Lincoln Center Comes to Hudson Valley

Newburgh – Hudson Valley residents and visitors all summer long been treated to a growing community attraction, Newburgh Jazz Series.  At the Newburgh waterfront two of jazz\’s biggest names will grace the Price Choppers Supermarket, Ali Jackson and Rodriguez Brothers.  Dubbed the “Lincoln Center comes to the Hudson Valley” week, the festivities open on Wednesday with The Rodriquez Brothers.  Robert and Michael Rodriquez will deliver modern jazz harmonies with traditional vibrant Cuban rhythms. On Thursday the final concert will showcase Ali Jackson, one of the finest drummers in the world, performing with the Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis. Ali will be joined by Vincent Gardner on trombone and Carlos Henriquez on bass, both members of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. As always the concerts are 6:30pm to 8:30pm.  They are free and open to the public, you must bring a chair or a blanket.  For more details visit www.NewburghJazzSeries.com or call 845 568-0198.

At the age of five, Ali Jackson began studying the piano which laying the foundation for his melodic approach to the drums. By the time he was seven, Jackson was performing with his father in the streets of Detroit. He went on to graduate from the Mannes College of Music for jazz and at the New School for Social Research for contemporary music. His style is a powerful blend of technical mastery and showmanship strongly influenced by his late Uncle Oliver \”Bops\” Jackson Jr., Papa Jo Jones, and Lionel Hampton. Jackson has always been outspoken properly informing youth about jazz and its tradition, and has been a part of Young Audiences, a program striving to educate New York City youth about Jazz. Jackson has performed and recorded extensively with some of the world\’s finest musicians including Wynton Marsalis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Aretha Franklin, Marcus Roberts, Gerald Albright, Eric Reed, KRS-ONE, Russell Gunn, Jacky Terrasson, Rodney Kendrick, Buster Williams, Cyrus Chestnut, Nicholas Payton, Milt Hinton, and the New York City Ballet.

Pianist/Composer Robert and trumpeter/Composer Michael comprise the Rodriguez Brothers Group.  The brothers were born in NYC and grew up in

Miami, Florida.  Inspired by their father, a drummer, they began their musical training at a very young age.  After completing high school at the New World School of the Arts they both received full Scholarships to the University of Miami. Michael finished his Bachelors Degree at the New School for Jazz Studies in NYC and Robert received his Bachelors Degree in Jazz studies at U of M. Since their arrival in NYC, the Rodriguez Brothers have individually worked as sidemen for Roy Haynes, Charlie Haden, Ray Barretto, Eddy Palmieri, David Sanchez, Wynton Marsalis, Joe Locke, Carla Bley, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Eric Reed, Bob Minzter, Harry Connick Jr., Christian McBride, Richard Bona. They also worked individually with Toshiko Akiyoshi Orchestra, Chico O\’Farill Orchestra, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra , Pop Icon Jessica Simpson, Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, Carla Bley Band, Harry Connick Jr., Eddie Palmieri Septet, Lincoln Center Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra, Smithsonian Jazz Orchestra.  The Brothers have perform at prestigious venues including The JVC Festival at Bryant Park, Syracuse Jazz Festival, Iceland Jazz Festival, the Bluenote Jazz Club, The Jazz Standard and the Artist Quarter and while touring Spain. Robert was also awarded ASCAP’s young composer award for his recorded composition Epiphany.


Ferry Godmother Productions is committed to creating a new image by marketing the City of Newburgh as “safe, friendly and great place to live and visit.”  “This all began because I really wanted to do something that had never been done in the area, to create a destination site for economic development and  to create an event that could bridge many demographics including age,” said Aquanetta “FerryGodmother” Wright, Executive Producer of Ferry Godmother Production.  The Ferry Godmother is working to offer an annual event that would attract visitors from the in nearby counties.  

Other upcoming Ferry Godmother Productions including an end of the season Olde School Dance Party at the waterfront.  Tickets are limited and should be purchased at the final weeks’ concerts.  One of our local sponsors, DMU Music, will be providing a wonderful DJ spinning r&b, latin, reggae, and more.