The Swing and the Swagger…
It’s hard to nail an exact moment when Good Shot Judy came to life.
It could have been when brothers Brett and Jeff Cahoon stepped away from the success they’d achieved with their punk band Ten Years from Now and chose instead to see what they could do with the old-time jazz standards they’d admired for so long. The brothers Cahoon formed a small combo, and – wouldn’t you know it? – plenty of others felt the same groove.
Or maybe it was when an inside joke made a name for itself. Their mother, Judy Cahoon, is an avid golfer, and just as common as pars and birdies were three words of encouragement shouted by a supportive friend, who pumped a fist and hollered across the fairway every time she took a swing: “Good shot, Judy!” It became a funny family warble among the Cahoons – and as it turns out, a solid band name, too.
Or perhaps that moment of creation arrived when Good Shot Judy freed their potential energy. Keen to give the classic melodies the respect and attention – as well as the power – that it deserved, the Cahoons filled out Good Shot Judy with a full complement of horns, percussion and vocals. And magic happened: an ensemble that was bigger than the sum of its parts.
In a sense, Good Shot Judy was already in the stars long ago, during those formative decades from the 1930s on, when small jazz combos, big brass bands and the crooners who sang on top of them were forging an enduring style and repertoire that would be written into the DNA of American music.
But really, all these had a hand in making Good Shot Judy what is today: a big amp jazz band that sets stages aflame nationwide.
Audiences may never consider that the Good Shot Judy show they’re seeing has been an evolution. They’re too captivated by the sound and spectacle of music that reaches through the time. They’re too caught up in performance that has one foot dancing in the past and one in the here and now.
A Good Shot Judy show offers all those tunes you know just from growing up in American – songs you can at least hum along to, if you don’t outright know most of the words. But the music itself is only part of the band’s allure; there’s something electric in the execution, and it’s that vigor that carries the day as much as the pull of recognition.
So, yeah, there’s a history. And it’s a big one. Bigger than any one person. Bigger than any one band, for that matter. But Good Shot Judy is as close as it comes to an intersection between an era’s defining sound and the pleasure of enjoying it the way it was meant to be heard.
We saw you last night at the PAC in New Philadelphia, Ohio. What a wonderful show! So much talent — and a bonus seeing our grandson on the state at the end! Thank you!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Janie!! We had so much fun with the students! Please tell your grandson that we said thank you for performing with us!
Is there any chance you will have a Christmas Show on-line this year? Last year I was able to watch it at the same time as my brother and sisters out in Chicago, California and Washington state. It was really nice to be able to connect with them.
How is a Christmas album going?
Hi Dolores! At the moment, we don’t have plans for an online Christmas show this year. The show from last year is actually still available though!
The Christmas album is going well, but looks like it will be November of 22 for a release. We want to make sure that it’s great!
You’re such a toe tappin, finger snapping, chair dancing band that I have ever seen! Love you guys!
Can’t wait to see you again!
Thanks so much for the kind words, Michele! We’re so glad you enjoy our music! We’ll look forward to seeing you again soon!
Your band is fantastic! My husband and I saw you at Flatiron in Gloucester a couple of weeks ago and then at the Seafood Festival in Mathews last night. Thank you for bringing back the coolness, swag, and fun from the Big Band era. We are fans for life.
Thank you so much for the kind words! We had a blast at both of those events and are so glad you enjoyed them as well!
Your performance in Southern Pines, NC was over the top (8/28/21). My husband and I celebrated New Years every year with big band songbook music bands. What wonderful memories you brought back. It’s rare to find such talent and, who’d guessed, in our backyard! Virginia isn’t that far to catch your show. Gassing up the car ASAP to see more!
I think we’re technically now groupies (@ our ages over 70)?
Awwww.. You guys are too kind! Thanks so much for joining us. We’ll look forward to seeing you again soon!
The Good Shot Judy gang is awesome!
I haven’t stopped talking about your Wiliamsburg, VA show since you played your last note! What a great night! Keep doing what you’re doing and spreading the joy of live music.
Julienne!
Thanks so much, Julienne! That was a really fun one!
Saw them last night in Fredericksburg. Excellent show! They hung around afterwards and took pictures and took the time to talk to us. Genuine people that made us smile and have fun. Go see them!
Thanks so much for coming to the show, Scott, and for the kind words! We had so much fun with you guys!
For anyone thinking of hiring this band to play….do it. Don’t even think about it. Just book them. They made my wife’s retirement from the Air Force the perfect night for all of us. Extremely entertaining. Phenomenal Band. Thank you so much for being a part of the party.
Thank you so much for the kind words and thank you for inviting us to be a part of the retirement party!! We had a blast! You guys are the best! See you soon!!
First saw Good Shot Judy at the Sunrise Theater in Southern Pines, NC, last fall. Fell in love! So happy to be able to watch the weekly concerts online, and hoping that you will be back in Southern Pines later this month — or at least SOON!
Thank you so much, Pamela!!! It’s been wonderful for us to get to interact with all of you!!! We can’t wait to get back to the Sunrise Theater! We’re currently rescheduled for October 11th in the afternoon.
Can not believe how much fun and talent. Awesome time
Thanks so much for the kind words, David!
Saw you at the Kimball last night for the first time ever! Friends had told us how terrific you are. They were right! Great show, tremendous vocals, and awesome musicians. Loved every minute. Joined the mailing list. Hope to see you again soon.
