2023 for 2024 were in complete and total disarray. We had plans for JP to return in the late spring or summer but that, unfortunately was not to be. The last time we spoke in the hospital was gut-wrenching as he told me clearly and concisely, “Don’t you SOB’s stop doing what you are doing because of me. Continue the legacy and keep playing great music for as many people as you can. I have had an incredible time with you cats and I am proud of our new CD and the success of the band. Don’t take names, just keep kicking ass.” How typical of Jay Powell, unselfish, strong, and determined to the end, that he was thinking of others first, not himself. He did however present us with a phenomenal parting gift, Linda Cerba from Winchester, VA., a long time collaborator and close friend, whom is now singing with us.
Linda has a degree in Voice and Music from Shenandoah University in Winchester and teaches kids, voice, music, and theater. Her voice is awesome; you have to hear her sing live with us. Her dynamic range and presentation is fabulous and she is a rare talent. We will go back to Cue Recording in January and February and finish the last 4 tracks of the album. She is not only a fantastic vocalist she works all day, drives to whatever venue we are at, shows up and sings her ass off. For those of you that have known me and the band you know just how fucking hard we have always worked, some years we did over 325 shows from Maine to Key West. The old ‘no bar too far no hall too small’ mantra has always been our collective creed and ethic. Linda, is truly one of us, who never complains, just shows up early and cheerful and has become an integral part of the Dux.
Starting off the year we were not quite sure in what direction we should precede, get substitute singers or wait to see if JP got better. We tried multiple singers and found old friend, Ricky Johnson who was willing to pitch in and help us out until we found someone permanent. It turns out Ricky and Linda were a perfect fit for us. Reminds me of the 80’s Ducks with Phil and Cindy Fullam (the ragin Cajun) singing, who were dynamic vocalists with great stage presence, electrifying audiences for years. Ricky and Linda have that same Je ne sais quoi, and will be with us throughout all of 2025 and much of 2024. Both already had scheduled dates with other groups this year so long time guitarist/vocalist Andy Jenoska formerly of G.V.B. has delivered some fantastic performances this year, many thanks to him. Gary Thomas has stepped up and filled in to keep us still able to perform. Ty Braddock has also stepped up and really helped us out when we were in a bind. It has not been easy to replace Jay Powell who was a rare presence on stage and in the studio, whose voice was unique and fabulous. However, Linda and Ricky along with the rest of us in the band have forged what we think and critics tell us is spectacular. The Roadducks are confident in what changes we have made and are quite capable of putting on one hell of a show.
Thomas Petry (BIG T), has done one hell of a job running sound and learning how to make our new RCF P.A. system sound incredible. He also dazzles audiences with his occasional Bass Playing. Brandon Johnson, from Gordonsville Virginia has joined us and takes care of the stage and lights. Dave Beebe still handles our social media, is re-doing our web site, and is designing our new light show. Many thanks to Dave Beebe who was LD at Jaxx and the Birchmere who has helped me and the band for years with his expertise, time, and friendship.
I personally want to thank our long time fans for their kindness, compassion, and support as this year has been particularly difficult. I am finished with my classes at William&Mary and am working on my Masters Thesis, which I will finish and defend this fall. The college has been very kind to me for many years and my lifetime association with that University has natured my intellect, answered my questions, and provided me with a stellar education. Stay tuned for a sample of my History of Rock’N’Roll 1950-1970 which I will put on this web-site.
Make a point to come see us this year and check out the new lineup. Ricky and Linda will not be on all shows this year but will be doing most shows. Linda fronts us at times and so does Rick but when all 7 of us are on stage and together it is magic. Enjoy the rest of your summer! Always remember to support live music; it represents one hell of a lot of work.
Jay Nedry
Many thanks to Mark, James, and Terry for the over-the-top Island Party, perfect weather, 200 boats, 1000 people and an incredible show. Many, Many thanks to our friends in JUNK FOOD, who did their usual fantastic show. Make a point to go see that band!!
Thanks to Chip Seligman for his help and unstinting support for lo these many years. Also a big shout out to Jerry Sales at the Backseat in Winchester for being one hell of a friend and compadre.
I would also like to welcome my daughter back home for a two month visit. She has lived in Hollywood, Venice Beach, and Santa Monica the last 18 years and it is difficult to get her to leave paradise. Her keen insight into the music biz has helped myself and the band in many ways, Thanks Kris.
