No Waterfront Concerts, Summer Shows Go On

NEWBURGH – The Newburgh Jazz Series flagship concert was in 2007 on Newburgh waterfront, its’ creator Ferry Godmother Productions have grown it to become the leading outdoor concert venue in Orange County. In an email made to her loyal followers the producer and organizer Ferry Godmother announced the cancellation of all 2020 summer concerts. In her email newsletter Aquanetta Wright, known as the Ferry Godmother Productions states, “it saddens me to inform you that due to the covid pandemic there will be no Newburgh waterfront concerts this year. This will be the first time in over 20 years that I will not have any free programs for the community to enjoy.” All is not lost, a limited number of our dedicated followers and sponsors will have reserved spots and the balance will be invited to apply for free tickets through a lottery to attend the Ferry Godmother Show were concerts will be shown from the never before seen archives” she continues. Shows begin Sunday July 12th, continuing each Sunday in July with a new group of admission invites selected each Thursday. For ticket lottery and to register for updates, www.ferrygodmother.com.

With over two decades of concerts under their belt, this is the first time the Ferry Godmother has canceled an entire series. Aquanetta, known as the Ferry Godmother states “I am just as devastated as the Ferry Godmother family, my longtime supporters and sponsors that I had to cancel all concerts, they are so important to me because they are great for the community and its’ economy”. Unfortunately, I strongly believe this cancellation is necessary for a few reasons including not enough sponsors,” she said. “In the meantime, I will continue to develop other important programs like the One Million Musicians March for example.”

The Ferry Godmother will randomly pull from the archives of past performances. On this summer’s weekly virtual platform a limited number of dedicated followers, a maximum of 99 people per event, will be able to enjoy past performances by Grammy winners, nominees, and known locals. Admission will be by lottery for those who support the “One Million Musicians March” pledge campaign.

Over the past decade Ferry Godmother Music Circuit drew thousands of concert-goers from in and around Orange County. The events featured well-known locals, Grammy-winning and nominees. The concerts were held on outdoor stages around the Hudson Valley including historic Newburgh waterfront and the Orange County Park’s Arboretum. The free concerts attracted financial support from Orange County Tourism, NYS largest health insurance companies and very generous individual sponsors. Every musician was paid to perform.

This current pandemic has caused great damage to many without any forewarning. Based on Orange County Health Department there are confirmed coronavirus cases; 1582 in the City of Newburgh, 1201 in City of Middletown and 882 in New Windsor. It has changed the lives of many including Ferry Godmother Productions, taking the lives of crewsters, family and fans. But Ferry Godmother Productions will continue to still stand vigilant to help communities redevelop.

One Million Musicians March
Musicians need the “Ferry Godmother” more than ever. It is time that musicians realize their value and stops performing for free or for cheap, and businesses must stop asking. Talent buyers and companies have a history of not wanting to pay musicians before the pandemic, but when things open up the compensation situation will be worse. Ferry Godmother has created a campaign called “One Million Musicians March”. It is a pledge for supporters of live music, musicians and businesses to sign, #OneForCause. If you believe musicians should be fairly compensated and sign the petition, www.ferrygodmother.com/petition.

Ferry Godmother Productions
Ferry Godmother Productions is a NYS minority and woman certified company in event production, advertising, marketing, audio and video production. They produce multi-cultural, unique, and quality entertainment series including jazz, oldies, gospel, latin and Jewish music, African American Heritage Music Trail and Christmas caroling. The president, Aquanetta “Ferry Godmother” Wright is known as a master connector, motivational speaker coach, consultant, teacher, and event producer for hire. She specializes in assisting start-ups, churches and community-based organizations to grow their brand and membership.

For more information visit www.ferrygodmother.com.