Kick off spring on Sunday, May 7 at Hoboken’s annual Spring Arts & Music Festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine. In addition to almost 400 vendors (up from 300 from the fall festival), there will be music all day long on three stages, including Jersey boy Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes.
New this year is the exciting percussion music by Cyro Baptista & Beat the Donkey, including a dance performance.
The event The outdoor festival takes place on the main drag of Washington Street, which will be closed to cars from Observer Highway to Seventh Street.
In addition to the activities on Washington Street, many of the bars have specials and live music all day long. It’s a great day to sit in an outdoor café and enjoy the sights and sounds!
There are two stages set up on Washington Street, the Sixth Street Stage and the Observer Highway Stage, (which is in front of City Hall). The music and dancing starts at noon (see sidebar for set list).
The Third Street Stage, which is hosted by Polka Dot, will have children’s music and an entire children’s area filled with fun, family activities.
Food and vendors There are many kinds of fabulous food offered by area restaurants, including Thai, Indian, Greek, French, Mexican, Cajun, Italian, and more. Plus great BBQ items like hamburgers, hotdogs, fries, and Kettle Korn. It is a great opportunity to try some of the local restaurants, many of which offer regular menu items at discounted prices. There are also drink stands mixing delicious fruit smoothies.
The artists and craftsmen will display photography, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, hand bags, clothing, hand-crafted furniture, specialty items, candles, blown glass, metal sculptures, pottery and much more.
Southside Johnny Southside Johnny with his band The Asbury Jukes returns as a headliner for the main stage, the Observer Highway stage.
This is Johnny’s second time performing at the festival and fourth time in Hoboken. He also played at St. Ann’s festival and in the park for the summer concert series.
Fans of the rock and roll legend will hear songs from his latest album, Into the Harbor, plus old favorites like “I Don’t Want To Go Home,” and “Talk To Me.”
There are local musicians performing as well including: the DeBaun Jazz group, Jersey City based Amy Speace, and former members of the Feelies, Glenn Mercer and Vinny DeNunzio.
Ron Albanese is Polka Dot! Albanese will play two sets with his four piece band Polka Dot Pals.
“There are new songs, a new band, new Pal Joey, but same old yellow hat,” said Albanese.
At the festival, parents can sign their kids up for “Polka Dot’s Music and Movement Fun!” which is a city summer program. Visit: www.ronalbanese.com.
Other notable bands include: Sensational Soul Cruisers, Majorette, The Verdict, and more.
If it rains, Southside Johnny and Cyro Baptista will perform indoors at DeBaun Auditorium. Call (201) 420-2207 to check for time of the shows.
And… The festival was made possible by generous donations from the sponsors including: Q104.3, Z100, KTU, WBGO Jazz 88.3, PATH, Port Authority of NJ & NY, The Hoboken Reporter and The Hudson Current, NJ Lottery, Smartwater, Northfolk Bank, NJ Division of Travel & Tourism, The Hudson County Division of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, and County Executive Thomas DeGise and the Board of Chosen Freeholders.
Parking is available at the municipal lots.
For further information, please call: (201) 420-2207 or visit: www.hobokennj.org .
SPRING IS HERE – The streets will be alive with activity as the Hoboken Arts & Music Festival returns next week.
Set times for the Arts & Music Festival Observer Highway Stage Noon – Sensational Soul Cruisers 1:00 – Glenn Mercer & Vinny DeNuzio (formerly of the Feelies) 1:50 – Majorette 2:50 – Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes 4:45 – Cyro Baptista & Beat the Donkey Third Street Stage (for kids) 12:00 – Bonnie Bess, the pirate 12:45 – Polka Dot Pals 1:30 – Bonnie Bess, the pirate 2:15 – Polka Dot Pals 3:00 – Music Together 3:45 – Schoolhouse Rock 4:30 – Music Together 5:15 – Schoolhouse Rock Sixth Street Stage 12:30 – Debaun Jazz Group 1:15 – Red Molly 2:15 – Amy Speace 3:15 – Raphael Cruz 4:15 – The Verdict 5:15 – The Rocketmen