Winter 2024
The band has had to alter our entire game plan and marketing strategy in response to the health issues being experienced by our singer and brother, Jay Powell. As Jay is an incredible vocalist with a powerful voice replete with an awesome dynamic range, it is no easy task to find an adequate substitute. Gary Thomas has stepped up but does not like to travel and can only do local shows. Andy Jenoska lives in Richmond and is limited by work, family, and other musical commitments, yet has stepped up big time and filled in some critical holes in the schedule. Rick Johnson, from Outta Touch, Jamm Boxx, and other NOVA bands also has work, family, and other musical commitments which preclude him from doing all the shows. However, it looks like the committee approach will work until Jay Powell returns later in the spring. We have asked Ricky to join the band and he will continue to front us even after JP returns. Ed, Rick, and Jay are all different dynamic vocalists who have differing strengths and styles which broaden our ability in choosing material. With Jeff, Dexter, Paul, and I doing backup vocals we have a hell of a full sound with fabulous 4-5 part harmonies. We are continuing to write new material for our full length album but have put studio time on hold while JP is treated and heals. The EP CD is sensational with the reviews from various people and places, has been overwhelmingly positive.
Jay Powell has been unable to sing or work. Go Fund Me has helped him thus far. The Co-pays involved are steep and stressful. Our friends at Earps in Fairfax have been kind enough to provide us space to do a fund raiser. Sunday March 3rd, 2024 from 11am until 8pm there will be 5 bands performing. Show details and times are on FaceBook and our website. 1/3 of the tickets have already been sold and this will sell out so buy your tickets ASAP. I also have a sweet deal for those out of towners who would like to help but time and distance makes it difficult. Boy have I got a deal for you!!
Send me a check made payable to Jay Powell with your mailing address for 25$ and I will mail you all 3 of our CD’s as a bonus for helping JP in his time of need. The address is PO BOX 404 Aldie, VA 20105. We have thousands of fans so raising 10 to 20 k is more than doable. Thanks to everyone for their prayers, help, kind words, and donations during what has been a difficult time for the band, our friends, and especially Jay Powell. Also a big shout out to Mary Lou Thompson for all the hard work and time she has put into this. Stay warm and safe and many thanks for supporting your local musicians and the venues they play.. Jay Nedry
12-14-23
Roadducks News, Happenings, Bacchanalia
The news letters have not been as consistent as I would like but there has been a lot going on. The band has been recording 5 days a month since March. I am thrilled to announce the release of our 6 song EP on CD. We decided to release half the album as an EP collector’s item for Christmas. There are only 1000 copies available. Two more songs are ready and we have 4 in the pipeline. These 6 songs will combine with the 6 on the new EP for a full 12 song album. We will have all 12 songs on CD and VINYL sometime in May. The actually pressing takes 12 weeks; CD’s just a couple of days. The entire project has required a great deal of time, practice, preparation, patience, and expertise.
The expertise we received was extraordinary! One of my lifelong friends is Jeff Jeffries owner of Cue Recording in Falls Church, Va. Jeff was a major supporter of Jaxx huge Battle of the Bands (200 Bands) and has continued his assistance on this project. Blaine Misner our Engineer has done an absolutely incredible job on the technical content, played killer drums on Raise It Up and has contributed a calming serene presence while working with bitchy musicians. Pete Evick our Producer has shined as a producer, friend, confident, and advisor, while devoting an INORDINATE amount of time on our behalf. BUSY? You want busy? Go to Pete’s Face Book page and you will see busy at a level that is hard to believe. He writes books, has a highly successful and burgeoning Candle business in multiple locations. [Benjamin Franklin’s father was a Candle maker, an ancient and essential profession], tours constantly with Brett Michaels, plays in side projects, performs acoustically and produces records for others. He also is a parent to 2 wonderful boys, both who have grown into excellent young men. Pete still found time to spend countless hours on the project; the results are on the EP. Much love and thank you Pete, you made a very technical and time consuming project seem easy.
The real star of the show is our vocalist, Jay Powell. I have been blessed over 47 years to have had absolutely incredible, first class singers in the band, Bill Culver, Bill ‘Senator’ Schmidle, Bob ‘Bopper’ Gaynor, and of course Phil McCormick. Gary Thomas handled the vocals until 2020. Gary didn’t like the travel (grandkids) so I was in a quandary. WTF to do? Singers, let alone great ones are hard to find. Too often there is an LSD problem (Lead Singer Disease where a separate vehicle is required to transport the massive, over inflated ego). Along comes old friend Jay Powell. A country boy from the Valley of the Shenandoah…a place I love so much. Jay has met every challenge, learned multiple new styles of music and sung at a level you truly have to hear live to appreciate…he is a special guy and vocalist.
