Concert series thriving at Montgomery venue

MONTGOMERY – Ferry Godmother Productions’ Executive Producer Aquanetta Wright was delighted to find a new home for the well-known Newburgh Jazz Series and Newburgh Pop, Rock & Doowop Series. The popular concerts, which were previously held on the Newburgh waterfront, have found a new home this year in one of the most beautiful locations in Orange County – the Arboretum at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Montgomery, NY.

The unique concerts, which are being held each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening, will continue through the end of August. The shows are free and open to the public, running from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Guests must bring their own chair or blanket to these performances.

The concerts feature some of the best musicians from throughout the Hudson Valley region. On display at each show is featured visual artist Rae Torres, who will once again dazzle attendees will her photographic view of the Hudson Valley.

“As the Newburgh Jazz Series enters its sixth season, I am truly thrilled with the opportunity to share these concerts at one of the most beautiful venues in Orange Valley,” states Wright, who is also know by many as “The Ferry Godmother.”

The Newburgh Jazz Series 2012 lineup features many talented musicians from around the Hudson Valley area, including artists such as Jonathan Dobin, the Valley Central High School Jazz Band, Mark Raisch Trio, Lindsey Webster Band, Newbern & Co, Swing Shift Orchestra, The Harvest Trio with Matt Jordan, Mike Dopazo Quartet, Joe Heider’s Lite Fuse, The Belly Warmers, Wil Wilson Quintet, Nailed Shutt, Donna Singer & The Doug Richards Trio, Bean Runner Project, and Gabriele Tranchina Quartet.

The Newburgh Pop, Rock & Doowop Series 2012 lineup includes many unique talents such as Voce, Chiku Awali African Drumming and Dancers, Flaming Meatballs, Olsen Court, Corner Shot Band, The Belly Warmers, Shallows Band, The Ponytails, In the Pocket, Gordon Michaels and Trio. There will be an ole time dance party, a Sock Hop, held at the conclusion of this year’s Newburgh Pop, Rock & Doowop Series.

Ferry Godmother Productions was founded in 2006 by Aquanetta Wright.  Known for being a community activist, she was aggressive, progressive and caring. Wright was committed to helping the City of Newburgh by bringing quality musicians and unearthing a new idea in music presentation for the people of the City.

“It’s the right time for us to carve out a stronger jazz presence in Orange County,” says Wright. “Our events are tourist-quality events that bridge the cultures and generations.”

At the closing concert on the Newburgh waterfront last summer, the Ferry Godmother announced that a search would be commencing to find a new home for the free performances. The concerts would be moving from their Newburgh waterfront home of five years to accommodate their growing size and popularity. The Ferry Godmother immediately contacted County Executive Eddie Diana’s office.

“I reached out to Mr. Diana because he has always been a supporter of the arts, particularly the Newburgh Jazz Series, from the beginning,” states Wright. “Mr. Diana swiftly stepped in to help, ensuring that the free concerts would continue to be available to Orange County residents. Working with Orange County Parks and Recreation’s Commissioner Rose and his staff, the projects had a swift and smooth transition.”

The concerts are being held on the exact same days and times at the new venue as they were when they were held in the City of Newburgh.

For more information, call 225-DO-MAGIC or visit www.NewburghJazzSeries.com. For more details about other concerts in the Hudson Valley, visit www.FerryGodmother.com for website addresses.