The Catskill Chronicle

Story and photos by Carol Montana

WURTSBORO, NY (August 20, 2012) – Perhaps it was the confluence of the 43rd anniversary of the Woodstock Festival and the 35th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death, but something and someone was smiling down on the Wurtsboro Airport on Thursday, August 16.

Magic and history happened that night as the inaugural Wurtsboro Music Festival opened at the historic Wurtsboro Airport.

Thunder 102’s Paul Ciliberto introduced Jay Black (the second lead singer of Jay and the Americans,) And the large crowd showed their appreciation with screams and applause. Black, who will be 74 years old in November, wowed the audience with his still amazing voice, as he belted out hit after hit, including the famous "Cara Mia," "Come a Little Bit Closer," "This Magic Moment" and “Only in America.”

With several levels of seating, members of the audience who had purchased premium tickets were invited to a “meet and greet” with Black during the intermission, following which, the popular 1980’s group Air Supply took the stage to more screams and more applause.

The sweet sounds of Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock filled the night as the group sang hit after hit including “All Out of Love,” “Every Woman in the World,” “Even the Nights are Better,” “Making Love Out of Nothing At All” and others. And then pleasing their adoring fans by coming into the audience for their 1981 hit "The One That You Love."

The second Wurtsboro Music Festival concert happens on Thursday, August 30 with KC and the Sunshine Band, Taylor Dayne, and Martha Wash. Read more about it her: 2nd concert at Wurtsboro Airport.

And one can only hope, as great as the first concert was, that it was only the first of many Wurtsboro Music Festivals to come. 

Click here to see more photos or to purchase prints from Jay Black & Air Supply at the Wurtsboro Music Festival.