I went to High School in Staunton and spent 2 years drinking, carousing, chasing women, while occasionally attending class at JMU. I started the Roadducks in Harrisonburg in 1976 and we lived there until 1977 when we moved to New Haven Connecticut. [as soon as I am finished my Masters Degree at W&M next May I will write the complete history of the band—quite a story!] The Valley is gorgeous and a very special place. Jay Powell is a child of that environment. It clearly shows in his attitude and work ethic. A very kind, intelligent, super talented individual who was unfortunately diagnosed with cancer this past summer. Anyone else would have quit and gone away to heal, not Jay…no he proceeded to step things up several notches like from a 10 to a 15 and worked like a madman. What he has done has been inspirational to all who know him. Practicing, writing, performing, working, and recording have consumed him. His Medical team at The University of Virginia has been fabulous. We are most fortunate to have such a world class university available to get him fixed..which they insist they will. Radiation treatments start next week but Jay Powell will continue to do shows. Ricky Johnson will handle front man duties when Jay cannot sing and will join the band to add yet another lead vocal to the group. Ed Brown was with us in 2021 and left for another project. He rejoined in October and not only is a bad ass Bass player but also a lead vocalist. So now we have 3 lead singers and 4 backup singers…a veritable ‘celestial chorus of Angels.’ Having components like this give us multiple options on material and presentation. The band bought a huge concert Sound and Lighting system to tour with, a bus, two vans, have a lighting director (Aaron Jett) a very talented and wonderful sound engineer (Thomas Petry) a director of Social Media (Catie) and old friend our Web Master Dave Beebe (LD at Jaxx and the Birchmere). We have a hell of a team and a wide-spread very dedicated long term fan base that has continued to grow. We did 121 shows this year and 85 last year (Covid was still a problem). The 200 shows got the band extremely tight and well rehearsed with an excellent stage show and production. We are primed and ready for 2024.
January we will play on weekends but February we take time off to rehearse, record, and stay warm. (February load outs with 6 tons of gear at 1 am in 9 below zero weather is a ball-buster we have decided to avoid) March we will play most weekends and finish up any lingering work on the Album. I have tons of bookings for next year as we continue to expand our tour schedule and perform more in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and get back to old haunts here in Virginia like Tidewater, Richmond, and Charlottesville. The band is older, wiser, prepared and ready to go kick ass. I am going to LA in January to shop our record and have contacts at Atlantic and other labels to secure us a deal. We also plan to start on a second album as soon as we finish this one. Of course we will use the exact same team that got us to this point.
I reflect back on 47 years in the band and 5803 shows and I have a true sense of what the legacy and impact of the group is. I hear it all the time at shows where old fans still show up in 40 year old Duck shirts…some still fit. It has been personally rewarding to listen to the stories of decades long interaction with the band. Marty Gibson from Murfreesboro, NC, Mike Lam from Harrisonburg (was 17 and would sneak into the Elbow Room to see us), Terry Nicewarmer from WVA, Laura Jean Jones, Shannon, Sabrina, Kathy, and Barbara…all waitresses from Louies Rock City, Kim Turner our first agent and my lifelong friend and many others have shown up and brought new fans into the fold. Our new song “Your Biggest Fans” is not about me or the band no my friends, it is all about you. We NEVER could have done this without you. Beers, Nooky, Food, a place to crash, practically anything we have needed has come from our fans. On behalf of ALL the Roadducks who have played in the group over the years many thanks and much love. Have a fabulous Holiday and New Year. Buy the CD (call me and I will mail you one 14$ includes shipping) Bring your friends, it’s always a good day to Get Ducked. My very best and a big shout out to my advisor and personal GURU, Kristina Armendaris who has enriched my life in ways far too enumerable to mention. Much gratitude to my Professors and classmates at my beloved William and Mary, where I have enjoyed a complete reconstruct of my mental abilities. The College has enriched my life and educated me, it only took 55 years but it has been fabulous. Though rumors persist Thomas Jefferson and I were actually classmates… he remains a constant inspiration to me as does Paul McCartney and The Stones. Rock on everyone
Jay Nedry