About Us
We are pleased to introduce ourselves, the members of the Gigawatts... Here are a few fun facts about the crew that is so happy to entertain you, provide you the best music and leave you wanting more!
Poppy - Lead Vocals
I grew up in Nashville, TN and love to say I was raised by my mother’s record collection. As a true latchkey kid of the 80’s, I spent a lot of time alone with those records and fell in love with music of all genres and decades. Singing my heart out became my first love. I made up dances to all the movie soundtracks of the 80’s, like Footloose and Flashdance, eventually leading to a love and passion for musical theatre.
I loved the powerhouse female vocals of the 80’s that I felt no one could mimic (though I still tried), standouts being: Heart, Debbie Harry, and Stevie Nicks. As a product of the 80’s, I also grew up with some amazing classic movies and I’d have to say some top contenders would be Ghostbusters, Heathers, and Beetlejuice! I love spending time with my kids, laughing with my husband, cuddling my animals, and meeting new and unique people! “I myself am…strange and unusual…”
Jeff - Lead Guitar
I was born in Washington, Georgia, and remember being surrounded by music at an early age. Mom sang in the church choir, & my dad and his buddies would get together & sing and play Hank Williams and Merle Haggard tunes. Music had a deeper meaning for me as I grew older – I have vivid memories of getting goosebumps listening to Earth Wind and Fire’s “Shining Star” and Bowie’s “Fame” on my dinky record player.
I was inspired to take up guitar by an older cousin that I looked up to. KISS Alive! was my Rock Guitar 101, and I never looked back. Being a member of the Gigawatts brings me back to playing in a full band after many years away from it. I really don’t have a clear favorite 80’s tune, but I enjoy tunes of the era from all different genres (e.g. “Candy” by Cameo, with its gnarly guitar solo, or anything off Fishbone’s “Truth and Soul” album). My favorite 80’s movie without a doubt is “This is Spinal Tap”; it’s also my favorite movie ever. "It's such a fine line between stupid and clever."
Troy - Bass Guitar
As an Army brat I grew up at various posts around the country from Alaska to Alabama, New Jersey to New Mexico. Momma made us all learn an instrument, so I began playing trumpet in 3rd grade. It was a great way to meet new friends, so wherever Dad got stationed next, I would head to the band room in my new school & take my place in the trumpet section.
When my garage band told me they didn’t need a trumpet player, I began doubling on bass at 15. I continued playing throughout high school and college, and eventually landed a trumpet audition with the United States Navy Music Program. I was accepted and was assigned for training at the Armed Forces School of Music in Norfolk, VA. I spent the next 22 yrs traveling a good portion of this earth spreading peace and goodwill through the universal language of music. Since retiring from the Navy I have continued to perform with several bands, musical ensembles, & theater productions, culminating with the high energy of The GIGAWATTS! “Damn the torpedoes! – full speed ahead!” – ADM David Glasgow Farragut
Eric - Drums
I remember growing up during a time when music was on the radio at home, in the car, and at the neighborhood pool. It was playing in arcades, pizza joints, and roller rinks. It was a unique period when playgrounds could maim you, the only rule was “Be Home Before Dark”, and music was all around us.
I learned to love that music, and when I was 9, I started learning to play drums along with songs on the radio. Now, I play because I love to share that music, and for a moment, I can relive the magic of my youth. If you ever watch me play, you will see the misguided smile that creeps across my face when I sit down behind the drums, and a contagious energy that can only be found in a teenager from the 80’s.
Favorite movie is Back to the Future. Favorite Band (and song) Def Leppard - Photograph
Scott - Keys & Guitar
I was born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan and I’ve loved music for as long I can remember. I played the violin in the 4th grade and started the french horn in the 7th. I sang in the choir all through high school and it was then that I first heard Ted Nugent and Kiss. Yep. I was hooked. I got my first guitar at 14 and joined my first band at 16 and started playing clubs in my 17th year. For the last decade I’ve spent my time learning to play the keyboard and meeting some great musicians in the Augusta area of course culminating in The Gigawatts!
That was then this is now… Not much has changed except the dates on the calendar. Most of those who know me know my favorite band is Kiss. It’s tough to say what my favorite song is(that’s not Kiss)… Wouldn’t it Be Good by Nik Kershaw is likely at the top. Movie? It’s a toss up between Goonies and Stripes - So I'm not sure whether to say, "Rocky Road!" or “That’s the fact, Jack!”