Jazz Series Returns “Home” to Kick Off Season

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – It feels good to be home. Just ask Aquanetta Wright.

That home is Unico Park, located at Newburgh Waterfront’s Front Street. It was a special setting where Wright’s community-focused, live music brainchild, Newburgh Jazz Series, has its 12 year old roots embedded. Unfortunately, that spot was denied Wright (known by most as “The Ferry Godmother) several years back. Since then, she and the popular Jazz Series have been moved to a couple of other locations- one at Montgomery’s Arboretum and the other at Newburgh’s People’s Park. Each locale was sufficient, but lacking the unique appeal of the original Waterfront one.

However, this summer, August to be specific, things have changed. The 2019 Newburgh Jazz Series returned to its Unico Park “home,” and Wright could not be happier with the relocated status.

“I’m so excited to be back at Unico Park; it’s where it all started,” said Wright. “I clearly remember when Mayor Judy Kennedy told me how upset she was that we were asked to leave the Waterfront, and she came to talk to me, saying if she was elected again, she would work to get me back to Unico Park; unfortunately she did not live to see that happen, but we are thinking about her today, and all she and others, like Eddie Diana, did to help make this return possible.”

That full circle “homecoming,” came last Friday night when open to the public-free of charge, world class jazz returned to the Newburgh Waterfront location. Kicking off the beautiful summer evening was a performance by the Wallkill Valley Marching Band, featuring youth of all ages and backgrounds. Following up that act was the Gus Mancini Sonic Soul Awe-Kestra, which dazzled the attentive audience, who came out in force with lawn chairs, blankets and refreshments. The lively band even incited several to get up and dance. Others clapped along. Still others simply relaxed, taking in the special aura of the idyllic surroundings.
Juanita Johnson of the City of Newburgh has been a faithful follower of the Series since its 2005 inception. Wednesday, she could be found once again on her lawnchair, all smiles as she listened in to the band.

“I really enjoy the music and meeting people here’ it’s just absolutely beautiful,” said Johnson, the President of the Seniors CSEA of Orange, Ulster and Sullivan Counties. “These kinds of events are just so important to keep going; it gives people an opportunity to get out of their houses, meet new people and see some really good live music.” Johnson, surveying her surroundings added, “It’s really convenient to be here on the Waterfront; I just love the location, and I fell in love with Aquanetta and her personality when I met her years ago, absolutely love what she’s doing.”

Johnson is not alone in the appeal she sees in Wright. Many others feel the magnetism and altruistic spirit of the “Ferry Godmother,” as well as the incredible need and worth in her community-focused events. For the third year in a row, Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield is a sponsor of the Jazz Series. This year, the Jewish Federation of Orange County and Kedem Winery also came on board as sponsors. Ulysee Huling of Independent Health Insurance in New Windsor has further assisted Wright with her mission to build community bonding while providing live music of several genres: Jazz, Doowop, Oldies, Gospel, Jewish Music, Swing and more. And with the new (yet old) location reestablished, the priority is focused on getting the word out there.

“Now it’s all about letting people know we are back,” affirmed Wright, who placed a symbolic chair-not to be occupied- at Friday’s concert grounds for the faithful concert goers who have passed on. “We want to recognize the old, and also welcome in the new.”
For more information about the Newburgh Jazz Series, log onto: Newburghjazzseries.com.