Thank you so much for joining us, Steve! So glad to hear that you enjoyed the show! Hope you’ll join us again soon!
We are truly looking forward to you performing at Georgia Southern University on Oct. 18th at the 1906 Society Event on Sweetheart Circle……will be a great night!
Thanks, Stacy! We’re looking forward to it as well!
I celebrated my birthday last night at New Kent Winery and I’m so glad that you were there to play. Thank you for the Happy Birthday song, it made my day. The band is amazing, everyone had a great time. Thank you again.
Thanks so much for joining us and letting us celebrate with you!!! We had a blast!
We saw you tonight at Wise, Virginia in the rain. Fantastic performance, on and off stage presence. My wife and I had a great time. We do hope you will come back to Wise again. Can’t promise about the weather. Wise County has about the highest annual rainfall In Virginia.
Sherry and I grew up in Newport News.
Thank you so much for coming our way!👏👍❤️
Thank you, Jim and Sherry! We truly appreciate the kind words! Thank you for coming out in the rain to see us!
Good Shot Judy was truly the highlight of our 75th Anniversary Weekend for the Battleship Wisconsin. I cannot recommend this group highly enough. Not only are they all stellar performers, they were wonderful to work with.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Beth! We had a blast and you were great to work with too!
Dam Good Band
wanna see u in Norfolk at the Nauticus Sunday
19 May 2019. I am the guy that sat i n at Gloucester
Last Evening not plugged in but enjoyed.
Gonna Learn your songs and practice with band
here online. I will bring guitar to the Nauticus
Give em Hell,
RoLand J Bowman
We travel from Pittsburgh to visit Colonial Williamsburg at least three times a year and try to time our visits to take-in performances by Good Shot Judy. Great entertainment and timeless music. Hope to see you again soon.
Thank you so much, Bob! We truly appreciate that support!
Seen your group Sat night Dec.1 at my company’s Christmas party.This is the second year that your group performed,and all I can say is every person in the group is a talented musician and performer.
Thank you so much for the kind words, James! Come out and see us around town sometime!
We just saw you at Reston last night. Loved the music- vocal and instrumental, your energy, enthusiasm and sense of fun. Great concert!
Thank you for the kind words, Judy! So glad to hear that you enjoyed the show!
Heard them play last night @ Reston town center. Best band I’ve heard in a long time. Lead singer was as good as Michael buble or Harry Co nick jr
Thank you, Michael! We truly appreciate the kind words!
Sitting at the Lodge in Williamsburg tonight enjoying the sounds of these musicians. What a wonderful evening listening. …fabulous
Thank you, Debbie! Thanks for being there!
Are you performing at Water Street Grille Saturday night?
I’m a transplanted NY’er who grew up listening to jazz, standards and what Jonathan Schwartz refers to as “The American Songbook”. I had the opportunity to catch your Christmas show this afternoon and need only three words to describe it: off the charts!! I don’t think you folks realize how good you are!! Thx for a great experience.
Thank you for the kind words, Lenny! We truly appreciate the support! Thanks for being there!
We enjoyed our first GSJ concert tonight at Flatiron Crossroads. Listening to y’all took me back to growing up with those tunes! Thanks for a great show. Can’t wait to see y’all again!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Deborah! We hope to see you again soon!
Will you be playing anywhere this weekend?
Hi there. We were there for your Williamsburg lodge Thursday night. Great fun. We are from North Carolina and please let us know if you travel at all to our area. You guys are great ❤️🎶💁
Hi Jamie! Thanks so much for being at the show and thank you for the kind words! We’d love to play more often in NC. Please let us know if you know of any events or venues that may be a good fit!
January 20th. Elizabeth City NC. Arts of the Albemarle’s Maguire Theater.
Hey Jamie, we’ll be in Elizabeth City on January 20th! Hope you can join us!
Saw, heard, and loved your show last Saturday night at Donk’s . What a great show! Went home so excited I had trouble getting to sleep. Can hardly wait until I can see and hear all of you again.
Hey Paul, thanks for being at the Donk’s show! We’re so glad to hear that you enjoyed it! Hope to see you again soon!
Y’all seriously rocked it in Cary, NC tonight!!! It was a true pleasure! Thank you all! Safe travels!
Thanks, Corie! We love your town!
Great show tonight! How long have you been performing together?
Thank you, Dolores! Thanks for being there! A few of us have been playing together for about 4 years.
Will you be performing anywhere this weekend?
Hi Dolores! We’ll be at The Williamsburg Lodge on Thursday from 7-10pm. Then we’ll be at Water Street Grille in Yorktown from 8:30 to 11:30 on Friday. Finally, we’ll be playing at The American Music Festival in Virginia Beach on Sunday at 6:30pm…the 17th Street Stage! Hope to see you at one of the shows!
WONDERFUL WONDERFUL MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE…….from an “ole” performer that knows how tough / but fun…..it is.
Thank you for the kind words, Janet!
FUN!, FUN!, FUN! Is the sum of how I felt enjoying the sights and sounds of Good Shot Judy! You can’t help but snap your fingers and move to the music, or get up and dance. Good Shot Judy has a way of making you forget about life for a while and engage in the moment of now. And now, is straight up FUN!
Thanks so much, Kim! We work hard at having fun and are glad to hear it’s appreciated!