Herstory
Ferry Godmother Productions
About Aquanetta "Ferry Godmother" Wright
- Executive Producer. Creative Director. Event Management Consultant. Trainer. Motivational Speaker. Master Connector.
- President of Ferry Godmother Productions (FGP), a company NY MWBE-certified in event production, marketing, and advertising.
- Works with want-to-be women entrepreneurs and start-ups.
- Facilitates workshops that teach church leaders how to grow their congregations.
- Has a long history of involvement with regional politics; has been appointed to a number of City of Newburgh Commissions, including Board of Ethics Chairperson and Charter Revision.
Timeline
2005
2006
2007
October
- Newburgh Beacon Ferry has its maiden voyage.
- Aquanetta Wright and Ramona Torres open their breakfast cart.
- Ferry Godmother is born through the support and encouragement of Captain Mark Summers.
August
- Ramona Torres’ photo exhibit, “A View From the Booth,” is produced at the Newburgh Beacon Ferry Landing.
November
- Free jazz concert is held at the Newburgh Beacon Ferry Landing.
December
- First annual Waterfront Caroling Fest takes place at the Newburgh Beacon Ferry Landing.
April
- Ferry Godmother and Ramona Torres open River Art Emporium (RAE) in Newburgh.
July
- First annual Newburgh Jazz Series (17 free concerts) takes place.
August
- Earth Rhythms is introduced.
- First annual after-party on the River Rose Paddleboat.
2008
2010
2011
April
- Orange County Executive Edward Diana declares April Jazz Appreciation Month.
- Edward Diana presents a proclamation to Aquanetta Wright.
- Ferry Godmother Productions celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month with the Newburgh Jazz-A-thon, A Cause for Celebration.
July
- Newburgh Gospel Series is introduced.
- “Senior Day” and “Veteran’s Day” themes are introduced to the Newburgh Jazz Series.
August
- Newburgh Pop, Rock, & Doowop Series is introduced.
August
- Ferry Godmother is asked to move productions away from the Newburgh waterfront.
- Ferry Godmother announces its last concert in Newburgh.
September
- Eddie Diana relocates the Newburgh Jazz Series and Newburgh Pop, Rock & Doowop Series to the Arboretum in Thomas Bull Memorial Park.
November
- Ferry Godmother Christmas Caroling Series is renamed.
2012
2013
2014
March
- Press conference and sponsor mixer introduce the Highland Pop, Rock & Doowop Series.
July
- Newburgh Pop, Rock & Doowop Series is held in its new home for the first time.
- Newburgh Jazz Series is held in its new home for the first time.
November
- Press conference and sponsor mixer introduce the Montgomery Country & Rock-n-Roll Series.
December
- Port Jervis Pop, Rock & Doowop Series becomes a stop on the Ferry Godmother Music Circuit.
January
- Ferry Godmother Music Circuit is developed.
May
- Riverfront of the Best Western Inn at Hunt’s Landing becomes the next stop on the Ferry Godmother Music Circuit.
July
- To reflect its new venue, the Newburgh Pop, Rock & Doowop Series is renamed the Orange Pop, Rock & Doowop Series.
August
- Hunt’s Landing Jazz Series begins.
September
- Newburgh Jazz-Go-Round is introduced.
January
- Ferry Godmother’s social media campaign increases to over 50 platforms.
February
- First Ferry Godmother Radio Show is held on Blogtalkradio.com/ferrygodmother.
March
- Ferry Godmother Book Club is introduced on Facebook.
- Ferry Godmother Photography Club is introduced on Facebook.
July
- Queen Mom Hat Day is introduced.
- Ferry Godmother Herstory is introduced.
October
- Ferry Godmother Hudson Valley CosPlay group is introduced on Facebook.
2015
2017
2018
January
- Ferry Godmother Noble Court is introduced.
- Call is placed for creatives to make panels for the Ferry Godmother Community and Veterans Quilt.
- Daily Q&As begin on Facebook.
- Ferry Godmother Meet and Greet is introduced.
June
- “Ferry Godmother Presents” event is held at Storm King Art Center
July
- Newburgh Gospel Series begins on the Newburgh waterfront.
August
- Alexis P. Suter Ministers of Sound perform at the People’s Park.
June
- African American Heritage Music Series is introduced.
August
- Newburgh Jewish Music Series debuts at the People’s Park.
- Special sponsor event on the private rooftop of the Yellow Bird. It is relocated to Calabash Restaurant due to weather.
2019
2020
2021
October
- Celebrating Grandparents Day is introduced.
July
- Archival Zoom party of Newburgh Jazz Series 2007.
December
- Ferry Godmother Christmas Caroling 2020 on Zoom with special guests Anthony and Tamara Stewart.
January
- Ferry Godmother Gaming World is introduced.
April
- Introduction of Magic Feet compression socks, buy one-gift one for first responders.
Video Gallery
Check out footage of some of the events hosted by the Ferry Godmother below:
Objectives
- To improve the image of the City of Newburgh and other Hudson Valley communities.
- To promote tourism, economic, leisure, and cultural development.
- To package, brand, and promote a wide range of music as one complete attraction.
- To bring maximum exposure to events via a high-profile exposure.
- To encourage regional participation.
- To use music events to showcase local talent.
Strategies
Arts
Tourism
Community
- To promote better access to a range of high-quality artwork.
- To raise the profile of the Arts.
- To develop events that encourage participation.
- To improve access to tourism.
- To develop skills and improve tourism jobs.
- To support and promote high-profile events boosting off-peak tourists.
- To encourage and create the climate for investment and new business.
- To improve people’s skills and employability.
- To support community regeneration and social inclusion.
- To provide cultural experiences and opportunities for the community and visitors.
