Newburgh Jazz-A-thon

NEWBURGH – Even as the appreciation of jazz begins to build momentum in the City of Newburgh, Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) draws to a close. To celebrate the closing of Jazz month, the Ferry Godmother will present an 8 hour, non-stop jazz fundraiser: Newburgh Jazz-a-thon. This event will be held on Sunday, April 27 at the Newburgh Ferry Landing.  Some of the current acts scheduled to perform at this benefit for the Newburgh Jazz Series 2008 are:  Neil Alexander & Nail, the Howland Wolves and the big band finale by The Jazz Pioneers.  Newburgh\’s own Jamie Kay will be making a special appearance, strumming his guitar, in his jazzy-folky way. This year\’s featured visual artist is Richard Outlaw.  His canvases express a work of jazz.  Designated by the President of the United States as a treasure, the surrounding Newburgh community will join in the celebration and recognize the value of jazz to this country.  Admission is free of charge, but donations are requested to support the upcoming free summer series.  This is a \”bring your own chair\” event, however, for major contributors there is limited VIP seating.  To reserve your VIP seat call 845 568-0198  or to make a contribution online visit www.ferrygodmother.com.  

Newburgh Jazz-a-Thon is a dual opportunity for jazz musicians—not only does it offer the chance to give back to the fans who support their careers, but also an opportunity to help raise money for the upcoming Newburgh Jazz Series 2008 (NJS2008), the longest running jazz series on the east coast.  The NJS2008 is a free, 18 concert event held on each Wednesday and Thursday during the months of July and August.

Jazz Appreciation Month helps to ensure we remember some of the early well-known jazz professionals greats like: Bessie Smith,  Glenn Miller,  Trumpeter Louis Armstrong and Thelonius Monk. JAM also coincides with the April birthdays of such jazz giants as Ellington, Fitzgerald, Tito Puente and Herbie Hancock,

Neil Alexander & Nail is a group at the forefront of modern Jazz. Combining traditional elements of jazz with cutting edge electronics, they embrace many different styles and incorporate them into a powerful original blend. They are currently touring to support their new CD \”Tugging at the Infinite\”. For more information about Neil Alexander & Nail, visit their website www.nailmusic.com.

Howland Wolves have been around for the past 8 years, performing at such venues as the Clearwater Pumpkin Festival, Max\’s on Main in Beacon, at the Carrousel in Bear Mountain Park, and the Hudson River Music Festival in Poughkeepsie. Their current CD is entitled, \”Long Way from Kansas City\”.  The band is a complimentary mix of Christopher Ruhe on  guitar/vocals, Chris Shann on sax, Harry Bird on Bass/vocals, Olu Akiwumi-Assani on drums, and Rafael Figueroa on congas/vocals. 

Our big band grande finale is by the The Jazz Pioneers, directed by Bill Gillespie.  They present a unique and enjoyable combination of swing and Big Band favorites together with the best of modern jazz.  This non-traditional Big Band located in Poughkeepsie, NY features well-known vocalists Vito Petroccitto, Sr. and Ceista Little-Quinn.

In describing Richard Outlaw\’s art, his subjects range from historical moments, the impact of jazz, family life, landscape reflecting events, African fabric design and pieces of introspective, autobiographical expression. He has an ability to capture the strength, weakness, pain and glory of a people as they were in the past and as they are now. No matter the medium, be it painting or sculpture, Richard\’s work always manages to reach out and touch some emotion within the viewer.

Ferry Godmother Productions Executive Producer, Aquanetta Wright, recognizes the importance of the Newburgh Jazz Series and its economic contribution to the surrounding communities. Ms. Wright states \”I am excited that I have found a way to help the area grow by providing an opportunity for the artists to share their spirit of the love of music.\” For more upcoming schedules and details for the Newburgh Jazz Series visit www.NewburghJazzSeries.com.